Hey guys thanks for the reviews. I'm glad you all love nanna, I have to admit I love her too. Expect more craziness from her in the future Also glad I'm getting some people into the Christmas spirit, me too! Someone asked if I was going to have other pairings and if you've read my other stories you'll probably know which pairings I might be planning. Anyway now onto dinner…
Keeping Up Appearances
Chapter 7: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
December 24 2014 7:23pm Chicago, Illinois
Looking at her reflection in the mirror Caroline smoothed down her hair and took a deep breath. She was upstairs trying to prepare herself for the night ahead, if that was at all possible.
After hearing what Klaus said about her mum Caroline had gone into the kitchen determined to allay her fears about dinner with Tyler. All in all she thought she'd done a pretty good job of convincing her even if she still wasn't completely okay with everything.
"Mum I don't think the turkey is going to cook faster because you're watching it." She said to her mother who was watching the oven door with avid interest.
"Trust me Caroline it works every time." She murmured finally tearing her eyes away from the oven. "Shouldn't you be decorating my new tree?"
"I think Klaus, Stefan and Nanna have that under control." She smiled thinking about him trying to rein in the drunks.
"I'm not really sure your grandmother has anything under control." Liz muttered. Caroline thought she was probably right at the moment given all the eggnog she'd consumed.
"I'll go out in a minute." She said rolling her eyes at her mother's ability to gloss over the real issues. "I just wanted to see how you are going?"
"Oh I'm fine darling." She said looking around the kitchen distractedly. "Well there was almost an incident with the green beans but I saved them just in time."
"I didn't mean about cooking, I mean about the dinner."
"What do you mean the dinner?"
"I mean the family coming over." She prodded.
"Well of course I'm fine with everyone coming over."
"How about Tyler?" She murmured watching her mother's eyes widen in shock at her mentioning him.
"Well I have to admit I would prefer he and your cousin weren't coming but I have your Aunt Jane to think about."
"Of course you do." She said quickly taking a seat at the kitchen table. "Mum I'm okay you know."
"Really?" She asked joining her daughter at the table and placing her hand over Caroline's.
"Yes really." She promised. "Look I won't deny what they did hurt me but that was months ago and the best thing for everyone, me included, is to move on."
"Probably easier said than done Caroline."
"Yes and I'd be lying if I said seeing them again wouldn't conjure up a whole lot of bad memories." Her mother's head creased into a frown. "But so much has happened since then, I've moved on."
"With Klaus." She smiled slyly.
"Well yes, with Klaus." She stuttered feeling funny talking about a stranger in such an intimate way.
"You haven't known him very long though Caroline."
"No I haven't, but I knew Tyler for years and look how well that turned out." She said the sarcasm evident.
"That's true." She agreed. "I have to admit from what I know of him so far he seems to really like you."
"Really?" Caroline asked curiously thinking he must be one good actor. "What did he say?"
"He told me what a kind and caring person he thinks you are and that you're very special to him." Caroline inhaled sharply at first caught up in his sweet words. Then she exhaled remembering it was all an act, something that she had to admit felt quite deflating.
It had only been about twenty-four hours but Caroline knew there was something between them. She knew they definitely had a spark but whether it was just a sexual attraction or something more she wasn't quite sure.
Their moment in the woods had completely thrown her and she didn't know what to make of it. In the car afterwards she had been very quiet silently processing what happened, although it had been a few hours since and she still had no idea. He had been quiet too and Caroline wished she knew what he was thinking.
Caroline had forced herself to stop thinking about him because after all it was just an act so it didn't matter in the end. They would go their separate ways soon and she'd never see Klaus Mikaelson again.
"He's a nice guy once you get to know him mum."
"Well he's made an okay first impression, which is hard to do." She chuckled. "Remember the first time I met Tyler?"
"You were relentless with your interrogation." She smiled. "Maybe somehow your first impression with him was right."
