While Klaus finished eating his breakfast Dave tidied up the kitchen, washing the dishes and replacing them back within their designated cubbies before tending to a now fully awake Riley. He changed her soiled diaper and burped her as he paced the floors, singing silly songs to her in an attempt to make her smile. Dave informed Klaus he would have to leave shortly, and highly recommended he take the time before his departure to handle a few predominant items on his list of tasks he hadn't been able to complete for himself over the past weeks span; starting with a long overdue shower.

Or rather, a bath.

Klaus eased his weary muscles down below the surface of the water; at long last allowing all of the tension he'd been straining against the last week to finally melt away beneath the soothing heat of the water. He was so incredibly thankful for Dave, offering to watch Riley and allow him this one simple pleasure. Something about a bath had always been so soothing to Klaus, comforting even. Perhaps it was because the years he'd spend alone on the streets stripped him from such uncomplicated comforts in his life, he was glad he could finally enjoy something so basic yet so pleasing once again.

He exhaled a sigh as he slid himself deeper underneath the water, submerging his head while he closed his eyes. Klaus laid there, body fully submersed, his mind bringing him to another place entirely. He was no longer lying in a bathtub, but rather floating beneath the sea; the gentle current cradling him within its protective undertow. He felt safe, placid and at peace.

A steady stream of air trickled from the corners of his lips, releasing tiny bubbles that danced as they climbed their way to the surface of the water—the subdued sounds of them bursting creating some form of an autonomous sensory meridian response within his brain; merely dragging him deeper into an almost hypnotic trance.

He swore he could almost fall asleep at that moment; the profound tranquility surrounding him easing him deeper into a nearly unconscious state.

That is, until they returned...

Klaus was abruptly torn away from his relaxed state of being when the merciless screeching cries of the dead encircled around him once again. His hands cupped his ears, pressing down with such force he swore he would splinter his skull within his own crushing grasp. His eyes burned from unseen tears; his lungs screaming, begging for air. Cold, dead, emaciated fingers were reaching towards him with dagger like claws; trying to touch him, to overpower him, to drag him down deeper below the surface, fighting against the current and never let him go. He bolted upright, water sloshing over the edge of the tub as he inhaled a sharp breath, oxygen storming his lungs as though they were the beaches of Normandy, and the life supporting component of air were US troops. His chest heaved, heart thudding against his rib cage as his limbs shook with exhaustion and fear. He jumped at Dave's frantic knocks on the door; his voice calling to him, pleading for him to answer him, asking if he was okay.

"Klaus? Please, answer me. What's wrong, are you alright?"

Klaus ran a shaky hand through his drenched hair, blinking back his fears as he tried and failed to ignore the dementors who plagued him.

"M'fine. I just..fell asleep. I'll be right out."

Klaus took a moment to catch his breath, calm his racing heart and desperately try to rid these demons from his mind.

"Please, leave me alone." He pleaded under his breath, he couldn't take the unrelenting calls of the dead, the oppressive nature of them constantly bullying him, intimidating him. Their never ending reign of terror leaving him in such a vulnerable state. His limbs shook as he hoisted himself out of the tub. Standing on unsteady legs, he dried himself off, wrapping the towel around his slender waist before he exited the bathroom in search of fresh clothing. He hadn't expected Dave to still be standing outside of the door with his daughter in hand; his bright blue eyes brimming with concern.

"Are you okay?" He asked, laying a comforting hand over his quivering shoulder. Klaus wanted to cry, wanted to scream. He wanted to curl himself into a ball and sleep for the rest of eternity. He quickly closed his eyes when Dave's kind features morphed into that of a soulless demonic entity. A shaky breath left his lips as he pressed his hands over his eyes trying to rid himself of the horrific sight. He hated that whenever he pushed himself past the brink of exhaustion, the paranoia and ghosts always seemed to strengthen in intensity.

"Klaus?" Dave's grip tightened on his shoulder, he knew if he were to open his eyes and look at him he would see the distressed expression on his face.

"Sorry, I just—I'm really tired, I think I need to lie down." Dave nodded in understanding, wasting no time to wrap his arm supportively around the small of Klaus's back, ushering him towards his bedroom.

