I know things are looking a little sad right now but if you know my stories then you'll know I need angst. Hopefully you'll keep reading. I updated quickly and wrote an extra-long chapter just for you guys! Thanks for the love as usual.

I have fast forwarded time but will incorporate flashbacks. I'm excited that they are back home and I can incorporate my favourite characters in the flesh. Thanks for the usual love as well!

I've also changed the rating as suggested by one of my readers; it does make sense especially for later chapters.

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 14: Last Christmas

December 27 2014 6:19am New York City, New York

Klaus lay in bed unable to move but unfortunately also unable to sleep. He figured the sleep deprivation was a combination of two things, the fact that he flew in late the night before and a certain blonde distraction.

He pulled the pillow over his head to eliminate the invading light, frustrated he couldn't shake her. What the hell was happening to him? Things like this didn't happen to Klaus Mikaelson.

He thought back to their last night together annoyed about his erratic behaviour at his Christmas Party and the fact he didn't try harder to make things right.

The drive home in the car was icy to say the least, and he wasn't talking about the temperature. He'd apologised a few times in the car but by the time they went to bed he decided to stay silent considering there wasn't much else he could do. The damage had obviously already been done.

Even though he was tired, all he could do was lay there and listen to the steady sound of her breathing, something so simple that was driving him crazy. It didn't help that he was replaying their kiss over and over in his mind wishing he could teleport himself back to that moment just to feel her lips again.

Kissing her had been a spur of the moment decision, mainly because his jealousy was in overdrive and he didn't want Dylan to have her, he didn't want anyone to. So he'd acted, probably recklessly, but he couldn't help himself. Klaus had never felt a sexual attraction this strong before.

He touched his lips thinking he could still taste her and he wanted more, much more. His attempts to explain his irrational behaviour had backfired and instead of admitting his feelings Klaus had done the complete opposite and managed to offend her. Something he never wanted to do after everything she'd done for him.

She had been amazing at his work dinner, not just in preparation but in every other aspect. Her dress had done what he didn't think was possible, rendered him speechless, and she had connected with his colleagues and their wives, and they were hooked just like him. Caroline had this ability to light up every room she entered and all of the people in it.

The night had been a success, except for his poor judgement at the end of the evening. He got up hoping the increased activity might make him snap out of it. He padded into the kitchen pouring himself a glass of juice trying to clear his head. Then her face entered his mind again and he threw down the glass in frustration.

Dressing himself in sweats Klaus grabbed his cell, turned up his music to loud and headed off for a run. Central Park always had this way of making him calm, he just hope today it would do the same thing because he needed it.

As he raced along the busy streets his thoughts flew back to their final moments together.

26 December 2014: 7:39am Chicago, Illinois

"So I guess this is it." Klaus said watching her as she finished packing her suitcase.

"I guess so." She replied distractedly. "I've forgotten something, oh my hairdryer." She realised walking to the bathroom. She couldn't even be in the same room with him. How did things go from being so good to being so damn awkward?

"So uh when's your flight?" He asked feebly trying to make conversation when she finally returned.

"It's at 10:30; mum and nanna are going to drive me to the airport."

"Oh you can use the hire car if you need it."

"No you should have it seeing as you're going to the Institute of Art today." She smiled slightly. "Plus it will be nice to have some extra time with the family, even nanna."

"I have to say I'm going to miss your nanna."

"Well she's a true original that's for sure." She chuckled finally relaxing. "When are you going back to New York?"

"I have a flight later tonight, so I'll get my work done then head to O'Hare." He sighed thinking how depressing that sounded. "You know Caroline I've had a great time with you and your family the past two days."

"Well it hasn't been boring that's for sure." She said her eyes wide. "But yeah I know what you mean. Looks like our act worked out pretty well in the end."

"Yeah." He mumbled. "You may have helped me get that promotion, but I suppose time will tell."

