Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 33: I Just Called To Say I Love You

February 18 2015 1:13pm New York City, New York

"So you just left?" Stefan asked curiously.

"I had to Stef, anyway I'm surprised you don't already know all of this given he's your roommate."

"Believe it or not Caroline we don't sit around and talk about you." She gave him a look which meant she clearly didn't believe him. "Okay sometimes but definitely not this time, I was out last night so I haven't even seen Klaus."

He'd called Caroline earlier that morning by chance and could detect the sadness in her voice so had immediately suggested a quick lunch. They were walking along East 48th Street and munching on sandwiches from Dean & Deluca.

"Where were you last night?" She asked raising one eyebrow.

"I was on a date if you must know," he spluttered his face turning a few shades redder.

"Oh you two finally went on that date huh?" She asked nudging him playfully. "So how was it? Don't keep me in suspense."

"It was really nice," he said simply.

"You like Rebekah!"

"Well I wouldn't have gone out with her if I didn't Caroline."

"Well you went out with Tessa, I mean enough said."

"So now you tell me you didn't like Tessa?" He baulked. "Where were you before she cheated on me?"

"Sorry Stef, you just seemed to really like her at the time," she admitted sheepishly. "Although not as much as Rebekah."

"Calm down I've only known the girl for a short time."

"Sometimes that's all it takes," she murmured thinking about Klaus before shaking her head to try and remove the thoughts that were swirling around inside. "So where did you take her on a date?"

"We actually ate hot dogs in Central Park," he said shrugging his shoulders.

"Rebekah actually did that?"

"Yes and she had fun, which I knew she would," he grinned knowingly. "Then we went to the zoo, then to the movies and we had a late dinner after that."

"Now that is one long date."

"I can't explain it, I just didn't want it to end," he mumbled self-consciously.

"Stefan Salvatore, do you love…"

"Stop right there, we're not all head over heels in love yet like some people," he smiled before realising what he'd said. "Is it really that much to forgive?"

"Last time I checked he lied to me Stef, not once but twice," she argued. "If there's nothing going on with her, why couldn't he just be honest with me?"

"Maybe he didn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble when things were going so well between you?" He suggested feebly.

"Please tell me you don't really believe that?" She scoffed. "I'll never forget the guilty look on his face when I walked in on them together."

"What were they doing exactly?"

"Well she was leaning over his shoulder as they were looking at some documents, it was certainly the friendliest looking business meeting I'd ever seen."

"But you said she knew you were his girlfriend?"

"Yes, so what?"

"That means he told her about you, why would he do that if something was going on between them?"

"I don't know but all I wanted to do was wipe that smug smile off her face," she groaned. "Why did she have to be so damn gorgeous as well?"

"She's got nothing on you buddy," he grinned stopping so that he could envelop her in his arms. She leaned into him relishing in the comfort he provided. She eventually pulled back looking at him suspiciously.

"You've never even met her."

"I don't have to Care given you're the most beautiful girl in the world, inside and out," he smiled touching the tip of her nose affectionately.

"You better not let Rebekah hear you say that," she teased.

"Maybe you should give him the chance to explain," he proposed returning back to the subject at hand. "At least then you'll know the full story and can make a better assessment of the situation."

"Are you telling me I'm overreacting?" She asked arching her left eyebrow.

"Possibly, I mean you don't know everything only what he said before you left."

"Don't tell me you're on his side?"

"Definitely not Care, you're my bestie first and foremost," he reassured her. "I just know that you have a habit of flying off the handle before you know the full story."

"Maybe but I still have every right to be upset," she countered. "I went through the whole lying thing with Tyler, I just thought things would be different with Klaus."

"That's fair enough after everything you've been through," he reasoned. "But please for my sake don't do anything hasty, I've never seen you in love before."

"Well I…"

"No you've never been in love before, trust me I'd know."

"What else do you know Dr Salvatore?"

"Well if you are so angry then why are you wearing his necklace?" He asked peering downwards curiously. "And by the way I understand some French."

"I just forgot to take it off," she groaned.

