Author's note: a friend of mine is busy working on cover art, but in the meantime it's another drawing she's made of klaroline. (you can find her on deviant art (2brighteyes).

That's all.

I hope you like it :)

Six years ago

Caroline

"I can't believe you're going to study at Harvard. I'm so proud of you, Caroline." Caroline hugged her mother. "It still feels so surreal to me. Who would've thought? Harvard. Majoring in organismic and evolutionary biology. It's probably the last thing anyone had ever seen me doing in the future." "Harvard is lucky to have you, Care. You'll do great. And as much as we're going to miss having you around, you deserve to get out there and have some fun." Matt said as he pulled Caroline in a hug. Caroline smiled at Matt's words. It was time for her to leave. It's what everyone was doing these days.

Bonnie, Jeremy, Elena and Damon were in LA. All together and happy. Caroline had spend part of her vacation there, but had headed back home to spend some more time with her mom before leaving for college. "You can always come back, if you want." Her mother said. "I'm good, mom. This is what I need. I'm going to miss you. Both of you." Caroline pulled them into another hug. "You're going to do great. And it's about time you head out on your own. It will do you some good to be away from all the drama." Caroline smiled at her mother. Although Caroline's life hadn't been what her mother had hoped it would be, with her becoming a vampire and all that, she knew that her mother loved her and wanted her to be happy. Caroline hugged her mom again and got into the car with Stefan, leaving her mom and Matt behind.

A tear escaped from her eyes. Stefan grabbed her knee. "They'll be fine without us, Caroline." Caroline looked at Stefan. Caroline tried to smile. He was right after all. They'd gone through a lot the past year. As her mother and Matt disappeared in the rear-view mirror, Caroline felt the doppelganger drama, the Other Side, Tyler, the travellers and Enzo disappearing with them. It was time to start a new page. She and Stefan spent the rest of the day on the road, driving to her new home. They talked a lot about trivial stuff to pass the time. Caroline leaned her head back and sighed. As much as Caroline loved her friends, she wanted some time to herself. She wanted the future she had always imagined herself having. And although she knew that she was a vampire and she had the rest of eternity to get a college degree, she wanted to follow through on the life she always imagined having. Caroline needed a normal college experience. No supernatural drama, for once, she just wanted to be a normal young woman going to college and getting a degree.

"Care, we're here. And it hasn't changed much since my time here in the seventies." Caroline smiled and looked outside. She was excited about her new student life. "I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe it Stefan. Me, Caroline Forbes." Stefan smiled as he helped Caroline unload her things. "I've always known you were smart, Care. And once you put your mind to something, you won't stop until you have reached your goal." Stefan said. Caroline pulled him into a hug. "Are you sure you don't want to stick around a year, follow some classes?" Stefan just shook his head. "I love you, Caroline, but I'm going to travel for a while. I just need some time away from everyone." Caroline understood. She had been an advocate for Stefan and Elena being together, but Elena had chosen Damon. And Caroline had made her peace with it. She understood the attraction between them, she understood that there was an allure to darkness. Who was she to judge Elena when she had been with Klaus, although that never counted as a relationship. Stefan had made his peace with it. He wanted them to be happy. And after a year of sticking around Mystic Falls and help deal with everything there, he needed some time off. Just like Caroline needed this. Caroline looked around the campus. It was as amazing as she had imagined it to be. She felt a small pang when she walked around the campus. Caroline wished her mom was here, and her friends. And her dad. She hoped her father would've been proud of her.

"Well, this must be your dorm room." Stefan said as they had halted in front of a red door. Stefan motioned for Caroline to open her door. She was excited about this and also a little nervous. What if her roommates don't like her? Or worse, what if they find out that she's a vampire? Caroline shook her worries off and took a deep breath. She opened the door and stepped inside. She smiled. It was everything she could ever imagine it to be. The common room was nice and cosy. There was a large sofa, a TV and a table. There were four other doors in the room. Three which would be leading toward the bedrooms and one to the bathroom. Caroline was glad that it was a full scholarship ride, because her mom could never have afforded Harvard.

Her roommates were already there. The light brown-haired girl stepped forward. "Hi, I'm Marissa and this is Elodie." She said as she motioned to the redhead. "I'm Caroline and this is Stefan." Caroline introduced them. Stefan smiled politely. "I'll go get the rest of your stuff." Stefan said as he turned and left the room. Caroline put her stuff in her room and started getting everything out of the few boxes before heading back to the living area to wait for Stefan. The two girls had been whispering to another but hushed when she stepped back into the room. Elodie tilted her head and looked at Caroline. "Let me guess, small town girl, former head cheerleader, homecoming queen and dating the former high school quarterback. You're probably majoring in journalism or something that could get your pretty face out there. I'm betting you're daddy is paying for your education, but is too busy to see his little girl off. How am I doing so far?" Caroline was surprised by the redhead's brashness and hostility. This wasn't really how she had thought it would go. Caroline smiled sweetly at Elodie. "Not bad, except that my best friend was prom queen, my ex was the high school quarterback, I'm majoring in organismic and evolutionary biology and did I forget something. Right, my father's dead. But you did stellar at being a judgemental bitch, so way to make an impression." Caroline could see Elodie's jaw drop in surprise at the same time that Stefan had returned with the rest of her things. He could probably feel the tension in the room. "Everything okay here?" Caroline nodded. "Yeah, we were just getting to know one another." Caroline said as she took one of the boxes from Stefan and brought them to her room.

