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Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with The Originals...I just like to play around with the characters at times. I only own the plot...mostly.

Chapter 12 - Ex and The New Guy

"Oh. Hell no!" Hayley exclaimed, slamming the door in her exes face.

Deep down there was a part of her that wanted her to open the door. A part deep, deep down. But an even bigger part told her not to even think it. Jackson was a jackass and she knew better this time around. He was her ex, for a good reason. She wasn't falling for his bullshit this time around.

He was literally being an ass to her not even an hour or two ago. Now he was at her door saying he wanted to get back with her. Had he lost his ever loving mind? He couldn't actually be this stupid... could he? Well, he was here now saying he wanted her back. Maybe he was that stupid.

"Go away!" Hayley yelled as Jackson knocked on the door.

"Please, Hayley. Open the door so we can talk."

"No!" Hayley screamed through the door.

Jackson continued knocking and pleading with her to let him in.

"NO! GO AWAY!" Hayley hissed, stomping her foot on the floor; it is not like anyone saw her do it.

"Come on, Hayley."

Hayley shook her head and scoffed. He really was a stalker, wasn't he? How'd she never realize this was who he was when they were together? Apparently she was too blinded by something about him. Probably him being nice at the time and not a total douche who just wanted her for her body. But honestly, those guys didn't seem as bad as Jackson did right now. She'd gladly take one of those guys who at least would leave her alone after she politely declined them.

She probably waited at least ten minutes before finally the knocking stopped. Another five minutes after that, she felt like she could actually leave the room. Surely five minutes was enough time for him to leave after giving up on her opening the door. Right?

Deciding that she could leave the room, Hayley opened the door. She peaked her head out and looked both ways. A sigh of relief escaped her as she saw that the coast was clear. After making sure she had her keycard, she walked out of the room to go find Keelin. Or Elijah. Just anyone was better than being alone when Jackson could show back up at any time.

Halfway down the hall, she heard footsteps behind her. Looking over her shoulder, anger and annoyance immediately washed over her.

"What the hell?!" she hissed, turning around to find Jackson standing there. "Why won't you take no and go away for an answer? You stalker! Leave me alone!"

Hayley pivoted on her heel and made off down the hall the other way.

"Please, let's talk, Hayley!" Jackson called after her.

Hayley refused to stop, only spending up in response to him. She could hear him running after her, his footsteps loud in her ears. This was probably the closest that she'd ever get to being in a psychological thriller or horror movie. She didn't like it. The one reason she never went into acting. She loved watching those kinds of movies, but even playing a character in one of those seemed too much for her. Right now was cementing her decision to go into business with Keelin instead.

She did not stop running until she accidentally ran into someone. Hayley looked up to apologize and huge smile formed on her face. It was just her real luck that she had run into Elijah. She had never been so happy to see him. Without thinking, she jumped at him. Baking up only slightly after hearing him huff from her unexpected weight.

"Are you alright?" Elijah asked, concern etched in his facial expression.

Hayley fell forward into his embrace, shaking her head. She leaned her head against his chest and wrapped her arms around him. She felt him wrap his arms around her as well. They stood there for a while just like that as Hayley caught her breath.

"What were you running for?" Elijah wondered out loud.

"Who am I running from," Hayley corrected, pulling away from him.

"You were running from a person?"

Hayley nodded. "My ex," she spat.

Elijah frowned. "What did he do to make you run from him?"

"He told me that he wants to be with me," Hayley answered, holding back the bile forming in her throat.

A look of something that Hayley couldn't quite figure out immediately flashed in Elijah's eyes. "Oh."

Hayley cracked a small smile. "You seem displeased by that."

Elijah shook his head. "No. Not at all. Why would I be?"

"You know, Elijah... just because he wants to be with me doesn't mean that I want to be with him, too," Hayley pointed out. "I mean, I was just running away from him."

"Of course."

Hayley smirked. "Someone is a bit jealous."

"I am no such thing," Elijah argued.

"Mm-hmm. Sure you aren't."

Elijah opened his mouth to reply but Hayley beat him to it. He looked down at the ground as he waited to hear what she had to say.

"Trust me, Elijah. I promise you that I have no intentions of ever in a million years getting back with my cheating ex," she assured him, reaching down and giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "After all, I am very much interested in someone entirely different than him."

Lifting his head to look at her, Elijah grinned already knowing full well who she was referring to.

Hayley shrugged, grinning back at him. "Maybe. Maybe not... Possibly."

Shaking his head slightly and chuckling, Elijah spoke, "Want to go for a walk? Fresh air might do you some good after all that running."

"That is a very good idea."

"But first, just to be sure..." Elijah trailed off momentarily. "That double date is not happening, right?"

Hayley laughed. "Most definitely not."

"Good to know," Elijah replied, laughing as well.

~AllAtSea~

Walking around the deck with Elijah was quickly becoming one of Hayley's favorite things to do while on the cruise. It was always so relaxing and fun without being too much of anything. Just walking with him. She really did like him. She guessed it was a good thing they were fake dating for the remainder of their time on board.

"So um... we should probably move you into my room permanently."

Elijah turned his head towards her and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You heard me." Hayley nodded. "I mean, since we are pretending to be dating... we need to pretend the right way. And sharing a room would be a step in the right direction."

"Are you sure?" Elijah asked hesitantly.

"It's not like I'm asking you to move in with me or anything." Hayley laughed, shaking her head. "It's only for a couple of days. Plus, we've already shared a room the past few nights and a bed a few nights ago."

Hayley was met with silence.

"Just think about it," Hayley told him, making sure he was aware that there was no pressure. "It's only for the next four nights and then we both go back to our normal lives and out normal sleeping habits. No big deal."

Hayley could've sworn she heard him mumble under his breath, "not for you, maybe." But she didn't question him on it. Maybe she was just hearing things. If he'd said something he wanted her to hear then he would've said it to her out loud. He had been completely up front with her thus far. Right? So she had nothing at all to worry about. She hoped.