Elijah smiles as Kol races down the stairs, his dark brown eyes twinkling with glee. He's dressed in something other than sweats or jeans for once: black slacks and a polo shirt. Usually a look he would deem "douchey".

"Be careful, Little Prince," Elijah warns, only half-heartedly. Kol chuckles, the glee not leaving his face. His father walks over and takes him in. "My little boy looks very dashing today."

Kol rolls his eyes. "I'm not a little boy."

"You're my little boy. Now, what are you doing all dressed up? I didn't think you'd want to game in anything but your sweats."

"I'm not gaming today. Nik is taking me to a museum."

Elijah's eyebrows draw together as he tries to keep from frowning.

"A museum?"

"It's got a lot of technology themed art," Kol rambles. "Plus some stuff that Nik will like, but he promised we could spend the whole day together!"

Elijah opens his mouth to speak when Klaus appears by his side. Kol practically jumps up and down. He hasn't totally dropped, but that childlike side of his is definitely on display. Klaus laughs, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I take it you're all ready to go?"

"Uh huh!" Kol kisses Elijah's cheek. "Bye, Dad!"

He vamps out of the room before his father can reply. Klaus' smile doesn't fade, though Elijah allows his face to turn stoic. The younger brother tilts his head.

"We'll be back after dinner, well before his bedtime. I promise."

"You didn't think to run all this by me? I am his father, after all."

Klaus shrugs. "I did not foresee it being an issue. 'Tis not as if I kidnapped the boy."

"I need to know where my son is at all times," Elijah's voice grows sharp. His brother's smile quickly disappears. "And I'd appreciate it if you asked me before you promised to take him places. What if I didn't want him going?"

"To a museum?"

"Where is this place?"

"It's right in Kenner, not too far, 20 minutes or so, I believe." Klaus frowns. "What has gotten into you?"

"Exactly what I told you. I need to know where my son is going and who he is going with, at all times. Activities need to be approved through me."

"My Lord. You sound just like…" Klaus trails off. Elijah tilts his head. "Forget it."

"No, you started this. Finish."

Klaus shakes his head. "'Tis nothing, Brother. I apologize for not telling you where we were going. It shall not happen again. Now, if you don't want me bringing him, I won't."

Elijah sighs. "A bit late for that. He's too excited."

"We'll be back before 8. I promise."

Klaus squeezes his shoulder before disappearing from the living room. Elijah huffs, heading for the kitchen. Hayley looks up from replenishing the blood supply in the fridge.

"What's gotten you?"

"Did you know that Klaus was taking Kol out today?"

Hayley nods. "I was going to tell you. Klaus feels bad about the other night."

"You mean the night when Kol threw a temper tantrum and still got his way?"

Hayley groans. "Not this again." She shuts the door to the fridge, putting her hands on her hips. "You weren't there. It wasn't your run of the mill tantrum. He was clearly overstimulated and in a low place. Kol was very much a toddler, unable to communicate that he wanted his big brother."

"You should've gotten me. I'm his father."

"Well, for the time, he wanted Klaus. What's the big deal?"

Elijah huffs again, crossing to the liquor rack and selecting a bottle of bourbon, "I simply would like to know what is going on with my son."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you they were going. I didn't think you'd care."

"Of course I care," Elijah mumbles, opening the bottle and pouring himself a small glass.

"Why?"

Elijah swallows the burning liquor as he glances up at his wife. Her demeanor has softened. She's looking at him how she often does Kol when he's in a pouty mood.

"Why?" He repeats.

"Is there a reason why you care that Klaus is taking Kol out?"

"I already told you…"

Hayley swiftly interrupts. "I don't just mean because he didn't ask you first. Is there anything else going on?"

"That's ridiculous," Elijah says, trying to keep his voice from cracking. "Of course not."

"Are you sure about that?"

Elijah caps the bottle and returns it to the rack.

"I have some paperwork in my office."

