Anonymous on Tumblr prompted: "For Chosen maybe you can do Kol getting dropped off somewhere (daycare, play group, relatives, etc) right after being officially adopted and experiencing separation anxiety"

I did edit this a bit. This takes place after Hayley and Elijah get guardianship of him, rather than adopt him as I want to put that off for a bit.

Elijah smiles as Kol builds a tower with his blocks. The little one is so determined as he stacks one after another. It's something so simple, yet so pure and innocent. In theory, Elijah is supposed to be building his own. Yet, he can't keep his eyes off his baby brother. Kol looks so cute in his soft, baby blue onesie with the pacifier attached with a leash. It's so rare that he lets Elijah dress him in younger clothes. His diaper is poking out a little, allowing him to look more like the baby he truly is inside.

While he loves Hayley and is so grateful for all she does, he enjoys these little moments where he gets Kol all to himself. It's a full moon this evening and she's chosen to take a little time to immerse herself in the woods.

"'Lijah," Kol interrupts his thoughts. "Build with me!"

"Oh, sorry, Little Prince!" Elijah stacks a block on top of his small tower. "I think I have some catching up to do."

"Uh huh. My tower is so, so big." He knocks it down, but given the sensory locking blocks it stays together. "Uh oh!"

"Uh oh," Elijah mimicks, picking it back up. "Do you think you can make it even bigger?"

"Yup." Kol digs through the bin. "When's Hayley comin' home?"

"After your bedtime." Kol frowns. "Remember, she's a wolf tonight. And it's very, very important that she's far away from us when that happens."

"She'd never hurt me," the little one argues.

"Not on purpose. But just like sometimes your magic is a little unpredictable, Hayley's actions are too when she's a wolf. So, to protect you, she's going to stay in the woods until midnight."

"That's very late," Kol ponders. "She'll be sleepy."

Elijah chuckles. "Perhaps. We'll let her rest tomorrow".

Kol nods in agreement, going back to his tower. Elijah is about to help him when his phone rings. He eyes the caller ID wearily. It's the university. Nothing good ever comes when the head of the department calls.

"I'll be right back, Little Prince," Elijah promises. "You keep building."

"'Kay 'Lijah."

Elijah gets up and heads out of the room, answering the phone.

"Hello?"

"Elijah, it's Michael."

Elijah refrains from reminding him about caller ID. The department head is 70 years old. It's to be expected he isn't as technology savvy. Half the time, Elijah can't keep up and he's been alive for a thousand years.

"How can I help you, Michael?" Elijah asks.

"We've run into a crisis. Jane has the flu and will be out for the next couple of days. With midterms right around the corner, we really can't cancel. I need someone to cover her lectures. You're the only one who teaches the same one."

Elijah nods, even though he can't be seen. "I can do that. What time are the lectures?"

"8:30 AM, 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday."

Elijah makes the mental note. He only has one class on Wednesday, 3:30. Definitely doable."

"I shall be there."

"Excellent. So, we'll see you for the 2 PM class?"

Elijah raises a brow. "I beg your pardon?"

"It's Monday. We need someone."

"I thought you meant next Monday."

"No, Jane just went to the doctor now. We'll need you here in a couple of hours."

"I'm with my brother today. He's regressed."

"Can't your wife watch him?"

"She's out for the day."

"These students really need the prep," Michael says. "According to Jane, they're severely behind."

"I can't bring him?"

"You'd have to put him in the campus daycare."

That's absolutely out of the question. Elijah and Hayley barely trust anyone with Kol. The only people they stick with are family members.

"I'll call my siblings and see who's available," Elijah says with a small sigh.

"It's a 90 minute class, you won't have to be away for long."

A 90 minute class that's 20 minutes away. Plus, he'll want to get there early to prep. Elijah bites his lip.

"I'll call you back in a little bit."

Elijah hangs up the phone, racking his brain for the best option. Kol equally loves Matt and Klaus. Either would take excellent care of him. Perhaps Klaus is the safer bet. Kol seems to feel more comfortable with him when he regresses.

Klaus answers the phone after two rings. "Elijah? Is everything alright?"

"Yes. I just need a favor to ask. Would you be able to watch Kol this afternoon? Likely from 1 until around 4:30?"

"Of course. It'd just be us. Caroline took the boys on some mother son day. I'd quite like the company."

"Oh, good."

"You don't sound so enthusiastic?"

