Chapter Text
Niklaus Mikaelson shoved open the kitchen doors with enough force to make every cabinet rattle.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, every bit the powerful host of the evening, he carried himself with effortless authority. His sandy-blond hair was neatly styled, his jaw set with visible impatience as every inch of him radiated the confidence of a man accustomed to getting exactly what he wanted.
“Elijah,” he called, his sharp blue eyes sweeping across the bustling kitchen until they landed on his brother. “Where is this caterer you insisted upon? My guests have been waiting far too long.”
Elijah didn't so much as look up from straightening a stack of crystal dessert plates.
Unlike his brother's restless energy, Elijah stood as calm as still water. His impeccably tailored tuxedo looked as though it had been pressed moments before, not a single wrinkle daring to interrupt its perfection. His dark hair was neatly combed, his posture flawless, and his movements carried the quiet precision of a man who believed there was a proper way to do absolutely everything.
"Patience, Niklaus."
"Patience?" Klaus scoffed. "There are nearly one hundred people in my home with nothing to eat."
"Ninety-three," Elijah corrected calmly, smoothing an invisible wrinkle from the cuff of his tailored jacket before finally lifting his composed brown eyes to meet his brother's. "And Miss Parker informed me she was delayed by traffic. She'll be here."
Nearby, Rebekah leaned gracefully against the marble countertop, the emerald satin of her floor-length gown catching the warm glow of the chandelier overhead. Diamond earrings sparkled beneath her sleek blonde hair as she folded her arms across her chest, letting out an exaggerated sigh that practically echoed through the kitchen. Elegant as ever, the impatience written across her face proved that refinement and irritation could coexist beautifully.
"Well, I certainly hope she hurries. At this rate, Kol's liable to start eating the centerpieces."
Before Klaus could fire back another complaint, three deliberate knocks rang through the estate, slicing cleanly through the tension that had settled over the kitchen.
For the first time that evening, the corner of Elijah's mouth lifted into the faintest hint of a knowing smile. Without a trace of urgency, he adjusted the front of his tuxedo before turning toward the foyer.
"That," he said with quiet confidence, "would be Miss Parker."
As Elijah reached the side entrance leading into the estate's expansive catering kitchen, he wrapped his hand around the polished brass handle and pulled the door open.
Standing just outside was a plus-sized Black woman with rich brown skin, a radiant smile, and enough personality to fill the entire estate before she ever stepped inside. Her jet-black hair was swept into a high ponytail that cascaded in loose curls over one shoulder, oversized gold hoop earrings framing her face, and a chunky gold necklace rested against an olive-green knit sweater that draped comfortably over her figure. Black leather leggings hugged her legs before disappearing into matching ankle boots, while a gold crossbody purse rested against her hip, gently swaying as she shifted her weight. Before she uttered a single word, she carried herself with the confidence of someone who belonged wherever she walked.
Lined up behind her stood three young adults, each balancing aluminum catering pans loaded with homemade soul food. The aroma reached the kitchen before they did, filling the room with buttery cornbread, slow-cooked collard greens, baked macaroni and cheese, candied yams, fried chicken, and the unmistakable sweetness of fresh banana pudding.
The first was a beautiful young woman with honey-blonde curls gathered into a playful ponytail. Dressed in a fitted white lace blouse and dark denim jeans, Kim balanced one of the heavier catering trays against her hip with the ease of someone who'd been doing this her entire life, though the look on her face suggested she'd once again been volunteered by her mother.
Standing beside her was Stevie, a white woman whose blonde curls were pulled into a loose ponytail beneath a pair of silver hoop earrings. Her crisp white blouse with lace sleeves paired neatly with dark jeans as she carefully cradled Nikki's famous macaroni and cheese like it was priceless cargo.
Bringing up the rear was T, a young Black man dressed in a tan button-up layered over a white T-shirt and dark jeans. A diamond stud sparkled in one ear as he effortlessly carried two catering pans, wearing the relaxed smile of someone who'd long accepted that whenever Nikki Parker called, you showed up.
The woman greeted Elijah with an apologetic smile so warm it instantly softened the room.
“Hi! I’m so, so sorry we’re late. Baby, New Orleans traffic is somethin’ else.”
