Chapter Twenty Nine: Today, Tomorrow, Always

Two weeks passed after Hayley and Klaus' reunion. Although they were keeping up appearances that they were no longer together, the Hybrid and the Alpha made sure to approach every day with an extreme amount of caution. Even the Mikaelson family didn't know the truth.

Naturally it was more difficult for the couple to be apart now, given the sudden shift in their relationship. The new marks they bore were well-hidden beneath high necked shirts, and they seldom spoke of the other when they were in the company of others.

This brought another, more interesting element to their relationship as well: texting. At first, Hayley found it hilarious to be texting a thousand year old Hybrid, who seemed perfectly adept to the world of emojis and even sexting (although the latter was saved for the long nights apart).

The hilarity only lasted for a couple of days, since the separation made both of them moody and anxious. That helped with keeping face, but Hayley and Klaus both agreed that this could only last so long. They both weren't known for their patience.

"Careful, brother, if you keep scowling, you'll get lines," Rebekah taunted early one morning.

Klaus gave her a half-hearted glare, but ignored her for the most part. He sat in the kitchen, glaring at his cup of tea like it had personally offended him.

Rebekah sighed, rolling her eyes. Although she was spoiled and a bit self centered (which she acknowledged!), she did note the change in her brother's attitude over the past week. She sat down next to him, snatching the tea from him before draining the rest. "What's got your fur in a tangle?"

Klaus shrugged. Although he had an impassive air about him, his eyes gave him away.

"Nik," she sighed, her eyes taking on a more serious look. "Is it about Hayley?"

"You know how I feel about her," Klaus said, his voice void of emotion. He felt something spark within him at the sound of her name.

Not easily fooled, Rebekah leaned in close, her gaze fixed intently on her brother. "Why don't you spell it out for me?"

"Why so curious?" Klaus asked, sparing her a glance from the corner of his eye.

"I'm a curious woman. Come on now, Nik, we used to talk, didn't we?"

"Perhaps a thousand years ago."

"Then humor me, for old time's sake."

Klaus turned towards her, huffing. He looked at her, then leaned in. Curious, Rebekah leaned close to, her expression brightening.

But when all he stated was "no", her expression gave way to her more usual annoyed pout.

Ooo0ooO

Later, while he was tucked away in his drawing room, Klaus heard the front door of the Manor open and close softly. Assuming it was one of his vampires or his siblings, he didn't think much of it.

The soft sound of approaching footsteps drew his attention away from his latest painting again. He tilted his head slightly, then lifted his gaze towards the doorway when one of the doors cracked open.

A warm, wide smile split across his face when he saw a familiar face peek into the room. "You've become very sneaky these past few weeks, my little wolf."

Hayley smirked, slipping inside and closing the door behind her. She leaned against it briefly, her dark green eyes assessing him. "Hello to you too."

Klaus moved across the room, brushing his knuckles across her cheek before drawing her close to him. He leaned down, kissing her softly and thoroughly. When he pulled back, he smiled at the sight of her flushed cheeks. "I thought we were going to be careful about seeing each other?"

Hayley ran a hand up his chest. "Well, there's a problem."

Concern flickered across Klaus' features. "What's that?"

"I miss you," Hayley said, her lips bowing into a small frown.

With midnight dark eyes, Klaus gripped Hayley's hips to press her more firmly against his body. His fingers slid underneath her shirt, caressing the soft skin there. He leaned down again, tracing his lips over the length of her throat, then her shoulder. His teeth nipped where he knew his mark was, as if he wanted to remind her as well. He growled when she tilted her head to give him better access to the delicate, sensitive skin under her jaw.

Hayley's hands found themselves on his upper arms, gripping him tightly, pulling him even closer. Her breathing hitched when his tongue began to trace patterns against her skin, making her tremble against him.

Klaus pulled back suddenly, his eyes still dark and intense. "I don't think I'll ever have enough of you."

"Have me now," she breathed, running a hand through his hair, pulling him down so she could claim his lips with hers. She scraped her teeth against his bottom lip, and a tingle shot down her spine when he snarled against her mouth.

Klaus moved her back until she collided with his drawing table. He lifted her up, divesting her of her shirt and bra, before his lips devoured every inch of exposed skin greedily, making her gasp loudly.

