Thanks for the reviews. I took a little longer because I was busy but also I was feeling a little let down after the last two episodes of TVD. Is it just me that thinks Klaus would have been there in a second if he knew about Sheriff Forbes? Anyway onto chapter 23 back in New York City.
Keeping Up Appearances
Chapter 23: Wish You Were Here
New York City, New York, January 25 2015: 6:47pm
"I'm impressed you found a place at such short notice." She smiled as they looked up at his new building located on the Upper East Side. "Pretty impressive location too, how much money are you making?"
"Not as much as you think." He said through gritted teeth. "I was lucky to find someone who was happy to share in the short term."
"Lucky is right, there's not much available in Manhattan at the moment that's for sure." Caroline grinned happy to have her best friend in New York.
"Let's just say it was a big coincidence. Come on let's go inside and check out these digs."
The lobby was sparse but modern with a few metal sculptures and dark marble features. They rode the elevator looking at each other expectantly. Caroline was so glad to have Stefan in New York she didn't care where he stayed as long as she could see him more often. She'd offered their place until he found something but was surprised to find out he'd secured somewhere to stay so quickly. It was so good to have him around considering how lost she'd felt the previous few days.
Caroline wasn't one to obsess over anything but since Klaus left for London she'd felt a void both in her heart and in her everyday life. She'd become so accustomed to having him in such close proximity that the thousands of miles between them was weighing heavily on her.
After their Jacuzzi together she thought they'd finally get to really talk but between Lucy's nightmare and the return of the Taylors they hadn't had much chance before they fell asleep and then had to make the mad dash to the airport in the morning. The awkwardness of their situation didn't help matters either. It was easy to know that you wanted someone but verbalising it was something completely different. After their moment in the Jacuzzi she thought it would be easy but she was wrong.
When they'd parted at the airport in Colorado their exchange was odd, consisting of an uneasy hug and an almost kiss which ended up on her cheek. He said he'd call her later, a call she was yet to receive four days later. She wasn't sure whether to be offended or understanding given why he was in London.
Even though she had to work and they hadn't known each other long Caroline had to admit she was slightly disappointed he hadn't asked her to go to London. They'd had so much fun travelling places she figured London would be another great trip to add to the list.
"Wow you must really have connections." She murmured as the elevator dinged noting their arrival at the penthouse. The doors opened and she was immediately impressed by the open plan apartment with its opulent furnishings and art work.
"Wow is right." Stefan agreed lugging his bags into the kitchen and looking at his surroundings in awe.
"How did you manage to find this place again Stef?" She asked curiously. "Since when do you know wealthy people on the upper east side with such great taste in art?"
"Just lucky I suppose." He answered quietly before locating the spare room and dropping his things on the bed.
"Do you think there's room for me too?" She joked.
"Well you never know." He said knowingly as she ran her hand along the bookshelves taking in the leather bound casings of classic novels.
"Someone sure likes Shakespeare, Dickens and James Joyce." She noted looking at the titles individually. "Not to mention having great taste in art. Seriously how did you find this mystery person?"
"It was a mutual friend actually."
"Really?" She asked looking at the side board with its picture frames all lined up in a row. She gasped looking at the first noticing a familiar face. "This is Elijah's apartment, wait until Katherine hears this."
"No it's not Elijah."
"So if it's not Elijah Mikaelson." She murmured consulting all the photos and seeing Kol as well and an attractive blonde. "This must be…" Before Stefan could reply she hit him squarely on the chest. "You're living with Klaus?"
"And here I was thinking you'd be happy." He moaned rubbing his chest.
"Why would I be happy?"
"Oh maybe because you have a thing for the guy." He drawled. "At least this makes things easier for you to be together."
"Uh we're not together Stef." She baulked. "Do you realise how pathetic this looks on my part?"
"How is this pathetic after what you told me about Vail?"
"Everything is still up in the air, he hasn't even called me from London." She groaned sitting down on the couch and running her hands through her hair in frustration. "Asking to stay here just makes me look desperate."
"What if I told you he called and asked me?"
"Why would he call you?"
"Apparently a blonde chatterbox told him that I was moving to the City and then thought he'd offer. If I didn't know any better I'd say you told him on purpose." He teased his face breaking into a smile as he sat next next to her on the couch.
"Oh I did not, I was just making conversation." She explained feebly. "How did he get your number?"
"Nanna."
"I should have known she had a part in this. Anyway you could have at least said something instead of springing it on me like this."
