Thanks. Wow you guys, all these reviews are spoiling me! This chapter has a record number of reviews too! I'm glad you've been reading still and are invested either way, whether you are team Klaus or Caroline. I'm not sure where I am at this stage to be honest!

Like I hinted at in my last chapter, I really need some frivolity; what's more fun than a bachelor party anyway?

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 40: I Gotta Feeling

22 August 2015 9:33am Chicago, Illinois

3 months later…..

"Wow someone's really unfit," Klaus puffed looking over to his brother who was struggling to keep up with his pace around picturesque Lake Michigan.

"Well we don't all train at the gym everyday like some crazy people," Elijah wheezed his breath ragged and coming to a complete stop.

"You're just bitter that I was winning," he replied smugly. "Uh slacker, last time I checked this wasn't the end of the Lakefront trail, we didn't even get to Soldiers Field yet?"

"How observant genius," he groaned. "I'm tired Niklaus."

"Maybe Kol would have been a better choice for my morning run."

"I can safely say that I am much fitter than our younger brother," he baulked finally catching his breath. "I think Matt might have been your best bet."

"Yes well he is back home so I figured he'd prefer to spend time with family," he explained, shrugging his shoulders as they began to walk again. "He does have to put up with me at the bar so I figured I'd give him a break."

"You realise this is supposed to sort of resemble something called a vacation?" Elijah asked. "It's perfectly okay to relax."

Stefan and Rebekah's wedding was in a month's time, and they were celebrating the Bachelor Party in his hometown this weekend. Klaus couldn't believe how fast time had flown, but that was what happened when all you did was work.

"Says the slow runner, how convenient," he shot back. "Anyway what do you know about relaxation?"

"Quite a bit these days," Elijah replied shrugging his shoulders. "I decided it was better to work a little less and actually have a life."

"You decided or Katherine decided?"

"We both decided," he spluttered.

"You are so whipped man, although I think it's great," he said before adding. "I mean it's great that you're happy, not that you're whipped."

"Thanks for the clarification Niklaus."

"So do you think it will be wedding bells for you two soon?"

"Hell no," he muttered.

"Excuse me?"

"I have no intention of ever getting married," he confirmed. "I thought you already knew that?"

"Well yeah but I always figured once you met someone that would all change," he offered. "Obviously though you can't take the divorce lawyer out of the boy. You do realise that not everyone gets divorced right? Some people even get married and live happily ever after."

"I've never understood why you can't just do all that without the piece of paper," he groaned. "It's meaningless."

"Wow does Katherine know all about this?" Elijah's cheeks flushed red and Klaus knew it wasn't due to the running. "Oh wow, I'm not the best at relationships but you've got to tell her mate, sooner rather than later."

"She'll understand; we have a lot of the same opinions on these sorts of things."

"Even on marriage? Well good luck with that particular conversation," he joked. "Can you imagine if Stefan had the same views as you?"

"Rebekah would have forced him into it by now," Elijah joked. "I still can't believe our little sister is getting married."

"Why can't you believe it?" Klaus asked. "Forget event planning, being a bride has been Rebekah's dream since I can remember."

"Do you remember how she used to watch Princess Diana's wedding on repeat?"

"Do I remember? I only had to sit through it a couple of hundred times. Even at that young age she was already researching her own wedding," he groaned. "I was just glad we weren't forced to live together during Kate and Will's nuptials."

"Yes well this would have to be the biggest production I've ever seen since both Royal Weddings combined."

"One thing about Rebekah you can't say is that she's disorganised."

"Her organisation skills are certainly not in question after that colossal Engagement Party in June."

"I actually thought it was going to be one of those engagement party slash surprise weddings at the time but it was just a rehearsal for the real thing." Klaus laughed. "The only saving grace is that we're getting an easy going brother-in-law, maybe he'll help calm her down?"

"One can only hope, however if this wedding is anything to go by I'm not sure he's having much luck yet," Elijah said. "I wonder how many questions and comments Stefan gets about this event given the number she throws at me on a daily basis?"

"I know," Klaus groaned.

"If she asks me one more time to make sure I smile on the day for photos I'm going to scream."

"Well if she asks me one more time whether I'm bringing a date to the wedding I might scream," Klaus added. "Apparently I'm solely responsible for ruining the reception seating chart."

"Are you bringing someone?"

"Now who's asking too many questions?"

"I'm just curious, you know after everything that's happened this year with…"

"Caroline, you can say her name, I'm not going to lose it or anything," he finished. "Look that was a long time ago Elijah, five months since we've been together."

"Okay but last time I checked you hadn't been on any dates and you're still burying yourself in work."

"I'll have to thank Lexi for broadcasting my life to everyone as usual," he muttered. "Why do I have to date to prove I've moved on? Do I need to remind you about your lack of love life for about thirty years?"