"I think you deserve it, I mean who would go to the trouble of bringing a fake girlfriend to dinner, if that isn't commitment what is?"

"Then there was the added bonus of not only making Tyler jealous but breaking him and your cousin up."

"That was probably one of my highlights I'd have to say."

"Oh so the birds on that truck don't fall into that category?"

"Ah no, and had you not crashed the car into a paddock full of cows that would never of happened."

"Do you really need me to start singing Miley Cyrus as a reminder?" He shot back raising his left eyebrow.

"You secretly love Miley." She scoffed.

"Not when I'm trying to drive." He drawled. "Okay I have to say Jesus was pretty cool even with that axe in the woods, same with Grumpy although if you ask me Gloria was grumpier than him."

"She gave me free pie, I wasn't complaining." She laughed. "I think someone actually had a good time."

"I wouldn't go that far Caroline."

"Oh come on you picked a Christmas tree, went ice skating and made your first snowman, admit it Mikaelson, Scrooge has finally been bitten by some good old Christmas cheer."

"Maybe just a little." He conceded knowing it was all due to her. Before he could speak they heard a voice hollering from downstairs.

"I'd like to get back before the ball drops on New Year's Eve." Nanna called out and they both just shook their heads.

"I'm not sure I'm going to miss her bossiness." Klaus said as they picked up their bags and left her room. "At least now I know where you got it from."

"You're leaving a really good last impression on me." She muttered as they made their way downstairs. He felt like someone had punched him in the stomach as she said last time. This really was it and he suddenly felt sad knowing it was coming to an end.

"Took your time." Stefan shouted from the bottom of the stairs.

"Okay nanna is bossy enough we don't need your input too Salvatore." Caroline grumbled shoving her bag in his face to carry.

"Stefan what are you doing here mate?" Klaus asked realising he'd miss her friend almost as much as her.

"Well I'm due to fly out later this morning and decided to brave a car ride with these three and say a proper farewell to my Care Bear."

"I thought we agreed you'd stop calling me that after we graduated?"

"I don't recall that." He said pretending to play dumb. "I wouldn't mind some more testosterone in the car though Klaus."

"Well as tempting as that sounds Stefan I have work to do here so I'm not going back until tonight."

"You should have stayed longer Caroline then we could have spent more time together." Liz added hopefully.

"I know mum but I have so much to do before getting back to work tomorrow and I'll um see Klaus later." She said quietly and they both looked at each other knowing that wasn't going to be the case.

"Knock knock." They heard from the front hallway. Matt walked in his usual happy grin on his face. Klaus had come to feel like her family was his and the thought it was coming to an end was so final. He enveloped Caroline in a big hug. "I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye cuz."

"I'm going to miss you Matt." She said into his shoulder her voice muffled.

"Not as much as me."

"Well now there are no excuses about being in the Middle East, you have to come and visit."

"Of course, I think I might need to check that you and Katherine are behaving anyway."

"I always behave, Katherine I can't vouch for. So good luck with the new base and everything."

"Thanks Care." He said his blue eyes watery. "And I expect this one to look after you." He motioned to Klaus.

"I think I'll be okay."

"Yes I think you threatened to kill me at least twice this holiday season so I got the message." He nodded shaking her cousin's hand.

"I'm glad we got that sorted out. Anyway I should let you catch your flights." They walked towards the front door; every step feeling like it was that much closer to their separation.

Once they got outside and placed their bags in the car, the moment Klaus was dreading had arrived.

"I'm actually going to miss you man." Stefan said patting him on the back. "And we only just met."

"Same Stefan." He smiled knowing how true that was. "There's always room for you at my place if you need somewhere to crash or it gets too girly for you at Caroline's house." Klaus said before realising it couldn't happen anyway.

"That means a lot." He said sincerely as they held a silent conversation with their eyes. "Have a safe flight man."

"You too." Liz approached him her eyes bright with something he couldn't fully recognise.

"Thanks for my tree." She said simply placing her hand on his arm.