"Did you just say I was right?" She joked putting her arm around Caroline and squeezing her tightly.
"Don't get too excited mum."
"Well maybe I'll be right this time too." She murmured and Caroline felt her heart sink slightly knowing that wasn't true. She suddenly felt bad lying to her mother and wanted to make sure she wouldn't get too attached to him.
"Honestly mum I'm going into this with my eyes wide open." She reassured her. "Not everything turns out but I think after what I've been through I'll be okay with that."
"Good. I guess it's true what they say about what hurts us only makes us stronger." She smiled tears gathering in her eyes.
"Why are you crying?" She asked as tears pricked her eyes as well.
"These are happy tears." She explained. "It was hard to lose your dad all those years ago but it has definitely made me tougher, for the better."
"It has." Caroline smiled rubbing her nose against hers. "It's better to have loved and lost then…"
"Never loved before." Liz smiled pulling her daughter in for a warm hug which seemed to go on forever, not that Caroline was complaining. "Now sweetie as much as I love you get out of here before the gravy gets lumpy." Caroline shook her head at the re-emergence of the Christmas demon.
"We can't have that." She teased giving her one last kiss on the cheek. "It's good to be home mum."
Caroline had to stop herself from crying again after that moment. She always missed her dad that bit more at this time of year and as much as she hated to admit it, it was good she'd had some other distractions to keep her mind off him.
She shook her head determined not to make her mascara run given the guests were due any minute. She twirled around inspecting her Christmas outfit hoping it would do the job, which was of course to make Tyler realise just what he was missing.
Her Stella McCartney fitted red dress with its scooped neckline and three quarter sleeves just skimmed her knees and she'd accessorised with her favourite Tiffany's necklace and black Guess stilettos. Her first thought as she checked herself out at every angle was what he would think of her outfit and for some reason the first person's face to enter her mind wasn't Tyler's. It was the annoying but equally as charming British guy she'd been forced to spend the last twelve hours with.
Before she could tell herself off for having such untoward thoughts her cell rang interrupting the moment. She looked at the screen and smiled as she connected.
"Weren't you going to call me?"
"I was but then I had to go to a Christmas tree farm in Indiana, pick up Stefan from the airport, then do the whole awkward meet the family ritual with Klaus."
"I'm sorry what exactly did I miss and I'm not at all interested in why you needed a Christmas tree, although that has Liz written all over it." Caroline smiled thinking how well Katherine knew her family.
"Stefan decided to come back to Chicago for Christmas because Tessa dumped him before they could go to Cabo."
"Oh poor Stef." She sympathised before continuing. "As much as I love him I'm really not interested in that part either Forbes." Katherine always liked to get straight to the point.
"Well Klaus and I sort of decided that we'd pretend he was my boyfriend to…"
"Piss off Tyler and the slut?" She guessed. "Now that's a great plan if I've heard one. Why am I just hearing about this?"
"Well we only decided about four hours ago Kat." She said rolling her eyes; her friend hated being left out.
"I seem to recall you bitching about Klaus only about eight hours ago, what exactly happened in the meantime?"
"Nothing happened."
"I know what happened, you slept with him!" She cried. "I'm so proud of you right now honey."
"No I did not sleep with him!"
"Mmmm I think the lady doth protest too much." Katherine countered obviously just trying to annoy her. "Well I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed Care, I mean all that good British goodness, what a waste."
"You've never even met him." She groaned.
"I may have consulted google at the airport." She replied. "And I have to say the looks definitely match the sexy accent." Caroline groaned she really shouldn't have been surprised Katherine had looked him up.
"Anyway back to your original question." She drawled trying to get her friend back on track. "There was an opportunity and it was too good to ignore."
"I can see how it benefits you but how exactly does this help Klaus?" She asked curiously. "Unless he just wants to get in your pants because I wouldn't be surprised after our chat before."
"He has a work dinner tomorrow night and apparently his boss would consider him more promotional material if he had a girlfriend, if you know what I mean."
