Hayley was just about to open her eyes after another peaceful night's sleep when she heard the knocking on her door. She yawned and extended her arms to stretch her muscles and slowly made her way out of bed. There was another knock on the door. She knew it wasn't Rebekah since she could hear her barking out orders downstairs. She figured it was Klaus disturbing her peace. "I'm coming!" she yelled as she rolled her eyes. She put on her favorite lavender silk robe and headed towards the door. "Klaus since when do you knock before coming into my room" She said as she opened the door, only to be surprised by a blonde who looked to be in her late twenties. "Who are you?"

"Hi Mrs. Mikaelson? I'm Meredith"

Hayley nervously wrapped her robe around her tighter and gave the girl a blank stare, unsure of how to react at being called Mrs. Mikaelson. Clearly the girl was looking for someone else or someone lied to her.

"Sorry I'm not Mrs. Mikaelson, maybe you're looking for Rebekah she's right downstairs"

The girl looked on in confusion then looked down at the notepad she had in her hands, checking to make sure she didn't have her wires crossed. "I was hired by a guy named Klaus. I'm looking for Hayley, I asked downstairs and someone pointed me to this room. I'm sorry if I disturbed you, I'll go double check with the person who sent me here"

"If you're looking for Hayley then you're at the right room, I'm Hayley but I'm not Mrs. Mikaelson."

The girl became flustered when he realized her mistake and how uncomfortable it seemed to have made Hayley. "I'm so sorry that was my mistake, the guy who hired me told me that he needed me to find the best gowns in the city for you and his infant daughter. I just assumed based on how he spoke of you that you were his wife. I apologize I shouldn't have assumed."

Hayley smiled and let out a small laugh. "It's okay, Klaus and I are umm…are umm, we have a daughter together, I could see how you could have gotten the wrong impression." She stepped back and opened the door wider so the girl could enter her room. "Come in"

The girl motioned to four other girls who followed her into her room carrying large duffle bags and pulling racks of dresses. Hayley looked on in astonishment.

"This is a lot of stuff for just me and a baby"

"I know it seems like it but we're in charge of handling everything for you and your daughter today, hair, makeup, accessories, whatever you need. said that he didn't want you to have to worry about doing anything but showing up tonight."

Hayley rolled her eyes but smiled. She was surprised by his sweet gesture considering their argument last night. "I keep telling everyone I can take care of things on my own but since you're here."

"Great! Let's get started then. We're on a tight schedule so we can't afford to waste anymore time, we need to have you and the baby's…I'm sorry what's your daughter's name?"

"Nikol"

"We need to have you and Nikol's dresses picked out and fitted before the people from the spa get here, their supposed to be here around noon which leaves us with a little under three hours to look though all of these and try them on. Then it's alterations turn to take over."

Meredith was talking and moving a mile a minute. Hayley had no idea what she was talking about or what exactly was going on. She almost asked her if she was sure it was Klaus who set all this up because she was having a hard time believing he would be this thoughtful. "People from the spa? Alterations? Is all of this really necessary?"

"Mr. Mikaelson wanted to do something nice and since you're a new mother we figured you would enjoy a little pampering. We can cancel if you're uncomfortable."

"You don't have to do that, I guess I could use just a day of being spoiled and pampered, enjoy the good life."

"Okay, well let me show you some of the things we've picked out for you. These are some of the most exclusive gowns in the city." Hayley walked around the racks and Meredith started showing her every gown one by one. Just as she was about to start trying things on Rebekah barged into the room with Nikol in her arms. "I suppose someone might be needing this little one soon."

Meredith smiled as Rebekah stood on side of her with the baby. "So this is little miss Nikol? Wow Hayley she is gorgeous"

"Yep that's her." Hayley said smiling. Rebekah walked over to her and handed Nikol over. "Come here sweetheart, mommy missed you all night." She snuggled her closely and kissed her on her forehead. "Your dad is starting to spoil you, soon you won't ever want to sleep with me."

"So what have you picked out Hayley?"

"Nothing yet Rebekah, I was just about to try on my favorites."

"Well get to it then we don't have all bloody day, I want to see and I have things to do" Rebekah took Nikol from Hayley and she went to into the bathroom to try on the dresses.

One by one she rejected them. They were beautiful gowns but she didn't feel confidant in any of them. She almost felt unworthy of wearing such nice things; she'd never really had nice things until she got pregnant and moved in with the Mikaelson's. If it wasn't for Nikol she would still be out roaming the world alone trying to figure out how to survive with what little she had. She was confortable with the Mikaelson's but sometimes she felt like a fish out of water.