"I'd only go to those extremes for a few people and I'm happy to say you're one of them Liz." He said gratefully thinking how much he liked her. "Thanks for a fantastic Christmas."

"No thank you Klaus." She murmured. "Not only for a great Christmas but for putting a smile on my daughter's face. I never thought I'd see her so happy again."

Klaus felt himself choking up, these people were so genuine and he had deceived them. The sooner he left the better. He pulled her in for an embrace trying to blink back the tears that were threatening to fall.

"Okay Liz you've had your time." Nanna interrupted and Klaus was secretly glad otherwise he might have actually cried. "Stop hogging my future grandson-in-law."

Before he could process her comment Nanna leaned up and threw her arms around his neck almost choking him in the process. Klaus went with it figuring she meant well. She whispered quietly in his ear so only he could hear.

"You two put on a pretty good act the last few days but it's up to you to make it happen for real now young man." He inhaled sharply listening to her words. She knew all along? He had to give her nanna credit, she was one shrewd lady. He was worried their cover would be blown although for some reason she hadn't told Liz so he figured their secret was safe.

He pulled away knowing his last goodbye would also be his hardest. They locked eyes knowing it had finally come to an end.

"So I guess I'll see you later." She murmured doing her final piece of acting as they all watched on expectantly.

"Yes you will." He pulled Caroline into his embrace savouring his last opportunity to touch her and inhale her vanilla scent. "Thank you." He whispered so only she could hear.

"No thank you." She mumbled pulling back their eyes meeting again.

"You call that a goodbye?" Nanna yelled so everyone could hear. Now all her comments and actions over the past few days were starting to make sense. Caroline blushed and he didn't think she could look any more adorable.

"Yeah I'm with nanna, give her a kiss." Stefan chuckled. Klaus wasn't one to turn down an order, and given it would be their last he had every intention of feeling her one last time.

Klaus ran his hands through her golden waves and pulled her towards him placing his mouth over hers relishing the moment. She was hesitant at first, no doubt still upset about the previous night and the fact they were making out in front of her family but she eventually relaxed melting into him.

He pushed deeper, determined to remember every inch of her because after this all he had were memories. She reciprocated her tongue massaging his mouth causing sensations to pulse through his body. Why did it have to end?

Before he knew it she pulled away abruptly refusing to look into his eyes, almost like she was afraid he could see straight through her.

"I think that's my quota of public displays of affection this year." Matt piped up making them all laugh.

"Bye Caroline." He said pulling her chin up with his finger so she had no choice but to look at him one last time.

"Bye Klaus." She turned away quickly and walked towards the car without a backward glance. It was only then that Klaus knew it was all over.

"So much for clearing my mind." He muttered running down his block the sweat dripping down his back. The beginning strains of Last Christmas bursted out from his earphones and he felt sad all over again. The words in the song all too real, even if they were ridiculously sappy.

As he approached his building he noticed Rebekah hovering at the door immaculate in her black skirt suit, before he could run in the opposite direction Klaus saw her mouthing something, although he couldn't hear it because his music was so loud.

Rebekah approached mouthing something again to which he just nodded; he figured that was a safe response and one that wouldn't require him to take out his earphones and have to have a conversation with his overbearing sister. Rebekah stepped forward and pulled out his earphones in one swift move.

"I said good morning brother."

"Is it?" He shot back his bad mood showing through.

"Well I thought so until I came into contact with you." She drawled. "Tell me you're not listening to Wham?"

"I'm surprised you know who Wham is little sister."

"Well as embarrassing as it is to admit I do and I even remember how that annoying song goes...Last Christmas I gave you my heart but the very next day you gave it away…Maybe that's the reason behind your temper Niklaus."

He ignored her running inside and pressing the elevator button hoping Rebekah wouldn't follow; he wasn't in the right headspace for her, especially not this early in the morning. She stepped in beside him making Klaus sigh at the impending lecture.

