Klaus was running - he didn't know where he was, or how he had come to be in this foreign place to begin with. The area was unfamiliar to him; trees he didn't recognize in a shadowy and ominous landscape he'd never seen before. Klaus found that it was unusually dark outside, the only source of light that illuminated his footpath was the sparse moonlight that flooded through the canopy between the myriad of lofty trees flanking him to either side. An opaque fog rolled in, obscuring Klaus's already hazy vision; it was dense, and suffocating. The vortex of wind encompassing him was robust and powerful, plucking leaves from their rooted spots within their branches and hurdling them around him in a frenzied revolving flurry. Klaus was breathless, his body aching as his bare feet pounded against the impenetrable earth with each agonizing step he took.

Where was he?

Where was Riley?

Where was Dave?

"Hello?" He called through the forest surrounding him, his voice hollow as it echoed through the emptiness, the sound reverberating back to him like a boomerang that had been flung and was returning to its owner.

"Dave? Riley?" Klaus called while he continued to run, he couldn't be alone, he couldn't be. Where had they gone? Had they abandoned him? Or worse—had he abandoned them?

Klaus...Klaus...Klaus...Klaus…

Join us Klaus…

You're one of us...

"W-who's there?" His voice was shaky, uncertainty flooding his chest. He didn't recognize the looming voices surrounding him, calling him, how could possibly they know his name?

Klaus...Klaus...Klaus...Klaus…

Klaus you're here…

You're finally with us…

You've finally joined us, Klaus...

We've been waiting for you...

"No," Klaus stumbled to a stop, his heels digging into the compressed soil beneath his unclad feet. The voices were growing louder, closer; threateningly so. "Go away!"

Klaus turned on his heels, running the direction from which he had already come from. He'd been going the wrong way all along, he needed to go home, he needed to get back to them. To his daughter, to Dave. He needed to get to safety.

Klaus...Klaus...Klaus...Klaus...

You can't leave us…

You're one of us, Klaus...

you'll never be able to escape us...

We are part of you, Klaus...

"Please, leave me alone!" He turned his head to see them materializing from beyond the crest of the forest; sinister beings of the damned encroaching around him. They were everywhere, decaying flesh falling from their otherworldly limbs, they were outstretched, reaching towards him.

You're part of us Klaus…

Join us…

You're supposed to be like us…

One of us…

You are one of us, Klaus...

"No, please!" They were all around him, their exanimate corpses leeching any ounce of light away from him, it was so dark, too dark—Klaus never liked the dark. "Go away, please!"

They were everywhere, getting impossibly closer, their arms stretching towards him, closer, and closer, and closer; Klaus could almost feel them against his flesh. He stepped back, inching away as carefully as he could. He took another step back, and another, and...

Klaus was suddenly falling...

A chasm within the earth gave way beneath his unsteady feet; swallowing him whole. His heart plummeted into his stomach as he descended, lower, and lower, and deeper and deeper beneath the earth's surface. Suddenly there was a light. Deep burning hues of reds and oranges. Klaus quickly realized that they were flames. He was being cast against his will straight down, deep into the fiery pits of hell.

"No!" Klaus screamed, hot tears cascading his face. He couldn't go there, he had too many things he needed to do. Too many people who needed him. He had Riley...what would happen to her? She needed him, she needed her daddy.

Klaus...Klaus...Klaus...

"Please, no! I'm sorry, please don't take me from her!"

Klaus...Klaus...Klaus...

A hand was on his shoulder, shaking him, that couldn't be, they couldn't touch him...

"Please...please, no..."

Klaus...Klaus...Klaus...

Wake up...

Klaus's eyelids shot open like a surefired bullet through the smoking barrel of a gun, his chest heaved as he gasped; inhaling sharp unsteady breaths. He felt lightheaded, a swirl of dizziness overwhelming him before he was able to clear his mind and focus enough to finally realize where he was. His eyes darted around his surroundings, still blurred by the fog of sleep. Klaus's plush eyelashes flickered rapidly to clear his vision. He was in his living room - the sun was out; no more darkness. The rays of sunshine were filtering through the blinds casting an iridescent display of lights across the pallid walls; no more burning flames of hell. He was safe, laying on his couch. He was safe, he was...

Laying in Dave's arms?

"Are you alright? You were moaning in your sleep." Dave's brilliant blue eyes were there, filled with deep penetrating concern—hovering right above his face. The warmth of his body pressed against his own, their limbs were tightly woven together in a grounding hug. Dave's very warm; very much alive hand was cupping beneath Klaus's sweat dampened neck. He was there; with him, he was safe. "You're sweating, are you okay?"

"Bad dream," Breathed Klaus. He closed his eyes while he tried to calm himself down and slow his breathing. He needed to steady himself, to ground himself. He was home, he was with Riley, and Dave.

He was safe.

"Helluva dream." Dave eyed him worriedly, pressing his palm against Klaus's temple to gauge his temperature before smoothing his perspiration dampened curls away from his eyes. Dave's tender touch sent a shiver down Klaus's spine, causing his body to spasm. He couldn't constrain his tremors, all of his pent up stress and anxiety, and then Dave? With his kind touch and his caring demeanor. "You sure you're okay?"

"M'fine." Klaus opened his eyes into meager slits meeting Dave's wide sapphire blue orbs. "Wait, w-what happened. Why are we..?" He gestured down to their prone bodies. They were bundled up against one another on the couch, Dave's warmth wrapped around his own in a rather intimate embrace. Dave followed his eyes before peering back to Klaus, his features taking on a bashful, and perhaps even embarrassed appearance.

"Oh, uh, yeah," Dave laughed softly, combing his fingers through his own mousy blonde curls as a rosy hue flooded the apples of his cheeks. "We both fell asleep on the couch last night, I guess." Klaus closed his eyes, rubbing his shaky palm down his face to try to wipe his anxieties and impending tears away.

"I'm sorry."

"Oh, no. Really," Dave smiled as he withdrew his hand from beneath the nape of Klaus's neck to give him a little extra space. "It's okay. I'm sorry. It just...happened. It's fine." Dave giggled softly earning a quizzical glance from Klaus. "Honestly, I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty cozy."

"Yeah?" Klaus exhaled a half-suppressed laugh through his nose while his body relaxed into Dave's tender touch. "Me too."

Klaus eased his weary body closer to Dave's on the couch, his forehead resting against the other man's broad chest. He closed his eyes; relishing Dave's comforting contact. Klaus didn't want to admit that waking up in Dave's strong arms instantly helped relieve him from his sorrows after that ghastly nightmare—he couldn't; but he could enjoy Dave's strong presence, and the solace that he provided him while it would last. He was there, he was warm, and he was safe. Much to Klaus's selfish delight, neither man made any attempt to move, or pull away from the other.

Klaus sighed, his stiff muscles slowly relaxing into a more at ease position. His body felt so heavy—he was just so exhausted. Klaus didn't know why, but the ghosts seemed to be getting so much worse lately. Their unending presence never ceasing to inflict cruel and unjust treatment upon him. He didn't understand why they were becoming more and more persistent. It was draining; both physically and emotionally. Klaus honestly didn't know how much longer he could go on like this. He just wanted to rest; truly be able to relax and sleep. He was just so unbearably tired.

Riley's soft cries drifted through the living room as she awoke, earning Klaus to turn his head in the direction of his precious baby girl at the sound of her wailing. She was there, she was safe. He looked into Dave's eyes sending him a brief smile before reluctantly untangling himself from his comfortable position within Dave's limbs and going to his daughter.

