Thank you to my beautiful beta AryaTindomiel for editing this :)

Chapter Two

The residents of the Compound were in a sombre mood for the next few weeks – their hearts heavy for Hayley and Klaus who were both nursing agonizing hearts and souls. Klaus isolated himself away from everyone except for his daughter while Hayley remained in the bayou, occasionally being visited by Klaus' siblings, Katherine, and Davina who always brought Hope with them.

Today, Kol and Davina took the baby to see her mother and while there they requested for her to provide some musical entertainment for Hope's birthday celebration that night, which of course Hayley agreed to since the celebration was in honor of her child. Kol also mentioned that they were all eager to hear Hayley's talent with her violin.

Meanwhile, Freya sat on her bed with Rebekah and Katherine finalising the other details for Hope's first birthday, but of course, this brought her mind to Hayley and their family's current woes. The eldest Mikaelson sister had always liked Hayley and considered her to be the key to rebuilding their family, as she brought Hope into their lives. "We need to do something. Klaus and Hayley are only hurting themselves with their anger towards each other. Hayley is our family and she needs to be here," she voiced firmly. Rebekah and Katherine nodded, strongly in agreement with her. The three of them were going to repair this family, whether Klaus liked it or not (but of course they knew he wanted this as much as they all did, even if he didn't say or act like he did).

"First, we need to talk to Cami. I know she means no harm, but she is pushing into Hope's life and taking the mother role from Hayley," Katherine said disapprovingly. "And I might sound insane but is it just me or do you think Hayley and Klaus are blinded by their anger and stubbornness that they actually have feelings for each other?" Katherine asked thoughtfully.

Freya stood up and walked towards the window looking outside at the views of New Orleans. "Klaus's eyes never failed to show his anger towards Hayley for her words and actions," she wrapped her arms around her stomach, "I've always the seen anger, but there was also hints of guilt, remorse, and sadness too." She turned around and faced the girls, "No, Katherine, you're not insane and it's not just you. They are both too stubborn to move forward and will fight their feelings and each other till the end. However, we will put a stop to it and bring them and this family back together."

Katherine along with the Mikaelson sisters were overseeing the people decorating their home with flowers and lights as the musicians were setting up their instruments in a corner of the courtyard. The caterers were setting up food stations and the bar. Rebekah and Katherine then went off to try the food, leaving Freya standing on the balcony observing the chaos. She shook her head – it was too much for a one-year old's birthday, she should be having a small party with just her loving family.

"What's wrong sister? Are the decorations not to your liking?" She turned her head to see Klaus walking towards her with his usual, sinister grin, "Or maybe it's the food?"

"Oh Klaus, must you be so sarcastic on a day like this?" She decided that she had to confront him about Cami first before talking to the other woman herself, so she started by questioning Hope's whereabouts, already knowing that after returning from visiting her mother Hope would be in her nursery and most likely with a certain blonde nanny. Freya was proven correct when her brother answered with her very thoughts.

Abruptly, the elder sister then asked, "And what are your intentions with Camille? She's been living here since Hayley was cursed and she has been and is still taking on the maternal role of looking after Hope." Freya's voice was starting to rise as she thought about Hayley's heartbreak. "Do you not understand what Cami's presence is going to do to the both of them? Hope is going to grow up thinking her mother is either dead or doesn't care for her or, worse of all, her mother doesn't love her!" Freya finished her rant breathing heavily.

Klaus remained silent looking at Freya contemplating on how to respond without angering her further. "Of course I don't want that," he whispered quietly almost in defeat.

Freya was about to say something, but Cami interrupted them by coming out of the nursery following Hope crawling towards them. The proud aunt smiled and bent down holding her arms out to the birthday girl. She giggled and began crawling faster right into Freya's arms. "Happy birthday sweetie, may your future be filled with happiness and love," she whispered in her ear and kissed the top of head.

"Give me our niece!" Rebekah shouted as she ran up the stairs towards them. Freya handed Hope over to her sister who peppered her with kisses.

"Brother, you need to sort this out, you need to do something about all of this - starting with Cami." She then grabbed onto Rebekah's arm and practically dragged her along with the baby in her arms downstairs. Freya hoped her advice was the beginning of forgiveness and moving forward.

