Hayley had heard the music before she saw him.
Which, honestly, was never a good sign when it came to Klaus Mikaelsonâbecause it usually meant heâd decided the world needed to be aesthetically reorganized at the expense of everyone elseâs peace.
She stepped through the doorway like she belonged there, because in practice she did, even if she didnât always feel like it. The brush of classical notes spilled over her as she paused just inside, taking in the setup: canvases, oils, the controlled chaos of someone trying very hard not to be bored and calling it âart.â
âHopeless endeavor?â Hayley echoed, leaning a shoulder against the doorframe as her eyes flicked over his work-in-progress. âWow. And here I thought you were having a relaxing afternoon. Didnât realize we were spiraling already.â
She pushed off the frame and crossed the room at an easy pace, not bothering to be quiet about it. Klaus wouldâve known she was there anyway.
The balcony doors were open to the city below, music drifting out like the compound had developed opinions about ambiance.
Hayley stepped up beside him at the railing, glancing down at the people in the street before looking back at him.
âYouâre overthinking it,â she said simply.
A beat.
Then, dry:
âWhich, I know, groundbreaking observation. I should write it down.â
The familiar scent of the woman caught his attention before her presence had even registered to him. When she spoke up and quipped at his emotional remarks, Klaus shot her a look that said - had she been anyone else - she would probably have had his paintbrush hurled at her. The look faded as quickly as it had come on though.
"I am not spiraling." He growled lowly and rolled his eyes. "The Courts of Valaria are possessed of an almost ethereal beauty, Hayley. Trying to capture them with even the considerable senses of a hybrid has proven... difficult." He sighed with frustration. He watched the street below them a moment longer before looking in her direction. "What brings you by?"