"Hey there, good morning princess. You hungry?" Klaus cooed softly; his voice was shaky after his restless night of sleep. He smiled as he cradled his perfect angel gainst his still pounding heart, her soft breaths dancing across his exposed skin reminding him that she was there, she was in his arms - he wasn't in that place anymore. She was safe, he was safe. He was home. Dave smiled as he watched Klaus holding his daughter. He stretched his tired limbs before peeling himself off of the couch and joining the little family within the kitchen.

"Hey, I gotta go to work, so I'm gonna head out." He stated as Klaus tested the heated bottle against his arm before holding it to his hungry daughters lips. "But, uh, would you like me to pick you up some dinner or anything later? I can bring it by after work? Maybe we can watch a movie or something?"

"Yeah, sure," Klaus smiled at Dave, earning a beaming grin in return. "I'd like that. Thanks."

"Of course, anytime. What are you in the mood for?"

"Pizza sounds devine." Klaus's eyes nearly rolled into his skull as he rocked back onto his heels to emphasize. Dave couldn't contain his laughter.

"Alright, pizza it is. I know of a good local pizza joint. Any specific toppings you like?"

"Ah, Dave, I'm a simple man. Plain cheese will do just fine."

"I think I can handle that." Dave grabbed his keys off of the counter as he quickly thrust his shoes onto his feet. He smiled as he walked over to Klaus and Riley. Dave smoothed her downy curls against her head as she watched him with bright blue eyes, her cheeks filling with formula as she ate. "Bye cutie, be good to your daddy, okay?" He shifted his sights to Klaus, their eyes meeting in a warm moment of peace. "When you finish feeding her I want you to drink some water and eat some breakfast, okay?" Dave's voice was soft and caring, his eyes displaying genuine concern. "Remember to take care of yourself too. I can't watch you like a hawk at work, unfortunately. Can I trust you'll do that?"

"Scouts honor." Klaus held his HELLO hand up in a lazy two-finger salute, his lips quirking into a wide cheshire grin. Dave smiled, squeezing him on his shoulder approvingly.

"Alright. I'll pick up the pizza when I get off. I'll see you two later."

"See you then."

Dave sent Klaus a smile one last time before leaving for work. Klaus sat on one of the empty bar stools while he finished feeding Riley her breakfast. He smiled down at her as he observed her. Her little dimples always accentuated whenever she'd eat, he couldn't help but laugh whenever she'd puff out her cheeks with the formula, taking on the appearance of a small woodland creature.

"Should I call you a chipmunk, sweet pea? You certainly look like one when you fill your little cheeks like that." He cooed to her in a soft delicate voice. Klaus held her as she ate, he gently stroked her silken cheek with his forefinger in a loving manner while his lips pulled into an adoring smile. He giggled softly at his daughter; he could always count on Riley to take away his sorrows. Klaus needed this cherished time with his precious little one; especially after the night from literal hell he'd just experienced.

"I love you so much, princess."

Once Riley finished her bottle he cradled her against his chest, patting her back gently as he rocked her and burped her. Klaus pressed his cheek against her body, absorbing her presence. He still couldn't quite shake the strange feeling within his heart. Klaus knew it was just a dream, but it just felt so real. They'd called to him, telling him he was part of them, that he would never be rid of them.

Klaus hated them…

He couldn't allow that to be true. Klaus hated to admit it, but a small piece of himself that he'd worked so hard to bury deep down within his conscience desperately missed his drugs. He didn't miss the high, or the sensation of them on his tongue or any of those superfluous things—he missed the peace and quiet they brought him. The numbness he felt.

He missed the void; the lack of ghosts.

Klaus knew he could never turn to them again, though. That part of his life was over; dead, like the spirits who haunted him now. Riley was all that mattered to him, and he knew if he turned to drugs ever again he would undoubtedly be failing her. He couldn't do that, not to her—not again. He would just have to suffer through this; pray that they would grow tired of him, and finally just move on to wherever one was supposed to go to once you die. Heaven? Or perhaps hell—Klaus shuddered at the thought; he couldn't even think of the word hell right now. He exhaled a sigh, rubbing a shaky hand through his messy curls.

"It was just a dream, Klaus. You're okay, it was only a dream."

A few moments passed, and Riley drifted to sleep within his loving arms. Klaus delicately laid her down within her Pack 'N Play to rest for a while; taking this open opportunity to follow Dave's parting instructions. He filled a glass with water from the tap and took a few eager sips before searching the fridge for food. Klaus was surprised to find it fully stocked—had Dave done all of this? His eyes widened as he threw open the freezer just to find the same thing: Fully stocked shelves with a surplus of goodies for him to eat. Klaus smiled to himself as he took stock of all of the food to his disposal; he would have to thank Dave for all of this later.

He plucked a package of frozen waffles out of the freezer; Klaus couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten waffles, they'd always been a favorite of his. He removed two from the box, replacing it back within the freezer before promptly popping them into the toaster. He peered back inside the fridge only to find maple syrup; not the cheap fake crap, either—the real deal stuff that actually derived from the trees. Klaus laughed, imagining that Dave had probably gone all the way to Canada just to get it. Hell, knowing Dave, he'd probably tapped the tree himself. He shook his head at the absurdity just as the toaster popped. Klaus had to restrain his drool from flowing out of his mouth, the smell of the waffles were tantalizing.

Klaus laid the waffles onto a plate and doused them in a healthy serving of maple syrup before resuming his position on the bar stool and digging in. He'd nearly forgotten what waffles taste like; sweet, and crunchy while still soft and fluffy. He licked his thumb when some of the syrup somehow managed to find its way onto his skin. Klaus hummed in pleasure as the flavors assaulted his taste buds, he never realized how much he missed something as simple as this; he cursed his years on the streets for depriving him from such delicacies.

Klaus ate half of the serving before he found himself to simply be too full to continue; he would have to make a mental note not to waste so much food. After so many years with meals being so few and far between his stomach was no longer accustomed to eating a full sized helping, or really much food at all. His eyes were evidently still far too large for his stomach. Smaller servings would have to suffice until he could handle bigger portions. Klaus slid the plate away from himself and he smiled; knowing that in time, Dave would help him get there.

Riley started to rouse in her crib, her nap evidently not lasting very long. Klaus's lips quirked into a wry grin in her direction before he rose from his seat and strolled to his little ones wriggling form.

"That wasn't a long lived nap, now was it sweetie?" Klaus brought her to his chest, pressing her against his warm skin. "What if daddy just holds you, think you could rest for a little while longer? Yeah? Okay, let's have a seat." Klaus cuddled her close, running his fingers through her curls while he brushed his lips delicately against her temples in an adoring kiss. "Daddy loves you so much princess."

Klaus cradled Riley against his chest as he took a seat on the couch. He rocked her, rubbing her back in a soothing manner while he sang her her favorite song. Klaus's smile never faltered; he was perfectly content just being in this moment—he and his daughter; alone, cuddled together in each others arms. She was relaxed, she was happy, she was safe.

As was he...

Klaus felt his own eyelids beginning to droop; the fatigue from his lack of sleep still not fully mitigated even after getting a full night's rest. Well, not that he would classify whatever last night was as 'rest'. Sure, his eyes were closed, and he was not conscious, but he found that in truth, it could not have been any further from what actual rest should have been.

