Title: old ways
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: Klaus/Hayley
timeline: future AU

It was well into spring when Hayley began to notice Klaus not being around as much. He'd get a phone call or a text, mumble an excuse and disappear for an hour or two. If they had a normal mortal relationship Hayley would think he was cheating on her. Granted even with dating a vampire/werewolf hybrid Klaus finding somebody else was still a possibility. Still in the two years since Emily had been born Hayley's bond with Klaus had grown stronger. The werewolf knew in her heart that hadn't all been because of their daughter. Klaus had changed a bit shown at least to Hayley and Emily a gentle loving side. She knew that hadn't been an act.

As Klaus's mysterious vanishing acts continued through the following weeks Hayley sought out Elijah. While the two brothers relationship had been strained to say the least over the centuries they had arrived at a good point. How long the peace would last Hayley didn't know and she was sure the Originals didn't either. She'd take the calm while it lasted. It was early evening when Hayley found Elijah out on the back patio. He was seated in a chair to the left of the door a book in hand. Elijah was dressed casually in dark brown slacks and a short sleeved button down white dress shirt. He turned and smiled as Hayley stepped outside.

"Good evening, Hayley. Can I get you a drink?"Elijah greeted as he set his book aside.

Hayley shook her head as she walked over to stand in front of the vampire. Then she began to pace.

"Wanted to ask you something."Hayley began but found part of her didn't want to ask; didn't want to know if she'd been played a fool.

Elijah settled back in the chair his forehead creased with concern.

"What has my brother done this time?"Elijah inquired a hint of anger in his voice.

Hayley stopped pacing and met Elijah's gaze. "You have to have noticed his disappearing acts over the last few weeks."

Elijah nodded. "I have and to answer your question he hasn't confided anything in me."

"You'd break his trust to tell me?"Hayley asked in surprise.

Elijah leaned forward. "I would not withhold something if I knew it would cause you pain in the long run."

Sitting down on the edge of a large square stone flower box Hayley avoided Elijah's gaze studying her hands. After a long moment the werewolf spoke.

"He's come so far, Elijah."Hayley stated quietly. "I don't want to think he's..."

"Slipped back to his old ways?"Elijah surmised as he leaned forward. "I do not think he is cheating on you if that is your concern. I have watched NiKlaus when he is around you and Emily his love for you two is genuine that I am for certain."

"Then what is going on, Elijah?"Hayley asked worriedly. "Is he trying to expand his kingdom? Or looking for a way to build an army?"

Elijah sighed. "I'm afraid each is a possibility. My brother has a restless spirit when conquests are involved. Marcel is no longer a threat but Klaus may be thinking of Emily's future. Trying to in his own way protect her by circumventing any future threat."

"That's what I'm afraid of."Hayley confessed as she stood.

Elijah reached out and gently touched the werewolf's left arm. Hayley met the Original's gaze and saw her concern and worry mirrored there.

"I promise you I will find out what my brother is up to."Elijah vowed solemnly. "And protect Klaus from himself if need be."

"Thank you."Hayley murmured as she allowed herself to take Elijah's hand in hers and squeeze it briefly. "I should go check on Emily."

Elijah smiled. "Give her a hug for me. I'm sure our fears for Klaus are misplaced."

Hayley tried to smile. "I hope so."

Retreating back inside the large house Hayley couldn't help but wonder if all the time spent around vampires and witches had made her paranoid. There had to be a logical reason for Klaus's mystery meetings she and Elijah just had to figure out what it was.