Happy Holidays, everyone. :) thanks as always for the reviews and alerts.

Title: Old ways
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: Hayley/Klaus
timeline: future AU

It took another two days for Klaus to get the house finished. The workers he compelled were the best New Orleans had to offer. The city's top interior designer was just putting the finishing touches on Emily's room when Klaus arrived late morning.

The paint on the walls was a light lavender, Emily's favorite color. The bedding was a mix of silver and purple. The right and left walls each held a different castle scene. A desk for future studies and current art projects sat against the top of the right wall. The window was open and the white silk drapes billowed in their bottoms trimmed with gold fabric. A stack of children's books sat on the desk and cluster's of toys adorned the bed and various other spots.

"It's perfect, thank you."Klaus complimented as he stepped into the room.

The designer a young thin brunette in her late twenties smiled as she turned from placing a framed artwork on a shelf by the window.

"I'm happy you like it, Mr. Mikaelson."The young woman acknowledged.

"My daughter will love it. Thank you, Laura, for your hard work."Klaus stated with a smile.

"It was my pleasure."The designer replied.

Klaus met the brunette's gaze. "Thank you, you may go."

"Have a good day, Mr. Mikaelson."The designer commented as she left.

Klaus surveyed the room once more. He couldn't wait for Emily to see it

"Was the blindfold really necessary?"Hayley inquired as she held tightly to Emily's hand.

"Part of the surprise, luv."Klaus replied. "Can't trust you not to peek."

Hayley could see the hybrid's smirk even without actually seeing it. Whatever Klaus was up to he was quite proud of himself. He'd picked her and Emily up around noon and taken them to lunch and now they were standing outside at their mystery destination. A few seconds later Hayley heard a key being placed into a lock and the tumblers turning and clicking into place. Then a door was pushed inward. After the door closed behind them Hayley felt Klaus reach up and pull the blindfold away.

"Go ahead, little wolf, open your eyes."Klaus encouraged huskily.

Hayley did and was surprised to find herself in a house. A lovely one from what she could see of the living room and kitchen. Klaus picked Emily up and settled her against his left arm.

"Who's house is this, Klaus?"Hayley inquired as she stepped into the warm cozy living room.

"Ours."The Original replied simply.

Hayley turned to look at Klaus her eyes widening in surprise. Then the pieces began to fall into place. Klaus's mystery meetings and phone calls the last few months. He'd been finding the perfect home...Hayley felt tears well and begin to fall she made no move to stop them.

"Those are happy tears, I hope."Klaus prompted.

After a moment Hayley found her voice. "Klaus, no one has ever done something like this for me. It's beautiful, perfect."

Emily giggled and grasped a fistful of Klau's shirt. Hayley smiled at her daughter.

"Wait till you see the upstairs."Klaus urged inclining his head towards the stairs.

Hayley wiped her tears and lead the way upstairs.

Klaus opened the door to Emily's room. Once the three of them were inside Klaus set his daughter down. He watched as her eyes lit up with joy as she took in everything around her.

"Yes, sweetheart this is your room."Klaus stated softly.

"Oh Klaus it's wonderful. She'll love it."Hayley whispered as she walked around the room.

"I think she already does."Klaus commented with a smile as he saw Emily toddle towards a group of stuffed animals by the window.

"I still can't believe you did this."Hayley said as she looked at Emily who was picking up a white unicorn. "It's so..."

"Unlike me?"Klaus finished as he closed the space between them and pulled Hayley into an embrace. "I wanted to show you how much my family means to me. How important you and Emily are. I wanted this to be a new beginning for us."

Hayley turned in his arms and for a long heartbeat Klaus thought she was going to refuse his offer of a future. Not believe that he could change. Then she smiled and reached up to kiss him. Klaus captured her lips with his letting the kiss linger. When they broke apart Hayley rested her head on Klaus's chest.

"It's wonderful, Klaus."Hayley stated softly.

"Welcome home, little wolf."Klaus replied as he rested his head on top of hers.

end