Fixes to the Timeline

Chapter 3

"You know," Dave said, wandering around the edges of the room, examining the decor as well as the drawings and writings on the walls. "I don't know what I expected your room to look like but this is so incredibly you that I don't think I ever would have been able to guess."

"What can I say," Klaus said from where he sat cross legged on the bed, reapplying his eyeliner. "It didn't take dad long to realize he couldn't make me stop writing on the walls and then I had free reign. Also, I may have convinced him that some of it was me trying to work out my powers. He bought it way too quickly."

Klaus winked at him. Dave mirrored his grin before approaching, lying across the bed and propping himself up on one elbow so he could watch him applying his makeup, a fond dopey grin on his face.

"I always loved it when you got to do that when we were on leave," he said.

"Nice to know you appreciate my work," Klaus said.

Back then, he had always been tempted to wear makeup more often than that. He never had been any good at being subtle so, really, makeup was the least queer thing about himself and he wasn't sure it really would have made much of a difference. In the end, he decided not to push his luck more than he already was, especially since it might put Dave at risk alongside him.

Klaus wouldn't exactly say the present was all that safer, though. It still held its dangers, he knew that better than most. But at least here he knew the venues and areas of town that were more queer friendly, where they might even be able to hold hands without being harassed. Dave had never had anything like that growing up and Klaus wanted him to have the opportunity to experience it. If he wanted to, of course. But Dave had always been interested whenever he had shared stories of his experiences in the past so now was as good a time as any to broach the subject.

"Maybe one day I'll even do yours," he added, still focused on the little mirror in his hand, hoping it sounded casual and non committal in case he wasn't ready.

"Yeah," Dave said after only a moment of hesitation. "I think I'd like that."

Klaus couldn't help the wide grin that spread across his face. Maybe it wouldn't be tomorrow or the day after, but Dave at least had a little more freedom now to explore his identity and to truly be himself and Klaus would be all too happy to encourage and support him every step of the way.

"This sounds like the perfect time to show you my closet," Klaus said excitedly, setting his supplies aside before unfolding his legs and springing to his feet. "You've seen some of my choices in clothing so I doubt any of it will really surprise you."

"Well where's the fun in that?" Dave asked, chuckling.

"A challenge! I like it."

Most of Klaus' clothes were in a pile near the closet, he'd long since given up trying to put it away. He let Dave poke around while he chose something for himself. Despite his words, he decided to keep things relatively normal, sticking with a colorful top and a skirt. A black skirt, of course. There was always a little goth in everything he wore. Once he was dressed, he struck a pose.

"Wow," Dave said, putting down the shirt he'd been examining. "You look amazing."

"Of course I do," Klaus winked at him. "Do you want to try something on?"

Dave looked down at the plain black shirt and pajama pants he was currently wearing, borrowed from Diego.

"Why not? No offence to your brother but I am not digging this. Pick something out for me?

"It's a shame my leather pants won't fit you, you'd look amazing in them," Klaus said, stroking his chin in concentration. "I think, for now, let's start with something a little more tame. You can work up to the fun stuff."