For the rest of the party, Peter longed to have a moment alone with Elijah Mikaelson. He wanted to find him, say a proper hello, and hopefully get into an interesting conversation about something or other. Instead, he was stuck spending the entire time with Klaus. For the first time since they'd met, Peter was truly annoyed with him, and he had no idea how to get out of this. 

 The only other time Peter came face-to-face with Elijah again was when he was saying goodbye to the Mikaelson siblings before leaving for the night. 

 "Thank you for having me," he said. "I enjoyed being here." 

 "Well, the pleasure's all mine, then," Klaus replied, giving him a light pat on the shoulder. "I'll trust you'll be back tomorrow?" 

 "Of course. If you would like to have me, I would certainly come." Peter glanced Elijah as he spoke, but he couldn't detect any distinct emotions on the other man's face. 

 "Excellent. Until tomorrow, then," said Klaus. 

 Peter didn't sleep well that night. He found himself constantly wondering about Elijah Mikaelson. What kind of man was he? He had been able to tell almost nothing about him during the party. The only thing he could see was that Elijah was different from Klaus. Klaus had practically dedicated the night to being the life of the party and making sure everyone enjoyed himself, and had teased his brother about looking as if he couldn't care less. 

 Peter liked Klaus, and it certainly seemed that Klaus liked him as well, but they didn't have much in common and weren't much alike, either. Peter still couldn't understand why Klaus had closed in on him when he first arrived in the city; why not look for company with people more like himself, who were more open and fun-loving? 

 If only I'd met Elijah Mikaelson first, Peter thought. There's a mysterious man I'd love to get to know!

~~~~~~ 

 "Peter Stone." As soon as Peter walked into the Mikaelsons' home, Klaus himself appeared and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. "Well, Merry Christmas, my friend. Your first in New Orleans should be a good one. That's why I thought to invite you. Tell you what; why don't you go talk to Elijah for a bit while I speak with a few other guests? He won't mind showing you around. He might like you." 

 As Klaus walked away, Peter thought to himself, And I hope so as well, in a different way. 

 Peter found Elijah in the dining room, making sure everything was set out properly for a Christmas dinner.

 "Um, hello," Peter said, stepping into the dining room. "I'm Peter Stone. We met briefly last night. I'm a friend of your brother Klaus." 

 Elijah nodded. "I remember you. I don't believe I was ever properly introduced. Elijah Mikaelson." He held out his hand over the table, and they shook hands. "You must be a recent arrival to the city." 

 "I am. I've only been here a few months. Klaus has been...well, different from the stories I've heard about him." 

 Elijah raised his eyebrows. "That's because you have only known a few months, Mr. Stone. There's more to him than whatever he's been showing you. The longer you know him, the more you'll see it. So, tell me, what brought you to New Orleans?" 

 Peter shrugged. "I suppose I just wanted something new. I wound up here in New Orleans, I met Klaus, and I've been spending a lot of time with him since then." 

 "I see. Well, Mr. Stone, my advice would be to be careful with what you do. My brother can get himself into some very bad moods, and I wouldn't want him taking any of his anger out on you." 

 "Why do you think he wants to be friends with me?" Peter asked abruptly. "I-I only ask because you're his brother and you-you certainly know him better than I do." 

 "If he's interested in you," Elijah said, "There is a reason. In your case, I have no idea what that reason could be, but there may be something. Be careful with him." 

 "For God's sake, brother." Klaus walked into the dining room. "You're not boring poor Mr. Stone in here, are you? Is everything set in here?" 

 "I believe so," Elijah answered. "I was only taking a moment to get to know Mr. Stone." 

 "Well, why don't you both come join everyone else, then?" Klaus suggested. "Come on." 

 Peter joined them in leaving the dining room for the time being, and he didn't get another moment alone with Elijah that day.