A/N: This is set at some point during season one. Hayley's pregnancy cravings drive her to the one place she knows she won't be turned away.

Hayley pounded at her pillow, her temper spiking considerably. The baby kicked and thumped her harshly, and she craved to find even the slightest bit of comfort to allow her to sleep. Nothing.

With a disgruntled sigh, she pushed back the covers and threw her bare legs off the edge of the bed. She padded barefoot over to the door, a shiver running through her as her feet made contact with the punishing wooden surface. She twisted the door handle hesitantly and edged the door open just enough for her to get through.

She tiptoed down the marble staircase in search for something – anything – to help her sleep. She tugged open the refrigerator door and scanned its contents idly. Nothing.

With a groan, she slammed the door with exaggerated force. She winced at the sudden crash, forgetting that the house was filled with supernatural beings who had tempers drastically shorter than her own.

Her stomach grumbled noisily, and she caressed her swollen bump with little purpose. Should I?

Her stomach churned again, and she knew she had no other choice.

The house was cloaked in darkness, and the almost-full moon provided little illumination as she trudged back up the stairs. She paused at the metaphorical cross-road, each path leading to a different sibling's room. Rebekah hadn't returned home after heading out earlier that day, and Hayley's patience had grown too thin to await her return. Elijah had promised to always protect her and her child, but what would he think of her for disturbing him for this? She shook her head. No. she wouldn't exploit his promise for her own personal gain.

Without hesitation, she turned and padded down the corridor furthest to the right, the one that lead to him. She paused outside of the door and listened for any sign of life in the room behind it. Silence.

The wind howled furiously outside, sending an icy draft through the partially open window. She shivered, sorry that she hadn't taken the time to pull on her dressing gown.

Hesitantly, she raised her hand a fraction and knocked softly, scowling as the sound echoed between the empty passages. When nothing happened, she turned to walk away. But then her stomach churned, and her resolve strengthened.

She knocked on the door again, this time more loudly. When there was no response, she tried the handle.

She peered through the now open door, her heart hammering painfully in her chest.

"Klaus," she whispered, so quietly that she doubted she'd even spoken at all. "Klaus?"

A rustle of sheets snapped her attention to the far corner of the room. A sudden shift of cool air behind her made the hairs on her arm stand on end, and she jerked forwards reflectively. A hand grasped her shoulder to steady her, and she squealed in surprise, her breath catching in her throat.

In an instant, he was gone, and the bedside lamp clicked on with an audible click. Klaus sat on the edge of the matrass, a satisfied smirk on his face. "A bit jumpy, love?"

Hayley shook her head, taking a shaky breath to steady her nerves. "Wh – what the hell? You nearly gave me a heart attack."

Klaus got to his feet and sauntered towards her, his smirk widening. "May I remind you that you were the one who snuck into my room in the middle of the night."

Hayley sighed. "I'm sorry."

Klaus' smile faltered as his eyes fell to her slightly noticeable baby-bump. "Are you alright? Is it the child?"

Hayley saw concern etched into his features. His hair was in disarray, and sleep tugged at his eyes. "Hayley!"

His voice rose slightly, and Hayley jumped, startled. He took another step closer to her, his hand reaching out towards her swollen stomach. His fingers brushed against her exposed skin, and she suddenly felt self-conscious. Here she was, standing in the middle of Klaus Mikaelson's bedroom in the middle of the night, dressed in only a tank top and black drawstring shorts. She could feel the heat radiating from his skin. Tentatively, she placed her hand over his.

"The baby's fine," she assured him with a small smile.

Klaus' expression softened. "Our little wolf is a feisty one, isn't it?"

Hayley nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "She sure is."

Klaus' eyes widened in amazement, and he retrieved his hand slowly to run it shakily through his ruffled hair. "We're having a baby girl?"

Hayley nodded. "Yeah, we are." She felt tears spring to her eyes, and she swiped them away as they rolled freely down her cheeks. Damn hormones.

Klaus gave her a concerned look. "Not that I don't appreciate your company, love, but may I ask why you're here?"

Hayley sucked in a breath, giving him a small, sheepish smile. She could feel the heat creeping up her neck, and her reason for coming here suddenly seemed silly.

"It… it doesn't matter," she whispered. Giving him one last, lingering look, she turned to leave, only to feel a strong hand grasp hers. She gasped out loud and turned her head a fraction to meet the intensity of his wondering gaze.

"If there's anything I can get you, little wolf, don't hesitate to ask."

Hayley could feel the little resolve she had threatening to break, and she sucked in another breath between clenched teeth. "Well now that you mention it…"

A smirk tugged at the corner of Klaus' mouth. "What is it?"

"I've been awake for hours, and the longer I lay there, the more uncomfortable I feel. I've tried warm milk, a snack – anything – and nothing is working."

"Working for what?" he asked with a raised brow.

"Cravings," she squeaked, feeling sheepish in doing so. Klaus gave her an exasperated look.

"You mean to tell me that you came into my room at three thirty in the morning because of… cravings?"

Hayley nodded. "I'm sorry, okay? It's just… this baby – your daughter – is craving chocolate."

Klaus said nothing, and the silence only made Hayley more uncomfortable.

She rubbed her hands over her face to push away sleep. "Look, I know that I'm being unreasonable…"

His eyes flicked to hers for a brief instant before raising a quizzical brow. "Really, love? 'Unreasonable' is a bloody understatement."

Hayley held up her hands in a surrendering motion. "Okay, okay. It's just… this baby wants chocolate, and if she doesn't get it, I'm scared to think of the things I'll be forced to do to get it."

Klaus huffed in annoyance. "Hayley…"

"Please," she whispered, her voice small.

Klaus was silent for a moment as he watched her. After what seemed like forever to Hayley, he took a step closer to her and tucked a stray curl behind her ear, his other hand still resting on her swollen stomach.

It was in that moment that Hayley realised something; the man standing in front of her had his demons, probably more than anybody else. But right there, Hayley believed that maybe Elijah was right; maybe Klaus can find redemption.

As she met his gaze, she noticed a slight hint of vulnerability behind his eyes. She felt her heart warn at the way his hand caressed comforting circles on her stomach and the way his lips curved into a small smile as he listened to their daughter's heartbeat. She felt wanted; like she had finally found her place in the world among the people she'd grown to call family.

"Let's go get you some chocolate, little wolf."

Hayley's eyes widened in surprise and her stomach growled hungrily in response. "You're serious?"

When he nodded his head, a smile on his lips and an amused look in his eyes, Hayley clapped her hands together enthusiastically, a laugh bubbling up within her. She hadn't thought for one moment that he'd actually go.

"I love you!" she squealed, planting a quick, soft kiss to his cheek.

And in that moment, her worlds held a truth that had grown during her time in New Orleans. She no longer dreaded the day before it had begun; her life held purpose. And she knew the man standing in front of her had his flaws, but together, they'd get through whatever obstacles were thrown in their way.