Klaus still couldn't get that dream - if he could even classify it as that. No, it was most definitely a nightmare - out of his mind. The forlorn voices calling his name, claiming he was one of them, that he'd never be rid of them. The flames that nipped at his flesh from within the pit to hell. He still could almost feel the sensation of him falling, still feel them reaching for him, trying to touch him. Klaus shuddered at the thought. He sighed, tilting his head back to rest against the cushions of the sofa.

Klaus was just still so tired, maybe he could try to sleep, if even just for a few minutes...

Riley's crying put an instant damper on that thought, completely stomping the idea into the ground. He smiled even still, tilting his head down to look at his daughter's tiny upset features.

"You know, princess, daddy would like a nap too." He smoothed her curls atop her head before tucking her closer against himself and leveraging his weary body off of the couch. An offensive smelling odor wafted into his nostrils; causing him to grimace at the scent. "You're stinky squirt, did you take a boom boom?" Klaus held her tiny little body up closer to his face, he didn't even have to sniff any harder to know his assumptions were correct. Klaus exhaled a laugh as he pinched his nose with his free hand. "Woah, pee-ew what a big boom boom! Let's get you in the bath, okay princess?"

Klaus held Riley close to him as he settled her little elephant bathtub onto the kitchen counter. He learned that having it up high would save his back from the stress of needing to lean over the regular bathtub. Admittedly, he was a little nervous to try his luck again with bathing her; she'd hated it so much the last time, but judging by the smell she was giving off, he knew that a full blown scrub down would definitely be in order.

Klaus nearly gagged at the scent that permeated his nostrils as he stripped the clothing from his daughter's small frame - the stench was rather overwhelming. He wondered how on earth something so tiny and so gosh darn cute could create such a foul odor. Using a baby wipe, Klaus cleansed the excess mess from Riley's bum before laying her down inside of her tub that he'd already filled with warm water in preparation for her.

"Let's clean you up, princess. Try not to fuss too much, okay? We gotta make you not so stinky-stinky, yeah? Yeah!" He cooed to Riley as she peered up to him, a curious glimmer in her giant blue eyes.

Klaus dunked a soft washcloth into the bath water, adding a small amount of her baby wash onto it before lathering it up within his hands. He ran the cloth over her tiny figure, cleaning away all of her mess, being sure to get between all of her pudgy little folds, and rolls. Klaus cleaned between each one of her fingers and all ten of her precious little toes. He smiled, cooing to her as he cleaned. He was thankful she wasn't fighting him this time. He only wished Ben or Dave could have seen her now, how well she was behaving, how good he was doing, and how much they were both improving. Dave would probably tell him he wasn't improving, but that he had it in him all along. Klaus exhaled a laugh at the thought.

Dave always thought so highly of him, was always so quick to encourage Klaus, tell him that he could do no wrong. He didn't understand why he always did that; make him feel so good about himself, like he was actually worthy of something. Like he deserved nothing but positivity to come his way. Dave was always so kind to him, he didn't understand it—but God, did he appreciate it. Dave had such a way about him, always making Klaus feel so special, so, dare he say, loved. He honestly didn't know where he or Riley would be right now if it weren't for Dave, he was a godsend to them, he was everything they needed and more. Klaus was so incredibly grateful for Dave's presence in their life. He only hoped Dave wouldn't wise up and decide to leave him behind like everyone else always had his entire existence.

Klaus sunk down to Riley's level, his bright green eyes meeting her brilliant blues.

"We gotta have a serious conversation here, pipsqueak. Can I trust you to keep a secret?" Riley just looked at Klaus; her mouth opening and closing as quiet hums escaped her lips. "Hey now, loose lips sink ships. You gotta promise this doesn't leave between us, okay?"

Klaus held out his pinky finger, he needed a pinky promise to clarify this secret would stay between just them. Riley wrapped her hand around his pinky, a loud cooing sound grazing her lips as she clenched her tiny fist tighter against his digit. Klaus smiled, gently shaking his pinky up and down.

"I knew I could count on you princess. Listen, is daddy crazy, or is Dave super sweet and helpful. He's so good with you, honey bee. And you seem to really like him—should daddy step up his flirting game?" Riley puckered her lips into a pout, quietly making tiny cooing sounds. "I need a more definitive answer than that, Riles. Give me a sign if you think daddy should try to flirt with Dave; or at least try to see if he'd be interested."

Riley cooed loudly; all four of her limbs thrashing within the basin of her tub, sending water sloshing over the sides and drenching the counter as well as Klaus. He laughed, holding his arms up to blockade the monsoon of water she pelted him with.

"Now that's an answer! Wow, baby girl, I didn't know you felt so strongly about this!" Klaus's laughter intensified as Riley's thrashing alleviated; her giant eyes staring straight at him. "Can daddy get a high five?" Her lips quirked into a lopsided grin that proudly displayed her perfect dimples in her precious little cheeks, her arms however, stayed still. "Oh, come on—don't leave daddy hanging!" He brought his palm closer to hers; causing her to excitedly wiggled her arms before latching onto his hand with both of her tiny fists. Klaus exhaled a gentle laugh through his nose, his eyes brimming with amazement and adoration—god, he loved his precious girl. "That's close enough for me, sweetie! What a team!"

Klaus finished rinsing the suds from Riley's tiny figure, humming a happy tune to her as he pulled her out of the bath. He bundled his baby girl into her adorable elephant hooded towel that her uncle Benny got for her; smiling at how cute she looked in it before he cuddled her against his chest.

"All clean! Yay!" He softly cheered, clapping his hands together before he grazed his fingers through her water dampened curls as he kissed the crown of her head. Klaus held Riley close against his chest as he poured the water from her bath down the drain. Klaus cuddled his baby girl and just marveled at her beauty; he just couldn't get enough of his perfect little angel. "You smell so good now, princess." He smiled against her damp curls; inhaling the soft clean scent of her skin. Klaus just loved her so much. He gently rubbed her back, singing softly to her as he turned to leave the kitchen.

What Klaus was met with nearly stopped his heart...

When he turned around he came face to face with them again—the horrific souls of the dead. Klaus startled, hugging Riley closer against his chest; covering her head protectively—they were back. Everywhere he looked, hundreds of them. Dark, menacing disfigured faces of the damned. He couldn't escape; not while sleeping, nor while awake.

They were always there...

"Please, no, just go away!" They were calling to him; screaming so loud that his ears were ringing. "Stop, please. Just, please, leave us alone!" Their shouts only got louder the more that he begged. Klaus winced at the pain that tore through his head, they were just so loud, why did they have to scream?

They encircled them; closer, and closer, and louder, and louder...

"They can't touch you, Klaus. They can't touch her. She's safe, you're safe." Klaus chanted to himself repeatedly; he needed to ground himself, reminding himself that they would be okay. He took a deep shuddering breath, closing his eyes as he passed through the entities; the sensation of them against his skin chilled him to his core. Klaus knew he had to disregard them, they couldn't touch them, they were safe. He had to ignore them, tend to his daughter. She was here, she was real, and she needed him to hold it together for her.

Klaus laid Riley down on the couch as he finished quickly drying her off. She stared up at him, crooked smile on her face; eyes bright and beautifully pure. Klaus smiled at her, slipping her diaper on before he started to pull her onesie on over it - when out of nowhere drops of black tar-like sludge began to drip onto the couch to either side of her tiny innocent frame.

Was that—blood?

Or what once was blood?

Suddenly there was a rush of wind against the back of his neck; hot, thick and uncomfortable. Klaus soon realized it was not a breeze; but the putrid breath of the dead breathing down his neck. So close he could feel it, his hair was standing on end, goosebumps blanketing his skin with each stale breath they took. His hands trembled as he struggled to fasten Riley's clothing onto her, he couldn't control his tremors. Klaus winced when their voices resounded around him; so many indiscernible voices, they were just so loud. His head was pounding with a headache; no, a migraine and his eardrums felt as though they may burst.

