Sorry for the delay, that pesky thing called work got in the way again. I'm feeling a little discouraged for our favourite pair at the moment but determined to press on not just for you guys but for me! You have been so patient and I appreciate all the love you've given this story.

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 26: Manic Monday

February 2 2015, New York, New York 6:17am

Klaus walked through the dark corridors of the empty office wiping the sleep from his eyes. He'd flown back earlier that morning and headed straight to work. Given he'd been gone for a couple of weeks he felt guilty and figured the best thing would be to get back into work.

His trip had been frustrating to say the least and he was dreading the coming week. After Tatia and he had dined together Gordon had become slightly more cooperative agreeing to keep their mistake quiet, but for a price.

According to Tatia he wanted Klaus to host him in New York and recommend possible art opportunities to add to his large collection. He was obviously looking for some inside knowledge as pay back. He was due to touch down later that week and Klaus was nervous hoping he could do enough to keep his top client happy.

Klaus thought back to his dinner with Tatia and everything he had to do to placate her and in turn for her client.

"Have you missed this place?" Tatia purred taking the seat across from him at Coq D'Argent. He noticed her breasts threatening to spill out of her low cut red top but wasn't in the slightest bit interested.

"Not at all." He replied dismissively

"Oh come on! You've had the quail every time you came here without fail, said it was the best you've ever tasted."

"Okay yes maybe I've missed the quail but that's it." He said perusing the menu intently.

"Wow Klaus you used to have some charm."

"Well I still do I just use it for those people who are worthy."

"Oh is that your way of telling me you have a little girlfriend?"

"Even if I did I would never share it with you." Before she could respond Jacques their favourite waiter approached the table a big smile on his face.

"Mademoiselle Petrova and Monsieur Mikaelson!" He exclaimed. "It's been so long since I last saw you."

"It has. Jacques, how have you been?" Tatia cooed obviously trying to use memories to her advantage.

"Very well." He beamed. "It's good to see you here together just like old times."

"Thank you Jacques but we're not together." Klaus admitted determined to close memory lane for good.

As soon as she'd suggested Coq D'Argent he knew what she was trying to do. The only problem was he couldn't help but feel the memories flooding back and as much as he wanted to leave Klaus knew this wasn't about him it was about Gordon Rose.

"Very well Monsieur." He mumbled his embarrassment clear. "What can I get you this evening?"

"Well Klaus will have the quail…" Tatia suggested sending him her most dazzling smile. Klaus felt almost uncomfortable by her attempts to make things normal, if that was even possible.

"Yes thank you Jacques." Klaus replied quickly trying to hurry up the process so he could get out of there and call Caroline. He grinned hoping that he could catch her naked in the bath again.

"Anyone would think you're trying to get out of here." Tatia hissed after Jacques disappeared quickly.

"Memory lane is closed Tatia, if you have any business to discuss I'm more than happy to listen."

"Wow how cold of you." She spat obviously unimpressed.

"Really Tatia what would you expect?"

"Something resembling a sincere human being maybe." She shot back playing with her serviette.

"Our interests are business related nothing more."

"Well that's sad to hear." She murmured. "I thought we had something Klaus."

"Yes but that was years ago, whatever that was it's well and truly gone."

"So what are we doing here then?"

"Discussing business, well that's what I thought anyway..." He muttered. "If this is your attempt to recreate the past then I'm not interested. I don't care who your boss is Tatia."

"That's a brave statement to make."

"Well at the end of the day I have to do what's best."

"For Christies or for you?" She prodded.

"Both." He replied simply.

"You've met someone." She surmised staring at him curiously.

"If I have it's none of your business." He responded. "Much like if you'd done the same."

"What if I said I never got over you..." She trailed off. Klaus kept his eyes on the table unable to look into her eyes.

"I'd say that's unfortunate Tatia but everyone has to move on eventually."

"Wow this one obviously has a spell over you." She laughed uneasily.

"I'm not discussing her." He reiterated starting to feel uncomfortable. He had no feelings for Tatia but talking about his possible girlfriend with his ex was extremely awkward.

"Blonde, brunette, red head?" She joked.

"What did I just say?"

"Fine I was only trying to make conversation."

"I'd rather not discuss my personal life." He groaned.

