Chapter 18: Ceasefire
Elijah strode confidently into clearer few, his eyes immediately falling on Hayley searching for any sign of injury. He heard her heart thudding in her chest and from his acquaintance with it, knew she was far from okay.
His eyes noticed the disarray of hair and slight depression on her skin which although was healing fast did nothing but increase his anger towards Klaus. He noted her lips were swollen and his teeth clenched knowing his brother had harmed her in ways more than one.
Klaus stood his ground his eyes closing in irritation on hearing his brother's patronising tone. He turned around taking a few steps forward and smiled.
"Brother." He spoke acknowledging is entrance.
"Come to join us." He spoke sardonically.
Elijah did not return his smile. His expression was stern. Very stern. He was angry.
Elijah looked past his brother, directly addressing Hayley.
"Come here, Hayley." He spoke softly.
Elijah felt the pressing urge to have her beside him, near him, safe. He wished to caress her, to kiss her, to apologise her for having to bear with his brother in a beastly form.
He thought about Klaus forcing himself on her and it repulsed him to the core.
Hayley returned his gaze concern pooling in her eyes. She glanced at Klaus and then faced Elijah once again. He reassured her with his eyes.
Hayley descended the last few steps. She wished to catapult herself into his arms but walked slowly and carefully.
Klaus watched her intently.
Hayley quickened her step, aiming for Elijah and Elijah alone.
She was sure she would reach him...
...though Klaus had no intention for their reunion.
He zoomed to her rapidly, and his arm was around her head. His hand gripping her neck and covering her mouth. He could snap her in a moment. Hayley pulse shot up as she tried to think of a way to escape his grasp.
Suddenly however, the tight grip around her loosened and she found herself free and stumbling back.
Elijah had lurched forwards, wrenching Klaus away from her. Klaus was now slammed against the wall. Elijah's hand gripped his shoulder, plunging him into the concrete.
"Don't ever try anything of the sort again." He instructed and the seriousness in his tone was intense. Part of him wished to tear his brother from limb to limb. The thought of Klaus's conduct to Hayley was forefront in his mind and hence he struggled to retain his usual level of calmness.
"Protective are we?" Klaus spoke trying to anger his brother.
Hayley watched wide eyed and worried.
"Niklaus." Elijah warned, his teeth clenching once again.
He hoped his brother would stay put after his warning but this was much to ask for when dealing with Klaus.
It soon became clear his little brother had no intention of playing nicely.
Klaus smirked lashing out, his fangs bearing. He looked ready to tear anyone to pieces.
Elijah sighed in disappointment.
His own fangs emerged.
The two creatures scrambled into a tumult of loud thuds and hisses.
To Hayley it all became a blur, her eyes trying to make out what was happening. She thought about calling for Rebekah but heard her nowhere.
Rebekah had been right. Klaus didn't even know half the story yet and this was his reaction. What were they going to do? Her fears grew like building blocks as her each thought built up. She worried for Elijah and the fear of his loss bubbled vigorously.
Eventually the brothers paused.
Elijah held Klaus by the scruff shoving him harshly.
"Niklaus!" he roared again and it became clear that he was not fighting but trying to tame his brother.
Elijah sensed the stench of alcohol and it disgusted him even more.
"You're foully intoxicated." He spoke.
Klaus hissed and his eyes darted to Hayley remembering her rejection.
Hayley barely managed to return his eye contact. She was frozen and falling into a trance of terrible thoughts. She'd never wanted it to come to this and the sight of it was troubling her. "This is my fault." She thought.
Elijah turned back to look at her his eyes softening with worry as he saw her anxiety engulfing her, eating away at her.
Klaus took advantage of Elijah's loss of attention and there was a thud. The brothers switched places, struggling to overcome each other's strength. Elijah stopped resisting.
"Elijah." Klaus sneered at him pleased at this surrendering move.
"Do you not equip the decency to admit it to me brother?" he challenged.
Elijah's eyes lowered.
"I had no intention of the situation developing into this." Elijah spoke calmly.
"And what exactly is "this"?" Klaus demanded attempting to shame his brother.
Klaus crushed Elijah further into the concrete and Elijah made no attempt to counteract his move even when knowing he could easily turn the tables.
"Tell me brother!" Klaus roared.
"Do you think I am blind, and foolish, unaware of the emotion you have towards the mother of my child. You think I know not of your secret road trip or silent exchanges."
Elijah tensed slightly on hearing this though he felt prepared. He knew Klaus would find out about the trip some way or another and the silent exchanges were easy enough to notice. He had been more worried about his brother discovering the existence of their secret meetings.
"You think I will let this stand!" Klaus bellowed, his arms outstretched, his posture self-righteous.
Klaus's eyes grew gold and his fangs large and thirsty, ready to for a bite for a taste of blood.
All of a sudden however, Elijah called out, his tone expressing utmost concern.
"Niklaus!" he spoke angrily while staring at Hayley. Klaus's attention diverted to the little wolf.
Hayley's thoughts swum horribly. She could not hear the voices around her. Her hand traced her stomach and wave nausea rushed her. She felt her forehead and it was much warmer than usual. Her balance shifted and she felt her legs give in.
"Hayley!" Elijah breathed and in less than a second he was out of Klaus grasp and with her, saving her body from touching the floor. He lifted her and cradled her into his chest. She was limp and unconscious and his eyes filled up with the worst despair. He could hear her breathing, he could hear her heart but it was slower than usual.
Klaus neared them and the insanity washed away from his form. He stared at the body and his eyes widened when reaching her stomach.
"Please." Elijah spoke turning to Klaus and he knew he could no longer hide it.
"I love her."