AN: Hi all—the following series has been written in a collaboration of ideas and words by me and Beth (sqrlb8 here on FF). Please feel free to drop her a line as well if this story gets you all hot and bothered—we could hardly get it written, we were so distracted by the tension and angst!

Genevieve strolled along with Klaus, watching the different couples on the dance floor. When they came to stand next to Jackson and Hayley, she voiced her opinion of what passed for dancing these days.

"Dancing was so much simpler back in my day: You just waived your arms around and looked gorgeous doing it. Whatever this is, it looks far too complicated to be any fun."

Klaus chuckled. "Nonsense, it's simple, love. I'm sure you'd be a natural at it, after all, the tango is just a vertical expression….of a horizontal desire."

Genevieve sent him a knowing gaze, desire pooling in her eyes as a smile curved her red lips.

"You don't have that quite right, brother. The dance of which you speak…is actually the rhumba."

Klaus turned to find Elijah standing behind them. "Ah, yes, you're right brother. Now there was a dance I could get behind." A cheeky grin spread across his face.

"You….know the difference?" Hayley asked, directing her inquiry towards Elijah, surprised by this revelation.

"Oh, you'd be astounded by the things my brother knows, little wolf. Elijah here is quite the patron of the arts, all of them, although he prefers to observe rather than to participate."

"Again, Niklaus, your information is incorrect," Elijah said, taking a sip from his champagne flute.

"Well, rhumba or tango, I don't care," Genevieve said, grasping Klaus's hand, "as long as you express yourself with me on the dance floor."

Klaus smirked and led her away from the group, stopping by the DJ's booth to request a specific song. Strong, sensual beats filled the room as the first notes of We Want War drifted thru the speakers.

As the couple took their place on the floor, amongst the sea of other dancers Hayley addressed Elijah again.

"So, are you saying that you know how to tango? Seriously?"

Elijah smiled. "I haven't in many years, but yes, I do know how to dance the tango… as well as the rhumba."

Hayley caught the sensuous undertone in his voice, reminding her of Klaus's description of the dance.

"Shall I show you?"

Hayley glanced at Elijah's outstretched hand and shook her head. "I'd better not. Besides, you'd probably be better off with someone more like yourself."

"What do you mean?"

Instead of answering, Hayley cast a glance to the dance floor where Klaus and Genevieve were going thru the motions, oblivious to anyone except themselves.

"Hayley-,"

"No, Elijah," she snapped, defensively. "I don't now how to dance the tango, so it would be pointless."

The look of disappointment on his face wasn't lost on Hayley, no more than the look of smugness on Jackson's face was lost on Elijah.

Hayley attempted to soften the unnecessary blow. "And counting the baby, I'm literally working with two left feet tonight."

Elijah lowered his hand. "Contrary to what most people think of the dance, Hayley, dancing the tango is as easy as taking a walk."

She watched Klaus's hand skim up the side of Genevieve's leg and disappear beneath the woman's dress to cup her ass. Hayley scoffed and turned away from the spectacle. "I doubt that."

"It's simply an interpretation of the music." Elijah continued. "Though, it can be many things to different people. For example, to my brother, it's about controlling his partner, molding them, forcing them into steps that he alone directs so his partner has no choice but to follow. He uses the dance to bend his partner to his will."

Their eyes once again drifted to the aforementioned couple on the dance floor and Hayley saw immediately what Elijah was talking about.

Klaus was literally at that moment bending Genevieve over his arm while directing her leg high upon his hip. A second later, he pushed her from him and pulled her back, his leg thrust between hers, his hand cupping her throat, bringing her mouth to his in a punishing kiss. The willowy red head was putty in his hands. It was all about control. And sex.

Hayley felt nauseous. "That is not walking, Elijah."

"No, that is not walking. That is, however, the rhumba with a few other… things… thrown in." A smile curved his lips as his gaze once again met hers.

"And there's a difference between the tango and that-," Hayley said motioning to the dance floor.

Elijah nodded. "Yes. The tango is more about working together as one. There is a leader and a follower. While the leader may invite the follower to step in a certain direction, the follower can choose whether or not to accept that direction. But they both choose to maintain harmony and balance thru out the dance. Form a connection, if you will."

