𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏 ━━ a guy in a suit, with a rifle
₊ ⊹☕˚୨

❝ He's.. he's dead ❞

❝ What? ❞

The days go by in a blur of tense caution. Shayan spends much of his time out, gathering information and tracking down any potential leads. Every evening, he returns to the gym, his face taut with exhaustion and the strain of the situation. Klaus and Diego remain inside, trying to stay out of sight and keep busy, though the ever-present worry eats at them. Even Glory seems on edge, her eyes constantly darting to the door, waiting for Shayan's return.

Some days, the tension weighs on them almost too heavily. Klaus finds himself pacing, anxiety making his heart race. Diego throws himself into training, as if working out could somehow burn away their fears. Glory whines and paces beside Klaus, her unease a reflection of their own. In the quiet of the night, they find little rest. The shadows cast by flickering lights seem threatening, every sound an impending threat.

They're all on edge, aware of the danger lurking around them. The only bright spot comes whenever Shayan returns, his presence bringing a sense of calm and security, though tempered by the worry in his eyes. Each day they grow a little more paranoid, a little more vigilant. The outside world feels less safe than it ever has, and the weight of uncertainty hangs over them like a dark cloud.

But the lack of information eats at them. With every hour that passes without a lead, Klaus grows more restless. He knows they need to take action, but they're in the dark. They need to know what they're up against, but Shayan's efforts so far have yielded nothing concrete.

The sound of the gym door opening snaps Klaus out of his uneasy vigil. He turns, seeing Shayan's weary figure entering the room. His clothing is rumpled, his face lined with exhaustion, but his eyes are sharp beneath the weariness. He closes the door behind him, his gaze meeting Klaus's across the room.

"Anything?" Klaus asks immediately, his voice betraying his impatience.

Shayan shakes his head, a weary sigh escaping his lips. "No," he answers, walking over to sit down beside Klaus. His body is tense, every muscle coiled tight with pent up frustration.

Klaus lets out a frustrated sigh, leaning back against the wall. It's the same story; no progress, no answers. The lack of information is driving him crazy. "How are we supposed to defend against something when we don't even know what it is?" he mutters, running a hand through his hair.

The silence stretches between them, heavy with tension. Klaus can feel the weight of Shayan's exhaustion and his own growing despair. He looks at Shayan, studying his slumped shoulders and the shadows under his eyes.

"When was the last time you slept?" he asks quietly.

Shayan shakes his head. "I don't know.."

Klaus's heart clinches at the admission. He can see the toll this is taking on Shayan. His usually strong, capable boyfriend looks worn thin, his exhaustion evident in every line of his face. "You need to rest," Klaus says firmly. It's a statement, not a suggestion.

"You're killing yourself here," Klaus adds, reaching out to take Shayan's hand. His fingers close around Shayan's, holding on tight. He knows the hypocrisy in his words; he's far from rested himself. But Shayan's exhaustion is reaching dangerous levels.

Shayan shakes his head, a stubborn refusal in his eyes. "I can't," he mutters, pulling his hand away. "We don't have time. We've got no leads, no progress, nothing."

Klaus sighs, his frustration mounting. He understands Shayan's dedication and determination, but he loves him too much to see him burn out like this.

"But you're not going to be able to solve anything if you're too tired to think," Klaus argues, his voice gentle but firm. "You need to rest, even if it's just for a few hours."

Shayan lets out a weary sigh, his shoulders slumping. Klaus can see the war within him; his desire to keep working fighting with his body's desperate need for rest. He rubs his eyes, the dark circles beneath them even more prominent in the dim light.

Their eyes meet, and in that moment, Klaus can see the exhaustion, the tension, the fear in Shayan's gaze. It's a raw, desperate look, one that makes Klaus's heart ache.

"Please," Klaus says softly, his hand reaching out to cradle Shayan's face. "Please just rest."

Shayan hesitates, before he lets out a soft sigh. "Okay.. okay."