"I thought it would be more fun this way Care." He joked earning another whack from his friend. "Ouch! Maybe moving here was a bad idea given how easily I bruise."
"You big baby." She said shaking her head before standing up. "Look I have to go."
"What, why?" He asked perplexed by her sudden change of mind.
"This is his house; I don't feel comfortable being here."
"I'm pretty sure he was expecting you to see this place knowing I was moving in Caroline."
"Still it doesn't feel right."
"Oh come on don't tell me you're not the least bit curious about what his bedroom looks like?" She immediately blushed at his reference making him chuckle. "I knew it."
"I am not."
"The lady doth protest too much me thinks." He teased quoting one of the many plays Klaus had on his book shelf. "I think it's just over there."
"I am not going into his bedroom, that's just creepy."
"Well he's in London so he wouldn't know if you took a little peek."
"I can't believe you're encouraging me to be a psycho stalker." She hissed. "I'm not that desperate, not yet anyway."
"Okay good to know you're not desperate yet. Seriously you two need to get your act together."
"Oh really?"
"Yes really, please put us all out of our misery and just admit you like each other and want to be together."
"Us?"
"Yes us; Katherine, Bonnie and Lexi."
"You don't even know Lexi."
"If you must know Lexi was the one that gave me the key to this place and made her thoughts known about your arrangement."
"You are all just as bad as each other and obviously need to get lives."
"Hey I'm not going to argue that I need a life or a cute blonde." He agreed. "Now do you want to get something to eat, I've been craving a slice of New York pizza since I was last here."
"Fine." She conceded. "But don't expect me to hang out here."
"Fine." He mimicked like a child.
"I can't believe I thought I missed you." She replied poking out her tongue.
"Mature Care Bear." He joked throwing his arm around her shoulders and pulling her toward the lift.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"He's staying with Klaus?" Katherine asked her eyes wide.
"Don't play innocent with me Kitty Kat." She warned. "You're not the only one who can tell when someone's lying."
"Okay he may have called me the other day, but I know how bummed you've been since Vail, I thought this would cheer you up Care."
"How does planting my best friend with Klaus supposed to cheer me up Katherine?" She asked. It was Monday morning and they were walking to work rugged up in their warmest coats to ward off the winter chill.
"Well at least you know where you'll be doing the nasty."
"What is it with you two and his bedroom?"
"Just something to keep you occupied until he returns from London."
"We need to actually discuss what's happening here before we jump into bed again." She said trying not to get excited at the mention of being in that close proximity to him again.
"Blah blah. I think talking gets in the way of perfectly good sex."
"You would." She rolled her eyes. "Although it seems like things have been a little quiet with you of late."
"They have not." She spluttered.
"Oh really, when was your last conquest again?" She saw her best friend colour immediately knowing it had been before Christmas.
"I've been busy." She mumbled her gaze downward.
"Yes busy with a certain Mikaelson."
"Not in that way, all I want to do is bring him down."
"Don't you mean his client?" She asked curiously. "Last time I checked you were fighting Lucinda Chase not Elijah Mikaelson."
"Same thing."
"Ah no it's not really. Why is this guy getting to you so much Kat? I've never seen you like this."
"Like what?"
"So agitated and rattled."
"I am not rattled."
"Ah yeah you are." She reiterated. "What has Elijah done to you sweetie?"
"He's just pissed me off, I think that's enough Caroline. No need to worry though, after today he'll be history and we never have to talk about him again."
"Except for the fact that he's Klaus's brother?"
"I thought you two weren't together so why would it matter?" She countered pulling her red coat around her securely for extra warmth.
"Fine, what about Kol and Bonnie?"
"I can't believe that is still going on."
"I don't think she can believe it either. I asked her about it a couple of days ago and she totally denied there was anything happening."
"But you don't believe her?"
"Do you?"
"Not at all." Katherine agreed. "Sounds like someone else and another Mikaelson brother."
"You can talk." She teased.
"No I really can't unlike you two I've never crossed that line and quite frankly I have no desire to do that."
"Oh so you're telling me that when he gets all argumentative in court there's no attraction whatsoever?" She asked cocking her left eyebrow.
"No because I'm too busy arguing back." She stated defiantly. "Why exactly would I want to date the most argumentative and impossible person on the planet?"
"Maybe because you're the most argumentative and impossible person on the planet? Just imagine the fireworks if you two ever slept together."
"Never going to happen Care, unlike you and Bonnie I can resist the Mikaelson charm, or lack of in Elijah's case." She shot back. "You need to stop deflecting your issues with Klaus onto me."
