𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 ━━ just a big softie deep down
₊ ⊹☕˚୨

❝ like it? ❞

❝ it's perfect ❞

As Shayan and Klaus step out of the airport and into the crisp Icelandic air, Shayan takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace and excitement settle over him. He glances over at Klaus, who is looking around at their surroundings with wide eyes. "So, what do you think of Iceland so far?" he asks, a smile tugging at his lips.

"It's beautiful," Klaus says, his eyes fixed on the snow-capped mountains in the distance. "I've never seen anything like it." 

Shayan nods, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. He grabs Klaus's hand, intertwining their fingers. "Wait until you see the Northern Lights. It's the most incredible thing you'll ever see."

Klaus's eyes light up at that, and he squeezes Shayan's hand. "I can't wait," he says, his excitement palpable. They head towards the car rental booth, their bags in tow, and Shayan can't help but feel a sense of contentment. It's been a difficult few weeks since the truth came out, but they're here now, together, and that's all that matters.

Diego follows behind them, his usual sharp outfits and accessories traded in for more casual winter attire. Despite the changes to his appearance, it's clear that he still feels out of place without his knives, his arms crossed tightly across his chest. 

Shayan turns to him, a smirk on his face. "You doing alright, city boy?" he teases.

Diego rolls his eyes, but there's a hint of a smile on his lips. "I'm doing fine," he says, his tone dry. "Just freezing my ass off in this cold."

Shayan chuckles, linking his arm through Diego's. "Don't worry, we'll warm you up soon enough. We have plenty of hot springs lined up for this trip." Diego huffs, but he lets Shayan lead him towards the rental car with no real protest.

"You think he's just here to make sure I don't kill you?" Shayan whispers to Klaus.

Klaus glances over at Diego, taking in his tense form and stern expression, and snorts. "Probably," he replies, keeping his voice low. "I'm honestly surprised he agreed to come at all."

"Hey, I heard that," Diego calls out from behind them. 

Shayan just chuckles, not bothering to look back. "You were meant to," he shouts back. Diego mutters something under his breath that sounds suspiciously like "smartass", but there's no real heat behind it.

Shayan grins, enjoying the banter. He can feel the tension in his muscles ease, the stress of the past month melting away. They reach the rental car, a sturdy jeep perfect for the rugged Icelandic terrain, and Shayan fishes the keys from his pocket.

Diego climbs into the backseat, still looking grumpy and uncomfortable. Shayan watches him as he fastens his seatbelt, an amused expression on his face. He glances over at Klaus, who is watching the exchange with a smirk. Shayan grabs Klaus by the collar, pulling him in for a quick kiss.

Klaus's eyes widen in surprise, but he quickly melts into the kiss, his arms wrapping around Shayan's waist. Diego makes a gagging sound from the backseat, but Shayan ignores him, too caught up in the moment.

He pulls back, his heart fluttering in his chest, and grins at Klaus's flushed face. Diego huffs again, louder this time. "Can you two cut it out for like five minutes? We have a long drive ahead of us."

Shayan turns to look at Diego, a cheeky smile on his face. "What, you don't like witnessing true love, city boy?"

Diego rolls his eyes so hard it looks like they might roll right out of his head. "I just don't want to throw up in this car."

Shayan laughs, feeling lighter than he has in weeks. He climbs into the driver's seat and turns the key in the ignition, the car roaring to life. He glances in the rearview mirror, taking in Klaus's contented smile and Diego's disgruntled expression. This is going to be a good trip.

The drive through the Icelandic countryside is beautiful, the rugged landscape stretching out in all directions. Shayan drives steadily, keeping an eye on the road and the occasional sheep that wandering into their path. Klaus gazes out the window, his eyes wide with wonder. He points out things he sees, like herds of horses in the distance and strange rock formations, and Shayan can see the excitement in his face.

Diego doesn't seem as enthralled, his arms still crossed over his chest and his expression stoic. But Shayan knows that beneath the grouchy exterior, Diego is secretly impressed by the natural beauty of their surroundings. They drive for hours, the sun setting behind the mountains, painting the sky in brilliant hues of pink and orange. As they reach their destination, a cozy cabin nestled in a valley, Shayan feels a sense of anticipation building in his chest.

