Thanks for all the lovely reviews as usual. I know it seems to be taking a while but stay with me. Caroline is still extremely hurt and although Klaus is sorry he never really fought for her as promised.

Thanks to my trusty beta Justanotherfiveminutes. What did I do without you Sophie?

I started another story and it's called Family Ties if you have some free time and want to check it out. Think Klaroline as a modern day Romeo and Juliet.

Also a quick note to my French readers, hope you're as okay as you can be, especially Ms Cindz. I'm sending love and hugs your way x

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 44: Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)

30 August 2015 3:13am New York City, New York

It was at exactly 3:03am on Sunday morning that Klaus realised what he needed to do, and he had spent the last ten minutes hatching a plan to win back the love of his life. Yes, she was the one, only he'd been too caught up in a multitude of conflicting feelings to recognise that she was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

He was confused when she ran out of the 7-Eleven. After her initial anger Klaus could tell she was defrosting, albeit slowly. They'd shared a moment when he was helping her play Pacman. He had felt her body react to his, and heard her breath quicken slightly and all he had wanted to do was spin her around and kiss her senseless.

Finding out she'd been searching for his necklace had given him renewed hope they weren't over. If she'd moved on and didn't love him anymore it wouldn't have mattered to her. He'd felt like they were finally starting to move past the awkwardness of the past few months, but when she bolted he was reminded of just how bruised she still was.

First, he was angry and hurt, as his usual defence mechanisms kicked in. Klaus wasn't one to take rejection kindly and it was a million times worse coming yet again from Caroline. He'd gone into denial, hiding away behind his work and giving Lexi a generally hard time. Not one to back down, she'd yelled at him a few days ago then walked out in protest.

When Lexi hadn't returned a few hours later Klaus was left debating whether flowers or coffee beans were the best peace offering. Although considering his inability to make things right with Caroline he didn't hold out much hope with his executive assistant.

Then it dawned on him why he'd been such an ass. He hadn't realised it at the time but life before Caroline had been such a lonely place because it was filled with work and nothing else, and the thought of going back to that again was incredibly depressing. The knowledge that she still wore his necklace near her heart, that there was still hope, was the one thing spurring him on right now. He needed to show her that he was worthy of her love.

He considered turning up at her door in London and refusing to leave until she took him back but he'd heard from Elijah in passing that she was traveling for work. He didn't want to ask where because Klaus knew they'd start scheming again. He supposed he could wait until the wedding but Klaus didn't want to leave it that long.

Klaus climbed out of bed, wiping the sleep from his eyes and raking his fingers through his hair to dislodge the knots. He opened his top drawer, eyes resting on the box of sketches that had taken up residence there all those months ago. He rifled through the pile wondering how he was going to get these to her. He would have preferred to send them by post in their original form but Klaus was too impatient and not altogether sure he could deal with the agonising wait. He'd need to improvise and that involved his cell phone.

The sketches were individually dated and looking through them Klaus couldn't believe how many he'd done, he just hoped they would be enough to convince her of his feelings. He took photos of each one individually and began his gradual campaign to win her back, emailing one each day.

The first sketch he sent was a depiction of her walking across Indianapolis airport, just as she tripped and her shoe went flying across the floor. He'd captured her reaction perfectly, if he did say so himself. The subject line read, Cinderella?

After it left his inbox Klaus panicked, worried that she wouldn't like it, or even worse would delete it without opening it. It took eight long hours but his phone beeped notifying him of a return email as he was lying in bed. It was short and simply read: well if you'd put it on my foot maybe…. He laughed aloud, delighted she'd responded, hoping this was a breakthrough,and then the email conversation seemed to flow.

You wouldn't let me love, too busy complaining about the flight situation if I recall.

You would too if you were stuck with an annoying Brit with bad pick-up lines.

My lines weren't bad, you were just too grumpy to appreciate them.

That's debatable, I think I only entertained them because I'd had too many martinis.

It wasn't that many…

She didn't respond further but Klaus figured he'd made an initial impression at least. He would continue to send her photos of his drawings hoping that she could see just how much he thought about her and just how much she meant to him. Klaus knew he had a long way to go but he was willing to do anything.

