3x21. Really short and I know I didn't do that scene justice but I had to write something. And maybe you'll like it :)

Title taken from James Carrington's 'Ache'.

I don't own TVD.

Have I told you I ache for you?

Everything changes in a heartbeat. Literally.

It's Klaus' beating heart that makes Stefan understand what exactly is going on, what he's doing, what it all means, the consequences of this one last betrayal.

It's Bonnie who's doing the spell, but it's Stefan's hand that stops Klaus' heart.

Bonnie doesn't even know that the plan has changed. He is responsible for what is about to happen.

He's the one who is actually doing this to Klaus.

And – oh, God.

This can't be happening. Not now. He can't feel this right now.

But the way Klaus looks at him makes his heart bleed and his soul hurt, and he crumbles under the weight of every feeling in Klaus' eyes – shock and disappointment, sadness and regret, and something else, something that hurts so much that Stefan can't even breathe properly without feeling like he's going to fall apart.

All those faded images – pictures-drawings-memories – that have haunted him for so long are suddenly back, clearer and brighter with every beat of Klaus' heart, and Stefan remembers.

He remembers smiles and laughter, and feelings he didn't ask for. Friendship and love and a unique, irreplaceable bond. Secret touches and stolen kisses and pure, unadulterated happiness.

And he's sorry. He's so very sorry, because the heart he's stopping right now is the same heart that has been beating for him for ninety years.

He's screaming inside as he watches the tears swell in Klaus' eyes and wishes that Klaus could hear him, because he has to know, has to understand, please, Nik, I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry, pleasepleaseplease.

Unshed tears are starting to burn his eyes and guilt is burning his heart like acid, but then the world stops spinning, time stops moving, everything just stops.

Stefan can't feel Klaus' heartbeat anymore.