They all clamber out of the car, stretching sore muscles and inhaling the crisp mountain air. The cabin is charming, with a rough stone exterior and a warm, inviting glow from the windows.

Shayan leads the way to the front door, opening it and ushering Klaus and Diego inside. The interior is just as cozy as the exterior, with warm wooden furnishings and a roaring fireplace in the center of the living room.

Diego whistles as he looks around, finally seeming impressed. "This is a lot nicer than what I was expecting," he admits, taking a seat on the couch.

Klaus is already exploring the cabin, opening doors and peering into rooms. He calls out excitedly from the bedroom. "Shayan, look! There's a hot tub on the back deck!"

Shayan grins, following Klaus's voice into the bedroom. Sure enough, there's a large hot tub on the deck behind the cabin, steam rising from the water. He wraps his arms around Klaus from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder. "Like it?" he asks, his voice low in Klaus's ear.

Klaus nods, leaning back into Shayan's embrace. "It's perfect," he says, his voice happy.

Shayan nuzzles his nose into Klaus's neck, breathing in the familiar scent of his skin. "Good," he murmurs. "I wanted this trip to be special."

Klaus turns in his arms, wrapping his own arms around Shayan's neck. "It already is," he says, his eyes sparkling with affection.

They stand there for a few moments, just holding each other and taking in the peaceful silence of the mountains. But eventually, they're interrupted by Diego's voice from the living room. "Hey, lovebirds! You guys gonna come eat or what?"

Shayan can't help but chuckle, pulling away from Klaus reluctantly. "Coming," he calls back, taking Klaus's hand and leading him back into the living room.

Diego is in the kitchen, rummaging through drawers and cabinets. "Why is there no food in this place?" he complains.

"Because we haven't picked anything up." Shayan twirls the keys. "There's a market about ten minutes away, you're welcome to join me."

Diego mutters something under his breath but nods, straightening up. "Fine," he says, grumbling as he heads for the front door.

Shayan turns to Klaus, who is watching the exchange with amusement. "You gonna be alright here on your own for a bit?"

Klaus smiles, his eyes full of warmth. "Of course," he says. "I'll be fine."

Shayan leans in and pecks him on the lips. "We won't be long," he promises, following Diego out the door.

The drive to the market is short but scenic, the mountains towering over them in the distance. Diego is silent most of the way, but there's a relaxed expression on his face. As they pull up to the market, they climb out of the car and make their way inside, the warm glow of the lights beckoning them in.

They grab a shopping basket each and start wandering through the aisles, picking up items they think they'll need for their trip. Shayan throws in some snacks and drinks, while Diego grabs some fresh produce and bottled water.

As they're making their way to the checkout, Diego suddenly halts in the middle of the aisle. Shayan looks back at him, raising an eyebrow in question. Diego's eyes are fixed on a display of hot chocolate mix, a contemplative look on his face.

Shayan stops next to him. "Get some."

Diego looks up at him, a hint of a smile on his lips. "You think so?"

Shayan rolls his eyes. "Yes, you big child. Grab some. Klaus would love it."

Diego huffs, but there's no real heat behind it. He grabs a few boxes of hot chocolate mix and drops them into his basket. Shayan chuckles, shaking his head. "You're just a big softie deep down, aren't you?"

"I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you." Diego says.

Shayan grins at the empty threat. They make their way through the checkout, their baskets filled with groceries. Shayan glances down at the hot chocolate mix, a warm feeling settling in his chest. He knows Klaus is going to love it.

The drive back to the cabin is just as picturesque as the drive there, the stars sparkling in the clear night sky. Shayan hums along to the radio, a contented smile on his face. Diego, for once, doesn't complain about the music or the long drive. His gaze is fixed out the window, his expression thoughtful.

"Hey," he says, his voice gruff. "Can I ask you something?"

Shayan glances over at him, curious. "Yeah, sure. What's up?"

Diego hesitates, as if not sure how to phrase his question. He clears his throat. "You and Klaus.." he begins.

Shayan raises an eyebrow, bracing for the usual snark, but Diego seems sincere. Shayan waits, curiously. "What about us?"

"You guys are.. serious, right?" Diego asks. He's still looking out the window, but there's tension in his shoulders.