Without waiting for a response, she glanced over her shoulder.
“Puddin’, come on, baby. Stevie, hold that macaroni with both hands. Don’t you drop my macaroni and cheese. T, quit sightseeing and grab those greens.”
Kim, Stevie, and T exchanged amused smiles before filing into the kitchen with the trays.
Only then did Nikki turn her full attention back to Elijah, extending her hand with an easy smile.
“I’m Nikki Parker, and you must be Elijah.”
Her smile widened as she motioned toward the blonde young woman beside her.
"This is my daughter, Kim."
Then, with another sweep of her hand, she introduced the others.
"And these two are Kim's best friends. This is Stevie, and that's T. They help me out whenever I get one of these big catering jobs."
Before Elijah could say another word, Klaus, who'd been standing only a few feet away, finally spoke, his impatience having reached its limit.
"About time," Klaus muttered. "My guests have been waiting."
Nikki slowly rested a hand on her hip and looked him over from head to toe.
“Baby, if New Orleans traffic would’ve cooperated, I would’ve been here sooner.”
Before Klaus could answer, she clapped her hands together once, immediately shifting into business mode.
"Alright, everybody, let's move. Kim, Stevie, T—start unloadin' everything. Hot food stays hot, cold food stays cold, and don't let anybody touch my banana puddin'."
"Got it, Mama," Kim answered as the three immediately spread out across the kitchen, carefully arranging tray after tray across the stainless-steel prep tables.
Watching them for only a second, Nikki turned back toward the elegantly dressed Mikaelsons with an easy smile.
"So..." Her eyes wandered around the enormous kitchen. "Y'all don't happen to have any Alizé around here, do you?"
The question earned nothing but puzzled expressions. Klaus frowned slightly. Elijah's brow lifted with polite curiosity, while Rebekah looked from one brother to the other before returning her attention to Nikki.
"...Alizé?" Rebekah repeated carefully, pronouncing the unfamiliar word as though she were testing it for the first time.
Nikki's eyes moved from Rebekah to Elijah before finally settling on Klaus, waiting for one of them to crack a smile. When none of them did, genuine disbelief slowly spread across her face.
"Hold up..." She looked at Rebekah, then Elijah, then Klaus. "Y'all seriously don't know what Alizé is?"
The siblings exchanged another confused glance before Elijah answered with his usual composed politeness.
"I'm afraid... I do not."
Nikki stared at them in complete disbelief before dramatically placing a hand against her chest.
"Oh, my goodness. Y'all have this gorgeous mansion, probably every expensive drink money can buy... and nobody's ever heard of Alizé?"
Without taking her eyes off the bewildered siblings, Nikki casually extended her hand toward Kim behind her.
"Kim, hand me my purse."
Kim sighed like this was far from the first time she'd watched her mother educate strangers on something completely random. Slinging the oversized purse from her shoulder, she dug around inside until she found a small red bottle and handed it over.
"Here you go, Mama."
Nikki accepted it with a proud smile before setting it on the stainless-steel counter between them.
"Mmhmm."
Almost in unison, Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah leaned forward to inspect the bottle, their curiosity getting the better of them.
Just then, Kol wandered into the kitchen, glanced at the bottle sitting on the counter, then looked at Nikki.
"And what exactly is Alizé?"
Nikki looked at him for a long moment before letting out a soft laugh and patting him gently on the shoulder.
"Oh, honey..." She shook her head with an amused smile. "We got a whole lotta work to do."
She rubbed her hands together once, scanned the kitchen with an approving nod, then smiled at her crew.
"Alright... let's make these people something they'll never forget."
Only after making sure her crew had settled into the kitchen did Nikki make her way toward the rows of pristine white cabinets lining the walls. She opened one.
Glasses.
"Mmh-mm."
Closing it with a soft nudge of her hip, she reached for another.
Mixing bowls.
"Nope."
By the third cabinet, a satisfied smile spread across her face as neatly stacked white china plates came into view.
"There y'all go."
Moving with the confidence of someone who had worked in more kitchens than she could count, Nikki lined the plates across the stainless-steel counter before opening drawer after drawer until she uncovered the silverware. Forks, knives, and spoons were arranged with practiced efficiency, and within moments the unfamiliar kitchen had become her workstation. Watching her move, it was almost impossible to tell she had never stepped foot inside the Mikaelson estate before.
