Okay apologies everyone, I have been travelling and working so haven't had time to update this fic, until now that is!

Thank you all again for nominating Keeping Up Appearances for best fluffy and best comedic fan fiction in the Klaroline Awards, it means so much that you're enjoying the story.

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 27: With a Little Help From My Friends

February 2 2015, New York City, New York 10:37am

"So you just turned down a romantic picnic in Central Park?" He asked through the phone.

"You're just calling it a romantic picnic to make me feel guilty." She chided not remembering Klaus using the r word. "Anyway I had a good reason." Caroline argued with her best friend.

"What was that exactly?" Stefan asked before continuing. "Let me guess you haven't washed your hair today?" Caroline scoffed but knew he was right, she been in such a rush this morning she'd pulled her hair back into a ponytail rather than washing it. Stefan knew her too well, not that she'd admit that.

"I do have a job you know, I can't just drop everything when Klaus calls." She said lowering her voice noticing some of her colleagues listening with interest as she walked down the long corridor.

"Ah this is all making sense now; you're upset he didn't call."

"Well I've barely heard from the guy and then he suddenly just shows up and expects me to meet him for lunch." She spluttered.

"I don't know I think this is his way of trying to make it up to you."

"I keep forgetting you are his roommate." She growled thinking he was taking his side.

"Hey I haven't even lived with the guy yet and you know you'll always be my BFF first and foremost Care Bear." She held her tongue instead just rolling her eyes at his annoying childhood nickname.

"Yeah well it doesn't seem right that he gets to call the shots." Caroline sighed.

When she'd seen the caller ID she'd been so happy and when he told her he was back in town even happier. She had been waiting so long to see him but at the same time she was a little annoyed it had taken him so long to call.

She was also annoyed at herself for becoming one of those pathetic girls that waited around for a guy to call, even if he was as fine as Klaus Mikaelson.

Before she knew what was happening Caroline told him she was too busy at work for lunch in Central Park. He'd been nice about it of course but after he hung up she'd felt empty wishing she'd swallowed her pride and agreed to go.

"That pride of yours always has a way of rearing its ugly head Forbes." Stefan said and she could tell he was shaking his head.

"I happen to like my pride thank you very much." She replied defensively.

"You've spent the past few weeks mooning for Klaus and now he's here you're going to just ignore him."

"I am not ignoring him, it was just one lunch." She groaned. "So how's the new job?"

"Subtle Care." He chuckled. "The job is going well; I forgot what it was like to work at a hospital but it's good." Stefan's physiotherapy practice was based out of Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side.

"Let me guess all the cute nurses?"

"You know me too well." He joked. "Given it's a hospital some of the cases have been quite challenging which is nice for a change."

"Oh well that's good, now you just need to find somewhere permanent to live." As much as Caroline appreciated the gesture she still wasn't quite comfortable with her best friend and Klaus living together.

"Yes somewhere that people don't turn up and try to arrest me for break and enter." He chuckled.

"So no more appearances from Rebekah?"

"No thankfully."

"I really want to meet this girl given how much I've heard about her."

"Trust me you don't, consider yourself lucky Care." He chuckled. "I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemy."

"Duly noted." She laughed. "Have you heard from Matt by chance?"

"Not since you told me he came to town, why?"

"I'm a little worried about him."

"In what way?"

"Well he's just been transferred to Virginia but yet he turns up on our doorstep asking if he can stay for a couple of weeks, it's just odd." When Matt had shown up unannounced, and only just after starting at a new base, she was immediately suspicious. Matt however in his typical laid-back fashion had told her everything was fine.

"Give the guy a break; he did just get back from the Middle East."

"I know but the timing just seems off and I was wondering if…"

"If I could have a word with him?"

"Would you?"

"Anything for my BFF." He said and she could tell he was smiling. "I might head over later and annoy Katherine while I'm there."

"Please don't poke the bear." She warned.

"What has Elijah done now?"

"He kissed her…or she kissed him I'm not too sure to be honest."

"Woah, and you're only just telling me this now?"

"I didn't think it was my place to say anything." She squeaked. When Katherine had returned to their place on Friday night unusually quiet and clearly distracted she'd called Bonnie for an emergency drink to get to the bottom of it.

Finding out they'd kissed at her office during the meeting had come as a shock to both girls, especially since Katherine was so adamant about keeping their relationship strictly business.

"So how exactly did your tongue end up down his throat?" Bonnie asked clearly impressed with the turn of events.

"He started it." She replied childishly taking a sip from her third Martini.

"I didn't take Elijah for the forward type." Caroline observed.

"Well maybe I kissed him; I don't really remember it's all a blur." She answered feebly.

"A hot blur I'm sure." Bonnie said wiggling her eyebrows. They both looked at her curiously. "What?"

"Has Kol withheld sex or something?" Katherine asked momentarily forgetting her predicament.