"Klaus, I told you that you needed to take it easy. Look at you, you're trembling.." His voice trailed off as he watched Klaus's weary body involuntarily shake from his frailty, fear, and exhaustion. "Come on, let's get you to bed."

Dave led Klaus into his bedroom; he looked away while Klaus quickly threw on a comfortable and warm pair of burgundy joggers and a white graphic tee shirt. Once he was dressed, Dave pulled back the thick comforter on his bed, and helped ease Klaus's spent body onto the mattress before tucking him in. Klaus shook with fear, short ragged breaths bursting from his chest as he heaved for each unsteady breath. He kept his eyes tightly closed, too afraid to open them and come face to face once again with the terrifying visions of the frightening spirits of the dead. He gripped his pillows with such strength his knuckles turned white from unnecessary pressure; while a panicked groan abandoned his lips.

Dave watched Klaus with a worried expression taking a seat beside him on the bed. He didn't know how to explain it, but Klaus looked as though it was more than just exhaustion that was plaguing him. In fact, if he didn't know any better he would almost swear that Klaus looked scared.

"You sure you're okay?" He questioned watching as he continued to shake with tremors, "Klaus, are you sick?" Dave pressed his palm against Klaus's brow earning him to flinch away from his touch, his green eyes finally opening and meeting his own.

"No, I'm okay. I'm just...I just need to sleep, I'm sorry. I'm really tired."

"Then sleep." Dave smiled at Klaus, running his fingers through his damp curls; his hand paused mid stroke and he stopped himself. He didn't know why he'd touched him in that manner, he just had such a strong urge to comfort that man. He pulled his hand away once he'd realized what he was doing. "Sorry, force of habit." Klaus weakly smiled at him. He appreciated the touch; longed for such comfort.

"Hm? No, it was...nice." Klaus's voice was soft, tired, and meek. "Will you keep doing that?" He closed his eyes, licking his lips as he curled himself up tighter within his blanket. "Please?" Dave's heart tugged at the pleading tone behind his voice.

"Sure, of course." Dave positioned his body closer to Klaus's, his thighs pressing against the other man's shoulders as he continued raking his fingers through his hair. He watched as the rigidity of Klaus's body slowly released, his tense muscles relaxing more and more with each soft stroke through his damp, tousled curls. Dave felt a pang in his heart as he watched Klaus slowly drift to sleep. He knew he was tired; but upon further inspection of his face, now that he was able to openly examine every detail about his chiseled features, Dave could see every trace of exhaustion against the pallor of Klaus's skin.

It physically pained him to see that man so out of sorts, so fatigued and weak. He felt in his heart that he hadn't been doing enough, and worried Klaus and Riley had already suffered far too much. He knew without a doubt in his mind that he had to step up his game; really apply himself to a stricter proclamation and be there to aid and support this little family to the best of his abilities. Klaus was undoubtedly trying his absolute best, but he was only one person, and caring for an infant by oneself was a far greater difficulty than he probably ever anticipated. Especially knowing what Dave knows now; that he was a newly sober ex-drug addict who'd spent the last decade or so on the streets. He needed help long before Riley ever came along, and Dave was going to be there to guide him throughout this all new pivotal journey of his brand new life as a father; as a changed man—a better person.

Riley drifted to sleep alongside her daddy within Dave's arms; her soft breaths tickled the skin of his bicep as he cradled her against his broad chest. He smiled down to that precious baby, admiring her beauty. She truly was a remarkably adorable little girl; features mirroring that of an actual cherub.

Klaus's breath hitched within his throat, his muscles contracting in a wince as a whimper exploded from his chest. Dave's worried eyes darted to him; halfway expecting him to scream out or cry. Instead, Klaus's frail hands managed to reach out to him; his spindly fingers wrapping around the fabric of Dave's shirt; clinging onto him like a lifeline. He didn't have the heart to pry him away; so he let him hold onto him in hopes that whatever it was that was tormenting Klaus would fade away if he offered this simple comfort. Dave brushed a stray curl out of Klaus's eyes, frowning at the terrified expression on his face. He only wished he knew how he could better help him. He continued to comb his fingers through his hair, raking his fingertips over his scalp to try to soothe him; to calm him and make him feel at peace. His lips quirked into a subtle smile when the lines in Klaus's skin softened, his pinched features and worried expression slowly relaxing into one of content.

