This one contains spoilers for 1x08 :)

Title: Mended
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: Klaus/Hayley
category; future AU

'Why should I go anywhere with you?'

Hayley's accusatory words echoed through Klaus's thoughts as he lay in bed that night. Why his subconscious continued to plague him with memories from the past Klaus didn't know. It'd been a good day. Klaus's business dealings were going well. The night had been even better with quality time spent with Hayley. He'd always enjoyed making the werewolf scream his name especially if it was in pleasure.

Now with Hayley asleep next to him Klaus found himself unable to. The werewolf's warm naked body next to his was usually all it took for Klaus to slumber even though as an Original he needed no sleep. Tonight his thoughts wouldn't shut off drawing him back into the past to a dark night. One where he had gained what he wanted but had almost lost everything.

'We don't abandon you Nik, you're the one that drives us away."

As Rebekah's hurt and angry words resurfaced Klaus turned and placed a light kiss on Hayley's exposed right shoulder. He propped his head up with his left hand and watched Hayley sleep. Klaus had forced Hayley to come with him that day. The day after the battle with Marcel. The day after Rebekah's betrayal. Klaus had known even without the anger in Hayley's eyes that she'd rather have stayed with his brother. That had been motivation all it's own to take her away. Away from Elijah.

'The child you carry is the only thing on this Earth that matters to me."

Klaus had seen a spark of something in Hayley's expression when he'd said those words. Disbelief mixed with hope. Hope that the monster she knew him to be could also be what he was claiming. The hope that he would be able to care and provide for her child as much as Elijah had promised to. Klaus had told Hayley's kidnapper that their love story wasn't an epic one. Which was true it wasn't. It was certainly unique. Despite his own mistakes and what everyone thought Klaus did love Hayley.

"You'll never have this...loyalty. You can't buy it, you can't own it. You can't force it."

Marcel's grief stricken words had almost touched a nerve that night. Klaus's former protege had been wrong about one thing: love and loyalty could be bought if you encountered certain people. People who only cared about themselves and their goals and were willing for the time being to meld those goals with your own. That was a lesson the centuries had taught Klaus. Everyone had a price you just had to figure out what it was.

Suddenly Hayley stirred and then thrashed her eyes still tightly closed. Klaus knew from her rapid heartbeat the werewolf was caught in a nightmare. Sitting up Klaus firmly grasped Hayley's shoulders. The young woman fought his grip nearly breaking it. Klaus held on.

"Hayley, it's alright; you're safe."Klaus soothed.

After a few more seconds Hayley jerked awake sitting straight up. She was breathing hard and took a moment to regain her composure.

"Sorry."Hayley apologized as she settled back against the pillow.

"No apologies needed, luv."Klaus replied quietly. "Want to talk about it?"

Hayley shook her head. "Don't remember it; just the fear."

Klaus drew the werewolf into an embrace so her back was to his stomach. He encircled his arms around Hayley's waist.

"I won't let any harm come to you, little wolf."Klaus promised huskily.

Hayley nodded as she turned in Klaus's arms so she was facing him. She leaned up and kissed Klaus and he returned it drawing the kiss out and letting it linger. Once they broke apart Hayley nestled back against Klaus's chest.

"It still amazes me."Hayley began softly.

"What does?"Klaus inquired.

"That we ended up falling in love...despite everything."Hayley continued. "I never thought we'd be a family. You, me and Emily."

Klaus lightly caressed Hayley's left forearm. "I love you, little wolf."

"I love you too."Hayley replied sleepily.

After Hayley drifted off to sleep once more Klaus lay awake. His thoughts this time focused on Hayley's words about their family. Two years ago he never would have thought he and Hayley would reach this point. Emily was a large part of that. It was amazing how much his daughter had mended things. Not only between her parents but between the Originals as well. With a light kiss on Hayley's forehead Klaus closed his eyes and he too was soon asleep.

end