Klaus could hardly focus, his vision blurred as his energy steadily continued to fade—why was he so tired? This had to have been just from his lack of sleep, right? It couldn't...it couldn't be from them? Were they causing this? Could these entities be responsible for his dizziness and fatigue? Could that even be possible?

Klaus felt so weak, so tired and so unbelievably vulnerable...

Klaus was so exhausted, and they were just so damn loud, he didn't know what to do. He bundled Riley into his protective embrace; just so thankful she couldn't see or hear them, too. He turned to face them. They were so close; right there, the room was so congested by them he could almost swear he could feel them against his flesh. Klaus closed his eyes as he stumbled back a pace, his mind was swimming with dizziness, he was just so fatigued. He needed to face his fears, he needed to get away from them. Klaus pressed Riley closer as he pushed himself through the horde—he could physically feel their tension against his body, the resistance as he trudged through them. Klaus's arms burned, he swore it was as though they were almost able to touch him; their nails clawing through his exposed skin. That would be impossible, it couldn't be. They couldn't touch him, could they? He was so exhausted, he felt like he would collapse—but he didn't—he couldn't.

Klaus did it, he pushed past the apparitions and reached through to the other side; they were safe. Klaus barely made it to the couch before he was hit with an intense bout of vertigo. His lower limbs failing him, crumbling out from beneath his weary frame. He clung to the armrest of the sofa, using it to aid in heaving his unstable body onto the bolstered upholstery. Klaus slumped down roughly onto the couch; coiling his shaky knees against his chest as he hugged his daughter impossibly close against his rampaging heart.

Klaus rocked Riley, trying desperately to get his precious angel to sleep. Maybe if she would rest, he wouldn't feel as awful about the abhorrent company that surrounded them. Klaus groaned as the shrieking calls of the dead continued to intensify; his head was pounding and his ears hurt so badly. He clenched his eyes closed trying hopelessly to get them to leave him be.

"Please, stop, I'm begging you. Please!" They were all around them—screaming his name, cursing his daughter's. He just wanted them to go. Klaus had to stifle his tears when Riley began to cry alongside the dead. He held her tighter, running his fingers over her tiny back in hopes of soothing her but nothing seemed to work. She was clean, she'd just been fed, he didn't know how else he could satisfy her. Was she merely feeding off of the energy surrounding her? The stress and fear of her daddy? Klaus only wished Dave was there; Dave with his ever comforting presence. Dave, with his kind eyes and his genuinely caring soul. Klaus knew that realistically Dave couldn't do anything to help him, but his presence alone would offer him so much comfort—he only wished he had him in that moment.

Time passed by slowly as the horrible sounds surrounding Klaus continued to escalate; he rocked back and forth cradling Riley to his chest—he was so out of sorts he hadn't even realized when she'd thankfully finally drifted to sleep. His eyes were pinched tightly shut as he cupped his right ear with his HELLO hand; the only free hand he had. He hadn't even noticed the blood trickling from his left ear, nor had he tasted the metallic flavor of the blood he'd drawn from his lips that he'd anxiously been gnawing on the last few hours.

Hours—that's how long Klaus had been sitting there; encompassed by the shrill screaming of the dead. Klaus's eyes felt so heavy, he was just so tired, he just wanted to sleep...

Why couldn't they just let him sleep…

"I'm back, and I come bearing gifts of pizza, and, oh—" Dave arrived at the house after his shift at work ended, still fully suited and booted in his uniform; had Klaus not been so consumed by his demons, he would have found Dave to be rather swoon worthy, decked out in his police attire. Dave entered the kitchen; his hands full with a box of pizza, a two-liter of soda and a stuffed elephant toy he'd seen in a little shop and just had to pick up for Riley. He set the items down on the counter before realizing Riley was asleep within Klaus's arms. "Sorry," Dave held his hands up in apology as he lowered his tone, his voice a soft whisper. "Did I wake her?"

Klaus opened his dreary green eyes and peered to Dave. He shook his head as he returned his focus to his daughter, delicately rubbing circles up and down her back to soothe her. Dave's eyebrows furrowed with instant worry as he took in Klaus's ragged appearance. He looked pale, and downright exhausted. And...were those scratches on his arms? Yes, there were so many—shallow collections of cuts running all along both of his slender extremities. Those had not been there before Dave left that morning, had Klaus done that to himself? Dave didn't know how to explain it, but something wasn't right, he could sense it. Klaus just seemed off.

"Klaus, you look beat. Are you okay?"

"M'okay, I'm just famished, is all." Klaus's lips tugged into a weary smile as he addressed Dave. Of course, he was lying, he couldn't exactly explain what was wrong though, could he? What could he even say? Dave—I'm not doing so hot, I've been tormented by the souls of the dead for the past, oh, six hours and I'm so exhausted from being their personal conduit, I feel like I could drop into a comatose state at any second? Yeah, that would go over well. No, he couldn't explain his personal torment, Dave would never understand.

"You sure? Dave gently cupped Klaus's cheek within his palm while he softly stroked the pad of his thumb over his sharp cheekbone. Klaus's shaky hand wrapped around Dave's wrist; a delicate yet forced smile gracing his tired features.

"Dave, M'okay, really." Dave didn't believe him, there was something wrong, he knew there was. Klaus was so out of it; his usually bright and bubbly personality dulled to a faint murmur. And then those cuts? Had he been self harming? Dave didn't understand why Klaus was so adamant about building these walls and blocking him out. He would find out what was wrong, but he would have to give Klaus his space for now and address this subject a little later on. He couldn't spook him, cause him to shy away. Dave needed to get answers, get to the bottom of this. He needed to help Klaus.

"Okay, if you're sure. Let me just change real quick and I'll help you get Riley to bed, yeah?" Klaus smiled at Dave with an appreciative nod.

"Yeah, thanks. That'd be great."

Dave smiled sadly at Klaus as he gathered his overnight bag into his arms. He didn't understand what was wrong with Klaus, but he knew that something was definitely amiss. He quickly entered the bathroom being sure to hurry; not wanting to leave Klaus unattended for long. Dave stripped out of his police uniform, carefully removing his belt with his gun, and all of it's other accompanying accouterments before he carefully folded them up, and placed them inside of his duffel. He was sure to be extra cautious that his safety was on, removing the clip and ensuring his chamber was empty for good measure. Riley may have only been a baby, but he wouldn't dare take the risk. Especially not with Klaus so unwell.

Dave worried for his mental stability and personal wellbeing. He'd worked in his line of duty long enough to recognize the signs of when someone could potentially pose a threat to themselves, and well, something was most definitely wrong with Klaus, and Dave was very much concerned for Klaus's safety. He knew he would never do anything to harm his daughter, or him, but himself? Dave threw on his pajama bottoms; a pair of comfortable black joggers and exited the bathroom while still pulling his baby blue tee over his head.

Klaus's dull green eyes never even perked as Dave approached him on the couch; he was entirely unaware of his presence, too exhausted and overwhelmed by the demonic entities still surrounding him. Suddenly he startled, Dave's strong yet caring grip bracing against his shoulders.

"Hey, I've got her. You just relax, okay?" Dave smiled warmly at Klaus, gently squeezing his narrow shoulders as he peered deeply into his weary green eyes. Klaus nodded, examining the caring man's face before him. He couldn't help but notice how Dave's light blue shirt brought out the intensity of the blue in his beautifully kind eyes.

