A Day to Dance:

"No."

"Yes."

"No, Caroline!" Beth said as she handed her the bouquet of flowers as she placed them on the table. "No, I told you that I was coming to help you set up and then I'm leaving. I'm already up way earlier than I wanted to be." Her and Kol had finally gotten to a good place, a really great place, actually. He actually was waiting for her. Things were finally calming down and she agreed to help Caroline set up for the pageant for the next day, but coming and entering wasn't part of the deal.

"You could totally win this, Beth, besides we're short one girl and the dance is so easy. I'd teach you in like ten minutes." She smiled hopefully. "I'm sure that Kol would love to be your escort too." She winked at her, making her laugh. If she was going, there was no doubt he'd make his way and come see her too.

"I'm not pageant material. I'm here to help and than I'm leaving." She reminded her as she started to walk to the front to place the flowers where Caroline wanted them. She got so lost in looking at the Lockwood Mansion that she didn't notice that Klaus was coming towards her smiling until she stopped in front of him. "Oh what are you doing here?"

"I knew I'd find you here, helping Caroline, no doubt?"

"Go away, I'm busy." She told him as she placed the flowers down.

"I just wanted to know what time I should pick you up for our date tomorrow?" He reminded her. She hesitated. She was hoping that the date wouldn't be so soon, especially since her and Kol were just getting better. "Don't forget, I was promised a date in exchange for one of my hybrids."

"You never said you wanted to go to the pageant." She sighed.

"I thought it'd be nice to see you all dressed up and I doubt that Caroline would let you skip out on this moment." He looked at her with soft eyes that gave him anything he wanted. She sighed and nodded.

"Alright, fine. I have to go, but meet me here tomorrow at 2pm and no gifts! No dresses, shoes, nothing!" She warned him. It wasn't her first time that an Original tried to woo her, and she didn't plan on letting him succeed. He nodded sheepishly, understanding.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Elizabeth." He smiled at her, as she walked away from him.

Beth couldn't help but worry about what Kol would think when she told him about the date. When she walked into the apartment, he was there cooking, something that she had become accustomed to. She smiled at him. "It smells delicious. Italian?" She asked as she came into the kitchen, kicking off her shoes.

"Yes, of course. You're favorite." He grinned back at her as she hopped up on the counter. "How did things go with dear Caroline?" He asked turning to see her.

"Fine, she's just trying to get me to join the pageant, which I profusely refused of course."

"I think you should do it." Kol said honestly, which surprised her. He shrugged. "You're beautiful, graceful. The judges would absolutely love you. You'd have a devilishly handsome escort, such as I." She laughed and rolled her eyes at him complimenting himself. "You could win it, love. I know that you could." He brushed back her hair, out of her face. Beth sighed.

"I don't know. I said no, besides, Klaus wants to cash in his deal. He wants to take me to it." She bit her lip, nervously. Kol looked like he was trying to hold back. She slowly grabbed his hand. "It's just for the afternoon, and you know how Caroline is. She'll probably have me running around, making sure everything is perfect half of the time."

"I know that. I still don't like you being there with him." He said darkly. He didn't like that Klaus may also have the opportunity to dance with her, put his hands on her again. "I could come."

Beth sighed. "Only if you behave. If Caroline knows I let you come and than you went Tasmanian devil on the place, I'd be dead." Kol chuckled at her, kissing her quickly. She wasn't exaggerating either. Caroline put a lot of work into this, she was going to kill her if she messed it up. "I have to go up earlier because Caroline wants to give me one of her dresses and help get ready."

"I know that you're look at stunning as always, I'll meet you there, tomorrow. I just have to visit my brother." He grinned mischievously. Beth sighed, she knew that there was no way she could talk him out of leaving Klaus alone, but maybe him talking to his brother would keep him from trying anything.

xxxxx

Beth took a deep breath as she parked in the Lockwood driveway. She knew that Kol was probably around somewhere. To her surprise, he already was leaving when she woke up. He kissed her quickly saying he had to go. Stepping out of the car, she barely had time to close the door when Caroline rushed to her. "Oh, thank God, you're here." She pulled her ahead..

"Nice to see you too, Care, but I kinda have to get to my date soon." She told her as she pulled her around the side of the house, moving some flower arrangements as they walked. Beth hurried to keep up with the tall blonde.

"Yeah, I know. I've put Klaus to work. I need to talk to you. I...I kinda already entered you to compete in the pageant. It was like a month ago when you were considering it." She said sheepishly. Beth was in shock. "The judges approved! They really like you! But don't worry! I have a dress and everything for you. Just, please don't get mad. I needed one more girl. It's just a dance and you know. It'll be fast and I'm sure Klaus knows it."

