The Beauty of Being Numb | Klaus Hargreeves x Reader

My Dear Old Friend, Heartbreak

"Sherry baby (Sherry baby). Can you come out tonight?" 

Jackie laughs as (Y/N) comes back from the kitchen, a tray of tea on her hands.

-I don't know- John sighs-. But ever since that march things got worse. I swear, (Y/N), if you weren't here, I would have died out of stress already. I don't know what's the magic you to to your brewing, it's so comforting.

She smiles softly at her friend before sitting down beside's Bobby.

"You better ask your Mama (Sherry baby). Tell her everything is alright."

-But enough about me!- John leaves the cup at the table-. How about you, (Y/N)? Have you gotten used to the capital?

-It's lovely, but I still miss New York a bit. Of course, I got better company here than there.

-Oh, don't lie, sweety- Jackie looks at her pitiful-. With all those rumors about you and my husband, it must be hard walking on the street.

Ever since Marilyn's death a year ago, the press was obsessed with the idea that (Y/N) and the president have an affair.

"(Come out) Move it nice and easy. Girl, you make me lose my mind."

-I know it's not true, and that's enough for me- she takes a sip from her tea-. And I'm not here for the press, I'm for you two. Especially, Jackie, you are just recovering and I didn't want you to be alone.

-You're a great friend.

The four friends spend a nice afternoon at (Y/N) apartment. talking about politics, love, and other nuisances. (Y/N) had known the Kennedy family for two years, thanks to Marilyn, and they had grown fond of her.

At eight, after dinner, Jackie helps her with the dishes. As she scrubs, the First Lady dries. The men stay in the dining room, drinking.

-Do you have anything planned for next week?

-Eve is taking me the photos for December's Vogue cover- (Y/N) answers.

Her friend sighs.

-I was hoping you could come with Jack* and I to Texas.

-Sure, 'cause Texans love having Germans on their territory- (Y/N) jokes, but Jackie doesn't laugh-. Oh, dear, is something wrong?

-It's just that I haven't done such a major appearance since Patrick- her younger son had died months before, just two days after being born-. And this diplomatic visit it's really important. Jack it's expected to convince Texans to support Reverend King, and I, as the First Lady, have to be in the right state of mind for the sake of the country. I'm just nervous.

-Oh, Jackie- (Y/N) leaves a plate at the sink and takes her friend's hands-. You're going to do amazing, you'll see. You're the great Jaqueline Kennedy!

She smiles at her. She knew Jackie wasn't completely healed from her loss, that was the reason she moved to Washington in the first place.

-Besides, I'm one step ahead of you- (Y/N) goes back to washing the dishes-. I moved some strings at Vogue and convince them to have the photoshoot at Dallas.

Her friends' eyes light up.

-For real?

-Ja! And you must know, I'm as nervous as you; last time I was in Dallas, a homeless veteran chased me with a knife.

-I should thank that man- Jackie jokes, relieved at the news-. If it wasn't for him, Miss Monroe would have never run you over, and you wouldn't be here!

-And that, of course, would have been a tragedy for the Kennedy clan in more than one way- Robert and John enter the kitchen-. Most people would think you are lucky for what happened, but in fact, we're the lucky ones.

John takes his wife by the hips, a glass of whiskey on hand. His brother approaches (Y/N) and tries to do the same with her. She scuffs.

-Don't you even think about it, Bobby- she was the only woman he couldn't get his hand on, and that just made him wanter her more-. You should be heading home, by the way. Ethel must be exhausted after taking care of Chris all day. She could appreciate the help of her loving husband, don't you think?

John laughs as Jackie frowns at his brother-in-law. One of the reasons she has come to be so good friends with (Y/N) was her lack of interest in married men, especially the Kennedy brothers.

-You should give up, brother- John keeps laughing-. Don't you remember our dear Miss Voss is utterly in love and hopelessly devoted to her imaginary boyfriend?

-Oh, Jack...- his wife hits him softly on the arm-. He's not imaginary, I've told you a thousand times.

-Okay, sorry- he apologizes-. It's just oddly weird no-one has ever seen this man in the two years we've known you, (Y/N)!

-He's in Vietnam, John- she glares at him-. He may be home if it wasn't because you don't retire the troops, and you won't do that any time soon.

The president sighs.

-I can't, (Y/N), you know that.

-In other matters- Jackie tries to change the subject-. Guess what, love? (Y/N) is coming with us to Dallas!

-I thought you feared Texans- Bobby comments, surprised.

-Oh, I do. But I could take the risk if it means helping my dear old friends- she smiles at the presidential couple-. Plus, I could use the sunbathe. Washington may not be as cold as N.Y, but I still miss the sun.

-Great!- John smiles-. I'll tell my staff you'll be going with us on the plane.

-Oh, no, that won't be possible- Jackie frowns-. I have to do a photoshoot for Vogue, they said it was urgent, so I'm leaving on Monday. I'll see you two there when you arrive.

-Oh, alright.

-I'll be the first in line to buy a copy- Bobby says flirty.

(Y/N) and Jackie roll their eyes.

-Time for you to go, Bobby!- (Y/N) takes the whiskey from his hands-. Say hello to Ethel and the kids from my part.

By nine, her guests are gone. (Y/N) goes to her room to pack the last of her belongings for the trip, music playing on the first floor. Her neighbors must be tired of hearing the same song night after night, but she doesn't care.

"Oh, baby, I've told every little star, just how sweet I think you are. Why haven't I told you?" 

She sits on her bed with a glass of red wine on hand, looking at the only memory she has of the future, of her time: Klaus photo.

"Friends ask me, am I in love. I always answer yes."

That was her usual routine: Sit and cry for hours until she fell asleep, a glass of wine, music on, and his photo on her hands.

"Maybe you may love me, too. Oh, my darling, if you do, why haven't you told me?"

His last words to her are both hope and despair:

"If you live, I'll tell you, deal?".

She had lived, but where is he? She has to believe he'll find her, that Five will search for her and take her back to Klaus.

That is the only thing that keeps her going since day one.