Taking Care of the Other One XXXVI
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.
"This should be fun," Caroline said with enthusiasm to Klaus as they strolled down the sidewalk.
He hummed, not commenting.
Klaus opened the door to the building, putting a hand on Caroline's back as she walked inside.
"We can always get food later if we're still hungry," she whispered as quietly as possible as she knocked.
The door whipped open.
"I heard that," Rebekah said.
Rebekah was making dinner for the two couples. Klaus was not convinced they'd get anything edible.
Caroline greeted her with a hug and stepped inside to give one to Stefan too.
Klaus gave his sister a kiss on the cheek. "At least I know you can't kill me with your cooking."
"You're not funny."
He shook hands with Stefan, taking the glass of wine offered to him,
Stefan and Rebekah had been living together a few months. Their place wasn't completely finished, but it had the essentials.
"What style do you call this, Stefan?" Klaus asked, moving his hand to indicate the decor.
"I like to call this perfect for drinking. You don't want to use a coaster? Don't use a coaster. Accidentally spill something? You can't even tell with all the other spills. I think it's industrial chic."
Klaus made a face and Stefan smiled. Klaus really was fussy.
The floors were polished concrete and most of industrial elements of the former business were still seen. It was quirky. Wooden crates were the side tables. Caroline noticed the curtains were one of the additions Rebekah made, but otherwise it didn't quite carry her style yet.
The table had the dishes laid out and looked impressive compared to the rest of the room.
"Do you need any help?" offered Caroline.
"Thanks, but Stefan is acting as my sous chef. You can sit down actually. It's all ready."
Caroline gave Klaus a look. So far, so good. They each took a seat and Stefan brought over some salad and Rebekah brought in the bottle of wine to refill glasses as needed.
Caroline's hand was on Klaus' thigh, unable to not touch him.
They enjoyed their first course and chatted a little.
"What's the occasion for this anyway, Rebekah?" Klaus asked.
"Can't a sister make a meal for her big brother without it being suspicious?" Rebekah smirked at him.
"No," he smirked back at her. "What do you want?"
"Klaus, she's been working all day on this," Stefan added.
"Uh huh. What do you want, Rebekah?" He asked again with a smile for her.
"This salad is really great. I like the walnuts. I like something crunchy in my salads. Where did you get these?" Caroline asked out loud to no one.
When they were finished with their salads, Stefan cleared the plates and Rebekah brought out the main course. She made lasagna with garlic bread. She was just thrilled she hadn't charred it.
It actually came out well. Klaus had to begrudgingly compliment her and she gifted him with a sunny smile.
"I do have some news."
Rebekah looked at Stefan and he gave her an encouraging smile.
"Here it comes," Klaus said to Caroline, loud enough for Rebekah to shoot him a glare.
"I'm opening my own business," she breathlessly revealed.
"Rebekah, that's amazing." Caroline was excited about this. "What kind of business?"
"A clothing store, plus I'll offer styling."
"It fits her perfectly. She has great style and can boss people around all day," Stefan said.
"Congratulations, sister. When will this business open?"
"In two weeks," she gushed.
"What?" Caroline was shocked. "Why are we just finding out about this now?"
"I've been working on it for a while, but didn't want to say anything until it was really happening." Things had gone smoothly, but if there had been delays she didn't want to embarrass herself, especially in front of Klaus.
"Tell us about it."
She put down her fork to tell them the details. They all continued eating as they listened. She was pleased to see that, that it didn't appear as though they were forcing themselves to protect her feelings.
"I already have a space and inventory. Buying things and making contacts has been the best part so far. I have advertising planned. Renovations will be done next week and I'm having an opening party."
"Can we come?" Caroline asked, eyes lit up.
"Of course, I want you both there."
Klaus and Caroline both agreed of course.
"Are you involved in this, Stefan or is my sister your, what is it called, your sugar momma?"
"Please never say that again," Caroline cringed and Rebekah cringed with her.
