Sadly, Klaus's strength never replenished after that night. In fact, his health continued to deteriorate at an alarming rate. Klaus's lungs could no longer function properly, he could no longer inhale a breath of air to breathe on his own without the constant assistance of an oxygen tank. The one thing he never wanted to happen to him; an oxygen cannula becoming a permanent fixture upon his features, unfortunately became his devastating reality.

Not even three days after the incident where he nearly froze to death alone - aside from Ben - in the courtyard had passed, when he tried to join Dave and get out of bed to warm up in a hot bath with his love. However, he was simply too weak to lift his weary frame out of his prone position on their mattress. His arms trembled beneath his slight weight, and ultimately failed to hoist him. Dave watched him with tear filled eyes as Klaus tried again, and again, and again and time and time again he never succeeded. Dave watched as his husband's entire vigor and hope deflated, leaving him a withered crying heap of sorrow on their mattress. He watched as Klaus's heart broke, shattering into a million pieces as his entire world crumbled out from beneath him.

Was this it? His strength was already all but gone, he couldn't breathe on his own anymore, he couldn't even find the strength to sit up in bed, let alone stand. Dave watched as Klaus's frail life quickly careened towards its sudden and ultimate end.

Dave lifted his love into his steady loving arms, lifting his sorrows along with him. Klaus cried against his husband's shoulder, sobbing out his woes and frustrations as Dave carried him into the bathroom. Dave undressed both of their bodies and situated himself in the tub; laying Klaus's devastated frame languidly atop his own strong physique. Dave hugged his love against himself, pressing him ever closer against his warmth, feeling his frantic heart beating against his own as the hot water from the tub steadily filled the basin, further enveloping the two heartbroken lovers in a warm embrace. Klaus needed this moment, Dave needed it as well. They needed a moment of silence to just hold onto each other, cling hopelessly onto one another and just savor this moment; relishing in each other's memory.

As the days rolled over and turned into a new week, Klaus's health stayed on a steady decline towards his inevitable end. His family all made sure to spend their own intimate alone time with their fading sibling. Everyone cycled through, laying with Klaus on his bed, just holding him within their arms and building up their special bond with their beautiful brother. Sometimes they would exchange words of encouragement, or he would bestow some form of imperative knowledge upon them, while other times these special moments would merely consist of his brother or sister clinging onto his unconscious frame as they wept; hugging him impossibly tighter against their chests as they reveled in the precious moment, simply having Klaus within their arms, among the living, with oxygen still filling his weakened lungs.

Klaus's vitality was a constant low hum, he rarely found the energy to be awake for more than an hour at a time anymore, which made his special bonding time with his family unimaginably difficult for all of them. He would try so hard; fight with all of his might to keep his eyes open, and be completely present and aware when his siblings or Dave were around, but as the days passed, the task became increasingly more difficult on him, and the exhaustion it caused him explicitly showed.

"Klaus," Diego whispered as he tucked a sweat laden strand of curls behind his brother's ear, "you can sleep, bro. Really, I don't mind."

Klaus's eyelids were hooded as a heavy fatigue settled itself deep within his weary bones. His breaths were shaky and shallow, even with the added assistance from his oxygen tank. He was just so tired, but he wouldn't dare miss out on even a single precious second that he could be spending with his beloved family.

"M'okay, Di..." he whispered softly before swallowing the saliva from his mouth, "keep going, which ones next?"

Every day this became more difficult for Klaus, and therefore the knowledge of how quickly he was fading sat heavily like an anvil upon everyone's worried chests. Every single day Klaus's life force seemed to dwindle more and more with each unsteady breath he took. Simply acting as a daily reminder to each member of his family how important it was to surround themselves around him as much as they could, and simply savor every second of Klaus's time that he had left on this earth.

"I hope you know how much I love you, Klaus," Five cried against his brother's unconscious frame as he rocked him within his arms, cuddling against him in his bed. "I've always loved you. I'm so sorry I never showed you just how important you are to me. I love you so much, brother. I'm not ready to say goodbye."

