This is it. The last chapter. Savor it. Enjoy it. Reread it.
Music
French Vacation - The Walkmen (Chicago)
Indian Summer - Jónsi & Alex (Lisa)
Flax - Gem Club (Kol's Goodbye)
Euphoria - Motopony (Elijah/Hayley ;] )
The Price of a Good Trick - David Julyan (Klaus)
Acid & Everything - Gem Club (the end)
Two weeks had gone by since Hayley became a vampire. Elijah and her only stayed in Mystic Falls for a few days after her transition. Even after all that happened, he did everything to make sure she still had a normal life. Elijah made her promise she would finish college. He told her she could go to art school, never setting foot in another law firm again. When Hayley said that her parents would never allow it, he interrupted by informing her he would pay for it. She tried to argue, but it was pointless. He only wanted to see her happy. Hayley tried to tell him that all she needed for that was to be with him. But Elijah didn't want all her happiness to come from him like she did for himself. There were small things that made her happy before she met him, and he didn't want her to lose them.
They moved back to his apartment in Chicago, permanently. With Alaric gone and the only weapon to kill them thrown at sea, there was no reason for them to run anymore. One of the first things Hayley did when she got home was see her sister. Elijah went along, not needing to be asked. What she was about to tell Lisa would not be easy, and she needed him there.
Lisa opened the door enthusiastically, thrilled to see Hayley after too long. Her smile faltered a little when she recognized Elijah, even though it'd been over two years since they'd met. She looked at her little sister for some sort of explanation, but Hayley only looked nervous. "Can we come in?" She asked softly.
Lisa nodded. "Of course…come in, come in!" Hayley sighed in relief. She hadn't got used to waiting for invitations to go inside people's houses. It always felt like she was asking something that shouldn't be allowed. Her restrictions made her feel guilty.
Elijah followed Hayley into the house. "Please don't let me kill her." She whispered to him before they tailed Lisa's body that had disappeared into the kitchen. He exhaled at her request. She still didn't trust herself around humans, even though her self-control was much better than she acknowledged. Hayley had yet to kill someone, but she felt she was just waiting for a monster to erupt from within. He kissed her quickly; reassuring that he would never let her do such a thing.
Lisa sat at the kitchen counter with a cup of tea in her hands. She looked suspiciously between the two of them before they sat down also.
"What is this all about?" She said nervously. "Not to be rude. But what exactly are you doing here…Elijah, right?" Lisa eyed the original as he nodded. She surprised herself at being able to remember his name after so long.
"He's my boyfriend." Hayley spit out. She didn't want to drag it out any longer than was necessary.
Lisa put down her cup, waiting for her sister to tell her she was joking. The last time she checked, Elijah was inappropriately older than Hayley. But instead of confirming it was a joke, Hayley went into her clarification. She spent the next half hour explaining everything that she wanted Lisa to know. When Hayley couldn't bring herself to say certain things, Elijah would kindly cut in. She decided she'd spare the gory details of how she gruesomely became a vampire. It was unnecessary and would probably make her sister faint. Lisa was quiet the entire time, not once stopping her to ask questions. Her mind seemed to be absorbing everything. It was a lot to take in all at once. How do you calmly tell someone that vampires, werewolves, and witches existed? And then add that their little sister had become one of them.
Hayley stopped talking, waiting for Lisa to say she was crazy or call 911. But her older sister just stared at Elijah for a moment. It made Hayley more uncomfortable than Elijah. She appeared to understand all of this happened because of him.
"Lisa, will you please say something?" Hayley murmured. The silence was the worst thing that could have followed her unveiling of secrets.
"All that time…it was because he left. And you didn't even know. Oh my god, I'm so sorry Hayley. I wish I would have done more." She got out of her seat, embracing her little sister tightly. Being so close to a human without preparation made Hayley's eyes immediately darken, the predator within took over. She pulled away and hid her face from Lisa. Scaring her would only make matters worse. Her older sister was so filled with changing emotions, she didn't even notice.
Lisa finally contained herself and sat back down. Elijah noted how openly emotional she was compared to Hayley. As if she could hear his thoughts, her eyes turned to his. "So, when I met you, were you two…together?" She asked quietly.
"No." Elijah replied. "Actually, as I recall, Hayley was quite upset with me that evening." He finished with an amused smirk, remembering how angry his surprise appearance had made her. Even though, later in the night was when they shared their first kiss, truly starting their relationship.
"I just needed you to know, Lisa. I don't want to keep my real life a secret from you anymore." She grabbed Lisa's hand. It was the only way she could think of comforting her without making her fangs come out or eyes darken.
Before leaving, Elijah left the kitchen to let Hayley have a moment alone with her sister. He made some excuse that he had to make a phone call. Even if he tried, there was no way of stopping himself from overhearing their private conversation.