With sharp nails, Hayley ripped open his shirt, wanting her hands on him. She pulled him forward, having slipped her hand inside the waistband of his jeans, and she pressed her hips against his. She made quick work of his button and zipper, then lifted her hips so he could lift up the skirt she wore, while also pulling her lace panties down her long legs.

It was quick and it was rough. He plunged inside her with only half of their clothes removed, making them both gasp as the sensation. He pressed her firmly back into the desk, tilting her hips forward so he could pound into her at that greedy, rapid pace they both desired.

Hayley threw her head back, riding out all the sensation he seemed to ignite inside her. Her breathing grew labored, and she could feel her body tightening in response to the impending orgasm building inside her. Her fingers dipped into her folds, rubbing her clit and where their bodies were joined.

Klaus watched her touch herself with blazing eyes that seemed to glow gold and blue at once. His hands held onto her hips, making her back arch from the surface of the table, and he leaned down to fasten his teeth against the skin of her throat. He bucked against her, growling when he felt his body teeter towards the edge.

With a throaty cry, Hayley came, her body tightening like a vise around his, her nails raking down the length of his back. Klaus gave a muffled shout, and he kept moving within her through his release as she shuddered and stiffened, giving these soft, short cries as her body rode out her orgasm.

Klaus slumped against her, pressing his forehead against her chest. He felt her hand run through his curls, as he chuckled when he heard her soft, content sigh. Gently, he pulled away from her and brought them to a crumpled heap on the floor.

"I miss you too," he said, kissing her forehead gently.

Hayley laughed tiredly, breathlessly against him.

Ooo0ooO

The air crackled with static as a figure moved through the forests, carrying a dark energy about them that made the shadows lengthen and the animals cower away in fear.

They strode into a clearing, then threw back their hood. Dark hair spilled out, and they lifted their chin to address the others that were waiting for her.

"Hello, brothers and sisters. It's been a while since we've stood side by side, has it not?"

Two more shadows emerged from the trees, each cloaked like the first. The one on the left was a young beauty, with dark hair and eyes, while the other stood with short, dark hair and hazel eyes that seemed to glow.

Sophie Devereux continued, even as her small coven stayed close behind her. Sophie's eyes assessed the mixed company, her expression giving nothing away, even though her heart pounded like a drum beneath her breast.

In front of her stood a small, darkly powerful coven of witches and warlocks, all of whom had followed the witch Celeste loyalty for centuries. When she had gone missing, and had not reported to her second in command, it didn't take long to figure out why.

Katie, the new leader of this coven, stepped forward. "Enough of your games, Sophie. We've come to you to see where your loyalties lie. One of our own was killed, and it's our right to find her murderer and make him pay."

With an exceptional poker face, Sophie faced the other witch. Although they both appeared to be the same age, Katie was much older, kept alive for centuries thanks to dark and blood magic.

It was known that witches could live longer than the average human, perhaps over a hundred years, if they didn't devote their lives to black magic. This coven, however, had turned to the darkest of magics, which kept them young for centuries. Although Katie seemed young, in reality, she was closing in on two hundred years old. Only Celeste had been older, and even then, the deceased witch's age was only speculation at this point.

Sophie stood firm. She, like Davina and Bonnie, had been raised through the most ancient of magics, through ancestral power and magic drawn from nature. Their families had opposed the idea and ways of the other covens, saying it corrupted and warped even the kindest of witches into monsters.

Bonnie, with her glowing eyes, stepped forward, as if to let Sophie know she had her back. Being the second in command, Bonnie's job in the coven was not unlike that of a pack Beta. The movement too, shielded Davina away from wandering eyes.

Being the youngest witch in the coven, Davina was a fountain of unchecked potential and power. She was the exact kind of witch the dark covens looked for in order to draw her to their side. Under the protection of Sophie, who was her older sister, and Bonnie, their oldest friend, Davina was safe... for now.

"Celeste made her choice by trusting the Hunters," Sophie stated. "We know that they are not our friends, and she didn't listen, but turned to an old lover, and we all know how that ended-,"

"Yes, Celeste let her emotions get the better of her," Katie interrupted. "So the Hunter Alaric will pay. Will you help us?"

"Do we have a choice?" Sophie challenged.

Katie just smirked. "Yes, you do. But remember, we won't forget what you decide."

