I'm not very tired tonight for some reason, so I thought I'd update my one shot series. Happy Halloween, lovelies! This random AU is a follow-up to the other Halloween Klaroline one shot I did (Chapter 27, "Our Epic Love"). Thank you for the reviews!

I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you

Mystic Grill – Halloween...

The Halloween bash at the Mystic Grill was in full swing, with thousands of people dressed in costume, vying for the prize for Best Costume, like every year. Caroline smiled as she surveyed the scene. She had chosen to go dressed as Christine Daae from The Phantom of the Opera (from the "Don Juan Triumphant" scene). In years prior, she had come close to winning the coveted Best Costume prize, but always wound up being either 2nd place, 3rd place, or worse, dead last. Seriously, who would pick someone else to win the prize and not her?

I have to win this year, she thought. I mean, don't these assholes know just who the hell they think they're dealing with? I mean, for the love of all things holy, I was Miss Mystic Falls. That must've counted for something in this piece of shit town.

No sooner did she finish that thought than the blonde vampire spotted a single red rose with a black ribbon tied around it, along with an envelope with her name written in cursive. Curiously, she carefully picked it up, sniffing the flower before opening the envelope and finding a paper in it that was folded in half. Unfolding it, she saw that it was a note for her:

"Caroline –

Yours is the most beautiful costume I have ever seen. Anyone who doesn't see that isn't worth the air they breathe. You deserve to win that prize. Tonight belongs to you, love, there's no doubt in my mind."

There was no signature, but then again, there didn't need to be, because Caroline already knew who this was from. Klaus sent this, I just know he did, she thought. The question is, where the hell is he? Usually, he shows up when I least expect him to. Maybe he's hiding somewhere and he'll reveal himself when the time is right.

She took a look around, hoping she was right, but couldn't see the Original hybrid anywhere. He had to be here, he just had to be.

However, before she could begin to search for him, Caroline heard her name being called from on stage. Not sure why her name was being called, especially before everyone else got theirs called, she approached the stage, taking the note and the rose with her, and the instant she got up there, she was greeted by the contest judge, who presented her with the first prize trophy. Caroline took it from him, still surprised that she had gotten it. Of course, she had no time to think about it because someone from the crowd called for her to give a speech. Shit, I haven't got one prepared. Just relax, Caroline, you can do this. When in doubt, improvize.

Clearing her throat, Caroline approached the microphone. "Seriously, this was so unexpected, but I accept this trophy. The powers that be must really be on my side, because I probably wouldn't have won Best Costume if it weren't for a little divine influence." Or, perhaps, a little compulsion from a certain Original hybrid. "Thank you so much, and Happy Halloween."

After she made her acceptance speech, Caroline hastily left the stage and resumed her search for Klaus. There was no doubt in her mind that he had something to do with this. He had to have compelled the judge. That was the only logical explanation for why she was chosen. As she searched the crowd, Caroline detected a familiar presence and it seemed to be coming from outside. Quickly, she went out the back way toward the alley. Once there, she continued to look until she felt herself being grabbed from behind, a hand clamping itself over her mouth, muffling her screams.

"Caroline, if you would stop struggling for a minute, you'd know who this is."

Caroline blinked as she heard that familiar British accent whisper in her ear and turning around, she saw Klaus standing in front of her, dressed as the Phantom (no doubt to complement her costume, except his was from after the "Hannibal" scene, where Christine sang in Carlotta's place). Still, he looked dapper, and the mask made him look sexy in a mysterious sort of way.

"Where the hell were you?" she said. "I looked all over for you and I couldn't find you."

"If I revealed myself right away, it would take away from the mystery," he replied. "And the Phantom is all about mystery, is he not?"

"Yes, I suppose," said Caroline. "Still, I would've appreciated seeing you in the audience as I accepted the trophy." She raised an eyebrow at him. "Which reminds me, did you have anything to do with that? Did you compel the judge? Is that why I won?"

Klaus smirked. "You're a smart girl, you figure it out."

"You did compel the judge," said Caroline. "I knew it was you, I just...needed to ask." She sighed. "Anyway, thank you for your help, however sneaky and underhanded it may have been."

"You're very welcome, love," said Klaus. "I wasn't lying when I said you deserved to win that prize." He eyed her up and down. "I also wasn't lying when I said that your costume was beautiful. You definitely do Christine Daae justice."

Caroline smiled and got closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing him softly. "And you definitely do the Phantom justice."

Klaus chuckled and returned her kiss, running his fingers through her hair. He was glad that his tactic worked and that Caroline had finally won Best Costume at the Mystic Grill Halloween party. Even if she didn't win tonight, he'd still be kissing her, because he loved her that much.

Note: Hope you've enjoyed this little Halloween treat! Keep the faith, lovelies!