Thanks as always to those who take time to review much appreciated. :) Please review on this chapter really need opinions on it since I don't like it. This has spoilers for Blood letting.

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

'...why else would I show any interest in my own flesh and blood?'

Klaus's own words came back like a fresh slap in the face as he stared at the picture Elijah had taken hours before. Why that memory was surfacing now Klaus didn't know. His psyche was one even Cami had given up on long ago. Klaus could blame Tyler Lockwood for his family's fragile new beginning barely hanging on even before it really began. If he'd been honest with himself then as he was now Klaus would've admitted he was the reason. Practically had shoved Hayley into his older brother's arms. Nearly shattered the tentative peace that had started to form between the Originals.

Klaus sank down onto the living room sofa holding the printed picture. Elijah had printed several normal sized copies and had two enlarged to be framed. Lightly Klaus touched Emily's face; her brown eyes sparkling. His daughter's trust was something Klaus was still getting used to. She had no reason yet to hate him. Emily had a child's unconditional love and trust and each time she enveloped Klaus with it, like today, it still overwhelmed him. How could someone so tiny hold that much power?

'...you're going to use her blood to create an army.'

It had stung then how Hayley had looked at him when Elijah had spoken those accusatory words. Granted she'd just been through an ordeal but still the lack of faith and trust in Hayley's eyes had been as hurtful as his brother's words. Klaus knew his past, his track record made people think he was a monster. Partially that was true and he used that fear to uphold his power; his empire. However, Klaus had thought the monster term had stopped with his family. That the people who were supposed to love him the most and know him best would know the sins were a mask.

Yes part of Klaus enjoyed the kills, the rush it brought. There was nothing like it. The absolute power of holding a life in your hands and deciding the fate. And yes when he'd first learned Hayley was pregnant the thought of making hybrids again did cross his mind. Then Marcel and the witches had occupied his time and Klaus had never followed through with the research. Hayley's pregnancy was such a unique occurrence that Klaus knew his hybrid bloodline would continue in Emily's children. So in theory he would succeed in an army of hybrids they would just be family and not soldiers.

A smile flickered across Klaus's face despite the dark thoughts. Emily's image on the picture before him and Hayley's additional smile...they'd had so much fun with the snow. It'd hadn't been enough to make a snowman but it had been enough to make a few snowballs. So Klaus had rolled one gently to his daughter and Emily had caught on to the idea and rolled it back to him. Such a smart child Emily was Klaus thought as he settled back into the sofa. Elijah had told him he thought she might be empathatic which wouldn't surprise Klaus in the least. The melding of vampire and werewolf traits had never been experienced in a child before. They were in whole new territory.

"I'd say penny for your thoughts but from the look on your face they'd probably cost me more."Hayley commented with a smile as she entered the room.

Klaus returned her smile and motioned for her to sit on the sofa next to him. He held up the photo as an explanation.

"Was just thinking of how much fun Emily had playing in the snow."Klaus stated.

Hayley nodded as she looked at the picture. "Maybe next year we can take her somewhere to build a snowman."

"That can be easily arranged, luv, you just have to say the word."Klaus responded.

Hayley snuggled against Klaus resting her head on his chest. Klaus draped an arm across Hayley's waist.

"Our daughter amazes me every day."Hayley stated softly as she looked at the picture Klaus still held. "We are very lucky."

Klaus set the photo on the coffee table and leaned in to kiss Hayley. He let the kiss linger before pulling back. He lightly caressed the werewolf's right cheek.

"Ever since Emily was born I wondered why you didn't take her and run."Klaus began huskily."You had every reason to, every right too. I nearly lost you to Elijah..."

"Klaus..."Hayley began but Klaus silenced her with a finger on her lips.

"My older brother had much more to offer you and yet you stayed."Klaus continued. "I realized today I never told you...I'm grateful that you did. "

Hayley's face softened and she pushed Klaus's finger away.

"Despite everything I wanted her to know her father."Hayley replied. "Sometimes I questioned my sanity but I'm glad I stayed too."

Klaus leaned back into the corner of the sofa and pulled Hayley back against him draping his arm once again across her waist. Perhaps he was getting soft but he was grateful for how things were. Klaus knew what it was like to be alone and he wasn't going to take moments like today for granted.

end