"Funny Niklaus," he said sarcastically. "It's just after everything happened three months ago I thought…"

"Oh you mean when she left the country with nothing more than a pathetic text message right before she left?" Klaus looked at his brother and raised his eyebrows. "I believe you were the one who had to fill in the blanks seeing as she didn't feel the need to elaborate in her message."

"I'm sorry you had to find out that way," he frowned. "I think it was just too difficult with all our connections, she wanted a fresh start."

"Yeah well she certainly got that, anyway that was months ago now," he growled thinking what an idiot he'd been.

He was furious after the bar opening. Of all the people she had to move on with and it was Enzo. Having it rubbed in his face wasn't the way he imagined finding out either. He said he'd fight for her and he'd meant it at the time but finding out about her one-night stand had completely floored him. Yes he was at fault but how much longer did he have to pay for it?

He hadn't even thought about another woman but she had no trouble in sleeping with someone else. Klaus had always hoped that she still loved him and they'd be together again but it was at that moment he lost the will to fight.

He had attempted to call a number of times but backed out when it came time to hit the call button. He figured a text might be easier but the send button was always too hard to press. Until a couple of days later when she informed him via return text that she was leaving the country.

He used to be able to close his eyes and imagine her beautiful face but now all he saw was her and Enzo in a liplock. He wasn't able to sketch her anymore because all the good memories had been replaced by that disturbing image.

"She'll be at the bachelorette party this weekend, I just though you should know."

"Well she is a bridesmaid and we all know how Rebekah reacted when she couldn't make the engagement party."

"Oh yes," he laughed. "I can't believe she risked the wrath of Rebekah-zilla."

"I suppose the distance helps," he quipped feeling empty about just how far away she was. "Anyway she's in New York so it's not like we're going to cross paths. Now enough of this slacking off, let's pick up the pace brother."

xxxxxxxx

"What do you think about Ireland?"

"As in the country?" Elijah asked taking a sip from his drink and looking at his brother curiously.

"No as in the name for a child Elijah," Kol groaned.

"I don't think Bonnie is going to want to name her child after a country or a city for that matter," Matt shrugged his shoulders weighing in on the debate. "You know just saying."

"I don't know Paris is alright," Stefan offered. Kol and Bonnie had discovered they were having a baby girl at the ultrasound in May and had been throwing around baby names with the group ever since.

Klaus had to admit the change in his brother was amazing. He had always been so immature but this life- changing event had made him grow-up and finally take responsibility. He never imagined Kol having children because he was such a child himself, but he seemed so excited by the prospect.

He thought they might have gotten their act together by now given the amount of time they were spending with each other, apparently doing baby things according to Kol. Klaus wasn't too sure how going to the movies was classed as baby related but who was he to argue?

"Or how about Blake?"

"Okay last time I checked this was supposed to be a Bachelor Party," Klaus interrupted. "You know that rite of passage where a group of guys get together, bond, have some fun and just let loose. I don't think discussing baby names falls under that description."

"Hey I've got less than three months to come up with a name, I mean this is one of the biggest decisions I'll ever have to make," Kol explained as Klaus just rolled his eyes. He certainly was glad Kol Mikaelson wasn't President of the United States if he thought that was the biggest decision of his life. "You know I don't want my daughter teased."

"Well I think giving her a boy's name is a sure fire way of that happening," he shot back.

"It worked for Blake Lively," Matt suggested.

"Yeah but Blake Bennett doesn't really sound right," Stefan added.

"Hey this baby is going to be a Mikaelson, none of that feminist crap," Kol baulked.

"Does Bonnie know about this?" Elijah asked and the look on Kol's face said it all.

"Now that is a conversation I definitely want to be around for," Matt joked nudging him in the ribs.

"Okay we're still on baby names if you hadn't noticed," Klaus piped up. He was promised a fun and boisterous weekend in Chicago and this was as far from that as possible.

After his talk with Elijah, Klaus realised he had been living in a bubble of denial. His daily routine usually consisted of work, gym and then work again. He knew it was over with Caroline but it was difficult to put himself out there on the dating scene again.

He thought about a one-night stand like Caroline to finally flush her out of his system but he wouldn't even know how to go about it these days. Unfortunately she had ruined him for everyone else. Thinking about it today though he realised a Bachelor Party was the kick start he needed to make it happen. He was going to have meaningless sex tonight no matter what he had to do.

If the night continued like this, then he'd never get that opportunity. They were currently at Terrace Bar on the roof top of the Hotel Peninsula where he was staying. They were drinking whiskey and grazing on snacks but the night needed to liven up that was for sure.

"Okay as much as I hate to admit when Klaus is right," Stefan teased. "This is supposed to be my last night of freedom ever so maybe we need to take it up a notch?"