New Year's Eve came and went and soon the family found that twenty-nineteen had finally passed, and deposited them into the year twenty-twenty. Last year had been the most difficult year for each member of their family; it brought the apocalypse, which thankfully they were able to avert and prevent from happening, and it brought forth the knowledge of Klaus's cancer, and therefore his impending fate. However, with each negativity it also brought positivity into each of their lives. Twenty-nineteen brought Five back to them, it also introduced Dave into Klaus's life. Klaus's illness, while terrible and heartbreaking in its own right, at least managed to help rekindle the bond between their family, bringing them all closer together as one cohesive family unit; strengthening their bond and love for one another a billion fold. Twenty-twenty allowed them all to clearly see the truest vision and objective within their lives—reminding them how incredibly important Klaus was to each and every single one of their souls.

"Hey, Dave," Luther called from the top of the stairwell, "can you come upstairs? Klaus needs you."

Dave sprang to his feet, darting up the steps as he took them three at a time. Luther smiled sadly, holding his arms up to slow his pace.

"Easy, it's not a rush, he's okay. I promise." Dave exhaled a sigh, running his fingers through his dirty blonde curls, bobbing his head in a nod as he finished ascending the staircase. Luther patted his back reassuringly before leading Dave into the bedroom he shared with Klaus.

Everyone was in the bedroom, circled around Klaus's slumbering frame. They all smiled at Dave in greeting when he entered.

"Klaus, wake up," Allison gently shook her brother's shoulder, cupping his hollowed cheek within her palm to help steady his vision on hers, "Dave's here, are you ready?"

Klaus hummed, his heavy eyelids fluttering before opening. He smiled at Allison before shifting his sights towards Dave. Klaus's lips tugged into a warm and genuine smile, earning a beaming grin from his husband in return.

"Hey, baby." Klaus greeted Dave weakly before licking his lips.

"Hey there, darlin," Dave offered back, "are you okay? What's going on?" He asked, peering around the room and taking in his family's smiling faces. Klaus's lips twitched as he nodded, his hands tiredly reaching for the blankets against his body. His arms shook feebly with fatigue, his fingers were simply too weak to grip the fabric. Diego approached his side, aiding Klaus in removing the blankets from his frame.

"Thanks, Di," Diego smiled, looping his brother's arm over his shoulder and assisting him in sitting upright on the edge of his mattress. He moved with slow sure movements; cautious as to not jostle Klaus too roughly and cause him any harm or dizziness. Allison sat up behind him on the bed, resting her palm against the small of his back to steady him so he wouldn't lose his balance or fall back. Klaus smiled at her in thanks, laying his trembling hand over hers, and gave it a gentle squeeze. Allison kissed his temple before they all turned their attention back to Dave.

"I'm fine, baby, really." Klaus paused to close his eyes to focus on his breathing, "We have something special planned for today—a little outing for us all; a family get together, if you will."

"Klaus, do you think that's a good idea?" Dave approached his husband, kneeling before him as he cupped his hollowed cheeks within his warm palms. Klaus smiled weakly, pressing his own palms against Dave's hands. "You're exhausted, darlin. You should rest—"

"I'm always exhausted, baby." Klaus interjected as firmly as he could, though his voice was soft with permanent fatigue, "This is important to me, please? Just, trust me on this, okay?"

Dave looked into Klaus's weary green eyes, he could see how important this was to him, he wouldn't dare tell him no; not now, not ever.

"Okay, but only if you're sure that you're up for it?"

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

Dave scooped Klaus into his arms in a bridal carry, while Klaus wrapped his arms loosely around Dave's neck, resting his cheek against the warmth of his skin.

"Your hands are so cold, darlin." Dave frowned before nuzzling his nose against Klaus's curls, planting a kiss against his temple. "Five, will you bring me that blanket?" he hugged Klaus closer as Five handed him the blanket in question, before draping it over Klaus's body, tucking it right up to his chin. Klaus hummed in thanks, opening his eyes into slits as his lips tugged into a subtle smile.