Relief floods through Klaus at Shayan's agreement. He'd been prepared to fight him on it, but the weary look in Shayan's eyes tells him it's not necessary. "Just a few hours," Klaus reiterates, his gaze earnest. "That's all I'm asking. Rest, and we can start again in the morning."

"Stay with me?" Shayan asks, his voice soft.

Klaus's heart clenches at the vulnerable, pleading tone in Shayan's voice. He nods, not even needing a second to think. "Of course," he answers, his voice just as soft. "I wouldn't be anywhere else."

With a gentle tug on Shayan's hand, Klaus leads him over to the cots set up on the other side of the room. He guides Shayan down to sit on the edge of one cot, his hands moving to help Shayan remove his shoes and jacket. Klaus's actions are tender, his touch careful and full of love.

Once Shayan's shoes and jacket are off, Klaus helps him lie down, his touch gentle, his gaze never leaving Shayan's face. He can see the exhaustion etched into every feature, the tension draining out of him as he settles into the cot.

Klaus situates himself in the tight space next to Shayan, draping an arm across his chest. He can feel the warmth of Shayan's body, the steady rise and fall of his chest. He can tell that the physical and emotional exhaustion is catching up with him now that he's finally lying down, his body beginning to relax and give in to fatigue.

After a moments hesitation, Shayan turns to him, wrapping his arms around him, nestling his head in Klaus' chest, eyes stinging, and clinging desperately, like he's afraid to let go.

Klaus's heart aches at the vulnerability in Shayan's embrace. His arms automatically encircle Shayan, holding him tight, offering comfort and safety. He can feel Shayan's body shaking slightly, his emotions overwhelming. He runs a soothing hand through Shayan's hair, trying to offer silent reassurance.

They lie there in silence for a long moment, the only sound their ragged breathing and the steady thump of Klaus's heartbeat. Klaus continues to hold Shayan, his embrace strong and protective. He wants to reassure Shayan, to somehow ease his worries and fears. But he knows there are no easy answers here, no soothing platitudes that can take away the danger they're facing.

"I love you." Shayan murmurs.

Klaus's heart clenches at the quiet, heartfelt confession. He pulls Shayan even closer, his own emotions welling up at the vulnerability in his boyfriend's words. "I love you too," he murmurs back, his voice barely above a whisper. "More than anything."

Klaus presses a gentle kiss to the top of Shayan's head, his lips lingering against the soft hair. The gesture is one of tenderness, a silent promise to protect and cherish the man in his arms.

He feels Shayan's body relaxing further in his embrace, the tension slowly leaving his limbs. It's a small victory, a sign that rest is finally winning out over exhaustion. Klaus continues to hold him, his hand stroking gentle patterns across Shayan's back, his presence a silent comfort.

He listens as Shayan's breathing evens out, his body relaxing deeper into the embrace. Klaus can tell he's drifting off, the physical and emotional exhaustion too great to fight off much longer. Klaus continues to hold him, his own eyes growing heavy. The quiet of the room and the steady rhythm of Shayan's breathing combined with his own weary state makes it hard to stay awake.

He tries to fight it for a few moments, his mind too preoccupied with worry and fear. But eventually, exhaustion wins out and his eyelids flutter closed, his body sagging as sleep takes him.

Klaus drifts into a light, restless sleep, his arms still wrapped around Shayan. Even in his sleep, he holds onto him tightly, instinctively protecting him even in unconsciousness. Throughout the night, he sleeps fitfully, his dreams troubled by worries of the unknown threat they're facing. Each time he stirs, he subconsciously tightens his embrace on Shayan, as if ensuring that he's still there, still safe.

But as morning comes and the gym slowly fills with the soft light of early dawn, Klaus's eyes slowly flutter open. He blinks sleepily, taking a moment to reorient himself to reality.

Klaus is jolted from his grogginess by the shrilling sound of Shayan's phone. He groans softly, reluctantly untangling himself from Shayan and sitting up. He glances, rubbing his eyes and trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. The ringing phone continues, and Klaus fumbles for it, squinting at the call display.

