Thanks for your comments; this has taken me a bit longer because it has been a bit busy lately. Plus I'm trying to finish Political Persuasion too. Hope you enjoy this chapter and please keep reviewing, I love your feedback! SC
Keeping Up Appearances
Chapter 10: Frosty the Snowman
December 25, Chicago Illinois, 5:57am
"Psssst Klaus wake up." Caroline murmured rocking him gently. He stirred slowly his eyes flickering opening. The room was dark and foreign to him and Klaus had to think about where he was briefly.
Then all the memories came flooding back and he smiled widely thinking of the beautiful blonde in the same bed. He turned over catching her by surprise.
"Is there any reason why you are waking me before the sun is up?" He asked raising his eyebrows curiously liking the fact she was so close and that he could feel her brushing up against him. She was even more beautiful in the morning with a fresh face and in red tartan flannel pyjamas; something he didn't think was possible.
"Unless of course you wanted to engage in something fun and completely inappropriate because then I'm keen."
"You wish." She shot back but he noticed her colour slightly. "It's Christmas Day."
"And?"
"Oh that's right I forgot you don't get into all of this, although last night tells a very different story."
"I might have enjoyed myself last night, especially witnessing drunken nanna and sending Tyler and Hayley packing."
"Yes that was definitely the highlight." Caroline agreed giggling.
"So back to the point, why exactly are you waking me up this early?"
"It's a tradition Klaus." She insisted regarding him closely. "Every Christmas morning I make a snowman on the front lawn."
"What if there's no snow?"
"It's Chicago we're usually guaranteed some snow fall Klaus, believe me."
"But it's cold." He whined. "I could think of far more warmer and fun things we could do that doesn't involve leaving the bed."
"Is that all you think about?' She asked rolling her eyes.
"Not all the time, just most of it." He said shrugging his shoulders. "It's probably still dark as well, and given your track record slipping on snow, it could end badly."
"Are you trying to ruin my fun Grinch?" She said pulling back the covers and climbing out of bed. "I'll just go by myself." He pulled her back into the bed before she could leave making her yelp in surprise, landing on top of him in the process.
"If you wanted to be on top of me all you needed to do was ask love." He smiled looking up at her and thinking he could get used to having her in that position.
"Oh please not by choice; you pulled me on top of you." She said attempting to break free. Klaus held on desperate to have her there for a little longer even if she was causing him to stir.
"Well what do you expect; I mean it's certainly the first time I've slept in the same bed as a woman without the added benefits."
"I seem to recall offering the floor last night." She teased leaning in closer her hair tickling his chest. "But someone was too precious."
"What kind of host offers their guest the floor, especially one that is being so generous in pretending to be their faux boyfriend?"
"It goes both ways." She said referring to their dinner that night trying to wrestle free from his grasp.
"It does but given my stellar performance with Hayley last night you should have taken the floor and let me have the bed." He chuckled. "It's tough being this handsome."
"Oh she'd come on to anyone you're not that special." She joked having given up on trying to get free his hands firmly around her wrists.
"Yeah sure, I'm excited to see what you're going to do to top that tonight."
"No pressure or anything, although I do have an amazing dress I've been wanting to try out." She smiled mischievously. "They won't know what hit them."
"Well as good as that sounds I'm not too sure you need to be impressing people that way." He said feeling slightly jealous of other men ogling her.
"No I'll be impressing them with my friendly nature, charming wit and intelligent conversation." She said. "The dress is just icing on the cake."
"Someone's pretty sure of themselves."
"Maybe it's from being around you too long."
"Ha ha." He said realising they'd continued their banter in the same position and he knew if he didn't move her soon he couldn't be responsible for his actions.
The room descended into silence and they stared at each other obviously both realising just how intimate everything had become. He let go of her wrists, albeit reluctantly.
She shook her head almost like she was trying to break out of a trance which Klaus thought was cute. Climbing off him she got out of the bed grabbing some clothes from her case on the way. "I'm going after I get changed."
She walked out no doubt to change in the bathroom. Klaus closed his eyes trying desperately to contain his growing erection. Caroline Forbes was doing crazy things to him and it wasn't the first time.
He thought back to the night in her bed and how many times he'd woken up unable to sleep with Caroline next to him. Her vanilla scent was intoxicating and she looked beautiful when she slept, her blonde waves splayed out across the pillow.
