Thanks to Klarolineepiclove for her help with this. Also, this drabble is dedicated to Yana, queenofklaroline for her birthday. She's told me many times how much she loves AU/AH so I thought I'd write this for her.

*Based on a true story*

"Okay so Will ate his dinner about thirty minutes ago and ate it all along with a cup of milk so he shouldn't need a snack or anything but if he does, I left a bowl of cut up fruit in the fridge and there's some of those toddler biscuits that he likes so much." Caroline rambled on as she rushed around her bedroom.

"Caroline, I might work a lot but I am around enough to be able to take care of my grandson for one night on my own." Liz stated as she tickled the little boy on her lap. He squealed loudly before turning his gaze back to his mother as she hopped by, attempting to put a shoe on as she continued to rush towards the bathroom.

"I know you do, Mom. You're a huge help with him...I'm just nervous." Caroline replied as she approached the mirror to double check her hair. To say she was nervous was an understatement. Caroline wasn't sure how she had gotten into the situation she found herself in. Oh, wait a minute, yes she did, it was thanks to her friend Rebekah and her blasted matchmaking.

Caroline had met Rebekah the year before, when she had gotten a new job as a receptionist at the Mystic Falls Children's Clinic a couple of months after Will was born. It wasn't Caroline's dream job, or even close but it was better than pretty much any other job she could find. The position only part time but it was money and could possibly lead to something more. She was introduced to Rebekah when she had imposed on Caroline a few times to help her with tasks such as invites and flyers for an event that the Fundraising division, where Rebekah worked, was throwing.

At first, Caroline didn't like the other blonde and as far as she knew at the time, the feeling was mutual. She thought she was stuck up, bossy and snobby but her view of her changed when Rebekah went to Caroline's boss and insisted that she be moved to her department because her talents were being wasted by simply answering the phone and directing patients. She got a promotion including a raise and status to full time. She didn't work under Rebekah but with her and the two became friends. Rebekah learned that Caroline was a young single mother to an infant boy and Caroline learned that Rebekah was the baby of a large family consisting of four older brothers and one younger one. On the rare occasion that Caroline went out for some adult time, Rebekah was usually her company. It was nice having a girlfriend again, since her two best friends; Bonnie and Elena were away at grad and med school.

It was during work, a month ago, when the two were discussing going out to see the large firework display that the town was putting on for Labor Day, that Rebekah asked if Caroline minded that one of her brothers tagged along. Naturally, Caroline had assumed that Rebekah was trying to fix them up and had stated so but her friend quickly denied it. She said that the brother she was speaking of, Nik had just moved to town a couple months before and was just looking to meet new people. Rebekah also mentioned that Nik had just gotten out of a long relationship with a woman who she called a selfish bitch who hated for him to spend time with anyone other than her and so his people skills were a bit rusty. Caroline knew what it was like to be lonely, especially after breaking up from a long relationship so she had agreed.

The night of the fireworks had been spectacular, and not just because of the show. When Caroline had arrived at the spot that Rebekah told her to meet them, she felt her breath catch at the beautiful man sitting on the blanket next to Stefan, Rebekah's husband. None of them had noticed her arrival yet and she took the stolen moment to study him.

His face was unbelievably handsome, with gorgeous cheekbones and dimples that showed when he laughed at something in the conversation, and a body that though she couldn't get a perfect view of it, looked fit and firm. He was dressed casually in a t-shirt and dark jeans but what drew her attention were the variety of leather and beaded necklaces around his neck. It wasn't often that she saw a man wearing something like that but she had to admit that it look good on him, very good. He glanced up at her then, catching her eyes with his impossibly blue ones and turned that smile towards her. Rebekah noticed his diverted attention and turned in her direction, smiling as she waved her over.

After introductions, during which she found out that Nik was actually Rebekah's shortened version of Niklaus and that he typically went by Klaus, all of which he told her in an unbelievably sexy accent, the four made idle chit chat before Rebekah and Stefan got up to get some refreshments. When they left, Caroline decided to strike up a conversation with Klaus, not wanting to seem shy or rude. She had been Ms. Mystic Falls in High School, not to mention dealt with the public at work so it wasn't as if talking to strangers was anything new to her. She asked him what he thought of the growing town that he'd moved to as well as how he was enjoying the classes he was teaching at the local high school before he turned the conversation around to her.

"So Rebekah told me that you have a son?" Klaus asked her.

Caroline nodded, a huge smile appearing on her face as she answered. "Will, he's almost a year and a half old."

"I'm surprised that you didn't bring him with you." Klaus replied.

"He's too young right now; the noise would be too much for him." Caroline answered. "Plus it would be way past his bedtime. My mother was nice enough to take him for the night so I could go out."

"Not his father?"

"Um, his father isn't in the picture. He hasn't been since Will was born." She replied. That was putting it mildly; Tyler had barely been in the picture even before she had given birth. When she had told him she was pregnant after their freshman year of college, he had acted happy, promising her that they would get married and though it would be tough they would get through and be a happy family. However, it was all smoke. Seven months later he was barely around, too busy partying and playing football, about to complete his second year while Caroline had quit school, moved home with her mother and preparing to give birth.

