A/N: I know it's been awhile since I updated that's why it's a much longer chapter than my previous updates.

Also I would like to thank all the readers and people who faved and followed you guys are amazing for supporting me in this endeavor, means a lot for a firs time writer.

Okay a special side note for my friend Jia please read and review her fic Illuminating Darkness s/11570056/1/Illuminating-Darkness it's an awesome read you won't be disappointed, A BIG HEARTY THANKYOU I need your support now more than ever , also You are a gem for making time to read my excerpts and giving me your awesome opinion THANK YOU AGAIN.

Thank you Nadiareads , srrithe, SABA, PRERANA ( I once watched an indian show with the lead actress with the same name) all of you means a lot.

TwightLightHybrid I've explained part of Klaus's story and Elijah's reasons but the story still has more.

Guest I know it's a dance battle I used dance duel for dramatic effect LOL but still your input is appreciated.

Last but not the least NOURIE you'll always be close to my heart and we will always be bestfriends love.

PLEASE BE GENEROUS AND REVIEW AND GIVE A SHOT TO MY FRIEND'S FIC.

CHAPTER 8

PARTNERS ASUNDER PARTNERS FOREVER

"Ladies and gentlemen who are gathered here for this auspicious moment in the entire history of the Academy we welcome you to witness... " Camille o connel was cut off by Bonnie Bennett while making this speech as if she was wining and dining at an art gala or one of those altruistic events for the elitist prigs of the society when in fact she was standing on the stage in the auditorium holding the microphone and announcing the Dance Duel between the one and only Rebekah Mikealson, Academy's very own "Bitch Most Wanted"and Hayley on one corner and Caroline Forbes and Katerina Petrova in the other, that everybody had been chirping about for the last two days.

"Hey give that to me? I'll take it from here. Thankyou. " Bonnie said confiscating the microphone from Camille and Camille got off the stage in a huff then Bonnie furthered, " So you all know why we are here as you all are swarmed here baa-ing and bleating like a flock of dumb sheep for the past twenty minutes. The only thing you need to understand is the rules to this dance combat. Both couples will dance to the same song at the same time and I can't believe this but you sheep are supposed to be the judge. So let the dance begin. " and the crowd roared at that.

Caroline was wearing a red knee length frock with full net sleeves her curly waist-length golden hair in a messy bun on top of her head with silver half inch heels and Katherine was wearing a black one with her curly tresses loose and black heels both were dressed to kill.

Katherine had been the one to cajole Caroline into titivating because according to Kat you always, always, always have to dress the part like really submerge yourself into the character, the character being the angels of Rebekah's social life's death, and also you won half the battle if you looked smashballs.

Rebekah was wearing a silver shimmery tube top that reached mid-thigh and Hayley was wearing an identical golden shimmery top. Both had their hair loose. Needless to say everybody was geared up for this dance-off.

Bonnie moved over to CD player and it began playing "Bang Bang" by Ariana Grande ft Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.

As the music started the four of them took over the stage and the crowd began applauding. Caroline and Katherine launched into a sequence of contemporary moves that were mirror image of each other. Rebekah and Hayley also executed a couple of dance moves from the aforementioned genre.

To the audience it wasn't inconspicuous that Rebekah and Hayley were currently ruling the dance-off with their artistic moves. Rebekah and Hayley's dance routine was a mélange of abstraction. They executed lunges and pirouettes with a grand jete as the music soared.

Within half a second of the song both Caroline and Katherine remodeled their moves and tactics as planned and as if galvanized they transitioned their contemporary moves into Belly dance but the real cherry on the cake was the way they were delivering it with both doing twin steps but in opposite direction with Caroline doing a right hip shimmy coupled with a classical hip lift and drop and Katherine doing a left. They proceeded on with their routine one dancing clockwise and the other anticlockwise executing inward and outward figure 8 with their frocks swirling around their knees.

The unprecedented refinement in Caroline and Katherine's routine blindsided the audience and they all started hurrahing and hallooing Caroline and Katherine.

Rebekah saw the audience's feverishness towards her rival's routine and executing an arabesque whispered to Hayley, "We need to improvise. "

"What? "Hayley replied mirroring the same step.

"Hayley we have to do the locking popping routine we practiced for the group session. "

"Okay." Hayley replied and in the spur of moment wittingly maneuvered her leg in yet another grand jete which effectuated in hitting Rebekah and she fell.

Every being in the Hall dummied up for a nanosecond and then a few people started boo-ing and cat-calling while others started heckling and laughing.

Bonnie scrambled up to switch off the CD player and Caroline and Katherine came to a grinding halt as they saw Rebekah fall.

Hayley and Camille double-timed and went over to help her up. Rebekah shook off Hayley's helping hand and gracefully got up.

Bonnie took the Mic and said,"Okay everybody we've all had our fun I guess it's time to leave."

No sooner had Bonnie uttered those words and people began to clear out of the Hall.

Witnessing people evacuating the Hall Rebekah came close to Caroline and Katherine and said, "Just because we both lucked out in our own way doesn't in any circumstance whatsoever validate that you are superior to me. You're nothing but a common whore cashing out on Elijah's money and Niklaus's time. "referring to contrary meanings of "lucked out" in England and America but the other way around.

"Don't bother Rebekah. Even if we had lost which I'm at the moment not so happy to point out we didn't I'd say you're already a loser. Because we both know Hayley sabotaged you on purpose and for me I'd lose a stupid dance-off any day than have "So called" besties like them. But you really did luck out you know as you have neither. " Caroline replied and Katherine gave out a cursory tut tut laughed and both left.

##################

" I can't believe her she had the gall to insult me. You'd think she'd at least feel a little trite after losing and to think for a moment there I felt sorry enough for her to help her. " Caroline spat feeling vociferous walking through the hallway with Katherine in the middle and both her and Bonnie on her either sides.

"Well I am for once really happy like if somebody won a jackpot in Vegas heck, I want to yell it from rooftops Rebekah Fiend Mikealson lost and we won. Omg I had the greatest idea am I Einstein or what I mean if Einstein was super sexy, had a great rack and a smoking bod not to mention my beautiful tresses and not his bird's nest which his hair was by the way I would be him right now. "

Katherine animatedly announced.

"Einstein also had a mustache too a rather shaggy one at that and now that I've seen you closely I think that's what you have in common. " Bonnie remarked.

"Bennett are you saying that I have upper lip hair? Because if you are in anyway insinuating that then I'll have you know you have nasal hair flying out of your noseholes in every direction I'm flabbergasted you haven't killed off people yet with all those steel rods jutting out of your nose. I never said anything before because I'm a nice person but if we're on the topic I thought I should be gracious enough to mention it." Katherine replied inspecting her nail paint.

Bonnie pinched Katherine on her arm and Kat cried out.

"Hey I'm fragile I bruise easily Wonder Woman."

"So what was your Einstein-ish idea? "Caroline laughingly asked.

"Yeah i was saying we should do that i.e. we should go to the Academy's Rooftop and holler "Rebekah poop Mikealson lost and we won." and we could end it with an evil laughter like Ho ho ho ho. " Katherine answered with an attempt at evil laughter.

Caroline replied, "That evil laughter sounded more like Santa laughing and no count me out of this shit circus. "

"What? Oh come on! Hey steel rod Bennett come on back me up here would you? It can be our very own Christmas or better yet Thanksgiving." Said Kat.

"First off you called me steel rod Bennett which is ten strikes against you , second Thanksgiving is two months away and third Katherine I know where all this is stemming from. It's shooting from your need to... " Bonnie said.

"Not another word Bennett if you value your life. Seriously Care I curse the day you invited her to our table and now I can't get rid of this dollar by the hour psych-analysis machine. " Katherine's voice dripping disrelish.

Bonnie pinched her again "Owwwwouch, What is with you and the pinching. I think it's one of your sexual fetishes ain't it? Pinching and getting some. Like pinch the pe. " before Katherine could complete the word which was used for a man's genitals Caroline interrupted her horrified,"Kat!"

"What? I'm not the one with weird sexual obsessions this one is. "Kat replied nudging Bonnie with her shoulder.

"Ughh You're so gross. If you logically think it where's the fun in that? " Bonnie replied.

"Oh my little pony you're so innocent. " Kat replied.

"If we ever need a crash course we'll definitely seek your services Miss Dominatrix. " Caroline added.

"Oooo I love it. Kat the Dominatrix. Hey can I add hell to it like Kat the Dominatrix from Hell." Katherine replied.

