Phoenix_Queen prompted: "Kol having a small crush on someone but his parents find out somehow and still won't let him date. He's a little annoyed but more insecure about it. Like "do you say that bc you think they won't accept me having to occasionally drop even after 4 years" not bc you know I might not be ready for it."

Hayley lets out a tiny sigh as she snuggles into Elijah. The two are sprawled out on the couch, a large throw draped over them. His strong, protective arms wrapped around her. He tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. Curiosity fills his dark brown eyes.

"Everything alright, darling?"

Hayley nods. "Everything is perfect." She pecks his lips, tracing his stubble. "A quiet evening, just the two of us. I can't remember the last time that happened."

Elijah smiles. "Aye. I think given how this house is growing, they may become even fewer and farther between."

Hayley props her elbows on his chest. "We should make the most of it now, then."

He playfully growls and nibbles on her lip. Hayley tilts her head back, moving her hands down to his silk pajama bottoms…

The rattle of a familiar truck runs through the driveway. Elijah just barely pulls away from her lips, a pout on his own.

"They're back," he whispers.

Hayley checks the clock. "We only have ourselves to blame. It's almost Kol's bedtime."

"Matt, always the responsible babysitter."

She giggles, getting off of him and settling onto the couch. Elijah sits up, fixing the buttons on his shirt. At the very least they had thought to put on pajamas before their abandoned movie night.

The door opens moments later, the sound of the three younger boys rattling from the entry way. It's not long before they're in the living room, smiles all around. Hayley hides a sigh of relief when she notices Kol and Marcel don't seem driven to kill one another. Matt convinced her son to include his nephew on their outings and it's gone well for the most part. Somehow, Matt manages to play peacekeeper. If only that worked in the house.

"Hey," she says, stretching a little. "You boys have fun?"

"It was karaoke night at Rousseau's," Kol announces. "Marcel sang, he wasn't too bad. Matty though…" He trails off with a smirk.

Matt rolls his eyes. "I never claimed to be some kind of popstar, alright?"

Marcel shakes his head. "You should also never try to rap. Ever again."

Matt playfully shoves his shoulder. "You're awfully rude to the guy that bought you a beer." Elijah opens his mouth, but his future-brother-in-law quickly follows it up with, "Kol didn't drink."

"Aye, you have nothing to worry about, Dad," Kol says with an eye roll. "All I had was Coke."

Marcel laughs. "Poor Koley." He ruffles his hair, earning him a glare from his uncle. "Must have sucked to woke up from your slumber and realize you're forever under the drinking age."

"Buzz off," Kol grumbles.

Matt wraps an arm around him. "You don't need to drink to have fun. I mean, I'm pretty sure that sugar high did something to you, eh?" He tickles Kol under his arm, earning a giggle.

Hayley smiles as she walks over to the group with Elijah. There's no doubting that Klaus will forever be Kol's favorite brother, but Matt has become his top choice for a sitter. He's into sports and video games. Elijah will play Mario occasionally but he nor Klaus are much into football and the like. It's good for Kol to have someone he can do that stuff with.

Elijah kisses the top of Kol's head. "Did you say thank you to Matt?"

Kol glances up at him. "Thanks, Matty," he says. "I had fun."

Marcel smacks him on the shoulder. "Yeah, man, you're not so bad."

Matt snorts. "You're welcome, you two." He tousles Kol's hair.

"Seriously, Matthew," Elijah says with a nod. "We appreciate you taking out the boys."

"Anything to give you guys some alone time. Speaking of, though…"

Elijah makes a face. "I'd rather not know what you and my sister are up to."

Matt smirks, heading for the stairs. Elijah watches him, shaking his head. At least Klaus didn't hear all of that. While he's gotten better about Rebekah's boyfriends, Matt would've gotten a growl over something like that.

"Alright, Little Prince, do you want a shower or bath tonight?"

When there's no response, he turns back to his son. Kol's eyes are glued on his phone, a serious look on his face. Hayley frowns.

"Kol?" Nothing. "Kol Andreas!"

Their son snaps his head up. "Yeah?"

"Your father asked you a question."

"Never mind that," Elijah takes a step forward. "I'd like to know what's so interesting about your cellular device."

Marcel smirks. "Probably waiting for CeCe to text."

Hayley arches a brow, folding her arms over her chest. Kol glares at Marcel. If anything, his smirk only grows. Elijah places a hand on his wife's shoulder. Perhaps keeping the Mama Wolf completely at bay is impossible, but he'd like to try.

"CeCe?" Hayley asks. "Just who is CeCe?"

Kol glances at his dad, who shakes his head. "I am also curious."

The young vampire grumbles in Marcel's direction. "I hate you."

"Aww, I love you too, Uncle Koley," Marcel tousles his hair. Kol bares his fangs, not fazing his uncle at all. "You look real adorable, man."

Kol forms a fist. "Dad! He's baiting me!"

