Thanks for the thoughtful reviews guys and I'm glad you understand where I'm going with this.

I did struggle with her going to the party because Klaus didn't deserve it and the strong Caroline we all know and love wouldn't have gone. Although the way I saw it was she wanted answers and a little bit of revenge not because she is weak or pathetic.

If you hadn't noticed I'm on a roll lately, mainly because I have some unexpected free time this week. I'm going to try and do as much as I can while I'm not busy!

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 35: …and I'll cry if I want to

March 17 2015 9:31pm New York City, New York

"So do you feel older?" Klaus let out the same automatic laugh he'd given the last ten times he'd heard it. One thing he knew was that he was going to have a sore mouth from all the fake smiling he was having to do.

"No just old," he quipped trying to keep up the act. All he wanted to do was grab Caroline and run for his life. His sister had a lot to answer for this time that was for sure. Klaus didn't think there was anything worse than a surprise party until he saw Caroline's devastated expression.

The fact she'd found out it was his birthday from someone else was awful. If he was being honest Klaus had been in denial about turning thirty and the less attention he drew to it the better. It was no reflection of his feelings towards Caroline it was just something he didn't want to face. Klaus knew that excuse would never fly with his girlfriend though, if she still was his girlfriend that is.

Rebekah approached him cautiously and he knew she was working out what to say. He stared her down ominously.

"Niklaus…"

"I don't want to hear it sister," he growled trying not to make a scene.

"All I wanted to do was help you celebrate your thirtieth, If I'd known earlier about Caroline and your stupid idea not to share that it was your birthday…"

"Is that your idea of an apology?"

"Well I wouldn't have to apologise if you'd just acted like a normal human being and told your girlfriend it was your birthday Niklaus."

"I'm assuming a sorry isn't coming soon," he said looking for Caroline but realising she wasn't where she'd been standing earlier. His eyes darted around the room as he looked for her but no such luck. Had she left already?

When he finally got over the initial shock Klaus went in search of Caroline, however being the centre of attention meant he didn't make it over to her as quickly as he would have liked. All he wanted to do was take her somewhere quiet and explain his actions. If she wasn't there anymore how was he going to do that?

"Okay I'm sorry for being a nice sister and throwing this party for you, but you are the one who needs to take responsibility for what you've done," she replied deadpan.

"Thanks for telling me what I already knew."

"While you're handing out apologies you might want to add Stefan to the list too seeing as he was the one who had to break the news to Caroline today because you couldn't."

"Great," he muttered wondering if they'd still be business partners after this debacle. "Wait, so he told her earlier and she still came here tonight?"

"She's obviously too good for you brother," Rebekah drawled. "Either that or she wanted to make you feel really bad about what you'd done."

"This is why I love our chats," he growled. "Now if you'll excuse me I need to talk to Caroline, hopefully she's still around here somewhere."

xxxxxxx

"You look beautiful tonight," Elijah smiled taking in her appearance. He was dressed in a black suit and was looking immaculate as usual.

"You don't scrub up too badly yourself Mr Mikaelson," she grinned. "Lucky I didn't wear green thinking I was coming to a St Patrick's Day party."

"I'm sorry about that, Rebekah threatened me with sibling bonding sessions if I didn't stay quiet," he explained. "It was all so strange, I mean Kol has a big mouth but some notice would have been good."

"Yes for his girlfriend too," she said looking over at her poor friend making fake conversation with yet another person.

"I know, how is Caroline holding up?"

"As best as she can under the circumstances, one thing I know about my roomie though is she's strong and will get through this," Katherine smiled proudly.

"I'd be more than happy to yell at him again for her," Elijah added. "I just don't understand what's happening given he supposedly loves the girl."

"Yes but he seems to love his job more."

"I'll be the first to admit that I'm a workaholic but if the right girl came along I'd do everything I could to make things work," he admitted sending her his most gorgeous grin. Why couldn't he just move in a little closer and kiss her already?