"Thanks."

Dave tentatively took Riley into his arms. He rocked her and cuddled her for a few moments while he watched her daddy on the couch. Dave just couldn't get over the distant look in Klaus's eyes. Something was wrong, he knew something had to be, he could feel it in his gut. Dave gently laid Riley's slumbering form down inside of her Pack 'N Play. He rubbed her back and smoothed her curls against her head. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her peacefully sleep.

"I got the pizza you wanted. Plain cheese for you, pepperoni for me." Klaus didn't so much as blink at Dave's words. He frowned, approaching Klaus and kneeling down in front of him. "Klaus? You okay? Dinner is here, want me to set you a plate?"

"Hmm?" Klaus's eyes fluttered as he tried to focus his blurry vision; finally peering into Dave's concerned blue gaze. "Oh, right, pizza. Thanks, I'm starved."

"Are you alright?" Dave's eyebrows furrowed with worry as he leaned in closer to examine Klaus's pale features. "You sick?"

"M'sorry," Klaus straightened, sitting upright as he attempted to act ordinary. He didn't want to alarm Dave. He was fine, he wasn't alone anymore with them, he was safe. "M'just still tired. I can eat, though, really. Thanks."

Dave didn't look too confident in Klaus's answer, but he smiled and nodded anyways; giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze to reassure him.

"I'll make you a plate."

Dave went into the kitchen and quickly fixed himself a plate with two slices of pepperoni pizza on it. He also set one for Klaus, giving him one slice of cheese. Dave knew Klaus's appetite still wasn't up to snuff, and decided he could always get him more if he was still hungry later on. He proceeded to fill two glasses with soda, and an extra glass with water to ensure Klaus was staying hydrated. Dave knew in his heart he needed to do everything in his power to make sure Klaus's health was at its best; especially now. He re-entered the living room, setting the plates and beverages down on the coffee table before he sat beside Klaus on the couch.

"Here," Dave eased the glass of water into Klaus's unsteady hands. "Drink some of this first, maybe you're still dehydrated."

Klaus nodded as he attempted to tighten his grip on the water. He held the glass to his lips and tipped his head back, allowing the cool beverage to swirl into his mouth before swallowing. He flinched, pulling the glass away as his eyes pinched closed, a hiss escaping his parched lips. That's when Dave first spotted it; a flash of crimson, the color a drastic contrast against Klaus's pale skin—blood. There was blood pooling out of Klaus's left ear; spilling down his jawline.

"Klaus, holy shit. Your ear is bleeding." Klaus winced, cupping his hand to his ear before pulling it away and admiring the sticky red substance on his fingertips.

"Oh," Klaus pinched the blood; his blood between his thumb and forefinger. His voice was lackluster, staying level and worn. "My eardrum must've ruptured."

"Ruptured? You say that so nonchalant." Dave's face was contorted with worry. What on earth would cause such a thing, had Klaus somehow done that to himself, too? "Stay here, I'm going to clean you up."

Dave quickly ran into the bathroom to collect a washcloth; rifling through the medicine cabinet where he found some peroxide. He remembered his sister bursting her eardrum when they were younger and knew not to stick anything inside of it, but he could clean the exterior of the ear to help prevent infection.

"Lean back, let me get a good look at it." Klaus complied, easing himself back against the cushions of the sofa. Dave delicately cupped his chin; maneuvering Klaus's head to get a better view. Dave worked at gently cleansing the blood away from Klaus's ear, being extra careful not to cause him any additional pain. Klaus winced a few times, clearly in quite a bit of discomfort. Why hadn't he told Dave that this happened as soon as he arrived back at the house?

Klaus had his fingers drawn to his mouth as he ravenously gnawed at the skin around his cuticles. Dave immediately winced himself once he realized Klaus was rapidly drawing blood. "Klaus, you're hurting yourself." Dave grabbed ahold of his hand with such a tender touch, pulling it away from his lips. Klaus looked at his shaky hand within Dave's, before peering into his caring blue eyes.

"S-sorry. It's a nervous tick of mine."

"Well, not anymore. Here," Dave removed a chain from around his own neck and draped it over Klaus's, "whenever I feel anxious I just hold these, twist them around on the chain. It helps ground me—I want you to have them." Klaus gathered the item into his hands: they were dog tags. Dave's dog tags from his time in the military.

"Dave, I can't accept these." Klaus attempted to slip the coveted item from around his neck, But Dave's firm yet gentle hands stopped him.

"Keep them, I insist. I hope they can bring you relief like they brought me when I was deployed. I don't need them anymore. Looks like you could use them a hell of a lot more than me." Dave grinned at Klaus, earning a genuine smile in return. Dave was so kind, so nurturing, and Klaus still couldn't fathom how this man could treat him with such kindness.

"Wow, Dave. Thank you, I—" Klaus suddenly winced, his body cowering back as a gasp vacated his throat. He pinched his eyes tightly closed trying to ignore the visions he was seeing. They were right there, they were back. Standing just over Dave's shoulder; taunting him, mocking him. Why couldn't they just leave him be? Klaus clutched Dave's dog tags; he pulled them into his palms and pressed them against his eyes as he leaned forward, desperately trying to block his view of them. Dave's own eyes filled with worry; what was happening with Klaus?

"Seriously, what's wrong?" Dave leaned towards Klaus, cupping his cheek within his hands as he frantically examined his exhausted features. "Klaus, I can tell something is wrong, please tell me. I can't help you if you don't let me in."

"Y-you can't help me, Dave. You don't understand." His lips trembled as he spoke, his fear bubbling out of his chest.

"Make me understand, Klaus. I want to, please. I want to help you."

The voices grew louder again, screaming Klaus's name. His ears were ringing, they were burning. They were just so loud, so deafeningly loud! He just wanted them to shut up.

"No, no, no, please stop..."

Something wasn't right, Dave didn't know exactly what, but whatever it was, it was seriously wrong. Why was Klaus pleading for him to stop? Why was he repeating the same mantra over and over again? Why was he—wait.

Everything started to click into place within Dave's brain as he pieced everything together. Klaus was Diego's brother, Diego had abilities. Did Klaus have these abilities too? Could that have something to do with what was happening?

"Klaus, if Diego is your brother, that means you were part of that...umbrella academy, right? With the powers?" Klaus peeled his hands away from his eyes so he could look into Dave's brilliant blues; he expected to see the look of disgust; hatred, even. Klaus was surprised when he was instead met with a look of concern and...understanding? "I didn't even think of it—your tattoos on your hands, your the Séance, aren't you? Is that what this is? Are you seeing ghosts right now? Is that what's wrong?"

Klaus didn't understand why, but as soon as Dave mentioned the word 'ghosts' the otherworldly entities dispersed, leaving just he and Dave alone amongst one another in the room. Klaus inhaled a deep breath, relaxing against the sofa and finally allowed himself to open up to Dave; admitting the truth.

"T-They're always there. They never give me a moments peace, they never leave me be." Klaus closed his eyes as he rested his head back against the plush couch, a tear rolling down his cheek. He was quiet, unsure of what Dave would think, or say. Surely he wouldn't want to stick around now, stay anywhere near the let down of the academy, the weakest link. The freak who's abilities were only good for tormenting their host. Dave frowned as he watched Klaus's walls crumble down from around him. He was proud of Klaus for being honest. Everything made sense now.

"Why don't you tell them to leave?"