"Interesting." She murmured. "So I assume this little plan means you get to kiss and do all the other fun things?"
"Katherine you really need to get some if you're this interested in my love life."
"I have a life thank you very much." She shot back. "Remember thirty year-old banker Adam, six foot two, blue eyes and those amazing bedroom skills?"
"That was like two weeks ago. I think someone is losing their touch." Caroline said knowing that would most definitely get her best friend off her case.
"I have been busy, you know working." She spluttered defensively. "Anyway I'm sure it won't be too long given all the Christmas cheer going around."
"I don't doubt that Kat." She shook her head knowing her next conquest wouldn't be too far away.
"So what did nanna think of Klaus?"
"She questioned him a little but I honestly think she was too drunk to care." Caroline giggled.
"Nanna's been spiking the eggnog again hey?"
"You know her too well."
"I'm almost jealous, nanna and I have had some good times over the years." Katherine mused. "I can't believe your mum still lets her get away with it given how OCD she is."
"I don't think she can be bothered fighting and at least it keeps nanna busy during dinner preparation." She said. "Anyway she has Stefan to keep her company this year; they're both a little tipsy right now."
"Now that I would pay to see." She laughed. "So what did Liz think of the new boyfriend, did she give him the usual interrogation?"
"Not as much as I was expecting." She murmured.
"Don't tell me she actually liked him?"
"I have no idea, Klaus seems to think it's just his natural charm that won her over."
"Well it was certainly something." She murmured. Caroline heard a knock at the door and before she knew it she was looking at his gorgeous smirk trying not to imagine his crimson lips over hers. Damn Katherine Pierce getting her all riled up. Klaus had changed into a suit and blue shirt which only brought out his eyes.
"Hey Kat I've got to get down to dinner."
"Okay give the fam my best including two timing Tyler and the slut, and by that I mean scratch out her big doe eyes and knee him where it hurts." Caroline giggled unable to help herself. It was like Katherine could sense just how stressed she was.
"Will do." She disconnected and stood up from the bed smoothing down her dress and avoiding his gaze. "So how's the tree?" She finally asked making eye contact.
Klaus was silent his eyes roaming over her body taking in each and every curve. She looked at her outfit worried about her appearance all of a sudden. "What's um wrong?" He continued to stare this time finally averting his gaze up to her face.
She self-consciously touched her face worried her lipstick was smudged. "Okay I don't think you've ever been so quiet."
"It's nothing." He finally spoke his voice raspy. "You look beautiful Caroline." She immediately felt her face flush hoping she wasn't the same shade as her dress.
"Thanks." She whispered unable to look directly in his eyes after such a comment.
"That idiot will definitely regret his stupid decision."
"Thank you." She uttered unable to say anything else.
"You really need to stop thanking me love." He teased. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be."
"Let me guess you've been testing the eggnog?" She asked wondering what had gotten into Klaus all of a sudden.
"Maybe one glass." He joked. "Nanna and Stefan practically force fed me, I couldn't really say no."
"Sure you did. Actually one of those would be pretty good right now."
"Well what are we waiting for?" He smiled holding out his arm old fashionably. "My tree by the way looks absolutely fantastic if I do say so myself."
"Modest as always. I was there too remember and from what I recall Jesus actually picked the tree."
"Did you help cut it down sweetheart?" He baulked as they walked down the staircase.
"I dragged that thing through the woods." She muttered.
"But you didn't decorate it." He said gesturing towards the living room. "Now that is a Christmas tree."
Caroline looked across the room taking in the sight before her. The tree was dotted with silver, red and gold baubles and white twinkle lights, Caroline smiled feeling the Christmas spirit finally take hold. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad after all.
"Eggnog sweetie?" Nanna chuckled passing her a glass.
"Thanks nanna." She replied taking the glass and drinking the creamy liquid, the burning from the alcohol making her cough. "Wow this is..."
