All right, lovelies, I saw the season finale of TO on demand, since baseball was on in my area on Tuesday, preventing me from seeing it. I was thinking about the ending of the episode and thought I'd do a "Klaroline-ified" version of it. Thank you for the reviews and keep the Klaroline faith! Also, this is one of two one shots I shall be doing for this episode.

TO 1x22 AU.

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Caroline gently rocked the baby in her arms, stealing occasional glances at Klaus. They had been driving away from the city limits for the past half hour now, Klaus having given instructions to Marcel to make it look as though the baby had died shortly after she was born, when in fact, the baby he used was a stillborn he had gotten from the hospital. Of course, no one had to know that.

Caroline felt the emotions that were going through the Original hybrid as he continued to drive, though the most obvious one was concern. True, he was doing this to protect the child, but he couldn't help but wonder if somewhere along the way, things would go awry and the witches would hunt down the baby and kill her anyway. Such a thought was no doubt going through his mind right now, even if he didn't address it out loud.

"Are you okay?"

Her question brought him out of his reverie and Klaus glanced over at her. "I'm that obvious, huh?"

"Yeah, your emotions could be felt from all the way over here," said Caroline. "I don't doubt your plan, Klaus, really I don't, but what's to stop the witches from locating the baby anyway?"

"That's not going to happen, Caroline. The stillborn that Marcel got from the hospital should throw the witches off her trail."

Caroline wanted to protest, but knew such protests were going to be in vain, so she just nodded and continued to gently rock the baby in her arms, kissing her tiny head. She couldn't understand why those damn witches wanted this sweet little child dead, even if she had been told why. To her, it seemed cruel to want to harm an innocent newborn whose only crime was having a hybrid like Klaus for her father. Of course, in that moment, she could relate. She herself didn't have that great a family life, even when she was still human.

Klaus noticed how quiet Caroline had become. "It's going to be all right, love. I've contacted Rebekah and let her know about our situation."

"Rebekah?" said Caroline. "Didn't you send her away?"

"I did," said Klaus. "But, she's the baby's best chance of surviving. As long as she's with Rebekah, she's safe. This way, we can rid ourselves of our enemies without her being caught in the crossfire."

Caroline nodded. "I know, and I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm doubting your judgment. I just..."

"You don't need to explain, love," said Klaus. "And I don't think you're doubting my judgment at all. You have your opinions on the matter, and I respect them." He took one hand off the steering wheel and took her hand. "We're going to get through this, Caroline, you mark my words."

Caroline squeezed his hand back, smiling at him. It relieved her mind to know that he respected her opinion on the matter. She also knew that he was only doing what he was doing to protect the baby, like a good father should.

Later...

After what seemed like a long drive, they came to a stop in the middle of a road outside of the city. Klaus climbed out of the car and went to the front to wait for Rebekah. Caroline followed suit, gently bouncing the baby in her arms and looking lovingly at her. Klaus noticed it as he watched her approach. Somehow, he liked seeing his daughter and his love getting acquainted like this, even if it was only for a brief moment. He knew that this was as hard for her as it was for him.

Before he could say anything, Caroline beat him to it. "She's a beautiful baby, Klaus. Why anyone would want to harm her is beyond me. She never did anything to deserve this."

"I know," said Klaus. "But, you know she can't remain where her very existence is threatened. She must be kept hidden from the witches."

Caroline was about to say something else when a car was seen coming toward them, stopping as soon as it got closer, the door opening and Rebekah getting out to walk toward them. The blonde Original smiled at her brother and Caroline and then at the baby. "She looks like her mother."

Klaus chuckled a bit. "She does have a hint of the devil in her eyes. That's all me."

Caroline sniffed, trying to keep her tears at bay. "You'll keep her safe, won't you, Rebekah?"

"You have my word that she'll be protected," said Rebekah. "Nik wouldn't have called me if he didn't think I was capable of keeping his child safe."

Caroline sniffed again and then heard Klaus saying something to the baby, but wasn't paying attention because she was still torn between letting Rebekah take her and refusing. The latter choice, however, was a dangerous one, but at least it was easier than saying good-bye to a child she was just now getting to know.

The next thing she knew, Klaus was taking the baby out of her arms and giving her to Rebekah, who started gushing over her again. Shit, this was really hard, even if it was to ensure her safety and survival until they were able to stop the witches.

"What's her name?"

Rebekah's question startled her out of her reverie. "I...really don't know." She looked at Klaus then. "Klaus, what's her name?"

Feeling tears sting his eyes, the Original hybrid said, "Hope. Her name is Hope."

Rebekah smiled. "Hope. It's a very fitting name for her." She looked at Caroline again. "And as I said, I will protect her. No one will know about her as long as I'm around."

Caroline nodded. "Thank you." Before the blonde Original walked away, she added, "Wait, I just want to kiss her good-bye."

Rebekah nodded and Caroline approached the bundle and gently kissed the baby's forehead. "Good-bye, Hope. You be good for your Aunt Rebekah, okay? I promise you, this isn't the last time we see each other, not if your daddy has anything to say about it."

After kissing her one last time, Caroline stepped back and watched as Rebekah walked off, the sleeping Hope in her arms. It was here that Caroline finally let her tears escape, heading over to Klaus and wrapped her arms around his waist. Klaus pulled her closer to him, running his fingers through her hair.

"We did the right thing, love."

"I know," she sobbed. "But, it was just...so hard parting with her."

"It was hard for me too," said Klaus. "But, I promise you, Caroline, once the witches are dealt with, Hope will return to her home. Until then, Rebekah will make sure she's hidden from those who would harm her."

Caroline nodded against his chest and said nothing more, just let him continue to soothe her.

Note: This is the first one shot I am going to be doing for the finale. The second one, a request from Bonnie and Clyde fan 9-22-11, will be following soon. Until then, enjoy and remember, keep the Klaroline faith!