"I am not deflecting."
"Trust me you're the queen of deflection."
"Well what do you expect after being left in Vail with not so much of a call to say hello five days later?"
"You realise the phone works both ways right?" Katherine asked the obvious question. Caroline had thought about calling him but every time she went to dial his number she chickened out. Maybe he was thinking the same thing. "I'm sure he's thinking of you all hot and naked in the Jacuzzi as we speak."
"Trust you to go there."
"Hey you said it yourself I'm not getting any so at least this way I can live vicariously through you honey." She teased nudging her playfully.
"Well last time I checked I wasn't getting any either. Bonnie on the other hand..."
"Don't tease me." She moaned. "Anyway I need to be on my game this morning; Elijah Mikaleson won't know what hit him."
"Why am I not surprised?" Caroline laughed as they approached the family court. "Good luck, not that you'll need it Kat."
"You bet your arse I won't, see you tonight roomie." She said before striding purposefully towards the entrance like a woman on a mission. Caroline was tempted to follow her and check out the action but knew she needed to get to work.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Your Honour I object, opposing counsel is misleading the court." Katherine whined. After an hour and a half they were not any closer to settling and he was the cause of one major headache.
"I was only saying that Mr Montgomery's credit card statements show charges not consistent with what his wife has received including accommodation charges, flowers and lingerie." He said shrugging his shoulders only making Katherine madder if that was possible.
"I think opposing counsel needs to watch his words and his implication."
"Well what other implication is there to make?"
"Your Honour Mr Mikaleson is attempting to distract your attention away from the fact that Mrs Montgomery has illegally taken funds from the couples joint account."
"I understand that Miss Pierce." She replied obviously exasperated with their bickering. "But the court cannot ignore this new evidence."
She read over the paper in front of her Katherine holding her breath in anticipation, Elijah obviously doing the same even though Katherine was trying not to look at him.
When she'd walked into the courtroom she had to stop herself from drooling he looked that handsome. He was dressed in a charcoal grey suit with a white shirt and light blue tie and she was struggling to contain herself. Katherine had never seen a man that could wear a suit like Elijah Mikaelson.
No one had ever had this effect on her and Katherine had come to the realisation that the only way for her to rid herself of untoward thoughts was to sleep with him. Damn Caroline for putting those thoughts in her head.
Katherine would never admit it to anyone but she'd been having dreams of him every night and every morning she awoke disappointed they weren't real. She'd be lying if she said she didn't want to rip off his suit and have passionate sex but given the situation it was impossible.
She figured once they decided on a settlement her dreams would return to something more benign but no such luck seeing this case was becoming so drawn out. He annoyed her immensely but she couldn't deny his chocolate brown eyes made her melt even when he was arguing with her.
"I'm going to have to go away and consider this new evidence." Judge Mason said before standing up making the rest of the court do the same thing. "We'll adjourn to Tuesday 3rd February at 10am." She said walking out leaving them both in shock.
Katherine eventually looked over gauging his reaction; he seemed just as surprised as her. They held each other's gazes briefly before Montgomery looked at her curiously and she snapped out of it. After all it was business and she had to keep it that way.
She managed to calm Montgomery before heading outside the court for some fresh air. She'd never had to deal with such an overwhelming attraction to an opposing counsel and was frustrated to say the least. He was gorgeous that much was true but Katherine was surprised she was still interested given his tendency to berate her mercilessly.
"Too much to handle Miss Pierce?" He asked approaching her from behind causing shivers to reverberate through her body.
"Not at all." She replied finally turning around and looking at him boldly her brown eyes never leaving his. "I could argue all day."
"I figured that." He said looking at her closely making Katherine nervous. "Lucky I feel the same way."
"Given the circumstances I don't think it's appropriate to be talking about this here."
"True." He replied simply. "I'm more than happy to meet with you and discuss the particulars if you think it's necessary."
"I think I know the particulars."
"I'm sure you do but given all the recent developments with your client and all..."
"I think I can handle all the developments." She replied distractedly as they held each other's gaze. Katherine wasn't sure whether she'd ever escape his stare or if she wanted to for that matter. His spicy aftershave was filling her nostrils making her dizzy.
"Well if not I have some free time on Friday to nut out the detail." He murmured not breaking eye contact. She had to stop herself from drooling he was that delicious.
"Well if you need me to explain anything you don't understand."
"So nice of you to explain the law to me Miss Pierce." He chuckled obviously amused.