Shayan's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. He wasn't expecting this sudden interest in their relationship. He nods firmly. "Yeah, we're serious. We've been together for more than a year now, and.. I really care about him. A lot."

Diego nods, but there's something in his expression that makes Shayan think he's not quite convinced. He's quiet for a few moments, as if mulling something over. Shayan doesn't push him to speak, letting him work out his thoughts. The drive is peaceful, the sound of the wind and the hum of the tires on the road the only sounds in the car.

After what feels like an eternity, Diego speaks again. "I just want you to know.. If you hurt him, I'll kick your ass."

Shayan is still surprised by Diego's sudden protectiveness, but he manages a weak smile. "I know."

"I mean it," Diego continues, his tone serious. "Klaus.. he's been through a lot. He deserves the best."

Shayan can't deny that. He knows all too well about Klaus's past traumas. He had seen firsthand how vulnerable and broken he could be. But he also knows how strong and resilient Klaus is, how he has a heart full of love despite all the pain he's endured.

"I know," he repeats, meeting Diego's gaze. "And I intend to be the best for him. I care about him more than anything. I want nothing more than to make him happy."

Diego studies his face, as if searching for any hint of deception. But he seems satisfied with what he finds, and he nods once, seemingly convinced.

The rest of the drive passes in silence, but it's not uncomfortable. Shayan's thoughts are elsewhere, fixated on Klaus and how much he's looking forward to seeing him again. They pull up to the cabin and climb out of the car, their arms full of groceries. Shayan can already smell the wood smoke from the fireplace.

When they step inside, they're greeted by the cozy scene of Klaus sitting by the fire, a book in his hands. He looks up as they enter, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"You guys took forever," he teases, setting the book aside and standing up. "I was starting to get worried."

Shayan grins, walking over to him and pulling him into a quick kiss. "We got distracted by hot chocolate mix," he teases back.

Klaus raises an eyebrow, a curious expression on his face. "Hot chocolate mix?"

Diego grunts, setting the groceries down. "Your boyfriend insisted on getting it just for you."

Klaus's expression softens, and he turns to look at Shayan. "You did?"

Shayan shrugs, trying to downplay the gesture. "It's no big deal," he says, busying himself by unpacking the groceries. Diego catches his eye, a smug expression on his face, and Shayan resists the urge to stick his tongue out at him.

Klaus smiles at their exchange and steps closer to Shayan. He wraps his arms around his waist and rests his chin on his shoulder. "You're sweet," he murmurs, his voice warm.

Shayan melts into his touch, the familiar sensation making him feel at home. He turns his head to press a kiss to Klaus's temple. Diego clears his throat exaggeratedly behind them, his voice gruff. "Hey, don't get all lovey-dovey in front of me. It's gross."

Klaus laughs. "You're just jealous," he teases.

"Oh yeah, I'm real jealous of all the kissing and cuddling," Diego mutters, rolling his eyes.

Shayan can't help but chuckle. "You just need to find someone to cuddle, brother."

"Like that's gonna happen," Diego retorts, scoffing. "I'm better off alone. No point in getting attached to someone who's just gonna leave anyway."

Klaus frowns, his expression sympathetic. "Diego, you can't live like that. You're gonna spend your whole life alone if you keep pushing everyone away."

Diego scowls, his shoulders hunching defensively. "I've been alone my whole life, I'm fine," he argues, looking away. Klaus's frown deepens. He opens his mouth to reply, but Shayan steps in, placing a hand on his arm.

"Hey," Shayan says softly, meeting Diego's gaze. "You're not alone anymore. You have us."

Diego scoffs, but there's a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "You guys don't count," he says gruffly.

"Why not?" Shayan challenges gently. "We're your family. Just because we aren't related by blood doesn't mean we don't care about you."

Klaus nods in agreement. "We do care about you," he says. "And we're here for you, whether you like it or not."

Diego looks torn. He obviously wants to push them away, to keep up the facade of being tough and independent. But there's a war going on beneath his exterior, a part of him that's desperately seeking connection and affection. He doesn't respond, just huffs and looks away.