"Yeah you're acting all horny like." Caroline added.

"I'm not acting any way and if you must know we ended things." She replied suddenly finding the olive in her drink interesting.

"Oh I'm sorry honey." Caroline said placing her hand over her friends. She remembered how upset Kol had been at lunch and she could only deduce that had something to do with its abrupt ending.

"There's nothing to be sorry about, it was only casual and temporary." She smiled obviously trying to pretend she was okay.

"Are you sure Bon, you seemed to like him?" Katherine asked.

"Yes in bed, now it's time to find a replacement." She said dismissively.

Caroline knew how protective Bonnie was of her heart and no matter how many times the girls tried to get her to open up she wouldn't budge, this was just another example. Only this time Caroline was worried her friend would miss out on a great guy that she seemed to like even though she wouldn't admit it.

"So come on back to the kiss?" She prompted and they both knew it was time to change the subject.

"One minute we were arguing…"

"How unusual for you two." Caroline interrupted sarcastically.

"Then the next I was sitting on the desk with my legs wrapped around him…"

"And his tongue down your throat." Bonnie finished.

"Pretty much, Claudia nearly walked in on us. I can only imagine the consequences if we'd been caught."

"So what happened then?"

"He walked out." She said. "No doubt he also realised what a big mistake it was."

"Was it a mistake?"

"Yes he's my opposing counsel; do we need to go over old ground again?" She asked referring to their previous conversations about Elijah.

"Let me ask another question then." Caroline started. "Did you enjoy it?"

"What's that got to do with anything?" She spluttered looking at their expectant faces. She looked down almost like she was attempting to steel her nerves before replying. "It was spectacular."

"Like fireworks hey?" Bonnie guessed knowingly.

"Every colour of the rainbow." She murmured. "Oh what am I going to do?"

"Get this case out of the way and then see where you both stand." Caroline suggested. "It's all you can do."

"No I mean how am I going to sit there in court with him and not want to rip his clothes off?"

"I thought you liked him?"

"I liked kissing him probably because he wasn't arguing for once." She replied stubbornly. Caroline had to stop herself from rolling her eyes, when were these two going to sort their feelings out?

"Oh come on you two just admit you like them." She groaned in frustration.

"Um you're one to talk." Katherine said as they both looked at her with renewed interest.

"Yeah when are you and Klaus going to finally get your act together?" Caroline wished she'd never brought it up now.

"So what's happening with them?" Stefan prodded breaking Caroline from her trance.

"I have no idea, although court is back in session so whatever happens it should be interesting." Caroline murmured feeling apprehensive for Katherine especially if her nerves from this morning were anything to go by.

xxxxxxxxxx

"Your honour I wish to make an opening statement." Elijah said after rising in his seat. He hadn't bothered to look in her direction once. Katherine wasn't sure whether that was because he regretted what they did and was nervous like her or he was back to his old cheerful self.

Katherine liked to think she was a confident person but seeing him dressed in his black suit and white shirt combination had thrown her for a moment. For all her bravado Katherine knew she liked Elijah more than she was willing to admit. She couldn't help but imagine their steamy make out session when she looked at him.

Their kiss had been explosive and made her insides turn to mush. Katherine wasn't a relationship person, they were too much trouble, but for some reason their kiss had awoken all these new emotions she wasn't quite ready to accept.

The one thing she knew was that she needed to get through this case first. She was curious about what he was going to say.

"Go ahead Mr Mikaelson." Judge Mason said.

"My client wishes to settle this matter." He said almost too quiet for her to hear. Katherine spun around unable to hide her shock at this revelation.

"Well this is a welcome surprise." Judge Mason smiled. "What are the terms that have been agreed?"

"The terms previously set out by Mr Chase."

Katherine felt like she was in an alternate universe, never in a million years did she think Lucinda, or more so Elijah, would ever back down.

Given the introduction of his credit card statements and Elijah's stubborn unwillingness to negotiate Katherine never saw this coming. She felt Montgomery nudge her and gesture to the Judge.

"Miss Pierce do you have anything you wish to add?" Judge Mason asked peering at her curiously.

"Ah no Your Honour, we accept the settlement." She stuttered wishing she could think of something more articulate to say but her head was fuzzy.

"Very well this case is now adjourned." She grinned obviously pleased they weren't arguing in her court room again.

Why did he suddenly decide to settle? Did their kiss have something to do with it? Surely he was more professional than that. She looked over attempting to look in his eyes to try and get some reading but he was already at the door with Lucinda.

"Katherine I'm not sure how you managed to placate Lucinda but thank you." Montgomery smiled cheerfully touching her briefly on the shoulder before walking out. She looked around the empty courtroom desperately trying to contemplate what just happened.

xxxxxxxxx

Stefan pulled on some jeans and walked towards the laundry. His shirt was still in the dryer and he was waiting for it to finish. As he watched it move around in circles he pulled out his phone typing a message to Caroline.