"Yes I think you've tried to remind me of that many times." She drawled. "You used to be so much more fun."

"Yes well I was young and immature then."

"And obviously boring now."

"This is well and truly over, I'm going." He said pulling out his chair and standing up.

"Seems like you're still immature." She muttered. "What about Gordon?"

"I have a lot of respect for Gordon and as sorry as I am for what happened I would like to try and make that up but not this way." He went to turn on his heel before she cried out.

"Stop please."

"Wow Tatia Petrova begging?"

"I wouldn't go that far." She grumbled. "I've got a message from Gordon."

"And?"

"He wants you to host him in New York."

"For what?" He asked curiously.

"To show him around and introduce him to some good opportunities."

"You mean art opportunities?"

"Well it's the least you could do." Klaus thought about what she said realising after what happened it was fairly reasonable. Although he knew Tatia and there was always a catch.

"So what's the catch?"

"There's no catch."

"There's always a catch with you Tatia."

"Well you'll just have to trust me on this one." She murmured staring into his eyes earnestly. Klaus felt himself caught in a trance before tearing his eyes away.

"Fine, tell Gordon he's got a deal." He murmured before turning around and striding as far away as he could get. He didn't even care about missing out on the quail, much like Tatia he'd gotten over it. All Klaus knew was that he wanted to get back to New York and in turn Caroline as soon as possible.

Klaus broke out of his thoughts and sat at his desk noting with dismay the large pile of briefs that were piled on his desk. Coming straight into work was probably a good thing even if he was half asleep.

He was so busy with his massive workload that he didn't hear someone clearing their throat at the door way.

"Good thing I'm not a burglar." She sighed. "You'd stand no chance."

"I think I'd prefer a burglar right now." He said not missing a beat his eyes still firmly trained on his computer screen. "I'd much prefer being robbed blind than the lecture I know that's coming."

"You are still as charming as ever."

"Isn't that what you like about me?" He quipped finally tearing his eyes away to look at his blonde assistant in amusement.

"Oh yes, it's my favourite trait, Caroline sure is a lucky girl."

"Have you seen her by chance?" He asked desperate for some news he'd been away that long.

"I'm not sure you deserve an answer."

"I take it that means yes then."

"Possibly." She said taking a seat on top of his desk. "Did you get me a present in London?"

"Is that all you think about?" He muttered knowing her all too well. Every trip he took he had to get her a gift, he learned that the hard way after his first business trip to Paris.

"Yes."

"Fine." He said shortly reaching into his luggage and producing a large bag of coffee beans.

"You bought me coffee?" She baulked looking at the packet in disbelief.

"Did you look at the label?"

"Wow Starbucks coffee, you really splashed out boss."

"I'll have you know I bought this from the very Starbucks you spilled hot coffee on me three years ago tomorrow." He said proudly puffing out his chest like it was the most thoughtful present in the world.

"Firstly you spilled coffee on me." She stated her hands on her hips. "And secondly if this is your idea of a present I'm very worried for you."

"Hey it was thoughtful." He spluttered feebly.

"Mmmm since when does Klaus Mikaelson do thoughtful, do you even know the meaning of the word?"

"Fine I'll keep your coffee." He said attempting to take it away before she snatched it back.

"It's something I suppose." She murmured. "At least you remembered our anniversary, I'll give you that."

"Finally, some credit." He exclaimed. "Now what were you going to tell me?"

"Well Kol and I saw Caroline at lunch the other day." She said before continuing. "And by the way I may have said you bought her a great present."

"Why exactly?"

"Let's just say it was a cover."

"Do I want to know…"

"No you don't but I already got her something for you." She smiled sweetly opening his desk drawer and producing a familiar blue Tiffany's box.

"How creative." He muttered rolling his eyes. "Let me guess a necklace?"

"How did you know?"

"Because that's what you'd want."

"Every girl would want this trust me Klaus." She promised.

"So you saw Caroline?" He asked curiously getting back to the topic at hand. "By herself?" He didn't want to admit it but if he heard she was with another male he'd be very jealous.

"No she was actually with this gorgeous guy."

"Well I suppose she does work at Vogue, that place must be swarming with male supermodels." He said through gritted teeth.

