Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue.
"Wake up, princess!" Katherine yelled as she barged into Caroline and Klaus' room early the next morning. "It's your wedding day and Rebekah's hair stylist will be here at nine." She plopped down on the bed. "You ready for this?"
"I have been for a long time," Caroline confirmed. "And one day, you will be, too."
"Oh, I don't think so," Katherine shook her head with a laugh. "Elijah and I have talked about it and marriage just isn't in the cards for us."
"You say that now," Caroline sighed as she rolled out of bed. "It'll change. Klaus didn't want to get married and we are."
Katherine made a face. "I won't hold my breath for us but who knows?"
Caroline walked to the en suite bathroom and pulled her hair up into a messy bun. "You guys should really come to London more often now."
"We'll see," Katherine replied. "I don't like all that rain. Why don't you and Klaus come to Paris?"
"Rebekah and I are after the honeymoon," Caroline remembered. "She's feeling a little down again about not having a baby."
Katherine rolled her eyes. "She's been a vampire for over a thousand years; you'd think she would've accepted that by now."
"Well, I think it's different with Stefan in the picture," Caroline explained, washing her face. "She wants a family because of all the guys, he'd be the best dad." She paused. "Well, Elijah would probably be okay, too."
"Ha"! Katherine laughed once. "I'd let Klaus cure me and sacrifice me on an altar before I ever have a child."
"You had one once," Caroline reminded her. "Elena wouldn't be here if you hadn't."
Katherine frowned. "We don't talk about that."
"Sorry," Caroline apologized.
"I'm going to go make sure Rebekah's room is set up for the hair and makeup team," Katherine decided as she hurried out of the room.
"Shit," Caroline breathed, feeling bad for bringing up Katherine's traumatic past.
"It's okay, princess!" Katherine called out from the hallway. "I forgive you!"
"Big day, buddy," Stefan said to Klaus as they finished getting dressed at the boarding house. "You ready?"
"I am," Klaus nodded. "Never thought I'd see this day but I'm glad I am. And I'd only ever do it for Caroline."
"You know, I asked her yesterday when she first knew she loved you," Stefan admitted, "but I've never asked you. Why Caroline? I mean, you saved her from Tyler's first bite without really knowing her from Eve. Why?"
"At first, I just wanted to really meet the girl he was so adamant against hurting," Klaus admitted. "He put up such a fight about biting her so I was curious. And then, when I went to her home, she wasn't as scared of me as I'd expected her to be. She had wit that I appreciated and she was strong, despite the fact that she was dying. And even dying, she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. So I had to know her. I did my research and invited her to the ball to spend more time with her. That was the first night I can remember thinking, 'This girl could be dangerous.' She was honest and never backed down. I liked that fire. And the more time I spent with her, the more I liked."
"But you're the Original Hybrid, the ultimate alpha male," Stefan said. "You've always considered love a weakness. When did you fall in love with her?"
"I wasn't sure what it was I felt until that day we saved her from Alaric at the school," Klaus remembered. "All I wanted was to make sure she was safe. Having her in my arms after she'd escaped his classroom provided a comfort I'd never known and that was the first time I admitted to myself that I might've loved her. It was ridiculous and I did my best to ignore it but as you know, Caroline Forbes is hard to deny."
Stefan chuckled. "That she is."
"Eventually I just gave in," Klaus went on. "I loved her and wanted her in my life so I had to fight for her. I was distracted along the way but eventually, I got my girl."
"Will you wear your ring?" Stefan wondered, looking at his own wedding band.
"Yes," Klaus nodded. "She wants me to; thinks it proves to others that I belong to her. She doesn't understand that people know that as soon as they see us."
"It's a security thing," Stefan shrugged. "Rebekah is the same way. You know, I never asked: where did you get Caroline's engagement ring? Queen Elizabeth I? Elizabeth Taylor?"
"Harry Winston," Klaus corrected. "That ring has never been worn by anyone other than Caroline. She deserved something completely her own. The wedding band, however, once belonged to Marie Antoinette."
"Of course," Stefan rolled his eyes. "Well, she'll like that."
"I hope," Klaus sighed, checking his watch. "What time are we going to the house?"
"We'll leave here at four," Elijah spoke up as he walked into the room with Matt, both dressed in their suits. "Katherine called to let me know she finished her speech and Rebekah approved of it so it must be fine."
"Wow," Stefan breathed. "If my wife approved of something Katherine did, it must be damn near perfect because she'd look for any flaw she could."
Elijah smirked. "Katherine can be pleasant when she chooses. She just doesn't choose that so often."
"Oh, my God," Liz breathed as Caroline turned to the three-way mirror in Rebekah's closet later in the day. "Oh, Caroline, you look stunning."
