𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏 ━━ the steady rise and fall
₊ ⊹☕˚୨

❝ What are we going to do? ❞

❝ We'll deal with this together. ❞

The days turn into weeks, the weeks into a full month. Klaus and Shayan fall into a steady routine of working, spending time together, and caring for Glory. Klaus can't help but notice the way he feels more comfortable with each passing day, more at ease with their arrangement. He loves their little family, the three of them together.

The month is busy and full of small but meaningful moments. They go on more walks with Glory, discovering more of the neighborhood. Klaus starts making dinner more often, enjoying the domesticity of cooking together and sitting down for meals as a family. And each night, Klaus curls up next to Shayan, finding comfort in his warmth and their shared space.

Like tonight. Klaus had rolled over at some point, onto his stomach, his arms curled around the pillow, and Shayan's arm resting over his waist. Shayan is half-asleep, only vaguely aware of Klaus having rolled over. He adjusts his arm to accommodate Klaus's new position, his fingers lightly tracing a pattern on Klaus's skin.

He's feeling content, the quiet and the darkness of the room lulling him further into a state of half-consciousness. He moves a bit closer, nestling himself against Klaus's back, his sleep-warmed body like a protective blanket.

Glory's head lifts off the sheets from where she's lying at the foot of the bed. Her ears twist and twitch, her eyes focused on the door. The movement catches Shayan's attention, the vague sense of unease pulling him back from the edge of sleep.

He opens his eyes, his gaze going to Glory, her head raised as if in warning. He can't hear anything right now, but the subtle change in the dog's behavior is enough to rouse his alertness. Very carefully, he sits up, trying not to make noise.

Shayan reaches over, and gently shakes Klaus awake. Klaus stirs, blinking sleepily at Shayan, confused by the sudden wake-up call. He opens his mouth to speak, but Shayan quickly shushes him, gesturing for him to stay quiet.

Klaus frowns, immediately picking up on Shayan's seriousness. He nods, understanding the situation. He sits up slowly, listening intently for any signs of danger. Shayan gently holds his arm and gestures to the floor by the side of the bed.

Klaus glances down at the spot where Shayan is pointing. Understanding, his eyes widen slightly. He nods and slides off the bed, moving with near silence. He stands by Shayan, waiting for his lead.

On the bed, Glory stands, her head low, ears pressed against her head, staring at the door. Klaus feels his heart quicken at Glory's stance, the tension in her body a mirror of his own. He looks back at Shayan, his expression asking a silent question. What do we do?

Shayan gestures for him to stay, his hand reaching under the bed and pulling out a loaded M17.  Klaus nods, understanding what Shayan wants him to do. He watches as Shayan checks the pistol, his movements practiced and efficient. He can feel his heart thumping, but there's already a sense of trust in Shayan, knowing he can handle this situation. The silence in the room is almost palpable as they wait, the only sound Glory's low growl.

Shayan clicks his tongue, and Glory jumps down beside him as he stands, moving towards the door. Klaus watches as Shayan and Glory move towards the door, his heart in his throat. He clenches his fists, his nails digging into his palms in an attempt to ground himself.

He has a vague memory of learning self-defense back in his previous life, but it was nothing like this level of training. He feels underprepared and scared, but he trusts Shayan to keep them safe. He watches as Glory moves to stand in front of the door, the growl now louder and more menacing.

Shayan glances at Klaus, silently reassuring him. He positions himself beside the door, his finger lightly resting on the trigger of the M17. He looks back at Glory, signaling her to stay quiet. The silence is thick, the tension palpable. Shayan can hear his own heartbeat thudding in his ears. He tenses as he waits, his senses on high alert.

"Glory," Shayan whispers, catching the dogs attention. "Chase." with that, he cracks open the door.

Klaus's breath catches as Glory bolts out the door. He hears the clatter of claws on the floor, but he's too afraid to step out of the room. He trusts Glory to do her job, but he can't shake the feeling of unease. He looks at Shayan, waiting.