Klaus sighed as he walked into his library and poured himself a glass of scotch before settling down on the couch.

"Klaus, what was Freya talking about?" Cami asked as she stood at the other end of the couch.

"We need to talk, love." Cami nodded cautiously and sat down next to Klaus with her arms folded under her chest. "I think it would be best if you moved back to your apartment. You can go back to working at the Rousseau's fulltime," he said straightforwardly.

Cami looked at him in shock and surprise – she wasn't expecting to hear those words after he had openly invited her into his home. "What are you talking about? I gave up my life to help you and your daughter and now you're kicking me out? Is this about what Freya said? Or was it Elijah and Rebekah? Or maybe it was because of Hayley's return?" Klaus stiffened at hearing Hayley's name and the sound of accusations thrown by the woman sitting next to him.

"Don't throw accusations around. After some words with my family, I realised that I need to do what's right by Hope. I cannot let her forget Hayley, and it seems she already has." He stood up and drank his scotch in one go walking towards the window and leaned against the frame. "I've spent my whole life filled with anger and bitterness, trying to avenge the death of my family and hunting down those who have harmed them. I've tried to love those who could not love me for who I am and yet Hayley.. Hayley may have not loved me but she did care for me and gave me the most precious gift." He turned around to see Cami standing up with anger and sadness in her eyes. "I'm sorry Camille, I still want you to be my therapist, however, I think it would be best by Hope for you to keep your distance from now on." He finished apologetically.

"Well, I'm glad I could be of assistance. I got to go to pack my things." Klaus was about to open his mouth to apologise but Cami put her hand up to stop him, "It's obvious to me that Hayley's return has changed your mind about having me around and I know your siblings don't approve of it either. Don't worry, I won't be in the way anymore. It's a shame that I loved someone who actually loves someone else despite how you've treated her, but then again, those you love you drive away. " She rushed out leaving the hybrid gobsmacked at her final words.

Did he love Hayley or did he just care for her? He couldn't trust her though after trying to run away with his daughter. He scoffed at the thought of having feelings for Hayley and walked over to his art room and began taking out his frustrations and confusions through painting.

"Hayley, are you ready yet?" Davina called out from the other side of the door. She stood in front of the mirror and noticed that her eyes no longer looked blood-shot and tired after a long night of crying and barely any sleep. The hybrid took a deep breath and walked out of the bathroom.

"How do I look?" Hayley was wearing a black and white sleeveless top with a wide neckline exposing her neck and the top of her shoulders along with a black laced-mesh skirt, and a pair of black Louboutin pumps that she borrowed from Rebekah. Her hair was curled into beach waves and wore natural make-up.

The witch turned around, her cute pale pink lace dress swishing, and squealed, "You look beautiful! But some jewellery to glam up the look can never hurt," Davina handed the older brunette a pair of white-gold hoop earrings shaped as Olive-Leaf and a white cuff bracelet she picked out of Hayley's jewellery box. These were gifts from the girls for her own birthday a few weeks ago that they brought to her during one of their visits.

"Ladies, are you ready to go?" Kol asked stepping into the room dressed in a soft gray buttoned-up shirt and black slacks. Davina nodded and gave Kol a peck on the lips.

Upon arriving at the Compound, Hayley became extremely nervous. She was anxious about seeing Klaus and playing her violin again. She hadn't performed in front of people since she was kicked out by her adopted parents and honestly it had been a long time since she played the instrument, save for the bits of practice she'd had whenever she got visits from the Mikaelsons since she was last here. She stood at the doors with her palms sweating, the violin case nearly slipping from her grip.

"It's alright. Cami isn't here so you can spend as much time as you want with Hope and Klaus has promised not to cause any problems. You can do this." Davina held her free hand and squeezed it gently. Hayley nodded and walked in with her head held high.

She saw some old faces and made some conversation with them until Kol tapped her shoulder and told her it was her time to play. The hybrid walked over to the band and smiled, signaling for them to continue. After placing her violin case on a table and quietly tuning the instrument she joined in with the band. Gradually, the band members stopped playing so that the string instrument and its violinist were center stage.