Caroline stared at her reflection. Her makeup was subtle but flawless, drawing attention to her perfectly pink lips. Her blonde hair had been pulled back loosely into a chignon at the nape of her neck with curls softly framing her face. And her dress—which had been made white—fit her like a glove. For the first time ever, Caroline felt like maybe Klaus wasn't totally lying when he said she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen.
"Even if I ever wanted to marry Damon, I couldn't because I'd never be able to look as good as you do right now and I'd be terrified you'd outshine me on my wedding day," Elena joked.
"Oh, whatever," Caroline laughed. "You're Elena Gilbert, the girl who always comes first."
"Not anymore," Rebekah shook her head. "Caroline, you're perfection. I know Damon calls me 'Barbie Klaus' behind my back but if little girls saw you right now, they'd honestly think you were Bridal Barbie come to life."
"Guys, Caroline murmured as tears filled her eyes. "Stop it."
Katherine, disguised as a beautiful redhead in a modest (well, modest for Katherine) black dress, leaned against the doorframe. "They're right, princess. If I'm saying you're the hottest girl in the room, you know it's true because it's usually me, disguised or not."
Downstairs, the front door opened and then shut moments later, indicating that the men had returned from the boarding house.
"It's four," Elena determined. "We start in an hour."
"Ahh," Caroline breathed nervously. "In an hour and a half, I'll be married. Forever. To Klaus."
Liz caught her eye. "You're not having second thoughts, are you?"
"What?" Caroline cried. "Oh, God, no! No, I want this more than I've ever wanted anything."
"More than you wanted Miss Mystic?" Bonnie teased.
"Way," Caroline confirmed.
Before anyone could reply, there was a knock at the bedroom door and Damon stuck his head in. "The photographer is here and wants to do pre-ceremony pictures. The guys are going to hide in the art studio." He looked to Caroline. "Wow, Blondie, you look damn good."
"Thank you," she smiled. "You still clean up nicely."
"I try," he smirked. "Now, let's go."
"If she finds out you saw her before the ceremony, she'll kill you," Matt warned Klaus when he caught the Original hybrid peeking out the door of his studio.
"Good thing I'm immortal then," Klaus replied.
"Shut that door, Nik, or Caroline won't come out of my room and you won't have a wife!" Rebekah yelled through the house.
Klaus sighed and closed the door to find Stefan and Elijah admiring his gift for Caroline.
"This is lovely, Niklaus," Elijah said. "It's perhaps the most realistic piece I've ever seen from you."
"Why?" Matt asked, having never seen any of Klaus' work before.
"Well, he usually just paints or draws Caroline alone and that's real but this is both of them and for the first time, it's how she sees herself," Stefan explained. "Klaus has a tendency to put her on a pedestal but all Care wants is to stand beside him."
"Oh," Matt nodded. "Well, it's a nice painting. I'm sorry I don't know much about art but I'm sure she loved it."
"She did," Klaus confirmed. "That's all I wanted."
"What was your gift?" Stefan wondered. "She kept it very secretive from everyone but Rebekah."
"A scrapbook of sorts of who she was before I knew her," Klaus told them. "Photos and mementos of her human life."
Matt chuckled. "So pictures of Girl Scout Caroline and blue ribbons from jump rope contests?"
Klaus smiled. "Precisely."
"Oh, she was unbearable back then," Matt remembered. "All bossy and shallow. It's amazing how much she's changed just since our sophomore year of high school. And you two," he went on, looking at Klaus, "would've hated each other then. She wasn't exactly 'the personification of light' as a human."
"You liked her before she turned," Stefan spoke up. "Everyone seems to forget that you came before Tyler. She even serenaded you once."
"She was a vampire then though," Matt pointed out. "She compelled the band to let her sing."
"Caroline sang on a stage?" Klaus asked. "That I would've loved to have seen. She stops immediately if I hear her singing in the shower."
"She was good," Matt recalled. "I'm sure you'll talk her into it someday."
"I'm nervous," Caroline breathed, shaking out her hands as the string quartet outside started playing when it was time for the ceremony to begin.
"Don't be," Liz shook her head as Bonnie and Matt started down the long aisle from the house. "It will be beautiful."
"I know," Caroline nodded, taking deep breaths, "but I haven't seen him today and I know when I do, I'll cry and he'll laugh at me."
"Not today," Stefan shook his head. "He's nervous, too."
"Okay," she breathed again. "That makes me feel better because Klaus never loses his cool."
Elijah and Elena went next and Stefan and Rebekah followed soon after.
"Here we go," Liz whispered as two of Klaus' remaining hybrids shut the doors so the quartet could begin 'Canon in D Major' for Caroline's walk.
"I love you, Mommy," Caroline said softly as the doors opened again and they started down the aisle.
