Taking Care of the Other One XI
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters.
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Caterer ready and waitstaff given instructions? Check.
Bartender set up with plenty of alcohol? Check.
DJ with appropriate playlist? Check.
Room set up per her chart? Check.
Protective quieting spell in place by Genevieve? Check.
Security provided with RSVP list? Check.
Note card with toast tucked in pocketbook? Check.
Killer dress ready to be worn? Check.
Time set to get him to the party? Check.
She was all ready. Yes, Caroline planned a surprise birthday party for Klaus. He had never had one before, he revealed to her. Last year, after she finally pried the date out of him, they had a romantic dinner together. This year she planned a celebration at his New Orleans home. Mardi Gras starting next week gave it an extra festive feel.
The guests would include his family of course, Stefan, and some key members of the New Orleans community, including humans, ugh Cami, werewolves, vampires, and witches, yay Genevieve. It was a public relations event and party rolled into one. A hundred people were expected.
Klaus did not generally like surprises. Being on the run from your father did that to someone, but he loved birthdays and she felt like having it this one time would be fun. She also modified the surprise a bit to something she felt he would be comfortable with.
"Elijah, do you remember your part of the plan?"
"I will supervise all security matters. I assure you no unexpected guests will arrive. I have also personally reminded certain people attending that this is a party and the peace will be kept at all costs."
"Excellent," she noted while looking down at her phone with her list of tasks. "Do you have something to wear?"
He was silent and she looked up. If Elijah ever rolled his eyes, he would have done it just then.
She smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I forgot who I was talking to." She gave him a coy look, "Do you have a lady friend you're bringing?"
He just turned to walk away and her smile got bigger. Elijah, despite warming up to her quite a bit, was not volunteering anything she didn't already know about his personal life. The little she did know was gathered through snooping too.
"I'll see you tonight, Elijah," she called out, "Thanks."
"Rebekah, do you need help or are you set for tonight? Which dress did you end up picking anyway?"
Rebekah didn't like waiting to get orders from the baby vampire, but she was looking forward to tonight. She told Caroline how she ended up choosing the blue one after all. Rebekah and Caroline weren't the best of friends, but they were friendly and went dress shopping earlier in the week. Rebekah had been undecided so bought two. Caroline's innate humanity attracted Rebekah. She remembered having more of it herself and being around Caroline seemed to bring it out of her, even when Caroline got bossy. They were similar enough to both entertain and annoy one another equally.
Rebekah was in charge of the music and alcohol. She came up with the playlist herself, old and new tunes. She also worked with the head bartender in coming up with a signature drink for the evening. Caroline told her it's what every major event was doing. Rebekah didn't know about that, but she didn't mind all the taste testing, well taste drinking, she "had" to do.
"I did find out an interesting piece of news."
"Do tell," Caroline leaned in. Rebekah really did get the best items of gossip.
"Your doppelganger will be wearing green tonight. You're welcome."
This was mixed news. Anyone thinking Cami was her doppelganger was bad. Knowing she wasn't wearing the same color as the human who made her shudder to think about? Good.
Caroline rolled her eyes, acknowledging the snark, as the other blonde walked away. It's what they did.
"I'll see you later."
"Caroline, tell me again why I wasn't put on alcohol duty?" Stefan moped.
"I hate to admit it, but she has great taste. You just be you, Stefan."
She didn't put him in charge of anything. It wasn't because he couldn't do it, but his enthusiasm for anything to do with the party other than the alcohol was pretty much zero and she didn't actually need his help. His presence tonight as one of Klaus' only friends was enough. He also acted as her sounding board for her toast.
"Do you have something to wear?" Really she should have asked Elijah to help him out. That man could dress to impress.
"I'm off to pick up my suit right now."
"Great." She gave him a hug and he left.
Things were really coming together.
All she told Klaus was that he should get dressed up for the birthday surprise she had in store for him. The spell Genevieve put in place was to keep the rooms for the party, the ballroom, yes his home had a small ballroom, and garden, quiet so Klaus wouldn't be able to hear the preparations or guests until he was actually inside the room. It was only in place for a certain amount of time and things would be back to normal soon. Caroline was a stealthy planner, but there was only so much she could do about his hearing.
Her favorite part of the party planning was how the garden turned out. There wasn't much in bloom, but it was green and paper lanterns and bottles filled with candles were hung from the trees. There were a few heat lamps set up since it was chilly when the sun went down. It was charming and romantic. She couldn't wait to enjoy herself out there.
