A new drabble!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with The Originals... I just like to play around with the characters at times.
tumblr request by nosymausi2292: 33. "I… I do care about you, but if you're going to do this, then I can't say I love you. I can't lose someone I love again."
"I have to do this, Hayley," Elijah says, reaching out to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.
Hayley sighs, leaning into the little touch that comes with his movements. "I know you do," she whispers. "And I… I do care about you, but if you're going to do this, then I can't say I love you. I can't lose someone I love again."
Elijah smiles sadly. "I understand."
"Be careful, and come back alive." Hayley averts her eyes from his face. "Maybe then I can say those three words to you."
"I will do whatever it takes to come back to you," Elijah assures her. "I told you once before, I always come back. I intend to keep my word."
"I will be holding you to it."
"I expect nothing less."
"Don't make me have to grieve another loss. I don't think I could handle losing another person," Hayley admits, her voice breaking. "Especially not you."
Elijah wraps his arms around her, pulling her in close. "I will not let that happen. Not if I have a say in it."
Hayley returns the embrace, holding him as tightly as she can. "Please return to me in one piece," she murmurs into his suit jacket.
"I promise you, I will."
Hayley pulls back, staring right into his eyes. "Don't make promises you can't keep."
They both smile at the memory that he words bring back.
"Are you planning on slapping me again?" Elijah teases.
Hayley narrows her eyes. "Don't tempt me, Mr. Mikaelson."
"I would never, Ms. Marshall."
She laughs, rolling her eyes at him. "You say as you do just that." Hayley sighs. "In all seriousness, though, you better come back to me in one piece. Or else."
"Or else what?"
"Trust me, you don't want to know what I have in mind."
Truth be told, neither did she.