Late To The- [Klaus X Reader]

Late to the- [Klaus x Reader]

Requested by Anonymous ⏱️

The quiet of the house as Klaus finally got off work was uneasy. He knew all of this was his fault, working too late once again and leaving you alone with the children for far too long...

Settling into a chair as quietly as possible, a warmed-over plate of Bavarian pot roast sitting in front of himself. Wistfully thinking about how dinner must've gone earlier today, how he would've talked with the children. Warning them against talking with their mouths full, enjoying the day-to-day chatter, gently reminding the children to finish their vegetables, and meeting your eyes from across the table.

Blurry visions of what could have been... should have been, faded as he wiped at the sparse tears from under his glasses. Slowly getting up and cleaning away what little mess there was, Klaus was breathing a little heavily. The weight of his grief and guilt hitting him in full force.

Marching down the hall on tired feet, Klaus stopped just shy of your shared room, contemplating the risk of waking you up. Instead, he shuffled back to the living room. Sinking into the couch cushions, Klaus fell asleep to the ideas of the person he wanted to be... how badly he was failing at being a father and husband.

"Shhh!" "But!" "Shhh!!"

Klaus's eyes opened slowly, five children looking down at him. He knew how bad this must look to them, yet...

"Shatzchen, is there something you needed?" He sat up slowly, trying his best to make things seem normal, "What is going on?"

Before Damien could answer, Yvonne piped up, partially bouncing up, "Why aren't you sleeping in the bed with Mama?"

He was squirming at this, keeping this façade was going to be difficult, "I didn't want to wake Mama up last night. I came home far too late mein Shatzis, that's all it was."

The worried looks being exchanged between the children had Klaus squirming even more. This was his worst lie to date, and right to his children's faces at that... He could tell they weren't believing him this time. Until...

"You must've been extremely late Lieber." You stepped in from the hallway, "To be out here once again."

Now the children were just confused, looking back and forth like little meerkats. As much as Klaus appreciated your backup on the matter, he was also concerned about your willingness to lie to the children. Though he could very easily say that about himself at the moment.

"Quite late mein Herz." Klaus hung his head a little, "My apologies."

Klaus was tackled in tight hugs, several small arms wrapped around him as you walked into the kitchen. It was clear that you were just trying to keep the peace, but the conversation wasn't over with. Just delayed until the children were too busy to pay attention to the conversation.

It wasn't until after lunch that you were approached by Klaus. Shyly shuffling, struggling to find the words to start the conversation. As much as he wanted to-

"Klaus, I'd rather you woke me up." Your eyes didn't leave the book that weren't even reading, "I know how much this weighs on you. That you want to be here to spend time with us. But fact of the matter is that your job is very demanding, I've known that since we started dating and it hasn't changed throughout our marriage."

Klaus was barely able to make eye contact when you looked up at him. But the pain behind how strictly you were talking hit him like a ton of bricks. Kneeling down to your level, a gentle hand resting on your knee as he mirrored your deep seated pain.

"I know it all sounds harsh like this, but--"

"Liebling, please don't apologize." Klaus carefully squeezed your knee, "I shouldn't have put you in such a situation as to lie to our children, and I... I know it hurts you to be like this. It hurts me to be absent in my family's lives. I've only ever wanted to be here for all of you. And yet..."

The urge to smack Klaus with your book was strong, however...

"Honey, you're doing the best you can." You sighed a little, "The children and I know that, we understand-"

His head popped up, "I don't want you to understand. I'd prefer that you be upset, blame me for the broken promi--"

"Why should I blame you for the fact that there are terrible people in the world?" Your foot came down very close to his knee, "Because I know you wouldn't break a promise without a damn good reason and so do your kids."

Looking like a scolded child himself, Klaus laid his head on your lap in defeat. He knew you were right, he knew he couldn't continue arguing with you over this either. Deep down he knew this would blow over soon enough, that you weren't truly upset with him... just how he was going about inflicting his own punshiment.

At least he had today to make up for the time spent in the office.

Flufftober 2023

Day 7: "Close your eyes" [x Klaus]

It was such a long day, you just wanted to go home and relax. At least, that was your first instinct. Until your phone dinged, a brief message from your giant teddy bear of a lover.

"Please meet me at the north end of the park."

Your exhaustion was replaced with a sudden giddy rush as you started down a readjusted path. Whatever had plagued you would be all but a distant memory after you met up with Klaus. It was all but guaranteed. Klaus just had this charm, it was almost an ability to make problems just... fade away.

As you neared the park, your eyes darted around the area. Klaus was all too easy to spot from a distance, but it didn't seem like he was close enough yet. However, he wasn't very clear about where exactly in the northern end of the park he wanted to meet up at. Just as you were about to text him for a little clarification...

"Hello [Name]." You turned, not expecting Klaus's voice to be so close. He seemed a little too large to be sneaky like this, "I do apologize for the sudden request. There was something I wished to show you, if you have a moment?"

"Of course!" You beamed up at him, "Where to?"