They continued watching as Genevieve teased Klaus with a glimpse of shapely thigh, only to turn away and dance to the other side of the floor when he reached out to stroke her tantalizing skin. She tossed him a saucy grin over her shoulder as Klaus stalked up behind her and spun her around, reaching for the prize she denied him. He yanked her up high upon his hip, his hands gripping the witch's exposed thigh tightly as he spun them in several tight circles before dropping her to the floor as he loomed over her. It was pure dominance.

"I have a hard time picturing you doing that," Hayley said, her gaze still locked on the couple on the dance floor. She was having an even harder time not picturing herself dancing with him like that.

"That's because, unlike my brother, I don't use the dance to manipulate my partner rather I allow the dance to manipulate me."

"There's something I never thought I'd see. An Original being manipulated for a change," Jackson interceded.

Elijah cast a glance towards the alpha wolf while he swirled his champagne. "Have you ever danced the tango?"

Jackson lifted his chin defensively. "Hell no. And I've never had the hankering to learn it either."

"That is unfortunate. Dancing the tango would allow you to listen to, understand and converse with the person you're dancing with."

Jackson snorted in response.

"And it would also allow you to do it without the benefit of using your limited vocabulary."

Elijah dismissed the annoyance that flashed in Jackson's eyes as he returned his attention to Hayley again.

"It has been my experience that the only reason to dance the tango is to embrace your desire to share a moment of intimacy and understanding with another person."

Elijah's voice stroked along Hayley's skin as she listened to his words. She could feel his magnetic pull and felt it drawing her in. His eyes caught hers for a silent moment before she glanced back to the dance floor.

"This is probably the very reason why I haven't had the desire to dance it in so many years. Until now, that is."

He held his hand out to her once again.

"The lady said no," Jackson growled, stepping towards Elijah.

"She said, she didn't know how to dance the tango," Elijah corrected.

"Same thing, pal."

Hayley pulled on Jackson's arm and addressed Elijah herself. "If it's all the same to everyone here, I think I'll sit this one out. I'm not feeling the whole student teacher vibe thing tonight, but thanks, any way."

"Well, I, for one, would love for Elijah to show me a moment of intimacy and understanding."

Hayley's eyes narrowed as she watched Francesca Correra slink her arm thru Elijah's. The brunette smiled as she addressed the group.

"On the dance floor, of course. That is, if you don't mind, Hayley."

"Why would I mind?" Hayley responded thru a forced smile. Jackson suddenly looked down at her when she dug her fingernails into his arm.

"What do you say, Elijah? I've been dying to dance the tango but could never find someone who could… keep up with me." Francesca's voice dripped seduction as Hayley found herself clenching her teeth to the point her jaw ached.

When Elijah made no move to acknowledge her presence, Francesca ran her fingertips up the front of his jacket and pressed herself against his arm.

"Besides, it would give me a chance to show off this dress you were admiring earlier."

Elijah caught the flash of jealousy on Hayley's face before she leveled him with a silent look that mirrored the anger that was beginning to course thru his body.

"Go, dance with Francesca. Don't let me keep you." Hayley finally said, pasting a fake smile on her face.

The deceptive jump of her heartbeat reached his ears above the music. Her mouth said one thing while her eyes screamed something else entirely.

Go ahead. Dance with the bitch, see if I care.

"Elijah?" Francesca inquired, pulling on his arm. "Shall we?"

Breaking eye contact and with a slight nod to Hayley, he turned to Francesca. "Of course," he murmured.

"Would you mind?" Francesca asked, thrusting her drink towards Hayley and Jackson.

Hayley's face flushed outrage but before she could take the glass and throw it in the woman's face Elijah quickly took it and placed it with his own on a passing tray.

Annoyance filled his features as he returned his gaze to Francesca. Waving his arm towards the dancers, he said "After you, Ms. Correra."

Francesca smiled and started across the dance floor, working their way thru the throngs of other dancers. Klaus and Genevieve had finished their raunchy display and were catching their breaths as they approached.

"Decided to join in the raucous camaraderie, Elijah?"