I had a chat with Matt; meet me at my place to discuss.

Well what did he say? Stefan rolled his eyes noticing how she'd totally missed his point.

I'm not doing this by text, meet me at my place.

You mean Klaus's place.

He's not going to be here and I assume Matt is at your place.

Yeah he and Katherine are watching movies, are you sure he's not going to be there?

I'm sure just get your arse here and stop asking me questions Forbes.

Fine but you better have some wine or chocolate (or both) waiting.

Stefan felt bad lying but these two had to get their act together once and for all. He'd called Klaus and explained his plan; Klaus didn't take too much convincing. He told Stefan he'd been disappointed she couldn't make lunch and was looking forward to seeing her, even if it was by design.

"Are you allergic to clothes or something?" He heard a familiar voice say making him jump in fright. He slowly turned around to face the smug blonde leaning up against the door.

"Have you ever heard of knocking?" He shot back pulling his shirt out of the dryer.

"Why should I have to knock at my brother's house?" She baulked.

"Oh I don't know maybe as a courtesy." He snapped. "Although given your lack of manners it's hardly surprising."

"I have manners." She said faltering slightly her eyes running over his broad chest. Stefan smiled knowing just what effect he was having on her. He threw his shirt on the couch deciding to make her suffer instead. "And clothes."

"Clothes are overrated." He smiled stretching his arms out along the back of the couch. Stefan knew this wasn't like him at all but it was something the blonde Mikaelson brought out in him.

Although she was clearly snobby and uptight Stefan couldn't help but notice her long, blonde hair fanned out over her smooth shoulders and her black dress that hugged each and every curve. A cute smattering of freckles covered her nose and her blue eyes stared deeply into his brown ones.

"That's a shame." She said dismissively before busying herself foraging through the cupboard drawers.

"What exactly are you doing?"

"I didn't get everything I needed for the party because I was too busy…"

"Trying to get me arrested last time?"

"Yes, it's only a shame I couldn't follow through with it." She pulled out some photos and put them in her handbag.

"Well let's see, you've not only committed break and enter now you're stealing, I have a mind to call the police myself."

"Oh please make sure you put a top on before you do that, don't want to scare them away." Stefan was finding it difficult not to smile she could be quite witty when she wanted to be.

"Maybe I'll just tell Klaus then." He smirked knowing that would get a reaction.

"You can't do that otherwise he'll find out about the party." She protested. "You wouldn't want to be responsible for ruining the surprise."

"Does he even want a surprise party?" Stefan asked. He didn't know Klaus that well but it didn't seem like something he'd be into.

"Of course he does, who doesn't love a party?"

"Well me for starters."

"Why not?" She asked curiously.

"Not that it's any of your business but my last girlfriend threw me one."

"And that's bad why?"

"She, uh, cheated on me." He said sadly noting the sympathy shining in her eyes. "Now that's all I can remember."

The room descended in silence and suddenly Stefan felt stupid for telling a complete stranger about Tessa, and all without his shirt. Before he could attempt to make the situation less awkward the door opened revealing a very surprised looking Klaus.

"I don't think I want to know what's going on here." He said shaking his head. "Are you allergic to clothes or something?" Stefan looked at Rebekah who was trying hard not to laugh.

Stefan threw on the shirt slightly embarrassed his new roommate had to walk in on him like that, especially with his little sister.

"Nothing is going on brother." Rebekah reassured him.

"So what are you doing here then?" He asked her. She looked at Stefan helplessly willing him not to give away her secret.

"She came to apologise to me for that whole trying to get me arrested thing." Stefan said sending her a discreet wink. She crossed her arms over her chest obviously unimpressed with his cover story. "Rebekah even offered to buy me dinner."

"My sister Rebekah?" Klaus asked incredulously.

"Yes she's one in a million. We'll leave you to your plans, come on let's go Beks."

She stood up wordlessly unable to object to his ridiculous story or his annoying nickname. Klaus looked at them strangely before walking to the bathroom for a shower.

"You're unbelievable." She finally bit out as they walked towards the elevator.

"Why thank you." He chuckled. Stefan had no idea what she was doing to him but it was a lot of fun.

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Caroline smiled at the doorman as he let her go upstairs. She rode the elevator self consciously checking her appearance in the mirror. Stefan had promised Klaus wouldn't be there but she'd washed her hair and put on her best jeans just in case.

Caroline had regretted her decision as the day went on and now she was kicking herself for being so stubborn. It wasn't fair that she was blaming him for not calling when she could have done the same thing, she was obviously too old fashioned for her own good. She almost wanted to call him and make alternative plans but had stopped short of dialling his number. She didn't want to seem desperate after all.