"Well maybe he needs some of your wise counsel then?"

"I'm not the best communicator myself at times but even I would have shared my birthdate, even if I am old," he said shrugging his shoulders.

"So what are you waiting for then?"

"May 19."

"A Taurean," she exclaimed. "Suddenly it all makes sense."

"Excuse me?"

"Serious and not to mention completely stubborn," she teased.

"And you're not stubborn?" He baulked. "I seem to recall a certain court case where you wouldn't give up easily."

"I like to call that tenacity not stubbornness," she joked.

"So when's your birthday?"

"August 2."

"A fiery Leo, why am I not surprised?"

"And a fixed sign, just like yours."

"I never knew you were so into astrology Katherine. So what does a fixed sign mean exactly?"

"It means that we're destined to butt heads because we're both so set in our ways."

"Well that's hardly surprising given how this whole thing started," he asked looking deeply into her eyes sending her into a trance. All she wanted to do was lean in and kiss those soft lips again. Although still clear in her mind, their first kiss was too long ago for her liking.

"This whole thing?" She asked her voice raspy with longing.

"Oh I didn't mean…" He trailed off and Katherine knew the spell was broken. Why couldn't he just take her in his arms and ravage her? Was that too much to ask? Right now all Katherine knew was that she needed to get out of this dreaded friend zone and she needed to do it tonight.

"Let's drink."

"Okay but I've already got one," he said pointing to his whiskey which was half full.

"Well it looks like you're going to need one or maybe three really soon," she said pulling him towards the bar. Looks like alcohol was going to be her preferred method tonight.

Xxxxxxxx

"So do you think you've got enough drinks there?" Bonnie asked noting the tequila shots lined up in front of him at the bar.

"Yes mum," he growled. Bonnie couldn't help but note the word he used and how relevant it was right now. This obviously wasn't going to be an easy conversation. "Did you want something other than to check my drink count?"

"I just wanted to say hello."

"Hi," he shot back before turning away with his back towards her. So this was how it was going to be. Bonnie didn't expect any less though, she'd really hurt the guy's feelings so why would he suddenly want to have a chat with her of all people? She was tempted to leave then and there but knew she had another purpose so had to persevere.

"So it's ah your brother's birthday," she trailed off thinking how lame that sounded.

"What gave it away?"

"Look I know I don't have any right to talk to you after what happened."

"So why are you then?"

"I wanted to clear the air," she suggested getting frustrated that his back was still turned away from her. "And to say sorry for what happened on Valentine's Day."

"I'm over it."

"Yes because your apparent hostility has nothing to do with what happened whatsoever."

"Don't flatter yourself," he groaned.

"I'm not," she said attempting to reason with him. "Look, you have every right to be angry with me. I mean I was sending you mixed signals."

"That's an understatement."

"I thought it was casual and then when things got serious I bailed," she said shrugging her shoulders. "I'm not the right girl for you."

"Who are you to judge about the right person for me?" He asked finally facing her and staring into her eyes.

"I guess I'm not," she stammered feeling the familiar desire he evoked sweep over her. Why did Kol Mikaelson have this weird effect on her? She decided to blame it on pregnancy hormones. "I just don't do relationships."

"Why exactly?"

"I just don't," she shot back defensively.

"Do you know what I think? You're scared of your own feelings," he suggested. "Why is that Bonnie?"

"You know I'm really not in the mood to be psycho-analysed right now."

"Someone must have really done a number on you," he said shaking his head. If only Kol knew it was all the foster homes and parents she had to endure over the years, not that she'd ever share that with him. The one thing Bonnie hated the most was people pitying her.

"You know it was a mistake coming here,"

"Why we're just getting started," he laughed evilly taking one of his many shots and downing it in one go.

