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Disclaimer: I do not own the Originals or any of the characters only the AU story is mine and no infringement is intended

Chapter 8 - A Blissful Evening

It was very late when Hayley arrived in the French Quarter but the streets were still full of tourists partying. The cabbie dropped her at a hotel, but to her dismay she found it was fully booked, but they were very good and recommended their sister hotel further down the road. The room was plain but comfortable and after a shower she flopped into bed and went straight to sleep. Hayley woke the next morning with a hangover but also feeling, well, free was the only way to describe it. She knew she had to be back for her parent's funeral but in the meantime she could spend a few days here, find her birth parents grave, then pay her respects. She ordered room service and whilst she was waiting for it to arrive she phoned Rob Mauck, the family lawyer. He couldn't help her with the whereabouts of her birth family's graves but gave her the number of the head trustee, Andre Pascal, who ran the Labonair estate. She set up an appointment to meet Andre later that day then decided to explore the area.

Tourists were already strolling around the Quarter marvelling at the beautiful architecture, fascinating stores, and museums, whilst enjoying the many street musicians. Other joined tours of the Quarter listening to the stories of famous witches past, and rumours of the supernatural who roamed at night looking for unwary prey. Fascinated, Hayley joined the throng of people wandering the streets, which shared a kind of bohemian elegance. Sounds of music and food smells assaulted her senses and she felt excited at the buzz. Having visited a few boutiques she finally entered the French market and bought some much needed clothes. From there she decided stop at a place called Rousseau's for lunch. The vibe of the bar was a bit touristy and she was hard pushed to find a free table to try their famous Gumbo. Finally she settled for a stool at the counter and got to sample the delicious food. Time was marching on so Hayley returned to the hotel and deposited her shopping bags before heading off to meet Andre.

Andre Pascal seemed kind, but his genial manner belied the sharp intelligence in his eyes. He went over the terms of the Labonair will, as Hayley hadn't gotten round to reading her copy. She was surprised with the information that marriage was also a factor in releasing her inheritance and wondered if the Kenner's knew that. Whichever came first, marriage or her 25th birthday, would enable the release all monies, making her an extremely wealthy person. He had also arranged for her to view her parent's property the following day. The tenants had decided to move on before their tenancy finished so the property would be empty by the end of next month. That would give her time to decide what she wanted to do with it. She could of course draw on any interest the trust fund had accrued and he would arrange for money to be transferred to her bank account, but for now she was happy not to do that.

Her birth parents were buried in the Metairie Cemetery. Andre went onto to explain that they were buried above ground in a vault, in keeping with the traditions of New Orleans dead. Being that it was mostly swampland it was unviable for bodies to be buried underground, hence the need for them to have vaults. He offered to accompany her there but she decided make the visit alone, not being sure how she felt about seeing it. She accepted his offer of lunch though, and from there he would escort her to view the property. They arranged a time of 12.30pm to meet at his office, and armed with a map of the cemetery and uttered condolences she left making her way back to the hotel.

As she crossed the foyer he stood up and called her name. Startled she turned and shocked said "Elijah, what are you doing here?" Then "How did you find me?" she just stood there staring stupidly at him.

He walked forward and took her hands giving a small smile "I wouldn't be much of an investigator if I couldn't find you Hayley. We need to talk – please?"

They stared at one another for a minute. Hayley was struggling with a myriad of emotions. He looked so hot standing there with a yearning look on his face but on the other hand she was still mad at him and Rebekah. Finally she nodded and said "let's have some drinks here" He followed her to the hotel bar where they found a small alcove to sit and talk undisturbed. She beckoned a waiter then with a sigh turned to him and said

"Look Elijah I owe both you and Rebekah. I know I do and don't get me wrong I am grateful. You took me in at a very low time in my life and I won't forget that!"

He raised his eyebrows saying "But?" The waiter arrived interrupting the flow, so they ordered drinks and then she carried on.

"I have decided for the time being I am going to live on my own." She held up her hand to stop his response. "All my life there has been someone looking after me it is about time I looked after myself and I want that independence. So I am not coming back to the Manor. I am sorry I caused any worry by disappearing. I guess I overreacted - too much to drink didn't help."

Every time he thought he had her pegged she showed another side of her. Sadness had made her vulnerable, but not weak. She had an inner reserve of strength and he couldn't help but admire her for it.

With drinks served he took a sip then said thoughtfully

"As you wish."

"What no argument?" she mocked feeling slightly disappointed.