"I can't believe you! I told you I don't want to do it! I hate when all eyes are on me. You couldn't get someone else?" She asked. Caroline looked hopeful.

"There wasn't anyone else. Klaus knows, even if I'd rather it was Kol, he said he'd do it. So, please, Beth! Please! I need you to do this for me. I'm begging you! Please!" She told her seriously. Beth hesitated. This was the last thing she wanted to do, but she knew that Caroline would be upset if she didn't.

"Fine, where's the stupid dresses." She mumbled, grumpily. Caroline squealed and hugged her.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much! You're a lifesaver. You have no idea what this means to me!" She smiled and Beth sighed as she handed her, her phone "Here, just go and look at the dance. It's on there from last year. It's pretty easy. Meet me upstairs so we can find a dress for you. Thank you again, so much!" Beth rolled her eyes as she left. Now, she had to make sure she got through this date with Klaus and hope that she didn't end up looking like a total, idiot. Fantastic for her.

xxxxx

After finally memorizing most of the dance, or at least part of it, Beth headed upstairs to try and find Caroline and instead bumped into Klaus. She had to admit, he did look handsome in a suit. "There you are, love. Judging from the look of disdain on your face, Caroline has told you about our roles in the pageant." He smirked.

"Wipe that grin off your face, Klaus. I just want to get this over with. This wasn't what I had planned."

He shrugged. "Neither do I, but this should play out quite well. I'll see you out there, sweetheart." He smiled kissing her hand before leaving. Beth rolled her eyes and held back a smile as she climbed the stairs. She tried to keep her breathing even but her heart was racing like a race horse.

"There you are! Finally." Caroline exclaimed as she opened the door and pulled her inside. April was there and she smiled shyly, and Beth returned her smile. "Listen, April's going to go with the red one instead of the blue, which I'm against, but it's her choice."

"I like it." Beth smiled at her. "It'll look nice one you." She told her honestly. April looked startled by a compliment from her.

"Um, thank you." She smiled.

"Good, now that we're all in agreement. I was thinking of that dress you wore to the ball and it looked amazing on you. There's two of them in the wardrobe that have the same shade of blue and it'll bring out your eyes so put on the one you like." She pushed her towards the dress and pulled April out. "I have to do the finishing touches on her makeup, I'll be back soon."

Beth sighed , taking out both dresses and changing into the least daring one, but couldn't zip it up. She'd have to wait for Caroline. She didn't honestly think she had a chance of winning this, or being runner up. She wasn't pageant material. Looking out the window, she saw Kol talking to Caroline. A smile formed on her face as she saw him in his suit, similar to the one he was wearing at the ball. She sighed fiddling with the dress. "Hey." She turned to see Damon coming in. He was dressed up to in his suit.

"Hey, you. If you're looking for Elena, I think she's downstairs." She nodded. He rolled his eyes closing the door behind him.

"I'm not looking for her, I was checking up on you. I heard that Caroline roped you into this." He commented sitting down on one of the chairs. "Came to make sure that you haven't completely lost your mind, before the hybrid king dances with you."

"Nice, but I'm fine. Just trying to focus on getting this over with." She sighed smoothing over the dress in the mirror. Beth was surprised they could actually keep a conversation going without them just joining forces to keep everyone else safe, but he seemed to be trying.

"Don't do it." He said suddenly. Beth raised her eyebrows looking at him. He stood up handing her the other dress, it was more showy. "This one will look better. If you want a chance against all the sympathy votes that they're are going to be against April, you have to go daring. Trust me." He winked at her and she rolled her eyes before taking the dress and going into the closet, partly closing the door. "So I see Junior's here. I thought you said he stayed behind?"

"I lied. I didn't want anyone to know he was in town, the last thing I need is a repeat of everyone trying to kill him." She retorted as she changed out of the dress into the other one. It really did fit her well.

"You could've told me. I told you I wouldn't hurt him again, or try to rather, not unless he tried to hurt you." He reminded her. She didn't reply, and he knew that she'd rather not talk about that. "How's that dress coming along?"

"I can't zip up the damn thing." She mumbled. And he'd chuckled as she came out, struggling with it. He turned her around and helped her zip up the back of it. After, making sure it was completely zipped, he turned her around. "Thank you. Now, how do I look? Not completely and utterly ridiculous?" She looked hopeful.

Damon gave her a sincere smile. It almost felt like they were back to normal. Nothing was looming over there heads, no betrayal. It was just like before everything came crashing into Mystic Falls. "You look beautiful, El." She returned the smile. "Do you have the dance down?"