"I'm covering for a colleague at work," Elijah explains. "Hayley is preparing for her transition this evening. So, I have to leave Kol."

"And you don't want to."

"It's so rare he drops this young. I don't like leaving him period, but usually he's with Hayley."

"He shall be in good hands, Elijah. I promise."

"I know he will," Elijah mutters.

"Drop by whenever. I'm looking forward to it."

"At least one of us are."

After hanging up with his brother, Elijah phones Michael back and promises to be there. He consults the clock. 11. Kol's due for his bottle soon, then a nap. Maybe some sleep will help ease the blow.

Elijah walks back into the living room. All of the blocks are dissembled and scattered on the floor. Kol lays on his stomach, face buried in the rug. Elijah sighs, settling beside him and rubbing his back. Kol yanks away.

"G'way," he mumbles intro he carpet.

"You heard me talking, hm?"

"You're leavin' me."

"Just for a little bit," Elijah says. "I have to go into work."

Kol peeks his head up. "I wanna go with you."

"You'd have to go to daycare," he gently points out. Kol frowns. "I know, I don't want you there either. That's why I called Niky. And he's so happy to see you! The boys are out with Caroline, so you have him all to yourself."

"I'll be good." Kol's eyes are wide. "I won't be loud or silly. I'll be quiet."

Elijah pushes back his brother's hair. "I want you to be able to be silly and loud. You shouldn't have to be quiet. That's why the classroom is no place for a little boy."

"I don' wanna go to Niky."

"You don't?" Kol shakes his head, banging it against the floor in the process. Elijah gently helps him sit up. "You love Niklaus. Every time you see him, you get so excited. Sometimes I think he's your favorite brother."

Elijah partially jests, but it's still in the back of his mind most days.

Kol folds his arms over his chest. "Wanna stay with you."

"I know you do, my sweet little prince, but I have to go to work and you need to be looked after." Elijah strokes the back of his neck. "I'll only be gone a few hours. Then we'll come home and you'll help me make dinner."

"Won't come home," Kol mumbles.

Elijah tilts his head. "Of course we will. Trust me, I do not wish to stay at the university all night."

"Won't come. Leave me at Niky's."

It takes a moment for the words to truly register. Elijah's heart crashes in his chest. He pulls Kol closer to him and cups his cheeks. There's so much vulnerability in those wide brown eyes.

"Little Prince, I will always come back for you."

"Finn didn't."

"I know," Elijah whispers, pain etched in his voice. "He left you here a lot, huh?" Kol nods. "I would never do that to you, sweetheart. Trust me, I wish we could stay here all day and play with your toys, watch Little Bear and snuggle. It's a lot more fun than a boring old lecture."

Kol sniffles. "Stay."

"I wish I could. If Hayley were here, you could stay with her but she's too far out." Elijah rubs his cheeks. "I promise that I won't leave you at Nik's. Sometimes I have to work, but I'll always come back to you. So will Hayley."

Kol leans his cheek into Elijah's palm. "You have to come back," he whispers.

"Always." Elijah kisses his forehead. "I won't ever abandon you, baby boy. Remember what I told you? This is your home. Forever. You're going to get very sick of me because I'll always be around, reminding you to brush your teeth and use your manners."

He tickles Kol's side, causing him to giggle. His brother quickly pouts.

"Not fair. Making me smile."

"That's my job, Little Prince. Now, how about I feed you your baba and then I'll put you down for your nap."

"Cuddles?"

"Of course! I need my naptime cuddles from my sweet little boy."

Elijah presses a kiss to each of his cheeks, hoping to bring that smile back. It only stays for a few minutes.

Elijah dresses Kol in some warmer sweats before they leave the house. His brother puts up more of a fight than usual, refusing his pacifier and whining the whole time. With each argument, the guilt hits Elijah in his stomach. If it were anything else, only one day of covering, he wouldn't be doing this. The students cannot miss a whole week of instruction

Knowing his brother will likely make it difficult to walk, Elijah drives to his middle brother's house. Kol doesn't even attempt to jump out of the car seat as usual. When Elijah scoops him out, the little brother instantly latches on with his legs and arms, keeping a tight hold. With a sigh, he heads for the door and rings the bell. Klaus answers not 2 seconds later, a smile on his face.

"There's my beautiful brothers." Kol buries his head in Elijah's shoulder. "What's wrong, Little One?"

Elijah tries to shift his baby brother. Kol remains planted in place. "He's not exactly thrilled I have to go into work."