Shayan and Klaus exchange a quiet glance, silently agreeing to not push the matter any further. Diego is a stubborn one, and they know pressing the issue will just make him dig his heels in more. Instead, Klaus turns his attention to the groceries they bought, rummaging through the bags.

"Ooh, you got the good snacks," he says, holding up a bag of his favorite chips. He grins at Shayan. "You know me too well."

Shayan smiles back, feeling a warm flutter in his chest. He knows Klaus is putting on a happy facade, hiding the lingering hurt of Diego's words, but he silently promises to talk to him about it later when they're alone.

They all grab a drink from the cooler and settle by the fire, their conversation becoming lighter and playful. Diego still seems a bit withdrawn, but he gradually warms up as the night stretches on, adding his own snarky comments to the banter.

Shayan watches Klaus throughout the evening, observing the way he laughs and interacts with them both, and he can tell that the earlier conversation has weighed on him.

As the night grows late, Diego yawns loudly, stretching his arms above his head. "I'm beat," he announces, standing up. "I'm gonna hit the sack."

Klaus glances at the clock on the wall. "It's only 8 PM," he notes, amused.

"So? I'm an old man, I need my beauty sleep," Diego grumbles, already heading for the bedroom he chose earlier.

Klaus watches him go, his expression fond. "Old man, my ass," he mutters once Diego is out of earshot.

Shayan watches Diego disappear into the bedroom as well, a wave of exhaustion hitting him suddenly. He leans back on the couch, his eyelids feeling heavy.

Klaus seems to notice, glancing at him with a knowing smile. "Looks like someone else needs to go to bed," he teases.

Shayan laughs, his fatigue making his muscles feel heavy. "Yeah, I guess I'm not a night owl like you." He stands up, stretching his limbs and wincing as his joints pop.

Klaus chuckles, watching him with affectionate eyes. "I'll stay up a little longer, I'm not tired yet," he says.

Shayan nods, leaning down to press a light kiss to Klaus's forehead. "Wake me up if you come to bed," he murmurs.

Klaus looks up at him, his expression softening. He reaches up to place a hand on Shayan's cheek. "I will," he promises. Shayan smiles, giving his hand a quick squeeze before letting go. With one last glance at Klaus, he turns and heads to the bedroom.

The bedroom he shares with Klaus is small but cozy, with a double bed with a thick comforter and a single bedside table. Shayan quickly sheds his clothes and slips into an old pair of shorts before climbing into bed. Exhaustion washes over him as he settles down, the soft covers feeling warm and inviting.

As Shayan's eyelids flutter closed, he thinks about Klaus, still sitting by the fireplace with a book in his hands. He hopes Klaus will come to bed soon and join him, but he's too tired to wait up. Sleep starts to take over, and he drifts off into a light doze.

The next thing Shayan knows, the door creaks open softly, and a spill of light falls across the bed. He stirs, his mind foggy with sleep. He feels the mattress dip as Klaus climbs into bed next to him, the familiar scent of his cologne filling the air.

Shayan hums and reaches an arm over him, pulling him close. Klaus laughs quietly, letting himself be pulled in. He shifts, fitting perfectly against Shayan's body, his back pressed against his chest. He intertwines their fingers, his thumb running idly over Shayan's knuckles.

Shayan buries his face in Klaus's hair, inhaling his scent and mumbling something incoherently in his half-asleep state. "You're cold," he murmurs, his voice thick with sleep.

Klaus snuggles closer, a soft laugh rumbling in his chest. "And you're half-asleep," he teases gently.

Shayan mumbles something unintelligible in response, nestling his face into the crook of Klaus's neck. His arm tightens around Klaus's waist, holding him close.

Klaus reaches up to run his fingers through Shayan's hair, his touch gentle and soothing. "Go back to sleep, sweetheart," he whispers, a hint of a smile in his voice.

Shayan hums, nuzzling his head against Klaus's neck. He doesn't need to be told twice. Already slipping back into sleep, he presses a sleepy, messy kiss to the underside of Klaus's jaw. "Love you," he mumbles, his voice groggy.

Klaus's heart skips a beat at the words, his smile widening. He tangles his fingers in Shayan's hair, his touch affectionate. "Love you too," he whispers back.