"You know, when I think about it, it all kind of makes sense." Lisa said softly. "I remember now, during that dinner, how he looked at you. I ignored it because the idea of anything romantic between you two seemed ridiculous at the time. But I think he was in love with you even then."
Hayley gave her a shy smile. It all seemed so long ago. Even though it didn't feel like it at the time, her and Elijah's relationship seemed so much simpler. But then again she hadn't really known all that much yet.
"I know you'll never say you've regretted anything…but I just need to ask. Are you happy and I mean truly happy?" Lisa whispered, still not aware of how sensitive vampire hearing was.
A grin beamed from Hayley. She couldn't even control it. "Before I met him, everything just seemed so meaningless. I was fine and everything. But I just can't even imagine how much happiness I would never have had if I didn't meet him. I love him, Lisa…more than I can ever explain and for reasons I don't even think I could put into words for you. You don't have to worry… This is what I want."
Elijah had converted one of the many bedrooms in his apartment into an art studio for Hayley. She spent a lot of her time there, especially when he was away for one reason or another. Currently, she worked on an oil painting atop a large canvas. Her hair was up in a messy bun, random pieces refusing to be tamed. She wore an oversize denim shirt that had dried paint and faded charcoal stains. Her long legs completely exposed from the shirt that almost acted as a dress. As her mind was in such a faraway place, she didn't notice Elijah had walked in behind her. Hayley smiled when she felt his lips go from her exposed shoulder, to her neck, and then on her cheek. Giggling a little, she turned on her wooden stool to face him. Elijah grinned when he saw a random streak of blue paint across her cheek. Before he could point it out, she stood up to kiss him properly. Hayley stepped away and stood for a moment on her tippy toes in excitement.
"Good news!" She left the room at vampire speed and came back with a large envelope in her hand. "I'm officially a student at the Art Institute of Chicago!" Elijah smiled at her delight, already knowing there was no way they wouldn't accept her. He kissed her again as if it was a reward for her personal success.
Hayley pulled away, a smile still on just a tiny bit duller. "And what exactly is the plan once I'm done with college?" She asked carefully.
"I thought I would leave it up to you. But I had a few ideas in mind…. Paris," He kissed her nose. "Rome," Her temple. "Barcelona," Her cheek. "I believe you get the point." He finished casually.
"I've never even been out of the country." Hayley sat back down on her stool, overwhelmed with all the possibilities. Her eyes stared off, trying to imagine. Elijah caught a piece of hair that had fallen out of her ponytail and placed it behind her ear.
The gesture caught her attention and she looked up at him curiously. "What were you just doing?" She asked.
"I had to make a phone call." He replied without look at her.
"With whom?" She sounded suspicious.
Elijah glanced at her a moment, not wanting to tell her. "Kol." He said quietly. He'd made a habit of keeping in touch with his younger brother. The fact that Hayley was connected with Kol, made him uneasy. If he died, she would die with him. It all seemed quite unfair and un-Shakespearean. His younger brother knew exactly why Elijah felt the need to make a call every once in awhile. He never asked to speak to Hayley and Elijah never brought her up. But somehow, no matter what, their conversations seemed to be about her without actually being stated. Hayley's smile vanished at the mentioning of the younger Mikaelson. She looked at the ground
"How is he doing?" Her voice sounded torn and sad. She wished she could stay in contact with him, to be friends with him. But Hayley knew she wished for too much. And it would only be hard on both brothers. Her mind wandered to the last time she saw Kol, right before they left for Chicago.
Elijah had left the mansion, making some impractical excuse for why he needed to go into town before leaving. She'd already said her farewells to Rebekah. The original sister gave her a hug Hayley did not expect. She then made her promise to keep in touch. Rebekah now saw her as a sister she'd always wanted. There was only one Mikaelson left. Hayley knew Elijah was leaving her alone with Kol to say goodbye.
Elijah trusted her alone with him, even if he didn't feel the same way about his younger brother. Elijah believed he owed her privacy to say goodbye to him without knowing he could hear them. Hayley was just packing the rest of her things when she felt his presence in her room. She turned to see Kol sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her. Somehow he seemed to be aware of the unspoken arrangement.
"Hey." She said softly. He smiled at her, but it was so weak, there was no point in him forcing it. Hayley slowly walked over to sit next to him on the bed. "I actually didn't think you would even want to say bye to me."
"Don't be ridiculous." Kol said with a smirk.
"I just want you to know, I will always be your friend. No matter what happens, I won't stop caring about you. And I realize that's not what you want to hear…that it's not enough. But I had to tell you anyway." She nodded her said as if she was trying to assure herself that saying anything more would make things worse. She got up from the bed. But Kol grabbed her hand. He stood up quickly and pulled her into his arms. This was as close to her as he would ever get. She wasn't his to keep, she never was. Hayley froze in hesitation for a moment, not expecting it. But after a second, she relaxed and held onto him tightly. Her eyes closed at his touch. She didn't know the next time he would show himself. Vampires had all the time in the world; years were nothing now.
