This was requested by the amazing themikaelsoncupcake. I really hope you like it and it doesn't disappoint. Pretty much just a fluffy little drabble. SingleParentAU!for day 7 of KlaorlineAUWeek (Tropes)
disclaimer – don't own it.

Charcoal & Ink
Hot Fudge Sundae

It had been a long day. It seemed like the line of people at the register was never ending and the sound of her co-workers yelling orders did nothing to soothe her throbbing headache. She forced a smile and waited on the customers, many of whom were in terrible moods after having to wait in line, as quickly and pleasantly as possible.

It was quite the task.

Then they came in. He was dressed immaculately in a black button-down, dark jeans and a leather jacket. The little girl clung tightly to his hand, her dark blond curls bobbing up and down and she jogged to keep up with his long strides. She was smiling and carrying a doll in her free hand. She smiled gleefully when they reached the counter.

"Good afternoon, can I take your order?" Caroline gave a genuine smile for the first time that day when the little girl threw her hands up on the counter and stood on her ballet-slipper clad toes to peek over the counter.

"I'd like a chicken nugget happy meal with chocolate milk, please." The little girl smiled up at her. She was missing one tooth in the front.

"Absolutely. What can I get for you sir."

The man smirked, drumming his fingers gently on the counter. "I think I'll take a number 7, with a cola. Thank you, Caroline." He read her name tag

He had an accent. She smiled. "Okay, you total is 10.75 and your food will be right up."

He handed her a twenty and she quickly made the change. She blushed when her fingers brushed his as she dropped the change into his outstretched hand. She murmured an apology and turned to get their drinks.

She was well aware of his eyes grazing over her as she worked. She grabbed the happy meal and his value meal and put them on a tray. She sat the tray on the counter in front of them and smiled pleasantly. "Enjoy your meal."

"Thank you!" The little girl replied happily as she grabbed onto the man's free hand and the two made their way across the room to a booth by the window. The little girl slipped into the seat beside him as he opened up her food and milk.

She waited on a few more customers before the rush finally died down. She grabbed a drink of water and leaned against the counter. Her friend Bonnie was already out cleaning empty tables.

She wasn't sure how it happened but her eyes traveled over to the man and the little girl.

She had pushed her French fries and remaining chicken nuggets away. At some point he had opened the my little pony toy that came with the girl's happy meals and she was now playing happily. "Daddy, Daddy, look at what Applejack can do." The little girl giggled as she made the tiny little figurine do tricks.

Caroline watched as the man played with the little girl, making jumps for the pony out of French fries and smiling. She couldn't help but notice the glimmer in his eyes when he smiled. Seeing the father-daughter duo warmed her heart. It was clear how much he loved his little girl.

"Hope, darling would you like desert?" She heard him ask.

"Please daddy." She said. "Can I have ice cream?"

"Anything for my princess."

Caroline turned away and began to clean the counters as she smiled.

-x-x-x-

Klaus was well aware of the clerk watching them. He smiled and put the left over French fries and garbage onto the tray and slid out the booth. He dumped the food and garbage into the closet bin and sat the brown tray on top. He held Hope's hand as they walked up to the register, still holding his receipt for their lunch.

"Is there something I can get you?" The blonde smiled brightly.

"Yes, Hope would like some ice cream please. A hot fudge Sundae."

Caroline nodded and grabbed a Sundae cup from beside the machine. He heard her laugh when his daughter turned to him and said, "She's pretty, daddy."

She was very beautiful, with her wide blue eyes, milky white skin and radiant smile. "Yes, Hope. She is." He smiled and blushed when he saw her glancing back at him.

She topped the sundae with extra fudge and whipped cream and sat it on the counter. Hope reached up and grabbed it eagerly. "Thank you!" She beamed at Caroline.

Caroline smiled and nodded as she punched the keys on the register.

"How much do I owe you?" He pulled out his wallet.

"Nothing, it's on the house." She replied as she ripped the receipt off of the register and grabbed a pen.

"You didn't have to do that." He couldn't hide his surprise. He knew the ice cream was only a few dollars but, he couldn't understand why a completely stranger would buy his daughter a sundae.

Caroline didn't respond. Instead she held out his receipt and smiled brightly. "Have a good day. I hope you guys enjoyed your meal."

"Thank you Miss Caroline!" Hope said gleefully as she dug into the sundae with the extra long spoon Caroline had tucked into the desert.

"Yes, thank you." He took the receipt and then placed a hand on Hope's shoulder.

As they walked out the door he glanced down at the receipt in his hand.

Caroline 558-7484

He glanced back at the blonde behind the counter. She smiled and waved her fingers slowly. He nodded, tucked the receipt into the pocket of his coat and held the door open for Hope.

He was really happy Hope had insisted on going to McDonald's instead of Wendy's.

yes, I got on the my little pony website to look up the name actual name of one the of the ponies. accuracy is key, right?