For All My Love And Rage |Originals AU

15. Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten (Klaus)

A/N: I will post the rest of the book today. I will post a chapter every 1 hour or so. Maybe less. BUT PLEASE read the last 2 chapters, 19 and 20. If you don't like Henrik, Esther, Ansel and Mikael, you can skip the next few chapters if you want (I wouldn't but its your choice). BUT PLEASE READ THE LAST TWO.

Also, just imagine that Klaus is crying throughout this entire chapter. cause that's what's happening here. enjoy!

***

Klaus Mikaelson walked in slowly, dragging his feet. It took him all night to gather enough courage to speak with Mikael. He could not think clearly, his mind confused and his emotions all mixed up. But Klaus knew he had rage in his broken heart, in spite of all sadness and confusion, and unspeakable hope, Klaus knew he should hold on to the rage. It was his only certainty.

Mikael was in the same spot, drinking. Around him, the kitchen bore the marks of Elijah's rage. His hands and face were bloody and bruised, and his eyes looked so terribly tired. His blond hair was slightly longer than Klaus remember, and more messy. Klaus had the strange sensation that his father was growing weaker with the passing of the hours. Mikael looked less frightening and smaller than the last time Klaus saw him.

"The last time I saw him... I killed him," Klaus thought bitterly. A few days ago, thinking about Mikael's second death would have only brought rage and triumph to his heart. But, now, staring at the man who saved him from death and carried him to safety, a sharp guilty tugged at his heart.

"I shouldn't feel guilty," Klaus reassured himself. "Mikael always hated me, beat me, made my life miserable... He hunted me, he wanted me dead..." he recited his justification, but it didn't help much. For one, the words left a foul taste in his mouth, as though they were cruel lies. But Klaus could remember Mikael's cruelty... or at least, he thought he could. He had not thought of it since his father saved him. Yet memories wouldn't just disappear.

For as naive as it was, Klaus now believed his father loved him. He could already taste the disappointment in his tongue, but Klaus went in, hoping to get an explanation out of his father. Something that would prove Mikael had loved him all along. But would that make the past better, or only make Klaus' pain more bitter?

***

"How are your siblings?" Mikael asked before Klaus could open his mouth. His eyes fixed on the bottle in his hands, as though he was purposely avoiding his son's gaze.

"Better. They are resting; healing..." Klaus cleared his throat, shrugging, desperate to keep his voice calm and casual. "Hayley is resting, too. And Hope..." He choked on the words. His alert eyes studied Mikael's face.

"Good." Mikael glanced furtively at Klaus, a small smile on his lips. "She's a strong girl...like her mother...and you..." Mikael swallowed, looking away. "Are you alright, my boy?" His voice was full of concern and care.