Well, I'm sorry. This shouldn't have taken so long but I was struggling with writer's block, which I get all too often during the closing chapters of a story. I hope this kind of makes up for it and you'll be happy to know this is the second last chapter : ) It has been such a fun ride.

Also if you get chance, check out my new story Game, Set, Match : )

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 48: White Wedding

Bridgehampton, New York

Friday September 18, 9:03am – 30 hours and 27 minutes until the Salvatore/Mikaelson nuptials

"Mmmm I forgot about that special talent you have with your tongue," he murmured, pulling her closer as she massaged his neck. "Don't stop, ever."

"Well if it wasn't for your sister and her unrealistic wedding demands then we could stay in bed and do this all day."

"Really, Caroline? Why did you have to mention my little sister right at this moment?"

"Well, this wedding is all she ever talks about, including all of the preparation that apparently still need to be done..."

"Can't we forget this ridiculous wedding and just indulge," he asked, pulling her towards him and claiming her mouth with his. She tasted just as delicious as he remembered all those months ago, a mixture of cream and strawberries from their room service binge a few hours earlier.

"Well, last time I checked we'd indulged multiple times during the past two days," she smiled mischievously, licking her lips at the recent memories.

2 days earlier…

They raced towards her room, Klaus never remembered it being this far but given his arousal it was hardly surprising. He could feel his growing erection straining against his jeans thinking all it took was the thought of sex with her to cause this reaction. He had been celibate and waiting for about six months, so Klaus figured his premature excitement was justified.

They slowed down when they walked inside the hotel trying to remain discreet, especially if they happened to run into any of his nosy siblings or friends which was highly likely. He just hoped it wasn't Rebekah because Klaus knew he definitely wouldn't be getting any action if that was the case.

They'd arrived at her door unseen, Klaus devouring her with his eyes, wondering just how long it would take to strip off her clothes. He wondered which lingerie she was wearing, but it didn't matter given it wouldn't stay on for very long given the urgency.

She fumbled with the key, trying numerous times to slot the card inside, obviously someone was just as excited as him. Klaus loved that he had this effect on Caroline still after all this time.

"Here, let me, love," he murmured, his husky tone not lost on either of them. She handed it over without any questions obviously desperate to get inside as well. He managed to do it first go, even in his current state. They fell into the room as shoes were discarded at a rapid pace, Klaus pulling her greedily towards him so that she was flush against his chest.

His hands roamed over the thin fabric of her white dress and made their way downwards, cupping her taut bottom and lifting her in one swift move. Caroline reacted immediately, wrapping her legs around his waist and descending on his mouth, greedily attacking his lips with fervour. It really had been too long, for both of them.

Klaus manoeuvred her towards the queen size bed, not losing momentum as their kisses only became harder and faster. He broke apart briefly, laying her on the bed and taking in the beautiful sight before him. Her blonde waves were strewn across the bedspread, her blue eyes blazing, her usually creamy cheeks tinged with excitement.

Klaus grabbed the hem of her dress and bunched it up over her long legs, watching as every exquisite inch of skin was revealed. He knew he'd missed her but seeing her lithe body in its full glory still floored him. Her dress was now up to her neck and Klaus revelled in the lacy white lingerie she was wearing. He could make out the swell of her breasts moving in time with her heavy breathing.

She lifted her arms and Klaus pulled off the dress, unable to contain his excitement. His pants, shirt and underwear flew off after that and Klaus lunged towards the bed, like a lion stalking its prey and straddled her possessively. His erection rubbing against her leg enticingly, causing Caroline to moan from his touch.

Klaus leaned down, continuing his assault on her mouth and enjoying the feeling of his tongue exploring it. She groaned against his lips and Klaus knew he had to have her. He pulled back, causing Caroline to send him a disapproving look for stopping.

"There's more than enough time for that later, love," he murmured, beginning his journey downwards, his lips nipping at her neck playfully before his tongue travelled across her collar bone then slipped between the valley of her breasts. She bucked her hips against his and Klaus knew she was getting impatient; he was feeling exactly the same way.