"I love you, too," Liz replied.
"Oh, God," Caroline muttered as she locked eyes with Klaus. "He looks perfect."
Standing under the arch, Klaus thought the same of Caroline as she and Liz made their way towards him. She took his breath away in her fitted white dress and matching veil. He felt his heart clench as she got closer and all he wanted to do was reach out for her. But he waited as she hugged her mother and then surprised himself as he, too, hugged Liz before he took Caroline's hands and faced her.
"Hello, sweetheart," he murmured as tears filled her eyes. "Don't cry."
"I can't help it," she grinned. "You look so nice."
"Me?" he chuckled. "Then you've not seen a mirror, love, because I've never seen a more beautiful sight in the world than what I see in front of me."
Caroline just smiled as Katherine began to speak.
"We're all here today to celebrate the union of Caroline Forbes and Niklaus Mikaelson," Katherine began, knowing Klaus would hate being called his full name by her. "Their journey here has not been an easy one. I've known Klaus for a very long time and he hasn't always been the easiest guy to get along with. He can be guarded and he has a temper that is impossible to deal with but somehow, Caroline manages it. I think it's because she has one to match; she doesn't show it as often. But they are the perfect match. I've seen them grow together over the last eleven years and a love like theirs is a once in a lifetime kind of love."
While Katherine spoke—beautifully, as she'd promised—Caroline and Klaus couldn't take their eyes off each other. It was strange. They'd spent nearly every day together since the night Silas staked Klaus but now, it would be different. Their lives had been side-by-side since then but today, they were becoming one. For eternity.
"Klaus and Caroline have chosen to write their own vows," Katherine went on towards the end of her speech. "And to keep things fair, Stefan and Rebekah had a coin toss, that Rebekah lost, so Caroline will go first."
Caroline closed her eyes briefly before beginning. "I hated you when we met." She paused as the crowd laughed politely. "You were kind of mean and you breezed into town with bad intentions. Everyone was sort of scared of you but I saw past all the pomp and bravado to a guy who was just trying to hide the hurt. You tried so hard to impress and intimidate but I wasn't having that. Eventually, due to various circumstances, we started spending more and more time together and I got to know Nik, the middle brother in a family that had a lot of baggage. And even though I had a boyfriend, I couldn't really help but be drawn to you. You're dark and you have a lot of demons but I wanted to save you from yourself. It took a long time for me to give in and admit how I felt about you but there came a time when I couldn't deny it anymore." Caroline clutched him tighter at the mention of the night of Silas' attack. "And now, for the last eleven years, you've stood by my side through everything and I wouldn't have it any other way." Tears fell down her cheeks and he reached over to wipe them away with his thumbs. "You make me stronger and better. I like who I am when I'm with you. I don't feel like the petty little girl I used to be anymore and that's all because of you. When I first said I wanted to get married, I knew you had no intention of doing it but I managed to convince you that I really wanted it so you proposed because you always say you just want to make me happy. But what you must not understand is that every day I wake up and you're next to me, I'm happy. I love you, Nik, more than anything in the entire world and marrying you is like a dream. And it's one I never want to wake up from. Underneath 'Klaus' is the best friend I could ask for—sorry, Stefan—and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him."
Klaus smiled as she finished. He couldn't have asked for anything more from her and though he'd never admit it out loud, it was nice to hear her admit exactly how she felt about him. It took him a moment to begin.
"You were not part of the plan when I came to Mystic Falls," Klaus began. "Well, you sort of were but that particular snag didn't exactly work out and now, I'm glad it didn't." Those in the loop knew he was referring to her being the intended vampire meant to be sacrificed to release his curse. "You started out as a pretty blonde I thought I might pass time with while I fulfilled my responsibilities here but you ended up so much more than that. I have a reputation that often precedes me but it didn't seem to scare you. You're strong and beautiful and loyal. You'd do anything for your friends and that often meant spend time with me. I didn't like being duped but I did like having you around so I let it happen; I was always one step ahead anyways." Klaus knew most of the people in attendance were completely confused now but he didn't care. "You had a boyfriend when we met and he wasn't exactly my favorite person but I managed to work my way between the two of you successfully and after a year of chasing, I made you mine. But you made me yours, as well. I never thought anyone was good enough to be my equal but most days I don't think myself worthy enough to be yours. In Dracula, Bram Stoker wrote, 'There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of the lights, the light of all lights.' Now, I wasn't around when he wrote that but it represents exactly what you are to me: the beacon of light in a sea of darkness. I'm not always a good man but you do make me better. I used to think I could live out my entire existence without finding love but now I know that I was just waiting to meet you. It was circumstance that brought me to Mystic Falls and sheer luck that I met you but I wouldn't take it back now for the world and I'll spend all of forever making this worth your while. I viewed love as a weakness but now I know it is a strength because I love you, Caroline, and I'm stronger than ever. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me and I'm forever grateful to have you by my side."