The grin across your face was mirrored by a soft, tiny smile on Klaus as he offered his arm. He couldn't help how enamored he was with you; especially given the way you smiled at him, linking arms with him, and strolling along... not a care in the world. Despite how often others tended to avoid the red-haired gentle giant.

That didn't matter to you in the slightest, he was a massive sweetheart. Though you weren't sure where you were headed, yet. Several of these buildings weren't all that familiar to you, this wasn't an area you went to often. Only made it easier for Klaus to find something surprising to show you...

He stopped a little abruptly, "Ah, do forgive me. Please, close your eyes. I'll make sure you don't trip, I promise."

"Okay."

Klaus couldn't stop his ears from turning red. Seeing you just... do what he asked, trusting him to this degree was still very flattering to him. Flustered him to no end thinking about how much trust you had in him. Though Klaus wrapped an arm behind your back as the two of you continued walking. It wasn't much further, Klaus was certain you'd love this.

Turning the corner, Klaus lead you to a small café. Guiding you to a small table in the back of the store.

"Ah, I'll be right back Liebling." He said, "Please, don't open your eyes just yet."

It was a little nerve-wracking to sit at a table by yourself with your eyes closed. But the fact that Klaus was calm helped ease you. Sitting and breathing deeply, you could tell that it was a rather small restaurant, possibly some kind of sweets shop.

Klaus wasn't gone for very long, settling back down across from you. He was extremely excited to show you this little treat, sliding the small plate toward you. It was extremely adorable to him, the way your head tilted at the noise.

"I apologize for the wait," His hand slipped over yours, "It's ready."

"Ready?" You were slow to open your eyes, rubbing as you adjusted to the light, "What do you--"

Once you saw the small cake-like treat, your face split into a soft grin. And once again, your happiness was mirrored in Klaus... just to a smaller degree. An adorable design of a pug face looked up at you, it was almost too cute to eat... almost.

"I thought you'd find it adorable." Klaus admitted sheepishly, "But I didn't think it would be very... safe to attempt to carry one through the city. Especially with how tucked away this café is compared to other places."

Holding onto his... oversized hand was about the most difficult thing to do. Not that he cared in the slightest; Klaus carefully wrapped his fingers between yours, simply enjoying the moment. Listening intently to your day.

Whumptober 2023

Day 1: "Don't panic, it won't hurt" [x Chain]

Hellsalem's Lot had some of the worst wasps you'd ever seen. You couldn't reach the stingers embedded in your back and sitting wasn't very comfortable; given that you couldn't lean back at all. That's how Chain found you, sprawled out face down on the bed.

"What...?"

"Wasps." You groaned, half rolling over, "They got my back and I can't get the stingers out."

Chain sighed. It would be tricky, but she could get a lot of them out at once using her invisible werewolf abilities. Though she didn't know how it would affect you to have someone phasing through your body. The people she fought tended to have very negative reactions when she phased through them.

"Okay, just lay still." She lifted your shirt slowly, "And take a deep breath. Don't panic, it won't hurt."

The deep breath you took was exhaled sharply as something went right through your skin. It felt so cold, it burned; though it was vaguely hand-shaped. Chain was doing her best to move quickly, she could tell that you weren't thrilled about this arrangement.

"Almost done." She said, "Just a little more and they'll be out."

The teeny dribbles of blood from the open wounds hurt Chain a little. There wasn't much left to do except ointment and bandages, which was far easier than removing the stingers. Though Chain was quick to kiss around the small plastic strips, and that made it feel just a little bit better.

Whumptober 2023

Day 7: "Don't you see I'm trying?" [x Zed]

It was difficult, running through the poorly lit hallways of an abandoned hideout. The area was currently undergoing a turf war and demon beasts had infested the place. You could barely tell your pre-made spells apart, desperately searching for one that would produce enough water for Zed's pods... and one that would at least temporarily patch the device.

"Hurry [Name]." He hissed, "Hurry!"

"I'm trying, I'm trying." You were on the verge of tears, "Don't you see that?"

"I can barely see two feet in front of me." Zed bit back, "And that circle of visibility is getting worse by the second."

The most Zed was able to do at the time was him trying to save as much of the water from leaking out with his Orb Weaver technique. But that wasn't the best option either. There was only so much water he could hold onto mid-combat.

That's where your proficiency with arcana was supposed to come in handy. But everything felt like it was closing in around you and Zed's sour mood wasn't helping. It was justified, but not very helpful.

"Hurry!" Zed snapped as you both ducked behind a low wall, "I can't hold out much longer like this [Name]!"

"Don't you see I'm f*^king trying!?" Tears started falling without your permission, "Yelling at me like that isn't f*^king helping me when I can't even f*^king help the man I love. So just lay off!"

Zed blinked, suddenly forced to see what you were going through as well. He was so used to you being the most reliable partner in the field that it never crossed his mind. The idea that he could be too demanding at times simply hadn't occurred to him at all.

But seeing you cry hurt. Despite not having the time to sit and comfort you at the moment, the least he could do is shut up and cover you. Trusting that you'd find the right spell as soon as you could... or carry him out of here to a safer location.