He lifted her up slightly and unlatched her bra, watching as her breasts sprang free from all restraint. Her rosy nipples looking good enough to eat. He didn't waste time, attaching his mouth to one and rubbing the other between his thumb and forefinger. Her moans were louder now and Klaus continued his attack as her body reacted to every sensation.

Klaus let his hand wander, pushing her panties down and working his way to her centre. She was already wet and it made his entry easier, his fingers playing with her silky folds. She shuddered and Klaus could tell she was close to release.

"Mmmm, please Klaus," she cried, her body unable to stop shaking. He detached his mouth after tugging hard on her nipple for extra effect.

"What do you want?" He growled, watching her frenzied expression with interest.

"I want you, now," she managed to bite out.

"All you needed to do was ask," he groaned, sitting up and positioning himself at her wet centre and pushing in slowly, loving the way she felt as she enveloped him. They began slowly at first, almost like they were reacquainting themselves with each other after all these months apart.

It didn't take long for the rhythm and speed to increase as he thrust back and forth, her cries only spurring him on further. He leant down to feather kisses along her heaving chest and then along her neck. She pushed up her hips, relishing in the sensations he was causing as he went deeper, if that was possible.

Caroline whimpered, running her fingernails down the length of his back and Klaus knew she was close, just like him. He grinded harder, willing her to climax and within a few thrusts she did, tightening around him and crying out in pleasure.

He followed soon after exploding into her as the months of pent up sexual energy he'd been harbouring was finally released. Klaus was actually impressed he had managed to hold on this long, but it was more than worth it. He let the waves of desire ripple over him before collapsing on top of her, his breathing ragged, only matched in intensity by hers.

"Wow," she managed to pant, after a few minutes of silence.

"I'm not sure wow would even cover that, love," he grinned, placing a chaste kiss on her lips before rolling over. "Maybe we should try again and see if any better adjectives come to us?"

"There's no complaints here," she chuckled, cuddling into his side and placing kisses along his chest. "I have no intention of letting you leave this bed."

"So what's the problem with enjoying ourselves a little longer?"

"The problem is about yea high with blonde hair and blue eyes," she explained. "Goes by the nick name of Bridezilla. She's already interrupted our serenity a half dozen times. First it was our supposed half-assed decoration job in the barn…"

"Well I told you to tell her we were too busy having sex and our attention to detail may have been slightly compromised."

"We couldn't even hang up one lantern before your paws were all over me," she argued.

"Oh, my paws were all over you," he grinned. "I seem to recall someone pretty desperate to get me back to her lair so she could seduce me."

"And the problem with that is?"

"No problem at all, exactly why we should stay put," he murmured, pulling her closer and snuggling into the crook of her neck.

"Then there was that close call yesterday afternoon when you dragged me into your room as I innocently passed by."

"I don't seem to recall you complaining when I did that thing you love with my mouth," he said, knowingly. "What were you screaming about again, because I don't remember you asking me to stop."

"No, it was quite the opposite," she acknowledged with a sly grin on her face. "Although you were compromising our cover by doing that."

"Well, what about your excuses about feeling sick at dinner last night and needing some fresh air. I walked out to the gazebo afterwards to find you in a compromising position and with a lot less clothing than you had on at dinner."

"Funny how you didn't advise me to cover up before we ended up in the flower bed," she purred. "I just hope Rebekah doesn't notice that flattened patch of daisies."

"So, what's wrong with continuing our fun?"

"Your sister would definitely suspect something and we can't have that."

"You've been on about secrecy for days. I seem to recall our friends and family adamant about getting us back together, so I don't understand what the problem is?"

"Your sister revels in attention..."

"You don't say."

"If she found out we'd reunited then she'd think we'd be taking away from her big day," she explained. "I, for one, do not want to be responsible for poking the Bridezilla and telling Kol will do just that because when he knows something, everyone else does."

Suddenly there was a sharp rapping at the door, making them break apart like startled animals from the interruption.

