Happy New Year!

I know, I know, I was supposed to update BHB and I haven't updated The Song Diaries in forever but this idea came to me and I just had to write it. The title is still in works so please drop me some suggestions!

[I DO NOT OWN TVD/TO OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS]

She cursed herself for being this stupid but right now, there was no one around to help her, that could step up. After everything that had happened, the last thing she should be doing is running for her life with her daughters along for the ride. No, they were Caroline's world, there was no way she would put them in danger because of her. Even if it breaks her heart she had to make sure they weren't in harm's way.

"I'm hungry, Mommy," Lizzie complained in the backseat.

Josie, thankfully, was fast asleep in her car seat but the same couldn't be said for her twin. But Caroline was almost 100% sure that the other girl would be waking up within the hour. They had been driving over the course of two days, a quick pit-stop but soon the effects of the spell would wear off and they couldn't stay for long at the B&B.

"We're here, Lizzie," Caroline tried to sound excited although she knew what was to come would shatter her heart into pieces. "Soon, we'll get there and then we can start our quest!"

"Really?" The blonde infant squealed.

The vampire nodded her head enthusiastically, smiling when Lizzie reached to tell Josie all about their adventure. The girl gazed through the window adoringly, trying to take in as much as she could. Occasionally, she would nudge her sister to do the same but gave up when it was clear the other witch was fast asleep.

"Mommy, look! They're dancing!"

Caroline simply murmured in agreement deciding it was best if she didn't get caught up in the attraction of the French Quarter. She wouldn't be here for that long either way. But how could she deny the allure of New Orleans when the city was alive with art and music. It was easy to forget all her troubles, her nerves calming momentarily at the sight of a sea of tourists, smiles lighting up their faces.

Then reality hit her and she cursed under her breath. She pulled up at the bar Stefan had told her about and unbuckled her daughters from their car seats. Lizzie was more than happy to escape the car in order to stretch her tiny legs. Caroline hoisted Josie up, deciding to carry the girl rather than disturb her peace.

The three of them made their way into the establishment and the blonde knew just how inappropriate this was. She could feel the condescending stares of the customers- which she should send their way since they were drinking and it was barely noon. But how could she judge after walking in with two 3-year-olds?

Sending them a tight smile, Caroline made her way to the bar, her hand tightly intertwined with Lizzie's. Soon the girl would get restless and want to go and play but right now she was behaving perfectly. The vampire wouldn't exactly blame her daughter if she acted out, Caroline practically uprooted their lives and they were now in unchartered territory. And with what was to come, even if the twins were oblivious, their whole worlds were about to be turned upside down.

Caroline had had to explain to the twins that they would never see their father again. That night was full of tears and tantrums. Trying to get them to sleep had never been so hard. They didn't exactly understand what had happened, all they knew was Alaric was gone.

The twins questioned Caroline when they stumbled upon her crying the evening the news had reached of 'Ric's death. She tried to keep it as simple as possible, not wanting to go into the gruesome details. Altered the story to preserve the children's innocence. The blonde spun them a story, full of knights in shining armour, where the "good guys" were the victors. She expertly skirted around the issue that they wouldn't see their father again and was able to convince them that he was happy and at peace. That one day they would all see him again.

The girls cried for what they lost that night and the days leading up to the funeral were the hardest. Caroline divided her time between organising the memorial and making sure the twins weren't affected too much. She filled their days with activities to take their mind off it and prepared for the upcoming day when they were asleep.

And the three of them had just about settled, started to move on with their lives without the absence of Alaric looming over them. They had fallen into new routines, Lizzie and Josie finishing with the school year and had the rest of summer in front of them. Caroline had made it her mission to make this the best, most supernaturally stress-free vacation that was possible.

But Damon Salvatore brought trouble as always and found himself in a situation that required her to help yet again. Rayna Cruz was hot on his tail and the vampire wasn't even marked. She simply hated him that much. Stefan, being the good brother, couldn't leave Damon to die and leave Elena alone. Lizzie and Josie were luckily out of harm's way when the blonde was called to the boarding house. They put up a good fight, the Salvatore's leaving unscathed and the older of the two was feeling particularly triumphant and smug seeing as he had temporarily killed the huntress. But she had managed to get her blade into Caroline before the unfortunate neck snap.