"Intense." Stefan smiled placing his arm around Caroline. "I love Christmassss."
"That's uh good Stef." She smiled glad to have her best friend around even if he was slurring his words
"Well it looks like the party started while I was gone." Liz said coming into the room. "Now that is a Christmas tree. Thanks Klaus."
"Yes it is nice." Klaus replied proudly puffing out his chest, Caroline had to admit he was pretty adorable. "Although my lovely partner here helped." He said placing his arm around her and making Caroline feel warm and dizzy from his touch.
She took another sip of the eggnog thinking it would help calm her but realised it was just adding to her light headedness.
"Eggnog Mrs F?" Stefan asked holding up his glass.
"I think you've had more than enough for me Stefan." She replied rolling her eyes at her mother. "I might need to be sober to serve up Christmas Dinner."
"Katherine says Merry Christmas to everyone by the way, she just called."
"It certainly won't be the same without her here." Liz joked. "I'm never sure who is the worst influence on whom, Katherine or your grandma."
"Oh I do love that Katherine, reminds me of when I was young." Nanna said.
"On that note, there's some cranberry sauce that needs to be checked." Liz shook her head at her mother and walked in the direction of the kitchen.
"Liked to play the field hey nanna?" Stefan asked curiously.
"Oh did I?" She mused taking a sip. "I had so many boyfriends on the go when I was younger, it was sometimes hard to keep track."
"I thought grandpa was your true love." Caroline piped up not sure she wanted to hear about her grandma's love life.
"Oh he was dear but let's just say it took a few turkeys to realise that. Something you would know all about." She laughed. "I definitely like this one much better than the last." Nanna giggled looking at Klaus.
"Someone needs to cut her off." Caroline hissed.
"I don't know I think nanna has a point." Klaus agreed placing his hands on her shoulders making her freeze. "I am pretty amazing."
"Oh p-uh-lease." She groaned. "There's that ego I've missed so much." She looked at him noticing he was doing the same thing.
"You secretly love my ego." He smirked his eyes not leaving hers. She found herself stuck for words, why did he have this effect on her? All she wanted to do was pull him towards her and kiss those irresistible lips.
The doorbell rang breaking them out of their trance, Caroline was almost annoyed at the interruption. "I'll get it." Nanna cried dancing towards the door. Caroline felt her stomach drop wondering who was behind the door. Klaus squeezed her hand sensing her dread. She actually was pretty happy to have him there even if they weren't a real couple.
It was her cousins Kelly, James and Brooke, followed closely by her Uncles Jim and David as well as her Aunts Lisa and Emily. She embraced them one by one, introducing them to her "boyfriend" Klaus.
She started to feel bad thinking she had no desire to lie to any of them, at the end of the day it was only those two she wanted to mess with, and they hadn't even arrived yet. Talk about building the suspense.
"Matt!" She heard her grandma cry bringing a smile to her face. Matt Donovan was her cousin from her dad's side. They had always been close but he'd been stationed in the Middle East with the army for a couple of years and she'd missed him.
"Did you get more handsome?" Caroline shook her head wondering whether it was entirely appropriate her nanna was asking him that.
"I've missed you nanna." He joked giving her a peck on the cheek. "Now where is my favourite cousin?" He searched the room, the dimple in his left cheek only accentuated when he laid eyes on her.
"Care!" He picked her up and twirled her around. "It's been way too long."
"You're telling me." She smiled. "I'm just glad you're back in one piece mister. I was a little worried."
"Oh come on this is me; surely there was never any doubt." Caroline rolled her eyes, trust her cousin to joke about something so serious.
"Wow that ego sort of reminds me of someone else. Speaking of, Klaus this is my cousin Matt." She said sarcastically introducing them. "Matt has been stationed overseas with the army."
"My ego is happy to meet yours." Matt joked. "How do you guys know each other?"