"If you think this conversation is over…"

"I greatly assume it's not. I am putting a pin it for now."

Elijah exits the room before he can be on the receiving end of her glare.

"And there was this really cool robot," Kol rambles on as he walks up the stairs with his mom. Hayley's smiling, listening intently. "The artist used a paint gun to design it. The effects were awesome!"

"It sounds neat," Hayley says when they reach the top.

Kol bats his big brown eyes. "Can I get a paint gun, Mama? Please?"

"Uh, that's a no." Kol pouts. Hayley shakes her head. "You'd end up hurting yourself or somehow destroying the house."

"Man," Kol mumbles.

Hayley laughs, wrapping arm around him. "How about I get you a new NERF gun? I'm sure Matt would love that."

Kol's face lightens up again as he leans into his mama. Elijah exits his study, a small smile coming on his face.

"There's my little prince," he says, his voice soft. He lifts Kol up into his arms, kissing his cheek.

Kol smiles. "Hi, Daddy."

"Did you have fun today?"

"Lots."

"Good, you can tell me all about it while I give you your bath."

Kol shakes his head. "Nuh uh. Want Nik to do it."

Elijah's smile fades. "Pardon?"

"I want Niky."

Klaus appears from his bedroom. Elijah tightens his grip on his son.

"I'm sure your brother is very busy," Elijah says.

"Of course I'm not," Klaus narrows his eyes at his elder, though looks softly at Kol. "You want me to get you ready for bed?"

Kol nods, holding out his arms to his big brother. "Can you read me a story?"

"I'll do one better and read you three," Klaus says, easily prying his baby brother from Elijah's arms. "Say goodnight to your mama and daddy."

Hayley walks over and rubs noses with Kol, kissing his forehead. Kol smiles and hugs her while still in Klaus' arms.

"Night night, Mama, I love you."

"I love you too, my lovebug," Hayley coos. "You know where to find me, yes?" Kol nods. "That's my boy."

Kol looks at Elijah. "Night, Daddy."

Elijah's frown doesn't waver as he walks over and kisses his son's cheek. Kol gives him a quick hug before returning his grip around Klaus' neck. The brothers disappear into the younger's room. Hayley observes her husband for a moment.

"You'll tuck him in tomorrow," she says.

"Niklaus is always breaking the routine," Elijah points out. "He lets him play in that tub longer than he should. Lets him run around while he gets ready for bed, then reads him a ton of books."

"He's the fun big brother," Hayley shrugs. "It's okay for things to stray from the plan."

"Kol needs structure. The only reason Marcellus ever got any is because of me."

Hayley tilts her head. "Are you insulting your brother's parenting?"

"You know as well as I that Niklaus has the tendency to indulge Marcellus. He's done the same with Rebekah, and now Kol."

Hayley rolls her eyes. "He's got a soft spot for his siblings and son. Sue him."

"I don't wish for Kol to turn out as Marcellus did. A spoiled little king who thinks he can get away with whatever."

"You have to admit that Klaus has grown a firmer hand since our little chat. And anyway," Hayley continues on before her husband can interrupt. "Klaus isn't raising Kol. He's taken care of him for one day."

"It's been more than just a day."

"They've spent more time together lately. What's so wrong with that?"

Elijah doesn't say a word. Hayley regards him for a moment. Confusion leaves her face and pity takes over. Elijah scoffs and begins to walk off. Hayley vamps in front of him.

"You're jealous," she whispers.

"That is ridiculous," Elijah dismisses, waving a hand. "What do I have to be jealous of?"

"Kol wants to hang out with his cool, fun older brother. The one who admittedly has less rules and lets him goof off at bedtime." Hayley smiles a little. "And you're the firm dad, who makes him brush his teeth and take naps."

Elijah frowns, his cheeks flush. "Hayley…"

"You're still his daddy," she says, squeezing his hand. "He hangs out with myself, Rebekah, Matt…"

"That's different."

"How?"

"It just is."

