Above It All " SEQUEL TO ABOVE ALL ELSE "

Chapter 2

Yes, blood sharing was an intimate thing, especially when it was done between two lovers who cared deeply for each other. Then there was the whole sustenance needed for a vampire; blood was how they survived after all. But the movies and books she had watched and read had left her under the impression that feeding was a sensual art that typically led to sex. That and her being a newbie vampire with all her desires blending into the other, bloodlust and sexual lust were never too far off from one another.

But watching Klaus from across the room as she sipped on her blood spiked drink, Caroline made a discovery all on her own. It sounded crass even uttering it in her own mind, but it was like he was feeding from a basket of fries sitting in the center of the table like she had done plenty of times before sitting in The Grill with Bonnie and Elena. It was a mindless, near robotic, endeavor. It was done out of habit and simply to sedate the hunger and not at all done in a provocative way.

Who wanted to make-out with a fry after they ate it anyways?

A small giggle bubbled up from her throat when she saw Stefan pass on the wrist Klaus offered to him. The way Stefan waved his hand with a hint of longing in his eyes was just as she used to do when she was watching her calorie intake before cheerleading tryouts. Though to be fair, maybe not quite the same. Klaus's head tipped back in riotous laughter at Stefan's disgruntled attitude. With Kol's ever present eye for mischief, he began needling the younger vampire relentlessly. She could tell it was all done in good natured fun and watching on from the other side of the room as Klaus laughed and having such a wonderful time filled her with a sense of pride that she had done all this for him.

Caroline nibbled on the end of her straw as she debated whether to head over and join the men when a low clearing of a throat sounded purposefully from the loud group of partygoers that were waiting to gain the bartender's attention.

The group separated as if they were a part if the Red Sea to reveal Elijah, who was doing his best not to show any discomfort. Whether that discomfort was about the crowd rumpling his pristine suit or the fact that he was standing face to face with her, not half a room away from his brother, she couldn't wager a guess.

Caroline eyed him critically as she swirled what remained of her drink, allowing the ice to click against the sides of the glass as if they were ticking away the seconds of Fate's clock. She had to hand it to him, he didn't even flinch. Many of the teenage cheerleader-wannabes, as well as the adult members of the various committees she had over took, had withered and shrunk under the sheer ice of her stare. But then again, this was an Original family member and Elijah had one hell of a poker face.

The fact that she could have him thrown across the dance floor, a hand squeezing around his heart with only a shout of Klaus's name was not lost on either of them. And while that would be comical to see, especially after everything that had happened, she was the one that invited him here.

Shifting her body slightly, she placed her glass to the glossy bar top and stood with her hand held out in a small peace offering.

"I'm glad you came." She said primly as he took her hand within his grasp, lifting it to bow over her knuckles slightly before gently releasing it.

"Are you?" Elijah cocked a skeptical eyebrow, "While I was surprised to say the least at your invitation, I am left at odds wondering what your play is here Miss Forbes."

Caroline rolled her eyes at his suspicious nature, "Well duh, it's Klaus's birthday and you are his brother."

"I suppose I only assumed that after all that has transpired you would be the leader of the bandwagon to keep my family from me." Elijah said with his eyes still holding a hint of doubt even as he allowed his body to relax a small degree.