Many thanks to everyone for the kind reviews and to those who have favorited this story. It was my first attempt at writing Klaus. Hopefully you'll enjoy the follow up just as much. Thinking of continuing these oneshots. If I do I need help naming his daughter :) I'd think Hayley would keep her name simple something that would keep her grounded to as much of a normal childhood as possible.

Title: Bedtime
author: Cindy Ryan
category: future AU

With the last of the pumpkins carved, lit up and placed on the back porch Hayley scooped up her sleeping daughter and carried her into the house. The two year old brown haired girl didn't stir as the werewolf made her way through the now familiar house. Hayley wasn' t sure she'd ever call the big mansion home but it was home to her daughter and for now that was good enough for her. Reaching the upstairs bedroom Hayley placed her daughter in the bed and tucked the blanket around her. She was just about to leave when the little girl woke.

"Papa."The little girl called.

Hayley smiled and moved back to the bed. She gently caressed her daughter's right cheek.

"Daddy's busy, honey."Hayley soothed. "Sleep now."

The toddler shook her head stubbornly. "Story, Papa, story."

Hayley stifled a sigh. Klaus had taken to the habit of reading a bed time story to his daughter every couple of days. Tonight wasn't his night. Frankly Hayley had been surprised he'd joined in the pumpkin carving. Klaus's fatherly duties had been drawn to the protecting and providing aspects leaving the day to day parenting to Hayley with the exception of the stories. Which suited Hayley fine. She'd rather be the influence on their daughter then Klaus. However now as Hayley stared into her daughter's big brown eyes she knew she couldn't let her down.

"Alright, angel, I'll see if I can find him."Hayley replied. "Be good while I'm gone."

The little girl nodded and snuggled back under the blanket.

Hayley found Klaus talking with Elijah in the study on the first floor. She knocked on the open door though she wasn't sure why she bothered. Being vampires they heard her coming down the stairs.

"Sorry to interrupt,"Hayley began. "But our daughter is requesting a bedtime story."

A flicker of emotion too fast for Hayley to decipher passed across Klaus's face before the emotionless mask returned. He nodded and stood.

"Continue this tomorrow, brother?"Klaus asked as he walked around the wood desk.

Elijah nodded. "Of course. Give her a hug for me."

"Will do."Hayley promised flashing Elijah a smile.

Klaus left the study and Hayley followed the hybrid up the stairs.

Even after two years it still amazed Klaus that every time his daughter looked at him it was with love. Unbiased, pure love. It made Klaus pause after each encounter. Made him rethink his plans but then he remembered how unique his daughter was. How there was nothing else like her in the world; in all the ages. She was the key to his kingdom; his power. With her no one would ever question him.

"I understand my little one wants a story."Klaus began as he entered the room and sat on the bed.

The two year old's eyes lit up with joy as she crawled out from the blanket and onto her father's lap.

"Yes, Papa, story."

Klaus allowed himself a smile as he tucked a stray hair behind his daughter's right ear. "Alright, but just one."

"Nothing scary."Hayley commented from the doorway.

Klaus raised an eyebrow. "You think I would give her bad dreams?"

"Your version of scary and other people's is slightly different."The werewolf pointed out.

"Hmm."Klaus acknowledged. "Many years ago there was a young girl who had many friends. Her father was a farmer her mother a teacher. One day the girl found a object by the side of the road. This object was small, silver colored and the shape of a tiny box. Turns out it contained magical powers. It transported the girl to a faraway land…."

Hayley leaned against the doorframe as she listened to Klaus tell the bedtime story. It was different than his normal ones. More wistful; more full of magic and fairytales. Maybe it was the time of year but Hayley doubted it. Holidays didn't have an affect on Klaus. He barely remembered birthdays. Despite herself a smile crossed Hayley's face as she watched her daughter completely involved in the story.

"With help from her new friends the girl found her way back home and was reunited with her parents."Klaus finished as he stood and tucked the now sleeping toddler back into bed and pulled the blanket around her. "Sleep well, little one."

"Thank you."Hayley stated as Klaus stepped out into the hall and closed the door part way behind him.

Klaus nodded. He looked briefly back in at his sleeping daughter before turning and leaving without another word.

Hayley watched him leave wondering not for the first time how such a being could be so complicated.

end