When he sent the next sketch, one of her struggling to put her bags in the hire car and entitled it view from behind he was expecting an equally long wait, but less than three hours later she replied.

That's not my best side.

On the contrary, I think your behind is definitely one of your best attributes, although I may be biased.

I was attempting to stow my luggage.

And I recall helping you do that love.

Yes but then after you felt the need to crash the car into a paddock full of cows.

I blame Miley.

I think Miley is taking a lot of the flack for your bad driving. You need to get over that and realise you can't drive Mikaelson.

You forget I've spent most of my life driving on the left hand side of the road.

Yes well you are a minority, maybe the UK needs to hurry up and get with the times.

I would love to see how that proposal would go down in your new hometown.

The next day his sketch got a more opinionated response than he'd expected. The drawing depicted her on the main street of Thorntown with a telling feather in her blonde waves and was called the birds.

Are you trying to incite my ornithophobia?

I didn't think you knew what that meant?

Well someone decided to be a smartarse and tell me.

Yes but he also tried to help you through that experience….

Well it didn't work, I saw a swan today on the Seine and had to run a mile.

You've got to watch out for those nasty swans, they're dangerous.

I'm not going to acknowledge that comment with a response.

Well what was that?

Silence. He worried he'd gone too far but he'd wait and see if she responded to tomorrow's sketch, one of his favourites which he titled snow angel.

It had come to him on an unusually cold night in April. He had been thinking about their Christmas tree mission and recalled the moment where they slipped on the ice and almost shared their first kiss. He'd captured her expression as she gazed into his eyes.

This reply took longer than expected and he hoped it was because Caroline was busy struggling with her feelings. He didn't want to make things more difficult but he also wanted her to know he wasn't giving up easily.

I was emotionally rattled; I thought Jesus was going to murder us with his axe.

He noticed she wasn't reading too deeply into that sketch, probably on purpose.

Is that what you call it?

Yes, that and the fact I had to put up with you in a car for all that time.

And your mother's requests?

Urgh don't remind me, this year I've decided to spend Christmas in Transylvania.

Not sure Liz or nanna would look too kindly upon that. Klaus figured he wouldn't take too kindly to that either unless she issued him a personal invite of course.

Are you going to rat me out?

I'll think about it.

Then it stopped as quickly as it had begun. He spent his days waiting for her replies only to get disheartened when they stopped. Klaus was desperate for more but knew he couldn't push Caroline too far. His sketch the next day received a response only ninety minutes after it was sent. Klaus hoped this was a sign for future emails. It was entitled BFFs depicting Stefan and her embracing at the airport.

Stefan will be happy with the likeness.

I hope so given we'll be related very soon.

You'll give him an even bigger head.

It's not all about him. I was actually trying to capture the range of feelings I experienced during the road trip.

Which one was this?

Jealousy.

Urgh, you were jealous of Stefan? I would be lying if I didn't say I felt a little ill right now…Oh and don't tell your sister I said that.

My lips are sealed. Plus he's kind of grown on me.

Maybe Rebekah needs to know about your weird little bromance before the wedding.

No she'll take him away, she always did that with my favourite toys when we were younger.

Maybe creepy is a better description than weird.

Wait 'till you see tomorrow's sketch.

You can't just tease me like that.

The next sketch titled Cousins showed her speaking to Matt on Christmas Eve, a telling sprig of mistletoe depicted in the distance. Klaus wondered if she'd notice and remember their first kiss, even if it was just for show. The response was instant this time.

Yep, the creepy bromance continues.

I figure he might marry Lexi one day so I may need someone on my side.

Good luck with that, I think she has him wrapped around her finger. He may have come from the army but when it comes to Lexi, he's definitely a lover not a fighter.

Unlike Lexi who is a fighter. She's annoyed with me as usual.

Glad to see nothing has changed then. What did you do this time?

Why do you assume it was me?

Pity you can't see me rolling my eyes right now.

I am not that bad.

You are like a bear with a sore head; I'm surprised she hasn't killed you yet.