Elijah and Katherine heard the sound of the soft fiddle as they took a glass of champagne from the waiter's tray and walked over towards the band watching Hayley play. Freya followed her brother with Rebekah, smiling happily. Hayley was completely in her element and ignored her surroundings playing her most valuable possession as the entire room watched and listened.

Klaus picked up Hope after changing her diaper and made his way down the stairs. The atmosphere was quiet and he was unsure about what had happened with the party. He walked down to see everyone focusing their eyes on Hayley who, to his surprise, was playing the violin. His ears were filled with the sound of perfection from soft strings being played. He took a spot beside Freya, with the birthday girl in his arms turned toward her mother.

Hayley saw Klaus holding Hope and smiled at the sight of their daughter. She finished her piece and bowed politely to her clapping audience.

Klaus was actually smiling and pointed to the other hybrid as he looked down at Hope whispering, "That's Mummy." Hayley's heart started to flutter as she heard him and Hope started clapping along with the rest of the crowd.

"Time for cake!" Klaus announced. One of the caterers brought out the cake that had a single lit candle. All the guests moved toward the cake.

Klaus put his hand out to Hayley after she placed her violin back into its case. She looked down at the hand before looking up at his face – there was no sign of resentment, anger, or stoicism. There was actually a genuine smile on the man's face. Hayley pushed her negative thoughts out of her head and placed her hand in Klaus's, feeling tingles and warmth at the physical contact.

Hayley sang "Happy Birthday" to Hope with everyone trying to ignore her baby daddy's hand gently resting on her lower back. After Hope blew out the candle, Klaus handed the baby over to Hayley who stared at her mum while sucking her thumb.

Music resumed playing as the guests helped themselves to the cake. After sharing a slice of the vanilla dessert, Hayley started dancing with Hope, swaying her from side to side and muttering sweet and loving words to her. After the third song, the little girl fell asleep wrapping her arms over her mum's neck with her head resting comfortably on Hayley's shoulder. The young mother smiled knowing that her daughter was finally comfortable with being in her arms again.

"Here, I will take her and put her to bed. You go have some food." Freya offered smiling warmly. Things were looking up and it seemed that Klaus was beginning to take actions towards repairing his relationship with Hayley. Hayley gently passed Hope over to Freya and walked over to the food table snagging some fruit. She picked up a large strawberry and gently bit into it causing its juice to run down her chin.

"Watching you eat that strawberry, is extremely seductive." Her ears perked at hearing that British accent that haunts her mind. She turned around seeing Klaus smirking holding out a napkin. Hayley flushed red in embarrassment and quickly snatched the napkin out of his hand and wiped her mouth and chin.

"Would you care for a dance, Little Wolf?" Hayley's heart squeezed at hearing that endearment. She was confused about her feelings for Klaus – she was both furious and hurt at Klaus but she also still cared for him. She hesitantly nodded and placed her hand in his letting him led her onto the dance floor.

They swayed to the song without a word until Hayley broke the silence asking, "Where's Cami?"

The older hybrid smirked, "Why? Jealous?" He taunted. The brunette tensed, again letting Klaus's words get to her. "Relax, love. She moved back to her apartment this morning."

"Oh." They continued to slow dance with their eyes locking together intently as another song began.

"Hayley, I want to speak to you alone," Klaus said quietly as the second song slowly finished, "I promise I don't want to fight. I just want to talk to you about Hope. About us."

Hayley breathed out slowly, "Okay, let me check on Hope then we can go talk," she said quietly and squeezed his hand gently before walking upstairs. The mother looked over her daughter sleeping peacefully in her crib holding her wolf toy in her hand. She bent down and kissed her baby's forehead before walking out, shutting the door behind her, and going out onto the balcony where Klaus was standing.

"Come Little Wolf." He reached out to her hand and led her to his quarters. He had never let Cami into his room and it was very rare for any woman to enter it as well.

They stood in the middle of his room simply looking at each other.

"Klaus-"

"Hayley–"

They both started together and then stopped. They both had some words to say to each other and it was important that they cleared the air before they could move on, for them and for Hope.