"Always putting my needs first, baby," he exhaled a soft tired laugh, closing his eyes and kissing Dave's strong jawline before snuggling back against his broad chest. "Thank you."

Dave smiled against Klaus's curls, his breath sending goosebumps down Klaus's chilled skin. "Of course, baby. I love you so much."

"I love you."

The family moved in synchronized motions with each other down the staircase, through the foyer until they made it outside of the academy into the chilly January air. Klaus's frail body involuntarily shivered against the cold breeze that ruffled his curls, so Dave hugged him closer, tucking his blanket tighter against his trembling form. Diego laid his hand over Dave's shoulder, sending him a brief smile as he ushered him towards Five's van, eager to get Klaus out of the cold to warm his weary frame. Dave sat in the back of the van, holding Klaus tightly against his chest as the remaining members of their family piled in; Five in the driver's seat, Vanya in the passenger seat, and everyone else surrounding Dave and Klaus in the back.

"Turn on the heat, Five. Klaus is freezing." Requested Allison as she took in her brother's shuddering physique.

"Already on it. Sorry Klaus, give it a minute. Vanya, aim the vents towards the back."

"Thank you, guys." Whispered Klaus as he buried his nose against Dave's warm neck.

Five pulled out of the driveway and started heading down the road towards their surprise destination as everyone settled themselves in for the journey ahead of them.

"Where are we going, exactly?" Dave asked as he rubbed his palm up and down Klaus's back to bring him added warmth. Klaus weakly pressed himself away from Dave so that he was sitting slightly more upright in his arms so that he could look his husband in his eyes.

"That is for us to know, and you to find out, baby." He smiled at Dave, just absorbing every beautiful feature of his face to his memory; he never wanted to forget what his husband looked like.

"Oh, so it's a secret, huh?" Dave asked, smile broad against his cheeks, emphasizing his perfect dimples. "You know I don't like secrets, darlin."

"Well, you'll like this one."

"Promise?"

"I promise." Klaus continued to smile at Dave, his green eyes staring deep into his husband's rich blue orbs. Dave smiled as Klaus's weak hands fumbled for his own, weaving their fingers together before pressing them against his chest.

"Baby, don't let me fall asleep, okay?" Klaus requested tiredly; his eyes already threatening to close.

"Are you sure?" Dave ran the fingers of his free hand through Klaus's curls before resting it at the nape of his neck. "If you're tired, you should rest. You shouldn't deny yourself that—"

"Please, I don't want to sleep. I want to savor every moment of this, being right here with you." Dave nodded, pressing his forehead to Klaus's, their noses nuzzling against each other before he pulled back, kissing Klaus's temple.

"Okay, but if you change your mind, or you get too tired, promise me you'll listen to your body and sleep?" Klaus only nodded, his smile never wavering as he lovingly watched his husband's every move.

The car ride was long and laborious, mostly quiet aside from the sound of Klaus's oxygen tank forcing air into his weakened lungs. That, and the sound of the two lover's never ending praise of love for one another. Their eyes were interlocked on each other the entire journey, their smiles giant and full of immense love and adoration for each other.

Dave kept kissing Klaus everywhere he could; he would kiss his forehead, his cheek, his nose. He would kiss his temple, his jawline, his clavicle. Klaus would smile, giggling softly at the sensation of his husband's delicate touch, and warm wisps of breath dancing across his skin. Klaus would pucker his lips, begging Dave to kiss his pout, and smile hard against his loving touch. They would pull away just long enough to tell each other that they love each other before repeating their shower of affection over and over again for the entire duration of the trip. Dave would pull their interwoven fingers to his mouth, kissing the delicate skin of Klaus's hand, earning a shuddered laugh from his love. His siblings watched in utter awe; completely left enamored by their affection. They had to stifle their tears at how sweet and pure Dave and Klaus were together. Seeing Klaus so utterly in love, and loved so thoroughly - at last - for the first time, witnessing him being appreciated, and cared for, and seeing the smile on his face, they'd never seen him more happy in his entire life.