"I thought after your trip to Chicago you'd be slightly more upbeat."

"Well any chance of upbeat flew out the window after that terrible rendition of Wham." He looked at her curiously wondering just what she knew. "Why would you think that exactly?"

"I don't know you seemed less grouchy than usual over the holidays and after our last conversation and hearing about your mystery woman…."

"There is no mystery woman." He groaned wishing the memories would hurry up and fade. It didn't help that his sister was keeping them alive with her interrogation.

"I've pieced together the whole story about your little road trip from Kol and Elijah and what you told me, there's no use pretending." You don't know the whole story he thought to himself.

"I think the three of you have spoken more in the past few days than in your whole lives." He shot back. "Fine, yes Rebekah there was someone, but not anymore." He let himself inside and grabbed a water bottle from the fridge downing it in one gulp.

"What did you do?"

"Why do you assume I did something?"

"History." She replied shortly.

"I'll have you know it was merely a mutually beneficial arrangement that has now ended."

"Now that sounds romantic Niklaus."

"Since when do you know about romance?" He baulked. "Don't tell me you found yourself a new guy while I was gone?"

"You're hilarious." She groaned. "I'm only asking because I've never seen you this worked up over a girl before."

"I'm not worked up." He threw off his sweaty T-Shirt in frustration.

"Oh my eyes." She complained shielding her vision.

"I'm about to lose a lot more than that Rebekah so I suggest you leave so I can have a shower and get to work."

"Fine, but this isn't over big brother." She promised as she retreated out the door. Works every time he thought. Klaus just shook his head and turned on the shower hoping it would somehow wash away his bad mood.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So if you were going to be this grouchy you should have just stayed home today." She commented as she pushed open the door, noticing the scowl that was permanently fixed on his face.

"Why don't you just come in then? You know I pay you to be my Executive Assistant not to talk back Lexi." He growled looking up at her.

"You secretly love my back talk." She said making herself comfortable on his desk and flicking her long blonde hair in his face. "Now are you going to tell me what's wrong or am I going to have to get you really drunk?"

"You know that never works because you're a light weight." He smiled for the first time thinking about their previous drinking games.

Lexi was out of work when he met her in London a few years back. She had followed her boyfriend over there only to find out he was cheating and realising she was in a strange city with no job or place to live.

They'd had a chance meeting in Starbucks where she'd spilled hot coffee on him and they'd argued over whose fault it was; he still maintained it was hers. But the rest you could say was history. He couldn't ask for a better personal assistant or friend even if she had entirely too much attitude for her own good.

"I'm willing to try if it will get you to talk to me and maybe get you out of this funk."

"I'm not in a funk." He snarled.

"That tone right there says that's exactly what you're in mister."

"Don't you have work to do?"

"Nothing urgent given it's pretty dead this time of the year and look it's almost seven. I could be out with a handsome guy but instead I'm trying to find out what's up your arse."

"Don't pretend you care Lexi, I know there's no hot date so you've got nothing better to do."

"Way to make me feel wanted Niklaus." She called him that when she was trying to annoy him and it worked every time. "Oh come on something serious must be up given you've taken to playing Wham songs."

"I assume that means you've spoken to my sister. I should have assumed she'd try to grill you for information."

"Well unfortunately I had nothing to give her." She snapped back. "This doesn't have anything to do with the Christmas party in Chicago by chance?"

"Why would you say that?" He murmured wondering if she knew anything about Caroline, although surely word wouldn't have reached the New York Office this quickly.

"Well it was a pretty big deal and you know I have my eye on working for the next Chief Executive Officer."

"Yes because this is all about you." He muttered.

"Of course it is, now how did it go? You didn't accidentally insult Lawrence Rafferty about his toupee did you?"

"No I kept that one to myself." He grinned thinking about how fake it always looked and the Christmas Party was no exception. Caroline had been momentarily shocked at dinner given it wasn't part of her preparation but had maintained her composure like always.