He continues threading his fingers through Shayan's hair, his touch slow and steady. He stays there, listening to the sound of Shayan's even breaths as he sleeps.

After a while, Klaus's eyelids start to droop, the repetitive motion of his fingers in Shayan's hair making him drowsy. He nuzzles his face into the pillow, settling into a comfortable position. He keeps his arm around Shayan, holding him close as sleep starts to claim him. He drifts off to the sound of Shayan's steady breathing and the quiet crackle of the dying fire from the other room.

⋆⋅ ━━━━ ⋅⋆

Shayan's sleep grows restless, his body tensing and twitching. His breathing quickens, coming in short ragged gasps. He mutters in his sleep, his voice laced with fear and dread.

The sound of Shayan's distress reaches Klaus's ears, rousing him from his own sleep. He blinks blearily, waking up slowly. He realizes Shayan is having a nightmare, his body taut and his face twisted in distress. Klaus's heart clenches in sympathy, and he reaches out to gently shake Shayan's shoulder.

"Shayan," he whispers, his voice pitched low and soothing. "Wake up. You're having a nightmare." Shayan's body continues to twitch and jerk, his expression tense and fearful. He mumbles something incoherent, his words garbled by the nightmare's grip.

Klaus gently shakes his shoulder again, a little firmer this time. "Shayan," he says, his voice firmer. "Wake up, sweetheart. You're safe, I'm here."

Shayan's eyes flutter open, his breathing still labored and ragged. He stares into the dimly lit room, confusion and fear in his wide eyes. For a moment, Shayan seems disoriented, his mind still tangled in the web of the nightmare. But as his eyes focus on Klaus, he slowly comes to his senses. Recognition floods his gaze, and he lets out a shuddering exhale, his body relaxing slightly.

Shayan sits up and rubs his eyes, before reaching for his hearing aids on the bedside table. Klaus watches him quietly, concern etched in his eyes. He props himself up on his elbow, staying close to Shayan in case he needs comfort. Shayan slips his hearing aids into his ears, the world coming into focus in a sudden rush of sound. He takes a deep breath, steadying himself.

He turns to look at Klaus, his expression weary. "Sorry I woke you," he murmurs, his voice still hoarse from sleep and the remnants of the nightmare.

"It's okay," Klaus reassures him, his voice gentle. "You don't need to apologize." He reaches out to brush a stray strand of hair out of Shayan's face, his touch tender. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asks softly.

"No." he says quickly, shaking his head. He rests his head in his hands and lies back.

Klaus senses the finality in Shayan's tone, and he doesn't press the subject further. He simply shifts himself closer to Shayan, wrapping an arm around his waist. He can feel the residual tension in Shayan's body, the after-effects of the nightmare.

Shayan pulls him close, his gaze on the ceiling. Klaus snuggles against him, his chest pressed against Shayan's body. He strokes his fingers gently up and down Shayan's side, a soothing, familiar touch.

"You're shaking," he murmurs softly against Shayan's shoulder.

Shayan lets out a shaky exhale at the observation, his body trembling from the aftermath of the nightmare. He doesn't respond verbally, just leans into Klaus's touch. Klaus remains silent as well, continuing the slow, rhythmic caresses up and down his side, offering his presence as comfort.

After a while, Shayan's trembling slows, the steady rhythm of Klaus's touch grounding him in the present moment. He lets out a heavy sigh, the rest of the tension slowly releasing from his body. He turns his head slightly, burying his face in Klaus's hair.

Klaus lets him, carding his fingers gently through Shayan's hair. He can feel Shayan's breathing slowly returning to normal, his body no longer taut with lingering fear. He continues to hold him, anchoring him to reality, a silent reassurance that he's not alone.

Shayan's features twist in discomfort. He reaches up and pulls his aids off, placing them on the beside table again. Klaus observes the action silently, a flicker of concern in his eyes. He can tell Shayan's still on edge, still struggling with the aftereffects of the nightmare.

He reaches for Shayan's hand, twining their fingers together, hoping the physical contact will offer more comfort. Shayan grips Klaus's hand tightly, taking a shuddering breath as he tries to steady himself. He closes his eyes, focusing on the feel of Klaus's hand in his, the weight of his body against his.

Slowly, his breathing starts to even out, the last vestiges of the nightmare dissolving as he grounds himself in reality.