"Someone's jealous."

"I am not jealous; it's a free world after all."

"It's just like you and your ex having dinner in London."

"That was purely business and you know it."

"Tell me you didn't hook up with that street rat Tatia." A voice drawled from the doorway. He knew the voice before he even bothered to look up.

"I thought there was security in this building?" He moaned thinking how his Monday was starting to turn into disarray. Never mind all the work he had to do apparently dissecting his personal life was much more important.

"Charming Niklaus." Rebekah groaned before joining Lexi on the desk. "You know the security guards love me."

"God knows why." He mumbled begrudgingly.

"Rebekah is just as concerned about you as I am." Lexi said defensively. Klaus really wasn't in the mood for two bossy blondes this early in the morning. He hadn't had nearly enough caffeine for that.

"Well there's nothing to worry about." He shot back. "I met up with Tatia all in the name of business and it's over."

"I wouldn't trust her Niklaus." Rebekah advised. "That one always had a motive."

"Tell me about it." Lexi agreed.

"We settled our business and went our separate ways." He replied simply. "I have no feelings for her whatsoever before you try and hit me with that."

"I believe you." Lexi said. "I just don't trust that gold digger."

"Well she has Gordon Rose now."

"Yes but how are you going to settle things with him given her influence?" Rebekah asked.

"I see the whole family know about this now." He accused raising his eyebrows at Lexi. "He's coming to town and I'm going to point him in the way of some good art opportunities."

"Oh really how convenient."

"Well it's a small price to pay after that disastrous auction Lexi." He frowned. "He's due here later this week and after that we can put this all behind us."

"I don't know Nik." Rebekah added. "Are you sure you're free from Tatia?"

"I have to hope that I am." He said shrugging his shoulders. He'd be lying if he hadn't thought about what she might do but Klaus had to believe it was over and he could pursue his future with Caroline.

"I hope you're right." Lexi said before adding. "I'll admit the gorgeous guy was actually her cousin."

"Matt?"

"I never knew you had a thing for men Niklaus?" Rebekah joked.

"And I never knew you liked to break and enter into apartments?"

"Oh you heard about that?" She murmured guiltily.

"Oh yes I did." He laughed deviously happy to have the upper hand with his sister for once.

"What do you expect? I had no idea who he was, not to mention the fact that he was so arrogant and annoying."

"Stefan?" He asked incredulously. Caroline's best friend may have been many things but arrogant wasn't what came to mind. "Maybe it was your influence little sister?"

"I did absolutely nothing." She spluttered.

"Except trying to get him arrested?"

"Yeah he seemed pretty laid back to me, a really nice guy." Lexi added making Rebekah give her a dirty look.

"Oh so suddenly this is all my fault?"

"You said it little sister." Klaus laughed before getting up from his desk.

"Where are you going?" Lexi asked.

"I need more coffee if I'm going to deal with you two so I'll be at Starbucks." He smiled before attempting to escape towards the door.

"Oh make sure you pick up some of their great coffee boss."

"I think I'm okay for coffee, just bought a big bag." He teased turning around briefly. "By the way keep that necklace."

"Are you serious?" She asked inhaling sharply.

"Consider it an early anniversary present Lexi."

"What do I get Niklaus?" Rebekah piped up hating to be left out as usual.

"Consider the fact that I'm your brother present enough." He chuckled.

"What about Caroline?" Lexi called out to his retreating back.

"I can't believe you thought I'd forget a present." He chided. "Someone taught me a long time ago how important that is." He walked out the door knowing his assistant's mouth was wide open in shock.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Klaus was walking towards Central Park along 53rd Street sipping on a hot coffee. He'd had enough of Lexi, Rebekah and blondes in general, all except one that was. He was nervous to call her although he had no idea why. They'd been apart for so long the chemistry they had was briefly forgotten, although her kisses were not.

He was worried about Tatia but for right now all he wanted to think about was the blonde who'd been on his mind for weeks. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket but before he could dial her number it started to ring giving him a fright in the process. He looked at the name on his caller ID rolled his eyes and connected, albeit reluctantly.

"Big brother, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Oh enough with the fake pleasantries." Elijah drawled through the phone.

"You sound just like Rebekah."