After a few moments, Kol pulled away slightly so his mouth was parallel to her ear. "My brother is the better man, he always was and he always will be. But I will never be too far away. Goodbye Hayley." He kissed her on the cheek and then he disappeared. Hayley stood silently in the empty room.
"He's in Montreal." Elijah stated quietly. He technically didn't say how his brother was doing because they already knew the answer. Kol was inconsolable and probably going on a rampage to make himself believe he wasn't. Hayley only nodded. That's all she would ask.
At the mentioning of his brother, Elijah's attention moved to the pile of paintings and drawings in the corner of the studio. They were Klaus'. Before parting, Hayley refused to allow them to be left behind. It was a connection her and Klaus had that Elijah would never understand. What he did understand was why it saddened her to see them left in the mansion or thrown away.
"Are you planning to leave those there for eternity?" He pointed to them.
Hayley looked over her shoulder even though she knew what he spoke of. Her eyes became depressed when she began thinking about Klaus. They never found his coffin back at the storage department. The originals were convinced Alaric disposed of his body in some way.
Hayley shrugged. "I don't know…maybe we could hang them up around the apartment." She turned back at him to see what he thought.
"I would much rather have yours hanging about." He stated.
"Fine. But I'm going to have to charge you." Hayley informed him with a mischievous smile. Elijah raised an eyebrow at her.
"Is that so?" He challenged. Hayley only nodded. "And how much will that be?" Elijah stepped closer to her as she sat on the stool. Her arms then relaxed on top of his shoulders. His hands slipped under the edge of her denim shirt, resting them on her tiny waist.
"Oh, I don't want your money." She added.
"Well, how am I supposed to pay you?" He inquired.
Hayley's smile only widened, glad he was playing along. She reached up to place a kiss on his lips. But it wasn't casual and it wasn't quick. Her mouth lingered and took its time. She could feel Elijah's mood immediately change as he gripped her waist tighter. Everything seemed to be better. There wasn't any threat lingering over their heads anymore. After all they'd been through they deserved happiness. Hayley led Elijah to their bedroom to take full advantage of their problem free lives.
Hayley had started summer classes at the Art Institute to catch up on credits. Taking two years of pre-law didn't really prepare her for art school. She was walking down the busy city streets, back to the apartment, sketchpad in hand. She turned a corner on a quieter street to get away from all the slow walking tourists. There was no one walking on either side of the street. Suddenly, her vampire senses picked up something unusual. It felt like someone was following or watching her. She used her sensitive hearing and vision to figure it out but the feeling passed a few moments later. Hayley shook it off and just picked up her pace.
A few minutes later, she walked into the apartment. She dropped her bag and sketchpad on the kitchen counter before walking into her studio. Her senses already told her Elijah wasn't there. After a few minutes of casually sketching she had that strange feeling again. Someone was in the apartment. She closed her eyes and listened carefully, determined to find them. A second later, there was a creak of wood coming from the kitchen. A human would never be able to pick it up.
Hayley flew into the kitchen and nailed the intruder onto the floor by latching around their throat. Her eyes changed and her fangs showed threateningly. But it all vanished instantly once she recognized her victim. Klaus was staring back at her with a wicked grin. She quickly moved off of him and stared, not believing what her eyes were seeing.
"It's impossible. Rebekah saw Alaric stake you. Your body went up in flames." She whispered as her fingers tousled her hair.
Klaus was on his feet. He ignored her talking. His eyes looked her up and down. "So it's true. You're finally a vampire. I must say I prefer you this way. Although, I believe I found you more sexy than terrifying just then." He raised an eyebrow at her along with his inappropriate comment.
Hayley crossed her arms and glared at him. All her doubts of him not actually being Klaus were gone. Only he would speak to her in such a way. His body wasn't being possessed and she wasn't going insane. "What happened?" She whispered.
Klaus put all joking matters aside as he finally explained how his existence was possible. "Bonnie took matters into her own hands. Before Alaric killed me, I was inside someone else's body. Tyler Lockwood's, to be exact. My body wasn't completely destroyed by the flames. I was able to find a witch to repair it before returning inside." Hayley sighed; finally relief and happiness substituted her shock and wrath. She walked forward and hugged him. Her gesture surprised Klaus. It took him a moment to return the affection. He couldn't remember the last time someone embraced him. Caroline had, but only because he was in Tyler's body. The feeling was something he hadn't realized he missed.