Klaus remains silent, simply holding Shayan's hand, not pressing him for words. He can feel Shayan's hold on his hand gradually relaxing, his body losing its rigidness as he drifts back towards a more relaxed state. After a few minutes, Shayan opens his eyes again, his breathing now steady and calm. He turns slightly to look at Klaus, his expression guarded.

Klaus meets his gaze, his expression soft and full of understanding. He doesn't press for information, just continues to hold Shayan's hand, his thumb gently stroking his knuckles. Shayan turns into him, holding him close.

Klaus shifts easily, wrapping his arms around Shayan and pulling him close. He holds him tight, one hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on his back. He buries his face in Shayan's hair, inhaling the familiar scent that's uniquely his.

For a while, they just stay like that, the room silent except for the sound of their breathing. Klaus continues to hold Shayan, his touch a constant reassurance. He knows Shayan is still shaken from the nightmare, but he also knows that sometimes all he needs is closeness and silence.

As the minutes pass, the tension in Shayan's body gradually eases. He snuggles closer to Klaus, his head resting on his chest. His breathing has slowed and evened out, his body relaxing noticeably.

Klaus keeps him close, his arms wrapped securely around him. He continues to gently rub his back, a constant, soothing pattern. He presses a light kiss to the top of Shayan's head, his touch tender and full of unspoken understanding.

When Klaus wakes up in the morning, Shayan isn't there. Klaus stretches lazily, his brain still fuzzy from sleep. He reaches out to the other side of the bed, expecting to find Shayan, only to find cold, empty sheets. He props himself up on his elbows, a frown creasing his forehead as he looks around the room.

"Shayan?" he calls, his voice still gruff from sleep. There's no response. Klaus's frown deepens, worry starting to gnaw at him.

He slides out of bed, the chill of the cold wooden floors making him shiver slightly. He pads across the room, his eyes searching the small cabin for any sign of Shayan. He checks the bathroom first, then the living room. No sign of him.

His worry starts to edge into panic. Where could Shayan be? He glances out the window; it's still dark outside, the sky just starting to lighten with the first early morning sunlight.

Klaus crosses the room and opens the door to Diego's room, peering inside to see if Shayan is there. But the room is dark and empty, the bed neatly made and unruffled.

Klaus feels a small wave of relief at that thought. If Diego and Shayan were both gone, they were likely together, most likely outside somewhere. He leaves Diego's room and makes his way to find his cellphone.

He finds his phone on the kitchen counter and quickly dials Shayan's number. As it rings, Klaus paces the room, biting his lip as he waits for an answer.

"Baby?" Shayan picks up.

"Shayan." Klaus's voice is a mixture of worry and relief. He stops pacing, phone pressed to his ear. "Where are you? You weren't in bed when I woke up, and I couldn't find you."

"Sorry, I thought we'd be back before you woke up. I wanted to get more firewood from town and Diego wanted Cheetos." he hears Diego say "hi" from the other side, and then Shayan saying "Get off me."

Klaus releases a sigh, his concern fading slightly with Shayan's explanation. "You should have woken me," he admonishes gently. "I would've come with you."

"I'm sorry, I wanted you to rest after I woke you up last night."

Klaus softens at that, his heart melting a little. "Shay, it's fine, I don't mind," he reassures him. "I'm just glad you're safe." He leans against the kitchen counter, running a hand through his sleep-tousled hair.

He can almost hear Shayan smile on the other end. "Do you need anything while we're here? We're almost on our way back."

"Just come back safely," Klaus responds. "And maybe some coffee and a fresh donut?" he adds, half-jokingly. He can hear Diego's excited voice in the background, saying something about getting more Cheetos.

Klaus smiles slightly, imagining Shayan's exasperated, but fond, expression as he deals with Diego's endless energy. He can faintly hear Diego still talking about Cheetos, followed by Shayan's muffled response.

"You are a Cheeto," Shayan says before turning his attention back to the phone. "Coffee and Donuts it is, we'll be back soon, okay?"

Klaus lets out a small laugh, picturing Shayan's mock-irritated expression. "Okay," he replies, his tone soft. "I'll be waiting. Love you."

"Love you too."

