"Shit." Zapp cursed, pocketing the peach and rushing off in the direction of their cries, while he had been having his chat with the Goblin King; Leonardo and Chain had run into some rather temper mental doors that Chain had sorted out rather quickly when one wouldn't stop complaining about the knocker in its mouth. Upon opening they found that it didn't really lead to the path, though Chain had sworn up and down it would but was quickly reminded the Labyrinth had a tendency to change, especially if they were on the right path.

"It's how Klaus keeps people on their toes I guess." Chain huffed taking a few steps inside, Leonardo close behind when the door slammed shut and both were ushered forward by some rather lively creatures Leonardo had trouble keeping up with as they moved.

"What the-!?" He began only for one to silence him and flailed his arms around like some weird puppet, it wasn't until that creature's head fell off that he started to feel a little more terrified than he'd like to admit. Chain wasn't having much luck either, each time she tried to land a hit or a flash of her fangs the creature's limb would detach or it would flop boneless-ly out of the way. He could see the frustration growing in her eyes and the creatures pulling and pushing her around weren't helping. If anything he didn't want to stick around much longer, especially when she was beginning to look close to feral, oddly enough it reminded him of Klaus though the expression didn't immediately form a knot in his stomach when he looked at Chain.

Leonardo registered briefly the creatures were singing some strange chant, he almost felt they were performing some ritual which he felt neither him nor Chain wanted to be a part of; Sonic had disappeared the moment the creatures began to hassle them as if he had seen this coming and Leonardo couldn't find it in himself to be mad. If he were small enough, he was certain he would have made a break for it. Leonardo was dropped to the side, only for another to fixate on his legs when a loud shout caught their attention, the whole group looked in the direction of the sound and were greeted to the sight of Zapp sprinting in their direction with a determined look. In this moment Leonardo actually found himself thanking the man, though he would never express it out loud unless he wanted to boost Zapp's already seemingly massive ego.

Surprisingly, or not surprisingly, the creatures were not deterred by the angered man when he approached, they, however, did begin to flee when he actually landed a hit on one and knocking the head away a few meters. The rest seemed to take the hint as Zapp turned to give them a rather smug expression but it came off as more murderous and scheming than smug; they scattered faster than Leonardo thought possible for creatures that kind of lacked normal skeletons, granted they were most likely mythical and a product of this realm; but boneless, red-furred, imp-like creatures were sure to haunt Leonardo's dreams in the coming weeks. Zapp chuckled triumphantly and turned to the two still dusting themselves off and regaining a sense of order after the rather chaotic rhythm of the creatures.

"Came to the rescue just in time didn't I?" Zapp snickered, Leonardo flashed him a lopsided grin.

"A lot sooner would have been better, they were treating us like puppets and singing…It was weird."

"After all that you've seen in this God-forsaken place you think that's the weirdest shit you'll see?" Zapp chided, gesturing them over to a ladder that scaled one of the Labyrinth's taller walls. Sonic was waiting at the top, waving down at them with a chirp.

"Well now I know where he went, isn't this technically cheating? Climbing the wall?" Leonardo asked, allowing Chain to go first and sending Zapp a fierce glare when he tried to peek up Chain's clothing.

"Unless you want to backtrack, no. This weird forest area is a dead end, once we get to the top of that wall it should be a straight shot, you might beat this thing with time to spare." Zapp cheered, though his face seemed a little guarded.

"Ah…I guess…Thank you then, for sticking to this." Leonardo beamed and climbed the ladder, refusing to look down unless he wanted to feel his stomach drop as he scrambled upwards. He made it to the top with Zapp following after a few moments later, Leonardo could see the castle in great detail, and they were practically a few yards from it now! He felt a bubble of excitement and whirled around to face Zapp with a wide grin

"This is amazing! You weren't kidding!" Leonardo cried, wrapping Zapp up in an impromptu hug;

"Hey wait- Don't touch me-!" Zapp shouted as the floor dropped out from beneath their feet and Leonardo was reminded of how shitty this Labyrinth could be. They tumbled down a slide, Chain sending sparks along the stone as she used her claws to try and grip the slimy, stone surface. A stench began to fill the air as the plummeted downward, wishing he could plug his nostrils as they fell he could see an opening fast approaching, and it opened out onto what looked like a toxic waste dump he cared not to visit. Chain was scrambling now, trying to find purchase and slow their descent to prevent them from belly flopping into that mess. There was a loud chipping noise and they came to a rather sudden stop, Chain holding them to the exit, Leonardo exhaled loudly, regretting the action as he could taste the smell on his tongue. He looked to Chain, who looked rather mortified as she surveyed the surroundings,

"There is a small patch of solid ground just below us if we're careful we won't hit bog water." She explained tersely, turning a smoldering glare to Zapp who looked terrified, clinging to one of her legs keep them from falling out of the opening,

"You're tall enough, just let go of me! Drop down so you can catch Leonardo." She ordered, shaking her leg and allowing Leonardo to cling to her waist while she shook Zapp vigorously from her leg. Leonardo and Sonic were next, Zapp catching them and setting them to the side, preparing to catch Chain only for her to land foot first to his face and slam him into the ground with a loud thud.

"There a reason why we're in the bog of stench when we were so close to the castle, Zapp?" she asked in a light gruff, stepping off him to stretch and look around for any sign of an escape from the bog. Leonardo was just trying to keep his stomach from rolling, the smell reminded him of his freshman roommate who would leave food in strange places to rot, upon being found the smell that would permeate the room was God awful. Leonardo remembered seeking refuge with other friends until it dissipated, this, however, was not dissipating. There was no breeze, only stagnant, pungent air to be breathed and haphazardly smelt along with it.

"Why are you acting like it's my fault huh!? Apparently, there was a trap door there, this place does change around you know! Like the Goblin King is going to let that little shrimp finish with extra time!"

"You were the one who said it was a possibility to begin with!" Chain snapped. Leonardo sighed and buried his nose in his shirt where Sonic had taken refuge and began to explore, careful not to touch the bog water or the shoreline, he could see a bridge in the distance and assumed that would be the only safe way to cross. He turned and called back, garnering their attention and interrupting their argument long enough to get them to follow him to the bridge.

"…It looks sturdy enough…" Leonardo murmured, taking a step forward when another creature leapt out from the shadows. He was blue and fish-like, standing tall and proud before them before he held up his hands in a cautionary gesture.

"I actually wouldn't attempt it. I can't tell you the last time someone actually used this bridge but I doubt it's in good condition." He explained, Leonardo blinking slowly at him.

"Do you…do you just wait here to tell people that?" he asked, the creature when to answer when Zapp cut in.