She rolled up the sleeves of her sweater.
"Alright..." she murmured with a smile. "Let's make some magic."
Without wasting another second, Nikki got to work. Creamy baked macaroni and cheese disappeared from the pan in generous spoonfuls, followed by slow-cooked collard greens, buttery candied yams, crispy fried chicken, slices of golden cornbread, and careful scoops of homemade banana pudding. Her hands never hesitated. Every movement flowed into the next with the confidence that only came from years of experience.
From across the kitchen, Elijah, Klaus, and Rebekah found themselves watching in silence. None of them interrupted. None of them spoke. They simply stood there as Nikki worked with remarkable speed and precision, each completed plate looking every bit as beautiful as the one before it.
One plate became two.
Two became four.
Four became six.
Six became twelve.
Before anyone realized it, an entire row of perfectly plated dinners stretched across the stainless-steel counter, each one looking worthy of a five-star banquet despite being nothing more than honest Southern comfort food.
"...Remarkable," Elijah admitted quietly, unable to hide the admiration in his voice.
Nikki barely glanced up.
“Well, what y’all waitin’ on?” she called, already reaching for the next serving spoon. "These plates ain't gonna walk themselves. Come on, people, let's move!"
The command instantly snapped Kim, Stevie, and T back into motion.
"Got it, Mama."
Grabbing as many plates as they could safely carry, the three hurried out of the kitchen while Nikki continued plating meal after meal without ever missing a beat. Curious to see how their guests would respond, Elijah, Klaus, and Rebekah exchanged a glance before following behind.
The grand ballroom sparkled beneath towering crystal chandeliers, every table filled with elegantly dressed guests draped in designer gowns, pressed tuxedos, and expensive jewelry. Yet despite the wealth surrounding them, the atmosphere had grown noticeably stale. Conversations had slowed to impatient murmurs, smiles had faded, and more than one guest had begun checking the time while waiting for dinner to arrive.
That changed the moment the first plates touched the tables.
Kim, Stevie, and T moved swiftly through the ballroom, setting steaming dinners before each guest. For a heartbeat, the room remained quiet as everyone took their first bite.
Then the transformation began.
One gentleman lifted another forkful of macaroni and cheese before he'd even finished chewing the first.
Across the room, a woman instinctively reached across the table for a bottle of hot sauce, only to stop halfway there after tasting the collard greens.
"...Never mind."
Another guest leaned toward his wife.
"Who made this?"
A third quietly stood from his chair and approached Stevie.
"Excuse me... is there any chance I could have another plate?"
Within minutes the ballroom had completely transformed. Laughter replaced impatient sighs, conversations became louder, smiles spread from table to table, and guests who had looked ready to leave only moments earlier were now happily asking for seconds. It was as though the food had done exactly what its name promised.
It had fed their souls.
Watching the dramatic shift unfold before her eyes, Rebekah couldn't help but smile. Nikki Parker had rescued the evening... but as her eyes drifted across the ballroom, she noticed something was still missing.
The dance floor.
It sat completely empty.
She turned toward Klaus.
"Niklaus... where is the band?"
His expression tightened almost imperceptibly.
"There was..." He cleared his throat. "...a slight oversight."
Rebekah stared at him in disbelief.
"A slight oversight?" she repeated. "Niklaus... you forgot the entertainment."
Before Klaus could defend himself, Nikki stepped into the ballroom carrying another tray.
"Oh, that's easy."
Every head turned toward her.
"My baby got a group."
Kim froze.
"...Mama."
Nikki paid her absolutely no attention.
"Freestyle Unity."
She pointed proudly toward Kim, Stevie, and T.
"They sing R&B."
Kim sighed, already knowing where this was headed.
"Mama..."
"Girl, hush," Nikki said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Mama's gettin' y'all booked."
The nearby guests chuckled, and even Elijah found himself hiding the faintest smile.
"I suppose," Rebekah said, glancing toward Klaus, "we don't exactly have another option."