Klaus feels a pang of worry upon seeing the caller ID. Mark wouldn't be calling this early if it wasn't important. Klaus hesitates for a moment, then answers the call.

"Hello?" Klaus's voice is rough with sleep, his mind still fuzzy with lingering fatigue.

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and then Mark's voice comes through, laced with urgency. "Klaus? Is Shayan there?"

Klaus's heart quickens at the urgency in Mark's voice. "Yeah, he's here," he answers, glancing at Shayan's sleeping form. "But he's asleep. What's going on?"

"We've got a situation," Mark replies, his voice low but tight. "Can you wake him up? We need to talk, now."

Klaus is gripped with a feeling of unease. The urgency in Mark's tone can only mean something serious has happened. "Hang on," he says, his hand already reaching out to shake Shayan's shoulder.

"Shayan," he mutters, shaking him gently. "Wake up, babe. Mark's on the phone."

Shayan's eyes flutter open, confusion clouding his gaze as his mind struggles to wake from sleep. "What..?" he mutters, his voice groggy and slurred.

"Mark's on the phone," Klaus repeats, pushing the phone into Shayan's hands. "He says we need to talk. It sounds serious."

Shayan's expression shifts from confusion to concern as he takes the phone. He presses it to his ear, running a hand tiredly over his face. "Mark? What's going on?"

Mark's voice comes through the phone, his tone grim and urgent. "It's Kitae, Shayan. He's.. he's dead."

Klaus feels his stomach drop at the news, his heart immediately clenching. Beside him, Shayan goes rigid, the color draining from his face. "What?" he manages, his voice hoarse with shock.

Mark's response is grim. "He was murdered," he says bluntly, the gravity of the situation ringing through his voice. "We found his body just a few hours ago. It was.. not pretty."

Klaus feels a cold knot of dread forming in his stomach. Murder. Kitae was murdered. The implications are horrifying. He glances at Shayan, seeing his boyfriend's face chalk white. It's obvious the news has hit him hard.

"Listen, Shayan, there's more." Mark sighs. "Kitae took down one of the offenders. A guy in a suit, with a rifle."

The revelation hits Klaus like a punch to the gut. The description is all too familiar, too horrifying. He can feel a chill running down his spine. Beside him, Shayan's grip on the phone becomes almost painful-looking, his knuckles blanched white.

"Are you sure it was the same people, Mark?" Shayan asks, his voice tight.

There's a moment of hesitation on the phone, and then Mark speaks again. "We're sure," he replies, his voice laced with grim certainty. "No records, no identities, no links to any departments or organisations. They're complete ghosts."

Klaus swallows hard, the realization sinking in. They're dealing with an enemy who leaves no trace, no clues. It makes them even more dangerous, even more terrifying. He looks at Shayan, seeing the turmoil of emotions playing across his face. Anger, grief, fear.

"Where is Kitae's body now?" Shayan asks, his voice cracking.

"At the morgue," Mark answers. "We're trying to keep this under wraps for now. The last thing we need is a panic."

"No doubt the higher-ups would prefer to keep things quiet," Shayan mutters, a hint of bitterness in his tone. Klaus can sense the anger simmering beneath Shayan's words, his own emotions mirroring his.

"Shayan, I need to ask something big. We need your help, we need you to come back." Mark says.

The request hangs in the air, heavy with implication. Klaus can see the conflict in Shayan's eyes, the conflict between the desire to help and the fear of rejoining the very world that almost killed him.

There's a long moment of silence before Shayan finally speaks. "I.. I need to think about it."

Klaus feels his heart skip a beat. He knows what this means. If Shayan decides to help, they'll be throwing themselves back into the lion's den, risking his life yet again.  He glances at Shayan, silently pleading with him. Please, say no.

Klaus watches in silence as Shayan lowers the phone, his expression unreadable. The room is suddenly thick with tension, the silence heavy and oppressive. Klaus can tell Shayan is lost in thought, struggling with the decision he's been presented with. He wants to say something, to speak up, but he doesn't know what to say. He just watches and waits, his heart in his throat.

