Title inspiration: "On My Way" by Boyce Avenue.

If you have not read "Baby Vampire" or "Starting Over", this won't make any sense. This isn't a direct sequel as I'm not sure I could put those characters through yet another trauma but a loose AU with the same world building. The Mikaelsons began treating Kol like an actual person, Elijah adopted him and later Hayley did the same. Klaus married Caroline, they adopted their boys. Matt and Rebekah did the same with April.

I've had this idea running around in my head for awhile. It was partially inspired by Elijah's memory loss in S5 paired with the Mikaelson siblings having to separate due to the Hollow curse. I have tweaked it a bit so Marcel was not involved and instead, it was the coven. The family had to be separated, including Elijah from Kol. Knowing he couldn't do that willingly, he chose to have his memories wiped. Klaus and Rebekah worked tirelessly to break the curse, even while apart. This is the outcome.

I was also inspired by the Haylijah meadow scene from 4x05. That scene is just so delicate and beautiful. It showcases the softer side of Elijah, one he usually only shows with Hayley and those he loves the most. I am here to rectify the future they didn't have in jean shorts and flip flops...

I don't know how much I'll add to this. I have a lot of WIPs as it is. However, I do find myself running out of things to say in Starting Over and Baby Vampire, so I may turn here for my Haylijah & Kol fix.

Let me know what you think! 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.

It all comes back. The good. The bad. The beautiful. The ugly. All of it crashes down onto Elijah Mikaelson. He collapses to the floor, weeping. He cries for the atrocities he's committed. The pain inflicted upon him. Yet, he also cries for all he's missed. For his wife and little boy. One full year. A year where he sat in some piano bar in France. Playing melodies for those drinking pretentious wine. Living a quiet life in an apartment nearby. Never truly knowing who he was or where he came from.

While he forgot who he was, the ones who loved him never did. While the siblings had to be separated for their own protection, they at least had their memories. From different parts of the world, they worked tirelessly to find their way back to one another. They managed to break the curse that hung like a rain cloud over their families.

Then they came for Elijah. Just Rebekah and Klaus. They let him have his breakdown once he regained his memories, but soon wrapped him in their arms. For a few moments, the eldest brother was the baby. Klaus cradling the back of his head while Rebekah kissed his cheek and promised they were there. Always and forever.

Eventually, he regained his bearings and pulled away. Every bone in his body shaking. Breath choppy. He looks between the two then around at the dungeon they sit in.

"Where is Hayley? Kol?" His voice fills with desperation. "Where is my baby boy?"

Klaus squeezes his shoulder. "They're safe. Hayley wanted to come but she couldn't leave him."

"They're…they're alive?"

Rebekah nods. A small smile is on her lips. "They're waiting for you."

"Where are they?" Elijah asks again with more urgency.

"Montana."

They're on Klaus' private jet within a couple of hours. A pilot compelled so the siblings can sit in the back together, sipping champagne. Elijah feels bad that it takes until they're halfway there to think about his siblings' families. It only occurs to him when Klaus whispers to Rebekah that he's checked up on Caroline and the boys. She just as quietly confirms that April and Matt are secure.

"Where…where have the two of you been?"

"Caroline, Jeremy, Tyler and Marcel are in Italy," Klaus explains. A small smile is on her face. "I always promised Caroline I'd show her Rome." Elijah can't find it in himself to match his smile.

"Matt, April and I settled in Connecticut. Right on the water."

Elijah nods. They're spread out. The way maybe it should be. Siblings are eventually supposed to go their separate ways after all. This is what he always wanted for Rebekah and Klaus. To be happy and free.

Now, he longs for his family.

"We're going to find a way to bring everyone together again," Rebekah says as if she can read his mind.

"You all lead different lives now. It's been a full year. I imagine they're settled."

The jet grows quiet. He sees the guilt in his siblings' eyes. Elijah clears his throat. He doesn't wish to think about it for now.

Eventually, Rebekah and Klaus fall asleep. Elijah remains awake, staring out at the cloud. Each excruciating minute brings him closer.

They land early the next morning. Elijah's apprehension rises when the only car in the parking lot is a rented SUV. Klaus' words echo through his head.

"Hayley wanted to come but she couldn't leave him."

As much as it's killing to be apart from her for another second, he also wouldn't have it any other way. Kol shouldn't be far from either of them. Heaven knows he doesn't plan to put him down for a very long time.

