[PRESENT]
“… It’s not fair!”
Klaus stood frozen, struggling to process what she had just said. His lips parted as he searched for words.
Was he going to cruelly reject her like he did with Tasha? Morticia braced herself, though deep down, she knew how hard it would be to accept it.
Yesterday had felt like they were feeding a bond, bringing her closer to Klaus. She wished he could change… just for her.
Was that too much to ask?
After a long moment, Klaus moved, taking a step backward, then another. His expression was unreadable-guilt? Concern? Anger? Morticia couldn’t tell.
She took a deep breath. Right, it was all just a stupid fantasy.
“Goodbye, Klaus. I don’t want to ever see you again,” she whispered, turning to leave. She knew he wasn’t following her; there was no sound of his footsteps.
Klaus’s fists clenched at his sides, his chest heaving as the world closed in around him, making it hard to breathe. As Morticia disappeared from view, Klaus finally let her words sink in.
“… For seven years, I have been in love with you…
“… Don’t play with my feelings just because you’re unsure of yours… It’s not fair!”
In love with him? Seven years? What had just happened?
He had been Vincent’s best friend since childhood, almost like a brother to Morticia. She was nineteen now-had she really loved him since she was twelve?
It felt surreal. Why? Why him of all people?
“You’re just a bonehead who keeps hurting me without even realizing it!” Morticia’s voice echoed in his mind. That night she’d been drunk and had kissed him for the first time.
So that was what she meant. He’d hurt her whenever he was with other girls.
Klaus sighed, muttering to himself, “Why would you fall for an asshole like me?”
—
Rhea decided to shop for some new clothes. The store was filled with enticing options, making it hard to choose.
“This is a headache,” she mumbled. Maybe she should ask Morticia for help and come back another day. But as she turned, her eyes fell on two familiar faces, and her heart sank.
Her ex-roommates?!
What were they doing here?
She turned to leave, but it was too late.
“Rhea!”
She wanted to run, but something stopped her. Why should she run from these bitches? She turned to see them advancing.
“It’s really you, india pig,” one of them sneered.
“You little brat, I swore I’d shave your head if I ever saw you again,” the other snarled.
Rhea smiled. “Did you like the gift I left you?”
The first scoffed, her eyes blazing with fury as she stepped closer. “You soaked our clothes, bags, beds, and even our books with some nasty liquid that smelled like urine!”
“Do you have any idea how hard it was to clean up the mess? We wore the same clothes for two weeks because of you! The room still stinks!”
Rhea wiped her face, looking disgusted. “Ugh, I didn’t ask for a bath in your saliva. Pity the cleaners here-you’re drooling all over the floor. You still stink, though.”
“You brat!” The first girl grabbed Rhea’s blouse, yelling as onlookers began to gather.
Before Rhea could react, a cold voice interrupted.
“Hands off her!”
They turned to see Valerie.
“And who’s this? Your new girlfriend?” the girl holding Rhea sneered.
Valerie’s tall frame loomed over them as she stepped closer, her gaze icy. “I’m not speaking Spanish. Let her go, or I don’t mind breaking your fingers.”
The girl panicked, sensing the sincerity in Valerie’s tone.
“Do you know what she did…?” the second girl started.
“Save it for the toilet and sing it there. Now scram. I’ve had a bad day, and breaking a few bones would make me feel better.”
The two exchanged glances, unsure of what to do.
“Scram!” Valerie barked, and they hurried off, nearly tripping over each other.
As they left, Valerie turned to Rhea. “You okay?”
“I could have handled them, but thanks,” Rhea said, returning to the clothes rack.
“Who were they?” Valerie asked.
“My ex-roommates. They bullied me…”
“Bullied you?” Valerie’s voice rose. “Damn, I should’ve actually hit them.”
“Never mind,” Rhea shrugged. “I soaked their stuff in ammonia.”
“That wasn’t enough. I hate bullies,” Valerie muttered.
“What are you doing here?” Rhea asked.
“It’s Morty. She’s back at the dorm, and I don’t think she’s okay. It’s probably because of Klaus again.”
Rhea sighed, turning to leave with Valerie following.
—
[Morticia’s home, night]
“Bunnie’s not home?” Klaus frowned as Ava informed him Morticia wasn’t around. She must be back in her dorm… why hadn’t he checked there first?
Though he didn’t know what he wanted to say to her, he just wanted to see her. She’d been on his mind all day, and he couldn’t shake it.
“Why? Is there something important you need to tell her?” Ava asked curiously. “She went out last night looking for you. Didn’t you meet?”
Klaus shook his head. “We did… and then we parted.”
Ava smiled. “Join me for dinner. I thought she’d come, so you should have her portion instead.”
Klaus nodded and sat down quietly.
Noticing his tense expression, Ava assumed it was because of the news of his father marrying Katie.
“How does this dress look? I’m planning to wear it to Vincent’s show.” Ava smiled, showing off a light blue, shimmering dress.
“It’s really nice and gorgeous,” Klaus replied, averting his gaze.
Soon, Ava served the meal, her expression mildly concerned.
“I know it’s hard to accept what’s going on, but everything will be okay,” she said gently.
Klaus nodded with a small smile. “Thanks, Ava.”
It wasn’t the reaction she’d expected, but she was glad Klaus wasn’t as upset as he’d usually be.
“Are you staying here for the night?” Ava asked as they finished dinner.
“Hm,” Klaus murmured, nodding.
Ava blinked but decided not to press. “You should get some sleep. It’s getting late.”
“Hm.” Klaus nodded and started upstairs.
Curious, Ava mumbled, “Why does he seem so distant? Did the news hit him that hard?” She shrugged, grabbed some popcorn, and sank into the couch, turning on the television with a smile.
Instead of heading to Vincent’s room, Klaus found himself standing outside Morticia’s. Before he could stop himself, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.