"Yes well that's just the kind of person I am Mr Mikaelson."
"So shall we say 3pm?"
"Fine." She shot back mentally kicking herself for agreeing to his request. This could only lead to bad things she thought as one particular dream came flooding back of them having sex on his office desk. That couldn't happen. "I take it you'll be coming to my office then?"
"Whatever you want." He smiled making her realise exactly what she wanted but she couldn't have it. She'd just have to get through Friday and then the hearing before she could free herself from his spell.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"So are you still in denial?"
"I'm not in denial." She countered before adding. "Last time I checked I wasn't the one pretending to be someone's girlfriend for a promotion."
"You realise that by talking about my situation I'm not going to forget about yours Bon."
"Well a girl can hope." Caroline and Bonnie were at Parker and Quinn, a bar they liked to visit after work. Katherine was due to meet them but they weren't surprised she was late given how busy she usually was and it was D Day with Elijah after all.
"So you're telling me nothing is happening with the youngest Mikaleson?"
"I'm telling you that something casual was happening but that's it."
"So it's over?" She asked curiously not missing the blush cross her friend's face.
"Pretty much." She murmured.
"What exactly does that mean?"
"We may have spent the night together last night but that doesn't mean anything."
"But you told me it was over, why would you spend the night together?"
"Let's call it boredom." Bonnie replied quickly. "Have you heard from Klaus yet?"
"That's an interesting segue." She quipped. "No I haven't heard anything. Although his new roomie probably has, and you can stop trying to look surprised Bonnie."
"Am I that bad an actor?"
"Yes that and Stefan and Katherine already told me you knew. Why am I always the last person to know?"
"If we'd told you Stefan was living with Klaus you would have tried to stop it from happening."
"Of course I would have, it's just weird."
"Weirder than pretending to be someone's girlfriend?" She asked cocking her left eyebrow.
"Do you think maybe you could stop bringing that up given how well that's going for me?"
"He's coming back you know."
"Yes I know but one call wouldn't go astray, even just to say I arrived safely."
"Um that's the kind of thing you'd tell your mother not the girl you just slept with." Bonnie teased.
"Your humour is really not appreciated today Bonnie." She muttered.
"Sorry." She replied rubbing her arm comfortingly. "Look you said he was going to be busy, if he hasn't called you I don't think it's on purpose."
"He still hasn't called?" Katherine asked taking a seat beside them.
"Way to make me feel bad."
"I'm just showing some friendly concern by asking you the pertinent questions." She explained furiously signaling to the waitress for a drink.
"How was your day?" Bonnie asked curiously.
"My day was frustrating."
"Elijah." They both replied in unison.
"Urgh don't even mention his name, it's because of he who shall not be named that our case has been adjourned. Looks like I have to deal with him for another week."
"What happened?" Caroline asked taking a sip from her drink.
"He dug up some evidence against my client and now the judge needs more time to consider it delaying the settlement further."
"Well not to pick but weren't you the one who delayed it in the first place?"
"What's your point?" She snapped.
"I think what Bonnie is trying to say is that Elijah is obviously giving you a taste of your own medicine."
"What is this grade school?"
"Well you did start it Kat."
"I thought you were supposed to be my friends." She whined childishly. "Anyway hopefully after our meeting this Friday and next week's hearing it will all be over."
"You're having a meeting with your clients again?"
"No just uh with Elijah."
"So what exactly is there to discuss with uh Elijah?" Bonnie asked.
"Just the recent developments." She replied weakly noticing their amused expressions. "He suggested it."
"I'll bet he did." Caroline giggled. "So it's at his office?"
"No at mine, I wasn't going to make another trek to his office after the way he treated me last time."
"Don't you have that boardroom in your offices with the really big table?" Bonnie asked wiggling her eyebrows suggestively making her blush. "I knew it; you've had sex dreams about him."
"I may have had one or possibly two." She admitted begrudgingly. "He just makes me so mad."
"Mad sex is the best, trust me." Bonnie said knowingly.
"Well as good as that sounds I can't sleep with the opposing counsel."
"Not even just once?" Caroline joked.
"What would that say about my professionalism?"
"Good point, although there's no reason you can't have some fun once this is all over Kat."
"Once this is all over and I don't have to see him the dreams will stop and I can go back to normal." She said determinedly as Caroline's phone beeped indicating a new text message.
She felt her stomach flutter, the same feeling she'd had every time the phone rang or she received a text the last five days hoping it would be from him. She consulted her phone nervously a smile breaking out when she saw his name on the screen.