"Why do I feel like you're not telling me something?" She pried looking at him closely and noticing his goofy smile. Whenever she got that look Klaus was a goner.

"Because he isn't love." Kol drawled from the door way eavesdropping.

"Hasn't anyone heard of knocking in this place?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Kol baulked planting himself on the other side of the desk. "You're looking rather tasty today Lexi."

"Oh please." She moaned. "Now I just feel violated."

Klaus had to laugh the two of them had been fighting for years and Klaus always thought it was bubbling sexual tension until he realised Lexi was too smart to be charmed by his brother and she was entirely too feisty for him to handle. Klaus wondered if either of them would ever settle down. Not that his life was looking any more promising these days.

"So I came to entice you into getting a drink with me." He asked. "You can come, as long as you don't talk too much blondie." He said gesturing to Lexi.

"Why thanks." She muttered sarcastically. "I was just trying to convince your brother of the same thing and given he's keeping a secret I'm definitely in."

"Oh great." He groaned. "I assume I have no choice?"

"No." They both replied in unison.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So I'm gone for two days and there's already a new bar in town?" Klaus asked looking around the interior of La Bibliotheca on the corner of East 40th Street and Third Avenue. Like its name it was designed to replicate a library with dim lighting and multiple shelves of books on display.

"This has been here for a while Niklaus, how long has it been since you've been out?"

"He's been working too much." Lexi said swirling the vodka around in her glass. "Although not in Chicago by the sounds of it. Is someone going to tell me what's going on or not?"

"I think you should Niklaus, otherwise she'll never shut up." Klaus looked between the two knowing he would never hear the end of it if he didn't confess. For some reason he thought it might make him feel better, well he was hoping anyway.

"Tell me why do you always pick the darkest bars you can find? Is it so girls will find you more attractive Kol?" Elijah interrupted.

"Now remind me why I told you where we were brother?"

"That insult is definitely a keeper E." Lexi laughed standing up and enveloping the oldest Mikaelson in a hug before sitting back down again.

"Now everyone is here." Klaus muttered realising his audience was building. "I'm surprised Rebekah isn't hiding around the back of one of those book cases."

"I wouldn't put it past her; I swear she has GPS tracking on all of us." Elijah commented.

"How are you E, it's been a while." Lexi asked taking in his always perfect suit and tie combination.

"Nothing ever changes with Elijah so don't bother asking." Kol quipped.

"Not even a new girlfriend?"

"Oh come on Lexi, Elijah would need to have had a proper girlfriend in the first place to have a new one."

"You can talk Kol." He scowled. "Anyway some women are not worth their trouble."

"Oh really? Someone must have done something pretty bad to ruffle your feathers Elijah." Klaus asked curiously.

"Just a new case I'm working on." He growled gesturing to the barman for a drink. "Now stop changing the subject, we want to hear about your Christmas brother."

"You're not going to give up are you?" He watched them all shake their heads in unison.

"Fine. Okay where do I start?" He started realising it was a very long story. "So due to severe snow storms my plane to Chicago had to divert to Indianapolis and all flights out were suspended for the night."

"Okay when do we get past the weather report and to the juicy part?" Lexi intervened impatiently.

"Caroline was on the same flight, I guess you could say we had an altercation at the check-in counter before both ending up at the Airport Motel for the night."

"You wanted juicy Lexi." Kol grinned.

"It wasn't like that." He rolled his eyes. "We had a drink together but went our separate ways until the next morning when flights still hadn't resumed and there was only one hire car."

"So you shared the car?" Elijah deduced trying to get to the point as usual.

"Yes, although there was some mechanical difficulties on the way."

"What kind of mechanical difficulties?"

"Let's just say there was a minor crash and we ended up in a paddock full of cows."

"Let me guess she was driving, you can never trust women drivers." Kol replied making Lexi whack him. Klaus really didn't feel the need to admit he caused the crash at that moment so decided to skim over that part.