"I'm the boyfriend." Klaus said making Matt look on curiously. Caroline only then realised Matt didn't know about Tyler because he'd been away and she hadn't wanted to go into the excruciating detail over email.
"You're the boyfriend? I thought it was…" He trailed off obviously confused.
"No, he who shall not be named did the dirty on our amazing Caroline with another woman." Stefan interrupted drunkenly.
"Stefan mate." He smiled greeting him with a smile and a hand shake before processing what he just said. "That loser Tyler did what now?"
"I don't think we need to rehash it all again." Caroline muttered. "That was a long time ago."
"You should have told me cuz." He said touching her arm affectionately. "I'd offer to kill him but no doubt he's run far away by now."
"Do you want me to tell him or will you?" Nanna interrupted.
"Will someone please just tell me?" He asked in frustration looking between them all.
"Let's just say he kept it in the family." Stefan murmured.
"Okay can you all stop talking in code please."
"What they are trying to say is that he hooked up with..." Klaus started realising he had no idea what her cousin's name was.
"Who?"
"Hayley." Nanna and Stefan said in unison.
"No way!" Matt said his shock evident. "Although on second thought it doesn't sound totally unlike her…"
"Did she crack onto you too?" Stefan asked.
"A few times." He shared. "Sorry Care, although you're much better off."
"I know." She said shaking her head. "Can we please stop talking about this, I mean it's bad enough they'll be here tonight."
"No way." Matt exclaimed. "At least this way I can kill him now."
"Not if I don't do it first." Stefan chimed into the conversation.
"Or me." Nanna agreed.
"Okay calm down everyone, it is Christmas after all."
"And?"
"And mum has gone to a lot of trouble to make this special." Caroline said. "Anyway I have no interest in him whatsoever."
"Well I hope not given I'm your boyfriend now." Klaus muttered and for some reason he seemed slightly annoyed.
"That's right." Matt said turning to face him. "So Klaus do I need to do the whole spiel about killing you if you hurt my cousin?"
"Not necessary at all Officer." Klaus said obviously a little intimidated.
"It's actually Lieutenant." He said seriously. "I think I like this one Caroline I feel a little less inclined to kill him."
"Well that's not too hard." Stefan murmured gesturing to something above them. She and Klaus looked upwards noticing the mistletoe nestled in the rafters. Caroline immediately panicked not knowing what to do. She'd told him no kissing but would have been lying if she said she didn't want to kiss him.
At first Caroline thought it had something to do with all the Tyler talk but looking into his blue eyes she knew there was more to it. The thought of kissing him was surprisingly appealing. She looked upward knowing that she couldn't ignore tradition.
"Well it is tradition after all?' Klaus smiled pulling her towards him.
"Right." She murmured looking him deeply in the eyes. She knew this probably wasn't a good idea but they were acting as a couple after all.
He tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear tenderly. Caroline closed her eyes trying to regain what control she had left. She felt him place his finger under her chin and pull it upwards. Caroline knew she couldn't deny it any longer.
She opened her eyes confronted at first by his blue eyes gazing into hers. He leaned in slowly capturing his lips with hers. She had imagined this moment so many times over and it was just as good if not better.
His lips felt smooth as he discovered hers, devastatingly slow at first. She combed her fingers through his blonde curls and arched her back the feelings stirring inside her wanting to be as close to him as possible. She felt his tongue slowly penetrate her mouth slipping in slowly dipping into her warmth.
Knowing there was an audience Caroline had to physically stop herself from moaning against his lips. He was conjuring up so many feelings and she was scared she was losing control to this guy she'd only just met.
She faintly heard the doorbell ring but it didn't do anything to stop the moment. She felt his tongue moving inside her mouth rhythmically and began to reciprocate wishing it was just the two of them alone so she could do so much more.
"Care?" His familiar voice pierced the air making her break away from Klaus reluctantly. She looked over realising the two people she was dreading had now well and truly arrived for Christmas.
"Tyler." She drawled.