"Klaus?" The two girls guessed watching her expression change. She eagerly opened the message. It wasn't a call but at least it was something. He'd sent her a photo of a sad looking lopsided snowman with only a thick red scarf for dressing and one eye. She scrolled down reading his caption in anticipation.
I saw this today and thought of you, the person who made it certainly has nothing on your skills love. K PS Nanna would not approve.
It was short, light and simple but at the same time it said a lot because he was obviously thinking of her. She looked up noticing them staring at her expectantly.
"So did he get there safely?" Bonnie joked as she passed over her phone.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rebekah walked into the apartment building purposefully. She'd finished work for the day but was on a sneaky mission to get something from Klaus's apartment. He was in London so she knew the coast was clear. It also helped that she knew the doorman had a crush on her so getting inside would be easy.
After sweet talking her way into the elevator she watched the numbers ascend towards the penthouse. Rebekah had decided to throw Klaus a surprise 30th birthday and needed some photos for the occasion. His birthday was in March but being an event organiser Rebekah liked to be prpeared and she figured this was her only chance.
She heard the elevator ding and the waited for the doors to open. Stepping onto the hard wood floor she strode across to the sideboard in the living area knowing where she would find photos. She noticed a few items of clothing strewn across the couch thinking it was unlike Klaus to leave things lying around like that.
"I presume you're the cleaning lady?" A male voice asked mockingly making her turn around in shock. She was surprised not just by the fact there was a stranger in her brother's house but the fact that he was naked except for a skimpy towel tied around his waist. He'd obviously been in the shower because his hair was wet and stray beads of water were running down his incredibly toned chest. She swallowed trying to control her urges. It had been far too long. She shook her head breaking out of her trance knowing she needed to address the fact that a complete stranger had made himself at home in the apartment.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" She accused him stepping away nervously.
"I was just joking about the cleaning lady thing." He sighed.
"You didn't answer my question."
"Questions don't you mean." He said emphaising the letter s. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"I'm Rebekah Mikaelson and this is my brother's apartment." She replied begrudgingly hoping for some answers about who this arrogant idiot was.
"The cute blonde from the photos, now I remember." He said in realisation. "I'm Stefan Salvatore."
"Is that supposed to mean something to me?" She countered trying not to look lower than his neck otherwise she'd get tongue tied again.
"Probably not." He answered simply. "Can I get you a drink or something? It's the least I could do as the host."
"Right I've had enough, I'm calling the police." She warned producing her cell and furiously punching in the numbers 911.
"Oh come on Rebekah I apologised about the cleaning lady comment can't we just kiss and make-up?"
"You are unbelievable." She groaned holding the phone to her ear.
"Well thank you, but you ain't seen nothing yet." He smirked. Rebekah rolled her eyes and waited for the call to connect. She had to admit he was the cutest looking burglar she'd ever seen. "Okay I'll explain, no need to involve the police." He said brushing up beside her and taking the cell from her hand. He smelled delicious like a mixture of soap and toothpaste.
"Give me back my phone." She pouted.
"I will after I explain what I'm doing here." He said placing it on the table.
"You realise you could have just answered that when I asked about five minutes ago right?"
"Has anyone told you that you ask a lot of questions?"
"Yes. Now for the last time what are you doing here?"
"Klaus knew I was moving to New York and offered me a place to stay while I find something permanent."
"How do you know my brother?"
"I met him over Christmas in Chicago."
"With Caroline?" She asked curiously.
"She's my bestie."
"You're what?"
"You know like my best friend, gee you don't have a lot of friends by the sound of it."
"Has anyone told you how charming you are?"
"Yes." He replied echoing her previous answer. "How about some dinner, I'm thinking about making Italian, it's my speciality."
"You've certainly made yourself at home." She snorted. "I have plans actually."
"So what are you doing here then?"
"None of your business." She shot back wishing he'd just put on a t-shirt or something. "I'm calling my brother to check up on this supposed story."
"Go right ahead but then he'll probably ask what you're doing here, telling him it's none of his business probably won't cut it." He said handing her the phone. She regarded him closely knowing that he did have a point and her surprise party would no longer be that. He obviously could tell what she was thinking before adding.
"Or better yet call Lexi, she was the one that gave me the key."
"Fine." She replied through gritted teeth struggling to calm herself and she was usually the queen of control. "I'll call Lexi."
"You do that, I might put some clothes on if that's alright with you?" He chuckled retreating to the bedroom thankfully not noticing the blush that had crossed her face.