Klaus scoffed, opening his eyes and looking at Dave for the first time with disdain behind his irises.

"Don't you think I've tried that? They don't listen! They're always there; screaming at me, cursing at me. Threatening me and Riley. They don't have to listen to my pleading, they're dead. I can't do anything to stop them. My powers are worthless, just like me."

"Klaus, no—" Dave wanted to comfort him, to tell him that he was wrong, that he was the farthest thing from worthless, but he didn't get that chance. The next words out of Klaus's mouth shattered Dave's heart, spewing the fragmented pieces along the living room floor.

"They—They scare me, Dave. I'm fucking terrified. I'm powerless against them. I-I'm lost, I don't know what to do—"

"Klaus, I will protect you, then. I don't know how, but I will. We will figure this out—" Klaus laughed, a manic almost depressing sound as he sunk deeper into the cushions of the sofa.

"Wow, Dave, the sentiment is appreciated, really, it is. Except, you can't." Klaus's voice trailed off as his eyes slipped shut once more. He spoke again; voice barely above a whisper. "No one can."

An uncomfortable silence filled the room, neither man knowing just what to say or do. Dave wanted to comfort Klaus, but was unsure of what would be the best thing to say, while Klaus just wanted Dave to forget the truth about him altogether. Klaus was embarrassed by his abilities. He'd never been able to control them, and he ran away from them for years by drowning out their voices with alcohol, and blinding their sinister visions from his eyes with drugs. It was bad enough that he was aware that these things existed, but burdening Dave with the truth? He couldn't stand it.

He couldn't stand the silence though, either. Besides, he felt bad for being so brash with Dave. He only wanted to help, he shouldn't have yelled at him for not understanding something that he himself didn't even fully understand. Klaus adjusted on the couch while he peered at Dave. He cleared his throat as he sat forward and took ahold of his glass of water into his hands.

"Doesn't your girlfriend wonder where you've disappeared off to the last few days? She doesn't mind me stealing all of your attention. She ought to be jealous of Riley, another woman stealing all of your affection." Klaus shot Dave a crooked smile trying to lighten the mood. Dave looked into his eyes, a smile covering his face as he let out an amused laugh.

"Well, I don't have a girlfriend. Never have, actually. I'm gay." He paused as he ran his fingers through his dirty blonde curls. "And I'm single, no boyfriend. Not since, shit, sophomore year in high school. It's hard to date!" Both men chorused together in a laugh. Had Klaus heard correctly? Dave, the man he'd been fawning over was gay?

"What about you?" Dave asked, a curious smirk across his chiseled jawline. Klaus cleared his throat. He took a sip of his water; stifling a wince as the action irritated his burst eardrum before looking straight into Dave's beautiful eyes.

"I'm a wildcard baby, can't be tamed. I'm what you might consider a pansexual. I'm rated E for everyone." Both men laughed once more, Dave nodded as he took a bite of his pizza, his smile intensifying when Klaus did the same.

"May I ask, why aren't you with Riley's mother? I know you said you two never really were 'a thing', but may I ask why not?" Klaus exhaled a sigh, taking another bite of his pizza before setting it down on his plate. He chewed slowly to draw out his answer. Klaus didn't know how Dave would react to his ugly truth.

"Avery?" Klaus began, adjusting so he was sitting on his crossed legs atop the couch. "Remember how I said I was homeless, and a drug addict before Riley came along? Well, I did what I had to in order to get by; you know, survive out on the streets. There's not a whole lot of ways to pay for food, or a room, or drugs when you're unemployed, Dave. So I did the only thing I could." He paused, his gaze trailing down to Dave's dog tags within his hands; he hadn't even realized he'd been fiddling with them the entire conversation. "She and I, we uh, we would have casual sex in exchange for drugs. But...I'm not that person anymore. I never will be again."

Dave's lips quirked into a soft and understanding smile; who was he to judge Klaus for his actions? He didn't know him then, but he knew him now, and he knew him well. Klaus was a genuine, gentle and kind person with a beautiful soul. That's all that mattered to Dave; who Klaus is, not who he once was. He laid a hand atop Klaus's knee giving it a gentle and reassuring squeeze in hopes of putting his reeling mind at ease.

"I know, Klaus. I believe you."

Klaus smiled; a real smile. One of pure authenticity. That was Dave—always kind, always so comforting, and absolutely perfect. He could never truly understand just how important it was for Klaus to hear someone say those words to him; that they trusted him, believed in him. Dave was amazing; inside and out. Klaus felt truly safe simply knowing that Dave was there with him. They were together, they were safe.

They enjoyed each other's company, eating their pizza in peace as the static noise of some random Disney movie playing in the background pervaded the living room. Klaus felt content, he felt safe, but his eyelids felt unimaginably heavy.

Klaus smiled as he cuddled against the cushions of the sofa and at long last peacefully drifted to sleep.

—

Klaus...

You've come back to us, Klaus...

You've returned...

We told you, Klaus...you're one of us...

You're meant to be one of us...

Dead like us...

Join us Klaus...

Klaus couldn't breathe; his heart was stuck in his throat and his lungs had seized to a halt. He was plummeting again; down, down, down, deeper, and deeper, and deeper...

He was so hot, the heat that engulfed him was insufferable and only gaining intensity as he rapidly descended closer, and closer to the flames. The fiery bowels of hell were swiftly swallowing him whole, and gearing up to consume him; turn him, change him into one of them.

Soon you'll be just as we are, Klaus...

Accept us; accept who you are, who you're meant to be...

What you've always been meant to be...

Dead...

Dead, like us...

Death becomes you, Klaus...

"No, please!" He begged as his body hurtled deeper into the pit. Klaus's eyes were burning from the smoke caused by the flames; they were filled with tears that steadily streamed down his fear stricken face as he screamed in unabashed anguish. "You can't have me! My daughter needs me! I can't leave her, I can't leave Riley!"

No one needs you, Klaus...

But, we do...

We need you, Klaus...

The walls started narrowing the deeper he fell. His ragged breaths grew shallower and insubstantial as the air grew thinner and full of fumes. He couldn't breathe...

"Please..." He choked through the toxic vapor that surrounded him. The walls continued to close in around him; he was feeling claustrophobic. Klaus's eyes widened in panic when he realized the walls were not walls at all—they were limbs. Klaus was no longer falling; he was physically being dragged down deeper into the abyss. They were all around him, reaching for him, touching him, clawing at his flesh. Klaus screamed in agony as they began to tear into his skin. Abruptly the heat was gone and in its place came an all encompassing coldness; Klaus shivered at the frigid temperatures, his body trembling and his teeth chattering. He was chilled to the bone. They continued to try and rip him apart, trying to peel him open and disembowel him. He could feel them mutilating him. All Klaus felt was pain, and fear, and sadness.

"Please," Klaus sputtered through a mouth full of blood, his vision blurred and fading quickly, "m-my daughter n-needs me. P-Please don't take me away from her."

Klaus was so cold and so tired...

He couldn't breathe...

Klaus...

Klaus...

KLAUS...

—

Dave smiled as he watched the ending of the movie playing on the oversized flat TV screen. He was content; no, he was overwhelmingly happy, sitting on a couch amongst a family he truly never felt more a part of until this very moment. Klaus finally opened up to him, laid his heart out on his sleeve for Dave to see. He was honest with him, baring his soul and every insecurity to Dave. He couldn't help but admire his bravery. Dave knew it must've been hard for Klaus to put himself out on display like that; he who had all of his walls and barriers to bury his past. Klaus, who was consumed by his own inhibitions and self-doubt.