"Yeah and we will add a caption "Get whipped like they do it in Hell. "Caroline mocked.

"Haha that was lame. " Kat said.

As they continued bantering the hallway speakers announced "Miss Caroline Forbes and Miss Katerina Petrova please report to Mr Elijah Mikealsons office. "

"Why is Elijah calling you both in his office?" Bonnie asked.

"Who knows? Maybe Rebekah the sore loser Mikealson told on us. "Kat conjectured.

"Okay guys then I probably should go. I'm early for my ballet class I could use some practice. "

"Oh so you have ballet today that's the reason you've garbed yourself into that hideous tu-tu and leotard? " Kat asked.

"Yeah it would seem hideous to you but I'm not mad not everybody is secure in what they wear. " Bonnie replied.

"Bennett get out before I unleash my inner Dominatrix on you. "Kat said.

Bonnie then bid farewell to both. Caroline and Katherine still dressed up proceeded towards Elijah's office.

###################

"It has come to my attention that both of you were entangled in a rather execrable situation that comprised of what was the word the pupils were using.. ah yes a dance duel." Elijah said getting up from his swivel chair moved closer to where Caroline and Katherine were standing in his office.

"Also I would like to add these kind of unhealthy competitions tend to ruin the convivial environment we strive to achieve here at MBDA."

"Oh really? " Kat snorted and was about to continue when Caroline remarked, "Elijah I would have you know that your sister and her friend are the ones that challenged us. We are not the only ones at blame here. "

"I've already chastised her and Hayley. The only reason I've summoned you here is I want a vow from you not to participate in any such future activities or.. "

Kat didn't let him finish the sentence , moved into the breathing distance of Elijah and ran a fingernail on his sternum bone continuing it downwards towards his abdomen on his shirt simultaneously biting her lower lip on one side and making puppy dog eyes she whispered, "Or what? Are you gonna punish us Mr Mikealson? I hope you do it real hard. "

Kats ministrations were totally turning him on and if she didn't move away from him in a few minutes his pants would start tenting, granting the evidence of how turned on he was. Whenever he got too close to the brunette bombshell he somehow lost his ability to reason and think sonorously and voice his sane thoughts.

She had always been able to turn him into a love sick fool and she was doing it again, this fact turned his disposition splenetic and he then took a step back almost growling in response, "I think this concludes our business. You may take my leave. "

With a triumphant smile Katherine turned towards a horror struck Caroline and grabbed her arm to leave when Elijah again said, " And Miss Petrova for future reference I'll suggest you forego indulging in inappropriate behaviour regarding me. "

After listening to his parting comment both left his office and entered the hallways.

"What the hell was that? "Caroline asked.

"What are you talking about? "Katherine acted oblivious.

"That are you gonna punish us? I hope you do it real hard. "Caroline repeated Kats earlier words in a breathy voice mimicking her.

"I do not sound like that. Has anyone ever told you, you could totally earn money as a phone sex operator. You'll be gold. " Kat replied.

"I can tell pennies from dollars I'm not nitwit don't change the subject. "

"Okay. Congrats then we should totally get rid off Matt you can do our books at the boarding house. "

"Kat don't make me yank your hair. Explanation asap. "

"Fine, that was just me trying to shut him up and voila I was successful."

"Really there were other ways of shutting him up. "

"You betcha! Oh baby there are." Kat crooned with a wink and a noisy air kiss towards Caroline.

"I totally dug my own grave on that one. I knew you would twist it the other way considering your visceral tendencies towards perversion. "Caroline said face-palming herself.

"Well I'm a free spirit. And a falcon is my spirit animal considering I believe in soaring high, sexual freedom and spreading your wings. "Kat replied animatedly spreading both her arms like a flying falcon.

"More like spreading your legs and a Falcon? I'd say rabbits are your spirit animal considering you believe in and only think about screwing. "Caroline snarked.

"Well I'm offended Miss Forbes. I totally bailed us out on that one and I'm getting heat. Signs of Armageddon. "

"Oh stop it. But seriously you did this only because you wanted to "shut" him up and not because he sent me flowers this morning and asked me out on a date." Caroline asked referring to earlier that morning when a delivery guy had showed up at the boarding house's doorstep hands full of a rather grand arrangement of white roses.

"No, it's not about that. Trust me and I think you should totally say yes to him. He is a great guy. He acted all indifferent right now towards you in front of me but I know he's gonna call you in the evening to know if it's an affirmative. Plus I told you I'm really okay with you and him going out. I'm chill, cool and every other word for fine. " Kat replied trying to convince herself more than Caroline.

As if the conversation warranted it both became quite lost in their own thoughts with Kat still thinking about Elijah and Caroline ruminating about this morning.

When the delivery guy had said a delivery from a Mr Mikealson for Miss Forbes all the pupae in Caroline's sensitive stomach garden had immediately transformed into butterflies as she had thought they were from Klaus but rain on her parade of tummy butterflies was as she had brought the flowers inside the kitchen Kat had snatched the greeting card and stated in a very prim voice that they were from Elijah who had requested a dinner date.

Caroline had no clue why Elijah's interest in her rubbed her up the wrong way although the elder Mikealson was very well endowed in everything especially his VOCABULARY and if she ever had a need for a dictionary she was sure contacting Elijah would certainly be a saner option.

She was exuberant like she was doing her happy dance in her happy place when she misconstrued the flowers being from Klaus. Even thinking about him gave rise to series of hot flushes in some very questionable portions of her body. But the real questionable dilemma was why did she feel goeey when Klaus exhibited his interest in her and felt contrary when Elijah did so. Did she have feelings for Klaus? Of course she was attracted to that delicious piece of man-candy a girl would have to be brain dead not to hell even brain dead zombie girls would be smitten by those electric blue eyes, those drool inducing dimples and damn that smile which always made her hot and cold at the same time.

Lusting after someone was one thing but OMG feelings. So if she had some sort of incognito feelings for him she should never accept Elijah's offer of a date no matter how much Kat convinced her otherwise.

But these emotions were probably one sided or maybe he felt a connection too.

Elation coursed through Caroline's veins at the prospect of Klaus having feelings for her.

She needed to talk to him, needed to know if what she felt was reciprocated by Klaus before giving her final answer to Elijah.

She abruptly turned towards Kat and said, " I have to go."

Kat jolted out from her own daydreaming and asked, "Huh? What? Where?"

"I.. I...I think I have a class. " Caroline replied searching for a plausible reason.

"Okay I'll see you at Pearl's. "

"Yeah sure. " with this Caroline for all practical purposes ran towards Hall A where most of their groups classes were held.

She entered the Hall and saw the whole group was already present in the hall.

Rose said, "Hey Care I thought you didn't know about the emergency meeting of the group they called because you're the only one who didn't have other classes today. Right? Oh by the by your looking sharp."

"Umm thanks. Yeah. I didn't. Has anybody seen Klaus? "

"No. He's not here yet. I think. "Connor replied.

As they were still conversing Alaric and Joe entered the Hall.

Alaric accosting the whole group said, "Okay guys. We have some news. A few people are not happy with their partners or as you can politely put it do not think can progress together. So I'm gonna announce people's names whose partners are changed and we'll also put up a notice."

Shuffling a few papers in his hand Alaric said, "Okay Luka will now be partnered with Genevieve and Qetsiyah with Silas. Also Caroline will be partnered with Jesse and Niklaus with Aurora. Guys whose groups are changed we wish you best of luck and welcome to the new additions in this group." Then looking at his wrist watch he added, " Also those whose groups are changed will have a early morning class at 7 so you can be acquainted. "

Caroline was crushed when she heard that Klaus had not wanted to be her partner anymore. Guess her feelings weren't reciprocated. She felt a clench on her heart, an ache that made her want to weep violently as he didn't care, didn't want her anymore did not possess any sort of special feelings for her. She felt as if pain inflicted by a thousand needles and knives was ricocheting and echoing though her body and soul.

Maybe he gave his drawings to every girl he drew she was nothing special and singular to him. Feeling as if unshed tears were clogging her throat, her heart breaking in to a million pieces she dashed out of the Hall unnoticed and ran towards her locker. She took out her bag and went to the ladies room. Turning the tap on she washed the goop Kat had applied on her face also cleansing the tears from her eyes.