Caroline, now softly crying, smiled through her tears and traced circles over his hands softly with her thumbs.
Katherine, who'd gotten a little choked up herself, cleared her throat. "Um, the exchanging of rings is symbolic of the bond Klaus and Caroline are committing to today. The ring is a never-ending line that represents their never-ending love." She looked to Stefan. "Give them to me."
"A little nicer, Katerina," Klaus warned under his breath, knowing she'd hear him
Stefan handed over the rings and Katherine gave Klaus the Marie Antoinette ring.
"Place the ring on her third finger and answer my question," Katherine commanded, loving her authority, knowing Klaus wouldn't do anything in front of a crowd. "Do you, Niklaus Mikaelson, take Caroline Forbes to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Klaus chuckled at the 'lawfully' part but placed the ring on Caroline's slender finger regardless. "I do."
Katherine handed Caroline the silver band she'd chosen for Klaus. "Do you, Caroline Forbes, take Niklaus Mikaelson to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," Caroline beamed as she slid the ring on his appropriate finger, admiring how it looked there.
"Then, with the power vested in me by , I hear by declare you husband and wife. Klaus, you can kiss the princess," Katherine told them.
Klaus pulled Caroline to him and kissed her softly, knowing she'd be embarrassed by anything more.
"I love you," she whispered, pressing her forehead to his.
"I love you, too, Mrs. Mikaelson," he replied.
"Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Mikaelson!" Katherine cried as Caroline linked her arm through her husband's so they could make their way back up the aisle to the house.
While the guests were ushered into the ballroom by Damon and Katherine—a hilarious pair to watch work together—the wedding party was whisked away to the gardens for photos as a group.
"We're married," Caroline said in slight disbelief as she and Klaus posed together alone. "Part of me never actually thought this day would happen."
"Sweetheart, you could've told me you wanted a wedding as soon as I woke up from Silas' attack and I'd have given you one," he replied, holding her close. "All you ever had to do was ask."
"I know," she nodded, "but I wanted to wait until we'd been together long enough for you to be sure you wouldn't get bored with me after a while."
"Bored with you?" he repeated. "Caroline, I couldn't. You're the only person I actually enjoy going head-to-head with because I always know how it will end—in our bed. I've never had a moment of boredom with you at my side and I can't imagine a time that I ever will."
"Your vows were lovely," she complimented him. "Made me feel nice."
"Good," he grinned, caressing her cheek gently, "because that's how yours made me feel."
"I liked your stuff about Bram Stoker," she added. "About you 'not being around' when he wrote Dracula."
"I was around," he told her. "I gave him a great deal of inspiration."
"I'm sure," she giggled. "It must've been easy to write about vampires when he had one hanging out with him."
"He was a strange man," Klaus recalled. "A tad obsessed with Kol, if I remember correctly."
"Weird," she laughed.
"God, they're cute," Bonnie muttered to Elena as the two girls watched Klaus and Caroline laugh together. "Never, in a billion years, did I think that I would ever say anything about Klaus was 'cute' and yet, here I am, a bridesmaid in his wedding, happy that he's just married my best friend."
Elena smirked. "It's weird, I know. I'm the one who's about to pack up and move in with him."
"You'll have Damon, Caroline, and Stefan there, too," Bonnie reminded her.
"Sure, along with Rebekah, who hates my guts, and regular visits from Katherine, who has tried to kill me more times than I can count," Elena deadpanned.
"Someone is projecting," Bonnie analyzed. "You're scared to finally leave Mystic Falls. You're scared to start actually living life like a vampire because being home, you've been able to live life as much like you always have as possible."
"I guess," Elena sighed, looking back at the newlyweds. "It will be nice to spend time with Caroline though."
"I think that's enough photos," Caroline declared after her cheeks started to ache from smiling so much.
"Thank God," Matt muttered. "It's hot as hell out here."
"Damon, let the DJ know we're all ready out here," Stefan spoke, knowing his brother would hear him from inside.
"If I could get everyone's attention!" Damon called out over the guests inside. "The wedding party is ready to join us."
Tyler, who was seated at a table with old friends from high school, watched as everyone walked into the ballroom. He chuckled at Matt, who was tugging at his tie, and rolled his eyes at Rebekah, who walked in with her nose high up in the air. And then, as Caroline and Klaus made their way in, he felt as though he'd been kicked in the stomach. People could say what they wanted about him not coming back to her when Klaus had given him permission and they could think that he didn't care enough but that couldn't have been further from the truth. Tyler had loved Caroline Forbes more than anything and he'd stayed away after a while because he wanted her to be happy and he didn't think he could give her that anymore. He just had no idea it would end up sending her into Klaus' arms.