Elijah pinches the bridge of his nose. "Marcellus, find something productive to do."

Marcel shrugs. "Fine. Let Kol tell you all about his 26-year-old girlfriend."

He vamps out of the room before Kol can do a thing about it. Hayley's eyes are filled with protection, her muscles tense. Elijah rubs her arm, knowing he's barely calmer.

"Girlfriend? What is this about a girlfriend?" Hayley asks, tapping her foot.

Kol sighs. "Mama, Marcel is being a jerk! I don't have a girlfriend."

"Then what is he talking about?" Elijah asks.

"I said CeCe was hot, that's it."

That doesn't make Elijah feel any better. "If that's all, why are you looking at your phone?" His son gnaws on his lip. "Kol…"

"Alright, she asked for my number." He squirms under his father's watchful eye. "And I gave it to her…"

Hayley speaks before her husband can. "Nuh uh. I don't think so."

Kol groans, throwing his hands in the air. His voice comes out in a whine. "Mama!"

"No, Kol. You know the rules. You aren't allowed to date right now. Your mind is in a fragile state."

"This isn't fair!"

Elijah shakes his head. "Little Prince, do you not remember what happens when you try to date?"

"That was a long time ago!"

"The last attempt was just before we moved to New Orleans."

It was in the months leading up to Hayley and Elijah's wedding. Kol was hanging out with the dreadful friends he made. Elijah relented and agreed to let him try to have a girlfriend. Sure enough, Kol had a panic attack combined with sensory overload the first-time things went a bit far. Luckily, Klaus had been nearby and compelled the girl to forget anything ever happened. Elijah put the rule back in place. Something Hayley was more than happy to implement.

Kol glares at his father. "You're overprotective."

"I am looking out for your best interest, Little Prince."

"I'm not little!" He looks from him to Hayley. "You both treat me like a baby!"

"You're our baby," Hayley says, her muscles relaxing a bit. She touches his chin. "You're not ready to date, Lovebug."

Kol pulls away from her. "Whatever, Hayley," he mumbles.

Hayley's eyes fill with hurt as she takes a step back. Elijah frowns, straightening his back.

"Kol, you will not talk that way to your mother."

"I'm taking a shower, I don't need you tucking me in," Kol says, his voice still low.

The young vampire is out of the room before they can blink. Elijah heads for the stairs, but his wife is quick to grab him.

"Hayley…"

"Let him go," she whispers.

"He cannot get away with speaking to you like that!"

"It's one whatever. Hardly the worst he's ever said."

"That's not what I meant," Elijah settles her with a firm yet loving look. "He can't…"

"He can call me whatever he wants."

"You're his mother."

"I knew going into this that he may not call me "Mom". For a long time, he didn't."

Elijah frowns. "Yes, but now he has, he can't simply take that back now!"

Hayley shakes her head. "He's upset, Elijah. It's fine."

Elijah caresses her cheek with his thumb. The pain in her eyes is a dagger to his own heart. He can still remember the FaceTime he received while first visiting New Orleans. Hayley was in tears to announce that Kol was calling her "mama", finally.

"He called me "Mama"!" She squealed. "He thinks I'm his mama!"

"Please, allow me to speak to him…"

"No," the sadness in her voice mixes with stern. "I appreciate this, Elijah, I truly do. Kol's upset. He called me by my first name. It's fine. Allow him to be upset. Lecturing him right now isn't going to make that any better." Elijah can barely open his mouth to reply. "It happened to me, alright? Just…let it go."

He sighs, resting his forehead against hers. "I don't like this," he whispers.

"I know." The smallest hint of a smile pokes up on her lips. "I love you for it."

"How about I draw us a nice bath? I just got more of those salts you like."

She shrugs. "Sure."

Kol isn't down for breakfast in the morning. Hayley attempts to keep Elijah in the kitchen, but he heads up to the teen's bedroom anyway. His son sits up in bed, playing on his switch. Elijah walks over and plucks the device from his hand. Kol looks up at him with narrowed eyes. The father simply places the game on the nightstand.

"Breakfast," he says, briskly.

"I went down before anyone woke up and ate," Kol reports. "I don't want to sit with the rest of you."

"That's not an option, young man. Dress and join us."

"No."

Elijah's jaw locks. "Pardon? I believe the words you're looking for are "Yes, Daddy"."

Kol flops down on the bed, burying his face in the pillows. Elijah walks to the wardrobe and starts flipping through it.

"Have it your way. I shall pick your outfit. You can look like a proper little gentleman." Kol mumbles something too quiet for even an Original Vampire to pick up on. "Pardon?"

His son's voice is only a little louder now. "Please remind me once again that I am an embarrassment."

Elijah's hand freezes on the navy blue button down. He blinks several times, trying to process the words. Once it settles in, he bolts over to the bed and sits beside his son. Kol inches away, curling up in a ball. Elijah frowns. The teen's face is crumpled, sadness written in his eyes.