###################

(MEANWHILE)

Rebekah was sitting on a bench in the front lawn trying to call her vexatious brothers, the weather was pleasant in exact contrast to her current mood. She was, to say the least foaming at the mouth and the volatility of her mood had two very strong reasons. First the sket Hayley had played Judas and was in toto accountable for her obloquy.

Second she lost to those skanks and the blame for that also rested on Hayley and Cami's reptilian shoulders. They both had schemed against her and managed to mortify her in front of the entire Academy well Rebekah wasn't the one to forgive and forget. She believed in returning the favors and surely she was going to make their humdrum excuse of lives their worst nightmares.

She was devising schemes on how to ruin Hayley and Cami's lives when she saw her brothers entering through the main gate and ascending the steps towards the front lawn.

Rebekah dashed off towards her brothers' and agitatedly inquired, "Where the hell have you two been loitering about? I've been texting and phoning the pair of you. You've been absent since morning. "

"Ah good evening to you too Bekah. And don't you think if Elijah saw you in that excuse of a dress he would go berserk? " Kol replied and the three of them came to halt.

"I've already been received a rap over my knuckles by his highness I don't need you patronising me Kol. Nik where were you? "

Klaus gave a mock smile and answered, "I don't think I'm accountable to you for my actions and whereabouts little sister."

At Niklaus's evasion Rebekah glared at his brothers, a look which was familiar to both Kol and Klaus and that usually consequenced in her doing something mind-numbingly foolhardy just to gain her brothers' attention.

Hence to appease Rebekah Kol said,

"Let's just say somebody owed me something and Nik and I with our charm and thunderous personality were making sure they would return it. "

"So you were busy beating someone up? Why do you have to be so, Nik? Now Kol is a piss-head but you, you already know what will happen if either Elijah or Mikeal found out? Last time something like this happened they tried to send you to a rehab for anger management. How could you do this? Besides I needed you, this day has been a disaster. Hayley and Cami totally knifed me in the back and I lost my duel to... "

"Rebekah I don't have time for your female theatrics. I'm leaving. "Klaus replied interrupting Rebekah disquiet pronounced in his every movement.

Just as he was about to move past her sister he saw his blonde vision coming from the main corridors towards them. She was wearing a grey jersey over a blood red frock thingy with her flaxen tresses in a bun and a few wild tendrils unshackled from her hairdo making a halo around her arresting face giving her an ethereal and angelic look.

As if ensorcelled he was propelled towards her but she walked past, where he was standing with his siblings, without even sparing a glance at him. A knife sliced through his heart but still he halted her grasping her arm, "Caroline, wait. Is something amiss? " He asked searching her face and discovering that she had been crying if her red eyes were any indication.

He was filled with rage towards the person who had dared to bring tears in her eyes. He wanted to tear that person limb from limb who was responsible for her anguish. Then fully facing her cradled both her arms in his hands he shook her a little and asked, "Look at me. Caroline I inquired something of you. What's wrong? Tell me. "

As he shook her Caroline burst out of her melancholia and abruptly apoplectic that he was carrying out the sham that he didn't know what happened as if he hadn't been the one who requested that their partners be changed she replied jerking out of his hands and took a step back, "Seriously are you just gonna stand there and pretend you don't know what happened? "

"I'm telling you sweetheart I don't. " Klaus answered feeling rejected and hurt as she took a step back.

"Oh great. Wow so you're that guy? "Caroline sarcastically asked.

He perilously approached her, ire reverberating through his entire being at the harsh words she hurled at him. He again gripped her arms fully intending to forcefully shake out the answer he had been seeking for the past minute but he held her gently because the thought of ill-treating her didn't sit well with him and asked, "And what guy would that be? "

Caroline thought he might maltreat her seeing the forbidding and dark mood clouding his face but astonishingly he held her with such care and tenderness as if he was petrified he might crush a flower and now she was condoning his grouchy behaviour and his treachery God she really was a birdbrain of epic proportions when it came to him, this thought further chafed her and she almost yelled, "The guy who has the guts to lie to my face after literally backstabbing me. You know what if you didn't want.. " Caroline's breath hitched at the word want but she continued, " want me anymore as your partner you should have said so rather than going behind my back and play-acting as if you have no idea what I'm talking about. " once again uncaging herself from his arms.

"Caroline please I. "

She swiftly intervened, "Whatever Klaus I'm getting late I have to be somewhere. " and marched away leaving his heart in a tortured state of affairs. He could not ascertain what might he have done or what would've happened to wound her so much that she had been crying.

He turned towards Rebekah and Kol who were stilly watching the whole tableau.

After a beat Kol responded, " You know I know she is stunning but she looks even better walking away from you brother."

Klaus shot daggers at Kol and said, " Not a syllable out of you? "

Then turning towards her younger sister Klaus asked, "Rebekah do you have any inkling what she was talking about? "

Rebekah haughtily replied, " This is just bees knees big brother, here I am blubbering like a fool over my dilemma and all you care about is that blonde strumpet. "

"Don't test my patience which at the moment I might add is spindle thin. "Klaus growled at Rebekah.

"Agghh, I think it may be something akin to Elijah changing your and Caroline's dance partners but I can't quite fathom why she would be cheesed off at you though. "

Witnessing Klaus practically sprint off she shouted after him, " Where are you off to now Nik? "

Klaus did not respond to Rebekah's caterwaul and raced towards Elijah's office.

#######################

Klaus smashed open the door to Elijah's office untethering some of his baleful and bitter mood at the door. Seeing Klaus enter his office with an antagonistic and venomous expression on his face Elijah leisurely rose out of his chair and asked, "Niklaus to what do I owe this unbidden pleasure to? "

"The ever supercilious Elijah Mikealson I was not aware that you lost your ingenue and that you actually would have to ask why I had to inconvenience myself coming here. "

"Cut to the Chase Niklaus."

"Fine, May I ask who gave you the right to change my dance partner considering Sheila Bennett is the one who makes all the creative desicions? "

"You know very well mother entrusted me with this academy her legacy and being a shareholder and the administrator I can fully make a few adjustments if I reckon them to be instrumental in the Academy's betterment. "

Klaus gave out a hearty laugh and clenched his teeth before answering, " We both know to whom mother entrusted her legacy to and if it weren't for you and Mikeal I would never have to endure your buffoonery. "

"Whatever I did I did not do it to betray you Klaus we both know you aren't ready to take upon this monumental responsibility. "

"So you handed over mother's actual will to Mikeal for my benefit? This might make you sleep easier at night Elijah but don't be too sure. Besides it's only a matter of time before I get my hands on that piece of paper and then I wouldn't be ruled by Mikeal and his atrocities. "

"Niklaus.. "

"Save it Elijah just be grateful for the fact that Rebekah and Kol know nothing of your deception. " with that Klaus left the way he came in smashing Elijah's office door with a force that might have hooked it off of its hinges.

Life had always dealt Klaus a hard hand from growing up in foster homes till he was 11 then escaping that gimcrack fate and living on streets until he was fifteen when Mikeal and Esther had found him and he had to live by Mikeal's rules. Mikeal was only honoring his dying wife's wishes as he hated him (Klaus) with a ferocity that was unknown to human beings.

However Klaus did have respite from all the despair and bitterness the first year he came to live with them the same year Esther was drastically ill and succumbed to the cancer that was eating away at her bones. That year he had a semblance of a family a transitory period of happiness and true joy and even if it was short-lived and many years ago

Klaus still cherished those moments.

But everything had went to hell after Esther's death. Mikeal had shown his true colours.

He had ridiculed him, derided him, mocked him every chance he got. He constantly made Klaus feel that he would amount to nothing and that he was nothing but a spawn of evil just like his real father who was a wasted addict and a shame to the society. And when Mikeal thought that his caustic and merciless words weren't landing on Klaus's thick hide he would throw in a few punches to make a point.

Elijah may not have been privy to the extent of abuse he had tholed at Mikeal's hands but Elijah knew that Mikeal abhored Klaus and Klaus's only ticket out of Mikeal's clutches was his mother's will which would have been effective when Klaus turned nineteen but Elijah had handed over the will to Mikeal which Esther had hidden from her husband in the care of her trusted lawyer. The lawyer who had in return made a grave mistake in putting his faith in one very oppurtunistic Elijah Mikealson.

Thankfully by the time he had turned nineteen he had squirreled enough money to afford his own place even if that apartment was just a hole in the wall. And now six months back they had permanently moved to USA as opposed to the annual visits his family made to the country to be appraised of the Academy's accounts.