"You look upset, Lockwood," Jason Fell said. "Sad your girlfriend married another dude?"
"Shut up, dick," Tyler grumbled as he shoved away from the table and stormed off.
Caroline and Klaus had agreed to eat first, let Stefan and Rebekah give their speeches, and then dance. But before they could sit down to eat, they had to greet their guests.
"Ready to meet some family?" she whispered as she led him to the table that her mother's siblings and their significant others were seated at. "Uncle Ben and Aunt Sherri, Aunt Denise and Uncle Peter, my cousin Hannah and her husband, and my cousin Vince."
"Okay," he nodded as they reached the table.
"Caroline!" an older blonde woman, Aunt Denise, cried as she jumped up to hug her niece. "Oh, sweetie, you look just beautiful. And this wedding is gorgeous!"
"Yeah, way to go," Hannah added. "Marrying a rich guy."
"Thank you for coming," Caroline smiled, ignoring Hannah's uncouthness. "Um, everyone, this is my husband, Klaus. Klaus, this is my mom's family."
Klaus shook hands and exchanged hellos with them all. Caroline knew he didn't care about a single one of them but he was doing it for her, so she reached for his hand and held it tightly.
"What do you do, Klaus?" her uncle Peter wanted to know.
"Finance," Klaus lied smoothly. "I work from offices in London."
"We'll come find you guys again in a little bit," Caroline said as she dragged Klaus away. "Sorry about them."
He chuckled. "Don't worry about it, love. I can play nice; I do it all the time."
"Well, it isn't easy with them," she replied. "I get my 'crazy' from my mother's side."
"I like your 'crazy,'" he assured her, taking her into his arms. "It's part of the reason I fell in love with you."
"Oh, really?" she laughed.
He laughed with her for a moment before something over her shoulder caught his eye. "Since I was so kind to your family, perhaps you could extend the same courtesy to my friends?"
Caroline followed his gaze to the New Orleans table. "Ugh, really? I mean, I like Sophie and Davina, and Marcel is mostly all right, but can't I be done dealing with Camille?"
"Last time," he told her, leading her to the table. "After this, we'll stay away from New Orleans until Camille has passed."
"Fine," she muttered, reaching the table. "Hi, guys. Thanks for coming."
"You two really know how to put on a show," Sophie breathed, standing to hug Caroline. "This is incredible. And when can I meet the Bennett witch?"
"Bonnie?" Caroline asked. "Oh, I'll introduce you guys soon," she promised, eyeing Davina, as well.
"Caroline, you are a vision," Marcel smirked as he stood to take his turn hugging the newlyweds. "And you don't clean up so bad either, buddy."
"Thank you, mate," Klaus accepted. "Camille, are you enjoying yourself?"
"Sure," Camille shrugged. "It was a nice wedding. I like your dress. The food is good."
Caroline bit the inside of her cheek to keep from snapping back at her. "I'm glad you like it."
"Hey, Caroline, come meet Ryan!" Liz called from the next table over.
"Okay," Caroline agreed quickly, relieved to be away from Camille.
Liz took Caroline's hand as Caroline stood in front of a tall man with light brown hair. "Ryan Danvers, this is my daughter, Caroline. Caroline, this is Ryan."
Ryan offered a hand. "It's nice to finally meet you, Caroline. Your mom talks about you constantly. Thank you for having me today."
"Oh, we're more than happy to," Caroline beamed. "I just want to see my mom with someone who respects her and takes care of her. Can you do that?"
"Caroline," Liz warned.
Ryan laughed. "It's okay, Lizzie. And yes, I believe I can do that." He wrapped an arm around Liz's waist. "Your mom is a special woman."
"I think so, too," Caroline agreed. "Would you like to meet my husband?" She giggled. "I like to call him that; he's been just my boyfriend for eleven years."
"I would love to meet him," Ryan nodded.
"Klaus!" Caroline said to him over her shoulder. "Come here, please."
"He must have bionic hearing," Ryan chuckled as Klaus walked towards them. "Or he's just so attuned to your voice. I barely heard you and you're right in front of me."
"Just attuned," Klaus declared as he reached them. He offered a hand. "Klaus Mikaelson. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Ryan Danvers," the mayor's aide replied, shaking Klaus' hand. "It's nice to meet you, too. Lizzie says you take excellent care of her little girl."
Klaus smiled. "We take care of each other."
"Yes," Caroline agreed. "And we also take care of my mom so if you don't, we'll know about it."
"Sweetheart," Klaus murmured. "Your mother is a grown woman and the sheriff. I think she's fully capable of taking care of herself."
Liz nodded at Klaus. "Thank you." She checked her watch. "I think it's time to eat now though."
