I live in southern Wisconsin and we experienced our first snow of the year today. Wasn't much just a dusting but it gave me this plot bunny. According to info I've found on the web it's snowed about 17 times in New Orleans since 1850. :)

Title: Snow
author: Cindy Ryan
timeline: Future au
pairings: Hayley/Klaus

At first Klaus thought something was wrong when Hayley blew past him at werewolf speed. He and Elijah were sitting in the living room that Sunday morning in early January. Klaus set aside the book he was reading and exchanged a worried glance with his brother as he stood.

"Hayley?"The hybrid called as he followed the young woman's path to the backyard.

It was then Klaus heard his daughter Emily's delighted laughter. It took him another full second to realize the coldness in the air and the unusual precipitation falling from the sky.

"It's snowing."Klaus observed. "A rare sight in New Orleans."

"Indeed."Elijah agreed as he stepped outside. "Wasn't it 1899 that it snowed last time we were here?"

"Sounds about right."Klaus commented as he watched Emily toddle around in the snowfall dressed in a bright pink jacket and matching gloves. "Hayley, when did you buy winter clothes?"

Hayley laughed. "Really Klaus living with you three I never know where we're going to travel to."

"She has a point, brother."Elijah interjected with a grin.

"Elijah, get the camera and make sure you take video too."Hayley instructed.

"As the lady wishes."Elijah acknowledged as he went back inside.

Klaus found himself smiling as he walked towards Hayley and his daughter. Emily's face was so full of happiness and delight that it was impossible not to catch the child's enthusiasm.

"Her first snowfall, Klaus."Hayley commented quietly as Emily watched the flakes melt on her gloves.

"It is amazing."Klaus agreed softly. "Watching her...I'm g lad she got to experience it here with us."

"Okay you two... smile."Elijah instructed as he approached raising the camera to eye level.

With vampire speed Klaus gathered Emily in his arms and spontaneously wrapped his free arm around Hayley's shoulders drawing her close. Elijah took the picture and Hayley pulled away. Klaus reluctantly let Emily out of his arms to enjoy the snow.

Klaus knew that the family picture that was just captured would make them appear as a normal family. Something that couldn't be farther from the truth. With all the progress he and Hayley had made they still had many hurdles to over come. Still as Klaus watched mother and daughter enjoy the winter rarity he was hopeful that there would be many more firsts and family moments to enjoy.

end