Stefan followed her inside and helped her organise everything. "I couldn't help but overhear part of the conversation." Stefan whispered to her. She could hear the worry in his voice. "I'm fine, Stefan. It's not like this is the first time I'm heading to college and my dad isn't here. I'm good." Stefan didn't seem entirely convinced, but dropped the subject. It didn't take long to make her room look more like hers. Caroline smiled when she surveyed their work. Her room wasn't big, but it was just big enough. There was a double bed, a desk by the window, a wardrobe for her clothes, a dresser and some boards for her books. The walls were in light blue with light coloured woodwork and her room was decorated with some auburn-coloured elements. "I like it. I'm sure you'll feel right at home." Stefan said as he joined Caroline in looking at her room. They headed back to the common room.

Elodie and Marissa were still there. "Caroline, I'm sorry. I can be a bit judgemental. My apologies. Can we maybe start over? I have a mini-fridge with blood bags, if you want." Caroline's jaw dropped. She listened for the heartbeats in the room. There was only one regular, coming from Marissa. Stefan just started laughing. "Would you look at that, Care, you've only been here for a day and you've already found another vampire. And she's your roommate nonetheless." Caroline didn't find it as amusing as Stefan. She looked at Marissa. "How do you know about vampires?" "I'm a witch." Caroline sighed. "Now all we need is a werewolf and our party would be complete." Both Marissa and Elodie looked at Caroline in surprise. "And here we thought werewolves were a myth. I guess it was a tad presumptuous of us to assume that only witches and vampires existed alongside humans." Elodie said with a smile. "How about a drink?" Stefan proposed while looking at Caroline and realising that she would need one. "I know a bar we could go to, unless it's blood you want." "We're good. Let's go."

And that's how Caroline and Stefan found themselves in a bar on campus with another vampire and a witch, exchanging stories about their lives. Stefan asked how Marissa and Elodie had got to know one another. Elodie and Marissa had been friends ever since they were little, growing up together. While Elodie was a vampire and Marissa a witch, they made their friendship work, because they were friends before species. And since Elodie wasn't one to kill humans, they never found themselves at odds about their morals. Caroline couldn't help but notice the parallels between her life and theirs. "How about the two of you? You two wanted to be together forever and ever and ever?" Caroline had almost spilled her drink when the words had left Elodie's mouth. "Yeah, because we're such romantics at heart." Stefan said as he rolled his eyes. "Stefan taught me a lot about being a vampire and helped me to learn how to control my cravings. We're sort of like one another's sponsor and we became very close friends. Nothing more." Marissa and Elodie nodded in understanding. "I take it that Stefan is the elder vampire then. If you don't mind me asking, when were you turned?" "In 1864." Marissa's eyes went wide. "Wow, you're like over a century old." Caroline looked at the girl in disbelief. "Have you guys met other vampires besides the one that turned Elodie?" They shook their head. "Elodie's maker taught her all she needed to know before taking off. We've lived a quiet life mostly. How about you, you met a lot of vampires?" Caroline and Stefan exchanged a look. "Some." Caroline didn't know them yet and she wasn't about to share too much of her past with them. The girls seemed to notice that this was a subject to be brought up when they had known each other longer.

"So, Caroline, you're majoring in biology something, right? No offence, but that's not exactly something I see you doing." "Organismic and evolutionary biology. Yeah, I never thought I would be majoring in this either, but last year I followed an intro to microbiology and chemistry, and it stuck. I have the rest of eternity to learn all there is I want to learn, but for now, this is what has peaked my interest. What about you guys?" Marissa's major's anthropology while Elodie is going to be studying art history. "And you?" Marissa asked Stefan. "I'm not attending Harvard. I already did so in the seventies. Besides, I need some time off, I'm going to do some travelling." "Any idea where you're going to go?" Elodie asked. "I haven't really got a plan. I might go to New Orleans, though, visit some friends." The reference wasn't lost on Caroline. "I'm sure they'll welcome you with open arms." "Didn't Klaus offer you a one-way ticket to join him in New Orleans?" Stefan countered Caroline's sarcasm. "Yeah, two years ago, besides, that was before his promise." Caroline couldn't help but wonder about Klaus. After their encounter in the woods, she hadn't heard anything from him. No cards, no phone calls. He had probably moved on. After all, the thrill of the chase had disappeared. And she was done with him anyway. Klaus was out of their lives, for good. Yet, she couldn't ignore the small pang of loss she felt when she thought about it. "A guy like him doesn't just fall out of love, Care." Caroline shrugged Stefan's answer off. "Enough about Klaus, please. Don't tell me you're actually going to advocate for him, are you? Need I remind you of all the terrible things he's done? Killing Jenna, killing Carol, terrorising his own family, keeping you as his lapdog, need I say more?" Stefan held his hand up in defeat. "I was only joking, Caroline. Anyway, I don't know where I'm going to go." They spend some more time at the bar, talking about inconsequential things, before heading back to their dorm.

