𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 ~ 𝗞𝗹𝗮𝘂𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲𝘀

~ Chapter Ninety Eight ~

The soft but comforting sound of Christmas music filled the air as Klaus went on another cleaning binge. Every time a pillow on the couch looked rearranged, or if he saw even a speck of dust flying through the air, it was enough to put him on high alert and clean every inch of the house. He had been at it for what must've been the fourth time that day, and it was only approaching noon. Wearing a cloth mask over his mouth, he finished spraying the air, until the only smell he could identify was that familiar lemony fresh and pine scent.

Just as he finished cleaning, a car pulled into the driveway, and he could hear the car door slamming shut. "Klaus, I'm home!" Dusk called as she entered, setting down her guitar case and hanging up her coat. "Hey, gorgeous!" Klaus waved at her with a gloved hand. "Did you get my flowers?" "I did! And they're lovely!" Dusk smiled as she stepped closer. But as she was about to lean in, Klaus put his hands up, blocking her from getting closer. 

"Ah ah! You know the drill!" He gestured to the sink. "Seriously?" Dusk sighed. "You don't know where those other people have been! You could have thousands of bacteria developing on your hands right now!" Klaus rambled. "Fair point," Dusk nodded. It wasn't always easy having to abide by her husband's safety precautions. She understood some of them to a point, the almost too consistent cleaning, the washing of hands, but she still couldn't get past all the bubble wrap and caution tape covering the windows and glass doors.

"That's better!" Klaus nodded approvingly as Dusk finished drying herself. Outstretching his arms, Dusk wrapped herself in his embrace, only to be greeted with plastic wrap around his torso. It felt like an eternity since they had been so close. Those passionate nights where it was just the two of them felt like a distant dream. Before Oblivion, they were practically inseparable and now, the only obstacle in their way was Klaus's fears. And while they still had those rare moments of connection; it wasn't enough to keep the tension at bay.

"Cleaning the house again?" Dusk questioned as she caught the lingering scent. "Is it that obvious?" Klaus chuckled. "Well, it seems like that's the only thing you do all day," Dusk reasoned. "Hey, that's not true! I did the laundry and dishes; I even plunged the toilets!" "Uh... I think that still counts as cleaning, darling," Dusk smiled. "Whatever, I'd rather have a clean and safe house than one full of hazards!" He shrugged. Even if plastic wrap was the closest she could ever get to truly being with him, Dusk didn't hesitate as she snuggled into his chest as if he were a giant teddy bear.

But the longer they both stood there, the more Dusk could feel her legs start to give out underneath her, and as she was about to fall, Klaus helped her up just in the nick of time. "You feeling alright? You're looking a little pale," His eyes widened with worry. "I'm fine. I think I'm just tired," Dusk assured. "Okay... but if you start feeling woozy, let me know," Klaus cautioned, his gaze shifting to the giant gas mask on the counter. Suddenly the house phone rang loudly, causing Klaus to scream and push Dusk away. "WHAT IS IT?! IS IT A BOMB?!" He shouted, anxiously pacing around the kitchen.

"Relax, Klausy. It's just the phone!" Dusk lifted the landline as proof before answering. "Hello?" She asked. "Dusk, is that you?" A voice on the other end asked. "Uh, it depends on who's asking?" She replied. "It's me, Allison," For a moment, Dusk swore she could feel her heart skip a beat. She hadn't heard that voice in six years. What could she possibly want from me? Doesn't she already have enough? Dusk thought to herself. But rather than snarkily reply or hang up, Dusk took a quiet breath, trying to play the cordial card.

"Hey Allison, what's up?" Dusk replied, the tone of her voice sounding sour to her ears. "I was wondering if you and Klaus could do me a favor. I'm in the middle of shooting another commercial, and I need someone to pick up Claire from the bus stop," Allison explained. Doesn't she have an assistant who could do that? Why is she asking me?  But before Dusk could question her about that, Allison pleaded with her to do it. "Please? I've tried calling the others, but they're all busy. I'll be home as quick as I can, okay?"