"Caroline! I know you're in there, get up," Rebekah yelled. "I expect you to be out here in five minutes fully dressed. If you didn't realise it's Friday and I expect a perfect rehearsal dinner tonight."

"How could we not know that after she mentions it every five minutes? She's going to be the death of me, I'm just going to tell her to go away," Klaus growled, attempting to get out of bed.

"No," she hissed pulling him back down. "I do not have a death wish and if you were smart you wouldn't want one either."

"So, what exactly are you saying?"

"Do I hear voices in there?" Rebekah asked as Klaus rolled his eyes in frustration.

"Let's just wait until after the wedding," she suggested, quietly. "It's only another forty-eight hours give or take once all the festivities have completed."

"Well, I suppose I've waited longer than that," he acknowledged, gruffly. "After that you are all mine and I don't care what anyone thinks, demanding Bridezillas included."

"I think I can live with that," she grinned, pulling him in for a deep kiss.

"When I say I want you out here now, I mean it," Rebekah ordered, her knocks only becoming louder. "You're not special enough to be relegated to second bridesmaid, you know."

"Oh what an absolute disaster," Klaus whispered, capturing her mouth in another kiss.

Friday, September 18, 10:57am - 28 hours and 33 minutes until the Salvatore/Mikaelson nuptials

"What's with that weird grin on your face?" Kol asked, looking at his brother curiously. "Last time I checked canopy detail wasn't fun." The brothers had been charged with stabalising the floral wedding canopy given Rebekah was adamant it was crooked.

"I'm putting on a happy face," he stuttered, not even realising he was wearing such a grin. It was Caroline's fault, after all. "You know in case sister dear decides to burst in and take attendance."

"I wouldn't be surprised," Elijah agreed. "She was knocking incessantly at 8:30am, I had to restrain Katherine from bursting open the door and sharing her colourful thoughts." Klaus chuckled thinking just how familiar that scenario was.

"Try waking a hormonal pregnant woman," Kol advised. "Rebekah is lucky she's still breathing after Bonnie's reaction."

"It's only about forty-eight more hours or so," Klaus said, trying to reassure them as Caroline had done the same with him.

"Why are you so zen all of a sudden. You're only like that when…" Kol trailed off covering his mouth in realisation. "You had sex!"

"That's crazy," he replied, trying to sound somewhat believable. "I think your judgment is off given all that sleep deprivation from the pregnancy."

"Yes Kol, maybe you should just relax and try to focus on Bonnie right now," Elijah added, sending Klaus a knowing glance.

"I swear, she is going to drive me crazy," he muttered. "The sooner she gives birth the sooner things will go back to normal." Klaus wasn't quite sure it would be normal but thought it best to refrain from telling his younger brother otherwise. "I'm going to get some water; anyone want anything?"

"No, we're fine," Klaus answered, watching as his brother walked through the garden.

"Now that wasn't very nice of you Niklaus, Kol thinks he's going crazy or something."

"You agreed with me!"

"I was just covering your backside," Elijah shot back. "You are the worst liar, anyone could tell you're somewhat happier than usual and we all know why. If it were a crossword clue it would be eight letters. A song by Neil Diamond entitled, sweet what?"

"Caroline swore me to secrecy, she didn't want little sister getting upset about it," he explained. "I would have been happy to come clean but apparently we don't want to mess with Bridezilla."

"Your girlfriend is a wise woman, I've always said that," he laughed. "I'll keep your little secret even just for the peace."

"I assume you want something in return?"

"No, I think I'm more than okay."

"So you and Katherine had your little talk then I assume? You know about the future."

"We did and it turns out she doesn't want to get married, we are more perfect for each other than I ever thought."

"Well, I suppose congratulations are in order, then?" He asked, unsure of how one celebrated this particular milestone.

"Same with you," Elijah replied. "So, does this mean you two will be getting married soon?"

"Calm down there, we haven't even come out publicly yet. So one step at a time big brother. I mean she does still live in London, after all."

"You haven't spoken about that particular obstacle yet?"

"We've been distracted, to say the least."