Rebekah grew annoyed with Hayley's little game. "Hayley you've tried on 7 dresses already why don't you seem to like anything? You look great in all of them."

"I don't know none of them look right on me. I just don't feel pretty in them."

"Are you worried about what Nik would think? I'm sure my brother would enjoy you in anything." Rebekah said smirking.

She would never admit it to Rebekah but she was, just a little, thinking about what he would like as she tried on dresses. She felt a little pressure to wear something that would make her look so stunning he wouldn't be able to keep his eyes off of her.

"No this has nothing to do with Klaus," she shouted from the bathroom before she walked out in another dress. "I just feel like none of these look right on me. Maybe it's because I just had a baby, my body isn't exactly in the best shape right now"

"Hayley your body looks great, you don't even look like you just had a baby"

"Rebekah's right Hayley," Meredith chimed in. "You look great in every dress"

Rebekah had been eying a dress that Hayley hadn't tried on yet. She thought it was just the dress that Hayley needed, and she knew her brother would really like it. She grabbed it and handed it to Meredith. "Here take her this one, tell her the color might make her feel a little sexier, and that my brother might like it."

After working tirelessly all day Rebekah finally had the compound ready for the party. Klaus walked down to admire his sister's work one last time. The Mikaelson's were no strangers to extravagant parties but this one would beat any they've ever been too. It was the perfect mix of mysteriousness and elegance. The lights alternated between different rich dark hues. The black velvet draping fell perfectly along the walls and the place looked liked a haunted royal palace. "Little sister I think I may have underestimated you"

"It wouldn't be the first time now would it" She replied

"I don't think I have to remind you of this but I'll do it anyway. If anyone even looks at Nikol with what you perceive as unpleasant intentions I want you to snap their neck."

"Nik you know I prefer to rip out hearts." Both of the siblings laughed.

"Very well then sister, I wouldn't want to deny you your pleasures, our guests will be here soon perhaps you should go get ready."

Back upstairs Hayley was just getting through with her session with the people Klaus hired from the spa. She didn't know how much she needed that full body massage until she actually got it. It felt good to be pampered, to relax, to not have to think about anything but how great it all felt and how she could get used to this kind of treatment. As she finished getting ready she got butterflies in her stomach. She was worried about what people would think when she showed up at the party alongside Klaus in her fancy dress. Earlier Meredith had called her Mrs. Mikaelson and that title kept nagging at her mind. If Meredith got that impression would other people think something more was going on between her and Klaus? Months ago when Davina called her Klaus's wife she frowned in disgust. "Ew no, never" is what she had said, but when Meredith caller her Mrs. Mikaelson it didn't disgust her, it didn't upset her, she actually entertained the thought for a minute. Everything she experienced today felt like privileges a wife would enjoy all the time. She couldn't really imagine her life being that way but sometimes she wondered if it was because she knew that would never be her or because she was afraid of what it would mean if it were. The music blaring downstairs interrupted her thoughts; the party was almost in full swing now and Meredith was saying something about Klaus looking for her. She took one last look at her self in the mirror and smiled, she had a feeling she would enjoy this night.

"Vampires of New Orleans, welcome back to our home" The crowd erupted with yells and hand claps as Klaus started his speech. Marcel and Rebekah were mixed in with the crowd and Elijah had chose to stand alongside his younger brother above the crowd. Sabine wasn't too far away, choosing to hang with Davina until Klaus's theatrics were over. "Recently in my absence we have suffered a loss of a few members of our community. I assure you that even with these losses we are still stronger than ever. Tonight we are here to celebrate our community, to revel in our shared immortality." He motioned to one the vampires guarding the entrance to the compound, giving him the signal to let the locals who had been invited into the party. "So drink up my friends, take your pleasures in anyway you want." The vampires cheered in anticipation of enjoying their human feast. "But before we continue with our festivities there is one other thing I would like to do. Tonight is about celebrating our community but it's also about celebrating family, the original family. Just a moment please." He paused for a moment to pop in behind the door where Meredith told him Hayley and the baby would be waiting. "Where are you little wolf?"