Since moving to USA Klaus had been able to book local gigs and choreography classes which to his astonishment paid well. He now had an adequately ornate place to live in but the real appeal was he did not have to breathe under the same roof as Mikeal.

Elijah would forever be nescient to what his so-called well wishing had done to Klaus's peace of mind and now Elijah was repeating his past grievous mistakes where Caroline was concerned.

Klaus knew that he had no rights whatsoever when it came to her but for the life of him he could not quite decipher why she meant so much to him for him to be this flurried. He was still disconcerted that somehow he had been the one to bring tears in those pure and beguiling eyes but was more perturbed by the fact that he was still unenlightened to what exactly had he done to sadden her so much.

He was still plagued by these thoughts moving through the peripheral hallways when he happened upon the Petrova girl, he called her, " Katerina. "

Katherine was super duper tuckered out, that ballet class was taking quite a toll out of her shapely calves all she was thinking at the moment was she would go home and indulge in a bubbly bath with all the girly niceties of a bath. In fact she would even take out her duck " Miss Piggy" for this auspiciously amazing bath she was picturing in her mind but what she hadn't pictured was for a certain Mikealson to call her. Hence she stopped and turned around to see the said Mikealson approaching her with a grace that was unique to a leopard.

She shifted the bag she had been carrying in her hand to her shoulder , "Well if it isn't the devils apprentice. To what do I owe this pleasure to? " saying the same words Elijah had said to him a few minutes ago.

"Pardon me for being forward or better yet don't but this pleasure has absolutely nothing to do with your insignificant self. " Klaus replied with a bitter smile and hurried on to say,

"I hear that you are Caroline's what do you people say ah yes Bff and I was wondering if you would make your worthless self useful for once and gather what has made her unsettled to such an extent that she isn't talking to me."

"What a way to ask for a favor Klaus? And perhaps Caroline isn't giving you the time of the day anymore because maybe she has seen the error of her ways. I wouldn't be worried if she finally got some sense knocked into her. "

With that she turned to leave but Klaus stopped her with a restraining hand and a plea in his eyes which was so genuine and foreign at the same time that it really astounded Katherine and she mellowed a bit when he continued, " Katerina please consider this if not for me than for Caroline something has devastated her to point that she.. " Klaus swallowed a lump and furthered, " she had been crying. Please at least to make certain that she's okay. "

Katherine had no idea how to respond to his concern and care for Caroline, it shellshocked her so she just nodded and left.

################

When Kat entered Caroline's room she was not prepared to see her in a towel with her wet tresses lose, rummaging through her closet for clothes.

She knocked on her door, that was half ajar, which had Caroline twisting her head to see Katherine standing at the threshold.

"Hey so your class ended? " Caroline asked.

"Yeah, are you going somewhere? "Kat replied entering the room.

"Yes, on a date actually. So which one looks more complimenting? " Caroline asked holding a white knee length frock and a yellow jumpsuit.

"A date? "

"Yeah I called Elijah he's picking me up in an hour. So which one? "

"Wait a minute. You're telling me that you're going on a date with a guy who uses what were the words he said and you said you would never date such a guy. "

"I thought you wanted me too. I can't believe this Kat earlier you were practically ready to ship me off on a date with Elijah and now that I've taken an initiative your being petty. "

"Oh yes the words were "chucklesome" and "youngling". And I'm not being petty, what I want to say is you were hellbent on avoiding any sort of contact with Elijah until you absolutely had to and all of sudden you're confused between a jumpsuit and a frock to wear on a date with Eli -jah. " Kat said putting emphasis on Elijah's name and then continued in a softer tone,

" Care did something happen? You know I'm here for you right. "

"Why do you assume that something has to happen for me to go on a date with a good-looking well-mannered guy? Do you think that a guy wouldn't be interested in me or I have to have an agenda to say yes to him. " Caroline spat out and taking the white frock went to change in the bathroom.

"Care wait. I didn't mean it like that. " Kat spoke to the closed bathroom door.

Katherine began feeling lousy instead of helping her friend she had managed to upset her even more, wonders of Katerina Petrova, try to do something decent and you end up in a pile of horse shit, she mentally cursed herself. Waiting a beat she knocked on the door and said, " Care I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that."

After a minute Caroline walked out of the bathroom dressed in the virginally beautiful white frock with thin straps on her shoulders and an intricate pattern of flowers and leaves embroidered on the bodice with the hem of the frock swirling just at the level of her knees.

Caroline smiled and replied, " It's okay. Help me with my hairstyle? " and made a pout and moved over to another closet, fished out a pair of silver heels and wore them.

"Sure. But what I meant was that I saw Umm... funny story actually I ran into Klaus. " Kat said not sure how to broach the topic without further saddening her friend.

At the mention of Klaus Caroline turned away from the closet carefully, shut its door sighed and faced Katherine, " And? "

"Um and he mentioned that you were devastated to the point that you had been balling your eyes out not the words he used but he told me you had been crying. "

" I would never ball my eyes out especially not over some lying back stabbing guy with his freaking stupid dimples and his fake British accent and his crooked smile and his pathetic drawings and his stupid girly necklaces and his tattered old Henleys and his false romantic gestures. Ughh talk about an egotistical maniac he thinks that I would cry over him. I would never... "

Caroline couldn't continue, her fit of rage ending on a pain of betrayal and she instantly turned towards her vanity and hurriedly started running a brush through her hair praying her tears wouldn't show.

"So it's something Klaus did and now you've decided you wanna go on a date with Elijah?"

Still facing the mirror Caroline replied, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Face it care you have been literally as opposed to the idea of going on a date with Elijah as I would be opposed to breathing the same air as his she demon sister Rebekah and now I don't what Klaus did but after this you're all primped up for a date. "

"And you think what I'm doing is wrong? You don't think that I deserve to be happy for once with a guy without any mind games. Look I've only ever dated a small town boy back at riders peak and I may not know how things are done in cities but what I do know is I'm free to make my own choices even if you.. think they are wrong." Caroline replied facing Kat.

Then turning back started styling her using pins she said, "Now if you'll excuse me i have to get ready. "

"Care... "

"Kat please I'm getting late. " Caroline said went to the bathroom and turned on the blow-dryer.

With a sigh Katherine left Caroline's room.

####################

"Well this was quite adequate. We should do this sometime again. "

Elijah said walking Caroline do the door of the Salvatores boarding house.

Caroline almost hollered, " NOOOO! "

"I beg your pardon. "

"I mean I'm sorry Elijah but I don't think we should. Come on you don't think we had fun do you? I know you were as bored as someone would be at an art film premeire by this whole fiasco . I saw you kept checking time. " Caroline said with a knowing smile.

"But art films are captivating and not at all boring miss Forbes. " Elijah replied with a facial expression which if you were really generous you would say was a smile.

"Good one. But what I'm trying to say is I don't want to lead you on especially when I feel nothing. And you may hate me or think that I'm a crazy ass bitch but this date was nothing more than an experiment on my part as I was trying to persuade myself into thinking I didn't have any feelings for a certain somebody else. But as it turns out the experiment blew up in my face because this only made me realize how utterly and moronically wrong that was. And I'm sorry. "

"I fully am aware it's none of my business but this special someone wouldn't happen to be someone I knew? "

"Um.. "

"Right. Like I said none of my beeswax. Kids these days use utterly bizarre words to voice their opinions. " Elijah replied referring to his usage of slang.

"Well i must take your leave then. Take care. " with that Elijah walked towards his Jag parked a few steps away.

He opened his car door when Caroline called out, " Elijah."

He turned to glance at her and she said, "Thank you so much. "

"You're welcome Miss Forbes."

###################

Caroline entered her room with a heavy heart and placed her clutch on her vanity. She knew it was 11 pm and wondered if Kat was awake or asleep.

She was still feeling miserable about the way she had treated Kat and this whole date farce with Elijah.

Turning on her heel she knocked on Kats door and said,"Kat? It's me Caroline open up please. " Then Caroline twisted the doorknob which wasn't locked and entered her room. She called out for Katherine once again, "Kat! "

"I'm in the bath. There's a key in my vanity's drawer. "

Caroline took the key and opened the door to Kat's bathroom who was lounging in the bathtub covered in foam and lather, her raven hair pinned at the top of her head, with a flute of champagne resting on the tubs lip and peculiarly a toy duck floating around in the foam. Whatever Caroline had prepared herself to see she hadn't been ready to see a toy duck in Kats bathtub.