"Well you can't ignore geography forever Niklaus," Elijah warned. "But given all you two have been though I have no doubt you'll work something out. I'm truly happy for you, Niklaus," Elijah expressed warmly. He didn't usually show this much emotion so Klaus knew he was sincere.

"I'm actually pretty happy for myself too," he grinned, thinking how the heartbreak of the past six months and the lessons he'd learned had been worth every moment because now they were together and he hoped nothing would get in their way, even distance. "Now all we have to do is get through the next couple of days alive."

Rehearsal Dinner, Friday 18 September 7:03pm – 20 hours and 27 minutes until the Salvatore/Mikaelson Wedding

Klaus straightened his tie in the mirror hoping it would be up to his sister's high standards so he didn't have to go back to his room and change. One last look in the mirror and Klaus left wondering exactly what Caroline would be wearing and how long it would take him to get it off.

He didn't have to wait long at all, seeing the familiar backside of his favourite blonde walking ahead of him up the hallway, her flowing peach coloured dress only highlighting the tan she'd acquired during their stay in the Hamptons.

"Just when I think you couldn't look more gorgeous, you had to go and prove me wrong," he murmured, watching as she turned around. The front was even more spectacular than the back, not that he should have been surprised.

"I bet you say that to all the girls."

"No, only the blonde ones called Caroline Forbes," he teased, sending her a wolfish grin. "I'd be more than happy to discuss this further if you'd like?"

"If we're not there punctually she'll come after us, trust me."

"Well, luckily we're running a few minutes early and there's a closet over there that has our name written on it."

"You want me to go into a dirty broom closet in this?" She baulked.

"Correction, I want you to come in there with me. Did you happen to notice my clever use of double meanings?"

"I did," she chuckled. "It was pretty bad but even so I probably should reward you somehow."

"I like your train of thought," he growled, pulling her towards the closet, making her yelp in surprise.

xxxxxx

The rehearsal dinner was being held at the beautiful Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club on their exclusive stretch of beach and as usual his sister hadn't scrimped on anything. Two long tables were set out on the white sand, the only light emanating from grand candelabras on each.

Pre-dinner drinks were being handed out on silver platters from wait staff at the water's edge as the guests mingled, the gorgeous sunset providing the perfect backdrop. Caroline and Klaus found themselves rushing to the venue, realising just how long their activities in the closet had taken.

"I'm definitely going to be bridesmaid number two now," Caroline mumbled.

"Why do you care?"

"Because Katherine is like the worst bridesmaid ever and I'm not sure I could stand her being promoted above me."

"There you are!" A voice exclaimed and they both looked up sheepishly, knowing they were caught. "And look, seventeen minutes late."

"Sorry Rebekah, we got caught up," Caroline offered feebly, looking to Klaus for assistance.

"Yes, I had a tie emergency and Caroline nicely offered to fix it for me," he explained.

"Don't you mean she helped you untie it? You've known how to do that since you were eight, big brother, I should know given how weird I thought it was."

"What's going on?" Stefan asked, approaching his soon-to-be wife's side.

"Oh didn't you know, Caroline and Klaus have been sneaking around together," she informed him. "I won't go into all the dirty details, I mean we do have to eat shortly."

"You mean they are?"

"Yes, they're back together, Stefan, have been for a few days now."

"Should I really ask how you knew all of this?" Klaus asked.

"Probably best not to, but when it comes to my wedding I know everything," Rebekah confirmed. "I've known about your little reunion since the beginning."

"Who's back together?" Lexi asked approaching the group, looking between them as the rest of the bridal party approached curiously.

"Klaus and Caroline."

"I knew it," Kol exclaimed. "Thanks for making me feel like I was going crazy, Niklaus."

"I'm sorry, we just didn't want to take away from your wedding," Klaus explained and Caroline nodded in agreement.

"Oh you mean like talking about this during my rehearsal dinner?" They were all silent not sure what to say next. "I'm so happy for you both, but can we get back to me now?" She insisted, before walking away purposefully.

"I think that's our sister's idea of a blessing," Kol joked when she was out of earshot. "You should take what you can get."