"Your brother has graciously agreed to show me some of his tango moves," Francesca purred.

Klaus quirked an eyebrow as he glanced towards Elijah. "And how, pray tell, were you able to convince my brother to agree to that particular dance after all these years?"

"She hasn't," Elijah countered, "Tonight we will simply share a dance."

Francesca chose to ignore Elijah's denial and said, "Well, when Hayley refused his offer I was only too happy to take him up on it."

"And he's agreed to use you as a substitute?" Genevieve said.

Francesca's smile slid a notch as she tossed back her hair and glared at Genevieve.

"The show must go on, mustn't it? After all, behind every leading lady is an understudy, desperate for her time in the spotlight, hm?.. Which reminds me, is Camille not coming tonight? I had wanted to talk with her."

Klaus heard Genevieve's swift intake of breath as the question hung in the air, unanswered. While the two women glared at one another, he continued to smirk at his brother's obvious discomfort.

Refusing to meet his baby brother's gaze, Elijah took Francesca in his arms and joined the other dancing couples.

Klaus cast a glance towards the side of the dance floor and caught Hayley's expression of disgust as her eyes followed Elijah dancing with Francesca. He noticed Jackson whispering something in her ear which caused the little wolf to glower even more. A slow smile curved up his face as an idea formed.

The music abruptly ended as Klaus stood on the podium next to the DJ.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for a moment, please," he began, clinking his glass of champagne with a fork to draw the attention of the room's occupants. "I'm sure I speak for both my brother and I when I say how much we appreciate your presence here tonight as we celebrate the dawn of a new age of….cooperation…in the Quarter."

As he released Francesca from their dancer's embrace, Elijah's gaze narrowed while he tried to follow his brother's thought process. He didn't like this. Nothing good ever came from Niklaus's grandstanding.

Klaus continued. "You might be surprised to learn that tonight is as much about business as it is about pleasure; after all, why slave at the table when you can negotiate on the dance floor? And who better to lead by example," he said, waving his hand towards Elijah, "then my big brother."

Elijah's jaw tightened as every eye turned to him. "Niklaus, don't –"

Klaus leaned over and murmured something to the DJ who nodded his head in agreement. Elijah's back stiffened as he recognized the first thrumming notes of Santa Maria by Gotan Project.

Jumping from the podium, Klaus quickly made his way back to his brother's side, a mischievous glint in his eye as he felt the waves of anger pulsing from Elijah.

"Niklaus, I don't see the need for this blatant display-,"

"Nonsense, brother," Klaus said, slapping a hand on Elijah's shoulder and forcibly directing him back to Francesca. "I'm sure everyone here is excited to see you and Ms. Correra…..negotiate thru your differences….on the dance floor.

While the floor cleared, leaving room for the lone couple, Klaus led Genevieve to stand near Hayley and Jackson.

"I'd say the evening just got interesting, wouldn't you agree, love" he murmured as he passed Hayley to stand behind her and Jackson.

"If I wanted interesting, I could have just saved myself a trip tonight and caught Dancing with The Stars on TV," Hayley muttered, crossing her arms.

Jackson glowered at Klaus. "Do you want to go home?" he asked Hayley.

"Come now, mate, trust me when I say my brother's dancing skills are something much better witnessed in person." Klaus said, his voice laced with humor. "Think of it as…..foreplay."

Hayley's shocked gaze swung to Klaus. When he winked at her, she shook her head and blew out a breath all the while wishing for a stiff drink. She turned back around, ignoring Klaus's obvious attempt to rattle her.

Her gaze caught Elijah's and heat instantly shot thru her. He refused to look away from her as Francesca positioned herself against his back. He was angry, that much was obvious, but there was something else. Desire?

The only reason to dance the tango is to embrace your desire to share a moment of intimacy and understanding with another person.

Francesca's hand glided around his waist and up his chest, sensuously stroking the tense muscles beneath his shirt. His hand covered hers to stop its progress.