Beth sighed. "I got warned a half an hour ago. I barely have it down. What are you doing?" She asked surprised as he pulled her off to the side. She followed his movements as he first bowed and she copied him and showed her where to put her hands in the dance.

"In the beginning, it's pretty easy. No touching and all that." He rolled his eyes making her smile as they turned in a circle and than switched to go the other way. "It goes on that for a little while and than you eventually join hands." He took her hands in his. "And it's pretty much easy as a waltz."

"Is this right?" She asked him keeping her back straight.

He smiled at her. "You're doing perfectly." He confirmed. He bowed, ending the dance and she laughed, bowing back to him. "You have my vote." He walked towards the door, to let her finish. "Good luck out there. You'll do great."

"Thank you, Day." She surprised him and he nodded before leaving. Beth took a deep breath and repeated the steps over in her head, seemingly calmer now, at least until Caroline came back to fuss over her hair and make up. Just a little bit longer and the nerve wrecking part would be over.

"Alright, you're ready. Wow, you really look beautiful, Beth." She complimented her. It was amazing what they got done in such a short amount of time. There was nothing more that she could do now except for just hope she got through the dance. Beth smiled at her. "Make sure Klaus out there doesn't make you trip."

"I won't. Thank you." She hugged her before pulling away, walking down to wear she was supposed to be with the other contestants. Beth took deep breaths as she walked out to the stairs where everyone else was waiting. There was so many people watching, Beth continued to breathe deep and keep a smile on her face. She looked out into the crowd and saw Damon, who smiled at her, and Kol who looked amazed, as he stared at her in her dress. He smiled at her and she felt a blush coming on.

She couldn't see any of the escorts, until they were walking down the stairs, but that just made her feel a little better. She at least hoped Klaus was down there. She saw Caroline walk over to the microphone. "Hi, everyone. I'm Caroline Forbes. As the reigning Miss Mystic Falls, it is my honor to introduce this year's Miss Mystic Court." Everyone clapped for them. Music started playing and Beth manged to keep smiling. "We begin the procession with Valerie Fell accompanied by Dylan Clark."

Beth bit her lip as she watched, one by one, each contestant going to join their escorts. She took deep breath, praying that she wouldn't trip over the dress. She searched the crowd again finding Kol, and she smiled as he unknowingly helped her calm down, just by smiling back at her. "Elizabeth Brown, accompanied by Klaus Mikaelson." Caroline gave her friend a reassuring smile as she walked down the stairs to meet Klaus.

He smiled at her and offered her, his arm, which she took gratefully. If she felt faint, she could just hang onto him. They walked over to the side and awaited the rest of the contestants. "You look stunning, my lovely." He whispered, making her blush. "Breathe, I could hear your heart from a mile away."

She nodded. "I'm just nervous. Caroline sprung this one me. I barely know the dance." She said slightly breathless. Klaus smiled, amused at her as April finally came with Matt and they took their positions as well.

Klaus put his hand up, as the other partners did the same. Automatically, she put her other hand up to mirror his, but not touching, as Damon had taught her. "I'll lead then, shall I?" He offered and she nodded quickly, taking him up on his offer. She smiled at him, as they started the dance. Her mind completely on trying not to trip.

"You're doing fantastic, Elizabeth. Don't be nervous." He quietly assured her. She nodded, as they continued dancing, slowly her nerves melted away, keeping her eyes forward. She saw Elena and Caroline arguing, but kept her mind on the dancing. She wouldn't screw this up. To her relief, she made it through the dance with Klaus without tripping or forgetting the moves. Eventually, they ended the dance with a bow to each other and she smiled happily as it was over.

xxxxx

"So not a completely fail, not even an epic fail. I actually made it through the dancing without making an idiot out of myself." Beth smiled happily as she and Klaus walked across the lawn. He insisted on getting her a drink to celebrate and to continue their date. It all went well.

"You did beautifully, love." He complimented her and she laughed, happily. He smiled. "I'm sure the judges thought so too. It will be a crime if you don't win."

"Yes, well, it's obvious that I'm not going to. April did great to and she'll get the vote. She deserves it for all that she's been through." She sighed as she took a seat on the bench that was near the pond. Klaus sat besides her. "Enough about that, what was happening with Elena and Caroline. I know that you were eavesdropping."

"They were arguing about a certain doppelganger doing everything your beloved Salvatore says to do, seems like it's changing her." Beth rolled her eyes at him, but she couldn't help but agree with Caroline. It did seem like Elena did everything that was asked of her by Damon. "It's very peculiar."