Yelling echoes from outside the door, gunshots ringing out. Shayan slips out. As he closes the door and steps out into the corridor, the noises of the chaos outside slam into him. The sounds of gunfire, the shouts and screams, the sound of feet pounding against the floor. His brain kicks into gear, his training taking over. He ducks behind a corner, the M17 at the ready as he surveys the situation.

The corridor is like a scene from a war-zone, bodies lying on the ground, blood splattered against the walls. Shayan quickly assesses the situation, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. He can hear the sound of boots approaching from the side, and he readies his gun, his finger on the trigger.

As the first of the attackers comes into view, Shayan doesn't hesitate. He takes aim and fires a shot, hitting the attacker squarely in the chest. The man falls, a look of shock on his face, but Shayan has already moved on to the next target. The fight is brutal, no room for hesitation or mercy. Shayan engages with ruthless efficiency, neutralizing each threat as they appear.

As Shayan takes down another target, he glances behind him, seeing Glory with her jaws around a man's neck. Shayan can't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at the sight; Glory is doing her part in protecting them. He keeps focused on his own fight, taking down two more enemies in quick succession, their bodies crumpling to the ground.

As the last man falls, Shayan finally takes a moment to look around. The corridor is littered with bodies, and Glory is standing beside him, her fur matted with blood. He quickly scans the area, checking to make sure there are no other threats.

As Shayan takes in the scene, he notices the attire of the attackers. They're all dressed in suits, all armed with rifles. It doesn't take a genius to put it together, and Shayan has seen this type of operation before. He knows in his gut that this was not just a random attack. This was planned, deliberate.

As he takes in the scene, Shayan's mind flashes back to his years in the Navy. He remembers hearing about the same kind of case, the similarities unmistakable. He had pushed the connection aside before, the thought too painful to entertain. But now, standing in the aftermath of the attack, there can be no doubt. This is the same group that killed his parents all those years ago. The realization hits him like a punch to the gut.

He can feel the rage bubbling up inside him, a cold, hard anger that he can barely suppress. He glances down, seeing the blood splattered across Glory's fur.

"Good girl," he murmurs, patting her reassuringly. His voice is steady, but there's a tension in his jaw, a hardness in his eyes as he looks back at the corridor. The fight is over, but he knows that this is just the beginning.

As Shayan heads back into the bedroom, his mind is racing with the events that just unfolded. He sees Klaus standing there, his eyes wide with fear and confusion. Shayan can see the questions in his eyes, the unspoken 'What happened?'

His voice is tense as he speaks, his heart still pounding from the fight. "Grab your stuff. We need to leave."

"What?" Klaus blinks, his confusion obvious. Shayan doesn't have the time to explain now, his only thought is getting Klaus to safety.

He strides over to Klaus's side, his voice firm. "We'll talk later. Just trust me and grab your things."

Klaus doesn't argue. He can see the seriousness on Shayan's face, the urgency in his voice. He nods and starts grabbing his belongings, stuffing them into a bag. The entire time, he can't help but glance at Shayan, his mind racing with questions and concern.

As Shayan dials the police, he can feel his adrenaline still surging, his senses on high alert. Glory remains by his side, her nose constantly scenting the air for any potential dangers. The phone rings, and he waits impatiently for someone to pick up, his grip on the phone tightening with each passing second.

Finally, someone picks up, and Shayan quickly relays the situation, rattling off the address and the details of the attack. He can hear the sound of sirens in the distance, growing closer by the minute.

When the call is finished, Shayan hangs up and turns back to Klaus. "The cops are on the way," he says, his voice rough. He watches as Klaus finishes packing, his movements quick but steady. He can't help but admire Klaus's ability to remain calm amid the chaos.

"Are we...?" Klaus trails off, his question unfinished.