Klaus ends the call and puts his phone down on the counter, a smile tugging at his lips. He takes a deep breath, the lingering anxiety from earlier fully easing now that he knows Shayan is safe and on his way back.

He glances outside, the sky now beginning to lighten as the sun starts to rise. The morning is quiet and peaceful, the only sound the chirping of early morning birds. Klaus stretches again, the tension in his body from earlier now gone. He decides to make good use of the time while Shayan is away, and heads to the bathroom to freshen up.

When he finishes, he heads back out to the living room, the sun now fully risen. He sinks down on the couch, the silence in the cabin a stark contrast to Diego's presence. He picks up his phone and starts scrolling idly through his social media, waiting for Shayan and Diego to return.

Klaus looks up, hearing the sound of keys in the door. He sets his phone down and gets up from the couch as the door swings open, Shayan and Diego entering with bags in hand.

"Honey, I'm home." Shayan says playfully.

Klaus can't help but let out a chuckle at Shayan's playful tone, his heart feeling lighter now that he's back. "You're such a dork," he responds, crossing the room to greet them.

"Coffee?" he holds out the takeaway cups.

"And donuts," Diego adds, holding up a paper bag. Klaus takes the coffee from Shayan, the warmth of the cup a welcome respite from the morning chill.

"You're a lifesaver," he says, taking an appreciative sip. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the cabin, filling the air with its rich, aromatic scent. Diego sets the bag of donuts on the kitchen counter, eagerly rummaging through it.

Klaus joins them in the kitchen, watching as Diego pulls out a chocolate glazed donut and immediately takes a huge bite. Shayan, on the other hand, looks somewhat rumpled, his hair sticking up in several directions from the morning chill, his jacket slightly askew.

Klaus can't help but chuckle at his disheveled appearance, stepping up to him and reaching up to smooth his hair back into place. "You look like you rolled out of bed," he teases.

"This one kept jumping on me." he glares at Diego.

Klaus glances over at Diego, who is now happily munching on his donut, oblivious to the glare. "Sounds about right," Klaus says, a smile tugging at his lips. "Diego always has too much energy in the morning."

He wraps an arm around Shayan's waist, pulling him closer. "You okay after this morning?" he asks, voice low so that Diego can't hear.

Shayan leans into him, letting out a small sigh. "Yeah, I'm fine," he says, his voice soft. "Just needed a bit of...quiet, I guess." Klaus nods, his hand rubbing soothing circles on his back. He can understand the need for solitude, especially after last night's nightmare.

"I'm glad you found some," he responds. There's a brief pause, the only sound the quiet hum of the cabin heater and Diego's loud chewing. Klaus glances at Shayan, noticing the slight tension in his shoulders, the hint of fatigue in his eyes.

"Hey," he says quietly, his thumb stroking lightly over Shayan's hip. Shayan looks at him, meeting his gaze. Klaus can see exhaustion lurking behind the usual brightness in his eyes. "Have you slept at all?" he asks, concerned.

Shayan shakes his head, a small, rueful smile on his lips. "Not really," he admits. "Couldn't really shut my brain off."

Klaus nods, understanding. He knows how Shayan's mind gets sometimes, how it can keep him awake with its endless thinking. He pulls him closer, his hand rubbing small circles on his back. "You should rest," he suggests gently. "It's still early, we've got the whole day to ourselves."

Shayan nods, leaning more heavily against him. Klaus can feel the weight of his fatigue, the slight heaviness of his limbs.

"Come on," he murmurs, guiding him away from the kitchen towards their bedroom. Diego looks up from his donut, mouth full and brows furrowed. He says something in question, but his words are too muffled to be intelligible. "Don't talk with your mouth full," Klaus tells him, not pausing in his steps.

Diego mumbles what sounds like an apology, but his attention quickly returns to his donut as they disappear into the bedroom.

The bedroom is cozy, the morning light filtering through the curtains and casting a soft glow on the room. Klaus leads Shayan over to the bed, gently urging him to sit down. Shayan goes willingly, dropping down on the bed with a weary sigh.

Klaus sits down beside him, his hand still rubbing slow, soothing circles on his back. "You need to rest," he repeats. "You're exhausted." Shayan nods, leaning into his touch. He looks young and tired in that moment, his usual vibrant energy dimmed by fatigue.