"Well when the groom-to-be says that you know it's a lame party," Matt laughed. "And as the best man I am not going to disappoint."

"So what's the plan?" Kol asked excitedly finally moving on from baby names. "I hope the girls are going to be…"

"Yes I'm glad you asked Kol, the strippers are going to be very high quality, I wouldn't have it any other way," Matt finished his sentence quickly. Klaus shook his head, maybe Kol wasn't that mature just yet."And as for the plan Mr MC," Matt added noting Kol's role in the wedding. "Groomsman number one and two are foreign to these parts but I'll have you know I have planned one hell of a party."

"Now this is what I'm talking about," Klaus laughed. He'd been completely surprised when Stefan had asked him to be a groomsman. They hadn't known each other long but it meant a lot that he thought so highly of their friendship. Although he knew that meant he was going to be paired with Caroline, awkward wasn't even a strong enough word to describe it.

Elijah had become his other groomsman purely because of the fact that Rebekah wanted three bridesmaids and the numbers had to be symmetrical. Elijah and Katherine didn't feel the need to argue with her logic and agreed, albeit reluctantly.

"Well on that note I'm going to the men's room then we can hit the road," Klaus said rubbing his hands together gleefully.

"When Rebekah left you out of the loop on his surprise party, I thought she was a little harsh but man you've got a big mouth," Stefan commented once Klaus was safely out of range.

"Gee sorry," he groaned. "I just don't understand why you think throwing them together in the same place is going to magically get them back together."

"It might not but Katherine said all she's been doing in London is working and not much else, same with Niklaus in New York City." Elijah offered.

"Obviously these two are far from over each other," Matt agreed. "We're just trying to give them a nudge in the right direction."

"Well it's your graves," Kol warned. "I just don't want to be you when Niklaus finds out you lied about her being in Chicago this weekend."

"Rebekah wanted her Bachelorette Party here as well, who was I to argue?" Stefan spluttered.

"And I don't want to be you Stefan when Caroline finds out your little plan either," Kol rolled his eyes. "This is typical Rebekah Mikaelson in damage control mode in anticipation of their pairing at the wedding."

"Well even though I hate to agree with Rebekah she does have a point," Elijah admitted. "I don't want to get caught in the crossfire at the altar."

"I just hope you're doing the right thing because if this backfires it might mean a lot more damage control come the wedding day," Kol suggested ominously.

"Stop being so sensible," Stefan replied gruffly. "I liked you better when you were fun and irresponsible. We'll cross that bridge if and when we come to it," Stefan mumbled conceding the youngest Mikaelson had a point.

"You all look far too serious for a bachelor party," Klaus laughed approaching the group. "Come on let's get this show on the road."

"Yeah good idea buddy," Stefan said. "Let's have a completely unforgettable night."

xxxxxxxx

An hour later they were seated at the Purple Pig, a Mediterranean restaurant located on the famous Magnificent Mile. A jazz band was playing over the din from the packed crowd. Klaus didn't imagine this spot for a Bachelor Party but it was still early and the tasty tapas morsels they'd had so far were delicious.

It was at this point he thought about what the girls were doing, Caroline especially. It did hurt a little that she was back in the states but nowhere near him. It was probably for the best given he'd want to pepper her with questions about her departure.

He always felt like he was the villain but right now her actions didn't hold up too well either. Not only did she have a one-night stand she also left him without much of an explanation. That hurt, he wasn't going to lie.

He'd had moments of temporary insanity over the past few months where he decided to go to London and have it out with her. Although something inside him always paused knowing that he'd never let himself do that, he had his pride after all.

Another thought that tortured him was that she and Enzo had picked up where they left off from. He wanted to think she had better taste but she did sleep with the guy in the first place. He shook his head knowing he had to get rid of those thoughts. This is why tonight was so important because he was rightfully going to move on.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Stefan asked looking at him curiously.

"Well I was wondering when the night was going to pick up."

"I think Matt is trying to give us a false sense of security," he laughed. "I've been on many big nights with him over the years so I don't doubt he'll impress."

"Well he is very loved up with Lexi so it's hardly surprising," Klaus joked. "I just hope the maid of honour is not as bossy when she's with him."

"No I think she saves that just for you," he grinned. "Like your sister."

"Oh really? Elijah and I were comparing notes this morning on how many questions and commands she's given us for the wedding, we actually felt sorry for you."

"No need, all you have to do is pick something the complete opposite of what Rebekah wants and she completely eliminates you from the decision making process."

"Is that what I've been doing wrong this whole time? I wish I'd known this years ago, I would have saved myself a lot less trouble over the years. You know I like to joke about Rebekah but I love her and…"

"Oh is this my talk?"