"Yeah because that's believable Forbes." He drawled. "Not to sound like a broken record but just talk to him."

"And what do I say?" She growled. "I don't want to be one of those pathetic, jealous girlfriends."

"You are not pathetic and if you're jealous it's this horrible Tatia's fault," he surmised. "Actually do you want me to give them both a piece of my mind instead?"

"No please don't," she cried placing her hands over his. "You're right it's probably best I confront him myself, although it's the last thing I feel like doing right now."

"Has he called you?"

"Every hour since I walked out last night, and that doesn't include the barrage of text messages."

"Well you can't say he doesn't love you," he replied and she nodded in silent acknowledgment.

"Especially when one of his messages was a really bad rendition of Stevie Wonder's I Just Called To Say I Love You."

"He's in love and desperate," Stefan said shaking his head. "So tell me at least that Katherine and Bonnie have their act together?"

"I wish," she murmured. "Bonnie has completely pushed Kol away as only she can do and Katherine…"

"Katherine and Elijah didn't kiss and make-up at the Gala?"

"Well they definitely made-up but there was no kiss," Caroline said with authority. "According to Katherine they're in the dreaded friend zone."

"Oh that's not a good place to be."

"You sound just like Katherine," she answered shaking her head. "It's got to be better than being at each other's throats constantly."

"Not at all," he shot back. "Sometimes that conflict acts as a spark, but once it's gone then you're stuck in no man's land."

"You sound like an expert."

"Well Rebekah and I started out that way and luckily it's carried on," he explained. "Same with you and Klaus, but if they don't make a move soon it could be all over."

"Nothing more romantic than a time limit," she muttered. "Anyway you'll be happy to know she's going to see him today."

"Well that's encouraging, let's just hope it ends positively."

"Since when did you become the love expert?"

"I've always been the love expert but you've never chosen to listen to me Care."

"Oh puh-lease." She groaned but sent him a small smile anyway. "So any more dates with Rebekah?"

"Maybe," he replied mysteriously.

"Oh come on you can't leave me hanging like that." She insisted. "I need to live vicariously through someone."

"Well how about you get your relationship back on track and you won't need to."

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Katherine Pierce was nervous, she hated to admit it but she was. After the Gala she couldn't get Elijah out of her mind and she couldn't deny that it hurt he hadn't contacted her since. She was willing to forgive him just this once because it had only been four days since they'd seen each other last.

His chocolate brown eyes were haunting her dreams and she couldn't forget the explosive kisses they'd shared. Katherine was greedy for more but had no idea what to do. One thing she knew was that she didn't want to be just friends.

Bonnie and Caroline had insisted she go see him with some divorce law emergency. Katherine had scoffed at them saying she would never use work as an excuse. It was only when she was doing her laundry that Katherine realised she still had his suit jacket. She couldn't just keep it and figured he'd be looking for it so had no choice but to return it.

Katherine had to admit waiting for it to be dry cleaned seemed to take forever and once she got it back clean and fresh she decided to take it to him at work. Caroline and even Bonnie, although she was grumpy, had been happy to hear she was taking the initiative.

Although now she was standing in his building her throat was parched and she wondered whether this was the best idea. She didn't have much chance to backtrack as his Executive Assistant approached and they walked the long and familiar corridor towards his office.

She inhaled deeply hoping she'd done the right thing. As they approached she heard voices and his assistant Claudia stopped her before they entered the room. Inside was the most unexpected but cutest sight she'd ever seen in her life. She gestured to Claudia that she was fine to wait alone and kept watching with avid interest.

"What are you doing?" The little girl with chestnut pigtails inquired sitting on his desk. She couldn't have been more than five years-old.

"Well I'm trying to work but someone keeps talking to me," he replied.

"I can do work."

"What can you do?"

"Well I know the alphabet."

"You know that could come in handy, how did you know I needed an alphabet expert," he said a big grin crossing her face as he approached. Katherine inhaled sharply not expecting such an animated response.

"I know it all," she boasted her dimples only accentuated in her olive cheeks. "What can I do?"

"Well you can write it all down here," he signaled pointing to a plain piece of paper and placing it under her nose.