"It is weird." She agreed, slowly, but saw a smirk on Klaus' face. "What? I know that face and it means that you know something, that you don't want others to know."

"It'll all make sense eventually."

"Sure. All this search for the cure is driving me crazy. Just hurry up and find it." She sighed.

Klaus smiled at her as he worked on getting the champagne bottle open. "I'm working on it." He promised.

"Would you ever take it?" She asked him curiously. To see Klaus human would certainly be interesting. She'd seen how humane he could be at times, when it wouldn't put him in any danger, but to really be human would be different.

He gave her a look. "Now, why would I want to cure myself of being the most powerful creature on the planet? Hm?"

Beth looked at him in disbelief. "So in your entire life, there isn't just one small moment that you wanted to be human again?" He couldn't have always wanted to be a vampire, especially in the beginning. It must've been hard for him to completely get used to being a vampire. Klaus popped the cork on the bottle, avoiding the question.

"What about Kol? Have you discussed the possibility of him taking the cure?" He asked as he handed her a glass of champagne. Beth hesitated. It had crossed her mind, but she never asked him. It wasn't that she didn't love Kol as he was, but they'd get to that point, soon, where something would have to change. He was a vampire, she was a witch. It was a question that both of them hadn't bothered to answer. She took a big sip of the bubbly liquid. "I'll take that as a no then. Don't get yourself worked up, sweetheart."

She smiled weakly and nodded. "You're right. I'm just happy this is all over. Thank you for escorting me." She thanked him.

"It was my pleasure, sweetheart." He smiled back as he tipped his glass to tip hers and she laughed and clinked their glasses.

After getting a break from her date with Klaus, she went in search of Kol, before going to see who won. She looked through the crowd, until she found a hand grab her own and pulled her away and to the side of the mansion. Kol smiled at her as he kissed her, just like she loved, passionately, full of love and energy. She smiled as he pulled away slightly. "I just wanted to do that and tell you have ravishing you look."

Beth laughed. "Thank you, you look handsome yourself." She complimented him, though he was the one who couldn't keep his eyes or hands off her. He held her close with his hands around her waist, against him as though afraid that she would run off.

He smiled hearing her laugh. "You did incredible out there, darling. You deserve to win." He wasn't happy to see that Klaus was her dance partner, but she did fantastic nonetheless, especially given the short notice that she had.

"Thank you. I was terrified that I was going to trip over these ridiculous heels that Caroline made me where." He chuckled and shook his head at her as she grabbed his hand in hers. "I'm glad you're here." She told him honestly. If he hadn't simply been there she would've freaked out. He kissed her hand.

"They're announcing the winners soon, love, but tomorrow I have a surprise for you." He told her. He smiled at her bewildered expression and kissed her again quickly before leaving. She sighed as she went back to find Klaus. It actually took her longer because so many people came up to compliment her. Luckily, Caroline had gotten to her when there was a break in between people and made her stand with the other contestants, where she was surprised to see that he was already waiting for her.

Mrs. Lockwood gave all the girls a smile as she walked across to the microphone. "And now the moment you've been waiting for. Caroline, would you do the honors?" She offered.

Caroline walked towards to the microphone, with Elena standing behind her, holding the tiara and sash. "This year's Miss Mystic Falls is...April Young." She announced. Everyone clapped in acknowledged and Beth smiled as April looked like she was going to be in tears as she stepped to accept her title. She noticed how quickly Elena left after Jeremy, as though she was worried.

Beth continued to smile, though her worry grew. As soon as the ceremony was over, she left the stage looking for Damon, but instead came face to face with Klaus. She laughed breathlessly. "You have to stop scaring me like that." She smiled, focusing on slowing down her heart.

He chuckled and offered her his arm, which she took. "I just wanted to tell you, you did do wonderfully. Had April not gotten the sympathy vote, you would've won." She rolled her eyes and nudged him, but smiled all the same. He stopped them in the middle of the lawn. "I never answered your question; if I ever thought about being human. Once, I was on a trek in the Andies, and a hummingbird flew up to me. It just hovered there, staring at me, its tiny heart was pattering like a machine gun." He gave her a small smile and continued. "And I thought, what a thing, you know, to have to work that hard every day just to stay alive. To be constantly on the verge of death and how satisfying every day must be that it survived. And that was the only time I thought about being human."

She smiled as he finished. She was surprised he actually answered her question, that he was actually opening up to her and being honest. He didn't do that with everyone. She knew that's why she cared for him, they had an understanding of each other. Without a word, he continued to guide them along the lawn. She smiled looking at him. Maybe it wasn't a bad idea after all.