There's no way he's grown, but Elijah wonders what the time has done to him. How did he handle the abandonment? Did Hayley even explain it to him? Did he understand? How often has he spent in space and out of it?

It's another excruciating 30 minutes between the airport in Bozeman to the town of Three Forks. They drive through the town square that looks like something out of an Old Western with a modern twist. There's open fields, some with houses. They all seem to be separated a good distance apart. Rebekah and Klaus are quiet, leaving him with his thoughts.

"Have you seen them?" Elijah asks from the passenger seat when the silence becomes too much.

"Aye," Klaus says. "As soon as we knew we could break the curse, we flew out."

"Kol…"

"Nik didn't put him down for 5 hours," Rebekah teases, nudging her older brother from the backseat.

Klaus rolls her eyes. "Someone's jealous because he ran straight to me."

"So…he was happy to see you?" Elijah asks, ignoring the teasing.

"Yes. It was like no time has passed at all."

"A full year has."

"He asked about you," Rebekah whispers. Elijah glances at her in the rearview mirror. Her eyes are kind, filled with love. "The first thing he did. Asked where his daddy was."

"We promised we'd get him," Klaus added.

"You had no way of knowing if you could help me get my memories back," Elijah mutters. "You could've broken that promise."

Klaus shakes his head, turning on the blinker so he can turn. "I wasn't leaving Paris without you. I don't break promises to Kol. Not anymore."

They turn up a long driveway. It's a good 5 minutes until they reach the house. It's a two-story made entirely of wood. There's a wraparound porch with two rocking chairs as well as a swing.

He remembers nights at the mansion in New Orleans. Sitting out in the open courtyard. Kol snuggled on his lap while they read a bedtime story. Hayley always wanted a porch, specifically with rocking chairs. Something to look out onto, rather than the stone walls that surrounded them.

There are sprawling fields both in front and behind the home. Beautiful flowers are sprinkled throughout. A playset in the backyard, complete with a slide and swing set.

Hayley got her wish.

"What if they don't want me anymore," Elijah whispers, unable to keep the fear inside.

Klaus grips his bicep, forcing him to look into his eyes. Like Rebekah's they have love, but there's a bit of a look that only a brother can provide. Not one that quite says "buck up" and yet also commands strength.

"They have been waiting a whole year for you," he growls. "Are you really going to make them wait another minute?"

Elijah draws back a deep breath, letting it taper out slowly. He shakes his head.

"Lead the way."

Each step is slow, purposeful. Anxiety builds up within the closer they get. He tries to prepare for what he'll find on the other side.

They're barely up the steps when the door opens. Elijah nearly trips backwards when he sees her.

Hayley's fashion sense hasn't changed. She's wearing layered tank tops and a pair of jeans. Her hair is longer, with blonde highlights throughout those dark waves.

Those green eyes. He hasn't seen them in a year. Yet, they're one of the first things he saw when he regained all those memories.

"Elijah," she whispers.

Elijah doesn't know what to do but nod. He feels ridiculous. Why isn't he running into her arms? That's what happens in the movies.

This isn't a movie.

She comes to him. Elijah feels paralyzed yet also guilt for making her wait even longer.

He smells the tears before she reaches him. A shaky hand cups his cheek. Elijah melts beneath her touch. It's like a key unlocking his heart.

"You came back to me," she whispers, letting out a choked sob.

Elijah nods. "I'm sorry it took me so long."

Hayley shakes her head, those beautiful waves shaking everywhere. "I don't care."

The spell paralyzing his body seems to lift the moment she kisses him. His arms wrap around him, bringing back that feeling of home.

They pull apart after a few moments, their foreheads touching. Elijah exhales, tracing her cheek. He can hear her racing heart. Hayley grips his shirt.

"Klaus and Rebekah said they found a way," she says, a few tears falling. "But I didn't think…God…"

"That'll teach you to doubt me, dear sister-in-law."

Hayley scoffs, rolling her eyes and wiping at her tears. Elijah can't help but smile. He kisses her forehead. She pulls away, but quickly takes his hand.

"Come with me," she whispers.

"Where?"

She tilts her head, arching a brow. "Don't you want to see your son?"

Elijah has never nodded so quick.

Still gripping his hand, Hayley leads him inside. Rebekah and Klaus say they'll gather the bags from the car. Elijah is thankful for the privacy. He glances around the open concept first floor. High ceilings, with a skylight. Pictures of the family on practically ever wall. There's art projects on the fridge. Adorable handprint collages and scribbled on coloring pages. The house smells of lavender, Kol's favorite scent.