After a number of failed attempts to get to sleep Klaus got up realising he hadn't worked on her present yet and was running out of time. Luckily he'd brought his favourite sketch pad and pencils with him on the trip not expecting to use them for this purpose when he packed.
He rummaged through his bag and turned on the small lamp in the corner hoping it wouldn't disturb her sleep. She scrunched her nose up adorably and turned over before laying still, the rise and fall of her chest the only movement.
He placed himself in the chair near the bed and began to sketch. Klaus had always wanted to be an artist but he had too much of a business brain to waste so had combined the two. But there nothing he loved more than to sit down and just sketch, it was something that calmed him considerably.
She was gorgeous that much was sure; Klaus just hoped he did her justice and she wouldn't find this too creepy. Klaus didn't know how long he sat there for he was so immersed in what he was doing. Eventually he began to tire, feeling his eyelids droop and knew he had to get some sleep.
His early morning wake-up call hadn't been all that unwelcome and Klaus realised where he wanted to be right now. He climbed out of bed searching for something warm to wear.
"I'm going…oh." Caroline cried shielding her eyes as she walked in on him as he was putting on his pants.
"It's okay Caroline I'm sure you've seen the male anatomy before." He chuckled revelling in her discomfort.
"Yes." She spluttered opening her eyes as he finished changing. "Yours is just a little too much to handle at this time of the morning."
"That's what all the girls say." He drawled.
"So now you want to come with me?" She asked deliberately changing the subject.
"Well seeing as you've already woken me up." He said watching her face closely. "And this snowman thing sounds kind of interesting; you know being an artist and all."
"Yes I'm sure it's because of that and not your inner child coming out." She grinned. "I can't believe you haven't done this either. This Christmas has been full of firsts for you."
"Yeah Christmas tree chopping, snowmen, pretending to be someone's boyfriend and sleeping in the same bed as another woman without having sex." He laughed at the last two. "Okay what are we waiting for let's go build the best damn snowman this neighbourhood has ever seen."
"First we need props." She smiled rifling around at the top of her closet and producing a top hat. "Headwear, check."
"This might actually be fun." He murmured following behind her thinking how pretty she looked all rugged up in her thick white coat. They walked downstairs and into the kitchen. She rifled through the fridge sticking a carrot out in his direction.
"Nose, check." She said as they left the kitchen and crept around the darkened room.
"Neckwear check." She said unravelling a scarf from around her coat stand.
"Well he's got to keep warm somehow." He smiled taking it from her.
They walked outside the cold air hitting Klaus making him shiver, his teeth beginning to chatter. Maybe this wasn't the best idea after all.
"Suck it up you big baby." She said handing him the shovel on her front porch.
"Hey this is normal for you but it's my first time."
"Fine, don't worry the next tradition is making hot cocoa and drinking it by the fire." Klaus liked the sound of that. "Eyes and mouth check." She said finding some pebbles on the ground.
Her front yard was blanketed in snow creating a white haze; there was definitely enough material for a few snowmen there.
"So why do you do this?" He asked curiously as they stopped at a flat patch under the big tree. She looked down briefly before looking at him.
"It's something my dad and I started when I was little, It just didn't seem right to stop well you know after…"
"Of course." He said suddenly feeling bad. "I'm surprised you don't drag nanna out here."
"I don't think I could handle the feedback, nanna is my biggest critic." She said cheering up at the mention of her.
"And yet you invited me." He said wondering why he was so special given they'd only known each other for such a short period.
"Oh well you know it would have been hard to sneak out without waking you given we slept in the same bed." She blushed and Klaus wasn't sure whether it was from the cold or him but it was still sweet.
"No it was because you know how creative I am and were desperate for my expertise." She rolled her eyes. "Nanna won't know what hit her this year."
"You've never built one before so I highly doubt it." She scoffed. "Now make yourself useful." She ordered handing him the shovel as he looked on with a blank face. "It's a shovel you know people use them to dig."
"I know what it is, it's just…" He stumbled.
"See that huge pile of snow Mr Expert?" She asked gesturing to the pavement. "Go and get me some so we can make Frosty come to life this Christmas."
"You're bossy, has anyone ever told you that?"
"All the time." She replied without a beat. "Now get to work." Klaus walked off his initial shocked expression replaced by a big smile. She was bossy but damn it was sexy.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"His nose is crooked." Klaus said inspecting their creation once they'd finished.