"I love you." Dave whispered proudly for the umpteenth time that trip, while Klaus smiled happily, savoring every single kiss, and every single syllable to every single word.

"I love you—" Klaus's words faltered as they morphed into a groan, his eyes pinching shut as his free hand clenched above his swollen belly. Dave frowned, pressing Klaus tighter against himself before kissing his temple.

"Are you alright, baby?" Dave asked worriedly, taking in his husband's uncomfortable expression. Klaus exhaled a soft moan, nodding his head before another pained whimper escaped his lips. Dave rocked Klaus in his arms in an attempt to soothe him, to take his mind off of his pain, and to comfort him through his discomfort as best as he could.

Klaus's pain was always there, ever present. It would typically be settled at a constant dull discomfort deep within his chest and his stomach, only to make its presence known at the worst possible times. His flairs were agonizing, he often felt like he'd been cut into with a dull blade repeatedly, or like a bear was gnawing on his intestines, or using his heart as a chew toy.

Even still, Klaus never faltered on his sobriety. He stuck to his guns and stayed sober, never accepting any form of pain medication during his entire battle with cancer. He was proud of himself for his choice; it was extremely difficult for him, but in his heart he knew he couldn't turn back to drugs. He wanted to be physically and mentally present at all times, and be able to absorb every precious second he could with his loved ones without the haze, or fog that being on drugs used to leave him in. He didn't want to be numb to the world anymore, although it would have been nice to numb his pain.

"Are we almost there? His pain is starting to flare up again." Dave asked as his gaze shot to Five's in the rear view mirror.

"Less than five minutes. I'm hurrying Klaus, I promise."

"It's okay—" Klaus gritted through clenched teeth, another whimper bursting from his chest, "it's okay, I'm okay."

"Klaus, you look like shit." Ben noted worriedly from beside him. Klaus's eyes flickered to his ghostly sibling sorrowfully before returning to Dave's concerned gaze.

"I'm okay." He reassured once more. Dave nodded, pressing his lips to Klaus's curls, pulling him closer. Klaus focused on taking deep steady breaths, trying to ignore his pain in his abdomen.

"I'm okay..."

Dave continued to cradle Klaus the remainder of the trip, rocking him gently in his arms as he left a steady trail of kisses against his hairline; whispering words of encouragement and endearment to him the entire time. Klaus smiled through his fading pain, simply relishing being in Dave's warm embrace, his heart swelling with love at his husband's beautiful words.

"Okay, we're here." Five informed as the van traversed slowly over a path with a more rough terrain before finally coming to a stop. Klaus's eyes opened, his lips tugging into a warm smile as his heart fluttered with anticipation and excitement.

"Dave," Klaus whispered, his voice soft and slow from his increasing fatigue from the long journey, "close your eyes." Dave smiled, leaning into Klaus and snagging his pout in another kiss, earning an exhale of laughter from his love.

"Okay. I'll close my eyes." Dave dramatically fluttered his eyelids before pinching his eyes closed. Klaus's smile widened at his husband's silly antics.

"No peeking."

Diego and Luther flanked Dave to either side as they helped guide him safely out of the van. Dave kept Klaus cradled tightly against his chest as they started walking down an unfamiliar path; the sound of gravel crunched beneath each of their slow and steady steps.

"Where are we?" Dave asked curiously, his lips still tugged into a genuine smile. Klaus kissed his jawline, burying his forehead beneath his husband's chin as he absorbed every ounce of his presence and warmth.

"Just keep your eyes closed, baby. You'll see soon enough." Klaus tightened his grip around Dave's shoulders and neck, clinging onto him as closely as he could. He exhaled a shaky breath when he felt the January chill against his flesh. Klaus was so tired today; the most tired he'd felt since the start of his illness, his entire body felt heavy with an immense fatigue, but he wouldn't dare allow himself to sleep.