As she slowly stepped to his left, Elijah's eyes finally released Hayley and followed Francesca's movements. He pivoted and wrapped his arm around her waist, bringing her chest close to his in an embrace so Francesca's fingers could cup the back of Elijah's head and bring his mouth a whisper away from hers. He reached up and took her hand away from him, clasped it deliberately in his left hand and directed her backwards, walking the length of the dance floor before reversing the path, turning them in circles while doing so.

They did a couple quick steps before Elijah propelled them around in circles again, taking long strides that allowed Francesca's legs to curl between his. He bent slightly at the knee to support Francesca's weight as he spun her around in a circle in perfect time with the song. Wherever he lead, Francesca gladly followed, his hands guiding her body in any direction he saw fit.

They continued their long steps from one end of the floor to the other, like a pendulum swaying back and forth, stretching to its limits one direction until left with no choice, it returned to continue its natural glide the other way. It was poetry in motion to watch. With each lift and turn she would cling to him like a vine and with each elegant toss of her over and around his shoulders, she flowed like water over his body, dancing together as if they'd been partners for years rather than mere minutes. They moved like lovers. It was erotic and hypnotic.

Hayley tore her gaze from them to look around the room. It was immediately clear that everyone else was as affected by what was happening on the dance floor as she was. She glanced up at Jackson. His expression left no need for interpretation. Suddenly it felt voyeuristic to Hayley, like she was intruding on some erotic moment between Elijah and Francesca. She felt the blush as it crept up her neck. Reluctantly, her gaze was drawn back to Elijah.

He'd dipped them low again and Francesca's leg was wrapped around his. As Elijah started to pull her up, she ran her hand up his chest in a lover's caress and spread her fingers to cup his face, locking his gaze with hers. Before he could react, she quickly brought his lips down to cover hers.

A fraction of a second later, Elijah jerked her up and spun her away from him, but brought her back against his chest in one fluid motion, their foreheads touching as Francesca smiled into Elijah's angry dark eyes. He twirled her around so that her back was against him.

To an outsider it was a dramatic step in the dance, but Francesca knew better. She felt every ounce of anger in the biting grip of his fingers as he wrapped her arms around herself again, his hands gripping her wrists tightly, preventing any movement on her part. When he dipped his head to her neck again he growled into her ear.

"Don't do that again."

The dance had come to a dramatic end as the room erupted into applause. When he released her, she spun around and smiled widely at the scowl on his face. She leaned into him and wiped her finger across his lips to remove the lipstick stain her surprise kiss had left. To everyone, it was an intimate moment between them. To Francesca, though, it was a calculated move. Her gaze found Hayley's in that instant and she smiled at the expression on the girl's face.

When they separated, Elijah's gaze sought Hayley. When he found her the message that her eyes conveyed to him was clear. She didn't belong here. She didn't belong with him.

He watched her grab Jackson's arm and turn to leave only to have Klaus block her escape. Words were exchanged. She cast a glance back towards Elijah and with a final withering look, she bolted from the room.

Hayley, don't- his mind screamed.

Another song started and the floor quickly filled with people eager to replicate what they'd just witnessed. Elijah disengaged himself from Francesca's clinging arms and with as much diplomacy as he could muster escorted her off the dance floor.

He reached Klaus's side and looked around. "Where did she go?"

Klaus feigned innocence. "Who?"

Elijah glared at him.

"You mean Hayley? Oh she's long gone, brother. One minute we were discussing your superb dancing skills which led to the subject of foreplay on the dance floor coming up or something….and the next she was mentioning getting a room—grabbed Jackson and off they went. It was all a bit of a blur, actually. "

"Now Nik, that's not true. She said that next time Elijah and Francesca should get a room," Genevieve corrected sweetly. "You really should, you know. After witnessing that, I can just imagine what you two could accomplish for this city between the sheets."

Rage simmered in Elijah's eyes as he leveled Genevieve with a glare that had the witch momentarily flinching under its intensity.

"I highly doubt your imagination between the sheets could reach a level that anyone would remotely find interesting, Genevieve."

Genevieve's mouth dropped open and Klaus chuckled under his breath.

"Except, perhaps, my baby brother, but then again beggars can't be choosers can they?"

Elijah derived a small modicum of pleasure from the glower that replaced the smirk on Klaus's face as he left the room in search of Hayley.