"There's nothing more I like on a Monday morning than a compliment." He muttered.

"Sorry."

"Sure you are." Elijah shot back. "How was London?"

"Well I'm sure you know it all, Tatia came back with a vengeance you know the usual."

"I hope..."

"No I'm not interested in her only what she can do to put me back into Gordon Rose's good books."

"Do you trust her though?"

"Not at all."

"Well at least you've got your wits about you." Elijah conceded.

"Unlike you Elijah."

"What does that mean?"

"Do the words Katherine Pierce ring any bells?"

"What are you getting at exactly?" Elijah scowled through the phone and Klaus knew he'd hit a raw nerve.

"I thought you two would have worked out your differences by now that's all."

"Maybe if she was reasonable…"

"And you're completely reasonable."

"I can be." He baulked defensively.

"Sure you can." He laughed. "So the big court case is today?"

"Yes."

"Don't sound too excited brother. Anyway you usually love this sort of challenge."

"Well there's a first time for everything."

"You're very professional brother, just get through this case and move on." Klaus knew Elijah had a thing for Katherine and from what Caroline had told him the feeling was mutual but he wasn't going to try and get involved. The best he could do was watch from the sidelines and hope fate took its course.

"Fine." He replied before continuing reluctantly. "It's just things have kind of changed."

"Define changed?"

"Are you really going to make it this difficult for me Niklaus?"

"Well you called me but okay." He muttered sarcastically. "Okay I'm just going to jump right in and say you kissed her?"

"How did you know?" Klaus couldn't believe he'd guessed right, it was the last thing he was expecting to hear. Elijah was usually so reserved.

"Truthfully it was a guess."

"It shouldn't have happened." He hissed making it sound like he didn't want anyone to overhear their conversation.

"But it did."

"Yes."

"How on earth did your tongue end up down her throat?"

"Charming Niklaus. It was just a moment of insanity." He stammered.

"Oh come on." Klaus said shaking his head incredulously. "You wouldn't have kissed her if you didn't want to. What actually happened?" He heard his brother sigh and then begin to recount the story of their meeting three days earlier.

Elijah knew suggesting a meeting was dangerous but he couldn't help himself. He had to see her again and smell her intoxicating perfume. He'd never been this affected by anyone but she had this way of making him dizzy. All he wanted to do was ruffle her feathers a little then leave, just the usual.

He entered her building riding the lift wondering just what he was doing there. Once he reached the top he almost went down again before realising he was the one who suggested a meeting so couldn't turn back now even if he wanted to.

The receptionist smiled sweetly before gesturing him down the hall. He walked down not sure exactly what to do or how to act. What was this woman doing to him, he was usually so sensible and confident.

He saw the door looming on the left and swallowed nervously. Suddenly he had no idea what to say or what to do because Katherine Pierce totally disarmed him. All he could hope was that he didn't totally embarrass himself.

The door opened and he drew in a breath taking in her appearance. Her long dark hair was swaying at her sides, her white skirt suit bringing out the olive tones in her skin not to mention hugging every delicious curve.

For once in his life Elijah was in shock and unable to speak, as much as he wanted to turn around he knew it was too late for that.

"Mr Mikaelson." Katherine drawled breaking him from his trance.

"Miss Pierce." He stated unsure of what to say next. The silence hung thick in the air only increasing the tension.

"I'm assuming given you suggested this meeting you have something to say?" She asked raising her eyebrows and sitting back down in her chair and gesturing for him to do the same.

"Well if you recall I was offering to update you on the latest developments of the case." He replied sitting down begrudgingly.

"Which I said I was across." She countered.

"Except you still agreed to this meeting." She closed her eyes briefly and Elijah knew he was starting to ruffle her feathers as hoped, he also realised at the same time he sounded like a petulant child doing it.

"Okay so tell me about these developments." She said tiredly.

"Well we've found foreign charges on Mr Chase's credit card; including lingerie items and accommodation charges." He reeled off producing the statements from his briefcase.

"Yes I already saw them when they were tabled in court." She said pushing the paper back towards him.

"Well I thought I'd bring you a copy, you know be cooperative." A laugh broke free from her lips surprising him slightly.

"I don't think you know the meaning of the word cooperative Mr Mikaelson."