Dave stayed there with them for a little while longer, wanting to ensure Klaus and Riley did indeed sleep, before gently taking ahold of Klaus's limp extremity and depositing it against his body on the bed. He was sure to tuck the blankets around Klaus's slumbering form before laying his daughter down in her crib; smoothing her curls and stroking her back through the soft fabric of her pastel onesie before turning to leave the room.

"Please, don't go—please don't leave me." Dave's steps faltered at the sound of Klaus's hushed pleading. He turned to look at him, his furrowed eyebrows softening at the sight of Klaus. His tired green eyes were barely opened into slits; he was clearly not fully awake. Dave stepped closer to him, laying his palm over Klaus's relaxed hand.

"Hey, shh it's okay, I'll come right back, okay?" He whispered soothingly to try to calm the man down, "I just have a few errands I need to run. You won't be alone long, alright? You'll never have to be alone again. I promise. Just please, try to rest. You need to sleep." Klaus's eyes slowly closed by their own accord as Dave ran the pad of his thumb over Klaus's hand, massaging circles into the delicate skin. He squeezed his hand once before continuing his journey to leave. He paused in the doorway, peering back into the room that contained the small, sleeping family he'd grown rather fond of once more. He knew he would only be gone for a couple of hours, but he already felt the pull of absence in his heart. He knew it was strange, but he didn't want to leave them. He smiled as he softly closed the door behind him, leaving the perfect little family alone to finally sleep.

—-

Not even twenty minutes had passed since Dave left to run his errands when Klaus was abruptly ripped out of his slumber. He couldn't stand it, the cacophonous clamor of the dead; screaming at him once again. He buried his face into his pillow pulling the blanket over his head while begging them to stop.

But they wouldn't...

Klaus was just so tired; so over everything in that instant. Why couldn't they have the decency to grant him a moment's peace? He could feel their presence around him, the weight of the dread they brought him crushing against his chest, stealing the breath from his lungs. He felt like he couldn't breathe.

He was all alone—Dave was gone, Riley was asleep; not that either of them could help him, anyways. No one could see what he saw, heard what he heard, nor feel what he felt. He was perpetually alone with these demons, no one could help him. He was trapped in their world eternally, he would never be able to escape—not ever again, that is. His hands pressed against his ears; his nails biting into his scalp until he could feel the sting of them breaking through his skin.

"Leave, please. Just leave me alone," Klaus begged, "Please...please...please, just go away!" He was sitting up now, knees pulled to his chest as he rocked himself on the mattress; anxiety seeping from his pores, completely taking him over. He was drowning in his panic.

His teary green eyes widened once he was finally able to open them. Riley began to cry, her pitiful wailing only seemed to attract the demons to her, drawing them away from her father. They surrounded her, calling her name, saying evil, terrible things. She needed his help; but he couldn't move. Klaus was completely immobilized—paralyzed by his crippling fear.

"Leave her alone!" He screamed, "Don't you dare touch her!"

They encroached ever closer, leaning over her crib as they stretched their decaying limbs towards her innocent figure. Klaus's heart was racing, feeling as though it would burst. He'd never felt more terrified in his entire life. They'd always been there, always lurking, always watching him, but he couldn't accept them tormenting his precious baby girl. He could feel his chest clenching, he felt as though his heart would fail him; just as he was failing his daughter.

"Stop! Please! Just leave her alone, she doesn't deserve this!" He wailed, hot tears streaming his agonized face, "You're here for me! Leave her out of this! She doesn't concern you! You can't touch her! You can't! You can't, please!" His fist clenched above his hammering heart; the assault of it against his ribs making him feel nearly faint. He groaned as he doubled over himself, why couldn't he just get up. She needed him, and he wasn't there.

"Please! I'm begging you, leave my daughter alone!"

Klaus's desperation seemed to shift their ominous attention, pulling them back on himself. They crept closer to him, their heinous features eyeing him; he feared what malevolence they planned to evoke. His lips trembled as they approached; inching ever closer. He couldn't stay there, he needed to get out of that room—he needed to get Riley as far away from those evil spirits as possible.

