Another '20s/present day fic because apparently I love to make Klaus suffer. I'm a horrible person...

One day I will write a story with a happy ending. Really, I will. Promise. As soon as Stefan gives Klaus his blood and wakes up him (...we're allowed to dream, right?).

But until then I hope you enjoy this little ficlet :)

Don't own TVD or any of its characters.

Stefan smiles at him and for the first time in God only knows how long, Klaus doesn't feel numb.

Something about that silly, childish smile tugs at his heartstrings and if he's taken aback by the feeling he doesn't let it show.

But Stefan's smile lights up the entire world and Klaus can finally see something else besides darkness, and he likes that.

It's something he wants to keep forever.

(Ninety years later Stefan doesn't smile at him anymore and Klaus' world is once again engulfed by shadows.)

.

Stefan looks at him with those bright green eyes and for a moment Klaus doesn't feel alone.

Because Stefan's eyes are filled with warmth and affection and understanding, and that's all he ever wanted.

Stefan doesn't reject him.

(Ninety years later Stefan's eyes are cold and filled with hatred, and every look burns like venom.)

.

Stefan says you're a king and suddenly everything falls into place.

Klaus doesn't feel empty anymore because Stefan pours life into him with every word and every smile and every drop of blood they share.

And he thinks that maybe he could actually be happy as long as Stefan is by his side.

(Ninety years later Stefan says you took everything from me but Klaus feels like he's the one who just lost everything.)

.

Stefan takes his hand and kisses his lips and for a second Klaus wonders what happened to we do not feel and we do not care because he cares so much about this boy it makes his heart ache.

And he doesn't even feel weak.

He feels stronger and more confident than ever before.

Realization hits him like a lightning bolt – he feels complete.

(Ninety years later Stefan only touches Klaus when he's trying to kill him and doesn't even notice that he's actually dying inside.)

.

He's alone and running again, and the treasured memory of Stefan is the only thing that keeps him going.

Klaus knows that one day they will meet again and everything will be fine.

He still has hope.

Suddenly a feeling so pure and intense overwhelms him completely, and as he remembers Stefan's genuine smile and the unwavering devotion in his eyes, his stone cold heart starts beating faster.

(Ninety years later Stefan's rueful eyes are the last thing Klaus sees before his heart stops beating.)