"Oh and you do?"

"I'm at least willing to try and compromise."

"Oh and when was that?" He shot back trying to hold his temper but knew his last shreds of patience were waning.

"Maybe when I first came to your office and you brushed me off."

"That's not how I remember it going Miss Pierce."

"Of course you don't."

"So how would you explain my willingness to meet with you today?"

"Your willingness?" She asked standing up. "All you wanted to do was try and rattle me, which you've failed by the way."

"Please Miss Pierce I have better things to do with my time." He said standing up to her level.

"Oh really?"

"Yes really." He growled. "Obviously I've been wasting my time."

"Obviously." Elijah turned on his heel and walked out of her office door seething. How dare she treat him like that, after all his years of experience? Katherine Pierce was nothing more than a conceited brat and once this case was over he was never going to see her again.

As he strode towards the lift Elijah realised he'd left the credit card statements behind and after her childish outburst had no intention of letting her keep a copy. He walked back determinedly catching her by surprise. She was perched on her desk her face in a deep set frown no doubt due to him. At least he'd managed to piss her off just as much as she had done to him.

He looked underneath her pert bottom noticing the pieces of paper he'd gone back to retrieve. How he was going to get them back was another thing.

"Oh what do you want now?" She groaned. "Have you not tormented me enough?"

"I want that credit card statement back."

"Something you gave me not five minutes ago."

"Something you said you didn't want. From what I recall you said you were across this issue." He said advancing forward determined to get it back on principle. She had this way of making him act like a child but he was too worked up to back down now.

"Well maybe I want it now." She baulked stubbornly hands on her shapely hips. He was trying not to look at her that closely he was that aroused.

"Too late Miss Pierce." He said attempting to extract it without touching her although every hormone pulsing through his body was wanting to do exactly that.

"How old are you?" She asked.

"Don't talk to me about maturity Miss Pierce." He growled noticing just how close her luscious pink lips were to his.

"Says the guy trying to take some paper from underneath me." She panted heavily from their arguing.

"Well if you're so mature why don't you give it back?" He pushed feeling her breath on his face.

"Because you said I could have it." Their faces were within inches of each other and before Elijah could think about what he was doing he felt his lips brush against hers. She seemed shocked at first before responding moaning against his lips.

He looped his arms around her neck pulling her closer savouring the feeling of her smooth lips against his. He dipped his tongue into her warmth as she pulled him closer, wrapping her legs around him.

Elijah's body was swimming in desire, he had no idea what was happening but he liked it. Their kisses became harder and faster and Elijah felt as if his skin was on fire. It was like he couldn't get enough of her.

A knock at the door broke them out of their haze and they jumped apart like scared animals. Their breathing was ragged and they looked at each other guiltily before looking away again, afraid of what this meant.

Katherine shakily got off the desk brushing her clothes self-consciously as Elijah cleared his throat nervously.

"Miss Pierce?" Her assistant asked curiously looking between the two.

"Ah yes Claudia." She stuttered.

"I'm not interrupting anything?" She asked still unsure of what was going on.

"No not at all." Katherine shot back before briefly looking him in the eye. "See you in court Mr Mikaelson."

"Yes I'll see you then." He murmured before walking out the door his legs still shaky from their surprise encounter.

"So Elijah Mikaelson completely threw caution to the wind and kissed his opposing counsel, and in her office no less?"

"You make it sound so sordid."

"Well what other conclusion do you expect me to come to brother?"

"It was a moment of temporary insanity I said, that's it."

"Sure it is."

"Well it has to be given our court hearing is today."

"Now that I would pay to see." He laughed unable to help himself. "When is court back in session?"

"Oh in about ten minutes."

"Good luck big brother."

"Yeah I think I'm going to need it." He muttered before disconnecting. Klaus shook his head in disbelief. He couldn't believe his older, stuffy brother kissed Katherine Pierce.

Klaus realised as much as his brother's love life entertained him, he needed to get back to his. He began dialing her number hoping she'd have time for a picnic in Central Park. He had missed her so much and couldn't wait to see her again, the sooner the better.

A/N Sorry about the lack of Klaroline but rest assured the next chapter will be full of Klaus and Caroline goodness!