"Well I really, really, really need to talk to you. "

"I know that's why I allowed you in my sacred territory. "

Caroline picked up the flute setting it on the wash basin sat down in its place.

"So you were right." Caroline remarked.

"Duh I always am I told you Donald trump would try to run for president. "

"Kat you know what I'm talking about." After pausing for a few seconds Caroline resumed, "I mean i went on a date with Elijah only because it was something Klaus did and I just wanted to prove to myself that I didn't care about him."

"Wow so used Elijah for that? "

"Before you start judging me and go all commando Kat on me I confessed everything and even apologized to him minus me mentioning Klaus. I just wanted to prove that I had no feelings whatsoever for Klaus but as it turns out it totally backfired and the boring one hour I spent with Elijah made me realize that ughhhhh I still had these stupid feelings for him."

"So you have feelings feelings or like feeeeelings feelings? " Kat asked emphasizing on the third feelings.

"What's the difference between feelings and feeeeelings?"

"Feelings are like I wanna marry him, have his babies and own an SUV and an apartment with him and feeeelings are basically your vaginal emotions. "

"Seriously vaginal emotions? " Caroline asked and chuckled.

"Hey don't laugh your way out of this one. Tell."

"You do realize that if somebody has feelings for somebody then they also feeeelings for them."

"Caroline! " Kat warned.

" I don't know I just.. I guess.. ughh.. I feel something for him and it's more than the affection you have towards a friend." Caroline said with a long suffering sigh and added, "And I definitely have feeeelings for him. "

"Dont blame you who wouldn't? "Kat replied referring to Caroline being attracted to Klaus.

"So if it isn't too much can I ask what he did? "

"He requested that our partners be changed. I mean i know it sounds lame but he went behind my back and asked one of the instructors to do so and Alaric said they were only changing our partners because one of the pair was not happy and he or she thought that their partner was impeding their progress. And by this I went from rising and shiny new talent to a shitty little new comer as the Academy's most popular dancer didn't want me as his partner anymore which is not even the last thing I care about but I got that news the exact moment I realized I have all these feelings for him. And Ughhh I'm probably not making any sense right I just. " Caroline said and rubbed her hands on her face and then rested them on her knees.

Kat shifted in the tub to grab Caroline's hand and said , "I understand. And who the hell is saying you are a shitty little new comer?"

" No one especially. Just your usual haters. You know what's worst when I later happened to confront him he pulled the innocent act on me."

"What a boorish clod! And come to think of it he had the gall to pretend he cared about you feeling unsettled . "

"What? "

"Yeah earlier at the Academy he cornered me and asked me to make certain if you were okay."

Caroline didn't know how to respond to Klaus worrying about her but if was really worried then he shouldn't have insulted her like that. It may or may not be extremely shaming, to know that he felt that she wasn't a good enough dancer to be partnered with him maybe it was only part of the reason the other more cardinal part was that she wanted to be someone special and vital to him and Klaus rejecting to continue being her partner was proof against it, but it was still valid.

So she responded by something totally off topic, "So what's the secret of the duck?"

Katherine held her duck and replied, " Hey have some respect for Miss Piggy she's not just a duck. "

Caroline burst out laughing and grabbed the edge of the tub to prevent herself from falling. "Kat you do know that you've named A duck "Miss Piggy" right? " asked still laughing.

"Hey don't judge I'm a fan of Seseme street. "

"Okay quirky I won't. So we cool because was a bit rude to you earlier. "

"Cool as cucumber. Want some champagne? "

"No thanks I already had my share of alcohol today. So what's the occasion for the extra special bath and champagne? "

"No occasion just pampering my calves. "Kat replied bringing out one shapely leg out of foam water.

"Eww cover up. I can see more than your leg." Caroline said covering her eyes.

"Youre such a handmaiden. Take those ugly hands off of your eyes I'm covered. " Kat replied.

"I wish I'd had the sense to pamper my calves and not go on a tranquilizer date with Elijah."

"Hey he's not that boring. "

"Not that boring. First the duck and now Elijah's not boring you didn't put any weed with your bath oils and salts did you? "

"Aww your sarcasms finally improving. Look at the baby penguin finally flying. " Kat replied making a pout.

"Baby penguins don't fly in fact penguins don't fly. " Caroline said and picked up the duck from the bath.

"Exactly. And gently put Miss piggy down and hands behind your head. "

"Ooooo the bad cop from KIA scared me. Off the record though still hung up on Elijah? "

"No no nada nah uh, I'm just... I was just saying as somebody who has the experience to date him. He's really classy. "

"Awww your crush's showing. "

"Crush? O baby you've yet to see Katerina Petrova crushing."

"Well i for one am tired I'll go. " Caroline got up with the duck still in her hand and moved to the bathroom door turned and said, " Oh and Kat you totally want to have his babies."

"And you totally wanna dry hump Klaus and wet hump and every other type of hump. Hope you have DREAMS about him. " Kat said wiggling her eyebrows.

Caroline threw the duck at Kat which hit her golden shoulder with a thump and said,

"Rot in hell Kat. "

"Hey respect Miss Piggy. "

Both laughed and Caroline with last look at Kat uttered a soft Thank you for your friendship.

Kat blew Caroline a kiss and then Caroline left.

Caroline rushed towards Hall A because she was late. Not that she was uber excited or anything to attend the class, in fact she was weary at the prospect of having to attend the class as Klaus wasn't going to be there, Omg Caroline you really need to get over him, she scolded herself.

But she was still rushing to go to the class because she wasn't going to take this opportunity for granted.

With these thought's circling in her mind Caroline was crossing the main lawn when she saw a handsome guy with Brown hair and chocolate eyes get up from under a tree.

He had a few books spread around him. Perhaps he was in a hurry too because he dropped a book without realizing and didn't pick it up.

Since it was early morning and the lawns were empty she figured if she didn't alert him he might lose his book or someone might steal it once the students started arriving after 8 am.

It was just the two of them in the front garden, she called out in hopes that he might hear and pick his book but she was much too far away for her well meant shout reach him. Caroline then saw him sling his bag over his shoulder, such that the strap ran obliquely across his chest and abdomen, and leave in a rush.

She made a beeline towards the area where his notebook was lying, picked up his book and tucked it in her own bag.

#######################

(Two hours later)

"Caroline what are you doing? Did I say you could wing it ? Is this your children's board set where you can scribble whatever you want? Do you think I'm here to humor you? Who else think's I'm just goofing around right now? Let me make this 1000 and 100 percent clear this is choreography class where you follow what I do. I jump you jump, I do a chicken dance you copy that I start pooping you start pooping. Any problem with what I just said? No? Fucking fetch. Everybody take 15 minutes and you broken blonde you come here. "

Meredith called out with a come here signal of with her left hand pointing at Caroline as she ended her rant slash allegedly inspiring speech.

Caroline was already feeling like crap and now Meredith's speech further discombobulated her, but she approached Meredith confidently who at the moment was reclining against the desk placed at the front nook of the Hall.

"What exactly is up your ass today? I'm being candid here so answer me candidly too. " Meredith said once Caroline stood a few feet away from her.

"Um I'm sorry Miss Fell.. "

"Uhh uhh tut did I ask you to apologize? Did I?" Meredith intervened.

"No but.."

"But what?"

"I don't know what is up my ass today Meredith. Because if I did I'd already be fixing it rather than being on the other end of this verbal lashing. "

Meredith replied with a hmm cupping her chin with her index finger and thumb and continued standing straight, " Why don't you use this fire in your dance? Where is the Caroline who is the other half of Klaroline? "

"Excuse me? " Caroline asked dumbstruck.

"Yes you heard me right. Rest of the kids call you and Klaus that. Intriguing name don't you think? But I want to see if your more than that or not or are you just a simpering female the classic damsel in distress who needs a guy to rescue her? " Meredith asked and crossed her arms.

"It's not about me being rescued okay. And in case you're forgetting it was instructors' idea to partner everybody. I hardly got a chance to accustom myself with Klaus when the teachers decided to change the partners again albeit it being his request and now Jesse maybe a great dancer but I'm not comfortable with him yet. " Caroline answered feeling irate.

"We are not here to see if you feel as comfortable as when you get mud applied over yourself in some fancy spa. This is the most Prestigious Academy of the country and you want to get comfortable? You don't get comfortable. Get out of my class and come back tomorrow when you've removed what's up your ass and you don't want to get comfortable anymore. " Meredith almost shreiked the last part.