"What is it we're having again?" Klaus whispered to Caroline as they made their way across the room, back to their small table.
"Rebekah chose some fancy, sit-down meal," Caroline remembered. "A choice of filet or some kind of chicken. I'm not very hungry but we have to keep up appearances for a little while longer. Just a few more hours til we're on a private plane to the Maldives for two weeks without any interruptions."
"I do like the sound of that," Klaus said as he pulled out her chair for her. "So, just how rare is this steak?"
"Gross," she muttered.
Klaus just laughed quietly.
"If I could get everyone's attention, please?" Stefan requested as he stood up while everyone ate, looking down to the newlyweds. "I met Klaus a long time ago, before I came back to Mystic Falls when I was seventeen, and we were friends. But we had a bit of a falling out and when he came here, I wasn't exactly thrilled to see him. And like Caroline said, he was kind of mean to us all, particularly me for a while. Once he gave up on me, he set his sets on Caroline and it's been a interesting ride these last eleven years. We travel in a tight circle and it's never easy but they have a love that could last multiple lifetimes." He shot his brother a glare as Damon gave a loud 'ha!' at this. "Caroline is my best friend in the entire world and I wouldn't be who I am today without her. And Klaus? I think I know better who I am and what I'm capable of because of him. He can be cold and calculating and maybe even sociopathic at times but really, if he were anything else, he wouldn't be Klaus. People might like him more if he were, but that would just be weird. Rebekah and I agreed we would keep our speeches short and sweet so I'll wrap it up by saying that Care and Klaus aren't the most conventional couple in the world, given their beginnings, but they love each other and that's all I could want for my best friend." He raised his champagne glass. "To the Mikaelson's!"
Rebekah gave her husband an amused look as she stood up from her seat beside him. "My husband thinks he's so charming sometimes. Obviously, Nik has been my brother my entire life and sometimes, I feel as though we've lived a dozen lifetimes together. Our parents weren't the best and we've lost siblings all the way but even when we were having the fights of our lives, I knew I could always count on him. And then Caroline Forbes came along. For so long, I'd been the only girl in Nik's life but once he met her, I was cast aside for her and it hurt. I was jealous of the attention he gave her and the ways he went out of his way for her because Caroline and I are incredibly similar in many ways and there was some competition between us when Nik and I came to Mystic Falls. I can admit that I was jealous of everything Caroline had at the time but we've worked past all that now. She's my closest friend and having her around all the time is nice. She keeps Nik in line and that's nearly impossible to do." She looked down at the couple, tears in her eyes. "I consider myself incredibly lucky to call them family and I look forward to watching them fall in love over and over again." She raised her glass. "To Nik and Caroline!"
Caroline and Klaus stood to hug Stefan and Rebekah. Caroline cried as Stefan wrapped his arms around her.
"Don't cry, Care," he whispered.
"Can't help it," she laughed.
"If I could steal my wife away now, I believe I owe her a first dance," Klaus spoke up, taking Caroline's hands to lead her to the dance floor as 'Turning Page' by Sleeping at Last played through the speakers.
Caroline smiled as Klaus pulled her to him, taking one hand in his and placing his other hand around her waist. "This song was in a Twilight movie."
"So Rebekah told me after I'd selected it," he nodded. "I considered changing it but it works so well. And I thought you might like a song you recognized."
"I do," Caroline confirmed. "And you're right; it's a good song for us." She kissed him softly. "This day has been completely perfect, Nik. Thank you."
"Caroline, I'm going to give you the best of everything if I can," he assured her. "There's very little I'd ever say 'no' to you about." He frowned. "I'm sorry I can't give you children."
"No," she shook her head, using the hand around his shoulders to caress his cheek. "Don't be sorry about that because it isn't your fault. And besides, I don't need kids; taking care of you is time-consuming enough."
Klaus smirked and kissed her again. "Maybe one day we'll get a dog of our own and you can let the Greene's keep Penny to themselves."
"Yes!" she agreed emphatically. "But I don't want a yappy little 'purse' dog. I want a husky. It's kind of like a wolf, right?"
"Not really," he shook his head, "but if that's what you want, a husky you shall have."
Caroline looked around and noticed that everyone was watching them intently. "I feel like I'm on display?"
"Is that bad?" he wondered.
"Of course not," she denied happily. "In case you've forgotten, I like attention." She pressed her forehead to his. "Particularly if it's coming from you."
"Well, you'll have that forever," he whispered as the song ended.
"Good," she whispered back.
Damon picked up the microphone again. "So, since Klaus' mother is dead and Caroline's father passed away, they've decided to share dances with his sister and her longtime best friend instead."
At this, Rebekah and Stefan joined them on the dance floor as 'When You're Smiling' began to play.