Klaus nods his head, sympathy written across his face. "Well, Kol, I just so happened to have gone to the market and I picked up fresh, hot beignets."

"You love beignets," Elijah coaxes, bouncing Kol a bit. The little one doesn't look up. "You're going to have so much fun with Niky. He'll let you eat sugar and chase him around as much as you like."

"Aye. I've been very lonely." Klaus turns on the fake sad voice. "Caroline took my boys out, so I would love a chance to play with a little one."

"Go play with April," Kol mumbles into his brother's neck.

A hint of a smile plays on Klaus' lips. Elijah shakes his head. Kol's stubbornness seems to heighten when he's in a younger space.

"She's with her parents. Besides, we haven't had a proper day together just the two of us in a very long time."

Kol tightens his grip on Elijah. "'Lijah won't come back."

It takes a few tries for Elijah to gently pry Kol away. He brushes some hair out of his face, trying not to get won over by the wide eyes and pouty lips.

"I told you, sweet prince, Elijah will always come back," he says. "I would never abandon you. We'll be back home long before dinner. You're going to help me cook, remember?"

Kol sniffles, rubbing at his eye. "Go home."

"We will," he promises. "You'll get to go back to your room, the big bed, all your toys and Little Bear tapes."

"Pil'low," Kol mumbles.

"I packed it in your bag." Elijah shrugs his shoulder to show off the large tote that Hayley uses to carry everything. "Plus your blankie."

"If you want we could build a fort," Klaus coaxes. "Lay in it while we watch some TV."

Kol's eyes light up just a tad, but it fizzles out quickly. He buries his head back in his big brother's neck. Elijah sighs, stroking his hair

"He's not going to let go on his own," Klaus says, softly. "Tyler is the same way when Caroline and I go out." He holds out his arms. "Give him here."

Elijah looks down at Kol, biting his lip. He's so upset, convinced he won't come back. Leaving will just upset him.

"It'll be harder the longer you drag it out," Klaus says, taking another step forward. "You have to go."

"Maybe I should get him settled inside…"

"Elijah."

Klaus slips the bag off his shoulder and places it in the foyer. He turns back to his brothers and begins prying Kol off Elijah. Their baby brother whines and tries to cling on tighter. At first, Elijah doesn't try to help Klaus. He doesn't want to further traumatize the boy. After a moment, he gives in and pulls Kol off, gently pushing him into Klaus' arms. Kol screams out.

"'Lijah!"

Elijah clears his throat, doing everything to keep the tears at bay. "I'll be back soon, Little Prince. I promise." Kol is thrashing about in Klaus' arms. Elijah leans down and kisses his forehead. "I love you so much." He spares a look to Klaus. "Will you be alright?"

"We'll be just fine," Klaus assures him. "Go, we'll see you later."

Elijah hesitates then nods. "Thank you." He gives Kol 2 more kisses. "I love you, I love you."

He turns on his heel and heads for the car, not looking back. The door to the house shuts, only slightly muffling Kol's cries. Elijah takes a deep breath as he climbs back in, willing himself not to cry.

Klaus balances the bag and Kol as he heads into the living room. He sits down in the rocking recliner and places his baby brother on his knee, gently bouncing him. Kol wails, rubbing at his eyes and thrashing his arms. Klaus has to pull him back several times so he doesn't throw himself out on the floor.

"Oh, Little One, I know this is so hard," he whispers. "You want Elijah."

"Come back," Kol sobs. "'Lijah. Hay'lee."

"They're going to come back," Klaus soothes. "They always come back for you."

"Finn didn't," he chokes out.

Klaus gently strokes the back of his neck. "They aren't Finn, sweetheart. Hayley and Elijah love you so much. They would never abandon you."

Kol lets out another sob. He buries his head in Klaus's shoulder, which the older brother considers a small win. Klaus rubs his back and coos in his ear, letting him know it's okay to cry. A part of his heart hurts. When Kol was younger the first time, he rarely ever cried. Likely, he didn't feel safe to. All of the pain of his neglect and abandonment has built up over the years. Klaus hates that so much of it comes from him.

He continues to rub his back and whisper soft, encouraging words into his ear. It takes Kol 15 minutes for his sobs to turn into soft hiccups. Klaus reaches over and grabs some tissues, cleaning his face.

"There we go," he coos. "We don't need those yucky boogers, do we?"

Kol holds on tight to his shirt. "'Lijah," he whispers beneath a hiccup.