"Course you don't," Nikki replied with a grin. Clapping her hands together once, she turned toward her crew. "Kim, go grab y'all performance clothes out the car. Stevie, T, y'all go help her. We finna give these people a real party."
Kim shook her head with an embarrassed laugh.
"...Yes, Mama."
Stevie couldn't help but laugh.
"I told y'all she was gonna volunteer us."
T adjusted the tray in his hands with an amused grin.
"I knew it was comin'."
Nikki simply smiled to herself, completely satisfied.
"See?" she said proudly. "They know how I work."
From across the room, Klaus found his eyes drifting back toward Nikki.
There was something about Miss Parker.
She had walked into his home barely an hour ago, rescued his dinner party, transformed the mood of every guest in attendance, and somehow managed to solve yet another problem before anyone else had the chance to. She moved through his home with effortless confidence, speaking to strangers as though she’d known them for years and treating every obstacle as nothing more than another item to cross off her list.
For perhaps the first time all evening, Klaus found himself smiling.
Unable to help himself, he crossed the ballroom, weaving through clusters of laughing guests until he came to a stop beside her.
“Miss Parker…” His voice carried none of the impatience that had greeted her upon arrival. Instead, there was an unfamiliar sincerity to it. “I must admit… I was wrong about you.”
Nikki slowly turned toward him, one eyebrow arching as the corners of her mouth curled into an amused smile. Folding her arms across her chest, she studied him for a long moment before giving him a playful look.
“Wrong about me how?”
“I believed this evening was beyond saving,” Klaus admitted, his gaze briefly sweeping across the ballroom where conversations had become lively once more. “Truthfully… I wasn’t entirely convinced you’d even arrive.”
“Oh, please.”
Nikki reached over and gave his arm a light swat before laughing to herself.
“One thing Nikki Parker knows how to do is feed people.” She proudly tapped her chest with her thumb. “And if I’m around, people gonna have themselves a good time too. That’s all your party needed—a good plate, good music, and somebody willing to loosen everybody up.”
Klaus followed her gaze across the ballroom.
Crystal chandeliers reflected against raised champagne glasses while elegantly dressed guests laughed among themselves, couples slowly found their way onto the dance floor, and waitstaff continued collecting empty plates from tables that only minutes ago had been filled with impatient faces.
“It would certainly appear everyone enjoyed the meal.”
“It better appear that way,” Nikki replied with a satisfied grin. “Ain’t nobody sendin’ my food back.”
The comment earned the faintest chuckle from Elijah.
As Nikki’s eyes drifted across the ballroom, her smile suddenly softened.
“Oh!”
She looked from Klaus to Elijah before finally turning toward Rebekah, genuine concern replacing the playful grin she’d worn only moments before.
“Y’all didn’t get a plate, did you?”
The three siblings exchanged brief glances before Elijah answered.
“No.”
Before another word could be spoken, Nikki dismissed the problem with an easy wave of her hand.
“Oh, baby, don’t even worry about it. I already took care of that.”
She motioned back toward the kitchen.
“I set three plates aside before anybody started goin’ back for seconds. Now what kinda caterer would I be if I let my own hosts spend the whole night feedin’ everybody else and forgot to feed themselves?”
For the briefest moment, the three Originals simply stared at her.
It was such a simple gesture.
Yet somehow, it was one none of them had expected.
Before Klaus could think of a response, the sharp squeal of microphone feedback echoed throughout the ballroom, instantly drawing every guest’s attention toward the small stage near the dance floor.
Kim winced as she pulled the microphone away from her face before laughing right along with the crowd. After giving it another gentle tap and hearing a much friendlier response from the speakers, she looked out across the ballroom where dozens of curious faces now stared back at her. Stevie and T stepped into position on either side of her, sharing one last confident glance before nodding to each other.
“Good evening, everybody!” Kim called with a bright smile. “We’re Freestyle Unity, and since y’all already came to eat…” She turned toward Nikki, smiling even wider. “…we figured we’d help y’all dance it off.”
Laughter rippled throughout the ballroom.
Standing near the dance floor, Nikki’s face lit up with unmistakable pride as she threw both hands toward the stage.
“There she is!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing where she stood. “That’s my Puddin’!”
The opening beat filled the ballroom as Kim confidently stepped up to the microphone.