"Little Prince, I never said you were an embarrassment."

"You didn't have to," Kol mutters. "I know it's what you think. I don't wear what you wish. I'm a big baby who has sensory meltdowns and can't even date because no one is going to want to deal with all of this."

Elijah's heart crumbles beneath his chest. He attempts to pull Kol into his arms, but his son pushes him away. Elijah's breath hitches, tears coming to his eyes.

"Please, Little Prince," he whispers. "Let Daddy hold you." Kol shakes his head. "I know I do not deserve it, but let me comfort you, please."

Kol rolls over and faces the wall. Elijah sighs, collapsing against the pillows.

"Kol," his voice comes out soft. "The reason we won't let you date isn't because we don't think anyone would want you. Truthfully, we know you are quite the catch." Kol scoffs. "'Tis true, sweetheart. You are smart, funny, caring. Not to mention, very, very handsome."

"Dad," Kol mutters.

Elijah manages a small smile. "You are. Anyone would be lucky to have you. Your sensory processing disorder isn't a bad thing, my little prince. It doesn't make you embarrassing or incapable of love. So many people already do. No one more than me and your mama."

Silence. Elijah slowly moves his foot to nudge Kol's back. The young vampire doesn't look up.

"You are a very special boy, Kol. Sure, you have challenges, but that simply makes you special. Different. There's nothing wrong with that. And some day, in the very long, distant future, you will find a partner who loves you for you. For now, your mama and I are merely concerned about you dropping. Even if the other person is okay with it, your mind still isn't ready."

"You only think that because you think I'm embarrassing."

It takes all Elijah has not to cry out. "That isn't true, my baby boy. Please, look at me."

There's some hesitance, but eventually, he's able to see his little prince's wide eyes, filled with tears. Elijah scoots closer, cupping his cheek.

"I know sometimes I am hard on you, but I do not find you embarrassing, nor do I wish to change you."

"You just said…"

"I know, that was silly of me. I was upset because of how you spoke to your mother. Truly, deep down, Kol, I love you for who you are. I don't need you to be anyone but yourself."

Kol sniffles. "I'm sure you could find another son. One who enjoyed dressing up, looking like a proper little gentleman."

Elijah shakes his head, moving his hand to caress Kol's hair. "Why would I want another son, when I have the best little boy in the world right here?"

A tiny tear falls down Kol's cheek. Elijah pulls the little boy into a cradle position, adjusting him on his lap. He gently rocks him.

"We love you just as you are, Little Prince," he coos. "And anyone who doesn't, that is their problem." Kol sniffles, shaking his head. Elijah frowns. "How long have you felt this way?"

Kol shrugs. "Dunno," he mumbles. "Just…do sometimes."

"Oh, baby." Elijah cuddles him close. "I am so sorry that I caused this."

"Not all your fault, Daddy."

"A lot of it is. It shall be up to me to show you otherwise." Elijah kisses his temple. "I promise I will."

Kol rests his head on his shoulder. "You really don't want another little boy?"

"Never, ever." Elijah presses several kisses across his face. "None of would trade you for anything."

"Even a really, really fancy suit?"

"I would burn Armani to the ground if it meant keeping you with me," Elijah whispers, tapping his nose. Kol's eyes widen, allowing his dad to smile a little. "Yes, I love you that much."

"That is a lot," the little one breathes.

Elijah continues rocking and kissing his face. He hears the usual morning commotion below, but doesn't pay it any mind. The rest of the family will be fine without them. Well, everyone except…

There's a soft knock on the open door. Elijah smells his wife entering the room. The bed sinks in beside him. Kol spots her, curling closer to his dad. Hayley frowns.

"Ma…Hayl…Mommy…I mean…" Kol rubs at his eyes with his fists.

Hayley shakes her head. "Bug, you can call me whatever you'd like."

"I called you Hayley last night."

"Yes, you did. But I'm still your mommy." Hayley softly smiles. "No matter what you say."

Kol pouts. "Still Mama?"

"Yes," she rubs his tummy. "I'm still my little bub's mama."

Elijah moves closer so she can cuddle with them. "I was just telling Kol how much we love him," he says. "Just the way he is."

Hayley briefly frowns. He casts her a gentle "hold on" look. Her smile reappears. "Well, of course we do." She gently tickles his chin. Kol kicks his legs a little, the smallest smile on his face. "He's our little boy."

"And I told him that other people do too," Elijah continues.

"Who wouldn't love our baby?" Hayley coos.

Kol holds his arms out. Hayley takes her son, nestling him against her chest. Elijah wraps his arms around both, resting his chin atop Hayley's head. He makes a quiet vow to do better. He never wants his son to feel this way again.

Poor Kol is still battling those demons of not feeling enough. Next time will be a bit fluffier, some Matt and Kol bonding! I've loved developing their dynamic.

As always, let me know what you think and feel free to leave prompts!