Shayan knows what he's asking. "No, we can't stay here. This place's been compromised. We need to get out of here." He steps closer to Klaus, his hand resting on his shoulder. "Klaus, listen to me. This is serious. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Trust me, okay?"

Klaus meets his gaze, his expression a mix of fear and determination. He nods solemnly. "I trust you," he says, his voice a little shaky but firm. His fingers curl around Shayan's arm, a silent reassurance.

Shayan nods in return, the trust he sees in Klaus's eyes bolstering his resolve. "Good," he says quietly, his hand squeezing Klaus's arm before letting it go. He moves to the closet and digs around, pulling out a small gun. He checks the magazine, making sure it's loaded before handing it to Klaus, grip first. "Do you know how to use one of these?" he asks, his voice low and serious.

Klaus looks down at the gun in his hand, a feeling of uncertainty settling into his gut. He'd never held a gun before, let alone know how to use one. But the fear in Shayan's voice and the gravity of the situation sink in, and he steels himself. "N-No, not really," he admits, his voice small and unsure.

Shayan gives him a reassuring nod, noting the fear in Klaus's voice. He knows it's not ideal, but in a situation like this, every second counts. "It's simple. Just hold it like this." He demonstrates, moving Klaus's hand until he's holding the gun properly. "Keep your finger away from the trigger until you're sure what you're shooting at. And don't hesitate to pull the trigger if you have to," he says firmly, his eyes meeting Klaus's.

Klaus nods, taking in Shayan's instructions, his grip on the gun growing firmer. He can still feel the fear in his gut, but the urgency of the situation is outweighing his fear at the moment. His free hand grips Shayan's arm, needing the support and the connection. "Okay," he says quietly, meeting Shayan's gaze with determination. "I got it."

"Put it away for now," Shayan glances back, the siren's growing closer.

Klaus nods and tucks the gun into the waistband of his jeans, the weight of it comforting and terrifying at the same time. "I- I can hear them." he says softly.

Shayan frowns. "Hear them?"

Klaus pauses, a look of uncertainty on his face. "T-Their spirits," he admits, his voice a little unsteady. He looks up at Shayan, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion. "I-I've never heard it so loudly before. There are so many of them."

Shayan frowns, concern etching its way across his face as he listens to Klaus. He knows Klaus has this ability, but in all the time they've spent together, he's never heard Klaus mention feeling it this intensely.

He places a reassuring hand on Klaus's arm, his touch steady and calming. "It's alright," he whispers, leaning in closer to talk softly. "Focus on me, okay? Push everything else aside. Just focus on my voice."

Klaus nods, the movement shaky. His grip on Shayan's arm tightens. Shayan's eyes soften, and he leans in, resting his forehead against Klaus'. Klaus lets his eyes close, a rush of comfort flooding through him at the simple gesture. Shayan pulls back and kisses his forehead gently, before moving to take the door handle, not letting go of his hand.

"Don't look."

Klaus nods, closing his eyes tightly as Shayan opens the door. The sound of sirens is deafening now, the wailing noise a harsh symphony in the dark corridor. He can feel his heart pounding in his ears, a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. He keeps his eyes shut, focusing on Shayan's voice as his guide.

Shayan can feel Klaus tense up beside him, the grip on his arm growing tighter with each passing second. He keeps his own breathing steady, trying to stay in control for both of their sakes. "I'm here," he whispers, pressing a quick kiss to Klaus's shoulder. "You're alright. I've got you. Just keep focusing on me."

Klaus nods, the touch and words comforting but doing little to quiet the voices in his mind. He focuses on Shayan's presence beside him, the warmth of his body, the strength of his grip on his hand. He tries to block out everything else, blocking out the noises, the chaos around them. The only thing that matters right now is Shayan.

Shayan keeps his voice low and soothing as they make their way down the corridor, his eyes constantly darting around to make sure they're safe. He can feel Klaus's grip on his arm loosen slightly as they move, the tension in Klaus's body slowly fading as he focuses solely on Shayan's presence and voice. They move quickly and silently, finally reaching the exit.