He bolted, his body passing through the specters as he ran; he could feel the chill of them against his heated skin, it covered him in goosebumps and sent a shiver down his spine. He tried to suppress that fear behind him, his focus was on one thing, and one thing alone in that moment: saving his daughter.

Klaus ran as fast as his weary legs would carry him to his precious baby girl. He wasted not a moment's time in taking a hold of her, scooping her into his protective arms before running out of that bedroom. Klaus slammed the door behind him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd ran that fast, his legs gave out on him as he entered the living room and he collapsed onto his knees; clutching his daughter tightly against his heaving chest.

Klaus couldn't hold back his emotions any longer and he cried, every ounce of his anxieties poured out of his mouth as though the tap had been left running. He clung onto Riley, hugging her tightly against his rampaging heart; he couldn't believe what he'd just allowed her to go through. He knew she was unaware of what occurred—but he wasn't, he knew he allowed that to happen to her and did nothing to stop it.

"I'm so sorry baby girl. Daddy is so sorry."

Klaus buried his tear streaked face against the crown of his daughter's curls, holding her and savoring every bit of her presence in his arms. He loved her so much; he hated himself for not being capable of protecting her. She was so perfect, so innocent and he'd allowed those monsters to skulk her.

"Daddy is so sorry, angel. I'm so sorry. Please, forgive me." He whispered through his tears, begging for forgiveness from a child who had no concept of what she should be forgiving her father for. He pulled away from her, cradling her tiny figure in his arms and he just looked into her giant blue eyes. She was watching him, no more tears in sight, just wide doe-like eyes radiant and filled with curiosity. He knew she had no idea why her daddy was so upset, or why he was crying, or screaming like a mad man. All she knew was that he was there now, as far as she was concerned, he'd never left—never failed her. Klaus knew he had to do right by her, make her proud and never, ever prove her wrong.

"Daddy's not going anywhere, princess," Klaus sat on his bottom on the floor, crossing his legs as he held her up to peer deeper into her sapphire orbs, "I promise I'll never leave you. Daddy's made mistakes and has his own demons to deal with, but I promise I'll never let anyone or anything hurt you. I'll always be here for you, baby girl."

Riley's pudgy little arms wiggled around, reaching outward toward her daddy's face. The tiny pads of her precious little fingers pressed against his cheeks, stroking his skin as though she were wiping away his tears. Klaus's lips tugged into a wide smile; a laugh escaping his lips.

"Aw, Riley, you don't like it when daddy cries, huh?" Her hands continued to explore his features, dancing over his eyes as she parted his long lashes, before wrapping around his nose. Her fingers trailed over his lips before finally settling atop his cheekbones. Klaus closed his eyes relishing the sensation of his daughter's delicate touch, her soothing gesture instantly relinquishing all of his fears, and his dread away.

"Maybe you do have powers after all, princess," He leaned forward, pressing their foreheads together, "you have the ability to make your daddy so unbelievably happy, sweetie. Daddy loves you so much." He pressed his lips to her temple before pulling her back against his chest, hugging her tightly as he continued to smile. "I love you so much, baby girl."

—-

When Dave arrived back to Klaus's after he completed his errands, he entered the kitchen with his arms full of groceries for his little family.

His little family?

He shook his head to clear that thought from his mind. Of course, he couldn't help but to feel a strong connection to Klaus and Riley, he quickly felt inclined to them; like the moon's gravitational pull towards the earth. He felt close to them, in nurturing aspects as well as friendship. When he set the groceries on the counter and finally allowed himself to take in his surroundings he couldn't hide the smile that crept across his face.

Klaus was lying on the couch with Riley swaddled in a blanket; he had her propped atop his chest, his arms loosely draped around her tiny slumbering frame. They both looked so peaceful, so adorable. That was another thing Dave couldn't help but feel towards this family: adoration.

Riley quite possibly was the most adorable little sweet pea he'd ever seen, and Klaus? Well, if Dave was being entirely honest with himself, he adored Klaus from the moment he first laid his eyes on him in the grocery store. He immediately found there to be something special about him; perhaps it was the way he watched him fumbling over which baby formula would be the best one for his daughter, or the way his emerald green pools seemed to express such clear emotion. Maybe, perhaps, it was the way his smile seemed to brighten any room he entered. Or, maybe it was his laugh—such a rare thing, he noticed in the beginning of their friendship, but was becoming much more prevalent as time went on. It was a wondrous thing, a delightful sound. Dave only wished he could hear more of it.

