Star Crossed Lovers

Chapter 2

Hazel glanced up from her bag to see Gertrude and Marylin still asleep on the bed. This was her chance to get the answers she needed from Klaus without Gertrude scolding her or convincing her to leave him to tell her at his own time. She was tired of waiting. She grabbed the liquor bottle she acquired earlier in the day and quietly slipped out of the room. Just as she shut the door, a horrible thought crossed her mind.

What if he was with some other woman?

She shoved that thought away, determined not be bashful. Marching to the door, the liquor sloshing in the bottle at hand, she boldly knocked on his door without a second thought.

"Yes," said Klaus on the other side.

"It's me. Can I come in?"

A few moments later, she heard the door unlock and Klaus crack the door open. His black hair gleamed under the hall light. His usual sharp green eyes were hidden in the shadows of the dark doorway.

"Yes?" he grumbled again.

"I was hoping we could have a drink?" said Hazel, raising up the bottle of amber liquid.

His serious mouth twisted in an almost sneer.

"Why?"

"I just thought you could use some company," shrugged Hazel.

Klaus let out a throaty laugh.

"Do you really think I need company? I've been keeping myself busy these days. On other things that aren't lost causes."

Hazel felt her heart wince at his words. She didn't want to reopen any wounds, so she chose not to respond to his retort.

"I just thought you might enjoy a few drinks on me," said Hazel with a sigh.

Klaus opened the door further, letting the light illuminate his face. He looked down at the bottle before nodding his approval for her to come in. Hazel didn't hesitate and followed him in his room taking a seat on the chair he pointed at wordlessly. She watched him pull out two glasses from a nearby drawer, placing them on the table.

"So," said Hazel nervously, unsure what to say with this silence. She was used to Klaus talking her ear off or trying to charm her.

She watched him pour himself a glass before drinking it quietly from his chair. He glanced at her and back down at her empty glass. His eyes widened before he slapped his glass on the table, making her jump in fright.

"Are you trying to poison me?" he choked.

"No," stuttered Hazel as she pushed herself away from him, now towering over her.

"Then, why aren't you drinking?"

Hazel snatched the bottle and put it to her lips, letting the liquid burn down her throat as he watched. He slowly sat back down on his chair.

"You really think I would poison you?" asked Hazel in disbelief.

"Don't take it personal. Paranoia was all part of the job."

Hazel was reminded of how Mark thought she was poisoning him when she first offered him food. The more she was around Klaus and away from Mark, she was reminded how similar they were. Wilhelm always made a point to remind her of that.

"Here," said Klaus gruffly, pouring her glass a quarter of the way full.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

"I know it's not very lady like to drink such hard liquor, but you offered."

Hazel nodded and sipped the strong liquid as she watched him take large swallows. He had already poured himself another full glass.