The apartment door opening ended the exchange. Elijah stopped mid-step when his eyes fell on his brother. In a single breath, he had Klaus pinned against a wall. Hayley's eyes widened. "Elijah, stop! It's Klaus!" She knew he immediately assumed it was another one of Ester's tricks.
Klaus glared into his brother's eyes and shoved him off as soon as Elijah's grip lightened the tiniest bit. "Maybe you should have a little faith, brother."
Elijah moved to Hayley's side. The hybrid noticed how his stance was slightly in front of her, protectively. He still didn't trust his brother's reawakening. Klaus put his hands up in a yielding manner, trying to prove he meant no harm. After a moments thought, Elijah figured out how he survived. He assumed Klaus had used his favorite trick. He'd witnessed it so many times that he couldn't understand how he hadn't thought of the possibility sooner.
Elijah wouldn't show any relief or joy at seeing his brother again. He knew that's what Klaus expected and wanted. He turned to look at Hayley before confronting him again. "What are you doing here, Klaus?"
"Why, I thought I'd finally come out of hiding. And my curiosity got the best of me." The hybrid glanced over at Hayley in a way that made Elijah's jaw tense. "I just needed to see the latest, cunning vampire. She has become quite the menace, Elijah. What ever did you do to her?" His older brother's lack of elation in seeing him made Klaus start to test his patience and control. It worked, for Elijah started toward him. But Hayley quickly stopped a fight from breaking out.
"Will you give us a few minutes?" She asked Elijah quietly. He looked between her and his brother. He wanted to refuse the request immediately, but he knew she could handle herself. Klaus wouldn't do anything to harm her. He only pretended like he didn't care about Hayley. Elijah nodded reluctantly before leaving the apartment, truly giving them privacy.
"Why do you push him like that?" She patronized Klaus. But he didn't answer. "I have something to give you." She added before walking toward her studio. He followed quietly. Klaus immediately spotted his artwork, sitting in the corner. He didn't thank her for saving his work. It would be unlike him to be so genuinely grateful to her. But she knew he never would anyway. She sat on the wooden stool next to an easel, watching him scan through his paintings.
"Do Rebekah and Kol know?" Hayley asked.
"Not yet. I plan on meeting up with Rebekah at some point. I was actually surprised I didn't find Kol in Chicago." Klaus said without looking at her.
"And why is that?" She asked honestly.
"You, of course." He said, finally looking up at her. His comment made Hayley shift uncomfortably in her seat. Elijah never brought up his younger brother. She wasn't used to speaking about Kol.
"He's in Montreal. Rebekah is in London." She stated quietly.
"You must have broken the poor lad's heart." Klaus said. It was sick how entertained he was at the idea, his teeth showing into a huge grin.
"I see you're still an ass." Hayley glared. There was a silence, which filled the room. Her composure softened. "He's happy to see you, Klaus. Just give him time. He went back to Mystic Falls to save you. Don't ever believe he doesn't love you. He's been through a lot and I think you shook him up a bit."
"I don't really have time. I'm leaving town tonight." Klaus said.
Hayley eyed him and crossed her arms. "Why did you come here? You could have easily gone to Rebekah and we would have found out sooner or later that you were alive."
Klaus stared at her quietly for a moment. He came to see that she was all right. His desiccation was the only reason his siblings and her were forced back to Mystic Falls. Hayley had been right all along: he should've trusted his family above all else. When he'd heard of Hayley turning into a vampire, he had to see for himself. But Klaus would never tell her he was there to see his only true friend.
"Take care of those paintings, will you, love?" He said in his flawless British accent. Hayley gave him a sad smile and went over to him. She hugged him once more, already knowing all the things he couldn't allow himself to say aloud. The second she pulled away he walked out the door.
Klaus clicked the elevator button to go down. "Niklaus." He heard behind him. He turned to see Elijah looking at him guardedly. His older brother didn't need to say anymore. Everything Elijah wished to express could be read in his voice. Always and Forever, they had once told each other. It still applied. But the time was not right, Elijah and Hayley deserved to live a life of their own for a while. But both brothers knew, eventually their family would be truly reunited. Hayley would never allow anything else. His family was now forever hers. Sooner or later, Lisa would pass away, along with all of her dear friends. And the original family would be there.
"Don't ever let her become me." Klaus said as the elevator doors opened. It was the first time either of them openly acknowledged the terrifying similarities between him and Hayley.
Elijah looked at the ground. "I shall see you again, brother."
THE END
I just wanted to thank every single person who took the time to read this story. I'm just a 19 year old girl who had an idea and felt the need to write it down. I never expected to get the viewers and reviews I did. So thank you all so much! I would love to hear your final thoughts on this fanfic. I know so many have requested other stories (mostly ones on Kol). I've been thinking about it a lot. And it will probably end up happening, it's just a matter of when. Thanks again to all of you. So lucky to have such avid readers.
Until next time.