🎤 Kim:
Ladies, grab your man by the hand,
Take him to the floor, let him show you how he dance.
Shake it just right, girl, you know you got a chance.
We made this song up on the spot,
But we ’bout to make this party hot.
The ballroom came alive almost instantly.
Guests who’d been politely seated only moments earlier found themselves clapping along with the beat, while others abandoned their chairs altogether, swaying beside their tables before finally making their way onto the dance floor. Even Elijah’s polished composure softened as his foot quietly began keeping time beneath him. Beside him, Rebekah couldn’t help allowing the rhythm to roll through her shoulders, the smile growing across her face becoming harder and harder to hide.
Watching the two of them slowly loosen up, Klaus raised an amused eyebrow.
“Are we dancing now?”
Rebekah shot him a look before laughing softly.
“Oh, don’t be such a bore, Nik. It’s a party.”
That was all Nikki needed to hear.
A loud laugh escaped her as she clapped enthusiastically, pointing toward the stage with enough excitement for the entire ballroom to notice.
“Come on, Puddin’!” she shouted proudly. “Show ’em what you got!”
The chorus exploded through the ballroom.
🎤 Freestyle Unity:
If you want it hot, make it hot.
If you want it hot, make it hot.
Show me how you move it on the spot.
Hot, hot, hot…
Hot in the spot.
Hot, hot, hot…
Hot in the spot.
Hot, hot, hot…
Everybody make it hot!
Cheers erupted throughout the ballroom as T stepped forward, effortlessly taking command of the stage. Adjusting the microphone with an easy confidence, he flashed the crowd a grin before launching into his verse.
🎤 T:
Shorty fine, shorty fine, I like the way she dance.
Got the whole room movin’, got me caught up in a trance.
Can’t let her catch me slippin’, gotta play it like a man.
Step behind her, catch the rhythm,
Now I’m doin’ my dance.
As the final chorus kicked back in, any trace of formality disappeared.
Designer gowns twirled across the dance floor. Expensive tuxedos loosened as guests laughed without restraint. Champagne glasses lifted into the air while conversations gave way to dancing, singing, and applause.
Standing near the edge of the ballroom, Nikki watched the room transform with quiet satisfaction.
Her food had brought everyone together.
Her daughter and her friends had kept them there.
And for the first time that evening, the Mikaelson estate no longer felt like the site of another formal gathering.
It felt alive.
The celebration carried on long into the evening, one performance effortlessly flowing into the next as Freestyle Unity kept the ballroom alive. Before anyone realized how much time had passed, one song had become two, two had become four, and every guest in attendance had long forgotten the rocky start to the evening, choosing instead to lose themselves in laughter, dancing, and conversations that seemed determined to last forever. By night’s end, invitations to future galas, charity events, and private parties had already begun making their way into Nikki’s hands before the final guests reluctantly gathered their things and filtered out of the Mikaelson estate.
Back in the kitchen, Nikki tied her apron back around her waist before immediately slipping into cleanup mode.
“Alright, y’all,” she called, already stacking serving trays on top of one another. “Let’s get everything cleaned up before we head home.”
Kim threw her head back with an exaggerated groan, dragging her feet toward the counter as though Nikki had asked her to climb a mountain instead of wash a few dishes.
“Mama… we’ve been workin’ all night.”
“And?”
“…And I was kinda hopin’ you’d forget.”
A knowing smile spread across Nikki’s face as she continued wiping down the counter without missing a beat.
“Girl, the only thing I’m forgettin’ tonight is somebody’s leftovers.”
Stevie and T laughed under their breath, already gathering utensils and folding tablecloths while Kim rolled her eyes with a smile and got back to work.
A few moments later, the sound of approaching footsteps pulled Nikki’s attention away from the counter. Looking up, she found Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah standing together in the doorway, each wearing expressions far different from the ones they’d greeted her with earlier that evening. Elijah stepped forward first, the warmth in his smile making it clear he genuinely meant every word that followed.
“Miss Parker… I don’t believe we’ve properly thanked you.”
Resting the towel over her shoulder, Nikki leaned comfortably against the counter and smiled.
“For what?”
Elijah’s eyes drifted around the now spotless kitchen before returning to her.