Dave glanced at Klaus when he moaned in his sleep. He'd been tossing and turning for quite some time now, seemingly unable to find a comfortable position. It saddened Dave that he seemed unable to find any relief, even as he slept. He watched him; admiring him.

Klaus was brave; a man who had agonized through an unimaginable amount of pain and fear while silently suffering through the appalling sights he was forced to see. A man who bore the weight of an ability, or rather a disability that tormented him, frightened him, and instilled an unspeakable about of trauma into his delicate and fragile soul. It pained Dave to know just how frightening this all was for Klaus, and knowing how long he'd gone through his life with no one to turn to, no one who understood or would offer him support. Dave was there now, though. He wouldn't dare turn and walk away from Klaus. Not now, not ever.

Klaus was beautiful; his large emerald green eyes shone brilliantly, displaying his emotions and feelings so openly, like an oversized picture window overlooking the glorious depths of his wondrous soul. His heart was pure; his love so profound, so intense for his daughter. Dave could tell the innate bond between Klaus and Riley the second he spotted them for the first time in that grocery store. He had a heart of gold, pure gold, the rarest kind in the world, and it shimmered brightest for his beautiful baby girl.

"No, no, please." Klaus cried in his sleep, his voice ragged and terrified.

Dave's gaze immediately traveled to Klaus's thrashing form. His eyes widened as he realized the terror on Klaus's features. Klaus was absurdly pale, his skin nearly a stark white. He was covered in a thick layer of sweat, the beads trailing over his sharp cheekbones and clinging to his many curls. Klaus was shaking violently; like he had been trapped outside on a cold winter's night. Dave had to wake him up, he was having another nightmare. Dave slid himself closer to Klaus, planting his palms against his shoulders as he gave him a gentle nudge.

"Klaus, wake up. You're having another nightmare."

"Please, I can't leave her, I can't leave Riley!" Klaus groaned, his lips quivering as he continued to cast himself roughly around on the couch. Dave's features pinched together with sympathy; Klaus's nightmare was about him leaving his daughter?

"Klaus, please wake up. You're not going anywhere, Riley is right here, she's safe, you're—"

Klaus's breathing grew raspy and unsteady. He struggled to take in any air, his body went rigid as his hips thrust off of the sofa; his back arching into a precariously uncomfortable position. Dave's concern continued to strengthen, Klaus's erratic behavior while he dreamt was worrisome. Dave was genuinely scared he would hurt himself. He needed to wake him up. He needed to comfort Klaus, and calm him down.

"Klaus, please wake up, you're okay, you're safe, you're—"

"M-My daughter n-needs me. P-Please don't take me away from her." Dave gasped, his blood freezing in his veins at the horrific scene enfolding before him.

Klaus was gagging on his words; a dense molasses-like sludge was seeping from his nostrils and mouth, replacing the oxygen in his lungs. Dave didn't know what the substance was, but, whatever it was, it stole Klaus's breath away—it was asphyxiating. Dave needed to wake Klaus up, now!

Klaus was suffocating, he couldn't breathe…

Tears were streaming down Klaus's pallid face as he choked and gagged; his body writhing in pain while he struggled to suck air into his oxygen deprived lungs. Dave shook him forcefully, as hard as he possibly could. He needed to wake him, he couldn't breathe!

"Klaus! Klaus, please! Please, wake up! Klaus!"

Klaus's body launched forward in a frenzy while he choked on the discharge coming out of his throat. He was frantically gasping for oxygen, shuddering coughs racking his frail frame trying desperately to fill his lungs. His terrified emerald eyes burst open in a panic. Dave wasted not a moment's time in grabbing ahold of him, wrapping his arms around Klaus's weary frame protectively. He needed to hold him, to ground him, to save him.

"Klaus, talk to me, are you okay?"

Klaus's fists entangled into the soft fabric of Dave's worn cotton shirt. His eyes were open but focused on nothing. Klaus's chest heaved as he struggled to breathe. The ooze stopped spilling from his lips, but he could still taste the vile excrement on his tongue. Klaus's heart was pounding in his chest, trying to break free from its imprisonment within his rib cage.

"Hey, hey you're okay. I-I've got you. Breathe, Klaus. Just try to breathe." Dave tried to calm him, to encourage him, but Klaus wouldn't respond; he wouldn't so much as flinch. Dave's worried blue eyes gazed deep into Klaus's petrified green ones; his pupils were blown wide with fear.

"Klaus, What the hell was that?" Dave desperately tried to gain his attention, pull him back to himself, back to reality. "Are you okay? Please, answer me." Klaus flinched, his eyes wrenching shut as he curled in on himself, his grip on Dave's shirt tightening. That's when Dave realized that Klaus's fists were faintly glowing blue. His body shivered, a pained groan bursting past his trembling lips. Klaus's 'nightmares' lived beyond the realm of sleep, they followed him into his conscious state, too. It killed Dave to see, Klaus never found any reprieve from his abilities.

"Are they here now?" Klaus whimpered, his head nodding as he finally acknowledged Dave's presence causing Dave's heart to drop. Klaus was scared, he needed to help him. He needed to save him, there had to be a way. Dave wrapped his arms around Klaus's slender frame, pulling him tight against his chest in a bone crushing embrace. His own heartbeat thudding against Klaus's irregular one. Dave needed to hold Klaus, to ground him, to protect him.

"I'm here, Klaus. They can't get you. You're safe. You're safe, you hear me? I won't let them touch you, I'll—" Dave's speech abruptly halted.

Suddenly the room was brimming with a vivid blue illumination of light. It was blinding, and loud—so incredibly loud. Dave squinted his eyes, ducking his head as he shrugged his shoulders to cover his ears in a vain attempt to staunch the sound. Dave soon realized that the light and sound were both coming from...Klaus?

Klaus was screaming; his head was wrenched back, his agonizing howls penetrating like electricity in the static air. His entire being was radiating an overwhelming blue aura.

Klaus…

Klaus, you're one of us…

Join us Klaus…

Dave's head whipped around to the sound of the detached unearthly voices; his own eyes widening in fear. They were there—the ghosts. Dave could see them now, too. They were everywhere, so many undead souls. They were surrounded. Hundreds of them, mutilated corpses all wailing in agony, screaming Klaus's name. It was terrifying. They inched closer, causing Klaus's body to jolt with pain with each lumbering step they took; could he feel what they felt?

Dave held Klaus as he began to cry, his body seizing with each heart wrenching sob. Dave couldn't stand to see him that way, so scared, so broken.

Klaus, you belong with us…

Accept who you are, Klaus…

Give into your abilities…

The souls of the damned approached the two frightened men on the couch; closer, and closer. Dave himself felt his heart starting to seize. Then out of nowhere, the entities energy suddenly shifted; their focus directing elsewhere as they slowly redirected their attention away from Dave and Klaus.

Dave's heart clenched; plummeting from his chest when they fixated their dastardly attention on Riley, Klaus's little girl, instead. Dave was disgusted; she was a baby, just an innocent baby!

"No! Please!" Klaus's broken voice begged; pleading them to stop. "D-Don't touch her, please!" He sucked in a breath, his energy nearly spent. "P-Please d-don't touch my daughter!"

The entities encircled around Riley's crib; their menacing claws stretching towards her. They had no intention of listening to Klaus, and every intention of harming his precious child. Klaus's body shook with exhaustion and overwhelming fear; no longer fear for himself, but fear for his daughter. They were here, they were planning on inflicting harm on her, she wasn't safe. Klaus had all the power in this situation, and yet no power at all. Klaus couldn't help her, he wailed because he couldn't save his own daughter.