"You know drunk isn't your best look," she growled walking away. She couldn't talk to him when he was in this state, that much she knew. It was just going to have to wait for another time, if ever. Bonnie couldn't believe that this guy was going to be a father in eight months.

xxxxxxx

After looking around the bar and making polite conversation with the other guests, Klaus retreated outside. He breathed in deeply glad to have some space but upset she'd escaped before he could catch her to apologise.

"So I guess this is the part where I wish you a happy birthday…"

"Here you are, I've been looking everywhere."

"Obviously not everywhere."

"I was going to tell you..."

"Really? Because it doesn't seem like it Klaus," she interrupted coming into view from the shadows. Obviously angry she looked absolutely stunning in a cornflower hued dress that brought out her beautiful eyes.

"I was just busy and…"

"That seems to be your excuse for everything these days," Caroline bit back.

"Look it may sound silly but I was in denial because I didn't want to turn thirty," he explained feebly. "I planned on telling you last night at dinner."

"Wow the day before your birthday? How kind of you to give me that much notice," she shot back sarcastically. "And excuse me if I don't buy your little explanation."

"It's the truth," he stuttered. "There is no other reason behind it other than I'm an idiot that didn't want to get older."

"That's just not good enough for me."

"I had so many dreams about where I'd be when I was thirty and I'm not even close to that yet."

"I don't think it's realistic to go by what you wanted when you were a kid," she implored. "I think you're being too hard on yourself."

"It's just the way I am, that's why this promotion is so important to me."

"And that's fair enough I suppose but that being said it doesn't justify not telling me something so important."

"Oh come on Caroline, please I love you."

"Do you think telling me how much you love me is going to make everything instantly better?" She scoffed.

"I don't know," he replied frustratedly. "But surely it's got to count for something."

"Right now it doesn't even factor into this," she snapped, "How could you embarrass me like that?"

"What do you mean?"

"Pretty much everyone in that room knew it was your birthday before your own girlfriend," she spat. "How stupid does that make me look?"

"Well no one knows that."

"That's beside the point," she said.

"Look I know you're upset, and you have every right to be, but this stupid party wasn't my idea."

"Another thing that's beside the point," she spluttered. "Are you really going to sit here and blame your sister for this mess?"

"Well it didn't help things," he groaned. "Look I'm sorry Caroline, really sorry."

"Funny how that doesn't fill me with much confidence," she cried. "All you seem to be doing lately is apologising."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that apologising and telling me you love me isn't enough," she murmured. "I want to be an important part of your life but the last few weeks have showed me that's never going to happen."

"My job is important," he argued. "I thought you understood that."

"I do but it doesn't mean everything else has to suffer Klaus," she said her frustration evident.

"I'm really trying Caroline," he mumbled. "This promotion is within my grasp, I just know it. If I keep working hard then I know I'll be rewarded."

"And I don't begrudge you that at all," she sighed. "Do you realise that if you get this job then you'll just get even busier, and then what?"

"I can make this work; I can make us work."

"And what about the bar?"

"I'm doing this for Matt, for you," he pleaded.

"I never asked you to do this for me," she shook her head. "Of course I'm appreciative that you've been able to bring Matt's dream to life but I'm starting to believe it's not just his dream."

"Well I'd be lying if I wasn't a little excited."

"And that's okay to be excited," she conceded. "But it's going to mean you'll have even less spare time."

"I'll work it out," he repeated wondering exactly how he was going to do that.

"You keep saying that Klaus but nothing changes," she insisted. "I just can't do this anymore."

"So that's it? You're just going to write us off like that?"

"I need to know that I'm important to you," she implored.

"You are Caroline," Klaus said feeling the tears begin to gather in his eyes. "You have to believe me."

"I'm sorry but I don't," she whispered sadly. "It's over Klaus, it has to be"

"Caroline, you don't mean that."

"Yes I do." Klaus stepped closer towards her desperate to change her mind. He raised his hand and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and stared into her blue eyes. It was like time stood still as he silently pleaded with her. "Please just let me go."