Klaus and his siblings had been secretly working in quiet together; planning this day for Dave. The surprise was a long time coming, something Klaus wanted to give to Dave ever since the first time he'd told Klaus that he loved him. His heart fluttered in anticipation to see the look on his love's face when he first sees his gift. Klaus wouldn't miss witnessing his excitement for the world, and couldn't wait to see the smile that would undoubtedly light up Dave's face. He wouldn't dare sleep through this, Klaus's brief pain would be worth it just to see Dave filled with such joy; to see the love of his life be truly happy.

Klaus's fluttering heart slowly morphed onto the all too familiar painful cramping in his chest. He forced his eyes shut, pressing his forehead deeper into Dave's touch and just focused on taking deep steadying breaths.

"Are you feeling okay, darlin?" Dave must have recognized Klaus's display of discomfort. He couldn't hide anything from Dave, he was always so intuitive when it came to Klaus and his every need.

"M'okay," Klaus's body trembled from the chill surrounding them and his pain, he couldn't control his tremors, "I'm just a little cold, s'all."

Dave frowned as he hugged Klaus unimaginably tighter against himself, wrapping the blanket closer against his shuddering shoulders. Klaus's lips quivered as he nuzzled his temple beneath Dave's chin. He would never get over how kind Dave always was to him, ensuring his safety and comfort came before all else. Klaus would never get over just how much he loved this man.

"I love you so much, Dave." Klaus whispered against Dave's neck, before delicately planting a kiss against his warm skin. Dave smiled, laying his cheek atop Klaus's curls in an attempt to hug him even closer.

"Not as much as I love you, Klaus."

The close knit family continued to walk down the unpaved path for what felt like forever to Klaus. He wasn't sure if it was because of his building excitement to share this gift with Dave, or if it was because he was just so tired. He struggled to keep his eyes open any longer and kept catching himself nodding off, the warmth of his husband beneath him, and the soft happy banter echoing around him was only succeeding in lulling him to sleep. His head kept toggling, limply sliding out of its comfortable position on Dave's shoulder and bobbing down against his chest.

Klaus was just so exhausted today...

"Are you sure that you're okay, baby?" Dave asked after feeling Klaus's body jerk itself back into position.

"Don't let me sleep, Dave. Please?" Klaus pleaded, Dave could hear the utter exhaustion in his exasperated tone.

"Klaus, if you're this tired, maybe you shou—"

"No! Please, baby. I don't want to miss this, I want to see your face—"

"We could wake you up when we get to wherever it is that we are going, darlin. You're clearly tired. You should rest, you need it."

"No, I'm fine. Please, baby...please?" Klaus's voice was shaking with desperation behind his tone. Dave hated hearing him sounding so upset, he just wanted his love to be safe, to be okay.

"Okay, I promise. I won't let you fall asleep." Dave kissed Klaus's forehead, his nose and his cheek.

"Thank you, baby." Klaus weakly smiled into the kiss Dave then placed upon his lips. "I love you."

"I love you, darlin," Dave cupped Klaus's cheek within his palm, gently tracing the pad of his thumb over Klaus's sharp cheekbones, he only wished he could open his eyes to look at his love's beautiful face. "I love you so, very, very much."

After their perilous journey from the van (which in reality was a less than five minute walk) they finally reached their surprise destination.

"Okay, we're here." Luther informed, laying a hand on Dave's arm.

"You ready, Klaus?" Diego asked, rubbing his brother's shoulder with his warm palm as their paces came to a stop.

Klaus's heart fluttered wildly within his chest, his lips tugging into the widest smile as he looked around at each of his siblings before looking at Dave.

"Okay, Dave. Are you ready for your surprise, baby?" Klaus's breaths came out quicker as his elation built up inside of him. Dave smiled, nodding his head excitedly. Klaus locked his vision on his husband's face, readying himself to experience his joy as it lit up his features.

"Open your eyes."

Dave opened his eyes and immediately he was overwhelmed with so many different feelings and emotions as he took in their location. They were standing in front of a farmhouse; flanked on either side with oversized pastures lined with four-board fencing. Dave could see a little red barn in the far corner of the property, and a large pond just beyond that. Klaus's lips trembled, tears trailing his cheeks as he witnessed this beautiful moment. This was what Dave had always wanted; he was overjoyed he was able to give this to him, at last.