"I painted the walls. That's it." He also visited Rebekah every day while she was there, bringing her coffee or lunch, offering advice when asked, calming her nerves. She smiled at him. She wouldn't have been able to do without his support.
"I would like to ask a favor though," Rebekah broached.
Klaus pointedly looked at Caroline who ignored him, but she did squeeze his leg, feeling his gaze on her.
"Caroline, would you pose in some photographs for my store?"
Caroline was shocked at the request, but then clapped her hands.
"Yes! I would love to help." She paused. "Are you sure?"
"Do you remember when Klaus painted that portrait of you in that Victorian dress?"
She nodded.
"It came out beautifully. I hate to admit some of it was from Klaus' talent, but I think you'd be great. I just want a few blown up black and white shots done with some designers I'll be featuring. I think her style will compliment you and I have some outfits in mind. I'll be changing the photos every so often, keeping things fresh, but these will be the first to go up on the walls."
"I think it's an excellent idea. Your best one yet," Klaus approved, thinking Caroline was the most beautiful woman in the world. "Rebekah, you didn't ask, but I will be the photographer. You're welcome. It's the least I can do."
Rebekah rolled her eyes at him, but it wasn't a terrible idea. She wouldn't have to pay him. She made an "I guess" gesture and he grinned at her and she had to smile at his excitement.
Caroline smiled into her wine glass, but she couldn't resist his grin either, leaned in, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"No. Stop right there," Stefan groaned, citing the affection they were notorious for.
Caroline just looked at Klaus. "Should we?"
"Oh yes, sweetheart," he crooned.
She leaned in, put her hands on his cheeks, and kissed him on the mouth, swiping her tongue quickly into his own. If they were going to get scolded, might as well make it worth it. It lasted only a second, but Rebekah and Stefan were appropriately traumatized and Caroline broke away from Klaus, laughing.
"Good thing dinner is over," Rebekah shouted. "I've lost my appetite."
"I really enjoyed the food, Rebekah. Thank you," Caroline noted primly, dabbing her mouth with a napkin.
The dishes were cleared and they moved into the living room, settling themselves in. Glasses were refilled and Rebekah brought out some cannolis she bought at the local bakery.
"Now that you've had enough wine," Rebekah announced, "I will be choosing your outfits for the opening party."
They all dutifully nodded, expecting nothing less.
"Since the grand opening party will be in the evening, I have a deejay, caterer," she took a deep breath,"…and a bartender."
Caroline's eyes darted from one side to the other, not sure what was happening.
"J'accuse!" she shouted, standing up and pointing at Rebekah. The wine in her glass started to slosh over the side and she had to move quickly to save it.
Rebekah hung her head in shame. "She's the only one I could find on such short notice."
"I can pour drinks. How hard could it be?"
"You would want to deal with the unwashed masses?" Klaus asked skeptically.
"Caroline, what are you talking about?" Stefan said, completely bewildered why she would volunteer to pour drinks. She who hosted more parties than anyone never did anything like that.
"Yeah, ok. I wouldn't like it," she admitted. "I'm sure I could find a replacement though. I have contacts in places you wouldn't believe."
"Cami already changed her schedule at Rousseau's and is counting on the money." Stefan looked at her seriously.
"Fine. I will attend, but Klaus will have to get my drinks for me. You will won't you?"
"What kind of fiancé would I be if I didn't get you drinks?"
She smiled and held out her now-empty wine glass and Stefan laughed as Klaus had no choice but to get her a refill. He sighed and got him to do her bidding.
She called out, "I love you," as he stood and got her more wine.
"Rebekah, I want the best for you, truly. In return for me suffering through her presence, can you please assure me the sexiest, most sophisticated, amazing outfit I have ever seen?" she pleaded.
Rebekah agreed, promising to find her something she would like.
As Klaus and Caroline were leaving, Klaus was sure to give his sister a hug.
"I'm proud of you, Rebekah," he said softly to her.
Caroline couldn't resist putting her hand to her chest, feeling emotional at the sweet sibling moment.
"You need to take Caroline home, she looks like she's going to cry now," Stefan kidded.