"Bullshit! No way would the only way out of here be built so poorly it wouldn't hold up to a measly 3 people walking across. One of them is all skinny and wimpy while we're at it so it's more like 2 and a half." Zapp snorted, the creature's antenna twitched in irritation before glaring at Zapp.

"I am warning you this bridge isn't safe to cross."

"I bet Klaus put you here to get in our way." Zapp scoffed and brushed past him, taking a few steps onto the bridge and looking back with a smug grin. There was a shuddering crack and the bridge began to collapse, Zapp scrambled the other side in a frenzy, just barely making it before the last few cobblestones hit the water's surface. Leonardo let a heavy sigh pass through him and looked to the Fishman.

"Thanks for the warning Mr…?"

"Zed. Call me Zed, your friend just cost me my job you know."

"Guarding a bridge is your job…" Leonardo murmured while Chain's cursing shouts directed at Zap filled the air, his rebuttals soon followed but much like Leonardo, Zed seemed to join him in his bliss to tune them out and look for a solution. Leonardo was still racing against a clock and he hesitated to look at his watch to see how much he had left.

"Well it was a living you know, and now I don't even have that…those I guess now I don't have to tolerate the smell…" Zed grumbled, looked at the two bickering at the edge of the recently collapsed bridge.

"…want to come with us?" Leonardo asked, prompting Zed's attention; the Fishman blinked and nodded slowly

"Ok…Ok! Sure, I don't see why not. Where exactly are you headed?"

"Oh, well…" Leonardo ruffled his hair nervously before looking up,

"The Goblin King's castle." He forced a smile and Zed stiffened for a moment and fixed Leonardo with what he assumed was a serious glare.

"I see. Is there a particular reason?" Zed asked as the bickering quieted down, Leonardo could see Chain looking over the wreckage of the bridge and the other side as well.

"Well…I accidentally gave up my freedom…I only have a few hours left to solve the maze and keep it." Leonardo explained and Zed made a sharp nod before gesturing Leonardo to follow.

"We can get across, it will involve jumping however and I can only carry one person at a time." Zed explained, Chain turned and scoffed

"I know I can make this jump myself too, I can get Leonardo across with no issue myself, you worry about you." Chain grunted, scooping Leonardo into her arms and leaping across the smelling river and landing on the other side gracefully. She set him down and turned back to glare at Zapp who was laying on the ground, exhausted and snivelling at his near plunge into the bog. Zed hopped across a moment later, landing gracefully with barely a sound to indicate his presence.

"Thank you, Chain." Leonardo murmured and she nodded in acknowledgement,

"What are friends for?" she asked with a soft smile, Leonardo flushed lightly and grinned excitedly

"Friends, huh?" he questioned teasingly only for her to reply with a playful shove and turn to Zed and Zapp with a stern expression that gave off authority.

"We better get moving, otherwise Leonardo here will be hanging around a lot more than he'd like." She called, getting Zed and Zapp's attention. They continued onward, following an over grown path as the smell began to fade, Leonardo could feel the buddings of hunger forming in his gut and frowned when it quietly grumbled. Sonic heard it first, looking at Leonardo's stomach before looking to his face with a bit of concern.

"I'm fine Sonic." He assured, continuing to follow after his growing group of companions who were chatting with one another about the changes they were noticing in the labyrinth and in the Goblin King himself.

"Klaus to the cleaners to this kid, I shit you not I have never seen them in person but shrimpy over there kinda insulted his pride I think, he called it easy!" Zapp lamented, bringing a chuckle from Chain and a breathy snort from Zed. Leonardo smiled softly and patted Sonic on the head affectionately when his stomach growled again, louder this time, thoroughly catching the attention of his companions. They had come to the start of the Labyrinth again, leaving the heavily wooded swamp area and seeing the walls beginning again gave Leonardo a fresh wave of excitement that he could actually win. Zapp looked at him closely and he faltered under the gaze

"Uhh, what? Sorry, my stomach growled." Leonardo huffed, Zapp sauntered forward hesitating briefly, a pregnant pause forming between them.

"…Zapp?" Chain prompted before he grunted and slapped a rather ripe looking peach into Leonardo's hand and stepping back

"There." He huffed, becoming a little closed off, or at least seemingly closed off compared his normal demeanor. Leonardo scoffed

"What you're going to get all embarrassed about giving me a snack? That's a little weird." Leonardo teased before looking down at the fruit curiously and holding it up to his mouth. He paused to smell it and it had a faint aroma of being a little too sweet, maybe a little overripe? Chain's frown deepened slightly

"Zapp where did you get that?" she asked, looking at him carefully; Zed stepped forward

"Leonardo I don't think that's-" Zed began and Leonardo bit into the peach and swallowed.

"…safe to eat." Zed finished with a frown, Leonardo blinked and looked up. It tasted strange, a little sweet…and then an aftertaste he couldn't pinpoint.

"I think it was a little overripe…maybe?" Leonardo mumbled and Zapp stepped back

"Shit!" he grunted and Leonardo felt himself falling, his mind going a little fuzzy, and his stomach rolled. Everything went black, and it was hard to tell exactly where he was, it was as if he was blurred himself, his being not entirely present until his feet touched the ground; however it was not the Labyrinth. Leonardo's mind briefly registered how familiar the scene before him felt but it quickly faded as he took in the ballroom sprawling around him filled with elegantly dressed people hiding their faces behind ornate masks.

Leonardo stepped forward, hesitating as he took in his surroundings properly. He could hear a soft waltz playing as the crowd began to sway with the music, they would glance in his direction, waving at him to join in even though he was without a dancing partner, he felt a brief sense of inadequacy, reaching up to feel the baggy hoodie that hid his lanky form only to discover that he himself looked rather eloquent and refined. It was like something out of a costume closet, a perfectly tailored suit and overcoat that had a rich, deep color that looked like a midnight's sky; just a hint of blue when the lights danced over it as he stepped into the dance floor. Weaving in and out of dancing couples, Leonardo was greeted with smiles and polite introductions, he felt strangely content.

Even though they were complete strangers to him, they were welcoming and warm, accepting. He stopped when the music quieted and the crowd looked up, slowing there dancing to a halt and there was a quiet hum of murmurs. A man stood atop a grand staircase, pressed white suit accenting the rich crimson hair and the gleam of green eyes peeking from behind his glasses. Leonardo felt the part of him still trying to register what was going on that would cause warning bells to ring when he looked to the man atop the staircase, he was familiar in a bad way. Though Leonardo couldn't pinpoint why…

The man approached, gaze locking onto Leonardo and he flashed him a rather warm smile that put Leonardo in a daze, this extremely handsome man was flirting with him. The warning bells became an afterthought when he was looking up at him, towering over him, commanding the air like a king. Leonardo flushed and felt the need to bow, only for his wrist to be caught by the man; the air became warm and sultry as a kiss was pressed to his knuckles, the underbite grazing Leonardo's knuckles gently. He felt his insides liquefy as a massive hand captured his hips, pulling him close, the other hand releasing his as it wrapped around and pressed along his shoulders, pulling them both into the motion of the dance as the music returned.