"I'm right here Klaus" Hayley stood up from the chair in the corner she was sitting in and approached him. Klaus gasped internally when he finally saw her and his daughter. She was wearing a strapless all black gown. It had intricate beading from top to bottom and there were beautiful dark jewels placed in strategic places giving the dress an extra level of elegance. It clung to her body perfectly and she paired it with a simple diamond necklace. Nikol was in a black dress with gold embroidery along the bottom and black jewels in the shape of a flower at the top. Hayley had picked out a one of a kind jeweled headband to go with it. He just stared at Hayley and the baby for a second, astonished by their beauty. His jaw almost dropped but he caught it before he embarrassed himself and finally managed to formulate words. "Come along now love."

Hayley followed him out of the room and he lightly placed a hand at the small of her back as he guided her to the balcony. "As I was saying, as you all know Hayley and I recently welcomed our daughter into this world." He placed the glass that was in his hand down and leaned into Hayley to take the baby from her. "As my daughter she is owed the utmost respect from all of you and I'm confidant that you will show her and her mother the appropriate respect." Hayley forced a smile, feeling slightly uncomfortable at Klaus's display but willing to play along with his theatrics. "So without further ado I would like to propose a toast", he said, focusing his attention on Hayley. "To our daughter, Nikol Andrea Mikaelson." One of the servers handed Hayley a gold goblet to match Klaus's. She lifted her glass along with the rest of the crowd as they all toasted. "To Nikol."

Hayley was relieved then the whole thing was finally over. Klaus was showing Nikol off to some of the vampires so she decided to just sit back and take in the sights of the party. Rebekah and Sabine came and kept her company for a while, but after a little while they were both lured away by Elijah and Marcel. She leaned on the railing of the balcony and watched the vampires party and feast on the human partygoers. As she scanned the crowd she noticed a tall dark haired guy who seemed out of place. He stood off to the side instead of partaking in the fun like everyone else. He stared up at her and smiled as if he knew her. She simply smiled back to be nice. "What may I ask is responsible for this smile on your face little wolf?" Klaus had walked up behind her. "Nothing just enjoying the party, are you done parading our daughter around?"

"Do you have a problem with me being excited about my daughter? I thought you would appreciate how much everyone has fawned over her."

Hayley reached out her hand and grabbed Nikol's little fingers."No there's no problem Klaus, I just missed her a little. It's getting late I probably should take her to the other side of the house and put her to the sleep."

Klaus didn't want her to leave the party, he wanted to watch her in that dress for as long as he could but he wouldn't dare ask her to stay. Just as he was about to hand Nikol over Rebekah approached them from behind. "What are you two chit chatting about?"

"Nothing, I was just about to call it a night, it's almost Nikol's bedtime." Rebekah had watched her bother admire Hayley all night from afar. She knew that he wouldn't want her to leave the party just yet. "Why don't I take her while you guys enjoy the rest of the party. I'm exhausted, I'd love to spend the rest of my night with my little niece."

"You don't have to do that Rebekah, really." Rebekah reached over and took the baby from Klaus.

"Oh Hayley just shut up and go have fun. If you really feel bad for leaving her then you can make it up to me by dragging Nik out on the dance floor."

"Goodnight little sister."

He turned to face Hayley and put his hand out. "Shall we?"

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Why wouldn't it be love?" She took his hand and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. When they finally arrived at their destination Without You by Lana del Ray was playing.

She intertwined one of her hands with his and let the other rest lightly on his shoulder while he placed his on the small of her back. At first the dance was awkward and she was tense, not wanting to be too comfortable with him around so many people, but the longer they danced the more relaxed she became. They danced in silence, not exchanging verbal words but their eyes did all the talking their lips wouldn't do. He wrapped his arm tighter around her waist and pulled her in closer until their faces were inches apart. Once again their eyes did all their talking for them. They looked at each other with pleading eyes; both wanting the other to just say something while neither was willing to cave.

The close proximity to Klaus affected her. Her eyes drifted to his lips and she bit her lip. His presence was becoming too overwhelming for her and she was afraid she wouldn't be able to control what was stirring in her much longer. To give herself some sort or reprieve she broke eye contact and rested her chin on his shoulder, closing her eyes as she took in his scent.

Familiar thoughts began to flood Klaus's mind as he swayed with the stunning woman who bore his child. Her beauty had never been lost on him but something about her tonight made him crave her. Maybe it was the way the dark fabric of her dress clung to her body. Maybe it was the way she looked like a queen fit for a king. Maybe it was the way she managed to be effortlessly sexy and beautifully graceful all at the same time. Whatever the reason, it was driving him mad.