"I'll take my chances," Sophie returned, meeting the other witch's gaze unwaveringly.

"Very well. Let's hope we don't cross paths soon, Sophie Devereux."

Ooo0ooO

Back in the Quarter, Elijah strolled through the nearly empty streets, his mind elsewhere.

Rounding a corner, he slammed into somebody, and with his fast reflexes, he snatched the flailing arm.

He pulled the person he had nearly bowled over back to their feet. "My apologies, I was not watching where I was going..."

Elijah felt his throat close when he saw the beauty in front of him. Surely, it was a mirage, a trick...

Katherine, unaware of the startled look she was receiving, brushed at her jeans and adjusted her top. "No need to apologize," she said. "I..." She stopped when her gaze finally lifted, connecting with Elijah's.

Pain seemed to slowly creep into his expression, darkening his eyes. His hand lifted, trembling, but it didn't touch her cheek. He seemed to be at a lost for words, and his chest ached in a way that nearly brought him to his knees.

"Elena?"

Ooo0ooO

Unaware of the outside turmoil, Hayley watched as Klaus stepped behind his canvas, his eyes focused on what his hands were creating.

Lounged on a settee, Hayley smirked to herself. She knew what he was doing, or rather who he was drawing, and she didn't mind. He had asked her to model for him before, but she had had difficulties with sitting still while his eyes traced over her hungrily.

This time, however, she enjoyed how his eyes seemed to trace over her, imitating the movements of his hands. It was mesmerizing.

Hours passed, and it was only until Klaus set down his charcoal when the couple broke from their tense little world. Hayley stretched out her stuff muscles, and Klaus rubbed a hand over his eyes.

"I guess I should go back," Hayley sighed.

Klaus frowned, walking over to her. He leaned down, bracing his hands on either side of her head. Dipping his head low, his lips cruised over hers. "Let me persuade you to stay."

Hayley tilted her head back, granting him access to her lips and throat. Her eyes half closed, heavy with a desire that never seemed to be satiated. Her hands reached up and grasped his shoulders, pulling him down to her. "One more time."

"One more time," Klaus agreed, kissing her deeply.

It would be a few more hours, and a few times more than one, before Hayley would creep out of the Abattoir to disappear into the woods.

Ooo0ooO

"Who's Elena?"

Elijah blinked. His vision felt distorted. This woman, she seemed so familiar, so real, and yet...

Her brow was crinkled, giving him a questioning look that someone gives to a stranger. But they were not strangers, no, they were...

Reality creeper in slowly as he took her in. Her hair wasn't quite right, it was curled and streaked with red, not straight and coffee brown... Her eyes seemed older, and she dressed differently too...

Katherine snapped her fingers in front of his nose. "Hey! Who's Elena?"

"I thought... I thought you were... someone else," Elijah finally managed to say.

Katherine lifted a brow, but felt a sort of sympathy for the guy. She knew she could get someone to babble and stop in their tracks when she came by, but he clearly wasn't looking at her and seeing her, but instead saw this Elena person...

"Well, I'm not Elena. I'm Katherine," she told him, offering the hand he had just released to shake.

Elijah's gaze dropped down, and he gently took that preoffered hand. "Elijah."

"Elijah," Katherine smiled. "A handsome name for a handsome guy."

The stunned Original finally noticed the last clue that proved this stranger was not Elena, his Elena...

Elena was not a vampire.

So who was this Katherine?

Ooo0ooO

Klaus watched as Hayley made her way back to her pack. He was insistent on her not leaving, but in the end, she had been firm with her decision.

"We know this is for the best," she had told him, before giving him a parting kiss. "I love you."

Klaus had kissed her more tenderly this time, giving her his love in the one intimate gesture. "I love you, as well."

Yes, it was for the best, for now. But Klaus knew he would not sleep well tonight, not without Hayley keeping the bed warm beside him.

He exhaled deeply, turning away from the darkening sky.

Ooo0ooO

Disclaimer: I do not own the Originals.

Author's Note: This is an AU story, so the facts about witches may or may not be canon. Same goes for some of the pairings. More to come on Elijah and Elena...

And it seems Elijah is quickly going to learn about dopplegangers!

This chapter was inspired by Breathe by of Verona (another AryaTindomiel recommendation!).

Please review!