"Four bedrooms, two baths on fourteen acres. The house and barn need a little work, but they've got good bones, baby. I know you'll make this place something really special." Dave peered deep into Klaus's tear filled eyes, his own blue orbs beginning to water.

"Wait, darlin, is this—"

"Yours, baby," Klaus's chest shuddered as he inhaled a sharp breath through his tears, "this is for you."

"It's ours? This?" Dave gestured around them to the gorgeous property, "all of this is ours?"

"Yeah, baby," Klaus's shoulders quaked as a sob burst through his lips, his head bobbing in a nod. "It's all ours. Just you and me."

Dave pressed their foreheads together hugging Klaus as tightly as he could while Klaus continued to cry. He was so incredibly happy he was able to ensure Dave got his dream property; he only wished he would be able to experience the beautiful life they'd planned together.

Klaus could feel himself fading…

Deep within his heart he knew that he wouldn't make it long enough to live in this wonderful home, and experience the perfect life that he so desperately yearned to live. He only hoped that Dave would be able to carry on without him, and live his life happily, and healthily even if it meant Klaus couldn't be in it.

He only hoped that Dave knew just how much he loved him; he'd always loved him, and always would love him; even once he was gone. This was something special to both of them, and he only wished Dave knew that while he may not get to share it with him physically, he would always be there with him in spirit: for now, forever and for always.

"It was all Klaus's idea, Dave," Vanya began, smiling as she watched the beautiful couple absorbing each other's love in this special moment. "He told us all about your dream, and we all worked together to find this place."

"It's completely paid off," Allison informed wiping at her own tears, "all it needs is your personal touch."

"Come on you two," Luther laid his palm against Dave's upper back, their eyes meeting in a smile, "let's go see your new home."

The entire family approached the front entryway of Klaus and Dave's new home. Each member gathered around each other on the cozy front porch as Five handed Dave the key. Klaus smiled tiredly at Five in thanks, his eyes slowly drooping as he struggled to stay awake.

"Thank you," Dave smiled at Five and around to each sibling before his eyes landed on his husband's. The beautiful couple shared a kiss before Dave slid the key into the lock; unlocking the double French doors to their dream home and finally stepping inside.

"Welcome home, baby."

Klaus's lips twitched into a smile, his weary green eyes opening wide as he was overwhelmed by such a pure sense of joy. The interior of their home was gorgeous; it had tall vaulted ceilings that boasted exposed wooden beams in the main living area, and the flooring was hardwood. It was old, and worn, but with a little sanding, refinishing and plenty of tender loving care it was evident that they would once again shine like they did when they were new. The walls were plain white, and the paint was chipping, it was clear the home sat vacant and unloved for quite some time, but Klaus knew how badly Dave wanted a fixer upper that he could mold, and shape into his own dream home. The issues were small, all cosmetic, but the bones were strong, and soon the space would be brimming once again with life and love.

They walked around room by room admiring the open floor plan and large living spaces. The living room had a brick fireplace with a large wooden mantle that was broken, but Dave was already explaining what materials he would use to replace it and make the area shine like new. The front wall was lined by a large picture window, one that would allow plenty of sunlight to brighten the space. It was so open, and airy, and welcoming as it sat, Klaus only wished he would get the chance to see how beautiful it would be once Dave poured his heart into making it their own.

The kitchen was a large farmhouse kitchen with an oversized island and butcher block countertops that spanned the length of the space. The cabinetry was painted white and also chipping, but Dave said that would be an easy fix, and that they could decide later if they wanted to change up the color scheme. It was theirs, after all, they could change or keep the same whatever they so pleased. The sink was a deep farmhouse sink, and there was an eat-in kitchen area where they would be able to fit a small table, large enough to sit up to four people. Klaus could picture Dave sipping his coffee every morning while reading his newspaper there, while he busied himself in the kitchen to prepare them some breakfast.