I think she might be plotting my murder as we speak.

So let me guess you've been grumpy, irritable and all together moody?

You know me too well love.

I'm grumpy too.

Why's that?

Sugar withdrawals, Italians don't seem to know what a Twinkie is.

You've got some of the best sweets in the world there and you want Twinkies?

Hey, don't judge. We can't all have your sophisticated palette.

As much as I'd love you to think I was that sophisticated, I'm eating Cheetos right now.

They are a clothes stain just waiting to happen, you know that right?

But yet so worth it.

Day after day Klaus continued to send his sketches hoping there might be another breakthrough but it was just more of the same witty banter that he knew Caroline liked to hide behind. He wanted to respect her wishes but at the same time he knew that wasn't getting him anywhere.

Klaus knew he had to step it up a notch and he thought he knew exactly how to do that.

xxxxxxxx

"Lexi?" He asked sweetly the next day. She appeared at the door to his office, her weary expression obvious.

Klaus immediately felt bad. She'd been such a loyal friend and assistant over the years and she didn't deserve his Caroline-induced frustration. She didn't speak, just continued to stare at him.

"I'm sorry," he started slowly.

"You said that in your card accompanying the coffee beans the other day."

"Oh come on, coffee beans are our thing."

"Since when are they our thing? I think you're just too cheap to splash out on flowers like any normal human being. Oh, that's right, you're not normal."

"I know I've been a little…"

"Grouchy? Grumpy? Moody? Snarky?" she shot back. "You know I could go on all day with unpleasant words to explain your recent behavior right?"

"And as much as I'd love to hear all of those adjectives, I'd really just like to apologise." Her eyebrows flew up in response and Klaus knew this was going to be difficult. "It's not fair to take my problems out on you, and I'm sorry."

"Well that's one way of putting it," she muttered hands firmly on hips, obviously refusing to accept his apology.

"I'm not good at, you know, feelings."

"Tell me something I don't know."

"Ever since I lost Caroline I've been a mess, I just didn't know how to deal with it," he explained reluctantly. "So I may have been a bit of a…"

"An ass?"

"That's one word for it," he muttered thinking this apologising thing was harder than he'd expected. "It wasn't fair to take it out on you. All you've ever done was help me and I took you for granted."

"Okay, I'm listening."

"I shouldn't have done that, I've never been in this position before."

"You mean in love?"

"Yeah, I suppose so," he blushed struggling to have such a personal conversation with anyone, even Lexi who he'd known for so long. "I completely panicked and made things worse."

"Well I hate to rub it in boss but that was your fault," she said before continuing. "That doesn't mean you can't try to fix things though. If you ask me Caroline still loves you, god knows why, but she does."

"Well thanks, I think," he uttered wryly. "That's what I'm planning to do." Her expression changed immediately from dubious to slightly hopeful.

"How exactly?"

"I'm just going to turn up unannounced," he explained thinking the plan seemed so much more fool proof in his head.

"Okay," she murmured. "Do you think you might need a game plan or something?"

"I'm telling you this in confidence because I trust you Lexi," he began choosing to ignore her question. "It's not that I don't love my family and friends, it's just I don't think your meddling is helping."

"I seem to recall it was our so called meddling that ended with you two in bed together." Klaus closed his eyes momentarily trying not to get irritated all over again.

As predicted, the news of their night together in Chicago had spread within the hour amongst his family and friends. Since then they had all taken turns interrogating him about it, which only frustrated him further. Not only because it was none of their business, but also because he couldn't remember a thing. Trust him to get too drunk to enjoy something he'd desperately wanted for months.

He chose to ignore their attempts to psycho-analyse him and ended the conversations as quickly as they had begun. He also figured mentioning their impromptu engagement might create more drama than necessary, and their incessant questioning was already more than enough. Plus he knew Rebekah wouldn't appreciate anything taking away from her upcoming nuptials.

"You're scaring her away," he said simply, choosing to ignore her comment.

"No, I think that was you."

"Yes initially, and I fully accept that, Lexi, but trying to throw us together has only spooked her more."