"So we got a tow into the nearest town and after it was fixed made our way to Chicago."

"So that's it?" Lexi replied. "I'm disappointed to say the least." Klaus knew there was a lot more he could say but given his surroundings and his audience didn't feel like rehashing everything all over again, plus it was too painful to relive.

"Okay we sort of made a mutually beneficial deal."

"What kind of a deal?" Elijah asked curiously.

"She wanted to make her ex-boyfriend jealous so I agreed to be her pretend boyfriend at Christmas Eve dinner."

"You did not? But hold on why was her ex-boyfriend at Christmas?" Lexi inquired.

"He was going out with her cousin, the same woman he cheated on Caroline with."

"Oh no way that's got to suck." Kol laughed. "I must say she must be one attractive woman for you to agree to that arrangement. What does she do anyway?"

"She's a fashion writer for Vogue."

"No way, can she hook me up with some models?"

"I don't understand why would you do that for a complete stranger and what exactly did you get in return?" Elijah prodded ignoring Kol.

"I think we know what he got out of it." Kol replied wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"No we didn't." He mumbled embarrassed. "It wasn't like that. In return she came with me to the Christie's Christmas Dinner."

"As your girlfriend?" Lexi asked incredulously.

"Well you know how family orientated Ben Taylor is Lexi and you know how much I want that promotion."

"That is just plain lying though Niklaus." Elijah growled on his moral high horse always trying to ruin the party.

"We can't all be partners in a law firm like some people." Kol mimicked.

"Oh yes because being a stockbroker on Wall Street is such a tough life little brother."

"Children please." Lexi interrupted. "So how did your little arrangement work out then?"

"Well Caroline's cousin and ex-boyfriend broke up because he caught her trying to come onto me."

"Get out of town!" Lexi said in shock. "I think as far as outcomes go that was pretty successful, but more importantly how did your dinner go?"

"Just as well, they all fell in love with Caroline."

"So if it went so well and this was just an arrangement, why do you seem so down brother?" Elijah inquired knowing just how to get to the heart of the situation. His cell phone went off indicating a new email thankfully. He'd had just enough grilling from them for one day.

He noticed the email was from Jen Taylor and there were attachments. He breathed in sharply knowing what it would be. He clicked open one of four photos his mind flooding back to that exact moment. They were standing in front of the window their bodies intertwined and their lips locked, so immersed in each other it was like they were the only two people in the room. She looked beautiful, not that he was surprised.

His closed his eyes; picturing the moment like it was only five minutes ago making him warm immediately feeling the desire pulsing through his entire body and realising she wasn't going to be easy to shake.

"I think we have our answer." Lexi laughed pulling his phone away and consulting the screen. "Now this is some arrangement."

"I've got to get me one of those! She's a stunner and you slept with her you dog." Kol grinned admirably.

"We didn't." He stammered trying to contain his arousal. "I told you it was an act, we had to play our parts, including a few kisses, otherwise no one would have believed us."

"Yeah sure because that looks like an act brother." Elijah smiled slyly. "So why don't you just call her Niklaus?"

"Because it's over, we made a deal and it expired yesterday, I'm never going to see Caroline Forbes again." He said gruffly trying to regain at least some of his composure.

"Oh Klaus." Lexi sing-songed her eyes still trained on his phone. "I think you might have a small problem."

He snatched the phone back allowing himself to read the accompanying email, noticing for the first time she had also sent it to Caroline. He wondered how Jen got her address but realised it wouldn't be difficult since she knew everyone at Vogue.

"Dear Klaus and Caroline, thanks again for a lovely evening. I've attached a few photos from the party which I hope you'll like.

Ben and I are going to be in town on New Year's Eve and hoped you might join us for a party on the corner of Park and East 83rd, if you don't have plans already. Look forward to hearing from you. Jen x"

Klaus looked on in shock, what the hell was he going to do now?