Klaus watches as Shayan stands up, his movements tense and agitated. He can see the conflict in his boyfriend's eyes, the turmoil of emotions warring behind his stoic exterior. He wants to say something, but he knows Shayan needs time to process. He just waits, watching silently as Shayan begins to pace back and forth, his movements frantic.

Klaus's heart clenches as Shayan's phone connects with the wall with a sickening crack, the plastic casing shattering on impact.

He jumps from the cot, his eyes widening. "Shayan-" he starts, but the words die in his throat as he sees the rage in his boyfriend's eyes.

"I'm sorry." he says quickly. "I'm sorry."

Klaus can hear the raw emotion in Shayan's voice, the apology laced with a hint of despair. He steps closer, closing the distance between them. "It's okay," he says softly, reaching out to take Shayan's trembling hand. "I understand."

He gently pulls him closer, wrapping his arms around him. Shayan's body is tense, taut with tension, but Klaus holds on firmly, offering a silent support. "Just breathe," he murmurs, his voice low and steady. "Just breathe."

"What the hell am I supposed to do?" Shayan asks. "They're going after my family, all over again."

Klaus's heart clenches at the raw pain in Shayan's voice. He can hear the anguish, the fear, the helplessness. He tightens his embrace, pulling Shayan closer against him. "We'll figure something out," he murmurs, trying to sound reassuring.

"We're not going to let them hurt anyone else," he continues, his voice firm. "We'll find a way to stop them." But even as he speaks, Klaus feels a twinge of uncertainty. They're up against an enemy that's faceless, formless, untraceable. How do they even begin to fight someone like that?

Klaus feels a flutter of worry in his chest as Shayan cups his face, his expression firm with resolve. He has seen that look in his boyfriend's eyes before, a look that screams determination.

"You made a decision, didn't you?" He asks quietly, already knowing the answer.

"I have to go back." he says softly. "I have to help them."

Klaus feels his heart sink as he hears Shayan's words. He knew this was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier to hear. "You don't have to do this, Shayan," he protests weakly. "You don't have to put yourself in danger again."

"Yes, I do." he gently strokes his cheek. "Mark and the guys know what they're doing, if we have a chance to find these people and stop them, I can't not take it."

Klaus sighs, the sound filled with resignation and concern. A part of him wants to keep arguing, to beg Shayan to stay safe, to keep himself out of danger. But he knows it's futile. Shayan's mind is made up. He's determined to go back, to help them find these people and put a stop to this nightmare.

"You are my priority, Klaus. Always. This is how I keep you safe."

Klaus's heart clenches at Shayan's words, the love and determination in them resonating deep within him. He knows how serious Shayan is, how much he needs to do this.

"I know," he replies quietly, leaning into Shayan's touch. "I know. But promise me you'll be careful. Promise me you'll come back to me."

Shayan's expression softens, his gaze unwavering on Klaus. "I promise," he says quietly. "I'll come back to you. No matter what."

Klaus swallows back a wave of worry, holding on to Shayan's promise like a lifeline. He knows the danger that lies ahead, the risks that they're about to take. But he also trusts Shayan, trusts in his abilities, in his determination. He knows that if anyone can survive this, it's Shayan.

"I'll be waiting for you," Klaus says softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes, you hear?"

"I hear," Shayan murmurs, his voice a quiet promise. "I'll come back to you. Always." They hold each other tightly, the room filled with the weight of the moment. Klaus knows that this could be it, the last time they see each other. But he pushes the thought aside, trying to focus on the love and trust between them.

He buries his face against Shayan's shoulder, the familiar scent of him providing a small comfort in the chaos. He takes a deep breath, memorizing the moment, the feeling of Shayan in his arms.

"I love you," he murmurs against his skin, the words barely more than a whisper. "Please come back to me."

"I love you too." Shayan replies, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. "More than anything." They hold each other a few moments longer, the silence speaking volumes. Finally, with reluctant hesitance, they break apart, each knowing that this is not goodbye, but a temporary separation.