After Will had been born, Tyler returned, acting like a proud new father, but that lasted until the first dirty diaper. He quickly handed him back to Caroline, before he practically ran out of the room, his new 'toy' having lost its shine.

Deciding that if he didn't want to be around, it was his loss, Caroline quickly filed for sole custody of her son, which thanks to her lawyer, was granted. She declined child support as part of the deal, deciding that it was best to just cut all ties to him. Last she heard he was completing his fifth year of college, very close to flunking out and dating some brunette a few years younger than him and not very bright.

Klaus nodded in understanding. "Well it's his loss."

His reply startled her. Most people replied either by saying that they were sorry or a look of distaste at the thought of a young unwed mother raising a child alone, not with a look of admiration. All nervousness seemed to disappear then and Caroline quickly warmed up to her new friend. They were still talking when Rebekah and Stefan came back, and only paused in their conversation when the first firework erupted overheard.

When the night was over, Klaus had walked her to her car, and gave her his number. He told her it wasn't a pickup, just in case she might want to call some time to talk more. No, it wasn't until after a dozen phone calls, and a dinner at Rebekah and Stefan's that he had finally asked her out. He told her whenever she was able to, knowing that her schedule was tighter than his. She only told him that she'd think about it, before heading for home. Once she had told her mother, she insisted that Caroline call him back at once to say yes. Which was how she had gotten to this night. Klaus was going to be there any minute to pick her up and Caroline honestly thought she might break out into hives or throw up from nervousness. God, she hoped she didn't do either and definitely not both.

"Caroline, sweetie you need to calm down." Her mother ordered.

"Calm down?" Caroline exclaimed. "I can't calm down; I think it's physically impossible at this moment."

But her mother still just smiled at her, before standing and walking over to her, handing her Will. As always, holding her son had a calming effect on Caroline, he made her feel centered even if at times when she felt like she had no idea what she was doing.

"I don't know why you are so nervous, it's not like you've never been out with a guy before." Liz stated.

"That was different; football games, going to the movies or the Grill or to some school function isn't the same thing. This is a date; a real date and I've never really been on one before." Caroline explained. "You know dinner, drinks, where the guy opens the door for you and doesn't watch the game over your shoulder."

"So where is he taking you?" Liz asked.

"I have no idea." Caroline answered. "Mystic Falls has a few more restaurants now than a couple of years ago so there might actually be a possibility that we don't end up at the Grill."

Just then the doorbell rang and Caroline's eyes darted to her bedside clock. "He's early…"

"Only five minutes. And that's better than being late." Her mother said, seeing the panic in her eyes. "Do you want me to go get the door?"

"NO!" She exclaimed, causing Will to whine a little. "I can't have my mother answering the door how pathetic would that make me look?"

"Sorry that I'm such an embarrassment." Liz teased, knowing that her daughter wasn't being serious, or at least not completely serious. She reached forward to take Will from her and smiled at Caroline as she double checked her dress. "Go get the door, you look beautiful."

"You're biased but I'll take it." Caroline replied as she grabbed her purse and dropped a kiss on Will's head before heading out of her room. She hurried towards the front door, and saw Klaus standing with his hands behind his back through the front door window waiting patiently.

As she approached she smiled at him before opening the door, "Hi, sorry that I kept you waiting."

"You didn't, I'm early. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to pick this up without making me late." Klaus replied as he brought his hands out from behind him, displaying the single lavender rose in his hand.

"For me?" Caroline squeaked, surprised that she could talk around the shock she was feeling. The only flowers she'd ever gotten besides a corsage was some she'd gotten on Mother's Day from Will. She knew that the color of roses meant something, red for love, yellow for friendship but the meaning of lavender one's escaped her at the moment, she would have to look it up later.

"I thought a beautiful woman deserved a beautiful flower, even if it pales in comparison to her." Klaus acknowledged, which caused the loveliest pink blush to spring to her cheeks.

"Thank you," Caroline said shyly. "Would you like to come in for a minute while I put this in water?"

Klaus nodded before stepping in behind her into the entryway. Caroline excused herself for a moment before disappearing through a nearby door. He barely glanced around the house before she was back. "All set."

"Ready to go?" Klaus asked.

"Yes."

Klaus turned and opened the door motioning for her to go through first when he heard a little voice call out from the back of the house. "Momma!"

Caroline and Klaus both turned towards the voice, and saw the blonde toddler wobbling towards them, his little pudgy arms extended. Caroline hurried towards him scooping him up before he could fall. "Hey baby, where's Grandma?"

"Momma, hug, kiss." Will said before he grabbed some of Caroline's loose curls and used them to tug his mother's face to his. She couldn't help but giggle a little at her son's antics before she turned to Klaus. "This is my son, Will."