Rest of the students began staring at them when she hollered again, " Did I ask you fools to stare at us this is a private conversation. And you Jesse you get the hell out my class too. "

Everybody knew that Meredith Fell had more than a few screws twisted in her brain factory but still it was practically ignominious to be yelled at in front of the whole class.

Both Caroline and Jessie began moving towards the Hall door.

Caroline was feeling guilty for the whole episode so she whispered an apology to Jesse who in turned out to be a complete dick and replied, "This is on you blonde. If I fail my ass I'm gonna sue you. "

They had reached the Hall entrance when Jesse was spouting off his foul temper at her. The door of the Hall usually was kept open so both Jesse and Caroline came face to face with Klaus and Klaus stood immediately in front of Caroline giving Jesse room to wiggle past him.

He had heard the last part of Meredith's rant and also Jessie's nonsense and was currently vacillating between killing Meredith or Jesse.

He tried looking in her eyes to gauge what she was feeling when she murmured an excuse me and bypassed him.

Meredith called out, " Well if isn't the Klaus Mikealson in flesh. You're late for class."

"I'd say it was totally intentional on my part Meredith, as I treasure my sanity and wouldn't wish to take lessons from the warden of "Home for psychos and off the wagons. " Klaus replied and left in the wake of smothered laughs and hoots and Meredith screaming that it wasn't funny.

#######################

This was not her day. Why oh why did he have to be there when suddenly she a had spiraled down into the abyss of ignominy valley. It was like she had become magnet central for all of universe's denigration battalion.

And now Klaus knew too that she was tanking hard in dance class with somebody else as her partner. Caroline was sitting at the steps of the rear entrance of the Academy and was gazing upon the lush green sollus lawns.

She heard someone come up behind her and tilted her head slightly to see it was Klaus and turned her head forward to study the garden once again.

Klaus soundlessly approached her and sat at an adequate distance beside her.

"Caroline I'm. "

"Before you say anything I want to say sorry. "

"About what? "

"Shh don't intervene. Please.I apologize for my surly attitude and behavior towards you yesterday. You helped me with my audition without me asking for it and then as my partner although that didn't last beyond a few days but still thank you. I totally understand you have every right to change your partner if you want I suck as it is. But I'm not going to excuse your backstabbing slash tattle-taling. You could've have told me before you went to the instructors Klaus I thought we were candid enough for you to speak your mind. And now my rants officially over you may speak. "

He was staggered by her ability to forgive and was even condoning his behavior for his betrayal although it wasn't him who had backstabbed slash tattle taled her but if he had thought that someone had blown the whistle on him he would never in a million years forgive them.

He just wished he could tell her that he would give his world for just a second of her time with him. But he didn't want to scare her away with grand avowals of love. Love did he love her ? Dogs bollocks he was in love with her and she was sitting right there looking at him and expecting an answer from him.

He got up descended three steps and started pacing. Then stopped and came back to where he was sitting and said, " I don't know if you believe me right now but please Caroline trust this when I say I'm not the one who requested that. I apologize if you've been distressed by my actions however unintentional they were. "

"But Alaric.. "

"Lied I assume. Why would I want to let go of a partner who is full of light is beautiful and strong. And now you're gazing at me like I've grown horns on my head. "

"Klaus I.. "

"Ssh don't intervene. Please. " repeating her earlier request he got up and sat in front of her on the step below. He gingerly extended his hand and grasped her hands in his own.

Caroline was dumbfounded by his gentleness and his tenderness. And having her hands in his strong calloused ones brought her an onslaught of emotions that weren't foreign to her anymore.

Whenever he was in close proximity she felt she would explode with myriad of joy, bliss but more importantly a passion so fierce that was scaring her now more than ever when he was holding her hands like he was scared he might hurt her. She didn't want to lose him and couldn't even comprehend the state she would be in if he wasn't here with her anymore.

"Caroline love I would never lie to you. I wasn't the one who put this absurd demand forward. " Klaus had an earnest and a taut expression on his face as if he was on trial and waiting for her to give a verdict.

Unconsciously she entwined her fingers with his and smiled, " Okay I trust you but then who would do such a stupid thing? Ughh I guess I should just let go of it sock this shit up and I think Meredith is right I'm bad at this. "

Klaus got up feeling incensed and Caroline slowly got up. Normally standing together he was taller but as he was standing on the step below they were at the same level like if Caroline would lean forward an inch her lips would touch his.

All this crap was going on and she was thinking with her vaginal emotions, she'll kill Kat for putting assed up words in her brain Caroline made a mental note.

Klaus then paced the step and came to stand in front of her, " Why would you do that? "

"Do what? " Caroline asked instantly concerned if he figured her trail of thoughts about kissing those yumball lips.

"Question yourself. Be dubious about your talent. You're more artful and endowed than half of the wankers that have been a part of this Academy for a considerable amount of time. Caroline you inspire me, enkindle my passion for dance. Everyday I'm electrified by the sheer pleasure of watching you dance and you postulate that you suck. "

Although vocalized with a note of dander and irascibility his words were music to her ears and she gave out a laugh.

Klaus was bugged that she wasn't paying any heed to his word and in fact was chortling at his heartfelt declaration though her laugh was infectious but still he was cooing like a roadside Romeo and she found it humorous.

"You're adorable when you act all knight in a white Henley. "

Caroline's words brought him out of his huffy mood and he laughed too.

"So I inspire you? Huh. " Caroline asked making a cute pout and doing that twitchy nose thing that he would die for any day.

"Yeah you inspire, aspire, perspire. " taking a paper out of his back pocket of his jeans he attempted to continue to read but she reached for the paper but he held it above her level.

Both still feeling joyous and playful with Caroline asking, " How did you get ahold of my application to join the Academy? Although I was offered a place but I still had to audition and give an application. "

" Let's just maintain I have my sources. And I brought it in case you wouldn't forgive me and I needed to blackmail you. " Klaus replied with a mischievous twinkle in his dreamy blue eyes.

"Please give that to me if Kat doesn't know about this if she found out about it she'll tease me to no end. "

Klaus said, "Okay." bringing the paper in her reach when she moved forward to grasp it he pulled his hand back and said, " But on one condition. "

Caroline crossed her arms, " What condition? "

Klaus closed the remaining distance between them and with a sincere and genuine adoration declared, " If anyone or anything distresses you, you won't bottle it up and most importantly you mustn't lose conviction how truly magnificent you are. "

Then handed her the piece of paper which she pocketed in her chocolate brown jeans that she had contrasted with an orange top and black sneaks and continued,

"Okay thanks for the wordy pep talk and I'm glad we're cool. I hated being at odds with you. "

"Friends then? " Klaus asked extending his hand for a handshake.

Caroline knew why she felt downhearted and glum at his suggestion to be friends. She did not want to be just a friend she wanted so much more.

Hence she asked, " You wanna be friends? "

"Its good start. " Klaus replied.

Just as she placed her delicate hand in his strong one both were soaked with water. Klaus and Caroline both looked up, which was the direction the water was coming from, to discover that the janitor was washing the Academy's rooftop.

They moved away to prevent from water further wetting them.

Caroline sighed, " Okay I'm seriously gonna consult some psychic about this. What is with us? Do we have a label or something saying "We're thirsty. "

Klaus gave out a masculine hearty laugh at that and remarked, " Sweetheart i don't think it's a label. I think it's our thing. "

Caroline felt exhilarated when he said our thing God she was going cuckoo over the guy who just wanted to be friends but friends didn't have a thing or did they? But she didn't want to read too much into it because he just wanted to be freaking effing friends.

"Klaus? Can i ask you for a favor? And please don't think I'm trying to take advantage of your generosity. In fact I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate. I really need your help.."

"Caroline as much as I love your ramblings and can listen to your beautiful voice for an eternity you don't have to persuade me. I'll do anything for you. " Klaus cut Caroline's oration with his own declaration his eyes bearing the selfsame expression from a while ago when he apologized.

