Hey, everyone! Thought I'd update "Eternal Flame," since it's been a while since I updated (the last time being October 9). NEVER GIVE UP ON KLAROLINE!

TVD 4x07 AU.

Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying, "Lord, I just don't care."
But you've got the love I need To see me through

Sometimes it seems that the going is just too rough
And things go wrong no matter what I do
Now and then it seems that life is just too much
But you've got the love I need to see me through

Caroline could literally feel her blood boiling as she went about her business of putting the Miss Mystic Falls pageant together. It was the duty of the reigning Miss Mystic Falls to host the event, as well as crown the next applicant, so it was no question that she was about to explode. Of course, the pageant wasn't the only thing on the blonde vampire's mind. The other thing on her mind was Klaus. Seriously, it was though she couldn't go even a moment without that man consuming her every thought.

Focus, Caroline, focus, her mind screamed at her. You have the pageant to worry about, not allow yourself to think about Klaus. True, he seems to be everywhere these days, but you can't allow him to consume your every thought.

"Now, how'd I know I would find you at the helm of this ship?"

Speak of the devil. "Go away, I'm busy."

However, Klaus refused to back off, which was an annoying trait of his. "I was wondering what time I should pick you up tomorrow?"

Caroline rolled her eyes. "How about a quarter to never?" Shit, I can smell him from here. As much as I detest it, there's a part of me that seems to like it. Maybe it's the werewolf part of him that's so irresistible?

"I was promised a date in return for one of my hybrids." This has to work, he thought. Surely, she couldn't have forgotten the deal that she and I made after I let one of my hybrids be sacrificed to help Elena.

"Yes, a date," said Caroline, finally looking at him. "Like to a movie, where we wouldn't have to talk and I can put at least three seats between us." Seriously? Come on, Caroline, it's obvious you're attracted to him, so why put on this shitty front?

"Surely, the reigning Miss Mystic Falls wouldn't be hosting the party alone?," said Klaus, hoping that this would be what got her to accept. "And I assume you won't be bringing Tyler, what with his indiscretions with his lady werewolf friend?"

To really drive the point home, he gave her a puppy dog look with his eyes. If this doesn't get her, I'm not sure what will. No woman can resist the puppy dog look. It's a strong weapon to have in one's arsenal.

Caroline glared at him and scoffed at the look he was giving her. Shit, it was working, even though she didn't want to admit that it was. Damn you, Klaus, you have to be so persuasive, don't you? Well, guess I have no choice but to give in to your demands.

"All right, fine," she said finally. "If you insist on coming, meet me here. 2 pm. Black tie optional." She began to walk away from him, looking at her clipboard again, but, before he could say anything else, she turned him again and added, "And I already have a dress, so don't even think of getting me so much as a corsage, do you understand?"

Klaus said nothing in response, just nodded. Damn it, and I was just going to say something in regards to that. Note to self, tell the hybrids to cancel the order for a corsage.

As he watched her head into the Lockwood mansion to continue her duties, he smiled at her, already imagining what their date would be like. He even remembered the first time he had been to the Miss Mystic Falls pageant, which had been the previous year. He had kept his distance during the festivities to avoid detection and had seen Caroline in the beautiful green gown she had worn. Good God, he was jealous of the human boy she danced with, wishing it were him instead. A pity the reigning Miss Mystic Falls doesn't get to participate in the waltz, because I'd gladly dance with her.

Maintaining said smile, he said, "I'll see you tomorrow, Caroline!"

That being said, he walked away, admiring the decorations that were strewn about the property. Of course, it was nothing compared to the decorations at the ball at the Mikaelson mansion, not even close. The Lockwoods may be a prestigious family, but they are nowhere near as powerful as we Mikaelsons. No matter, I intend to enjoy myself tomorrow, mostly because I'll be in the company of the most beautiful girl in Mystic Falls. Prepare to be amazed, Caroline, because I promise that this will be a most interesting event you'll ever host.

Note: Thought I'd do another AU for TVD 4x07 (a follow-up to Chapter 8, "A Wish Fulfilled"), and, because I couldn't remember how the scene went, I had to watch the clip of it on YouTube. Anyway, enjoy what I have here and as always, keep the faith!