"Okay, I can see how that could have happened," Lexi admitted. "We were only trying to reunite you because it seems like you and Caroline are the only ones who don't think you should be together."

"Trust me, I know we should be together," he replied confidently. "Caroline is the only one that needs convincing."

"And?"

"And I need your help, but only yours."

"Meaning you don't want me to tell anyone else?"

"Please?" He pleaded. "I know you have all had the best intentions, but I messed things up so I need to be the one to make this right."

"Fair enough," she shrugged her shoulders. "What do you need?"

"Where is Caroline? I know she's in Italy but if I'm going to surprise her I need to know exactly where." He asked. "I'll even give you that raise I promised."

"Milan," she answered before adding. "And by the way I don't need a raise, all I need is to see you happy, boss."

"Let me guess, because I'm easier to work with that way?"

"God yes, but you deserve love just like the rest of us." She smiled. "Go and get your girl." Klaus couldn't help himself and stepped forward pulling her into his arm for a brief hug.

Lexi had always been so much more than an executive assistant to him; Klaus just wished he'd shown his appreciation for her more over the years. To be honest Klaus had no idea where he'd be without Lexi, he certainly wouldn't be Chief Executive Officer of Christies that was sure.

"Thanks," he smiled into her hair. "But you can't do much about the raise because it's already official."

"What?"

"You deserve it," he grinned. "Not because you told me where Caroline is but because you are the most fiercely loyal person I know Lexi Branson, and I'd be lost without you, even when you're yelling at me."

"Thanks boss," she beamed. "It's nice to feel appreciated."

"I'm glad, because I'm about to give you a lot more work to do." He said thinking about the plans he'd made to lighten his work load so he could spend more time with Caroline. "You're always telling me to stop micro managing and that's what I intend to do."

"Caroline will be pleased."

"Let's hope so because I can't live without her," he murmured. "I should probably go and pack my bags."

"Leave everything else to me," she promised. "I'll book your flights and track down her hotel. Oh and while you're in Milan, I wouldn't mind a new handbag."

"Don't push your luck! But if Caroline does forgive me she might be kind enough to help me find you something. I'll leave it to her because I have really bad taste."

"Yeah, that's what I was kind of hoping."

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Klaus looked around his bedroom mentally checking that he had everything. To be honest Caroline was his priority and even clothing didn't rate that highly. He heard his phone beep, signaling an incoming email.

Pulling his cell from his pocket he consulted the screen, his smile widening at her name. Until now he'd always been the one to instigate messages and Klaus was curious as to what had caused her to get in touch.

Hey, where's my sketch?

Klaus consulted his watch realising he hadn't sent her anything today. He was so caught up in his search and recover mission in Milan that he'd forgotten. The fact she'd emailed asking sent a jolt of hope rocketing through him.

He was going to respond with something cheeky but things were still fragile between them and Klaus knew that might not go down well. He photographed one of his favourite drawings before sending it via email with the subject line Frosty. It was Caroline laughing as she attempted to hide behind their creation as he pummeled her with snowballs.

You remember I did all the work; you had no idea what you were doing.

Nanna didn't think so…

She has a thing for attractive foreigners, or maybe just men in general.

Are you calling me attractive?

No I'm channeling nanna, don't want you getting an even bigger ego.

Can't have that love. You completely blindsided me with that snowball fight.

I still maintain I won.

After cheating? I thought we agreed to a rematch?

I was humouring you; but I would have won anyway. My dad taught me well.

Klaus smiled liking that she mentioned her father which he knew was a sensitive subject.

You're right, I didn't stand a chance love.

Klaus gathered up the remaining sketches and placed them in his suitcase. Caroline hadn't seen the majority of them and he wanted her to know exactly how often he'd thought about her over the past six months.

He grabbed the Twinkies he'd bought specially and placed them on top before zipping up his suitcase. Klaus figured if she didn't want to see him he knew at least she'd want the Twinkies. His eyes flickered towards the wall clock and he raced out the door, he didn't want to miss his flight after all this effort.

xxxx

Klaus watched as the scenery rushed past the taxi window. He hadn't been in Milan, or Italy for that matter, in a while and realised just how much he missed it.