Caroline turned around and walked off into the night. He wanted to chase her down and tell he she was wrong but he didn't want to push her too far given how fragile she was at the moment.

Klaus bent over placing his hands on his thighs and shut his eyes trying to register what had just happened. How had they gone from declaring their love for each other to this? Some birthday this was turning out to be.

He opened his eyes again determined that this wasn't the end of things between them and come tomorrow morning he'd fight to get her back. He did it once before and he'd do it again, she meant too much to him. If Tatia was leaving soon then that would free up more time to spend with her and Klaus would show her just how important she was to him.

He realised he'd been gone a while and considering it was his surprise party knew his absence would be noticeable, especially to his boss. He begrudgingly went back inside, Klaus needed a drink that was for sure.

Xxxxxx

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" Elijah asked her curiously.

"What would make you say that?" She slurred already pretty tipsy after downing three drinks in the last ten minutes.

"Oh I don't know," he replied obviously amused. "Maybe the fact that you've ordered about six drinks between us in ten minutes."

"I like alcohol," she shot back defensively. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"Well yes but in moderation," he smiled. "Am I going to have to tell your sponsor?"

"My what?"

"You know for Alcoholics Anonymous," he laughed.

"I do not have a drinking problem."

"Well that's good to hear because I wouldn't want an alcoholic for a girlfriend."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me," he replied casually.

"Girlfriend?"

"Well only if you want to be Katherine," he clarified. "If not this whole conversation is kind of awkward."

"How can I be your girlfriend?"

"Well it's usually what happens when two people who like each other go out from time to time together."

"Stop being a smart ass," she accused shaking her head.

"Well when you ask me silly questions, it's hard not to be Katherine," he replied obviously trying not to laugh. "I think all that alcohol is affecting your brain."

"I'm perfectly fine," she said although her fuzzy head was telling her something else. "I'm just trying to understand how we can be boyfriend and girlfriend when you haven't even kissed me."

"You haven't kissed me either," he said childishly. "You're a modern woman, since when does the guy have to make the first move?"

"Since forever, have you not read any fairytales?"

"I don't recall the Big Bad Wolf being all that sweet towards Little Red Riding Hood when he was pretending to be grandma," Elijah grimaced.

"No I mean the romantic ones where the handsome prince sweeps the beautiful princess off her feet, they kiss and then live happily ever after."

"Are you proposing to me?"

"No dumbass," she shot back growing increasingly annoyed. "I'm just trying to make the point that I like tradition, including when a guy makes the first move."

"I thought I already did that last month?"

"Yeah last month in the middle of a heated argument," she groaned. "If you take any longer to kiss me Mikaelson I'm going to get a complex."

"No pressure or anything," he baulked.

"You know what fine," she said standing up shakily. "Don't bother." As she attempted to walk away she felt his hand graze her arm.

"I have every intention of bothering," he said his voice husky with desire, standing up and pulling her into his arms and dipping her slowly backwards as his lips met hers.

They were as soft as she remembered and she found herself moaning against them as he deepened the kiss. Katherine reached up and pulled him closer, hungrily running her hands through his dark hair. He tasted like lime and whiskey and she couldn't get enough of him delving his tongue inside her waiting mouth. Katherine reacted immediately, her tongue finding his and battling against it as the intensity between them only increased with every stroke.

"Oh please get a room, nobody wants to see that," Kol moaned interrupting the moment. They broke apart reluctantly noticing the curious stares from the other guests.

They looked at each other flushed with an equal mixture of embarrassment and desire. The kiss was amazing; she knew it would be given their first encounter but Katherine knew a large part of it was due to the build-up over the past few weeks. If their kisses were this good then she could only imagine the sex would be mind-blowing. Suddenly all she wanted to do was get out of there and find out.

"Charming Kol," Elijah growled finally tearing his eyes away from Katherine to look at his brother.

"Well I try," he grinned drunkenly.

"Do you think maybe you've had enough to drink?"