He quickly stocked Klaus's fridge and cupboards with his bounty of groceries he'd picked up for them; food for him, as well as extra formula for Riley. He set a casserole dish on the stovetop; he'd picked up the ingredients and gone to his sister's to make a noodle bake for him—he wanted Klaus to have a fresh home cooked meal. It would just need heating up in the oven to melt the cheese before eating. Once his hands were free, Dave made his way over to the couch; his smile never wavering at the precious sight before him. He gently laid a hand on Klaus's shoulder, giving him a gentle squeeze.

"Klaus, you hungry?" Klaus sucked in a breath, his long lashes fluttering as he opened his beautiful green eyes into slits. Dave noticed how tired he still looked. "How was your day? Did you get enough sleep?"

"Hm?" Klaus closed his eyes, licking his lips and lying in silence for a moment; Dave almost thought he'd fallen back asleep before he finally spoke. "Mm probably not enough. M'still tired." His voice was so soft, mumbled and thick with exhaustion. He cuddled himself closer to Riley, sucking in another breath as he pressed his flushed cheek atop her head.

"Hey, are you feeling okay? Your cheeks are really red." Klaus's face was flushed, his cheeks a deep burgundy color. Dave pressed his hand against his forehead before moving to his cheek, then neck. He didn't feel hot, perhaps he was just overly tired. He couldn't blame him; even if he were to have slept the entire day, it still wouldn't have been enough rest to make up for his loss of sleep over the past week.

"M'okay...jus' tired."

"Want me to take her? You can go lay in bed for a bit if you want while I cook dinner—"

"No, please don't. M'comfy." He mumbled against her skin. Dave could only smile as he watched Klaus's sleepy demeanor. He couldn't force him to wake. He would allow him to continue to sleep while he composed their dinner.

"Okay, you just rest. I'm gonna fix up some food, okay?" Klaus could only hum in response before drifting back to sleep.

Dave made his way back into the kitchen to go ahead and prepare their dinner. He pre-heated the oven before turning his attention to mixing up a side salad to go along with it. He washed the lettuce and tomatoes; setting them down on the cutting board atop a paper towel to dry. The oven beeped alerting him it was ready for the casserole. Dave slid the pan into the oven, closing the door and returning to finish the salad. While he was dicing the tomatoes Riley began to stir.

She pressed her face against Klaus's chest, her head lolling from side to side as little sputtered cries fell from her lips. Klaus's arms clung to her, rubbing her back while his attention just barely perked. His eyes opened, his head lazily lifting off the armrest of the couch to look at her.

"Shh it's okay, princess. You hungry?" He whispered, his voice still thick with fatigue. Dave could see just how tired Klaus still was from where he stood within the kitchen, he also noticed when he went to get up from his prone position on the couch, "Let's get you some num-num's, yeah?" Klaus cooed as he supported his unsteady arm beneath his daughter's bottom as he attempted to sit up, but a hand against his shoulder promptly stopped him.

"Allow me," Dave smiled as he took Riley into his arms, he watched as Klaus went to protest but quickly put an end to it. "Klaus, you just keep sleeping, okay? I got her, really. Dinner will be done in a little while. I'll wake you when it's ready."

"Dave, I'm okay, I got her—" Klaus went to stand; his motions slow and uncoordinated, he was just so tired. His arms struggled to support his weight.

"Easy," Dave gently eased his sluggish form back down onto the couch. "Klaus, you're still tired. Just rest, please?" He tried to argue, but Dave's facial expression stopped him in his tracks. He could only nod as he laid back down against the cushions on the couch. "There you go, relax. I've got this."

Dave took a fussy Riley into the kitchen. He prepared a bottle for her which she eagerly accepted. Dave sat on one of the bar stools while he fed her, smiling as he glanced between her and her daddy. Klaus was already asleep again. He'd rolled onto his side and had a throw pillow in his arms tightly pressed against his chest as though he were still cuddling his daughter. Dave couldn't help but think he looked rather adorable. When Riley finished eating, he burped her and changed her dirty diaper, swaddling her into a blanket and cuddling her against his chest. He sat down on the far end of the couch so as to not disturb her father and quietly sang her a lullaby to help her fall asleep.