There are toys organized in one corner of the room. An easel nearby. Elijah doesn't miss the Little Bear tapes on a shelf in the built-in home media center.

Hayley leads him up the winding wood staircase. "He has his own bedroom," she explains. "But usually he ends up in my bed…our bed."

Elijah's spent the past year sleeping on a futon. The thought of slumbering in a California king bed with the two people he loves most sends a warm feeling through his heart.

"He should be in his room, though. Finishing up his homework."

"He goes to school?"

Hayley nods. "He's a sophomore now," she says with a small smile. "On the debate club."

Elijah can't help but let out a hardy laugh. That is likely the least surprising change of all.

Hayley gently pushes open the door. Elijah steps in with her, though he doesn't look at the room. Rather, he focuses on the desk where his little boy sits.

He's clean shaven, though his wavy brown locks are beginning to grow out once again. They brush against his forehead and just across the ear. He wears a forest green hoodie advertising "Bozeman Field School" and grey sweatpants.

"Baby," Hayley whispers.

Kol doesn't look up from his textbook. Elijah watches as he clutches onto his pencil. His eyes are wide and his leg jerks up and down.

"Baby," Hayley tries again. "He's here."

"It's a trap." Elijah holds back a sob upon hearing his son's voice for the first time in so long. "It's not him."

"Your brother and sister confirmed…"

"They're wrong. It's not him."

Elijah feels the distrust radiating off of Kol. He takes a step in front of Hayley.

"Little Prince."

Kol's entire body shakes as he drops the pencil. Elijah bites his lip. It takes everything in him not to scoop up his son and not let go. That would only spook him. Elijah cannot be selfish right now.

"It's okay to be afraid," Elijah assures him. "However, it is me. I am here. And I know perhaps you may be upset or mad. I need you to know, whatever you feel, I am okay with. You have every right. But the truth is, I am here. I'm home, Little Prince."

Kol's head rises. His eyes lock on his father's. Elijah smells the tears as his son's lips tremble.

"Daddy?"

Elijah nods, a small smile coming across his lips. "Daddy's here."

The chair is knocked to the floor in a second as Kol vamps across the rooms. He throws his arms around his dad's neck, holding on for dear life. Elijah scoops him up and cuddles him as close as possible. He feels his neck grow damp as Kol lets out a soft sob.

"Daddy," he sobs.

"My sweet, sweet little prince," Elijah coos. "Oh, I've missed you."

He may have only gotten his memories back 24 hours ago, but the desire was primal. The ache of spending a year away from everyone he loves.

Kol sobs into his neck for 10 minutes. Elijah rocks him and presses kisses to the top of his head. He coos soft words into his ear. Kol's breath is shaky and he hiccups every so often. Elijah rubs his back. He settles onto the bed, keeping Kol safe in his grasp.

Eventually, his son pulls out his head. Elijah is quick to brush away any tears. He stares at him only a moment before smiling and rubbing noses. A soft giggle escapes Kol's lips, though he quickly resumes his wide eyed, puppy dog look.

"You're really here," Kol whispers.

Elijah nods. "Aye." He can't help but squeezing his cheeks and playing with his nose. Taking in every bit of him. He has to stop himself from counting his fingers and toes, just to make sure he's okay.

"Rebekah and Nik said they found you, but I know they thought that before. Where…"

"Paris," Elijah whispers. "You must know, Little Prince, I never left of my own free will. My memory…"

"I know," Kol interrupts with a nod. "I know."

Elijah cradles his cheek. The tears keep coming as he takes him in. "You haven't aged a bit."

"Kind of impossible."

"I know, but…" He exhales. "I was so afraid you'd be gone."

Hayley steps closer. "As if he'd ever leave me."

Kol lays his head against his dad's shoulder. Elijah rubs his back and bounces his leg. Kol's thumb slowly enters his mouth. Hayley grabs a plastic container off the night stand. Elijah is a little surprised when she swaps the thumb for a green pacifier. Perhaps more so when Kol sucks on it. When he left, his son was adamant that he'd never use one. Hayley shakes her head, holding a finger to her lips. Elijah nods, keeping up the ritual to keep his son calm. The two fall asleep against the pillows with Elijah holding an arm around each of the people who mean most to him.