"No Hayley I have to respect your decision. Rebekah was also to blame, along with me. Let's put that behind us now. So how long are you here for?" His mind was working furiously. There was no way he would leave her unguarded so he would get a couple of people from his company to keep an eye on her, making sure she was safe. Their credentials were excellent and being ex-army they could handle themselves.

"Just for a few days. Tomorrow I am going to pay my respects to my birth parents, having lunch with head of my trust. Afterwards he will escort me to view their property, which I guess is mine now." She eyed him then said "If you are staying overnight maybe you would like to come with me tomorrow morning to their graves?

"Sure why not" he replied. "How about dinner this evening than maybe a stroll round the Quarter?"

They agreed to meet again at 7pm in the hotel foyer then go from there and have an impromptu dinner. He pulled her close and kissed her gently on the cheek saying "until later then" and left.

She felt excited to see him and happy they had sorted things and was also glad she had gone shopping. She went to her room to sort through her purchases, choosing an above the knee dress, in deep red, to wear along with some ankle boots. Then laid on her bed for a nap making sure she set her alarm in time to get ready. Elijah, in the meantime, phoned his office to arrange some unobtrusive security for Hayley to start first thing tomorrow. He hadn't planned to stay overnight but looked forward to seeing her later so booked himself into the same hotel. He then went shopping for overnight goods including underwear and a shirt, his suit would have to suffer another day of wear he reckoned.

It was too late to book anywhere to eat, so when they met up they found the first restaurant that had some free places to dine. They soon discovered why. The wine was full bodied and excellent but the same couldn't be said for the food, which was overcooked and overpriced. Hayley pulled a face at Elijah and spat out a mouthful of greasy food in her napkin which is when he decided enough was enough and paid the bill. They left laughing and hand in hand wandered the streets until they came across an all-night deli and bought some creole sandwiches stuffed full of fried shrimps and mayo. As they walked along eating they found an unoccupied bench and sat finishing the food and listening to a couple of musicians. Elijah watching her eat said

"You look beautiful tonight" and taking her hand bought it gently to his lips savoring the softness of her skin as he kissed it.

The air was charged with unspoken desire as they leaned forward into a kiss. For a little while they forgot the world around them and just took pleasure in each other's company, walking, chatting and kissing until they arrived back at the hotel. In the lift to her floor their kisses got more frantic until barely making it to her room they started undressing. Their clothes laying scattered across the floor and Elijah lifted her on the bed ignoring the little voice in his head telling him to hold back. He murmured endearments as their bodies spoke to one another by stroking and caressing until they were both ready. She gave a little cry as he entered her and for a moment he stopped, asking "You ok" she nodded and pulled him down to her lips. They moved together taking pleasure in each thrust until she reached her peak. An explosion of sensations caused her to tremor with a muffled scream, her head buried into his shoulder. He followed with a groan of release and lowered himself on her body, nuzzling her neck. He held her close and after a while they drifted into sleep, fulfilled and happy until the next morning.

Elijah phoned kept buzzing until he awoke and eased out of bed so as not to wake Hayley. Of course it was Rebekah's fifth text wanting an update on whether he had discovered Hayley's whereabouts. He smiled to himself thinking of how she would berate him for sleeping with Hayley. He couldn't regret it though, he was so completely in love with her. He quickly texted Rebekah that he would be back that evening with news. He turned to get back into bed and saw Hayley watching him.

"Sorry if I woke you." He kissed her cheek and she just smiled sleepily, snuggling into him. They exchanged kisses and very soon passion arose and led to making love. Afterwards they dozed for a little while until it was time to get up and visit the graves of her birth parents. Now she was nervous and glad she had him with her. They dressed and she had to smile at Elijah's suit which was a little crumpled from laying on the floor all night. He still managed to look classy though and her heart swelled with love for him. They bought some flowers on the way there and managed to find the vault after conferring with the map Hayley brought with her. Elijah stepped back for a minute to let her have time alone, but she didn't really feel anything. Maybe she would have a better connection once she discovered more about their lives. She laid the flowers down and turned to Elijah with a "Let's go." He grabbed her hand and together they walked out of the cemetery.

"I have my lunch appointment soon Elijah." She said hesitantly. She didn't know what came next between them.

"I will need go home and sort work but if you like I could come back this weekend and stay". He looked at her steadily his dark eyes seeking agreement and her smile gave him his answer.

"That would be great" she replied and they kissed making their way to his car. He dropped her at the restaurant with a swift kiss goodbye, then made his way back to the hotel collected his belongings, paid his bill then headed home.