Lexi had managed to find out which hotel she was staying at and he was on the way right now, no need to prolong the inevitable after all. When he had decided to take the leap and go to Italy, he felt empowered and excited but as the hours on the plane increased, an overwhelming sense of anxiety had overtaken him.

Multiple scenarios flashed through his mind. His worst one involved her slamming the door in his face, not appreciating the gesture he'd made. He wanted to give her the space she'd asked for but Klaus was scared. He realised letting her go to London had done nothing to improve things; in fact, the distance had made everything so much worse.

Still, there wasn't much he could do now, he thought, as the car pulled up outside her hotel, it was all too late. The Armani Hotel Milano was impressive, not only because it was located in the famous Fashion district, the Quadrilatero della Moda, but the building itself was chic and modern.

Klaus walked inside, mentally steeling his nerves as he approached the reception desk to check-in. His phone beeped and he checked the screen scrolling through his emails smiling as he recognised her name. The subject was only a question mark. She must have been having sketch withdrawals, not that he was complaining.

Given he had no idea what her room number was, Klaus decided he might as well come clean about exactly where he was.

Milan sure is beautiful this time of year.

He held his breath in anticipation wondering how she was going to reply. He busied himself with check-in hoping that by the time he was done she would have responded.

Is that your convoluted way of telling me you're in town?

He wasn't sure whether that response was good or bad. For once Klaus wished she'd use a smiley face every now and again just so he could be sure when she was teasing him. He walked towards the elevators thinking about how to respond next when his eyes fell on the familiar blonde sitting in the lobby lounge.

Her clothing was immaculate as usual, her blonde hair hanging loosely over her shoulders. She was transfixed by something in her hand and as he moved closer, Klaus could see her cell perched on her lap. Was she waiting for his reply?

Klaus couldn't help himself, positioning himself behind a nearby pillar so he could watch her without getting caught. Yes, it had a certain scary, stalker vibe about it but he couldn't help himself. He began to type.

Well that depends, would you like it if I were in town?

He sent it off then looked up eagerly awaiting her response. Her face softened slightly although she seemed to be biting on her lip, something she did when she was apprehensive. Klaus could tell she was struggling with how to reply. Caroline took her time, her face concentrating on the screen. When he eventually heard the beep Klaus wasn't sure whether he should be nervous or excited.

I guess that depends on what you'd be doing in Milan?

Well that was a start at least. He decided to start off slow and see what happened.

Looking at some art at the MC Magma Gallery.

He watched her face fell as she read it and immediately felt bad for misleading her. Call him selfish but all Klaus wanted to know was that she missed him just as much as he missed her. Her expression seemed to be indicating just that.

She looked up almost instinctively as if she knew he was watching and Klaus had to maneuver himself so she couldn't see him loitering. He knew that probably wouldn't be a good look right now. She looked back down again typing in a response.

Work has an annoying habit of getting in the way of travelling.

Who said I was working love? I go to art galleries for fun, thought you might like to come along.

Her frown immediately turned into a grin, and he watched mesmerized as she quickly replied.

So all joking aside, you're in Milan?

Someone wanted another sketch and some Twinkies, so I thought I'd bring them to her.

Her whole face lit up and Klaus knew instantly that he'd made the right decision in coming.

You bought Twinkies?

Glad to see she was focusing on the important things.

Well yes, and myself.

She twirled her hair around her fingers nervously as he waited, his mouth dry in anticipation.

I suppose I can live with you, if you've brought Twinkies. Where are you now?

Turn around.

He watched as she swiveled in her chair, her long waves fanning out across her back. She looked around curiously and Klaus figured he should stop skulking in the shadows and actually show his face. He walked over slowly taking a deep breath; hoping this time was going to end better than their last few encounters.

"You realise stalking is illegal in all fifty states right?"

"Lucky we're in Italy then," he teased.

"I'm pretty sure it's illegal here too," she shot back. "So where are my Twinkies?"

"Hello to you too Caroline," he joked. "It's good to see you love."