Dave couldn't take any more of this; he couldn't just sit by and allow them to hurt Riley, or continue to hurt Klaus any longer. They didn't deserve such an unspeakable fate. They didn't deserve such torture. He didn't understand just what the intentions of these evil beings were, but he didn't care to learn. He just knew he had to put an end to their incessant torment. Dave promised Klaus that he would keep him safe—he still didn't know how he would be able to accomplish fulfilling his promise, but dammit he had to try something; anything at all. He refused to allow this to carry on any longer. Dave needed to rescue them, liberate them, and save this little family.

So, Dave listened to his heart; and it told him exactly what he needed to do.

Dave lifted his head up; holding it proudly as he spoke with a driving force, a venomous bite on his tongue. He needed them to stop, to leave this family; his family, and finally allow them to live in peace.

"Leave! You're not welcome here! This home only welcomes love and light! You're no longer allowed to torment them! You can't touch them! You can't have them! You have no control over them! You are not allowed to stay here! I banish you!" Dave shouted, his voice firm and assertive. His stance was direct, his features set in a stoic sense of resolve. He would not allow this to go on any longer; the torment, the fear. He promised Klaus he would protect him and god dammit, he would stand by his words.

Klaus's body shuddered as he opened his eyes. The spirits were there; whirling around in a frenetic swivet. The entire living room was filled with a blustery current of wind, it was kicking papers off of the counter, and tousling their hair. They were screaming, cursing his name, his daughters name, Dave's name. They were vexed, and seething with hostility. Klaus was scared, mortified. What would they do now, Dave had only angered them, what would happen to them now? What would happen to Riley? He squeezed his eyes shut as tears readily tumbled down his hollowed cheeks. The wraiths were there; they were thick like a layer of smog—and then they weren't.

Dave's commands were working. They were dissipating, dissolving and finally leaving him be. Klaus gasped for breath, oxygen at last reaching his lungs as his rigid muscles relaxed against Dave's protective touch. Relief flooded Klaus's weary soul when Dave's tactics worked. Dave and his caring touch, his calm demeanor. Dave and his unending concern—Dave; his savior.

"I-It's working," Klaus began, voice quiet and infinitely spent. "They're gone. They're finally gone."

"Klaus, you're okay, now. I promised you I'd keep you safe. I never break a promise." Dave held Klaus tight as he looked into his exhausted eyes. He frowned at the sensation of Klaus's cold body in his arms. "Hey, you're shivering." Dave tightened his arms around Klaus's trembling frame. He pressed his cheek against Klaus's curls as he just held him there. Klaus needed this, he needed to be held, to feel safe, to feel warm. Dave needed it, too.

Time seemed to stand still, a moment paused in juncture as their hearts merged together as one, their heartbeats syncing to the others own panicked rhythm. Dave rubbed comforting circles against Klaus's back to soothe him; his tremors finally beginning to slow.

"I'm so sorry." Klaus whispered against the exposed skin of Dave's shoulder. Dave just held him tighter, gently rocking him in his arms.

"Hey, it's okay," Dave momentarily pulled away, cupping Klaus's cheeks within his steady palms. "Klaus, never apologize for wasn't your fault. You hear me? It wasn't." Klaus wrapped his hands around Dave's wrists, absorbing Dave's caring touch. Their eyes meeting in a steady moment of gravity, pulling them closer to one another.

Klaus stared profoundly into Dave's beautiful eyes; they were deep blue, like the ocean; and Klaus found himself to be drowning in them. They were there, holding each other, staring deep inside each other's soul; Klaus didn't know how to describe the feelings he felt. He couldn't help himself, he was overwhelmed by so many sensations, so many feelings—Relief, joy, compassion, love.

Klaus's body gave into fruition; he dove forward into a kiss, his lips crashing against Dave's like the waves against the shore. He hadn't expected this to happen, nor had he anticipated it. Klaus didn't know what ramifications would come from his unsolicited actions, but in that moment he couldn't bring himself to care. Klaus melted against Dave's warmth, his gentle touch relaxing every muscle in his rigid body as their lips partook in their own private dance. Klaus lost track of time, of space, he didn't know how long their lips lingered together as one, all he knew was when he broke free, he was left gasping for air; like he'd just resurfaced after a perilous journey from beneath the sea.

"I-I'm sorry," Klaus began, his heart fluttering as he struggled to catch his breath. What was he thinking, Dave helped him and how did he repay him? By forcing himself upon him.

"What? No, no it's—"

"No, I'm sorry. I'm just..I-I'm just so exhausted, I wasn't thinking clearly." Klaus pulled away from Dave's tender touch, straightening his posture. He was so tired, the room tilted as it started to spin. "I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry. I-I'm so sorry—." Klaus words faltered as his eyes fluttered; his body began to collapse against the sofa. His energy was thoroughly sapped after his violent day of torture. Dave thrust himself forward, clutching onto Klaus's weakened frame.

"Woah, woah! Easy, I've got you." Dave pressed Klaus's fatigued body against his chest, cupping his cheek in his steady palm as their eyes met; clashing together as one. Dave's blue eyes furrowed in concern when Klaus's green orbs fluttered, struggling to stay awake. "I've got you. You're safe." Dave's voice was soft yet strong with conviction. He stroked his thumb against Klaus's hollowed cheekbones, he needed to soothe him, reassure him that he was okay.

Klaus's lips twitched into a tired smile before his eyelids eventually slipped closed, and his body went slack. Dave held him, he had Klaus now and he would never let him go. Never let him fall. Dave scooped his arm beneath Klaus's knees, pulling his slight figure against his broad chest into a bridal carry. Dave held him for a minute, just relishing being able to hold him. Klaus was still here, he was okay. He was safe. Dave knew he would never let anyone, or anything harm him, or Riley ever again.

"Let's get you to bed."

Dave carried Klaus into his bedroom; he sat on the edge of the mattress as he just held Klaus, keeping him pressed firmly against his own solid chest. Dave couldn't bring himself to let him go, not yet. He continued to hold him, to cradle him. The harrowing idea that Dave could have lost Klaus today kept repeating itself in his mind. He could have lost him, Klaus could have died. They almost got him, they almost stole him away from his daughter, away from him.

Dave's emotional dam around his heart finally burst and he allowed himself to weep. He only hoped this was the end of it, he couldn't bear the idea of those things coming back and continuing their reign of terror on them again. Dave inhaled a deep breath, finally able to breathe himself. He nestled his chin atop Klaus's sweat dampened curls while he rocked him in his arms, holding his unconscious frame, comforting him as best as he could. Dave peeled back the blankets and delicately laid Klaus's exhausted form against his plush mattress. He tucked his warm comforter around his slender body, mindful to ensure he was completely encapsulated in its warmth. Dave smiled, tucking a strand of curls behind Klaus's ear.

Klaus was here, he was home. He was safe.

—-

Authors Note: Thanks to anyone still following along with this story! And thanks for the lovely comment I got last chapter! You're a trooper m'friend! I took a LOT of creative liberties with Klaus's powers in this story! Just remember; with Ben being alive Klaus never had a friendly spirit to help guide him and shape his abilities. He's learning about them all the hard way, unfortunately. Thankfully he has Dave to help protect him and keep him safe!

If you enjoyed this (incredibly long, sorry lol!) chapter, PLEASE let me know in the comments! I crave validation and just wanna know how this made you feel! Thank you again!