"Told you," Stefan murmured into Caroline's ear. "This song was from our time in Chicago. Gloria sang it in her bar."
Caroline rested her cheek on his shoulder. "I'll bet you guys had a blast back then."
"Well, it was certainly something," Stefan remembered. "I was the Ripper and they were hiding from Mikael. We just happened to have a period of time together that was enjoyable but we were surrounded by terrible circumstances."
"I guess," she sighed. "I just always wonder what it might've been like to know him in another era."
Stefan chuckled. "He was pretty much the same, just not a hybrid. It's amazing that a hundred years can go by and some people never change. And yet, he has. That's because of you, Care. You make people actually want him around. He doesn't have to intimidate and threaten anymore; that's all you."
Klaus smiled briefly as he listened to Stefan's words. "Do people only like me now because of Caroline?"
"Yes," Rebekah confirmed. "but that's not a bad thing. Caroline just brings out the best version of you. I mean, I know there's an even better Nik in there that only she knows but the one we all get to see now isn't so bad and that's to her credit." She noticed the strange look on his face. "You're good for her, too. She's stronger and more confident now. She doesn't let people walk all over her and that's certainly your influence. Not that you'd actually let anyone do that to her but now, neither would she. That's one reason I'm interested to see how it goes when Elena and Damon join us. The doppelgänger has always had a way of making Caroline feel second best but I don't see that happening anymore and Elena won't know how to deal with that."
"From what I can tell, Elena and Caroline have mended their friendship," Klaus explained. "I expect this six-month stay should be smooth, so long as Damon behaves."
"What if they want to stay longer?" Rebekah asked.
"Trust me, we won't," Damon spoke up quietly from where he stood with Elena and Bonnie.
"Just til Christmas," Elena added. "I'd like to travel for a while after that."
"I was all for traveling now," Damon said.
"Then by all means," Klaus offered him.
"Can you two stop?" Caroline requested, joining the conversation. "This day has been perfect and I won't have it ruined now by you two arguing."
"Sorry, Blondie," Damon apologized. "I did promise Elena I'd give you your day."
"How benevolent," Klaus scoffed.
The rest of the night went off without a hitch. Caroline got to know her mom's boyfriend better, she chatted with old friends, and she attempted to hook Bonnie up with Marcel; it didn't work but the witch did comment her valiant effort.
"I'm just trying to save him from Camille," Caroline sighed. "He's so obsessed with her and she doesn't ever care. She's too in love with my husband."
Bonnie opened her mouth to respond but shut it quickly as something over Caroline's shoulder caught her eye.
"Um, can I borrow the bride?" Tyler asked cautiously from behind.
Caroline turned to face him. "Sure. I'll find you in a little bit," she added to Bonnie.
Tyler led Caroline out of the ballroom to the empty foyer. He looked around quietly for a long time before he spoke.
"You know, Matt told me once about the ball they had here when I was off fighting the sire bond," he told her. "How huge it was and how extravagant. He also said you danced with Klaus and it was pretty obvious back then that something was going on, even if you couldn't admit it yet." He looked at her. "He waited until you and Klaus had been together a while to tell me all that though; he thought I might lose it."
"Yeah, well, wolves have tempers," she joked. "I should know, I just married the alpha of all alphas. If it makes you feel any better, I tried for a very long time to suppress my feelings for him."
"I know," Tyler nodded. "It doesn't make me feel any better, but I believe that." He sighed. "I guess what makes this all so hard is that I can't forgive and forget. I can't even come close to that. When I look at him, I still just see red and it takes everything in me not to attack him. Even now, at your wedding, I want to go in there and rip his head off."
"He'd kill you before you could lay a hand on him," Caroline pointed out quietly.
"Yeah, I know that, too," he muttered. "How do you do it?"
"Do what?" she wanted to know.
"Love him," Tyler replied.
"It's natural," she answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Loving Klaus is like breathing; I just do. I understand why you can't get that, but it's the truth. He's smart and loyal and kind...to me. He puts me first and loves me unconditionally."
"He's a monster," Tyler interrupted.
"No," she denied. "Klaus has his flaws, just like everyone else. Some of his are more prominent than others but he isn't a monster. He can feel remorse. I'm sorry that this hurts you, Tyler, but it's reality now and after tonight, you'll never see us again if that's what you want. He won't bother you anymore."
Tyler was quiet for a long time. "He takes care of you? Makes you happy and all that?"
"Yes," Caroline smiled. "On both accounts. I want you to find that, too."
"Maybe someday," he shrugged, reaching out to hug her. "If you're happy, Care, then I am, too. I'll never be able to accept Klaus but you love him so I won't fight."
"Good," she whispered before pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you."
When he pulled away, instead of heading back to the ballroom, he went to the door. "Goodbye, Caroline."