Dave leaned back on the couch, his back sinking against the plush upholstered cushions and just took in everything surrounding him. Riley was comfortably asleep within his arms, her perfect little pout twitching while she dreamt. Her daddy was completely knocked out cold at the other end of the sofa. His lips were parted, soft wisps of breath were the only sounds he made. Dave smiled as he admired them. He felt so comfortable here; so unbelievably at home with them. He truly felt almost as though he was a part of this family. Like they were his family. He felt himself caring about them as such. Dave marveled in this moment, absorbing the peacefulness. It was refreshing; seeing both of them so calm, so comfortable and content. To see them actually resting after knowing how bad off they'd just been the day prior, and for many days before that. They needed this. He was so unbelievably happy they could finally relish this.

Dave glanced at the timer on the oven and saw there were only a few short minutes left. He got up, carefully laying Riley down in her Pack 'N Play to continue sleeping before returning to finish prepping their meals. He turned the timer off on the oven so that the shrill alarm wouldn't wake the sleeping pair of angels in the living room before chopping the rest of the tomatoes and lettuce and adding them into a bowl. Dave pulled the casserole out of the oven and set it on the stovetop to cool. He pulled out two dishes as quietly as he could and got to work on setting their plates. Dave filled up two small bowls with salad, drizzling some dressing over them before setting them down on the coffee table in the living room. Once the pasta cooled a bit, he piled a decent serving of it onto two plates. He set them down beside the salads before fetching two glasses of water.

"Klaus," He gently squeezed his shoulder to rouse him back awake. He felt bad for doing it, he clearly still needed his sleep, but he needed to eat, too. "Dinner is ready. Wake up, it's time to eat."

Klaus's eyes fluttered open, his eyes blinking to clear the haze that filtered his vision. He set the pillow in his arms aside and began easing his fatigued body upright, only for Dave to immediately offer him his assistance. He didn't understand why he was still so tired, but he was thankful for Dave, he always seemed to be there to help him whenever he needed him most.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it." Dave smiled at Klaus, sitting down beside him on the couch. He pulled the coffee table closer to them so it could act as a makeshift table before flipping on the television to give them some entertainment while they ate. "I hope you're hungry, I made a 'deconstructed lasagna'. I would have made the real thing, but I'm not that skilled in the culinary sense, unfortunately." He exhaled a laugh as he watched Klaus's expression morph into a tired yet thoroughly impressed one.

"Wow, Dave this looks...amazing. You made this?"

"Sure did. It may still be a little hot, so just blow on it first." He examined Klaus's features further, his eyebrows furrowing with concern. "Here," He picked up one of the glasses of water and handed it to Klaus, "maybe drink some of this first. Your cheeks are really red, I think you might be a little dehydrated."

Klaus nodded as he took the glass into his shaky hands, pressing it to his lips. He greedily took a few sips; water spilling over his chin as he all but inhaled it. Dave laughed, rubbing Klaus's back and taking the glass away when he finally pulled it away from his lips to gasp for a breath.

"Woah, easy. I guess you were thirsty, huh?" He continued to rub Klaus's back, a smile spread wide across his cheeks. Klaus nodded, wiping his forearm across his mouth to dry the dribble of water off of his chin. "When was the last time you drank anything?"

"Honesty," Klaus began, clearing his throat and swallowing his saliva, "I don't know, I can't remember." Dave frowned.

"Klaus, you gotta stay hydrated. It's no wonder you're so weak right now. No sleep, no food, and no water?" He sighed, rubbing his fingers through his own hair. "We gotta change that, okay?" Klaus could only nod in response before turning his attention to his meal.

"Sorry."

"No, it's okay. You don't need to be sorry. You just," Dave's lips quirked into a sad smile, "you've gotta take better care of yourself." He noticed when Klaus's expression seemed to sink into despair. He didn't mean to come across as brash, he just worried about him and wanted what was best for him.