Leonardo felt a lurch of anxiety as he looked around, slightly frantic at the people around them, there were no sneers or looks of disgust thrown his way for wanting to dance with another man, this man, this king that had chosen him for a dance, gave off an aura of acceptance and trust. Leonardo grinned fully, allowing himself to be pulled around, he didn't know how to dance really and stepped on the king's toes, scoffing the pristine shoes, but it only earned a chuckle from the king. Leonardo pressed closer, drinking in the affections, the gentle pressure holding him and the warmth that the room was exuding. He wanted this so much…acceptance from them, from…? Who was it he wanted acceptance from? He faltered in step, pulling from the gentle embrace as his insides began to solidify and the warmth faded at a quickening speed.

He was pulled back in, this time the king clung to him like a child refused to let go of a parent,

"I beg you, stay a while longer." The words were a rough whisper in his ear that sent a shiver down his spine and the fuzziness began to ebb at his mind again, his hands ran up the sides of his king, firmly seating themselves on the king's broad back. Leonardo felt the ghost of hot breath over his lips and he leaned in, the shadows obscuring his sight as he felt a gentle press of another's lips on his and the briefest hint of the fang nipping at his skin. It felt…hungry, a burning igniting in his belly that demanded something beyond a chaste kiss of affection, he pushed, whatever concern had been tearing at the edges of his conscious was erased as Leonardo demanded more, standing on tiptoes practically to find purchase of his king, to express his desire.

It surprised him to find the man built like a mountain, towering over him, dwarfing him in size, to be hesitant. Though when Leonardo pushed again, opening his mouth slightly and biting at the powerful being's lips before him, was he rewarded with some more passionate and beyond the chastity he wanted to be rid of. A rush of heat ran through him, feeling bolder, powerful knowing he'd gotten the mountain king to submit to his wishes and give him what he craved. There was a stilling silence surrounding them and he broke off with a loud gasp, regaining his breath a fire burned inside him, he could see the same fire reflected in the eyes of his mountain king and his nerves were alight with adrenaline, mind in a stupor. He leaned forward to start again, intent on lasting longer this time when he noticed the sheer emptiness of the room, the crowds of eyes were gone, they were alone and his stomach lurched. The hands holding him became too warm, the body of the man too close. He wasn't supposed to be here, something was amiss and the doubts that had been trying to warm their way inside tumbled in.

He was trying to get home, he wanted acceptance, yes; but this place was not home. This man was not home…

"Leonardo…please, don't do this." His chest squeezed at the tone the stranger used, even in all its familiarity the room was colder now, frigid. He shoved himself free and backpedalled, stumbling over himself to look at the man, trying to swallow back his concerns at the man's hurt in his expression. Leonardo pressed his back to a mirror, looking away, steeling his resolve to not return to him, though the feeling lingered in his gut and the feel of the fang kissing his cheeks were a phantom touch. He turned to face the mirror fully and could see himself, the lanky university student, covered in common baggy clothes…hiding away from the truth of who he was. He drew back his hand, balling it into a fist and the man lurched forward,

"Don't!"

The mirror shattered and Leonardo was falling again, away of himself, mind reeling as he gasped and squirmed as control returned to his limbs, he flailed out smacking Zapp's cheek rather forcefully and scrambled to his knees.

"Leonardo! Oh, thank heaven! You were out for so long, we thought you were dead…" Chain breathed, shoulders relaxing in her relief. Zed nodded quickly

"We were afraid to move you, you were dead to the world practically." He explained. Sonic jumped up, crying happily as he hugged Leonardo's neck, then the air turned deadly as they all turned to Zapp nursing his cheek.

"Why the hell would you feed him a peach from the Goblin King!?" Chain shrieked, pouncing on him and shaking him violently, bashing his head against the ground. Leonardo sighed and pulled himself to his feet and looked to his watch, feeling a heavy thump make its home inside him.

"How long was I out…?" he asked quietly, Zed frowned and looked away

"Almost an hour…it could've been more." He answered honestly as Leonardo stared down his watch, he had less than 3 hours to solve the last portion of this labyrinth, and he didn't know how much was of it to begin with.

"We really need to get moving…" he mumbled, feeling a cry build up in his chest though he fought his back and hurried into the next corridor, Zed following after and Chain finally releasing Zapp. To his surprise, they had entered a rather large spiral, encircling the castle, and beyond that, he could see the taller walls supporting the gates to the castle if they ran they could make it there in no time. He began to job, finding a strange lingering adrenaline coursing through him, a hot shame prickled at his neck of the memory of the dream he'd experienced. The all too realness of it, he still found a ghost of the kiss on his lips, and an odd taste on his tongue that reminded him of warm cider on brisk, autumn nights. He picked up his pace, ignoring the burning in his lungs and the shame that tinged his ears pink, he just wanted to go home and be himself again, to be with Michella and forget this awful place. Though how much of himself could he really be if his parents and those around him didn't truly know him.

He shook his head and kept up his pace, assuming that the footsteps behind him were his traveling companions when there was a loud shout and Zapp dashed past him and skidded to a halt holding up his hands.

"Are you insane!? Do you want to die!?" Zapp demanded only for Chain to smack him out of the way, using her momentum to throw him onto the ground, Leonardo paused with a curt nod

"I guess! I don't have a lot of options right now, I need to get into that castle!"

Zapp grunted and pulled himself up, Chain at the ready to pound him again,

"Look! I know I messed up giving you the peach! But you can't go kicking in the castle gates. The whole thing is guarded and not to mention K.K." there was a collective groan and Chain pinched the bridge of her nose.

"I completely forgot about her…" Chain muttered, Zed looked rather dejected himself, crossing his arms and sighing heavily.

"Who is K.K.?" Leonardo asked, feeling his stomach sink,

"The head of the Royal guard, Klaus' best knight…she's the only one that can get those little monsters in line besides Klaus…getting through her, and the gates, is going to be such a chore now if not impossible." Chain grumbled. Leonardo felt his resolve waver as he turned to look at the castle gates, he was so close for this to stand in their way…

"Which is why we're going to be a distraction for shorty here, if we keep K.K busy enough she won't notice him making it to the castle itself if we do it right." Zapp explained, pulling himself up and looking at the group with disinterest. Leonardo nodded slowly

"Ok…what do we do?"