"You're right." He huffed a little, being yelled at by you of all people was never pleasant, "Stay hidden, I'll cover you so you can find what we need."

A sharp nod as you wiped your face off, turning back to the pouch of spells. It wouldn't take too much longer. It shouldn't at least...

Whumptober 2023

Day 10: "I trust you." "That was your first mistake" [x Aligula]

The kitchen was an absolute mess, you didn't know how Aligula managed to get pudding in the oven hood, but here you were. Covered head to toe in a batch of pudding and watching it drip from impossible places. You knew Aligula wasn't the best in the kitchen but how did she mess up stirring pudding?

"I trusted you, Lily." You moaned, "How did you manage to get pudding in all these places?"

"That was your first mistake." Aligula huffed, "I was trying a new little device for helping in the kitchen."

"Well now we need to clean everything."

"Including you." Aligula snickered, "That'll be fun."

"Don't act like you don't need a shower too Lily." You were trying so hard not to smile, "But we can manage with a cat bath so this doesn't have time to dry before we can get it out of the vents."

Aligula pouted, "But the house would smell like chocolate! We can't pass up that opportunity!"

"We can, we will, we shall." You sighed, "This is non-negotiable. Chocolate in the vents will attract rats and Femt ran out of traps last time you tried cooking."

"So why'd you let me cook again?"

"IT WAS PUDDING!" Aligula giggled at your frustration, "How you managed to blow up a bowl of pudding belongs in a fricken record book somewhere."

"We'll burn that bridge when we get there. One problem at a time."

Rolling your eyes, you started running the tap water. Maybe you should have a perma-ban against Aligula. Taking pictures to remind you of all the weird things she's done to get to this point. At least she hasn't set fire to milk... yet.

Flufftober 2023

Day 9 Extra: "Are you wearing chapstick?" [x Steven]

Requested by @anonymous-104

The day was nice and crisp, albeit a little cold for early autumn. You were hoping for slightly warmer weather by the weekend, it just wouldn't feel like a summer barbecue if everyone was wearing sweaters and scarves. But for now, the cooler weather was welcome.

Especially with you spending the day with Steven. The first time in nearly two months that he had a full day off from his job. Sure the odd date here and there, but a full day where the two of you didn't have to worry about other obligations. It felt like heaven.

Not helping your wistful romanticization was Steven looking so ridiculously handsome in a muted orange turtle neck and dull, dark grey blazer. He wasn't buttoned up, leading you to vaguely wonder if he would look more dorkish or more handsome with the blazer buttoned. Truly, the most important mystery this morning.

Strolling down a semi-crowded street, hand in hand with your lover as he swiped his thumb across the back of your palm. It was almost too good to be true, but here you were anyways. Reveling in the moment and just enjoying the time you had.

Steven's mind was wandering as he lazily eyed the window displays. As much as he would prefer to go all out on a series of extravagant date ideas, this was far better. Just calmly enjoying each other's company without anything major going on.

No, the elegant date would be much later on tonight. Steven would not be deterred.

For now, he was content half browsing window displays in case there was anything that caught his eye. Some new decor to add to his Autumn, Halloween, or Thanksgiving boxes. Nothing wrong with adding a few small, classy pieces if they caught either of your attention.

Just enjoying a stroll, a cup of coffee, and your company... things he deeply desired while shuffling through mounds of paperwork the past few days. Things Steven knew he would die to protect. Maybe not the coffee though, he would always be able to get another cup if something happened to his.

Though Steven was fully alert when you tugged his arm, pulling him a little to a display window. The ornaments sat snuggly; several sizes, colors, and styles of pumpkins around a full cornucopia. It looked like the cornucopia was fixed with the interior decorations, but would make for a nice centerpiece.

Despite your enthusiasm to possibly get a similar piece that you would undoubtedly empty out to customize with other fake vegetables and flowers, Steven was focused on your lips. The faint glint on your mouth caught his attention far faster than your side project. Soft twanges of longing had Steven transfixed as you kept talking, until you were the only thing he could think about.

Clearing his throat as softly as he could as you turned, waiting for his opinion on a conversation he didn't even listen to.

"On a completely unrelated note," He was just shy of confessing how little he heard, "Are you wearing chapstick?"

Raising an eyebrow at him, "Yeah. Why? I have my chapstick on me if..."

Steven didn't bother giving you an answer, he was too lovestruck for that. Having swooped down, kissing you tenderly. It didn't matter that you two were currently in public, Steven would be more than capable of dealing with those consequences when they arose. It didn't matter that he had to let go of your hand, at least not for the moment, Steven needed to cup your cheek. It didn't even matter that you were left breathless, blushing, and questioning him, Steven just couldn't pass up the opportunity.

"I apologize mi Amor." Steven grabbed your hand as if he didn't do anything, "I needed to apply a little myself. As quickly as possible."

The way he winked at you before sipping at his coffee had you short circuiting.

"There are better ways to ask!" You hissed, trying to ignore how hard you were blushing, "I am carrying the chapstick with me!"

Steven was too handsome for his own good. Simply smirking at you, it wasn't like you had a free hand to prove your claim. Not when Steven was refusing to let go...