"I don't know I kind of like it, gives him character."
"You would." He quipped earning a wack from her. "I suppose Frosty is okay."
"Hey he's a lot more than okay; I think this is one of my best yet." She said puffing out her chest proudly.
"Don't you mean ours?" He asked thinking he deserved some credit. "It's probably the best because I was here; I mean it seems like too big of a coincidence don't you think love?"
"Your ego knows no bounds."
"No it doesn't." He smirked thinking how much fun he was having.
"Maybe it needs a little dampening." She grinned cheekily catching him by surprise and throwing a snowball which hit him square on the jaw. Klaus shook his head unsure of not only what happened but how fast it happened.
"You've messed with the wrong guy." He smiled evilly grabbing some snow and hurriedly making into a snowball before throwing it at her retreating back. She squealed as it made impact making him laugh aloud. He was so busy laughing he missed the snowball hurtling towards him and hitting his leg. She had a pretty good arm he had to admit.
Klaus grabbed more snow together and as he turned to do some damage she was standing there an evil glint in her eye and a snowball in hand.
"Do you have a hidden snowball supply somewhere?"
"Of course, I was always taught to be prepared because you never know who is going to get you and when. This is another tradition I have."
"One that you conveniently forgot to tell me about."
"Whoops." She said cheekily as she waved it in his face tauntingly.
"Don't you even think about it love." He warned.
"Why not?"
"Well I'm taller than you and it would be so easy to rub this in your hair from this angle." She looked at him obviously weighing up her options. Before he knew it she pulled open his pants and placed it inside watching his face distort in pain as it made the journey downwards.
She broke down in laughter unable to control herself, Klaus however wasn't laughing as the snow melted in his pants. She was going to pay. He seized his moment rubbing the snowball in her hair as promised as she cried out in shock.
He grabbed her around the waist pulling her flush against him so she couldn't throw anymore at him. Caroline fought against him trying to get free before they both slipped ending up on the wet ground their faces only inches apart.
"What is it with you and snow?" He laughed staring into her blue orbs.
"It only seems to be when you're around." Caroline gazed back into his eyes and it was like their moment in bed all over again. Klaus was realising just how much he wanted to kiss her, where was the mistletoe when you needed an excuse?
"His nose is crooked." A voice called out and they looked up to find nanna standing on the porch checking out their handiwork.
"What did I say?" He grinned widely.
"You two are just as bad as each other." She grumbled. "Just when I was winning the snowball fight nanna had to interrupt."
"Excuse me who was winning?" He baulked. "Because last time I checked I was whipping your arse."
"In your dreams." She shot back. "I would be more than happy to have a rematch though."
"Anytime." He promised holding out his hand to her. "But how about a truce for now?"
"Okay truce." She said begrudgingly as he pulled her up from the ground.
"Your mum and I have some hot cocoa waiting for you kids." She said looking at how wet they were. "Although maybe you should get showered and changed before and then we can exchange presents."
"Sounds good nanna, Merry Christmas." Caroline gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"You know I think that snowman is one of your best dear well except for the nose." She looked at it one last time before they went inside.
"You have wonderful taste nanna." Klaus teased making Caroline shake her head.
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Klaus had showered and dressed and was in the process of wrapping her present. He'd rolled up his sketch like a scroll and stolen some Christmas ribbon from downstairs to wrap around it. He was starting to feel nervous, he usually sketched for his own pleasure and now someone was going to see it.
It also felt strange giving something so personal to Caroline after not knowing her for very long. He just hoped she liked it and that it would help the little act they had going. He walked down the hall and noticed the bathroom door slightly ajar thinking it must have been free. He pushed open the door not expecting what he saw, not that he was complaining.
Caroline looked exquisite wrapped only in a short white towel leaving very little to the imagination. Her skin was still tinged pink from the shower and her hair was hanging in soft waves around her face.
"Sorry, I didn't think anyone was in here." He said not sorry at all.
"Yeah sure." She said smiling. "I know you can't get enough of me Mikaelson. Anyway I'm sure this isn't the first time you've seen female anatomy." She joked using his line from earlier.
He shook his head suddenly feeling very tongue tied. He liked when Caroline was sassy, another very sexy turn on. He had to stop having these thoughts otherwise he was going to go crazy.