"What colour do you want?" She asked pointing to her nearby assortment of markers.

"Pink of course." He replied without a beat.

"You like pink?"

"It's my favourite colour."

"But you're a boy silly," she chuckled. Katherine didn't think she'd ever seen anything so adorable.

"Boys can like pink Sophie."

She got to work busily scribbling away as he sat back behind his desk. Katherine knew this was probably the time to interrupt but she was desperate to see what happened next. Who knew Elijah Mikaelson could be so cute?

She shoved the paper towards him and he grinned at the result. "Very good Sophie but why is B so much bigger than the rest of the letters?"

"Cause it stands for boyfriend silly," she giggled. "Do you want to be mine?"

"Well as much as I want to be your boyfriend Sophie…"

"You have a girlfriend," she guessed her face falling.

"No but I'd like to have one," he stumbled and Katherine wondered and hoped at the same time he was speaking about her.

"Why don't my mummy and daddy love me?" She asked suddenly her eyes boring into his and Katherine almost cried it was that heartbreaking.

"They do love you Sophie," he explained looking at her closely; his brown eyes warm with affection.

"But they fight all the time," she sighed. "I think I did something bad."

"You didn't do anything wrong Sophie," he shot back quickly. "Sometimes people don't always get along but always remember that you are the most important person to them and they love you very much okay?"

"Okay," she agreed. "Where are they?"

"They are working some things out in the other room and then they'll be back to see you," he suggested pointing towards the door and spying the inquisitive brunette at the door. Katherine froze realising she needed to say something but was unable to speak.

"Hi," Katherine squeaked eventually walking into the room. "I uh came to see you." She did a mental eye roll realising just how dumb that sounded.

"It's always a pleasure to see you Katherine," he smiled and she loved that he used her first name. "This pretty girl is Sophie."

"Hello Sophie," she grinned looked at the cute little girl perched on the desk and pointed to her drawing. "You know I love the colour pink too."

"Really?" She asked excitedly.

"Well maybe you can draw Katherine something pink too?" Elijah suggested his eyes never leaving hers.

"Is she your girlfriend?" She giggled beginning to draw away. They both looked at each other not quite sure how to respond to that question.

"She's my friend," Elijah stuttered uncertainly.

"What are you going to draw Sophie?" Katherine asked trying to ignore the word friend, even if it was true.

"You're very beautiful; I'm going to draw you."

"She is Sophie..." He trailed off before Sophie's dad appeared anxiously awaiting his daughter. They both watched as he swept the gorgeous brunette into his arms before mouthing a thank you and taking his daughter away.

Before they knew it, it was just the two of them looking deeply into each other's eyes. Katherine felt like time stood still wondering what to say next. She shifted her eyes away eventually looking at the jacket and remembering why she was there.

"I thought you might be missing this," she murmured handing it to him.

"Why thank you," he smiled placing it on his desk. It was only then that the silence descended over them and Katherine had no idea what to say. "How is everything?"

"Busy but good," she said shrugging her shoulders wanting to talk about anything but work. "So who was your little friend?"

"Sophie's dad is one of our clients."

"I didn't realise babysitter was part of your job description?"

"It's not but I know how difficult it can be for all those kids," he explained regarding her seriously. "It's the saddest part about divorce."

"I've had more than enough of those to count," she agreed. "Although I have to say I've never personally babysat the clients' kids."

"It's just something I like to do every now and again, it's important they know it's not their fault." Katherine saw a shadow cross his face wondering what happened in his childhood but decided it wasn't best to ask right now.

"Well they're lucky to have you," she smiled before wondering what to say next.

"I'm not sure about that," he said his face flushing slightly. "Uh you know I had a good time the other night."

"Yeah so did I," she replied quietly.

"Did you uh maybe want to go out sometime?" He asked shyly.

"That sounds nice," she said sending him her biggest grin. Maybe this impromptu visit had its advantages after all.

xxxxxxxx

"So where's the tequila?" Bonnie asked looking around the room.

"Calm down," Katherine replied placing the ingredients one by one in the blender. "The margaritas will be ready soon."

