A/N: Thanks for the reviews and follows! Here's the next chapter! :)
(KLAUS' POV)
May, 1999
Klaus couldn't remember the last time he was this scared. When he heard Clay cry through the baby monitor, he ran the fastest he could to get to his son's room. He didn't even know that he was capable of running that fast. A million or so thoughts ran through his head during the short distance from his room to Clay's nursery. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if something bad happened to his son.
Upon entering his son's room, he almost dropped to his knees in relief when he saw his son just standing up in his crib. He just woke up then and was probably hungry.
What he didn't expect though was his heart breaking into pieces when he heard who Clay was calling out for.
"MAMA!" Clay more or less wailed while crying uncontrollably which caused Klaus to shake out of his reverie and march towards his son's crib to pick up his one year old.
"Ssh.. Ssh.. Daddy's here." Klaus hugged Clay close to his chest and rocked him back and forth, trying to make the baby calm down.
"Mama.."
Klaus felt a tear roll down his cheek. Clay was looking for Caroline, but she was in Mystic Falls. Clay had to get used to not having his mom around. It was unfair, but that was their agreement. Klaus wondered if Nathan looked for him too. A part of him would never forgive himself for letting go of his other son. There would always be that missing piece in his life. But he resolved not to take it out on anyone, especially on Clay. He looked down at his son who was still crying. There were times when feelings of insecurity and self doubt washed over him. What if he couldn't do this? What if Clay was better off with Caroline? He kissed Clay's forehead and promised to himself that he would do everything he could to make Clay's life complete and happy. That he'd be the best father he himself never had growing up. Clay won't grow up feeling that there was something missing in his life.
"Dad's here, son. Ssh now. Everything's going to be alright." He continued to pat Clay's back until his loud wails turned into quiet whimpers.
Klaus smiled softly at the sight of Clay finally sleeping peacefully in his arms. It still surprised him, that he was capable of loving someone this much. His heart felt like bursting with love and pride everytime he saw his son. He carefully placed Clay back into his crib. Not ready to leave Clay alone quite yet, Klaus lay down on the couch beside the dresser. It was only the next morning when he realized that he fell asleep there when his brother Kol was nudging him awake.
After that night, Klaus had Clay's crib moved into his room for the time being.
"Dad?"
"Yes?" Klaus jumped in surprise upon hearing his son's voice, officially putting a halt to his trip down memory lane. It was a Sunday, and that meant time for family. Usually, they'd spend it with the rest of the extended family but for today Klaus decided that it would be a father-son bonding type of day. He had missed Clay while his son was away at camp. So they were going to stop by their favorite art shop.
"Are we going now?" Clay was hovering by the doorway, looking hesitant to enter his study room in which Klaus found a bit peculiar. Clay usually just barges in without so much as a warning. If he was being honest, Clay's not been acting himself ever since he arrived home at camp and it was making Klaus wonder if something bad had happened. There was really something different with the Clay who was standing by his doorway. He just couldn't quite put a finger on what exactly that change is. But then again, Klaus knew that his son would tell him if something did happen. Clay was not one to hide what he feels, always an open book.
Very much like someone else, Klaus thought to himself. But he immediately shook away those thoughts, not wanting to dwell on them.
"Yes. Let me just grab my keys."
"Okay." Clay said then he quickly left the room.
Huh. Klaus frowned. Where was his talkative son? He felt like Clay was being somewhat distant to him, they barely had a proper conversation ever since he returned. Well, Klaus resolved to get to the bottom of this..of whatever's happening with Clay.
(CLAY'S POV)
Clay was having a brilliant afternoon. He found the perfect bookstore that offered both new and used books. He even found some that he's been having a hard time looking for back home. He spent two hours in the bookstore and ended up buying six books. They weren't all for him though. One was for his mum.
Yeah, who was he kidding. He went a bit crazy in there.
He was just wandering around the shop now when he suddenly spotted a records store with a sign that read "rare finds available". It wasn't really his thing, but it was Nathan's. He walked in and decided to buy something for his brother.
He somehow found himself browsing through the folk rock section. Again, it wasn't his type of music but he knew much how Nathan liked them. Actually, his father did too. He saw a band that his he knew his dad loved and he reached out for the album when someone grabbed it the same time he did.
"Excuse me, but I found this first." The guy said arrogantly, not letting go of the album.
"But we grabbed it at the same time." Clay reasoned, not releasing the album as well. This was petty and Clay really did not have the energy to argue over a bloody CD but then the guy was acting like a right prick so he decided to argue a bit for fun.
"It's not like you listen to this stuff, anyway. Give it."
"And you just make assumptions of people without even knowing them?"
The guy didn't say anything for a moment and Clay realized that his accent might've slipped out at some point. Clay cleared his throat. "I mean..yeah, what I said."
The stranger looked distracted for a moment. "Well, I would know."
What? "Know what?"
"What if feels like to be judged."
Honestly. Clay sighed, he didn't have time for this melodramatic talk. "Don't we all?"
The guy shook his head. "What I mean to say is, you just seem like the type of dude that listens to something else, that's all."
And what type of dude is that?
"Well, my shirt begs to differ." Clay shot back and only realized how stupid he sounded. Well. What's done is done. And yes, he was wearing yet another band shirt of Nathan's named The Cure. He's heard of them, obviously, he doesn't live under a rock.