"First she has to see you with us so she knows to try and keep up busy, in that moment will ditch you in Goblin-town and you make your way to the castle while she thinks we still have you. We make a show of hiding you in something and then moving that something. You're not actually in it." Zapp schemed, gesturing to follow him; they hurried after him, listening to him explain the plan. Leonardo went over it a few time and sighed as they approached the gates, he could see goblins up top beginning to scurry and sound the alarm, and a thin woman appeared, glaring down at them with one eye. She wore a similar color to the vest he had seen Klaus in, though it was more of a coat and some rather revealing choices in garments underneath.

"Ahhh, Zed, I wasn't expecting to see you with this little ragtag team, what happened to the bridge I tasked you with guarding?" she asked, cocking her head to the side, revealing an eyepatch that covered a majority of her right side of her face.

"Well…it broke." Zed replied, shuffling anxiously, before he and Zapp leapt at the gate and kicked it open in a rather flashy manner and Chain ushered Leonardo inside, looking for something to stash him in. Sonic chirped and pointed to a barrel nearby only for K.K to drop down, sword at the ready, Leonardo almost felt more terrified of her than he had been of the cleaners themselves. She exuded an aura that reminded him wholly of Klaus' though it felt more dangerous, like a blade with a honed edge ready to gut him, he half felt she would.

"Leave the boy in my care, I will let you leave here alive if you entrust him to me."

"How is that fair, Klaus using his guard dogs to keep us out?" Zapp sneered, getting a reaction out of K.K. that made her look ferocious, killer look in her eyes.

"You better learn to watch your tongue, Zapp. One of these days I might finally get the nerve to cut it out!" She snapped dashing forward, Chain yanked Leonardo aside and Zed stepped forward

"Get Leonardo as close as you can!" he ordered and Chain nodded quickly before scooping Leonardo up and dashing off towards the castle, gleaming white and golden in the fading light of this realm. K.K. let out a bark of a laugh and Leonardo glanced back to see Zapp and Zed charge at her only for her to dodge and cause them to stumble over each other, the scuffle faded from sight as Chain turned a sharp corner and gasped, a mod of goblins were crowded in the rather narrow streets of the town, Chain cursed under her breath and turned again only to be met with a rather large goblin that towered over her.

"How many of this things are there!?" She snarled jumping up onto one of the roofs and skidding as she dislodged a few shingles, Leonardo was jostled and clung to her with a short cry.

"Sorry, but this is the option we have right now!" Chain called, hurrying up the roof and onto the next one, careful of the decrepit shingles. Leonardo shifted and clung to her back as she supported him and dashed across rooftops, avoiding rocks and spears that were clumsily thrown in their direction as Chain carried him roof from roof, getting closer and closer to the castle.

"Almost there Leonardo! We might make it with time to spa-" she began only to be cut off when K.K's foot collided into her head and sent them both crashing into one of the goblin houses, Leonardo dropping to the ground and feeling the air burst out of his lungs. He gasped loudly and writhed as he felt a sharp pain in his back; K.K was there in the next moment, clearly worried.

"Oh no! Did you land on something? Shoot, honey, sit up let me look." She cooed, startling him.

"Wh- what?" he wheezed as she began to lift him up and look at his back,

"I have a few children of my own, I wasn't expecting you to let go or hit the ground so hard. Forgive me." She explained running her fingers down his spine, Leonardo frowned and looked at her confused by her actions.

"You- you kicked Chain in the face…" he breathed and K.K. nodded

"Sorry, but I have too, I am his knight…now you seem ok…forgive me once more." She murmured before yanking him up and holding him to her as Chain pulled herself out of the wreckage of the house. Goblins began to encircle them and K.K. yanked him backwards, keeping him in place as Chain lurched for him.

"Chain stop it! There is only a little time left just let it go!" K.K demanded only for her to snarl back and bare her teeth.

"Leonardo just wants to go home! Let him go! He's not Klaus' to keep!" she snapped, gasping as several goblins began to hold her down and she snarled again; Leonardo struggled against her grip and Sonic popped out from his pocket and leaped at K.K.'s face, she scoffed and swatted the monkey to the side; Leonardo ripped himself free from her slackened grasp and hurried over to Sonic and grabbed him. K.K. gave chase only for a loud shout to catch their attention and they looked up to see Zed and Zapp leaping down at them, wild grins on their faces as the landed perfectly between Leonardo and K.K..

"You two!? I thought I taught you a lesson…" she growled lowly, Leonardo felt a warmth ignite in his chest as he watched them protect him;

"Obviously, we didn't learn…" Zapp growled lowly, glaring at K.K. stance a little more defensive than before. Chain bit one of the goblins hands and wormed her way free,

"Leonardo run!" she shouted and he scrambled to his feet and took off in the direction of the castle, Sonic still cradled in his hands

"You ok!?" he asked as he neared the castle, Sonic nodded and made a small chirping noise before Leonardo made it to the door and put Sonic on his shoulder. He reached for the door only for it to open on its own and an older man with bandages covering most of his face smiled at him warmly.

"Ahh, Mr. Leonardo, I have been expecting you. Klaus, however, was hoping you wouldn't make it…there is one last part you must brave if you want your freedom back…do you understand?" he explained, leading Leonardo into the castle.

"He has hidden his throne room away, another labyrinth I will say…but that is all I will give you Mr. Leonardo. He is hoping you will run out of time…he thinks very highly of you. I don't think you would disappoint him if you fail…" he explained

"I don't plan to fail…Mr.?" Leonardo began, he smiled

"Gilbert." He answered before leading him to a rather ornate door and opened it for him, revealing a corridor leading into an expansive room lined with staircases going multiple directions, some of them even upside down. Leonardo took a step toward the corridor and Gilbert stopped him,

"I am afraid your animal companion will have to stay out here…should you return home he cannot follow you." Gilbert explained gently, taking Sonic from his shoulder and giving him a sympathetic smile. Leonardo nodded and smiled at Sonic and waved to him

"Thanks for sticking by me...and sorry for yelling at you. I'm going to miss you…and everyone else…Zapp too. Could you, tell them that for me?" he asked and Sonic sniffled and made a chirping cry and nodded vigorously, fat little tears forming in the corner of his eyes as Leonardo began to head down the corridor, picking up his pace as he glanced down at his watch. He had 7 minutes, 7 minutes to find Klaus. He was getting tired of all these changes, a little fed up with rules that kept changing, but found that he didn't really feel angry at Klaus, not at all. If anything, he felt confused on why he had to go through all of this, why would the Goblin King go through all this trouble? Leonardo looked up and locked eyes with Klaus, standing on one of the staircases above him, he looked…proud? If that was the right emotion he was reading.