"Bye, Tyler," she breathed as he left the mansion. She wasn't certain but Caroline felt pretty sure Tyler Lockwood had just walked out of her life for good.
"You all right, sweetheart?" Klaus called to her from his place at the entrance from the ballroom.
"Yeah," she confirmed, going to him. "Tyler was just saying goodbye."
"It sounded very final," he noticed, holding her hand as they re-joined their remaining guests.
"I think it was," Caroline replied. "But it's for the best. Tyler is a werewolf who happens to have vampire capabilities and he's never going to be anything else."
Klaus tucked her under his arm. "Are you ready to go?"
This brightened her up immediately.
"Really?" she asked excitedly. "It's honeymoon time?"
"I believe it is," he nodded, noticing that most people had already left. "Bekah?"
Rebekah appeared before them to whisk Caroline away. "Come. You can't be on a 19-hour flight in a lace wedding gown."
Upstairs in her bedroom, Caroline found a travel outfit set out next to her luggage.
"I didn't even think of this," she realized as Rebekah helped her out of her dress.
"I know," Rebekah smirked. "But you had it ready for me after my wedding so it makes sense that I had it ready for you."
Caroline pulled on the comfortable skirt and blouse combination. "So you guys are going to pack things up here and we'll meet you back in London?"
"Yes," Rebekah told her, handing over a pair of Marc Jacobs flats. "And don't worry, Elena and Damon will be with us."
"Cool," Caroline grinned. "Be nice to her, Bek. Elena has barely ever left Mystic Falls so it's going to be a major adjustment for her."
"Stefan has had this talk with me every night since Nik and I agreed to this," Rebekah grumbled. "I will be a welcoming hostess, I promise."
"Thank you," Caroline said, hugging her sister-in-law tightly. "For everything."
Rebekah hugged her back. "Of course."
Downstairs, Damon and Katherine (now back to herself) had cleared out the last lingering guests and a crew had come in to start cleaning up. Klaus stood at the bottom of the staircase with Elijah, luggage in hand, waiting for Caroline.
"Come on, princess!" Katherine yelled up. "I want to sleep but Elijah says I have to see you two off first."
"I'm coming," Caroline said as she and Rebekah appeared, carrying the vintage Louis Vuitton luggage Klaus had given her as a Christmas gift one year early in their relationship.
Elena stepped forward to hug her first. "Have fun, Care. I can't wait to hang out together when you get back."
"Me, too," Caroline assured her, looking at Damon. "Try not to damage my house, okay? I've spent seven years perfecting it."
"I will be the epitome of a perfect guest," he smirked, patting her on the head.
"I expect to see you two over there soon, too," Caroline warned Matt and Bonnie as she pulled them into a shared hug. They just laughed and nodded their consent.
"Have a nice time, Caroline," Elijah offered next. "Rebekah mentioned the two of you are planning a trip to Paris when you return and we'd be happy to have you stay with us."
"Thanks," she smiled, eyeing Katherine. "I prefer you this way."
"Well, I don't love looking exactly like Saint Elena but I do, too," she agreed. "I don't hug, just so you know."
"I would expect nothing less," Caroline laughed. "I'll see you soon, Kat." Finally, she turned to Stefan. "Don't let your wife kill Elena in her sleep."
"Rebekah could kill me in my sleep if she wanted," he joked, "so I'd have no chance of stopping her if that was her desire but I'll keep the peace. You are better at it though. I sure hope these two weeks go by quickly."
She hugged him. "Thanks for being my best friend."
"I think I'm the one who should be grateful," he whispered into her hair.
Klaus moved to the door and then turned to his wife. "Caroline, love, we should get going."
"Okay," she nodded, walking to take his hand in hers as they headed outside to the waiting SUV.
"Are you ready, Mrs. Mikaelson?" he asked her once they were situated in the backseat.
Keeping their hands intertwined, Caroline rested her head on his shoulder. "More than ready, Mr. Mikaelson."
"Then to the airport, James," Klaus commanded of their driver. "I owe this beautiful woman a honeymoon."
"You owe me nothing," she told him softly, closing her eyes. "You've already given me everything."
Klaus just smiled and pressed the lightest of kisses to her forehead. "Not yet, but I have an eternity with you to try."
And so, we've reached the end...
Or have we? I have ideas floating around for an epilogue that might involve Christmas with the crew in London (including some hilarious Klaus/Damon interaction) that I could possibly be persuaded to write. Let's say if this story gets to 200 reviews, I'll share that brief epilogue before I go to work on In Another Life (if you haven't read the first chapter yet, check it out). Let me know what you think and if you're interested in the epilogue, tell me some good Christmas presents. They can be to anyone or from anyone. You guys are the best. Thanks!