Klaus watches as Shayan moves to gather their belongings, the practicalities of their situation finally breaking into their bubble. His heart is heavy, filled with a feeling of foreboding, but he tries to stay positive, to keep his faith in Shayan's promise.

He stands back, watching as Shayan moves through the room, his body taut with purpose. The moment of vulnerability has passed, and Shayan is back in his protective mode, his guard up as he prepares for what's to come.

Klaus can see the difference in him, the way he moves, the expression on his face. This is the version of Shayan he's seen before, the one who is all business, all focus. It's a stark contrast to the tender moment they had just shared, but Klaus knows that this is who Shayan needs to be right now.

He watches in silence as Shayan finishes packing, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. The time has come, the moment of truth. Shayan turns to him, their eyes meeting, both of them knowing what this means.

Shayan brings their foreheads together. "I need you to wait for me, okay? You're my heart."

Klaus nods wordlessly, his heart clenching at the quiet intensity in Shayan's voice. He knows how much Shayan is asking of him, how much he's leaving behind. "I will wait for you," he whispers, his voice choked with emotion. "Always."

They stand together, their foreheads touching, a silent farewell echoing in the air around them. They both know this is temporary, that they will see each other again, but it doesn't make the parting any easier.

Then, with the slightest hint of hesitation, Shayan steps back, breaking the contact between them. Klaus feels a sharp pang, the sudden absence of Shayan's touch leaving him cold. He watches as Shayan turns to the door, every muscle in his body screaming to stop him, to beg him to stay. But he doesn't. He knows he can't.

Klaus glances down at Glory, the dog sensing the heavy atmosphere in the room. She's watching Shayan with wide, sad eyes, as if she understands what's happening. He reaches down and scratches behind her ear, offering a small distraction.

"Be good, girl." Shayan says softly, his voice gentler than before. "Take care of him." Glory whimpers, her tail stilling. Even she seems to feel the weight of the moment.

Shayan takes a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over Klaus one last time, like he's trying to memorize every detail. Klaus feels tears prick at his eyes but doesn't look away. Then, with one final glance, Shayan turns and walks out the door.

Klaus stands in the suddenly empty room, the silence deafening. He feels a sudden weight in his chest, the absence of Shayan's presence like a physical blow. Glory whines again, moving closer to him, seeking comfort. He reaches down and scoops her up, holding onto her tightly.

"He'll come back," he murmurs, more to reassure himself than the dog. "He promised."

He moves over to the bed, sinking down onto the mattress, Glory in his lap. He lets himself sink into the familiar sheets, trying not to think about the empty space beside him.

⋆⋅ ━━━━ ⋅⋆

"Good morning." Diego greets, glancing over at him. "Figured you were hungry."

Klaus nods wordlessly, the sight of Diego's familiar face a small comfort in this strange situation. He swings his legs over the side of the bed and stands, stretching his cramped muscles.

"Thanks," he manages, his voice still rough with sleep. He looks around the small room, taking in the sparse surroundings. Despite their current situation, Diego seems to be in good spirits. Klaus is envious of his seemingly unflappable nature.

Klaus's eyes fall on the familiar sight of Shayan's hoodie hanging on a hook by the door. The fabric is worn and soft, the color faded from many washes. Klaus is immediately drawn to it, a pang in his chest. He moves towards it, running his fingers over the material. It still smells faintly of Shayan, the scent faint but discernable.

He picks it up, holding it against his face, breathing deeply. It's as close to Shayan as he can get right now, and he clings to that small comfort.

"He'll be back," Diego says, his voice gentle. He's watching Klaus with a quiet understanding, seeing the longing in his eyes.

"I know he will." Klaus replies, his voice quiet. He lowers the hoodie, clutching it in his hands. "I'm just... I miss him. Already."

Diego nods, his expression sympathetic. "I know you do. But you know him. He's tough as nails. Plus, he's got that Mark guy, right? They'll figure it out." Klaus appreciates Diego's attempt at reassurance, but it doesn't quite soothe the longing in his heart.