Once they're out in the fresh night air, Shayan pulls Klaus into a tight embrace. He holds him close, one hand cradling the back of his head, the other around his waist. Klaus's face is tucked into the crook of Shayan's neck, his breath coming out in shaky gasps. The world around them seems to fade away as they hold each other tightly.

After a moment, Shayan pulls back slightly, looking into Klaus's eyes with a gentle intensity. "Hey," he murmurs, his thumb brushing lightly against Klaus's cheek. "You're alright. We're alright. We're safe now."

Shayan turns as the sound of police sirens gets louder. He can see the flashing lights as the vehicles approach, and he pulls Klaus closer, keeping a protective arm around his waist. In the distance, the police cars screech to a halt, police officers already jumping out, their guns drawn. Shayan moves in front of Klaus, trying to shield him from view. He lifts his hands in a gesture of surrender, his eyes focused on the approaching officers.

Klaus stands behind Shayan, his heart in his throat. The sight of the police officers approaching, guns drawn, is beyond terrifying. But he focuses on Shayan's strength, the solid feel of him in front of him, the steady rise and fall of his breathing. He knows Shayan won't let anything happen to him. He trusts Shayan with his life.

Shayan addresses the officers, his voice calm but firm. He explains the situation, mentioning the attack and the intruders. The officers' expressions harden as they confirm the situation. They holster their weapons and give instructions, asking Shayan to step away from Klaus and come with them for questioning. Shayan hesitates, not wanting to leave Klaus' side. But he knows this is standard procedure and that he needs to cooperate with the authorities.

He shoots Klaus an apologetic look over his shoulder, silently reassuring him that everything will be okay. Then, with a gentle squeeze of Klaus's hand, he moves away, following the officers to their squad car.

Klaus can feel his heart racing as he watches Shayan walk away, a sudden surge of panic washing over him. He instinctively wants to hold onto Shayan, not let him go, but he holds himself back. He trusts Shayan. He trusts that he'll be back. But his mind is still racing with a million questions. He tries to focus on his breathing, to calm himself, knowing that panicking won't do him any good. All he can do is wait.

The female officer's approach snaps Klaus out of his momentary panic. He takes in a steadying breath, the feeling of Shayan's touch still lingering on his skin. He meets the officer's gaze, his expression a mixture of uncertainty and resolution. The situation is still fresh in his mind, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He swallows, trying to keep his voice steady as he responds to her questions.

While he answers the officer's questions, his gaze keeps drifting to the squad car where Shayan is being questioned. He can't help but worry, his mind wandering to the worst-case scenarios. The only thing keeping him anchored in this moment is the memory of Shayan's reassuring squeeze. He breathes in deeply, holding the memory close to his heart.

The questioning seems to go on forever, the officer's questions ranging from the basic "where were you" and "who are you" to the more pointed "have you seen the attackers before" and "are you involved in any illegal activities." Klaus answers as best he can, his answers honest if a little jumbled with nervousness. Throughout it all, he keeps his eyes on Shayan, hoping to catch his eye, trying to glean some reassurance from him.

By the time he's done, the officer seems satisfied, giving him a nod. She tells him to stay put, as their investigation is still ongoing. Then, the officer moves away, leaving Klaus alone with his thoughts. He watches as the area is cleared, the bodies carried away, the crime scene cordoned off. All the while, he waits for Shayan, his heart aching with worry.

The night seems to stretch on forever, the cold air biting into Klaus's skin. He wraps his arms around himself, trying to ward off the chill. His eyes never leave the spot where Shayan was last seen, as if by sheer force of will, he could make him appear. With each passing minute, his worries grow, the silence doing nothing to quell his anxiety.
 
He tries to ground himself, using techniques he's read about, focusing on the cold stone beneath his feet, the cool air brushing against his skin.