The ballroom itself had purple accents, appropriate for Mardi Gras and of course it was the color of royalty.
She went upstairs to shower and get ready. She kicked Klaus out of his own bathroom to do this. She reminded him what time he needed to be dressed. Since she told him the day before that she made plans for his birthday, he was constantly asking her about it. She would just smile and distract him, which was remarkably easy to do. Usually a wink was enough to get him to chase her wherever she wanted.
She helped pick out his clothes. A black suit with a black shirt. No need for a tie. Sleek and sophisticated.
For herself, she was going for a sexy, classic look. She found the perfect black satin gown. It had a sweetheart neckline and wide straps. There was some detailing around the waist to give her a more defined hourglass shape. It reminded her of something from the forties. Very old Hollywood glamour. She pulled out her favorite Louboutins. She styled her hair sleekly with the ends curled under, pulling one side back behind her ear. Some ruby earrings from Klaus' secret stash of treasures was it for jewelry, other than her daylight ring of course. A bright red lip, lots of mascara, and a hint of perfume finished her off. She was really pleased at how sophisticated she looked. She was sure Klaus would enjoy it too. She could wear a paper sack and he would enjoy it though.
He did.
He looked awestruck when he saw his beautiful girlfriend. Her pale creamy skin was glowing and he couldn't wait to peel her out of that dress. "Caroline, you look gorgeous, as you always do."
He looked gorgeous too and she gave him a peck, careful not to ruin her lipstick. She couldn't wait to peel him out of that suit.
It was time to start.
"Ready?" She gave him a big smile and grabbed her small bag.
"Does this mean the suspense is over?"
"Nope. Here, let me."
At the doorway to their bedroom she stopped him and pulled out a blindfold.
He gave her a look.
"It's only for a minute or two. I swear." She couldn't help the smile on her face, making him instantly suspicious, but he agreed.
He nodded and she tied the black fabric around his head. Towing him along in her grasp to the ballroom, she brought him to where his brother, sister, and friend were gathered.
Klaus continued to try and guess what was happening along the way. He wasn't ever close to the truth.
Just as they were entering the ballroom, Klaus spoke up, "Caroline, are you going to do a sexy striptease? Did you pack your cheerleading outfit by the way?"
She whacked him the stomach as she pulled him in front of Elijah, Rebekah, and Stefan. It was even better since he couldn't see it coming.
"I'll take that as a no. Are you finally going to sing for me?"
She was touched he remembered. "Nope, but that's actually a really good guess."
"Are we playing out that 'mysterious strangers meet on a train' fantasy of yours? What about the James Bond hot hybrid vampire sex one?"
She put her hand over his mouth to keep him quiet as she blushed. "Shush." These people really knew too much about their very fulfilling, thank you very much, sex life. What else was new?
Elijah looked intrigued and raised a brow. Rebekah looked grossed out. Stefan was trying hard not to laugh.
"Keep your eyes closed," she ordered as she untied the cloth.
She moved to stand with the others to see his reaction. She clasped her hands in front of her chest, so excited.
"Okay. Open them."
Klaus saw his family and friend, plus Caroline, and the room set up for a party.
"Happy Birthday," cheered Caroline. "It's a party. Everyone will be here soon."
She waited to see his reaction since he looked a little stunned. She knew giving him the opportunity to come to grips with the surprise in front of them versus everyone invited would be easier for him.
"Caroline, you did all this for me? Thank you," he said sincerely, touched. He strode to her and gave her a kiss.
He went down the line thanking Stefan and his family as well. They were all relieved he was excited, although it occurred to each of them that his ego would love having people come to celebrate something of his, namely his birthday.
The others went back to double-checking their last chores, with Stefan following Rebekah around. Caroline gave Klaus a little tour of the room and the outside area. She told him about Genevieve's spell that helped keep the surprise. He told her how amazing everything looked and how he was genuinely looking forward to the rest of the evening festivities.
Guests began arriving shortly thereafter.
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I know it's a little short, but the next chapter will be the party.
I have an idea of what gift Caroline will give Klaus. It's not very imaginative and someone will probably get it, but does anyone want to guess?
No, it's not a new tattoo, although I'm sure Klaus will ask about that.
Thanks for all the reviews everyone. I love them.