"I'm not sure alcohol is the best solution right now," Caroline moaned from her place on the couch. When the girls had heard about their fight they insisted on sleepover so they had an excuse to complain about men and drink exorbitant amounts of alcohol.

"Probably not but it might make you see things clearer."

"How exactly Bon?"

"It brings clarity and maybe that's exactly what you need," she replied. "Just let loose and the answer will come to you."

"I think she already knows the answer Bonnie," Katherine replied pouring the liquid into each glass. "She doesn't need the alcohol but given I made these amazing cocktails she's going to have to drink one."

"And what's my answer Kat?"

"You don't want to end things; you love the guy Care."

"Well except for the whole ex-girlfriend thing."

"I'm with Caroline," Bonnie piped up. "How can you trust a guy after he's lied to you not once but twice?"

"Are you sure this has nothing to do with another Mikaelson brother?"

"I've moved on Katherine, anyway you know I'm just cynical about guys in general."

"That we know," Caroline murmured unable to help herself. "Are you sure there's nothing that can change your mind about Kol?"

"No that's over," she cut her off quickly.

"That's a shame because you seemed to really like him." Katherine attempted noting her stony face.

"Just because you and Elijah kissed and made up today doesn't mean you can attempt to play match maker."

"There was definitely no kissing of any sort," she muttered hoping that was in her near future. "Although he may have asked me out."

"Thank god you two are finally moving things along," Caroline grinned. "Where are you going and what are you doing?"

"Calm down mum," she joked. "Let's take this one step at a time; he's going to give me a call."

"Anyway enough deflection what is happening between you and Klaus?" Bonnie demanded.

"I don't know," she shrugged her shoulders and took a much needed sip from her margarita.

"Speaking from a roommate's point of view your phone kept me awake all last night, it's been ringing that much," Katherine offered. "Have you even heard of using silent mode on your cell?"

"Yes well that doesn't excuse his behaviour; I mean how hard is it to say I saw my ex-girlfriend in London, she's working for Gordon Rose but nothing is going on with her because I love you?"

"Exactly," Bonnie shot back before adding. "Although I do have to say it's a shame to see you throw everything in like that after everything you've been through."

"I thought you were my bitter and twisted ally tonight?" Caroline argued.

"I'm most definitely bitter and twisted and if his explanation doesn't add up I'm definitely going to kick his arse."

"Hear hear," Katherine agreed clinking their glasses together.

"Well I haven't heard that explanation yet," she mumbled quietly knowing she'd been avoiding a confrontation all day, not to mention his numerous texts and missed calls. She just wasn't ready to deal with things yet.

"Ah so maybe you should be with Klaus right now," Bonnie suggested.

"I'm not sure he deserves my time," she growled obviously still angry. "There's still the question of the ex-girlfriend."

"I'll have you know I googled that witch and she has nothing on you," Katherine added.

"Good to hear you're researching the important things," she murmured still unbelievably self-conscious about the gorgeous brunette. The buzzer rang making them jump in fright at first.

"It's the pizza!" Katherine cried excitedly bouncing towards the door. "I'll let them upstairs." Within a minute there was a strong knock at the door and Katherine answered it salivating at the food that had arrived.

"Now you are not the pizza guy," she stared at him curiously. "Although that cardboard box looks suspiciously like food."

"I might have stolen it from him downstairs," Klaus admitted passing it towards her sheepishly. Caroline noticed the dark lines under his eyes and his ashen complexion; he looked as terrible as she felt.

"Wow impersonating a pizza delivery guy, I have to at least give you points for originality," Bonnie observed looking at Caroline knowingly.

"And his food isn't that bad either," Katherine said taking a bite from a slice.

"Uh come on Kat, let's go and get some ice cream from the 7-Eleven for the movie," Bonnie suggested moving towards the door.

"We already have ice cream," she argued. "And I'm starving."

"Take a slice with you then," she said through gritted teeth. "And you don't have chunky monkey, you know that's my favourite."

"Fine," she relented grabbing her coat before mouthing at Caroline and asking if she was okay. Caroline nodded and they left closing the door behind them.