Glory's presence is a small comfort in this chaos. Her unwavering loyalty and the soft brush of her fur against Klaus's legs grounds him, calming his racing mind just a little. The connection he has with Glory has him grateful. He reaches out a hand and buries it in her fur, taking comfort in the familiar warmth.

Klaus loses track of time as he stands there, his mind alternating between worrying over Shayan and trying to distract himself from darker thoughts. He has no idea how long he stands there, but eventually, he feels Glory shift beside him and hears the sound of footsteps approaching.

He looks up to see Shayan walking towards him, looking somewhat weary but safe and uninjured. Klaus feels a rush of relief. All the worry and fear he had been feeling dissipates in an instant, replaced by a flood of emotions. He wants to run to Shayan, to close the distance between them, and bury his face in his shoulder. But he restrains himself, waiting for Shayan to reach him.

Shayan's expression softens as he approaches Klaus, his own relief evident on his features. He looks Klaus over, checking for any signs of injury or distress. Once satisfied, he opens his arms, silently offering a hug. Klaus doesn't need any further encouragement. He steps into the circle of Shayan's arms, wrapping his own arms tightly around his waist, holding him close.

They stand like that for a long while, just holding each other, taking comfort in the simplicity of their embrace. As they finally part, Klaus can see the exhaustion in Shayan's eyes. He wants to tell Shayan to rest, to take care of himself, but he swallows the words, knowing Shayan would simply brush them aside. Instead, he takes hold of Shayan's hand, giving it a light squeeze.

"Why?" Klaus can't restrain the question.

Shayan looks at Klaus, knowing exactly what he's asking. He exhales deeply, the weight of his thoughts evident in his gaze. He guides Klaus to a quiet spot further away from the commotion, finding a secluded corner where they can be alone.

Once there, he finally speaks, his voice low and earnest. "I'm the one they're after," he admits, his eyes fixed on Klaus's. "At least.. I think so. I think..." he sighs. "I think they're the ones who killed my parents."

Klaus can feel his heart drop, the implications of Shayan's words sinking in. He looks down, trying to process the information, but his mind feels like it's spinning. He knows this has been a long time coming, that Shayan has been waiting for this moment for years. He can feel Shayan's eyes on him, his gaze steady and determined. There's a quiet, unspoken request in those eyes, and Klaus can't help but nod, meeting his gaze with his own determination.

"I'm with you," he says quietly, his grip on Shayan's hand tightening slightly.

Shayan's gaze softens, the corners of his lips lifting in a small, grateful smile. He brings Klaus's hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against his fingertips. The gesture is simple, yet it speaks volumes, conveying more than words ever could.

"I don't know how they found me, but they did. And I have feeling there's more of them, and that they're not going to stop."

Klaus nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. He steps closer, his free hand coming up to rest on Shayan's arm, his thumb brushing lightly against his bicep. "What are we going to do?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

Shayan's gaze shifts to focus on Klaus, a mix of determination and concern evident. Then his expression softens, his thumb coming up to touch Klaus's cheek, tracing a gentle line down to his jaw. "We'll deal with this together," Shayan states, his voice calm and sure. "We'll get through this, Klaus. I won't let anything happen to you. You're my priority. Always."

Klaus's heart thuds in his chest at the declaration, and he can't help but lean into Shayan's touch. The words, the unspoken promise, it means everything to him. "Just promise you won't leave me alone," he says softly, his eyes searching Shayan's for reassurance.

Shayan's gaze locks with Klaus's, the intensity radiating from him. "Klaus, I promise you," he says firmly, his voice low and earnest, "I will not leave you." His hand, still cupping Klaus's jaw, gently lifts Klaus's chin, bringing his eyes back to Shayan's level. "Do you understand me?" he asks, his gaze unwavering.

Klaus nods, his throat tightening with emotion. "I understand," he manages to whisper, his voice barely audible but the conviction clear. As Shayan's words settle in, he can't help but lean forward slightly, their foreheads touching gently. "I trust you," he adds, the words a solemn vow from the depths of his heart.

