There was no moon that night, and for that Hayley was grateful.
"He asked me to marry him," she told Klaus. They were sitting side by side on the porch steps.
"About time," said Klaus. "He's been practising the speech for weeks. Driving me insane." He tilted his head and looked at her. "So was it everything you wanted, Little Wolf? Did he sweep you off your feet?"
"It was a bit of a fumble actually," said Hayley honestly.
"We should put it in the history books: the first time Elijah wasn't Mister Smooth."
Hayley laughed. "It was nice," said Hayley, "nice seeing him not so smooth, not so uptight and formal."
"Did you say yes?"
"Of course."
"I'm glad. For both of you."
"Klaus?"
"Mmm?"
"Will you give me away?"
Surprise crossed his features. "What?" he said, as if misunderstanding her.
"Will you walk me down the aisle?"
His brow furrowed. "Why me?" he asked.
"Well I don't have a father or a mother," said Hayley, "and you're the closest thing I've ever had to a family. You don't have too, if you don't want to." Hayley felt herself beginning to ramble. "I mean, I can walk down the aisle by myself. I've done nearly every milestone in my life alone, so it doesn't matter if you don't want to –"
"Hayley, shut up."
She closed her jaw and glared at him.
"I'd be honoured to walk you down the aisle."
"You would?" Hayley felt herself getting emotional.
"I would."
"Can I ask you a question that's completely off topic?" said Hayley.
"Shoot away."
"Why am I alive?"
"Because you fought so damn hard."
"No, I mean, in the beginning when you and I had our psychotic one night stand, why did you let me live? You were renowned for fucking women and killing them, draining them off their blood…why didn't you kill me too?"
"Because you were too good at sex," said Klaus without hesitation.
Hayley laughed.
"No but in seriousness, Little Wolf…I saw myself in you…I saw someone who has had a hard life but fought in the hope of finding her family. And although you never found your real family, I'm so happy you came here, because you found us and soon you will be a Mikaelson in name as well as blood."
"Well, thank you for not killing me all those all those months ago. Oh, and Klaus, do you want me to invite Caroline to the wedding?"
"Invite whoever you like."
"So your heart is not longing to see Miss Forbes?" quirked Hayley.
"I'm not going to discuss my love interests with you," said Klaus drily. "Plus I didn't know you cared about matters of my heart."
Hayley smiled weakly. "Of course I care, you unprincipled Therianthrope," she whispered. "Of course I care."
When she went inside that night, Hayley added Caroline Forbes's name to the invitation list.
Of course, she cared.
Thanks for all your reviews and well-wishers. My eyes are good and new. The world is so damn bright and beautiful. Here's a Klayley chapter for you guys. Who's excited for Season 2. I can't wait to see Klaus and Hayley bond over the loss of their daughter/being a hybrid, but I don't want Hayley to push Elijah away. Argh! Anyway, once again, I'd appreciated your feedback on this chapter. Until next time, CD