"Sorry to just show up like this, I was getting a little desperate after you wouldn't answer my calls or my text messages."

"You don't say," she drawled.

"We need to talk about this Caroline," he started sitting on the couch next to her. "It's not what you think."

"What am I thinking?"

"Well I'm assuming since you've been avoiding me it's not favourable," he guessed. "I broke up with Tatia years ago and I'm not going to lie, seeing her again and finding out she worked for Gordon completely floored me."

"Did it bring back feelings for her?"

"Only of deep resentment and anger," he admitted. "We had an ugly break-up a few years ago."

"What happened?"

"She used me I guess you could say," he said shrugging his shoulders. "I was trying to look after her I guess and she took advantage of that."

"In what way?"

"It was purely material, she loved the high life and I was her ticket to having that." He murmured. "I just wished I realised earlier, I felt annoyed at myself for being so stupid."

"So what happened in London?"

"Nothing, when she turned up I tried to keep it as civil as possible given she worked for Gordon, although it was difficult to contain my anger. Then after a short discussion she promised she'd speak to Gordon and I came back here."

"Is that why I didn't hear from you?"

"To be honest yes," he said. "I just didn't know how to handle this intrusion from my past, but in hindsight talking to you would have probably helped me."

"Probably, so why didn't you say something when you got back at least?" She implored desperate to understand. "Especially given her connection to Gordon."

"Everything was so good between us," he smiled touching her leg. "I just wanted to be with you and not have to dredge up my past and ruin things."

"Why did you assume it would ruin things?" She asked. "I like to think I'm an understanding person."

"You are Caroline," he said and she could detect the love in his voice. "That's one of the reasons I love you."

"So why couldn't you tell me when she showed up yesterday?"

"I was going to tell you last night when I'd had time to process things…"

"But I walked in on your cozy little meeting instead."

"It wasn't cozy," he growled in frustration. "I was just trying to get on with my job; I'd told her irrevocably that nothing was ever going to happen between us."

"Because of me."

"Of course because of you and the fact I got over her years ago," he promised.

"So what does this mean now?"

"Well I'm going to have to work with her for a few weeks because Gordon suddenly has some other business and has delegated this to Tatia."

"That seems convenient." She muttered unable to help herself.

"You sound like Lexi," he agreed. "She doesn't know the first thing about art. I have a feeling her and Gordon are having an affair which is why he's been so easily manipulated."

"So what is she up to then?"

"I have no idea," he shrugged his shoulders. "All I know is that I'm going to do my job professionally and once it's over she'll leave."

"Let's hope it's sooner rather than later."

"I couldn't agree more," he said sitting in front of her on the couch and staring into her eyes seriously. "I'm sorry I lied but you have to know I did this because I love you and what we have together."

"The last guy who lied to me was Tyler."

"I know and I never wanted to be like him," he said sincerely leaning forward to cup her face in his hands tenderly. "I just hope you can forgive me."

"Only because I love you too, but please no more lying," she warned leaning forward to meet his mouth. Caroline realised just how much she'd missed his soft lips and pushed against him harder desperate for more.

Klaus ran his hands through her hair deepening the kiss, his tongue delving into her hot mouth. She moaned against his lips and pulled him closer just as the door opened and they heard her friends.

"Awww," Katherine swooned.

"Ewww," Bonnie said at exactly the same time. Caroline just shook her head at the respective reactions from her friends.

"Well isn't this awkward," Caroline murmured.

"Sorry girls," Klaus added sending them an apologetic glance.

"No no, please continue we'll just…" Katherine trailed off.

"How about we continue this in my room?" Caroline suggested a naughty glimmer in her eyes. "Then you can tell me all of the other things you love about me." Klaus nodded excitedly and they smiled at Bonnie and Katherine before he took her hand and lead her towards the bedroom.

"Don't mind if we turn up the volume really loud to block out the sound of make-up sex." Bonnie yelled out to them before the door shut.

"I don't think I'm ever going to get any sleep," Katherine muttered thinking ahead to another sleepless night, although she couldn't have been happier for her best friend.