Feeling yet again a rollercoaster of emotions at Klaus's passionate declaration and unsure how to respond she

said "Wow. Thanks. I need to tell you something first. Promise me you won't judge or laugh. "

"You have my word. "

"I'm not at ease with dancing with male partners. I just have this anxiety where if a guy touches me I feel as if I've been burned or something. " Caroline paused looking at Klaus trying to assess his expression , at the moment he could see nothing but he nodded in understanding silently encouraging her to continue, " I used to have a full blown panic attack when a guy you know got too close for my comfort or used to touch me but I don't anymore I mean I'm better. But still I can't comfortably dance with a guy. You are the only one I feel... safe with Klaus. And if isn't too much to ask can you continue to help me with routines and other Academy stuff. And I haven't told this to any guy before you. " Caroline said with a mousy expression and somewhat timorous voice.

Klaus was not sure why she felt what she felt but he was sure he would go to the ends of the Earth for her happiness. He wanted to ask and if her reservations were because of some past foul experience he wanted to wash her pain away with his love.

He would kill whoever was responsible for her torment, he would make them suffer a fate worse than death. She was trusting him with something she had never trusted any man before him that's why he needed to be gentle with her. He knew a wrong answer on his part might hurt her beyond repair.

So Klaus smiled and said, " I'd do anything for you I believe I said that earlier. And I'm humbled that you would trust me enough to share this intimate detail about yourself. I would never judge you love. "

Klaus's simple words and acceptance was what she had needed and perhaps wanted. He didn't question her didn't display any emotion which might have given a hint that he thought she was a psycho. He just accepted her half truth.

She returned his smile saying, " Thank you it means a lot. You didn't ask any questions about this weird thing about me. "

"No. "

"Why? "

"I'll wait for you to tell the whole tale yourself when you're ready. "

His answer endeared him so much to her at the moment she couldn't help but leap into his arms and hug him. She encircled her arms around his neck and felt a tide of peace crashing her core and spreading through her entire being.

Klaus was stunned with the turn of events one moment she was professing she didn't like to be touched and next she was hugging him. He didn't know any other response than to crush her in his arms. He was cradling her like his life depended on it.

Having Caroline in his arms was his personal high. During dance it was a his personal heaven and without it now it bordered on ecstasy a zenith of utter harmony. He tightened his hold on her thinking he would take any crumbs she threw at him. Her hair smelled like wet sunshine and honey, still hugging her leisurely ran one hand in her hair cascading down her back and then fisted them in the same hand. He couldn't bridle the urge to take more.

Caroline felt his hand on every nerve fibre of her back and leaned her body further into his. It made her tingle,it was tantalizing but she didn't want him to let go. She wished she could stay like this with him running his beautiful hands through his hair and over her back. Well she wanted more but dammit they were "friends", he was probably trying to allay her turbulence and she being the mass of hormones she was whenever near him was getting turned on. She was taking liberty of his sweetness. Hence she pulled herself out of his arms with reluctance and somewhat awkwardness.

And with a big mock smile said, " So we're on right? "

"I beg your pardon. "

Klaus replied feeling at a loss both metaphorically and literally. He was all of a sudden feeling an intense emptiness he didn't know existed inside him.

"I mean you'll still help me with the dance, right? "

"Of course. Need I remind I've declared it twice before that I'll do anything and now even you can't deter me from being your partner. "

"Is that a challenge? " Caroline remarked blinking her eyes.

"Maybe. But I know your pretty much useless without me so I'll take mercy on you. " Klaus replied the devilish twinkle returning in his eyes.

Caroline pretended to be shocked by hanging her mouth open, smacked him on his arm and laughed and Klaus joined in.

######################

It was 7 in the evening when Caroline got back to the boarding house. She hadn't seen Kat because she didn't have any classes. She was tired to the bone so she swiftly went to change out of her tu-tu and leotards. Ballet was the toughest class it was left her weary.

While changing into a top and a pair of PJs she started pondering over the days events. The highlight of the day was she was in L with Klaus. Oh god she was totally in L word with Klaus somewhere during the day she had figured her incognito feelings for him but since he wanted to be just friends she was gonna say it was a case of L word and she wasn't going to use the whole word until they were just friends. By lord she hated the entire population of friends right now, what were friends for any way. Okay okay friends were basically the best species of humans on Earth but certain people should never be just your friends and for her Klaus Mikealson would always be on top of the list. Those people should be your boyfriends or lovers or friends with benefits but never just friends .

Still she was ecstatic she was in love and Caroline had decided like her dream of dance she'll make L happen for her. She'll just have to convince him that he couldn't exist without a Caroline Forbes in the picture of his life. With this renewed take at life she moved towards her bed thinking what a crap the day had started out to be. Shit in all her obsession about being future Mrs Mikealson she had totally forgotten about that guy's notebook. She moved over to her vanity's chair where her bag was hanging at the chair's back. She took out his notebook to see whom it belonged to. She opened the cover and noticed an Enzo scribbled in cursive writing at the top of the first page.

Caroline was reigning her curiosity to open the first page when Kat said an excited Hello from behind her. Caroline immediately snapped shut the notebook, turned and unsuccessfully attempted to hide the notebook from Katherine.

" Hey Care, Whaaat is thaaat? Are you reading Erotic novels or is it one of those books with nudes? "

"For once Kat can you get your head out of the gutter? Besides it's not mine. I found it in the front gardens this morning and tomorrow I'm gonna return it to him."

"If it's not something filthy why were you trying to conceal it? And who ever it belongs to we have a right to see what's in it. Because finder's keepers." Kat said reaching for the book Caroline was still holding behind her back.

'We did not find it? I found it. And we're doing no such thing. I'm returning it tomorrow."

" You're such a nun. Okay I'm leaving then. " Katherine announced causing Caroline to drop her guard and Kat to hastily snatch the book and jump up on her bed . Caroline ran after her but Kat had already started reading a passage out of his book.

"Every beat of my heart yearns for your sight

In this stray darkness I live and live alone

Dwells in me my hope of unearthing your light

Your light your fragrance your eyes bewitched I moan"

" O la la this is really good and hot to be honest. This is total chick magnet. I'm sure this guy gets laid like 24/7."

"It's really beautiful. But it's an intrusion on his privacy, Kat give it back." Caroline extended her hand still standing on the floor and Kat on her bed.

"Okay saint Caroline. Here take it."

"Good girl. Now get of my bed sweety you're wrinkling the sheets."

"Ugh OCD personified, in other related news I covered your evening shift at Pearl's." Kat said getting of her bed and sitting on the chair in front of the vanity, Caroline turning sat on the edge of the bed facing Katherine.

" I'm sorry I totes forgot."

" I figured, since I saw you with Klaus I knew you had a score to settle. So crowbarred his ass or burned his balls, which one? "

" Neither. We're friends now. "

"This is not fun. You at least should've torched his …"

"Kat I'm not torching any of his body parts. I told you I have feelings for him and I'm glad we made up. It was just a misunderstanding and he's still gonna help me with all my practice and routines. I told you about my insecurity to let a guy touch me without me not panicking. But it's different with Klaus, I feel safe and treasured when I'm around him and that's rare for me. And it's not that I haven't dated a guy because I have but this is so ….. much more potent and consuming." Caroline remarked in a reverent whisper.

"Wow , I had no idea . But Care I don't want you to get hurt. Klaus is…"

"I know who he is. I will take care of myself and I really appreciate your concern. And if he hurts me you have my absolute consent to torch whatever part of his body you want to."

" Sweet. But can I torch Bitchekah too? It's been my Christmas wish since I was six."

"You didn't even know Rebekah then."

"So what? Kids always know what they want to do when they grow up. And I always dreamed of burning a certain blonde witch alive at a stake." Katherine snarked crossing her legs one on the other.

Caroline laughed and said, "I think we should go to bed."

"Eww never in the future of the nine planets I'm going to bed with you. Care stop with the incest I'm your sister."

" Ha ha you're sense humor is also sharpening Mama Penguin."

Katherine got up from the chair and from the doorway of Caroline's room said, " You bet your perky blonde ass it is. Good night Baby penguin."

" Good Night Mama Penguin."

Caroline and Katherine had just had the most enervating Ballet class. They entered the café essentially tottering towards their usual sitting area.

"Me Water Throat Drink." Katherine stuttered on purpose.

Caroline was sauntering towards their table when she saw Klaus sitting in his customary style with his legs propped on the table. As if he felt her presence instinctively he glanced at her between his feet, tilted his head slightly in acknowledgement and winked.

Caroline scrunched her nose and with a smile and shake of her head moved to sit at her table which naturally offered an ample view of his table.

"Can you stop eyesexing Klaus there are delicate and pious minds around who might learn offensive shit from you."