"Do you think you could stop playing dad for five minutes Elijah?" He asked taking another sip of his drink. "It's not very becoming on you."

"Well someone needs to Kol," he muttered trying not to make a scene. "It's your brother's birthday, maybe you could behave for once in your life."

"Where is the birthday boy anyway?"

"Present," Klaus grunted taking a seat next to Kol at the bar, his knew the look on his face was probably as stormy as he felt.

"Where's the ball and chain?" Kol asked curiously.

"Her name is Caroline," he recited slowly for his benefit. "She uh had to go."

"Now that sounds like a plan," Katherine commented narrowing her eyes in his direction. The last thing he wanted right now was a lecture from her feisty best friend.

"How about we say our goodbyes then get out of here?" Elijah suggested sensing the tension between them. She nodded in agreement and they walked over towards Lexi and Matt.

"Women," Kol remarked passing over one of his untouched shots for Klaus.

"You're telling me," he agreed drinking it. "All I'm trying to do is be everything to everyone at the moment but apparently that's not good enough."

"Women make it their mission in life to give us a hard time," he said. "You're better off without her mate."

"You know as much as I want to believe that I know it's not true," he murmured. "I love the girl and there's nothing that's ever going to change that."

"Oh please love is for wimps," Kol slurred. "Money is what puts a roof over your head and keeps you warm at night not a woman."

"Well I have to disagree; Caroline has kept me very warm on a number of occasions."

"You're so whipped Niklaus," he groaned. "Run for your life before she completely takes over."

"Have either of you seen Caroline?" Bonnie interrupted, standing between them at the bar.

"Do you want to field this one Niklaus?"

"She left," Klaus murmured desperately trying to avoid a fight with her other friend but her angry expression wasn't a promising start.

"Nice work Romeo," she drawled. "You know I really shouldn't be surprised given your recent behaviour."

"Way to speak to someone on their birthday Bonnie," Kol sprung to the defence of his brother.

"No it's okay, I probably deserved it," he mumbled.

"No you don't," he insisted. "Mind your own business Bonnie."

"It's a little difficult when my friend is in tears over your brother," she argued. "Although I shouldn't be surprised that you'd protect him."

"Damn straight I'm going to stand up for him," he baulked. "You really have some nerve coming to his birthday party and then abusing him to his face."

"Shhhh, it's okay Kol." Klaus said trying to keep things discreet.

"No it's not okay Niklaus," he growled. "Bonnie loves to get on her moral high horse with you but when it comes to her she doesn't have a leg to stand on."

"I said I was sorry about that," she hissed.

"Well you'll have to excuse me if I don't accept your apology," he mimicked back at her.

"I can't believe someone as immature as you is going to be a father," Bonnie blurted only realising what she'd said after it had already escaped her lips.

"Who's going to be a father?" Klaus asked looking between them in shock.

"Kol," she mumbled thinking this was not the way she envisaged having this conversation, especially with Klaus present. He'd just gotten her so riled up and it just escaped like a runaway train.

"As in Kol Mikaelson?"

"Yes," she groaned as Klaus continued to ask stupid questions and Kol was deathly silent, not to mention ashen faced.

"I'm sorry what's happening here?" Kol asked eventually, his confusion evident. Bonnie's patience was wearing thin at this point. Her baby's dad was an intelligent one.

"I'm pregnant Kol and it's yours," she yelled exasperated and trying to be heard over the background music. It was only at that point there was a break between songs and the whole room heard her confession loud and clear.

Everyone stopped mid-conversation, their jaws dropping at the very private news that had mistakenly become public. Katherine was looking at her sympathetically, while Stefan, Rebekah, Lexi, Matt and Elijah were standing there open-mouthed. Bonnie felt her skin heat up knowing she was wearing a very telling blush. This wasn't how she saw things going in her head at all.

"Well I suppose this is a surprise party," Klaus mumbled unable to help himself.