Kol wakes up from his nap in a younger state of mind, much to Elijah's delight. Rebekah and Klaus opt to go into town for the day, giving the family some more space. Kol is all too happy to show Elijah the backyard. He clings to his hand as he leads him to the playground.

"Dada! I have a swing!"

Elijah nods, widening his eyes in amazement for his son's benefit. "Wow! That is very neat."

"And a slide! Plus a Jeep!"

Elijah's eyes flicker to Hayley. She chuckles, running her fingers through Kol's hair. "It's one of those motorized ones. Just a toy."

"Nuh uh. It's real."

"Of course it is, Squish," Hayley says, squeezing his cheek.

Kol smiles, placated for the moment. He looks up at his dad. "And guess what Daddy?"

Elijah smiles. "What?"

"I have 3 whole bins with fidgets!" He holds up three fingers.

"Wow! That's a lot!"

"Uh huh. Mama got them for me. And my blocks. Plus lots of other stuff."

"Your mama was very good to you while I was gone, huh?"

"Yup." Kol swings his hand and looks over at Hayley, who's smiling at her boys. "And I took care of her too. Gave her lots of cuddles so she wouldn't be sad."

Elijah bites his lip. He squeezes Kol's hand.

"You don't have to do that anymore," he says.

Kol shakes his head. A slight pout forms on his lips. "Have to. When you go 'way again."

Elijah frowns. He releases his hand from Kol's and uses it to cup his cheek instead. "Little Prince, I'm not going anywhere."

"You did before."

"I know, but that's because I couldn't remember you and Mama," Elijah reminds him. "But now I do. Which means we can be a family again."

There's a bit of hesitation in Kol's eyes. It rips apart Elijah's soul.

"I know it may be hard for you to believe and maybe understand," he whispers. "But I am going to show you that I'm here to stay."

Kol doesn't say anything for several minutes. Hayley puts a hand on her son's back. Eventually, he shakes his head.

"Will you push me on my swing?"

Elijah nods, holding back a sigh. They've been reunited 4 hours. None of this will be resolved any time soon. So, he simply nods and allows Kol to lead him to the swing set. He helps Kol up onto it.

"Push Mama too," Kol demands.

"What do we say?" Hayley reminds him.

"Please, Dada."

Elijah nods. "Anything for you two."

They spend the rest of the afternoon playing on the swings. Kol shows Elijah his room and all of his toys. Most of it is Elijah nodding along and saying things such as "Wow" or "That's so cool!"

Rebekah and Klaus join them for dinner. Kol is thrilled to see them but remains by his dad's side. Elijah notices that he still has the blue plate for chicken. There's new dividers to keep the food from touching. A sippy cup of apple juice sits beside the meal.

Once they're done, Rebekah insists on doing the dishes. Klaus heads out back to sketch the landscape and check on his own family. Elijah settles onto the porch swing out front, feeding Kol his bottle of blood. His little prince falls asleep before the bottle is finished. The bottle falls onto the soft blue cushion. Elijah sniffs his hair.

"Smelling his head?" Hayley's voice drifts from the door.

"No matter how long, he always smells the same," Elijah whispers. "Lavender, soft baby powder. The tiniest hint of O negative." He glances up at her. "You."

Hayley smiles a little, running her fingers against the doorframe. "I had to douse that pillow with your cologne once it stopped smelling like you. But it wasn't the same. You're more than just Sauvage by Dior."

Elijah crooks his free finger. She walks over and settles beside them on the swing. Her head nestles on his shoulder.

"I've missed this," Hayley whispers. "Of course I've missed a lot. But the quiet moments like this…" She runs her fingers against Kol's cheek. "Ones where we'd sit and rock our son. Silence around."

"Well, I'm not sure if that mansion was ever quiet," he muses.

Hayley chuckles. "Likely not."

"I want to know everything. All of it. Every last minute." Elijah picks up one of her blonde locks. "Maybe starting with this."

She shrugs. "I needed to change it up. You like?"

"Very much." He focuses on the hoodie, tracing the letters. "Field School?"

"I found it while doing research when we first got here," Hayley explains. "He learns all the basic academics, of course. But a good majority of it is outside. It's very focused on students of all abilities. He has a paraprofessional to help him. Of course the world still doesn't know much about Littles, but she's there for his autism and sensory needs. Honestly, the outdoors have been good for him."