Hayley's hands go back on her hips. Once again, he gets a look usually reserved for Kol. The "don't lie to Mama" face. It almost always works on Kol. Elijah realizes it has to be genetic. He can't lie to that face.

"Nik has a reason to want to steal Kol from me."

Hayley's brows furrow. "What are you talking about?"

Elijah sighs. "Back when Marcellus first came to live with us, he grew a bond with me. I still don't know why. Perhaps because I wasn't as intense as Niklaus. As I said, I gave structure. I treated him like a young man versus a child."

"You two have a very special bond," Hayley nods. "I'm still lost on how this is related to Kol and Klaus?"

"It wasn't just Kol that was jealous of Marcel and I. Klaus was too, but not because he wished for my attention." Elijah rubs the back of his neck. "He was upset that his son preferred me. I tried to tell him it didn't mean that Marcel loved him any less, but he wouldn't listen."

Hayley's frown grows sympathetic. She takes a step forward, rubbing his arm.

"This is why you stopped hanging out with him as much?" Elijah nods. "It didn't stop his adoration for you."

"And I know for many years, Klaus resented me for it."

"Now, he has Marcel back. Things are better now."

"Yet, he's trying to take my son from me."

Hayley pinches the bridge of her nose.

"Elijah…do you not realize you sound just like Klaus must have?"

Elijah's eyes widen. "That is not true!"

"It is." She shakes her head. "You're jealous of Kol's bond with him."

"That's…"

"You're jealous because Klaus is the fun brother. You're not worried about him purposefully doing anything. You know deep down he never would." Elijah opens his mouth, but she powers on. "You're worried Kol is going to want him more…maybe even love him more."

Elijah is quiet for a moment. Hayley's resolve doesn't soften this time. She stares into his soul with her narrow hazel eyes. The hairs on the back of Elijah's neck rise.

"Nik did a lot of bad things to Kol," Elijah softly concedes. "He daggered him. Emotionally neglected him just as badly as all us siblings did. However, his sins were nothing compared to mine. I enabled my brother for a very long time, at the expense of Rebekah, Marcellus, but especially Kol."

Hayley's lips tug downwards. "He's forgiven you for that."

"Perhaps. It doesn't change that it happened."

Hayley sighs, wrapping her arms around his waist. Elijah gazes down at her. His body already feels lighter from her touch.

"You say that you messed up with Kol, but also admit Klaus did too. As awful as you feel, Kol has a reason to resent you both."

Elijah's face grows weary. "Thank you for that reassurance, darling."

Hayley shakes her head. "But he doesn't. He loves you. Klaus, as his brother…you, as his dad."

"And yet, Klaus…"

"Is the one he chose tonight. Who do you think he'll go to the next time he has a bad dream? Or when he needs help with his civics homework?" Hayley smiles a little. "Or the millions of other things he needs you for?"

Elijah wraps his arms around her, still unsure. "And if he chooses Nik for all of that?"

"He won't. Kol comes to me for some of that, were you ever insecure then?"

"Of course not!" Elijah admonishes. "You're his mama. You have a special relationship."

"We do, just as he does with Klaus…and his dad." Elijah exhales through his nose. "If you keep this up, Klaus will catch on and likely feel guilty. If he pushes Kol away the way you did Marcel, it'll crush our little boy's heart."

Elijah shakes his head. "I don't want that."

"So, keep those green eyes away."

Hayley leans up and kisses him. Elijah melts into the embrace, deepening it for a few moments. By the time the two pull apart, his body is lighter.

"Thank you, darling," he whispers. "I still feel uncertain…but I shall not make that Nik or Kol's problem."

"Thank you." Hayley releases her grip, moving it to her husband's hand. "Now, we have a bit of childfree time. Odds are, our bed won't be invaded by a certain little boy. What do you say we make the most of it?"

Elijah feels a smile on his face for the first time since this afternoon. "Who am I to turn down the offer of such a lovely lady?"