She knocked on the door hoping that Stefan had a big glass of red and a block of dark chocolate ready. She hoped Matt's news wasn't bad. The door opened and she was shocked to be faced with his adorable smile, realising just how much she'd missed him. But what was he doing there?

"Come in." He said awkwardly gesturing inside. She walked in the shocked expression not leaving her face. "Ah Stefan had to go out."

"Sure he did." She muttered. Caroline never should have trusted him. "So uh what's this?"

"I thought if you couldn't come to Central Park I'd bring it to you instead."

"Well thank you." Caroline had no idea how to handle this situation especially after turning him down earlier today.

"Have a seat; I bought a few things I knew you'd like." Caroline could sense his anxiety and felt slightly bad for him.

"You got me Joe's pizza?" Caroline couldn't believe he remembered, New Years seemed like ages ago now.

"Well someone told me it was the best."

"Damn straight." She murmured and then the dreaded awkwardness returned. "So..."

"So…." He replied feebly filling her champagne glass. "Busy day huh?"

"Yes it was." She shot back almost defensively.

"I came back to a desk full of briefs, I know how you feel. It didn't help that Lexi was yammering in my ear, I think she missed me." He joked and Caroline felt a small smile cross her face.

"How did the trip go?" She asked picking up a strawberry.

"It was long but I think I've managed to placate Gordon, he'll be visiting the city later this week so hopefully we can put this behind us." He rambled. Caroline couldn't help thinking how cute he looked when he was nervous.

"I hope so too." She said sincerely.

"So I guess I should apologise for not calling much."

"I know you were busy."

"If it's any consolation I thought of you all the time." He smiled his blue eyes looking deeply into hers. "You probably would have thought I was a stalker if I called you every time I thought of you."

"Me too." She laughed. "I probably could have called you myself, the phone does work both ways."

"How about we agree to call each other more?" He smiled pulling her towards him so she was sitting between his legs.

"I think I can handle that." She sighed feeling peaceful in his arms. "I'm still going to kill Stefan for his little trick."

"Oh come on he was only looking out for you." Klaus said placing a chaste kiss on her temple making Caroline shiver. They'd been apart so long and she'd be lying if she didn't want to take things to the next level.

"Stef was being nosey as usual but I'll let him off just this once, where is he anyway?"

"Out with my sister believe it or not."

"No way?"

"Yes I found it quite disturbing." He laughed. "Maybe opposites attract or something."

"Or something." Caroline murmured as Klaus massaged her neck slowly. She closed her eyes allowing the stress to alleviate with each touch. "You can do that anytime."

"Oh I plan on it." He whispered his hot breath tickling her earlobe. She let the sensations take over feeling his hands caress her body. A niggling thought reminded her they were supposed to be going slow but every time he was near all she wanted to do was melt into his arms and give into her desires.

Before she could completely immerse herself in the moment his hands left her neck making her feel suddenly cold without his touch. "I almost forgot I have something for you." She looked up at him wondering what he had. He rustled around in a nearby suitcase and produced a package wrapped in royal blue paper with a gold ribbon.

"What's this for?"

"How could I go away and not get you a present."

"You really didn't have to Klaus." She mumbled secretly happy he'd thought of her.

"Trust me when Lexi is your assistant travel gifts are mandatory." He joked. "It's not much really." Caroline removed the ribbon and ran her thumb along the edge lifting the wrapping paper slowly, usually she'd rip it open without caring but she almost wanted to make the moment last forever.

She pulled out two books that were tied together with a black ribbon. She inhaled sharply at his gesture looking at the first one which was an old volume of Shakespeare love sonnets. The second was a beautiful red leather bound notebook.

"The first you can read and the second you can use to write your poetry." Klaus said quietly his eyes searching her face and Caroline could tell he was trying to work out what she thought of his gift.

"Thank you so much I love them." She grinned feeling tears well up in her eyes. She'd been given the usual presents before but no one had ever been this thoughtful. She reached up and threw her arms around him. "I can't believe you remembered."

"Well it was hard to forget that beautiful Christmas poem, I think you should be writing more given your talent."

"Now I have no excuse." She smiled finally letting him go noticing there was something left behind in the packaging. She pulled off the paper shaking her head as she did it. "Miley Cyrus?"

"It's her new album, I figured I'd get it for you seeing how much you love her." He joked. "Just don't listen to it around me."

"I bet you know every word."

"I'm pleading the fifth." He laughed. "How about a movie?"

"A movie?" She squeaked thinking she'd much prefer to be doing something else right now.

"I thought we were taking things slow?"

"Ah yeah I suppose we are." She conceded wondering where that crazy idea came from.

"How about we watch a movie and then see where the night takes us?" He asked. Caroline nodded her head loving the fact that he'd respected her position but also that he was willing to break the rules for her too. She figured it was going to be a good night no matter what.