"He's at work, but he'll be back later," Klaus repeats for what has to be the 50th time. "Niky's here, though. Don't we always have fun together?" Kol shrugs, popping in the pacifier that's clipped to his hoodie. "Oh, c'mon. We all know I'm your favorite brother in the whole world." He smirks. "I let you do all sorts of fun things that Elijah and Finn don't." Kol regards him curiously. "I'll get you some beignets and then we can build our fort. Unless you want to do something else."

Kol shakes his head, not letting go of his brother. Klaus adjusts him to the other leg and searches through the bag on the floor. He finds the special pillow and blanket, tucking both in his brother's grasp. Kol holds onto them tight as he sucks on his pacifier. Klaus carries him into the kitchen and finds the box of beignets, still warm from the bakery. He tucks them under his arm and carries them back into the living room.

With Kol settled on the floor, Klaus goes about setting up the pillow fort. He uses just about every one he can find in the closet. Kol sits there for a few moments before finally getting up to help. Klaus smiles as he situates the pillows just so and sets up his special one against the back, laying the blanket on the floor. Klaus climbs in beside him with the beignets and the remote.

"Do you want Little Bear?" Klaus asks.

Kol nods, taking out his pacifier to pick up a beignet. It suddenly dawns on Klaus that he should've gotten him a bib, but it's too late as his baby brother takes a big bite and the powdered sugar falls on his hoodie. The smile on his face is enough to keep one on Klaus'.

Elijah lets himself into Klaus and Caroline's when he returns a few hours later. The lecture went alright and the students seem willing to learn. He's confident that with some instruction their midterms. He somehow managed to keep his head in the class and not thinking about Kol.

That all changed on the car ride over.

He follows the infectious laughter from the door to the living room. A smile spreads across his anxious face once he sees Kol. His baby brother is chasing Klaus around, promising he's "going to get him". Klaus pretends to be scared, only to vamp away the moment Kol comes near. Elijah hangs back watching the two.

Finally, Klaus slows down and Kol jumps on his back, tackling him to the ground. Klaus pretends to groan, rubbing at his head. Kol erupts in another fit of giggles. Elijah smirks.

"Little Prince, be careful with your brother. He's very, very old."

Kol looks up, his eyes bright. "'Lijah!"

He vamps across the room, throwing his arms around his big brother. Elijah squeezes him tight, pressing multiple kisses to the top of his head.

"You came back," Kol murmurs into his shoulder, sounding both relieved and surprised.

Elijah gives him another kiss. "I told you, I'll always come back." He cups his cheeks. "Did you have fun with Nik?"

Kol nods, a smile spreading across his face. "We ate beignets and watched Little Bear and now we're playin' tag inside. 'Cause I didn't wanna go out."

Elijah raises a brow. "I don't think Caroline would appreciate you doing that inside."

"Niky said it was okay," Kol whines.

Elijah shakes his head, playfully rolling his eyes. "I think your Niky spoils you."

"Of course I do," Klaus says, taking a step forward. "He's my baby brother, it's my job."

Kol beams. "I'm the baby."

"I'll remember you saying that," Elijah says, ruffling his hair. He looks at his middle brother. "How was he?"

"Just fine, as I assured you he would be," Klaus reports. "He was upset when you left, but settled down quickly."

Elijah nods. "Thank you," he says. "I love Matt and Rebekah, but I knew you were the person for the job."

"Always. Besides, I'll enjoy rubbing it in Matthew's face that I was the fun babysitter today."

Elijah laughs, shaking his head once more. He inhales Kol's sweet honey shampoo and softens. No one could have prepared him for how hard it would be to be away from his baby brother.

"Say goodbye to Niky and we can go," Elijah says.

Kol nods, pulling away from him and hugging Klaus tight. Elijah can hear him mumbling his "thank you's". Klaus showers his face with kisses and tells him he can come back any time.

After thanking Klaus one last time himself, Elijah lifts Kol into his arms and swings the diaper bag over his shoulder. Kol wraps his arms around his neck.

"'Lijah, can we have grilled cheese for dinner?"

"Sure thing, Little Prince. But you have to eat your broccoli."

"No, fries."

"Sweet potato fries," Elijah barters.

That's enough to make Kol happy. Elijah ignores Klaus' comments about how he's not the only one to spoil their baby brother.

As always, feel free to leave prompts or ask me questions! I am on Tumblr and love communicating on there, as well as in the comments!