Dave nudged Klaus's shoulder playfully, earning a tired smile in response. He ruffled his hair, turning his attention back to his plate. Dave picked up his fork; blowing on the pasta before plopping it into his mouth. He smiled as Klaus did the same thing.

"Wow, oh my god," Klaus began, mouth full of food. His eyes nearly rolling back into his skull with pleasure, "holy shit, this is good." Dave could only laugh.

"I'm glad you like it. Eat up while it's hot."

The two boys sat quietly eating their meals together, the soft sound of the television the only noise to be heard. Klaus ate slowly, savoring the flavor and also trying not to upset his stomach. The meal was delicious, but it was rich in flavor and he wasn't accustomed to such a delicacy. He'd only just begun adjusting to eating at all before the week that just passed. He finished about half of his plate before pushing it away from himself. He would have loved to finish it, but he was just too full.

"You're done?" Dave asked as he watched Klaus lean back against the couch rubbing his stomach.

"M'so full."

"You barely ate anything, you sure you're feeling okay?" He reached forward and felt Klaus's forehead again only for the man to turn his head away; he wrapped his hands around Dave's wrist to stop him as he peered into his eyes with a soft smile.

"Dave, I'm okay, really." Klaus sat up, reaching for his glass of water only to realize it was empty. "This is just...new to me, remember? I'm not up to eating quantities like that yet. I'll get there. I just need time."

"You sure?" Dave pushed his untouched glass of water closer to Klaus. The other man smiled as he accepted it into his hands.

"I promise. Besides," He pulled the water to his lips, sipping it gingerly this time. "With you by my side, I doubt you'll allow me not to." The pair exchanged a laugh between one another.

"You're right about that." Dave laid his hand on Klaus's shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze. "I'm here for you. For whatever you may need. I'm not going anywhere, okay? You can trust me." Klaus nodded as he smiled, laying his hand over Dave's knee.

"I know."

They sat there in silence, just peering into each other's eyes. Klaus knew in his heart he truly could trust this man; and he did. With his entire heart and soul. Klaus trusted him with himself, but more importantly, he trusted him with his daughter. He stared into Dave's deep ocean blue eyes, caught up in the moment. God, he couldn't believe how beautiful his eyes were. He pulled his hand away, straightening his posture and sitting back further on the couch with a sigh.

"So, Dave. You know pretty much all there is to know about me, tell me more about yourself."

"What would you like to know?" Dave asked, smiling as he chewed another bite of his dinner.

"Okay, for starters, I'm dying to know what you do for a living."

"What do you think I do?" He asked, folding his arms over his chest as he eyed Klaus curiously. Klaus smirked, rubbing his hands together as he leaned forward to better examine Dave.

"Hmm," He began. "I think you're...a teacher? Maybe an english or history teacher?" Dave laughed.

"You think too highly of me."

"Maybe you're a..." Klaus snapped, pointing at Dave with a gargantuan smile, his eyebrows wiggling playfully. "Secret agent!"

"Actually, you're not too far off," Dave began as he leaned back and laughed. Klaus smiled, leaning back against the cushions as well, his eyebrows climbing towards the ceiling, his interest peaked. Dave peered at him ready to reveal his true identity. "I'm actually ex-military. I was a counterintelligence Special agent in the US army. I enlisted when I was eighteen, I only served for eight years. Did one tour in Afghanistan, decided it just wasn't for me. So I didn't re-enlist. Didn't like the whole massacre facet of the job. I did, however, enjoy the protect and serve aspect—so I'm a cop now. Wanted to lean away from the special forces for a while, but now I'm trying to climb the ladder towards becoming an FBI agent. Gotta start somewhere, right?"

"You said I thought too highly of you when I thought you were a teacher, then you hit me with that?" Klaus snickered. "That's awesome. Wow, Dave. Didn't picture you to be a badass." Dave laughed.

"Eh, never felt like one. Just wanted to help people, that's all." He shrugged. Klaus smiled, Dave truly was a good person; helping anyone he could, including him.

"You know, my brothers a cop. Maybe you know him?" Klaus paused, reconsidering if he should even mention it. He put their differences aside though, genuinely curious to know the answer. "His name's Diego Hargreeves."