Shayan doesn't say anything more; he simply closes the distance between them, pressing a gentle kiss to Klaus's lips. It's a familiar, reassuring gesture, a gentle reminder that they're in this together. Klaus leans into him, returning the kiss, feeling the weight of the world slip away. At least for now.

"We need to find somewhere to stay." Shayan says as they part.

Klaus nods, agreeing with Shayan's statement. He looks around, surveying the dark streets. The night air is cool, but it does little to settle the unease. "What about my brother?" he asks, his voice a little shaky. "Diego? He can help."

Shayan considers for a moment, his expression pensive. He knows the importance of involving those who can help, and Klaus's brother is an obvious choice. After a moment, he nods in agreement. "That's not a bad idea. Is he close by?"

"He stays at this boxing gym he works at, it's not far." Klaus squeezes his hand.

Shayan nods, a small smile of gratitude playing on his lips as Klaus squeezes his hand. Shayan glances back at the officers. One of them, the woman who talked to Klaus, stands straighter at his gaze. "Come on." he leads Klaus back to her.

Klaus follows, his hand still in Shayan's grasp. He offers the officer, a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense expression, a hesitant smile. "You guys found a place to stay?" she asks.

Klaus nods. "Uh, yeah. We're gonna stay at my brother's gym."

The officer raises an eyebrow. "And where is that?" she asks bluntly.

Klaus hesitates, then gives her the address. He's not sure how to feel about sharing such information, but he knows he has no choice.

She nods. "My Sergeant assigned me to stay with you, I'll keep out of the way, just there to keep you safe for a while."

Klaus's expression visibly relaxes at her words, a small sigh of relief escaping his lips. He nods gratefully at her. "Thank you," he murmurs, his fingers still tightly clasped with Shayan's.

The officer nods and follows them out of the building. She ushers them into her police car, and they set off. Though the ride is silent, Klaus can feel Shayan's comforting presence beside him, their fingers intertwined. They exchange a reassuring glance, a silent communication that speaks volumes in the quiet car. Glory rests her head on Klaus's thigh, the soft sound of her breaths offering a small comfort amidst the tension in the air.

Klaus focuses on the passing streets, trying to take his mind off the events of the night. But the image of the attack keeps replaying in his mind, the fear and violence etched into his memory. He glances at Shayan, trying to read his expression in the dim lights of the car. Shayan's face is impassive, his eyes scanning the city as he mentally goes over their next move. The determination in his eyes is unmistakable, reassuring Klaus in a way that words can't.

As they near the boxing gym, Klaus feels his stomach clench. What will he tell Diego? How will he react to this sudden, unexpected danger? He can feel Shayan's gaze on him, as if he knows what he's thinking. Glory whines, sensing his anxiety.

Klaus takes a deep breath, gathering his courage. He can't let fear get the best of him, not now. He needs to think clearly, to act logically. He glances at Shayan, a silent plea for reassurance in his eyes. He needs Shayan by his side, his rock in the midst of the chaos.

Shayan doesn't need words to understand Klaus. He takes Klaus's hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. The message is clear: I'm here, you're not alone. They share a silent moment, their hands entwined, before the car pulls up outside the boxing gym.

Klaus can see Diego pacing outside, a worried expression on his face. He's talking urgently with one of the workers, gesturing with his hands as he speaks. Klaus's heart twists at the sight of his brother's concern; he knows he has a lot of explaining to do. He shares a quick glance with Shayan, who gives a small nod. Together, they step out of the car and walk towards Diego.

Diego sees them approaching and breaks off from his conversation, striding towards them with a mixture of anger and relief. "What the hell happened?" he demands, his eyes darting between Klaus and Shayan. "Are you safe? Are you hurt?"

Klaus opens his mouth to reply, but Shayan speaks first. His tone is calm, but there's an undertone of authority that he's honed over years of leadership. "We're okay," he tells Diego. "We need to talk. Inside."