"Lay down," Klaus murmurs. Shayan doesn't protest, flopping down onto the bed with a soft groan. Klaus watches him intently, taking stock of the dark circles under his eyes, the tension still lingering in his shoulders.

He gently pulls the blanket over Shayan's form, who mumbles a soft thanks, his eyes already drooping shut. Klaus waits until his breathing evens out, signaling that he's fallen asleep, before getting up from the bed. He pauses for a moment, watching Shayan's peaceful face, before quietly leaving the room.

He closes the door softly behind him, not wanting to risk waking Shayan up with too much noise. Diego, who is now on his third donut, looks up from the counter when Klaus reenters the room.

"Is he okay?" Diego asks, his words still somewhat muffled by the donut in his mouth.

Klaus nods, moving to lean against the counter next to him. "Yeah, just worn out," he responds. "He didn't sleep at all last night."

"Why?" Diego asks, his face scrunching up in confusion.

Klaus hesitates, not sure how much to divulge. "Just...some stuff on his mind," he finally says, hoping that's enough for now.

Diego nods, seemingly satisfied with the vague answer. He finishes off the donut, dusting the crumbs off his hands, and then looks at Klaus. "What are we gonna do now?" he asks, bouncing slightly on his toes in restless anticipation.

Klaus rubs a hand over his face, considering their options. The original plan was to go hiking, but with Shayan in need of rest, that's clearly not happening. "I'm not sure yet," he says, looking out the window. The morning sunlight is already beginning to warm up the world outside.

Diego grabs his coffee. "I'm gonna check out the hot tub."

Klaus glances at Diego, brows raised. "Have fun," he responds, a faint smile on his lips. Diego grins, already heading out of the kitchen and towards the back of the cabin where the hot tub is located.

Klaus watches him go, shaking his head slightly with fond amusement. He glances back at the bedroom door, the silent room behind it. He's happy to see Shayan getting the rest he needs, but now he's left with a free day and a hyperactive Diego to entertain.

He stands there for a moment, considering his options, when a thought occurs to him. A slow smile starts to spread across his face as an idea starts to take shape in his mind.

He heads out the back door to the deck, the morning air still cool against his skin. The outdoor hot tub bubbles in the corner, surrounded by the pine trees. It's a tranquil sight, the steam rising in the air, the sound of water gurgling soothingly.

But, as expected, it's not empty. Diego is already in the hot tub, having shed his clothes and dropped into the frothing water with a contented sigh.

Klaus stands there for a moment, taking in the sight of Diego luxuriating in the water. He looks relaxed and carefree, his muscles glistening with drops of water, his brown hair sticking to his forehead. "Comfy?" Klaus asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

Diego looks up, a grin on his face. "Oh yeah," he replies, his words coming out slightly breathless. "This is the life, man."

Klaus leans against the deck rail, a small smile on his lips. "Don't stay in there too long," he teases. "You might actually relax for once."

"Bite me," Diego retorts, but the threat is nullified by the relaxed smile on his face.

Klaus just chuckles at his response, leaning against the rail and looking out into the trees. The sky is clear and blue, the sunlight filtering through the greenery and casting spots of light on the deck. They stay like that for a few minutes, the only sound the bubbling of the hot tub and the occasional birdcall from the woods.

Klaus's gaze drifts over the trees, his mind starting to wander. In a few days, they'll have to go back home, back to their daily routines and responsibilities. The thought makes his stomach twist slightly, a pang of reluctance at the prospect of leaving this peaceful retreat behind. "Hey," Diego's voice interrupts his thoughts. "You're doing it again."

Klaus glances over, arching a brow. "Doing what?" he asks, though he already has a good guess.

"Thinking," Diego says, his voice slightly accusing. "You've got that 'I'm brooding' look on your face."

Klaus scoffs, rolling his eyes. "I'm not brooding," he protests. "Just...thinking."

"Yeah, that's exactly what brooding is," Diego points out, grinning.

Klaus shakes his head, a reluctant smile on his lips. "Shut up," he retorts, but there's no bite to his tone.

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WORDS: 6459
© TOO SAD TO CRY