"Well, I'm going to take off, but before I go, I have a something for you." Stefan said as they entered the dorm room. Stefan pulled out a bottle of bourbon. "It's one of the best we had at the house. I figured you might one to have a bottle around." Caroline smiled as she took the bottle. "You didn't have to get me anything, but I'm glad you did." Caroline hugged Stefan and then went to put the bottle in her room. "I'm off. Marissa, Elodie, it was nice meeting you and keep an eye on Caroline for me, would you? She's a great girl and an even better friend. Have a nice year and enjoy your time as a student." Marissa and Elodie said goodbye to Stefan and wished them a lot of fun on his travels. Caroline walked Stefan to the door. "Write, call, text, e-mail, just keep in contact, okay? If I don't hear from you at least every week, I'm going to have Marissa do a locater spell and come and find you." Stefan smiled as he pulled Caroline in a hug. "I will. I'm going to miss you, Care. You'll do great here, I know you will. Have fun, make mistakes, enjoy your life, stay away from guys with an accent, study hard and don't worry that pretty little mind of yours." Stefan said. Caroline smacked him for the accent remark, but let it go. She knew he was only joking. "Take care of yourself, Stefan. Don't worry too much. Elena's fine. Damon may not be the best person, but he loves her and he would do anything to keep her safe. And I'll be okay, too. I have a witch and a vampire to keep me company. I love you and if there's anything, anything at all, you'll know where to find me." Caroline didn't want to let go of Stefan. If he left, she'd be truly alone. No one who knew who she really was or what she's been through. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea. She smiled through the tears that had formed. "I love you too, Care, but you'll have to let me go. And I promise you, I'll come back. I'll do my best not to worry too much, if you promise me you'll do the same." Stefan said as he reluctantly let her go. Caroline nodded as she let him go, too. "Take care, Caroline Forbes. 'Till we meet again." And Stefan left. Caroline closed the door and headed back to the common room.

Klaus

Klaus watched as Caroline and Stefan stepped out of the car. His heart jumped at the sight of the blonde. She was so radiant and full of light. He heard her talking to Stefan. Klaus shook his head as he heard her say that she couldn't believe she actually made it here. How he wanted to tell her that she could do anything she wanted. He felt a small pang when he heard Stefan's response. That was what he had wanted to tell her. Klaus didn't really know why he had come. After all, she'd made it clear that she wanted to be free of him. And he'd given her that. Never in his entire lifetime had he met someone like Caroline Forbes. She was strong, beautiful and just a beacon of light to him. Niklaus didn't know when he'd started to fall for her, but he had. And nothing he did could get her out of his mind. Unfortunately, she didn't let herself feel the same. He was certain that if she'd just give in to it, if she allowed herself to let him love her, she'd be happy. So he watched from afar. Letting her live her life, until she was ready. He'd wait a thousand years over for her. Caroline was most definitely worth the wait. Until then, he'd got a small taste to cling to. It was enough for now. He took a deep breath and he could faintly catch her scent. What he would give to stand next to her, to feel her skin against his. Klaus saw her face fall for a moment. She must be thinking of her friends not being there. Or maybe she was thinking about her father. How he wanted to know what was going through that pretty little head of hers.

He followed them as they walked slowly through the campus, making their way to her dorm room. Klaus kept to the shadows, making sure that they didn't spot him. When they halted, he could see that Caroline was trying to hide her nerves. He smiled, knowing what was going through her head at that moment. She would be wondering whether they would like her. He found it endearing that she had this insecurity about herself. They would be crazy not to like her. She was the most amazing and kind person he could imagine ever meeting in his thousand years. He wanted to follow them inside, but that would be too risky. Klaus debated on whether to just go back to New Orleans or to stick around Harvard for a little longer. He decided to go have a drink.