"I see you've made it this far…I can't say I am pleased but know that I impressed." Klaus spoke, voice soft and inviting yet still commanding, Leonardo gave him a lopsided smile and hurried up one of the staircases, heading in Klaus' direction, only to end up on the opposite side of the room, Klaus farther from him than before. Leonardo tsked and turned, running back down the stairs and deciding to try one of the staircases farther from Klaus, stumbling on the last step and falling to his knees. He pulled himself up quickly and continued towards Klaus, the staircase had put him closer to Klaus, leaning back into his throne now, watching Leonardo with interest.

He took another staircase to his left and climbed it, coming out on an entirely different platform, he could feel the panic set in as the minutes ticked down, frustration was beginning to build as he looked for another staircase that would bring him closer. He let out a soft growl and ran forward, there didn't seem to be another set of stairs, and this platform seemed to go on forever, he stumbled and caught himself looking around again, not daring to look at his watch.

"Please…" he begged quietly, continuing to run towards Klaus, glaring up at him

"Come on!" he shouted, throwing his hands outward in a frustrated gesture.

"I have tried! I have come this far and you kept changing things on me! Everything was so strange and frustrating at times! Please! Cut me some slack…" Leonardo begged and Klaus stood slowly with a heavy sigh.

"I have been generous I thought to you…" he trailed off, approaching Leonardo and dropping down to the platform Leonardo was occupying. Leonardo gasped, looking up at him again with wide eyes before his temper flared

"Generous!?" he snapped, taking a step forward; Klaus stepped back much to Leonardo's surprise as if the small man before him was frightening.

"How have you been generous!? Explain to me how changing everything I do to solve this maze is generous!?" he demanded; Klaus frowned and looked to the side.

"I have manipulated time for you, I have reordered the world…you said my labyrinth was a piece of cake so I made it more challenging for you. I have been nothing but kind to you…accommodated you. I gave you a gift that you seemed to rather enjoy." Klaus growled with a sneer, glaring down at Leonardo, the Klaus Leonardo had met at the start of this journey had returned.

"You're being quite selfish Leonardo…" he continued voice rough and husky, leaning down to look at him properly. Leonardo's breath hitched and he looked to the side

"I'm…not being selfish. I just-" Leonardo hesitated and Klaus' expression softened and he took Leonardo's hands in his own and sighed.

"I know you want to go home…" he trailed off and pressed his forehead to Leonardo's, causing him to jump slightly and look at him with wide eyes.

"…but I have waited for you for a long time, my Leo. My little treasure…love me, please." Klaus murmured softly, the timer on Leonardo's watch beeped, signaling the end of his efforts to gain his freedom back. His chest squeezed and he felt his stomach twist, he supposed he had failed then. His breath stilled and he felt a sob building in the back of this throat, Klaus watched him and pulled him close

"My little Leo…you know the words. You know them by heart, say them to me." Klaus whispered, pulling back completely and smiling down at him. He could something akin to hurt in his eyes again and again Leonardo gasped softly, holding back a cry and nodding slowly.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry…I just can't stay here! I have a family back home…I need to see my sister again…maybe if things were different…and if I wasn't such a coward…I could tell them…" he sobbed quietly. Klaus tsked and crossed his arms

"I don't think anything you have done here is that of a coward…you know the lines. You've braved my Labyrinth…and no coward would have done that. You challenged me, frustrated me, and made me crave something I have long been without. Please…Leonardo. End this. Do not prolong this insufferable moment much longer or my generosity may run dry. I may keep you after all…" He murmured sadly, stepping away and turning his back to him. Leonardo gritted his teeth and clutched his chest, sucking in a shaky breath before fixing Klaus with a stern expression.

"Through dangers and hardships outnumbered, I have fought my way here, to the castle beyond the Goblin city." Leonardo began, Klaus didn't turn to face him, he folded his hands behind himself, the picture of stubbornness and an unyielding pride. Leonardo felt like he had cotton in his mouth, part of him willed himself to stay, to curl up in the larger man's embrace and let go. The other parts cried out for home, for his sister, and even his parents.

"To take back the freedom which you have stolen from me, for my will is as strong as yours and my kingdom great…" he trailed off, fighting back another set of tears. Klaus turned now, to look at him with wide eyes at the unshed tears in Leonardo's eyes before he settled into something warmer, kinder. Leonardo needed one last encouragement, an instruction to continue and do what he needed.

"Please, go on…" Klaus breathed and Leonardo nodded, flashing him a wide, genuine grin though it did little to quell his tears and the odd feeling of regret that weighed on his chest.

"You have no power over me!" he cried and his head began to pound and there was a vague sound that reminded him of the time he dropped one of his mother's wine glasses. The sound had been so clear-cut and piercing, he doubted he'd ever forget how it'd sound even though at the time he had only been a young child. His mind felt fuzzy and the prickling static feeling of his limbs falling asleep permeated his thoughts, he vaguely heard someone calling his name and groaned.

"…Klaus…?" he asked softly, opening his eyes and gasped when Michella pulled him into her arms

"Leo, oh my god…oh god. You weren't waking up! You weren't answering my calls and when I got here….you wouldn't wake up! I was so scared…I thought you were-…I thought you were gone." she cried, combing his hair gently.

"How long was I out…?" he murmured softly,

"I don't know, maybe an hour? I'm not sure…I would've called mom and dad but I fell out of my chair trying to get to you…" she cried, pulling him closer. Leonardo blinked slowly and pulled himself up to pull her into a proper hug, frowning as he looked at the bay doors that were billowing in the wind. He didn't remember opening them, or even passing out…he wondered for a brief moment if his mind had cooked up all of it up as he held Michella, rocking her carefully as she cried into his shoulder. He felt a wave guilt at bringing her to tears because of him, he hugged her tighter and hummed softly.

"Tomorrow…I want to tell mom and dad about…me." He pulled back to look at her with a soft smile, she stared back wide-eyed glistening with tears.

"What…what brought this on?" she asked with a frown, Leonardo chuckled softly and pressed his forehead against hers

"I had a really weird dream, and I guess I'm supposed to feel braver because of it?" he questioned tilting his head up in thought. Michella blinked and smiled

"Ok…together…we can tell them together!" she exclaimed happily. Leonardo nodded in agreement and stood, offering to help her. Michella accepted, letting him help her back into her chair which she had tipped over in her haste to get to him. Leonardo helped her get situated again and pulled back with a sigh

"Still up for pizza? You can pick whatever you want, ok? Since I kind of upset you…" Leonardo offered and she smiled

"Ok, Hawaiian then…but you can your side without pineapple." She teased and there evening went on, they ate pizza and watched television until Leonardo could see Michella nodding off. He took her to her room and helped her get ready for bed, tucking her in for good measure and sitting on her bed while she looked at him sleepily; she held her hand out and he took it, holding it tight.

