Too young, too fragile (Klaus Mikaelson ff)

Chapter 4

A month passed since that night when Niklaus asked Elijah to stay with him for the night. Since then Elijah made sure to stay close to his baby brother at any time, he moved to the room next to his so he could hear if something happened. He stayed in Nik's room until he fell asleep and was there before he woke up to make breakfast for Hope and assisted him.

It was painful for Elijah to see his brother's health decline and how careless he was about it. After everything that had happened he was still in disbelief and ignored his body's signals.

-Niklaus please sit down, you look very pale! - Elijah begged him - at least slow down please

-I'm fine Elijah, just a little tired - he said running to the stove where he was making lunch for Hope - I can handle this brother

-Please I'm begging you. - he took the sleeve of his hoodie and pulled him to a chair - Here, sit. Let me take your temperature

-I'm fine. - he protested

-Then you don't mind me checking it to prove your right, do you?

-Okay... - he suddenly grabbed Elijah's hand - I feel light headed, vision hazy, head spinning

-Thank you for telling me. Let's get you laid down then

He was glad Nik finally told him when he felt like fainting. He picked him up and carried him to the living room where he barely managed to lie him down on the couch before he passed out. Elijah was accustomed to these by now, but then something new happened.

Niklaus' body started to violently shake, his mouth got foamy, his lungs making a scream-like sound, water gathering under him. Elijah immediately called 911 in panic, they told him it must be an epileptic seizure and that they are on their way.

The seizure lasted about three minutes, the paramedics arrived shortly after. Niklaus begged Elijah not to let them take him, Elijah, full of guilt, allowed them to take him and went with them.

At the hospital the doctor confirmed it was an epileptic seizure, grand mal seizure to be exact and kept Niklaus in for observation and the doctor prescribed anti seizure medication and told Elijah he can go in now. He called Freya first to pick up Hope and take her to her house and explained what happened then turned off the device so no one could bother them.

He spent two full days in the hospital not leaving Nik's side at all. Like he could have... Niklaus got up hourly crying for him and only calmed when he could feel his presence. Elijah's heart broke every time Klaus started to beg him to let him go home, until finally he could say yes.

The seizure took its toll on Niklaus, he didn't leave his room anymore and mostly slept through the day, he was only awake for Hope to play with her and after a few days it was just Hope talking about her day while Niklaus just lays there and listened drifting in and out of sleep.

-Nik... Are you up? - Elijah whispered as he entered the dark room

-Unfortunately yes, brother

-Caroline called, she wants to come over in the afternoon. How should I answer her?

-Tell her I'm delighted to have her over

-Okay. I'll come back in a bit with your meds and some food. I think it's time for you to take a bath as well

-Can you help me with that...? Please...? - Niklaus' voice was broken, not so long ago he wouldn't have allowed Elijah this closeness and intimacy

-Of course brother. I will never let you down, I promise. I'll protect you no matter what.

-When you moved my stuff here... Did you bring my painting accessories as well...? - His voice was a little sad, mixed with curiosity and a glimmer of hope