Bourbon street was magnificent. The paths were glowing with the light from illuminated signs and streetlamps and beneath them people were swaying, neon beads dangling from their necks and wrists. Jazz music leaked from the clubs out onto the street, the sound of saxophones soft and seductive.

Klaus pulled Caroline aside, so that they were standing beneath a balcony strung with ribbons and tinsel.

"This has long been one of my favourite places," He said, ushering her through a heavy wooden door.

They were stood in a dimly lit bar. The stage graced by the performers of the music that had been a distant resonance to the celebrations outside. Running along the far wall was a sleek marble bar with brown leather stools, mostly in use. Following Klaus to a small table in the corner, Caroline gazed in wonder at her surroundings. She'd not been in such an elegant setting before. The walls were adorned with paintings and black and white photos of the twenties and thirties, all the more magical under the smooth glow of the spotlights that lined the roof.

"This is...wow." Caroline managed, allowing him to pull out her seat, still entranced with the happenings around her.

"This place has been the heart of Bourbon Street since the prohibition," Klaus smirked, clearly thinking back to whatever he'd been up to at that time.

He took the seat across from her and smiled, his eyes scanning hers.

"What?" Caroline shifted uncomfortably, "Don't get any ideas."

"Not at all, Love." Klaus' smile spread, "I just only ever half believed that I'd get to show you this place." He reached across to the wall beside him, his fingers trailing across a picture there.

Caroline gaped, "Is that-?"

"Rebekah and I? Indeed." Something flashed in his eyes then, but was gone in a second.

"And that over one, there." Caroline pointed to another photo she'd spotted just behind him. In it Klaus stood, grinning as usual, in a tux and bow tie. Clearly 1920's attire.

"Yes, all me." Klaus bowed his head jokingly and then look over to the bar. "A drink perhaps?"

He scooted from his seat, leaving Caroline alone to ponder whether this had been a good idea. Thinking of the 20's brought back memories of the decade dance at her high school, how Klaus had tortured Bonnie's date to get the information he needed...

But before she could think on it any more, he returned with her drink.

She took a tentative sip, unsure of what to say to him but he spoke first.

"Since the last time we met, I did wonder if I'd ever see you again." He leant back in his chair, almost looking vulnerable.

"You probably wouldn't have," She replied, bluntly. "But I guess I'm grateful that you did." She added to soften the blow.

His mouth twitched, "That was a glorious encounter though, don't you agree?"

Caroline glared for a moment but felt herself relaxing, she couldn't help but feel a certain warmth towards him. And it had been glorious.

The slow serenade that had been drifting over from the stage changed to an upbeat swing song and Klaus extended his hand towards her.

"Fancy a dance?"

Again, Caroline shifted uncomfortably, conflicted.

"Another drink then."

With a second and then a third drink, Caroline began to feel curiosity creeping up on her.

"What do you do here, in New Orleans?" She asked, swishing her fourth drink around in it's glass.

"I live here, love."

"You expect me to believe Klaus Mikealson has settled down?" She gulped down the contents of her glass feeling a much welcomed numbness settle in her mind.

"We'll this was my home once and now it is again." He smiled softly but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Caroline felt herself aching to reach out and take his hand but she buried the feeling along with all the others she felt for him.

"Is there as much trouble here as there is in Mystic falls?" She asked, thinking briefly of the Travellers, Enzo and the brief cannibalistic virus Elena and Damon had shared.

"Wherever the Original Vampires go, trouble ensues," Klaus's eyes flickered briefly around the room and then he leant across the table. "But what about you?" He asked, his eyes searching hers, "How have you been, other than the Werewolf bite of course."

Her eyes wondered over to the clock on the far wall, they'd been sat there longer than she'd realized. Without answering his question she got to her feet. Klaus had followed her line of vision.

"Ah, perhaps we should make our way back now." He said, walking towards her and extending an arm.

Feeling only slightly tipsy, she threaded her arm through his and they walked back out into the street.

It had started to rain and soon the steady trickle of water turned into an unforgiving downfall. All around people were rushing back and forth, their jackets pulled up over their heads, seeking immediate refuge from the weather. The sun had started to rise in the distance, spreading sublime lines of pink and orange through the sky and between the clouds. Klaus removed his heavy, black jacket and draped it over Caroline's shoulders.

"You know i'm a vampire too right? The cold doesn't bother me," She said but pulled it closer around her, secretly inhaling his scent.

They ran through the centre of the street, water splashing up from under their feet until they found themselves alone. With no prying eyes they could make their way back to Klaus' home in a matter of seconds. As soon as they stepped through the large gate all eyes were on them. Elijah stepped out from behind two women, a slight disapproving expression flickering across his face, but said nothing. Then they were rushing up the stairs, to Klaus' room, hands brushing against each other.