"…I was scared…that you wouldn't wake up." She murmured softly, squeezing his hand tighter that she had previously.

"Hey…I'm not going anywhere…I promise, even if mom and dad throw me out…I'll still see you." He said, comforting as best as he knew how. He didn't know what else to say to her if their parents did decide they didn't want a son like him, but he wasn't about to back out now, he wanted to be honest.

"Michella…no matter what happens tomorrow, I'll still be your big brother…" Leonardo murmured, fixing her with a loving smile; she grinned and nodded sleepily.

"I know that silly, nothing you say or do could change that." She mumbled softly as she drifted off, Leonardo smiling fondly and heading up to be himself before his parents came home. Surprisingly he slept rather well, a dreamless sleep that actually made him feel more rested than he had in months. Though building up the courage to go downstairs for breakfast and face them was harder than he thought it would be, this wasn't the labyrinth from his dreams, he wasn't facing off against the Goblin King, he wanted to be honest.

Michella was already at the table and fully dressed, the storm from last night had bled into the morning, scattering rains were dusting the county, the tv droned on in the background, relaying the weather for the rest of the weekend. Leonardo pushed at his food, appetite dying off the moment he made eye contact with his father that morning, lazily reading over a magazine and slipping spoonfuls of oatmeal into his mouth. Leonardo looked down to his own oatmeal, stirring it again knowing full well it had gone cold ages ago. Michella watched from her place at the end of the table, hands wringing her skirt anxiously, their mother took notice and paused in her morning routine, pausing the putting up of her hair and looking between the two.

"Is there something going on?" she asked, tone a little irritated, Leonardo could already see a slightly wary gaze this way as if she were expecting the issue to come from him, and it would.

"I have been trying to think of a way to tell you this…" Leonardo began, standing up suddenly, trying to make himself feel taller as he anchored his hands to the counter and squeezed. He prayed the anxious pit in his stomach would quell long enough for him to get the words out, Michella was watching as her teeth worried her lip. It smelled faintly of freshly fallen rain and soggy oats when the words finally did come out, a great relief washing over him.

"I'm not attracted to girls…I'm gay." He declared gently, a nervous smile spreading across his face, he could see the relief wash through Michella as well, both looking at their parents expectantly. His mother looked aghast, eyes wide and mouth ajar as she looked at him like he had sprouted a second head; his father looked closed off and confused, maybe even irritated. Leonardo began to backpedal, trying to think of something that would pacify them when Hell broke loose,

"Can you not for one minute be a normal son for us?" his mother snapped, her hands slamming onto the counter and her shoulders going tense. Leonardo blinked in surprise

"…Normal? Mom, I'm still the same person I was 5 seconds ago! I just told you I don't like girls-" Leonardo continued only for her to cut him off.

"Can you give no consideration for me and your father? Your sister is paralyzed, she can barely do things on her own, we're under enough pressure as it is and you decide to drop this on us? Can you not stop drawing attention to yourself for just a few minutes?" she demanded harshly, his father giving no aid for him. Michella grunted, grabbing their attention

"I am 16! I can do things on my own mother! Leonardo has nothing to do with the pressure you think you feel! I'm not helpless! How is Leo being gay putting pressure on you in any way!?" she shouted, hot, bitter tears forming in her eyes.

"Stay out of this Michella!" their father barked, causing Leonardo to jump where he stood and feel his insides beginning to twist painfully.

"…you can't just do things the way they should be can you?" their mother asked as she flopped into a chair and Leonardo gritted his teeth and his temper flared dangerously.

"How does me being gay have any relevance to what goes on in this house!? I am no different than I was before! I'm still me! I'm Leonardo Watch, your son! I look after Michella, I go to school, I tried to be into girls, I really, really tried." He snapped angrily, throwing his hands out wide and gesturing to himself.

"I couldn't connect! I'm sorry that some part of me is broken and that I can't find a girl like you want me too! I don't even understand why me being gay is an issue, you've never shown distaste for homosexuality before, Hell, dad your best friend growing up was gay! You told us all about them and now that I'm coming out there's an issue!?" he demanded stunning the room into a thick silence. Leonardo exhaled heavily and pulled back, letting the anger bleed out and settle into bitter rejection. Michella moved to comfort him and he backed away, fat, heavy tears began to collect and pool at his eyes and a choked sob racked through him. He bolted from the room, making a mad dash out of the house and into the rain, intent on going somewhere, anywhere really, to just assess his situation and calm down.

He ended up on the park bench he frequented, soaked through to the bone looking like a drowned rat, but he couldn't bring himself to budge and go home just yet. The rain was soothing, or at least the sound of it was, the feeling of it as it chilled rapidly against him was the unpleasant part. He didn't know any apartments nearby that were affordable on his wages, he would have to pick extra hours or a new job entirely if his parents kicked him out. If they did it today he would have to hold up in a hotel for a few days…he sighed, the numbness that had set into his core left his body feeling heavy and dead, even with the chill he wasn't shivering. He closed his eyes tightly, wishing he could take back everything, he should have just kept his mouth shut and went on with his life, honesty had gotten him punished. He leaned forward and placed his face into his hands, hiding away a few stray tears that mixed with the rain as it steadily beat against his back.

There was a long pause, the rain stopped its assault on him though he could hear it drumming around him, and he looked up, startled when he was met with the sight of a massive man towering over him. The man's umbrella providing shelter for the both of them, he looked concerned as he stared at Leonardo, green eyes shining in ambient lighting from their surroundings.

"Are you quite alright?" he asked, tone soothing and gentle as he leaned closer and Leonardo felt his stomach lurch as the face of Klaus came into view. He stared, the man shifting under his gaze as the rain continued to beat down on the umbrella keeping one dry while the other began to feel tremors shake him gently.

"…Ah, yes. I'm ok." Leonardo managed, the man glared sceptically as Leonardo continued to stare. This man was Klaus to a T, right down the underbite fangs poking out from his bottom jaw and the crimson hair that made him look slightly beastly. Leonardo found himself in disbelief that this man was real, his hands came up and cupped the man's face, feeling the sideburns before pulling back with a yelp

"Shit! You're really here!?" Leonardo squeaked, the man blinked and stood erect, glaring down at Leonardo who looked him over. The white button up and heavy, grey jacket looked wonderful on his frame, this Klaus seemed to be a jeans kind of man as the dark jeans he wore complimented the ensemble.