After having ordered another drink, Klaus saw the gorgeous blonde appear. She didn't notice him sitting there, which was good. Stefan was with her and two other girls. He presumed they were her new roommates. He couldn't help himself and listened in on their conversation. Klaus smiled to himself when he found out that her roommates were part of the supernatural community. What had been the odds. And yet, Caroline had found herself a vampire and a witch as roommates. Klaus didn't really mind, he figured that at least that would make it easier on Caroline, not having to pretend. "Well hello you. I'm Maddi." A girl sat down next to Klaus. He gave her a once over. She was pretty, but nowhere near as pretty as the blonde he was focusing on. He smiled at the girl and compelled her to find someone else to bother. He really wasn't in the mood to have company. Klaus smirked when he saw Caroline's face when prompted with the question about her and Stefan. If there was one guy Klaus wasn't worried about trying to make a move on Caroline, it was Stefan. He knew that Stefan saw Caroline as his former friend Lexi. And even if Stefan had some sort of feelings for Caroline, Klaus reasoned that Stefan would respect Caroline too much to choose her as a second choice. No, Klaus was certain that Stefan and Caroline would continue to be just friends.

Klaus' interest was piqued when he heard one of the girls ask why Caroline was majoring in organismic and evolutionary biology. He had to admit it, why she was studying that was beyond him. Klaus wasn't satisfied with the answer she gave the girl. He sighed, it wasn't as if he could get up and get the answer out of her. When Klaus heard Stefan mentioning going to New Orleans, he sat a bit straighter. He wondered whether Caroline would be thinking of him. He was disappointed when she dismissed him so easily. Yet, Stefan continued. He smiled a bit when he heard Stefan tell her that he doesn't fall out of love easily. It was true, Klaus was still very much in love with her. If only Stefan's response would've got a better response. His heart sunk as he heard Caroline sum up some of his highlights of being evil. It shouldn't bother him, but it did. Klaus rarely cared about the opinions of others. If they feared him, good. If they hated him, he could care less, but for some reason, he did care about Caroline's view of him. Klaus wanted to be the kind of person who was worthy of her love. He tuned out when they talked some more about their lives. He emptied his drink and left the bar, making his way to Caroline's dorm. He looked around her room. It was exactly how he imagined it to be like. There were several pictures of her and her friends. After taking one more look at the smiling blonde in one of the pictures, Klaus took off. There was no room in Caroline's life for him. Not yet.

Klaus entered his home in New Orleans and slammed the door. He cursed himself for making that bloody promise. Why did he have to be so honourable for once? Why did he do the right thing by her? He cursed again. Elijah appeared, but Klaus ignored him. He headed for his art studio and slammed the door. He yelled that he didn't want to be disturbed. Klaus took an empty canvas and put it on one of his easels. He just stared at it for a moment. Klaus closed his eyes and images of the gorgeous blonde appeared. She appeared to him like a beacon of light. He remembered the way she had looked today. Caroline had seem so happy and so full of hope. Still untouched by darkness, even after everything she's gone through. Klaus took a paintbrush and started painting. Caroline lingered in his mind. Her startling blue eyes, her smile, her sweet lips. How he wanted her.

Several hours passed as Klaus continued painting. When he was almost done with it, Klaus could hear Elijah standing in front of his door. "If you want to come in, by all means, but do not just stand there." The door opened and Elijah stepped into the studio. Klaus ignored his brother and finished his painting. He was pleased with the result. "Well, that's quite the masterpiece, brother. Where will we hang this one?" Elijah said as he motioned to Klaus' painting. "Don't worry, Elijah, this one is not for us. It's a gift." Klaus saw Elijah raise a brow. "Really, brother? Is it for the human girl?" Klaus suppressed the urge to role his eyes. Why on earth would Klaus ever paint something for Cami. Sure, he talked to her quite often and he flirted with her, but that was all there was to it. After all, he had compelled her to help him write his memoires. Unfortunately Davina had removed the compulsion from her and Cami now knew everything. Cami spoke her mind from time to time, but she refused to believe that Klaus was inherently evil. She always came up with some stupid psychological prognosis that wasn't even remotely true. Unlike Caroline, Cami couldn't believe that someone could simply do bad things, just because they were actually evil. Caroline saw that, Caroline knew that, and yet, despite all the bad things he'd done, Caroline cared for him. Caroline had seen him at his best and at his worst and still, she had been honest with him. Klaus liked to believe that she wanted him for both the good and the bad that was in him.

"I guess I can take that as a no. Marcel maybe?" Elijah was still guessing and Klaus let him. Klaus arranged for the transport of the painting and started writing the note for Caroline. He had to be careful about its contents. He couldn't tell her that he still thought of her, day and night. Klaus couldn't tell her that he loved her and that he had waited his entire life for someone just like her. And he would wait just as long for her to come to him. No, he couldn't put that in the letter. He'd promised her he'd walk away. The painting itself was risky. But he had to do it. Caroline needed something to remember him by.