"Hello Will." Klaus greeted the little boy who took very much after his mother. He had the same facial features but it was the eyes and light blonde curls that really created the similarity. He knew that Caroline was a mother, had known since before he met her but seeing her with her son was something different, it made her more beautiful if possible. The light that always seemed to glow around her simply radiated now. He knew that when he returned home that night, he would be unable to sleep until he sketched the sight in front of him.

"Can you say hi to Klaus?" Caroline asked her son.

"Hi." He said shyly before ducking his head into his mother's shoulder. Before she could try to tempt him from his shyness, her mother came flying out of the bedroom that Caroline shared with Will.

"I'm sorry Caroline, I was getting his bed stuff together and he slipped out on me."

"It's no problem mom," Caroline stated as she handed Will to her mother. "Klaus and I weren't out the door yet."

Klaus nodded towards the older blonde respectfully. "Sheriff."

"Hello." Liz replied.

"Okay, we're going now." Caroline declared. She said goodbye again to them before she headed back towards the door. Once they were outside, Klaus directed her to where he had parked his car. "Sorry about that, I'm sure you weren't planning to meet everyone tonight."

Klaus only chuckled. "I have to say it was a bit shock, but not a bad one. Will looks just like you."

"That's what a lot of people tell me, but I don't see it." She avowed. "So where are we going?"

"I thought we'd drive into Charlottesville for dinner and possibly visit one of the galleries there but if you prefer we can stick closer to home." Klaus answered, looking at her to see her reaction only to be reward with a beautiful smile.

"Charlottesville sound nice," Caroline replied. "Although to be truthful, any meal that is hot and uninterrupted sounds good to me."

"Well you're easily impressed." Klaus said before opening her door for her. Once she was seated inside, he made his way to the driver's seat and they were on their way.

The evening was one of the best Caroline could remember having in a long time. They had a quiet dinner at an Italian restaurant and though they started to walk towards a nearby gallery, they ended up visiting the outdoor sculpture garden instead.

Caroline didn't know if she'd ever met a guy who could talk as much as her, but Klaus did. He told her about growing up in Wales before moving to London as a teen, traveling Europe and then moving overseas to New Orleans where the rest of his family aside from Rebekah still lived. When he kept trying to turn the conversation around to her, she would turn it back around and ask him another question until he refused to tell her anymore until they talked about her. She felt her life was very boring in comparison so she asked him what he wanted to know, to which he replied smoothly. "Your hopes, your dreams, everything you want in life."

She had laughed at the line but only to disguise the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. Butterflies that turned into a flock of hummingbirds by the end of the night when he brought her back to her house and she anticipated their goodnights. Klaus had not done much in the way of making a move all night, aside from holding her hand as they had walked. Would he kiss her goodnight? Caroline had no idea.

As they approached her doorstep, something that surprised her because in the past she'd always been simply dropped at the curb, Caroline smiled at Klaus. "Thank you for tonight."

"You're very welcome, sweetheart." Klaus replied.

"You know this is actually the first real date I've ever been on." She confessed.

"Really?" Klaus asked his eyes wide in surprise. "How am I doing?"

"You're…" Caroline paused for a moment, trying to find the right words. "Perfect, which is just so beyond annoying, I can't even look at you."

Klaus laughed loudly, very amused at her answer. "I am far from perfect, but I'm glad that you had a good time, I enjoyed myself thoroughly."

"Why did you ask me out tonight?" Caroline asked suddenly.

"I fancy you." He replied. "Is that so hard to believe?"

"Yes." Caroline retorted. "I'm just...me, twenty-one year old college dropout, single mom who has never really been anywhere outside of her hometown and you're...you. You're cultured and traveled; you got your Masters and are a teacher, which just points out the several year age difference between us."

"Caroline at any point tonight did I make you uncomfortable? Like I was better than you?" Klaus inquired. When she shook her head, he went on. "Then why would you even consider the idea that I wouldn't think you worthy of spending time with you?"

"Well like I said…" Caroline started to say in defense but Klaus cut her off, stepping towards her so that there were only inches between them.

"I don't see you that way, and I don't notice the age gap because you are older than your years. I see a strong beautiful woman who is willing to do anything to give her son the best life that she can at whatever the cost is to herself." Klaus explained. "And I enjoy you."

Before she could say anything, that is if she was capable of speech, Klaus closed the distance between them and pressed his lips against hers. Despite the abruptness of the move, the kiss was slow and gentle. His lips were even softer than she had imagined them to be as they caressed hers, causing a fire to ignite throughout her entire body. She couldn't help but whimper at the loss of them when he ended the kiss and pulled back.

Klaus leaned his forehead against hers, staring into her eyes as if he was trying to see into the depths of her soul. He brushed his lips against hers lightly before stepping back. "Goodnight Caroline, sweet dreams."

Caroline watched him retreat back to his car and leave, her fingers brushing against her still tingling lips.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: For those of you who don't know, the lavender rose stands for Enchantment or love at first sight. I thought it was appropriate since he is so smitten with her. As it says in the summary, this is going to be a series of drabbles of the progress of their relationship. Hope you will stick around and read the next one.