"I'll let you get back to it."
"Oh Klaus." She called out and he turned around. "Um about the presents, we can just pretend that we've already exchanged them or come up with a story, I know this is all an act and it's pretty short notice."
"Oh okay, I actually made something but if you want to do it like that sure." He said almost feeling disappointed she wouldn't see his gift.
"Actually so did I." She murmured equally as surprised. "How about we just say we decided to go homemade this year?"
"Okay." He answered staring into her eyes quite happy she'd made him something. Now he was curious to see it and finally understood the saying about feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. "I um should let you change." He said watching the goose bumps forming on her skin and having to stop from warming her up himself.
Klaus walked down the hall to use the downstairs bathroom running into Liz in the process.
"Merry Christmas Klaus." She smiled.
"You too Liz."
"I hope you've thawed out after that snowball fight this morning."
"Just." He laughed. "Caroline is pretty good competition actually, not that I'd admit that to her of course."
"She had a good teacher." She mumbled and Klaus could see the water in her eyes.
"Her dad." He confirmed as she nodded. "She talks about him a lot; it's obvious just how much she loved him."
"She did. When he died Caroline took it the hardest and it took a long time for her to really get over it, to be honest I'm not entirely sure whether she actually has."
"I lost my mother when I was younger and I don't think you ever really get over losing a parent." He agreed.
"No you're right. Although I have to say seeing you building that snowman with Caroline made me realise she's going to be okay."
"What do you mean?"
"She wouldn't build a snowman with anyone except her father and after he died she didn't do it with anyone, well until you."
"Oh I'm sure she and Tyler…"
"No, in all the time they were together she always did it alone." She said knowingly. "You must be very special to my daughter Klaus."
"Oh well I hope so." Klaus murmured overwhelmed by her comments. If it meant that much why would Caroline include him? They'd only known each other for such a short time, it didn't make any sense.
"I know so." She smiled. "I should probably check on mum, if you don't watch her she opens the presents and then re-wraps them all. She's worse than a child."
"I'm starting to realise that Nanna seems like a bit of a handful." Klaus observed.
"You have no idea." She chuckled.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Mmmm I love your hot cocoa mum." Caroline murmured inhaling the steam from her mug.
"Especially with a bit of schnapps or Baileys in it." Nanna replied winking at Klaus. Her hangover from the previous night obviously long forgotten.
"So how about we open these presents." Liz said sitting near the tree and looking through the coloured packages. Caroline nodded excitedly.
This was all still so new to Klaus and completely overwhelming. Presents were hurriedly exchanged with squeals of surprise and delight. They apparently got Liz a cashmere jumper, pearl earrings and some perfume while nanna got a big box of gourmet brandy chocolates, a handbag and a scarf.
Caroline also did well getting books, assorted vouchers and a beautiful new watch. The whole scene playing out in front of the Christmas tree with discarded pieces of wrapping paper strewn across the floor was like something from a movie.
"Klaus." Someone said breaking his trance. He looked up into the eyes of Liz who was holding out a present for him.
"Oh you didn't have to." He said awkwardly feeling bad given he wasn't actually part of the family.
"Everyone gets a present, especially my daughter's boyfriend." Liz said warmly. "I did buy this before I'd met you so I hope it's okay." He opened it slowly almost savouring the moment. The fact they'd bought him a present meant so much to Klaus. As he pulled off the wrapping paper Klaus smiled at what was inside.
They'd bought him a beautiful leather bound diary and a fountain pen. Klaus couldn't believe they'd gone to so much trouble and expense for someone they didn't even know, it was definitely a testament to their generosity.
"Wow." He said quietly before looking up at their expectant faces. "This is great, I really can't accept this."
"You can and you will." Liz said sternly and Klaus knew not to mess with Officer Forbes.
"Well thank you, it means a lot to me."
"I wanted to get you a dealing with Caroline kit." Nanna piped up. "You know ear plugs, pain killers..."
"Yeah funny nanna." Caroline interrupted before she could continue.
"So that just leaves you two." Liz said expectantly.
"We uh made a rule to give each other something homemade this year." Caroline said her voice shaking slightly. Klaus realising just how hard it was for her to lie to her family.
"Wow what have you done to Caroline?" Nanna asked shaking her head. "Homemade is not really her thing, you know she failed arts and crafts at school."