It was a perfect dream…

There was also a formal dining room, one that Klaus would have loved to have for entertaining for holidays, and special events. He quickly wiped away the tears that fell from his eyes as he cleared that thought from his mind. This was his dream kitchen, in his dream home with his dream man and he couldn't allow himself to dwell over the knowledge that while he had it, and all of this was finally his, he would never get to truly experience it, or see how wonderful it would undoubtedly become.

The main bathroom wasn't overly large. It had a stand up shower, and a pedestal sink with a small linen closet; while the master bathroom had a deep soaker tub. Klaus couldn't help but to think of how he would have loved to enjoy a hot bath with Dave after a long day in that tub.

The bedrooms were all excellent sizes, with large closets, and the master bedroom would easily fit a king sized bed. All of the rooms had plenty of windows allowing ample amounts of natural lighting to illuminate the space. The master had a large window with an accompanying window seat where the couple could sit and watch their animals graze in their fields. Klaus smiled as he absorbed the stunning views of their pastures.

Klaus's eyes fluttered, his smile wavering as he exhaled a groan, tightening his grip against Dave's shirt when his heart clenched suddenly and the painful fluttering in his chest flared once again.

"Are you feeling alright baby?" Dave asked as he studied Klaus's pained expression with worried eyes.

"M'okay, just in a little pain." he whispered softly, his words unsteady as he struggled to inhale a breath.

"Do you need to rest for a minute?" Klaus went to protest, to say that he was fine, but his pain became even stronger. His heart clenched painfully again, causing him to gasp out. Klaus was unable to hide his discomfort. "Let's lay down for a few minutes." Dave suggested before he laid Klaus's weary frame down against the bare mattress in their master bedroom, before curling himself up beside him.

Klaus closed his eyes and focused on steadying his breathing while Dave stroked his fingers through his curls to soothe him. They stayed like that for a few moments, cuddled up together in each other's arms on the bed within their bedroom until Klaus convinced himself that he felt well enough for them to continue on. He opened his tired emerald eyes and peered to Dave who was smiling softly down at him.

"I could get used to this; waking up right here, in this room with you in my arms," Dave kissed Klaus's temple, pulling him into an embrace. "I love you so much, darlin. Thank you for this, I can't wait to share all of this with you, to spend our lives together right here in our home. I can't believe that all of this is really ours."

Klaus's lashes fluttered as he tried miserably to fight off his tears. He wanted that so badly, too. To experience beautiful moments with his husband right here in this home, in this room. To grow, and flourish, and experience all of the wonders life with Dave had to offer. Klaus buried his face against Dave's neck, savoring his touch, his warmth, just absorbing every bit of his husband's undying love.

"Me too, baby. I couldn't imagine anything I have ever wanted more," he kissed Dave's neck hugging him as tightly as he could with his weak arms, and just held him, absorbing every precious second that he could with the love of his life. "I love you baby. I love you so, so much."

"I love you."

Dave held him for a few moments longer before they eventually agreed it was time to explore the rest of their home and property. Once they explored all that the interior of their home had to offer, they made their way outside. The paddocks were large, and the entire property was fenced, and cross fenced and ready to go for all of the animals they always dreamed of owning. The grass was tall and unkempt after over a year of lying vacant, but aside from some weeds that would undoubtedly need pulling, they were lush green pastures that any horse, donkey, cow or goat would be lucky to graze in. They entered the old red barn and were both surprised to find that while the paint was chipped, peeling and fading away, that the inside was in rather good condition.

It was a four stall barn with 12x12 stalls, and a separate 12x14 feed room on one side, and a tack room of the same dimensions on the other. There was a cross tie at each end of the barn, and an outdoor wash rack for bathing just outside the rear doors. The stalls were in excellent shape overall; only a few boards would need replacing where the previous occupants of the stalls clearly chewed on the wood. They walked around back to view the lake. It was much bigger than it looked from the front, spanning what the couple estimated to be over an acre if not more. There was a dock that stretched out ten feet past the shoreline with benches where they could sit and watch the daily sunrise or sunsets from the comfort of their own property.