Klaus pulls the hoodie over his head, shivering slightly as the warm fabric envelops him. It's big on him, the cuffs reaching past his wrists. He's immediately surrounded by Shayan's scent, the faint smell of cologne and musk. He pulls the hoodie tighter around him, trying to imagine it's Shayan's embrace.

As Klaus slips his hands into the front pocket of the hoodie, he feels something there, a small, square object. He frowns, confused, and pulls it out. It's a velvet ring box.

Klaus's breath catches in his throat, his heart skipping a beat. He'd recognize that box anywhere. He flicks the lid open with trembling fingers, revealing the slender silver ring inside. Klaus stares at it, his mind racing.

He knows what this is, what it means. And suddenly, all the missing pieces fall into place. He lifts the ring from its velvet cushion, holding it carefully in his palm. The silver gleams in the sunlight, small engravings on the band catching the light.

Klaus's mind is awhirl with thoughts and memories, the meaning of the ring becoming clear to him. He glances up at Diego, still standing in the kitchen, watching him with concern.

Diego seems to get the hint, moving towards him. He peers at the ring in Klaus's hand, his expression solemn. "Is that...?" He trails off, the implication in his tone clear.

Klaus nods wordlessly, the ring still clutched in his trembling fingers. He can feel tears prick at the corners of his eyes, the weight of the moment overwhelming him. This is more than a simple piece of jewelry. This is a promise, a declaration. Shayan was going to propose to him.

"Holy shit," Diego mutters, his eyes widening. "He was going to propose to you?" Klaus nods again, feeling vulnerable, like his emotions are on display for the entire world to see.

"Jesus," Diego murmurs, shaking his head. He seems speechless for a moment, the magnitude of it sinking in. Then, his expression grows solemn, his tone more serious. "Is there a reason he hasn't done it already?"

Klaus stares down at the ring, the beautiful simplicity of it making his heart ache. The question hangs in the air, a difficult one to answer. "He... he probably thought he had more time," he says quietly. "He never thought we'd be in this situation."

"Damn," Diego says quietly. He's silent for a moment, as if contemplating the implications. Then, he reaches out and slaps Klaus on the shoulder. "Well, don't cry in front of me, man. You're making me emotional."

Klaus lets out a surprised bark of laughter, caught off guard by the sudden change in tone. He doesn't know how to react, the emotional upheaval of the moment too much to process. He laughs again, the sound shaky and slightly hysterical. He probably looks like a mess, tears streaming down his face, wearing a hoodie that's three sizes too big.

Diego, in a surprising show of comfort, pulls him into a brief, tight hug. Klaus stands there, stiff at first, then gradually relaxes into the embrace. "He'll come back," Diego mutters, his voice rough. "And when he does, he'll propose, you watch."

"Yeah," Klaus says, his voice thick with emotion. He pulls back, scrubbing at his face with his sleeve. "He will." He looks down at the ring, then up at Diego, who gives him a small, encouraging smile.

Klaus makes a decision. He takes the ring from its box, the cool metal solid in the palm of his hand. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself, and slowly slides the ring onto his finger. It fits perfectly, the silver band snug against his skin. Klaus stares down at it, the weight of it on his finger making his heart ache.

He can't help but feel a pang of longing, the absence of Shayan even more pronounced now. He'd always dreamed of this moment, but not like this. Not without Shayan by his side. He can't help but wonder what Shayan would be feeling if he was here, what look would be in his eyes.

Glory whines again, bumping her head against his leg. Klaus glances down at her, grateful for the distraction. He reaches down to scratch her ears, the familiar texture of her fur grounding him.

He tries not to think about how long it might be before he sees Shayan again. Instead, he looks down at the ring, the symbol of Shayan's love and commitment to him. And he makes a silent promise to himself.

No matter how long it takes, no matter what happens next, he will wait for Shayan.

⋆⋅ ━━━━ ⋅⋆

WORDS: 4660
© TOO SAD TO CRY