Caroline slapped him on the arm for his teasing. "You're ruining all the beautiful moments, Stefan. First it was Klaus and I kissing and now this. Speaking of kissing," she turned to Klaus to give him an exaggerated wink, "time to go home."
He grinned, picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, racing off together to the moans and groans coming from Rebekah and Stefan.
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The picture-taking for Rebekah's store was planned quickly. Rebekah ideally wanted three photographs of Caroline. She had Caroline try on a lot of ensembles ahead of time and weaned it down to three. She made sure they all fit very well and she thought they would photograph well also.
Klaus had a good camera and was a decent photographer. Caroline was in charge of her own hair and makeup. Rebekah did all the styling. She wanted the pictures to be done outside so they would reflect that they were taken in New Orleans.
They actually got to see Rebekah's store which was in the high end section of New Orleans. There were boxes and empty racks set up, but both were suitably impressed.
Rebekah started Caroline in a classic little black dress, but it had some leather detailing to make it unique. She accessorized with jewelry and some shoes Caroline wanted to keep.
They set up in the French Quarter to get some of the architecture in the background.
Rebekah stood behind Klaus watching them work and he took a million shots. Caroline was getting bored so they had to supply her with coffee and gossip to keep her going. She would change position and he would move her to get the best light.
They took a break between the first and second outfits. They moved to different areas including Caroline up on a balcony in the French Quarter to get some of the wrought iron in the background.
The second outfit was a skirt and shirt combination. It was again classic with a twist to make it unique. The short skirt was taffeta and voluminous. Caroline was definitely going to get her hands on it. It reminded her of something an actress in the 1950s would wear. The shirt was a take on the classic men's button down. She was very familiar with them as she'd co-opted most of Klaus' closet.
"What does this remind you of, Klaus?" she smirked when he saw her come out of the changing area.
"No. Focus you two," Rebekah scolded them. Klaus merely smirked, but his eyes warmed.
Rebekah undid one more button on the shirt once she started to pose and they both heard Klaus growl.
"Just think of all the photos you can keep, Klaus, for yourself. I can't believe I even said that. She isn't showing her bra. It's fine. Ok, Caroline, less Miss Mystic Falls, more sophisticated woman of the world."
Caroline rolled her eyes, but tried to remember what she'd seen in magazines to change up her poses. Rebekah couldn't resist and stood next to her to show what she wanted. Klaus took some photos while they were together. He thought the candid shots were the ones coming out the best. They were his favorite women in the world, the two blondes in his life.
They were all tired, but resolved to finish the final outfit. It was different than the others. It was jeans and a colorful sleeveless top. The pattern would look interesting once the black and white photos were taken. They found one of the courtyards with exposed brick and potted plants all around. It was a beautiful oasis.
By this point, Caroline had to literally push Rebekah out of the way to get the pictures taken and was just ready to be done. They left the fun glamorous part a while ago for her.
Caroline gave him a pleading look and he eagerly jumped in to rescue her.
"Rebekah, I'm done." He handed her the camera so she could go through and chose those which she wanted to use.
"Let's go home, love," Klaus took her hand and led her away.
"Bye, Rebekah," Caroline called over her shoulder as they quickly walked.
"I'll see you next week for the party," Rebekah called as they left, already looking at the pictures taken.
"My hero," Caroline whispered once they were well away. "I was just getting so bored, but I wanted to help her."
"I know. You were great. I took hundreds of photographs. She'll find three she loves."
"Do you think she noticed I walked away with this outfit?" she said as she bumped his shoulder as they walked. They were only a block from his city home.
"I'm surprised she hasn't come racing down here. I have an idea. Why don't we go home and I'll get you out of those clothes so fast your head will spin?"
"You're such a sweet talker," she laughed up at him. "Why don't I model one of the shirts I've stolen from you? A private show if you will."
"My absolute favorite. You win, my love."
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I've missed Rebekah and Stefan in these drabbles. I guess I'll write about the party in the next one.
What do you think the name of Rebekah's store would be?
Comments? Reviews? More drabble ideas?