"I can't believe I took this long to give it," he teased. "You hurt her and I'll kill you, that's about it."

"Duly noted," he gulped pretending to be worried.

"I couldn't think of anyone better for my sister though, welcome to the family mate."

"Well we're not there yet, first we have to get through the wedding."

"Oh you mean the production of the century? You just better hope there's no last minute dramas otherwise all hell is going to break loose."

"God help us," Stefan groaned. "I'm sorry again that you have to be paired with Caroline, I know it's not ideal given the situation between you two."

"Well nothing is ever ideal," he shrugged his shoulders. "We'll be fine, this wedding is not about us believe it or not."

"No really?" He joked. "I know it's been a while since you've seen her."

"Oh so it will just add to the normal awkwardness then. Look I'm fine and I'm sure Caroline is too. Too much time has passed for it not to be."

"Why don't I believe you?'

"It is what it is," he murmured. "However I am looking forward to things livening up tonight, there's nothing better than a good old boy's night to just let go."

xxxxxx

Klaus looked around the Pink Monkey strip club wondering how they'd gotten there. The Peninsula and the Purple Pig were tame venues, then they visited Goose Island Brewery before ending up here. He was starting to wonder if Matt had an animal theme for the evening. Klaus had to admit he was more than buzzed, not that he was complaining.

He figured some alcohol might be able to help give him some courage. He still had plans to relax but where to start? He looked around realising he was in a strip club so the only girls on offer seemed to work there. He wasn't sure a stripper was where he wanted to go tonight, plus he figured chatting up the staff was frowned upon.

He was starting to realise he should have had a game plan but right now he had nothing. He watched as Elijah walked over his disapproving face not lost on Klaus.

"Why so glum?"

"Well I'm in a strip club for starters," he groaned. "How anyone can find this mildly entertaining I'll never understand."

"Well I think you're in the vast minority brother."

"Tell me about it," he agreed. "Do you know that a large number of my divorce cases are the result of frequent visitation of strip clubs?"

"No wonder you're bitter about marriage," he joked. "What do you think about the brunette over there?"

"The stripper?"

"No past the stripper, that one with the long dark hair and mischievous smile."

"She's okay I suppose," he conceded. "Why are we talking about her exactly?"

"Because I am looking for some company and she looks like a good candidate," Klaus suggested. "I need to get back on the horse and what better than a fling with her?"

"Okay this I wasn't expecting, how many drinks have you had?"

"Weren't you the one this morning questioning my lack of a social life?"

"Well yes but I didn't expect you to be entertaining opportunities that quickly," he spluttered.

"Oh come on Elijah, it's a bachelor party. What better way to celebrate than with a good old one-night stand?"

"You're seriously considering this Niklaus?"

"Are you really going to question my choices after our talk this morning? I thought you wanted me to move on with things, which is what I'm doing by the way."

"Of course but I didn't expect this sudden change of heart."

"Well believe me brother I'm moving on, beginning with that cute brunette right over there," he promised. "Now I just have to remember a good pick-up line."

"Girls hate pick-up lines; it's probably best you don't bother with one."

"Since when are you an expert and while I'm at it what's gotten into you all of a sudden?" He asked looking at his brother closely. "You'd think you didn't want me to get on with my life."

"Of course I do," he agreed reluctantly. "But how about another drink, it might help you work on your approach."

"Excellent idea Elijah, although I have to say you seem completely out of character this evening."

"Well it's a bachelor party after all," he said feebly.

"That it is brother, that it is," he smiled putting his arm around him and leading him towards the bar.

"Tequila slammers thank you bar tender." Elijah groaned inwardly not looking forward to the added alcohol he was going to have to put into his body.

xxxxxxx

"Why did you feel the need to tell him off for not dating Elijah?" Matt asked.

"It just came out; I didn't think he was going to actually start picking up random women."

"Well it looks like he is," Kol said pointing towards the two chatting animatedly at the bar. "He actually has every right to move on."

"I know but not when Caroline is going to be in the same establishment," Stefan groaned. "I love how he decided to move on just when she's back in town."

"What a horrible coincidence," Kol said. "Is she here yet?"

"Katherine's text tells me another ten minutes, the girls are doing some pole dancing classes here."

"Did somebody say pole dancing?" Kol asked excitedly.

"I'm not sure Bonnie will be partaking given she's six months along in her pregnancy."

"I wasn't talking about her," he stammered.

"Sure you weren't," Stefan replied. "Whatever happens we need to part those two before the girls arrive."

"Well I'm open to suggestions?" Matt asked helplessly. "Otherwise Lexi is going to kill me."

"I hear you," Stefan and Elijah replied knowingly.

Additional A/N: Would love to hear your thoughts about a name for the Kennett baby girl!