Dangerous Liaisons / I

Klaus' eyes lifted as he laughed and his conversation suddenly faded to white noise as he found himself pleasantly surprised by the sight of Caroline. She stood at the door looking as stunning as she always had, her hair pinned up with loose curls framing her face and wearing the dress he had picked out for her.

The music changed and Klaus politely left his conversation, he walked over to Caroline and smiled, "Good evening."

Caroline looked at him and rolled her eyes, "I need a drink." She walked past him and Klaus could help but admire her as watched her walk away, something about her dismissive attitude to him was endearing. He grab two champagne glasses from the table and walked to where she had situated herself.

"Drink?" He questioned offering her a glass, she gladly took one and swiftly lifted the glass to her lips, finishing half the contents inside. "Easy, love, you have plenty of time for that."

Caroline exhaled and took another long drink, "Not even close to enough."

Klaus smiled and noticed his siblings collecting at the stairs, "I'll return in a moment." He stepped away from her and stood behind Elijah on the grand steps, the entire time watching Caroline. She was glancing around the room, she looked almost lonely and a bit sad. Klaus recalled reading in the newspaper about her father, and he felt the urge to wrap her tightly in his arms once again. He barely knew her and yet he was already so protective of her.

She was so intriguing to him.

Elijah announced the traditional dance and Klaus watched their guests heading to the ballroom. He walked down the steps and approached Caroline, "would you care to join me?" He asked as he presented his hand to her and bowed slightly.

Caroline seemed slightly taken back by the chivalry in his proposal. Klaus felt triumphant thinking of how young and ungentlemanly all the boys in her life must be. And yet, he noticed her glancing to see the young blonde man - Matt as he had been told earlier - Rebekah had invited in time to see the pair walking to the ballroom.

Caroline quickly turned her gaze back to Klaus and nodded, "of course." She murmured and took his hand with her own. Klaus walked her to the ballroom, watching her with each step, and swallowing down the slight burn of jealousy he wouldn't allow himself to feel.

The slow music began and they danced in silence, until she spun into his arms. He smiled softly as she finally looked into his eyes.

"I'm glad you came," Klaus said as he could feel her grip on his hand tighten ever so slightly, and her eyes quickly moving away from his face.

"Well," She began, still keeping her eyes on the other couples dancing by them, "it was either this or caviar and sympathy casseroles."

The sympathy Klaus had felt early crept up once again, "I heard about your father..." he began, subconsciously pulling her a little closing, holding on to her a little tighter while trying to think of the best way to express his feelings in an unquestionably polite manner.

"Don't." Caroline quickly cut him off, her eyes snapping back to look at him, "Seriously."

He nodded slightly as they turned, "very well. On to more mannered subjects then," a smile crept on to his face once again, "like how ravishing you look in that dress."

Caroline's dismissive manner returned, "I didn't really have time to shop."

"And the bracelet I gave you, what's your excuse for wearing that?" Klaus questioned her, she looked into his eyes once again, and he knew she had no response. Instead of feeling smug, all he felt was happiness knowing that she appreciated his gift. "You know, you're quite the dancer."

Klaus was sure he saw the beginnings of a smile on Caroline's lips. "Well, I've had training," she commented. "I happen to be Miss Mystic Falls."

Their eyes met again and he let the moment wash over him, "I know."

They parted, Klaus spun her, and their partners switched.