"What delicate and pious minds? I don't see any. Oh you meant you? I think hell became an ice cream factory on you becoming pious Kat."

" It's people like you who don't let people like us see the pure path of guiding light and search for one.. forget it I'm not pious I tried but I'm never gonna be pious its dull as a dish washer."

"Well no one asked you to."

"Is that Enzo?" Caroline asked when the same brown haired guy from yesterday morning entered the café.

Katherine nodded and Caroline called out his name. He turned in the direction his name was called out to look at a rather fetching blonde and a seductive brunette sitting at a table. He squinted his eyes and with his index finger pointing at himself asked if they were looking for him.

Caroline nodded and he approached their table.

"Hi, I know you don't know me. But I have something for you." Caroline said and started rummaging through her bag which was lying on the table.

" Well I'll say that's one way to welcome me Sunshine." Enzo replied.

Katherine snorted and Caroline bringing out his notebook handed it to him, " The other day I saw you leave in a rush and you dropped this so I took upon myself to return it you." Caroline said still sitting and Enzo standing beside their table.

"I can't thank you enough Barbie I was in a tizzy over this getting lost." Enzo thanked and caroline replied with a welcome.

Just when he was about to leave Kat recited, " Your light your fragrance your eyes bewitched I'm a scone."

Enzo sobered up at that and fully empurpled asked, " You read it? And it's moan. In case you've never been taught manners I'll say it's rude to read someone's private journal."

" Enzo I'm so sorry for my friends insensitivity but that's just about it we didn't read more."

" It's Okay Barbie don't apologize. At least you returned it ."

" Exactly we're nice people we returned it. Some body else wouldn't even have had the manners to do that in case you didn't know."

" Your poem is really beautiful though. Not many men embrace their artistic side. There is something genuinely unique about a guy in this age writing and quoting enchanting poetry."

" Yeah certified chick magnet that poem of yours. Man chicks must be throwing themselves at you."

He guffawed at Katherine's description and with a smirk replied, " Are you offering Sultry Brunette."

Kat fluttered her lashes and said, " Oh I might swoon my lord I can't take so much charm. Nice try wise guy."

Turning towards Caroline he bowed a bit and said, " In that case milady would you do me the honor to accompany me this fine evening."

Caroline gave out a melodious laugh and said, " I'm sorry my lord I'm otherwise occupied."

" Well the chick magnet lost its magnetism I guess I've been rebuffed by two pretty ladies. May I at least have the honor to know your precious names."

Caroline said, "I'm Caroline and she's Katherine."

"Very well my ladies. This jilted suitor shall take your leave now." Enzo winked and turned and collided with another fine specimen of a woman. He helped her with her books while she muttered , " Ass." under her breath. Both stood up and Enzo said, " We Brits call it Arse , Gypsy Eyes."

Bonnie looked at both Caroline and Katherine and asked ," Gypsy Eyes?"

"He's Enzo. And apparently he does that I'm sultry brunette and Caroline's Barbie." Katherine replied.

"And who might you be Gypsy Eyes?" Enzo asked kissing her knuckles. Bonnie turned into a puddle and told him her name.

Then Enzo left unknowingly casting the Mikealson wrath upon himself.

( MEANWHILE)

Elijah Mikealson entered the café like a bullet and traipsing straight towards where Klaus was sitting alone. As soon as he reached him he was also joined by his other two siblings.

"Elijah this is getting physically torturous you descending on us daily carping the grievances you have regarding us. I think next time I might just have to anesthetize myself." Rebekah grumbled sitting next to Klaus with Kol on Klaus's other side.

"Take no notice of Elijah, little sister he'll just rant a bit and leave. What is it this time righteous brother?" Klaus queried.

"Niklaus I came to deliver a last warning anent you're plenary disregard for the instructors and teachers. Meredith is threatening to leave this Academy and your well aware her talent is an asesst for this institution. This is the last time I'm exculpating your infantine disposition."

"How chivalrous." Klaus satirized.

Their argument would've sustained if Rebekah hadn't chimed in, " What is awry with every British guy in my vicinity that they insist on hanging with that parody account of a blonde and that brunette whorebag."

"What?" Kol asked and both Klaus and Elijah looked towards the table where Caroline and Katherine were sitting and a brown haired guy was hanging around their table like a pesky fly.

Klaus saw Caroline laughing and blushing at whatever poppycock he was erupting from his ugly face. He was green with jealousy nobody absolutely nobody flirted with his woman but he tethered his temper because she wasn't his woman she belonged to his righteous brother.

Elijah saw Katherine fluttering her eyelashes at the not even mildly average looking man. He was feeling incensed but he was adept at shackling whatever emotions he had for one very catchy brunette.

Both professed at the same time with Klaus saying , " I wasn't aware that the unsightly vermin Enzo had returned." And Elijah added, " I honestly fail to perceive the appeal of such a plain-looking man."

"Brothers the chap is not that grotesque. " Kol said almost defending Ezno when he saw Bonnie collide with Enzo as he had turned to leave perhaps. Bonnie and Enzo both dropped their books a ramification to their collision. Enzo aided her with her books and took her hand kissed her on the knuckles. Bonnie turned crimson and Kol turned green a shade very similar to his brothers. He then spat, " Upon deeper inspection I'll say you'll notice something not so sightly about his face, probably it's his nose."

Rebekah was stewing in her own jealousy and dejectedly said, " I can not comprehend for the life of me what is with the Blonde and brunette Sluts. It's like every time they come out on top."

"Well I think I need to a classified conversation with my mate Enzo." watching Enzo leave Klaus left behind him.

" A word of advice little sister, If you can't beat them join them.' With that advice Elijah left too with Kol and Rebekah still standing at the same spot.

The next day Caroline was roaming through the corridors waiting for Kat and Bonnie to show up. They had planned to get lunch together and both of them were 10 minutes late.

She was strolling when in a rather anomalous turn of events Rebekah Mikealson wove an arm through her arm and said , " Hi Caroline. How are you this fine and pleasing morning?"

Caroline unfurled her arm and replied, " I think you have the wrong Caroline." And turning around fully intending to escape the curse Rebekah Mikealson was.

"Wait Caroline." Rebekah beesched." Look I have an offer that will mutually benefit us."

"No thanks."

"Hear me out please. You were absolutely accurate about Hayley and Camille. And I might have shot myself for admitting that earlier but I need your help. I can't believe I'm asking a commoner to come my aid."

"A commoner?"

" Yeah we're descandants of a family of dukes. My mother's father was a baron or some other aristocratic pile of shit. But that's a story for another time and day sweety." Rebekah answered again entwining her arm with Caroline who was now flustered beyond doubt.

" You have pretty hair hmm I think I might be able to salvage them. They need a new style, you've turned them into weeds." Rebekah ran a hand through her hair as if checking their texture before selling them off and kept on yammering and walking with a mute Caroline beside her.

Next instant Caroline found her lost voice, " I'm not your sweety and stop weighing my hair."

" Caroline listen all I'm asking is you introduce me too Enzo and I'll do anything you say."

"Anything?" Caroline latched at the opportunity like hungry baby to a bottle. Then freeing her arms a second time faced Rebekah." So you'd owe me right?"

"Of course if that's the way you want to coin it." Rebekah replied.

" Okay I'll do it but you'll lay off of me." Rebekah said, " We're friends sweety I wouldn't hurt you until I absolutely have to."

" Stop calling me sweety it's graveyard creepy and also you'll stop harassing Katherine."

"Hmm what would I do on Saturday now, Well I can begin tormenting Hayley and Camille." Rebekah doing loud thinking with one hand on her hip and a treacherous grin gracing her face. " Okay deal katerina torture program is ceremoniously dropped this day forward."

"Okay deal."

" Now I know what Nik meant when he said you have a generous and a forgiving soul."

"Whose Nik? " Caroline asked perplexed.

" Oh you know him as Klaus but we call him Nik affectionately."

"Klaus talks to you about me?" Caroline asked feeling festive and even more perplexed at the same time.

"I would tell you but I'm not much invested in the Mikealson soap opera at the moment. Lets just say that's also another tale for a different time and place. I might be benevolent enough when you come through on your deal."

Rebekah then closed the distance and stretched her hand forward saying, " Friends then?"

Caroline guardedly shook her hand and said, " Okay if we have to be."

Next Up KLAROLINE KISS, TEAM BARBIE AND REBENZO YOOO Who's excited.