They both agreed that it was a beautiful spot where they could sit and create more wonderful memories together…

They explored the entire property, checking the fence line, and ensuring it was all secure, before stumbling upon a large garden space. There were rows of untilled plots just lying there waiting for them to tend to. There was a small greenhouse which still housed a few plants that miraculously survived despite not being cared for over a span of however many months.

Klaus only wished that he could be so lucky; survive despite all of the odds that were stacked against him…

The sun was slowly beginning its descent from the horizon, and was casting a brilliant golden glow across their property. Dave smiled as he held Klaus and kissed his temple. The couple made their way back towards the dock so that they could witness the beautiful scenery of the sunset over their own private lake. Dave sat Klaus down so that they could sit and watch the sunset together for the first time at their new home. Klaus smiled into Dave's kiss before the painful cramping in his heart flared again. It was a strong pain, the strongest he had felt before, and it stole Klaus's breath away, making his vision blur. He swayed when he was overwhelmed by dizziness, a pained gasp leaving his lips.

"Woah, easy," Dave steadied him by his shoulders while he looked him in his eyes, "what is it, darlin? Are you okay?"

"Klaus, something is wrong," Ben began as he watched his brother with a worried expression, "You have to tell Dave. Something isn't right."

"M'fine." Klaus was quick to ignore his brother and dismiss his agony, but the pain wouldn't stop, it just continued to intensify. He just felt so light headed, his eyes pinched closed as another groan permeated his lips. He tried to focus on his breathing, he tried to will his pain away, and enjoy what should have been a beautiful moment of watching the sunset with his husband, but he was just in so much pain.

"Klaus, please tell Dave that something is wrong! Klaus, listen to me, please!" Ben begged, but it was already too late.

Suddenly, the world around him became distant. Klaus's eyelashes fluttered as his vision grew hazy and his hearing became obscured by a high pitched ringing. He tried to focus, push this terrible feeling away when his heart spasmed painfully in his chest. Klaus whimpered, as an agonized cry burst past his teeth. Almost as quickly as this flare came, it was gone. Unfortunately, it took what vital energy Klaus had along with it. It was as though every bone in Klaus's body liquified, his eyes rolled back and his body went slack.

"Klaus—" Dave called his name as he lunged to grab a hold of him so he wouldn't collapse off of the bench. Klaus's eyes opened weakly, his breaths coming in short pained gasps. He was just still in so much pain.

"Baby, I - I don't feel so good - I think I need to lay down." he said through his weakened gasps. Klaus's eyelids fluttered as his energy continued to fade.

"Darlin," Dave tapped Klaus's cheek gently when his body went limp in his arms. He was conscious but weak and lethargic. Klaus wasn't aware of Dave's presence, his breathing continued to become more weak and labored, "baby, are you okay? Klaus?"

But Klaus didn't answer…

"Please, please baby, no. Stay with me, you have to stay with me," Dave scooped Klaus's body into his arms. Each second that passed Klaus's breathing became steadily weaker and it suddenly dawned on Dave what was happening: this was it, Klaus was fading, he was losing him. "No, no, no, Luther! Diego! Anybody, please!"

Klaus's siblings heard Dave's panicked pleading and ran to them, their hearts plummeting at the sight of their brother.

"We need to get him to a hospital!"

They hurriedly brought him into the van as Five gunned it towards the highway, Klaus was crying, tears streaming down his pale and hollowed cheeks. He was quiet aside from the occasional whimper and totally still except for the tremor of his quivering lips.

"Hold on, baby. You have to hold on!" Dave wailed as he cradled him against his chest. He couldn't lose him, not now. Not when they finally had their perfect little home together, not when they were just about to have a fresh start in their lives. He couldn't say goodbye, he wasn't ready.

He never would be…

"M-s-sorry, D-Dave," Klaus whispered weakly, his hand gently clutching onto Dave's.

"You're going to be okay, baby. Just please, stay with me..." Klaus's eyelashes fluttered as his eyes slipped closed. "Please, baby I'm begging you, don't leave me!"