Stefan apologised profusely, even Damon had managed to look sorry but she couldn't handle them right now. All she could think about was her daughters and that she needed to get as far away from Mystic Falls as she was able. There was no way that Caroline was going to take her kids on the run and she was equally adamant about not leaving them in the hands of those who had gotten her in this position in the first place. No, she needed someone she could trust, that would protect the twins when she wasn't able to.

With Bonnie and Enzo off enjoying the world, Caroline didn't have the heart to drag them back into this mess. Not until she found a definitive solution anyway. Then she'd enlist Bonnie's help. Other than the anti-locator spell, which effects would wear off soon enough, the blonde had ensured her friend she didn't need anything else. The excuse she had given was weak; that she simply wanted to teach the twins a new spell to help them understand their magic. Bonnie hadn't even questioned it, only happy that she could share her gifts with her nieces.

That brought her up to now. Asking the bartender for information on the Mikaelson family: Particularly one Original Hybrid. Despite the fact they hadn't spoken in years, Caroline knew this was one thing she could entrust him with. The blonde was well aware that Klaus had things to deal with but as a father, he would understand the position she was in.

Unfortunately, the vampire at the bar couldn't get through to Klaus and Caroline was secretly relieved. The bartender assured her that one of the Originals were on their way. The Mikaelson's were well-known, practically royalty. In other circumstances, Caroline would scoff at the fact that the hybrid had crowned himself 'King of the Quarter'.

Lizzie ran to sit in one of the booths, Caroline closely following adjusting Josie on her hip. The girl had grabbed her Disney Princess backpack and proceeded to pull out her crayons and colouring pad occupying herself. It had been way too long since Lizzie had been able to be creative. But she had soon grown bored seeing as the pages had all been filled up. The blonde noted to purchase another colouring book for her daughter.

Rebekah had arrived shortly after and interrupted the animated conversation between mother and daughter. Lizzie smiled at the older vampire introducing herself politely then turned to Caroline her smile growing wider at her mother's joyous expression. Caroline asked Lizzie if she would like to watch some TV so she wouldn't get bored with their "grown-up" talk. The infant jumped at the chance, knowing these moments were rare.

With Lizzie distracted, Caroline turned her attention to the Original sat across from her.

"I bet you're wondering why I'm here," the younger blonde tried to come off as cheerful.

Rebekah crossed her arms, "You obviously need our help. So what happened this time? The Salvatore's bit off more than they can chew?" She did not seem impressed, almost chiding them for being careless as always. Besides, she didn't want to skirt around the issue wanting to get this over and done with. Well, decide if it was even worth helping them.

"You could say that," Caroline laughed humorlessly. Josie was stirring in her lap but Caroline shifted so the young girl was more comfortable. "But I wouldn't ask this of anyone else."

The Original's tough demeanour softened slightly at what she was hearing. That being said, the Mystic Falls residents had a habit of using them when it was most convenient for them, leaving her family to fend for themselves when things got bad. Yes, they were virtually indestructible but it was the principle of it.

"And what exactly are you asking, Caroline?"

The vampire in question gazed over at Lizzie, then Josie, reminding herself that she was doing this for them. She sighed, "I need you to look after the twins for a while," her voice low, willing the tears out of her eyes.

Rebekah could see how hard this was for Caroline; to leave her daughters behind. "If its protection you need, Nik would be more than willing to give it. You're always welcome with us. All three of you-"

"No, just them," the younger vampire shook her head firmly. "If I stay I'll put them in danger. Your family will be in danger so I need to get as far away from here as I can."

Now the older vampire was definitely confused. "What danger, Caroline?" the blonde pressed. There wasn't much in the world that would pose a threat to the Mikaelson family and Caroline was adamant that they would be in harm's way if she didn't leave. That made the Original tense up, genuinely curious with what the other girl had to say.

Wordlessly, Caroline pulled her top down to reveal the mark of the Phoenix Sword above her chest.

"No," Rebekah gasped.

The other girl was well and truly screwed.

That's all folks! This chapter was really short but it's just to see if it's something people. Constructive criticism welcome! I'll most likely only continue this if people actually want to read it.

Thanks for reading!