Diego hesitates for a moment, his expression still full of worry. But he nods, his expression softening a little. He leads them into the gym, gesturing for them to take a seat in one of the side rooms. Inside, Glory sniffs around curiously, her tail wagging as she investigates the new environment. It's clear she likes the place.

Klaus takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Now that they're in a slightly calmer environment, everything starts to feel more real. The events of the night, the danger they're in, it's all hitting him at once. He glances at Shayan, seeing his own anxiety reflected in those deep brown eyes. He wonders how Shayan is holding up, and hopes that they can get out of this situation unscathed. A part of him, though, knows that such hope is naive at best.

Shayan takes a deep breath and begins. He tells Diego everything from the beginning, leaving no detail out. He speaks slowly but clearly, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, explaining the gravity of the danger they're in and the threat against Klaus's life.

Throughout the explanation, Klaus watches Diego's reaction. He can see the shock and disbelief gradually giving way to understanding and concern. It's a lot to take in, but Diego listens attentively, his expression growing graver by the minute.

Once the explanation is finished, Diego remains silent for a while. His face is a mask of concentration, his brow furrowed as he processes everything. Klaus can almost see the gears turning in his head as he tries to make sense of it all.

After a long moment, Diego speaks, his voice low and serious. "How can I help?" he asks, his gaze locking with Shayan's.

Shayan nods in appreciation, grateful for Diego's support. "Right now, we need to be cautious," he continues. "We don't know how these people found us, which means they might have connections or insider knowledge we're not aware of."

He looks at Klaus, his gaze filled with understanding. "We can't trust anyone right now. Not until we know for sure who we're dealing with and what they want."

Diego nods as well, his expression hardening with resolve. "You're right," he says, his voice just as serious. "We can't be too careful. How can we find out who these people are? What do we do next?" He looks at Shayan expectantly, seeking direction.

"Leave that to me." Shayan says.

Shayan's tone leaves no room for argument, and Klaus and Diego nod in agreement. Shayan is the leader here, the one with the military background and years of experience. They trust his judgment and his ability to make the tough choices.

Shayan stands up, a new sense of determination in his eyes. "You two should rest," he tells Klaus and Diego. "I'll take care of everything."

Klaus and Diego exchange a glance. They know they're not in a position to argue, no matter how much they might want to. They're in Shayan's world now, and he's the one calling the shots. "Alright," Klaus nods, his confidence in Shayan outweighing his worries. "Just be careful, okay?"

Shayan meets Klaus's gaze, a small, reassuring smile on his lips. "I will," he answers, his voice soft but sincere.

He then turns to Glory, who is sitting at Klaus's feet, and crouches down to scratch her behind the ears, offering a silent reassurance to the both of them. Glory wags her tail, appreciating the gesture. Klaus watches the exchange, comforted by the sight of Glory in Shayan's care.

It's a small moment of tenderness in these difficult times, a reminder that they're in this together. With Glory by Klaus's side and Shayan watching over them, Klaus finally starts to feel a glimmer of hope. They might just get through this, even if the road ahead is fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Shayan stands up, the gravity of the situation etched into his expression. "I'll be back soon," he says, his gaze focused on Klaus. With one final nod, he strides out of the room, ready to face whatever comes next.

Glory lets out a soft whine as she watches Shayan go, her loyalty evident. Klaus places a comforting hand on her head, trying to take some relief in her presence. Diego, meanwhile, moves to a nearby window, keeping watch for anything out of place. His eyes scan over the darkened streets, his instincts ever vigilant.

"What do they want with him?" Diego looks back at Klaus.

Klaus frowns, his anxiety returning full force. He feels exposed and vulnerable in this unfamiliar place, even with Glory and Diego at his side. He rubs his hands absently, a nervous habit.

"I don't know."

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WORDS: 5566
© TOO SAD TO CRY