"I did not fail." She insisted. "And I don't really think it hampered my future career prospects anyway."
"Yeah we thought we'd do something different." Klaus said, backing her up, sensing her frustration.
"I think that's wonderful." Liz agreed. "I must say I'm very intrigued as to what you got each other." Me too Klaus thought exciting to find out what she was holding behind her back.
"You go first." She said shyly. Klaus felt embarrassed all of a sudden but knew he couldn't back out now. He gave her the scroll hoping she'd appreciate his gesture. Caroline undid the ribbon pulling it open devastatingly slowly making him even more nervous, if that was possible. She inhaled sharply realising what he'd given her.
"This is….." She murmured taking it all in, Liz and her nanna rushing to her side to see what he'd done.
"You have an amazing talent Klaus." Liz said in awe. "The likeness is amazing."
"I think my first impressions were wrong Klaus, you are an artist." Nanna remarked regarding him closely. "I've never seen you look so angelic dear."
He suddenly felt embarrassed by all the attention feeling himself colour slightly. Caroline remained silent her face never leaving the paper making him worry that she hadn't acknowledged his gift.
After what seemed like an eternity she smiled at him broadly. "Thank you, I think this is the best present I've ever had." Klaus could swear he heard sincerity in her voice, their gazes locked before they were interrupted.
"Give Klaus his present." Nanna said nudging Caroline. She looked at her nanna then at him uncertainly.
"Oh I don't know.." She trailed off self-consciously.
"I'll love anything from you." He said realising she was unsure. She looked at him then at her family and produced his present, passing it over.
He smiled briefly and took the package his heart beginning to beat faster, although Klaus had no idea why. They were all looking at him curiously as he opened the lid looking at something beautifully penned on a piece of parchment.
He pulled it out realising she'd written him a poem. He breathed in deeply silently beginning to read.
My First Love
By a fleeting touch of your hand
You light up my skin and my heart
And I know that you are the man
With whom I just can't bare to part.
I feel love and passion so deep
That I'd rather spend every night
Watching you quietly as you sleep,
Shining softly with love so bright.
Not a crush, nor habit, nor lust...
No, I know now I've found in you
The love of my present and past,
The star that shall never go out.
There's no other power so strong,
No emotion, no bond of trust,
Life without you is just all wrong,
You are my first love and my last
Klaus was overwhelmed by her words, unable to speak for a full minute he was that blown away. Caroline was a writer, and a damn good one. He knew it was an act but for some strange reason it felt so real. He looked at her their eyes holding a silent conversation.
All Klaus wanted to do was take her in his arms and show her just what he was feeling. Although to be honest he wasn't quite sure it was all so foreign to him.
"Can we read it?" Nanna asked breaking into the silence. Klaus nodded handing it over.
They sat there reading it as they failed to break eye contact. If her family weren't in the room Klaus had a feeling they'd be very busy by now.
"This is beautiful darling." Liz cooed. "No one has ever written me something like this, you should really hold onto her Klaus."
"It's not that great." She mumbled humbly.
"This is so beautiful Caroline." He said finally finding his voice. "Thank you."
"Yes I have to agree and given that reaction we may need to leave the room Liz, if you know what I mean." Nanna said looking between the two sensing the strong attraction.
"Don't be silly nanna." Caroline said her voice raspy.
"Well last time I checked you were a couple and it's okay to say thank you." She replied.
They both looked at each knowing that was the role they were playing and it would seem strange if they didn't acknowledge it. If Klaus was being honest the longing that had been building the past day combined with his desire to kiss her meant he was determined to make it happen.
Klaus leaned in placing his hand over her face, tracing his thumb across her cheek as their blue eyes locked. She moved forward her lips grazing his softly at first, discovering every inch of each other.
Klaus deepened the kiss, all thoughts of propriety in front of her family vanishing, he was that desperate to feel her touch. He continued to caress her lips his tongue delving into her warmth her taste of chocolate only making him want to kiss her more. He couldn't remember ever feeling something so devastatingly innocent and heavenly and was quite happy to get lost in her until they were interrupted.
"Where can I get some of that?" Nanna broke into their reverie making them separate reluctantly. It was all an act after all.
Additonal A/N: Thank you to Katia Kanevskaya for that amazing poem Caroline wrote for Klaus.