"Hayley," he whispered into her ear, finally breaking the silence. "You look exquisite tonight."

She leaned into his ear and whispered thank you then pulled back so she could look at him. "Klaus"

"What is it love?"

"Why did you do all of this for me today?"

"Why did you give me your little gift yesterday?"

"I did it because", before she could finish her sentence she realized that the song had stopped.

"Another dance?" He asked, hoping she would say yes.

"I want to but I'm getting a little tired" He let go of his hold on her and lead her off to a corner of the room separated from the main area by think drapes. "You should be able to relax here." They sat down on one of the loveseats and observed the party for a few moments.

"What are we doing Hayley?" She looked at him in confusion, unsure of where that question came from.

"What do you mean?"

"I did all of this today because I felt that you needed it. We've both been so consumed with Nikol that we've barely had anytime to ourselves. I thought it would be something you enjoyed. I'm sure you can understand that sentiment."

"I did enjoy it Klaus, it was really thoughtful, I didn't think you could be that-"

"What caring?" He asked cutting her off. "I'm sure that's a quality you equate with my dear brother but I am capable displaying such emotions in my own ways." He shifted in his seat, suddenly feeling nervous and apprehensive about what he was about to say. "I may not show it often or the way others would but…you seem to have brought out that part of me, I…I care for you Hayley"

He couldn't bear to look at her in the eyes so he kept his focus on the rambunctious crowd, waiting for her to doubt his sincerity. Instead she moved closer and with the gentlest touch intertwined her fingers with his.

"I care for you too Klaus"

He looked down at her fingers interlocked with his in shock. It was pretty obvious even before Nikol was born that they cared for each other but he didn't expected to be where they were now. The tenderness in her voice and in her touch resonated within in him. He lifted his eyes to meet hers and recalled the last time her tenderness forced him to let his guard down. Hayley looked at him with longing eyes waiting for him to say something, anything.

"Why did you let me kiss you that night, the night our daughter was born? You could have pulled away, brushed me off, but you didn't"

She really wanted to say that it was because that's what she's always wanted since the day she found out about her pregnancy, but she wouldn't dare betray her own feelings. "I don't know, It just kind of…It just felt right, maybe I got caught up in the moment."

He leaned into her and griped her cheek with the palm of his hand. His lips were now centimeters away from hers and he could hear her heart racing. She didn't flinch at his closeness, instead she closed her eyes and listened to his lungs filling and emptying themselves of air.

"What about right now…does it still feel right?" His voice was a mix of pleading and seduction. They were equally vulnerable to the desires of the other, both just waiting for some signal that this is what they really wanted, what they needed. His lips got so close she could almost taste them and oh how she missed their taste. She prepared for the onslaught of his desire but as soon as she felt his lips against hers she pulled away. "Klaus, I can't do this."

He looked at her with angry and hurt eyes. He didn't expect her to reject him. "I see", was all he could get out without lashing out at her. Against his better judgment and his nature he tried to open up to her. He should have known better than to delude him self into thinking that he could ever be what she needed or what she wanted. He was never the choice only the burden. He quickly left the corner and disappeared into the crowd. Hayley sat on the sofa in a daze. She wasn't sure what she was upset about more, allowing him to get that close or not letting him get close enough. Tears welled up in her eyes and as she buried her face in her hand they slowly streamed down her face.

"Excuse me miss, are you okay?" She looked up to see the strange man she saw earlier while she was on the balcony towering over her. "What?"

"Are you okay? You're crying…"

"Oh" she replied, whipping her tears with her hands. "Yeah I'm fine, do I know you? You look familiar and…. are you a werewolf?" She sensed it as soon as she saw him, but she thought maybe she was wrong since a werewolf would have to have a death wish to show up at this party.

"No you don't know me Hayley, but you will", and with those words he was gone.

"Wait!" she shouted as she got up to chase him, but it was too late, he was nowhere to be found.

"How do you know my name?" she said out loud, although no one was around to hear her.

A/N: so update a little earlier this week, I had a feelings we might need some klayley after tonight's episode. Anyways this chapter turned out a little different than what I originally had in mind. I usually plan out the chapter ahead of time but If the story takes me somewhere I just go with it. I REALLY like this one though, idk why, I think this may have been my favorite one to write so far. I wonder who that guy was? *evil laugh* Hope you guys like it too! Don't forget to Review! :)