"Yes. I am, as well as I am concerned about your wellbeing and health. This is no weather to be sitting on a park bench and letting yourself get drenched." He huffed, Leonardo flushed and shrugged a bit, looking to the pavement.

"Sorry…I just came here to think is all." He explained only for the man to grunt

"And get yourself sick? Are you trying to catch your death?" he continued, removing his jacket and wrapping Leonardo in it. He blinked, going wide eyed and slack-jawed as he looked at the man who ushered him off the bench, a protective arm around his shoulders as the larger one led the way.

"Where is home for you?" he asked, looking down at Leonardo.

"Look, the offer is nice but we just met, I can get myself home Mr…?" he began, the man in question hummed and kept walking, arm going tighter around him.

"Klaus Von Reinhertz. Klaus is fine." He stated. Leonardo went dead on his feet, brain-frying in a split second, Klaus noticed and braced him

"See! You're already suffering from your ill choices, I've never met another man who would willingly put himself out in weather like this unprepared."

"Have we met before?" Leonardo blurted, Klaus paused and looked at him with scrutinizing gaze.

"…yes. We're in the same Lit class. I sit a few rows behind you. Leonardo, yes?" Klaus gruffed, Leonardo nodded slowly,

"Right…right, course it would be somewhere normal." Leonardo mumbled. Klaus seemed to catch it over the roar of the rain and glared

"Where else would we have met?" he prompted, Leonardo looking up with a tense, thin line as he pressed his lips together

"Well…I met you in a dream. A really weird one based off one of the books I read as a kid…" Leonardo explained, Klaus seemed to go red in the face a little bit before glaring.

"You're probably coming down with something. Come on, where is home for you?" he asked again, Leonardo felt another wave of rejection pass through him, this Klaus didn't seem too terribly fond of him. Of course, his brain would be the one to see a person out of the corner of his eye and turn them into the object of desire and power in his head. Someone from his literature class…so Klaus attended Libra University, hard to believe Leonardo didn't know him better with how massive his size was.

"I can't go home right now." Leonardo said with a shrug, another wave of tears was coming and he did his best to keep his voice even. Klaus looked a little angry now, leading him to the entrance of the park and roughly pulling Leonardo closer. Klaus was warm pressed up against his back, his jacket was wool and thick, dwarfing his small frame. He could smell the larger man's cologne or scent, it was earthen and smelled faintly of cloves.

"Why can't you go home?" Klaus asked, fishing for a cellphone in his pants pocket.

"Came out of the closet and parents didn't take it well." Leonardo quipped, effectively cutting off the subject from being inquired about farther. Klaus stiffened briefly before cancelling whatever number he had begun to dial, the sound of rain drowned out everything else, the thrumming in Leonardo's head and the sound of cars passing by. Leonardo was lead to a small coffee shop on the corner, only a few paces from the park. Klaus brings him tea and lets him burrow into the larger man's jacket as the chill finally settles into his bones and he's shaking violently. The larger man is quiet, painfully so, Leonardo wishes he would talk, to hear that voice again, deep and smooth.

"Leonardo. Do you have anywhere else to stay for the time being?" Klaus asked finally, cutting the silence that had grown between them, Leonardo looked up from his tea and shook his head.

"No. Course I don't know if I'm being kicked out just yet…" Leonardo mused, looking at him with a wry smile that was met with a grimace that made his stomach drop.

"Leonardo I am being serious here…please." Klaus pleaded softly, Leonardo glared

"Not that I don't appreciate this but it's not really your concern." He grunted softly, squeezing the paper cup containing his drink. Klaus' expression fell a moment before firming into a stern look of anger

"It is my concern. I am your fellow classmate and if you were to fall ill or get hurt because I did nothing to help you I would feel responsible." Klaus explained. Leonardo hummed softly

"So it's a guilty conscience you don't want…" he trailed off only for Klaus' knee to bump the table as the man scooted forward, a fire in his eyes and made Leonardo's stomach roll with butterflies.

"It's not that at all! There's more to it than just my conscience Leonardo." He protested, Leonardo smirked dryly and fiddled with his cup.

"I'm sure there is." He grunted, Klaus slammed a large hand on to the table, startling Leonardo and the other patrons in the shop.

"I don't want to see something bad happen to you! I don't want you- I just…" Klaus seemed to grow frustrated and ran a hand through his hair, ruffling it and he looked at Leonardo again adjusting his glasses.

"I've noticed you in the park for a while now…you're always reading on the same park bench and I always have half a mind to sit next to you…and try to start a conversation. I'm 28 years old, this is my second time coming to University and yet I still can't put myself out there when it comes to trying to start something…" he grumbled, taking a sip from his own tea. Leonardo blinked slowly, mouth forming a perfect 'o'.

"You've…you're interested…in someone like me?" Leonardo pointed to himself and Klaus flushed, cheeks definitely going red.

"Well…yes. I didn't really notice you until you argued with the professor about an assignment, a brave feat given the Hell she puts us through…and after that, it's been difficult to try and approach you. You're very closed off and very quick to leave the classroom…but…then I saw you liked to come to the park that I frequent when not swamped with work or classes..." Klaus hummed, Leonardo grinning shyly.

"That sounds a little like stalking but you don't seem to be the type to make it creepy…jeez. I feel bad now, I've probably seen you all over and I haven't really given it much thought…" Leonardo hummed, looking to the side and frowning. Klaus made a noise and held up his hands in a placating manner,

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to sound rude or upset by my words. I was merely assuring you that…I am interested in you. I just was unsure of what to say to make you believe me. We just met after all…" he trailed off, looking to his tea and fidgeting. It didn't suit a man his size to look unsure of himself, he had a face for confidence and an air of regality, it didn't suit him to look like Leonardo.

"No, no! It's ok…I'm just…I didn't expect someone like you to take interest in me…in the way I'm thinking? I mean, we're on the same page right? You are interested in the way that means like-like, right?" Leonardo asked cheeks tinged pink as he sipped his tea. It tasted sweet and went down smooth, Klaus flushed and looked at Leonardo, giving a curt nod.

"Yeah…I meant it in that way."

"Man this is too weird! I had a dream about you last night, I thought you were a figment of my imagination but….you're actually real…" he trailed off and smiled at Klaus who returned it.