Elijah smiles and nods. Kol always did best when he was running around, keeping busy.

"I didn't notice many screens in there."

"I try to limit it. Of course he still has Little Bear and things of that nature. But we don't get the best Internet service up here. So, not a lot of time on the tablet or playing video games. It's gotten him into toys when he's feeling small. As well as other interests when he's big."

"You have this whole other life now," Elijah mutters, trying to soak it all in.

"Hey, hey."

Hayley grasps his chin and forces him to look at her. He stares down into her kind, loving green eyes.

"We have this whole other life now," she insists. "You, me and Kol."

Elijah looks back out onto the horizon. It's broad, beautiful. Far away enough from civilization, yet close if they should need anything.

"You know, we could be happy here," he muses.

Hayley runs her fingers against his navy blue Armani jacket. "You might stand out in that suit."

"I was thinking jean shorts and flip flops," he quips back.

Hayley giggles, shaking her head.

"Your siblings are spread out everywhere. They may not come here."

"I'm aware," Elijah whispers. "But I also know there's a chance we may never agree on one spot to land. How fair is it that we force one another to choose?"

Hayley frowns. "Are you saying…"

"I'm saying that I spent a year away from my family. And while I'd love nothing more than for all of us to reunite, I know that New Orleans is a bit of a trigger. I also know that each of the kids have built a new life here. Klaus and Caroline's boys have immersed themselves in Italian. I'm sure April is a proper private school girl. Our boy…"

Elijah smiles. He thinks of how Kol protested returning to school when they moved to New Orleans. It was such an argument. Now, he dons a hoodie with his new school's name.

"He is very happy with his hippy school."

Hayley scoffs and rolls her eyes. "It is not a hippy school."

"Regardless," Elijah dismisses. "The kids are settled where they are. Uprooting them just so I can selfishly be with my brother and sister isn't what's best for them."

"You've been back 12 hours. You could change your mind…"

"I won't. I plan on speaking to Rebekah and Nik. We can still see each other. There are perks of this vast wealth. We have an unlimited travel budget."

Hayley bites her lip. "I want to continue building a life with you, Elijah. With Kol. I want us to be happy."

Elijah tilts up her chin. "So we do that. Together." He leans in and kisses her. When they break away, their foreheads touch, noses just inches apart. Both have smiles on their faces. "In jean shorts."

Another soft giggle is a soft melody for Elijah's ears. He glances back down at his sleeping babe. Kol snuggles up against his neck in his sleep.

"I take it some mischief has been left out of all the stories I've heard today," Elijah muses.

Hayley nods. "Oh, I'm not surprised at all. That timeout corner hasn't been lonely."

"He's kept you busy then."

"Stole a neighbor's horse." Elijah raises a brow. Hayley nods, puffing out her lips. "Next one's not for a good few miles and he managed it. I didn't know he left. I finish cleaning up the breakfast dishes and there he is, mounted on the damn thing."

Elijah holds his mouth to hold back a laugh that will wake Kol. Hayley rolls her eyes, shaking her head. Elijah regains composure.

"I doubt I would have found it funny if I were here."

"You wouldn't have," Hayley confirms. "That followed the obsession of him wanting a horse of his own. Because of course it was all my fault he had to steal it. After all, I told him no."

"Oh, what a mean mama," Elijah teases. "How dare you?" He strokes his wily fox's cheek. "I see no stables. I take it he didn't win the battle?"

"Told him I'd think about it. That we'd talk about it with you when all this was over."

"That worked?"

"For now, but all this just happened 3 months ago. I won't be surprised if it comes up tomorrow."

"I shall have a hard time denying him much," Elijah points out. "Or, even if we say no, Klaus will probably buy him 5 horses, a cow, a goat and a llama. Maybe even a unicorn, if he finds a way to procure one."

Hayley chuckles. "They sent plenty of gifts. Rebekah picked up plenty of clothes this afternoon. Including some new pajamas. Wanna change him into them? He needs to get in a diaper too."

Elijah nods, rising to his feet. The porch swing creeks. Kol rubs his eyes and whines. Elijah gently bounces him.

"Shhh, Little Prince," he coos. "Dada's here. You go back to sleep."

Kol fumbles around his hoodie, eyes still shut. Elijah grabs the pacifier attached to the leash and pops it into his mouth. After a few moments of sucking, he's back to sleep. Safe in his father's arms, his mama just a few feet away.

Just as it was always meant to be.