“For rescuing an evening that was only moments away from becoming a complete disaster.”
Rebekah folded her arms loosely across her chest, a genuine smile finding its way onto her face as she looked around the quiet estate.
“I honestly can’t remember the last time this house felt… alive.”
Nikki’s expression softened.
“Oh, honey… y’all are more than welcome.”
Almost immediately, something seemed to click in her mind. Her eyes lit up as she gave herself a light tap on the forehead.
“Ooh! Y’all plates!”
Turning on her heel, Nikki hurried toward the warming oven and pulled open the door with a satisfied smile.
“I knew I was forgettin’ somethin’.”
Behind her, the three siblings exchanged puzzled glances, silently trying to figure out what she was talking about.
“I told y’all I wasn’t gonna let my hosts go hungry.”
One by one, Nikki carefully pulled three covered plates from the warmer, setting them gently onto the counter before lifting each lid with a little flourish.
The three Originals stood quietly for a moment, caught off guard by such a thoughtful gesture.
Klaus lowered his eyes toward the plate resting in front of him, the rich aroma of fried chicken, buttery macaroni and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, and warm cornbread filling the kitchen as Elijah reached for his fork first. The moment the macaroni touched his tongue, the corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly.
“…Extraordinary.”
Beside him, Rebekah sampled the candied yams before letting out the smallest, almost involuntary sigh of approval. Looking back down at her plate as though she couldn’t quite believe what she’d tasted, she softly murmured,
“My goodness…”
Klaus remained unusually quiet.
Slowly cutting into the fried chicken, he lifted the first bite to his mouth. Then came another… and another… each one earning a longer pause than the last until the kitchen had grown almost completely silent, everyone waiting for his verdict.
Nikki folded her arms across her chest, a confident grin slowly spreading across her face as she watched him chew.
“Well…?”
Klaus finally looked up from his plate, genuine disbelief written plainly across his face before his eyes drifted back down to the meal resting in front of him.
“Miss Parker…”
He gave a quiet shake of his head, almost laughing to himself.
“I have dined in royal courts…”
Taking another bite almost absentmindedly, he paused long enough to savor it before continuing.
“…I’ve eaten meals prepared by some of Europe’s finest chefs…”
His gaze found Nikki once again, and for the first time that evening, a sincere smile appeared.
“…and yet somehow…”
He glanced down at the plate one last time.
“…I believe you’ve just ruined every meal I’ll eat after tonight.”
Nikki couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Oh, it most certainly was,” Elijah replied with an amused smile as he reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and retrieved a neatly sealed envelope.
“I believe this belongs to you.”
Nikki accepted the envelope with a polite smile, but the moment she peeked inside, her entire expression changed. Her eyes shot wide open as they bounced from the check… back to Elijah… then down to the check once more before another laugh escaped her.
“This thing better clear.”
The kitchen instantly filled with laughter, even Klaus finding himself unable to suppress a quiet chuckle.
“I assure you,” Elijah said with a warm smile, “it most certainly will.”
Still smiling to herself, Nikki carefully tucked the check into her purse before reaching inside another pocket and pulling out one of her business cards. Walking over, she placed it directly into Klaus’s hand.
“If y’all ever need another caterer… or if one day y’all just wake up craving some real comfort food…”
Her smile widened.
“…give me a call.”
Klaus accepted the card, his thumb lingering over the embossed lettering for the briefest moment as he studied it. Only then did he carefully slip it into the inside pocket of his tuxedo, as though it were something worth holding onto.
“I have a feeling…”
He paused.
“…this won’t be the last time we see one another, Miss Parker.”
“I sure hope not.”
A few minutes later, Nikki, Kim, Stevie, and T loaded the last of their catering supplies into the van before disappearing into the night, leaving the Mikaelson estate quieter than it had been in hours.
Silence settled over the kitchen as the three siblings stood watching the closed door.
It was Rebekah who finally broke the silence.
“…I rather liked her.”
Elijah smiled to himself.
“So did I.”
Klaus remained quiet for another moment, absentmindedly running his thumb across the business card tucked safely inside his jacket before lifting his gaze around the now peaceful estate.
“I think…”
The faintest smile crossed his lips.
“…we should have another party.”