"I agree with you there, it is a little odd but, I can't say I'm not curious as to who I was to you…you mentioned a childhood story. What was it?" Klaus asked, one of his hands resting on the table, it could engulf the small paper cup and crush it if he wasn't careful, and instead, it rested comfortably on the table. Leonardo leaned forward, one of his own hands snaking out from under the warm jacket and snagging Klaus' pinky with his. He looked up tentatively, ensuring it was ok; Klaus gave him a gentle smile and squeezed his hand gently before sliding his pinky free and taking Leonardo's hand in his own. It captured the whole of his hand, the wide palm holding Leonardo's palm and parts of his fingers.

"Well, it was the Labyrinth, a book I read a lot a child... It's been a constant in my life and you were the Goblin King, and I was the princess." Leonardo grinned sheepishly and Klaus coughed into a chuckle and beamed.

"I'm honored…I think?" he teased, squeezing his hand again and Leonardo felt his chest tighten briefly as his breathing quickened.

"You don't think it's that weird? I mean…you kind of kidnap me…" Leonardo snickered and Klaus chuckled mirthfully and sighed, body going lax before his expression fell.

"I haven't really read it so I wouldn't know, Do you have a place to stay, Leonardo?" he asked softly, his tea was empty as well as Leonardo's; he doubted he could stay away any longer either before Michella got worried.

"I think I will try to go home…" Leonardo offered and Klaus nodded

"It doesn't hurt to try and go home, I know when I first told my family…they were concerned and I gave them some time to process. They were disappointed at first but over time they came to understand."

"…told your family that, you're gay?" Leonardo asked cocking his head. Klaus snickered through his nose and pulled back with gasp

"Yes Leonardo, I would say that would be what I told them as I am interested in you, a man." Klaus chuckled deeply, causing Leonardo to pout in embarrassment.

"…Thank you." Leonardo blurted, after a moment of silence that formed once Klaus had settled down. He blinked and smiled again

"Your welcome, Leo." He cooed, Leonardo frowned, sitting up to pull his hand from Klaus' gently, a knot of anxiety forming in his stomach.

"I'm sorry, I overstepped my bounds didn't I?" Klaus mumbled, Leonardo hesitated and shook his head.

"No, you didn't. I just wasn't expecting you to jump to a nickname so quickly is all…typically I reserve that right for loved ones and people I like…so, I think it's ok if you use it." He offered softly, Klaus nodded and took Leonardo's hand into his, brushing kiss to his knuckles. His fangs brushed skin gently, goosebumps broke out all over Leonardo and he flushed a bright crimson that could rival Klaus' hair.

"I'm glad to be one of those people." Klaus murmured, pulling himself up and fishing his cellphone out of his pocket

"Let me call Gilbert, he can give us a lift to your place." Klaus explained, only for Leonardo to chuckle and look up at Klaus with a smirk.

"My dreams must have some sort of future vision, I met Gilbert last night too." Leonardo mused as Klaus lead him outside to stand under the awning of the shop. Leonardo hummed quietly, brain pondering who else he could have possibly seen or heard that ended up in his dreams, though he knew for a fact had he never had the dream he wouldn't have known about Gilbert. Klaus shrugged

"Perhaps just the one…after all, this is the farthest I've gotten into a conversation with you that wasn't a curt 'hello'." Klaus noted gently. Leonardo leaned into him and smiled a bit

"So. Should we call this a first date, as impromptu as it was?" Leonardo asked carefully.

"If you want to Leo, it is ultimately up to you though I spent most of it irritated at you for putting your health at risk." Klaus gruffed, giving Leonardo a side glanced glare. Leonardo shrunk under the gaze, feeling a little guilty now for his behavior, he moved away from Klaus a bit and the man pulled him back

"I'm not angry anymore, Leo. Forgive me." He stated softly. Leonardo nodded and hummed,

"I have. Trust me, I don't think I could hold a grudge against you, I was acting a little childish wasn't I?" he mumbled

"Childish for sitting out in the rain, but not for being yourself. You were honest with your family, I know that took a lot of courage to admit because I was just as scared when I told mine."

"You were scared?" Leonardo gasped, blinking in surprise.

"I was. I held my parents in high respect and I was terrified they would be disgusted by me, hate me for being different. They still loved me when I came out, it took time to get used to my choices, and sometimes they still say comments that are hurtful but they quickly apologize. They are trying, I hope yours do too." Klaus explained with a smile. Leonardo flushed and nodded

"It's funny, that you liked me all along. Considering I imagined you as a Goblin King…and even then you liked me. Michella was right, I have a type." He giggled and sighed softly. The thrum of rain had died down, and the sun was starting to peek from behind the clouds.

"A type?" Klaus questioned, cocking his head to the side, Leonardo snickered teasingly and poked at his side

"Yeah, for big Goblin Kings who turn out to be total softies." Leonardo giggled and Klaus huffed in a playful manner

"I at least make up one of those requirements." Klaus hummed with a smirk, causing Leonardo's giggle to fade as he looked at him nervously. Klaus blinked in confusion before rolling his eyes

"It's obviously the softie one Leonardo…I don't think I'm royal enough to be anyone's King…" he mused, Leonardo shrugged and settled against Klaus again.

"You could be, you never know, obviously I saw something in you that I deemed royal enough." He stated, bringing a faint blush to Klaus' cheeks with a warm smile.

"Perhaps, but I'm perfectly happy to just be someone important to you, Leo." He explained in a tone much to understanding and loving for only having just met him like he knew him better than Leonardo knew himself. Leonardo looked up to meet his eyes and saw a familiar gleam in them, one that read a passage of a story he knew word for word, not because it was it was easy to remember but because it was etched into his soul. It made Leonardo's heart jump in his chest and breathing quicken the longer he looked into Klaus' eyes.

"Oh…" he breathed softly as Klaus gave him a genuine smile, one of warmth and adoration Leonardo didn't think possible to be given to him.

"I think…I'd l-like that too, Klaus." He managed after a beat of silence, earning a breathy laugh from the larger man.

"Oh my little Leo, you always were my most important person."


When you don't know how to make it a happy ending that isn't them not being together but you also want canon Goblin King Klaus.

*internal screaming intensifies*

Anyway! Here is the chapter a few days earlier because finals for me are coming up and I can't write too much during finals week as I am to be studying by butt off, so here it is! The final chapter~ I didn't know how to end it to save my life and was being difficult so here is what I was able to finish. I have so much KlaLeo coming it's going to murder me.

I have so many other things to finish up, I have some RWBY stuff coming, and a new Chapter for my BNHA one in case anyone is interested in that. AND THEN for KlaLeo, the "Happy Birthday Klaus, oh your family came to visit and don't know were a couple yet, this outta be good." fic nobody is asking for but I waaaant.

Thank you for all the kind words you left in the reviews~

Till my next Hell.