"Name two albums, then."
"Seriously, are we five now? Well, there's..you know the bit with the ehm.. Love song..or other."
The guy looked like he was trying not to laugh. It was only then that Clay noticed his short messy dark hair, pale skin and midnight blue eyes. He was not unfortunate looking, Clay admitted reluctantly. Twat.
"I was right, then. So, shall I redirect you to the pop section?"
"Just because you seem to have a liking for that kind of music, that does not give you the right to shit on other people's choice of music. Music is music. Where's the right of choose? Where's the freedom?"
He was almost going to add, 'Where is the love?' when the guy started laughing.
Clay narrowed his eyes. "What?"
"Sorry, sorry. It's just. Nevermind." The guy covered his mouth and tried to school his features. "And what's with your accent? Why does it keep changing?"
Clay seriously couldn't care less now if his accent was showing. "Oh, fuck off."
"So, are you going to let go or not?" Blue eyes asked. It was only then that Clay noticed that they were both still holding on to the album.
Clay eyed the shelf, it was the only album left on the shelf. But Clay's had enough of this. This guy was ruining his good mood. "Here, you can have it."
"On second thought, here. I could always look for something else." The guy held the album out to Clay.
Clay shook his head. "No its okay, I insist. You can have it." He started to walk away.
"No, I insist." The stranger took ahold of his right hand and placed it there.
"I said it's alright, yeah? I'll just look for something else." Clay gave it back immediately.
"Nope, don't want it." Blue eyes gave it back.
"Its fine."
"No, here."
What the hell is happening? They were acting like children. Clay was about to burst in frustration.
Blue eyes sighed, "Fine."
"Fine." Clay said back. Because, well.
"Fine." The guy shrugged again.
Clay nodded once. "Fine."
"Fine." Blue eyes was smirking now.
"Perhaps fine will be our always, I guess." Clay blurted out without thinking, then his eyes widened immediately. The fuck was he saying. He was quoting books now. He should leave. "Bye."
He turned around and started walking briskly out the shop.
(NATHAN'S POV)
So far, Nathan was enjoying his day with his dad even though they were doing things that Clay enjoyed. Such as going to the art shop. That was a challenge. Nathan had to pretend to have an extensive knowledge on all things art. It was a good thing he had it covered, he did his research. Let it be known that Nathan Forbes was not one to tackle on something unprepared. It wasn't all that boring as he thought it would be though. But then afterwards, his dad decided that they go kart racing. Now that was more in sync with Nathan's interests.
They were walking by the shops now when Nathan spotted a music store. It's been a while since he's been into one.
He might've subconsiously stopped because his dad suddenly stopped walking as well.
"Clay?"
"Uh..Dad? Can we go in here for bit?"
Klaus looked surprised for a moment before he nodded. Nathan grinned as they both entered the shop.
"Woah! I've been looking all over for these." Nathan exclaimed as he crossed to room over to the vinyl records on display. There were of different bands that he always loved listening to growing up.
"Son, I never knew you were interested in these kinds of music." Klaus grinned, also browing some of the records.
Nathan froze. "Uh..Yeah, there was this guy at camp who introduced me to the genre." He turned away from his dad and made a face. Shit. He should really be careful. He had too much slip ups already and he's only been there for a week.
"You know, I've always loved this band." Klaus said, pulling out an LP.
"The Cure?" It was their 1989 album.
"Yes." Klaus nodded, "Saw them live once."
"Are you serious? I love that ba-" Then Nathan stopped himself. "I mean, they're good. Based on what I've heard."
His dad continued to talk about the various bands he's seen live and what he wanted to see and Nathan had to stop himself from talking animatedly about it. He didn't know he and his dad shared an interest in rock music.
"I used to play these for you when you were still a baby. Well, this and I also read you a lot of poetry."
Nathan tried to smile, but he couldn't help but feel a bit bitter. They were having so much fun so far that Nathan almost forgot that he was acting as Clay. For a moment it was like he was bonding with his father as Nathan, something that he never had the chance to do before this day.
He wasn't able to stop himself before blurting out, "Do you ever wish that you had more children? If..if you and mum never separated."
His question obviously caught his father off guard, causing him to drop the album he was holding. Nathan saw a look of sadness crossed his fathers features before he immediately schooled them back to normal.
He didn't say anything for a moment so Nathan immediately added, "Just..just wondering, is all. You don't have to answer, dad. Sorry."
That seemed to shake Klaus out of his reverie. "No, no. It's okay to ask questions, son. Never hesitate. It's just that it's been a while since you've asked me questions about your mum, that's all. To answer your question.. No, I don't wish to have anymore children, if given the choice. Having you as my son is the best thing that's ever happened to me." It looked like it took a lot from his dad to say those things.
"So." His father said brightly, obviously trying to change the subject. He grabbed a couple of CDs. "Let's check these out."
Nathan nodded, trying to swallow the hurt he was unintentionally feeling. Damn it, why did he have to ask such a stupid question? What did he expect, it wasn't as if his dad could talk about him right? His other son. Did his dad even wonder that was happening with him? He shrugged off the feeling and told himself to man up. He didn't do emotional talks and he wasn't about to start anytime soon.