"Hey, yeah, I do!" He smiled as he leaned forward, a look of excitement on his features. "We all go bowling every Thursday night, me, him and Eudora. That's your brother? I'll have to tell him—"

"No, don't bother," Klaus began, cutting Dave off mid sentence. "We..don't talk." Dave's face fell at Klaus's statement.

"Oh? That's a shame, may I ask why?"

Klaus leaned forward, resting his elbows against his knees as he dragged his palms over his face. He inhaled a breath and closed his eyes before he began to speak.

"Last year he and I got into a bad argument," He began, opening his eyes into despondent slits. "I uh, I overdosed—almost died. He found me, took me to the hospital. When I came to he was there, but he was pissed off—obviously. But I told him to drop his holier than thou attitude. That's just who I am, I told him if he didn't like it, didn't like me, then he could leave, and never worry about talking to me ever again. I told him he could fuck off. And he got pissed, said next time he found me like that he would leave me there to die." Klaus exhaled an exasperated sigh, burying his face in his palms. "I told him good, he would be doing the world a favor. We haven't talked since. He hates my guts, can't say that I blame him." Klaus inhaled a breath, wiping at his eyes with his palms to hide his tears. He didn't want Dave to see him cry, not again, not over this. This was his own doing, he deserved what he got. He didn't want his pity. Dave's eyebrows furrowed, his lips pursing in concern.

"What? No way! If he saw you today, saw how you've changed and bettered yourself and how amazing you are with Riley he would be proud of you, Klaus—" Klaus scoffed.

"No, you don't know my brother like I do. He'd probably try to get her taken away from me." Dave couldn't believe his ears. He wanted to protest, wanted to tell him that no, he was wrong, Diego would never—but Klaus cut him off before he ever got the chance.

"I'm sorry, just, please, can we drop it? It's a sensitive subject for me." He ran a shaky hand through his hair, shifting his gaze away from Dave. He couldn't bring himself to look him in the eyes.

"Yeah, sure, of course. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"

"No, it's okay, I'm sorry. I'm just tired." He pressed the heel of his palms against his eyes. "Those last few days are still catching up to me." Dave nodded, laying a hand on his shoulder as he tried to gain his attention.

"You should get some rest, then." He smiled sadly when Klaus's water logged eyes finally met his own. "Go to bed, if she wakes up I've got her."

"No, it's okay, I'll finish this episode at least."

"You sure? If you're tired, you should just rest."

"I'm fine."

Klaus curled his legs beneath himself as he adjusted into a more comfortable position on the couch. Dave smiled, nodding at Klaus in acceptance before returning his focus to the television program. They were watching Naked and Afraid, a show Dave had grown quite fond of. It was different and rather interesting to watch, much better than any of the other reality TV shows he'd ever stumbled across.

Not even ten minutes passed when Klaus's eyes fluttered occasionally as he fought off the fatigue that plagued him. Dave could see his head bobbing from the corner of his eye. He wished Klaus wouldn't be so stubborn; he clearly was still utterly exhausted, he didn't know why he seemed to almost want to punish himself.

Dave was pulled from his thoughts when a sudden unexpected pressure against his waist caught his attention. Klaus had fallen asleep, his unconscious frame slid down the couch and his head was resting in his lap. Dave's lips tugged into a smile as he watched him; his features soft, and serene. His long dark eyelashes fluttered as he dreamt, soft breaths of air eased through his barely parted lips. Dave wouldn't dare disturb him, he looked too comfortable. He reached over the back of the couch, tugging a throw blanket down and gently covered Klaus with it, tucking it up beneath his chin. He ran his fingers through his hair to further soothe him.

Dave tilted his head back, resting it against the plush cushions of the couch while he continued to rake his fingers gently through Klaus's tousled curls. Everything was still; Riley was silently snoozing in her Pack 'N Play, and Klaus was comfortably sleeping against his lap. Dave smiled, relishing this moment. He closed his own eyes, allowing the peaceful tranquility to envelop him.

Dave eventually joined the little family as he himself drifted to sleep.

—

Authors Note: Sorry about the wait! Thank you for being patient, I hope you enjoy! If you do please be sure to leave a comment! I love reading your lovely words and crave validation haha

I do not own Naked And Afraid (but I do shamelessly enjoy watching it) haha