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“Hey Klaus, have you ever been in a relationship before?”
It was just an idle curiosity. Steven already knew that he hadn't, but he thought he might as well ask him anyways.
“No, have you?”
“Nope,” Steven sighed. “I’ve had my fair share of flings when I was younger, before I met you, but it quickly became obvious that nothing of that sort would ever work out.”
“But K.K. has a husband and two kids. And she seems to be doing just fine,” Klaus rightfully pointed out.
“K.K. is K.K. It’s a miracle she found a guy who accepted her and her line of work.”
“Well, why not ask her for advice?”
“Oh no, no way.” Steven chuckled. “You know she hates me.”
“Ah, I suppose that’s true.” Klaus paused to think for a moment before speaking. “Well Chain—”
“Is too young for my taste.” Steven scratched his cheek. “And besides, if she knew who I was really like, she’d probably lose her little puppy crush. She’s young, she’s got plenty of time to find other guys.”
“I see.” Klaus stared down at his tea, seemingly lost in thought. He was taking this way too seriously, Steven thought.
“Well then,” Klaus parted his lips, looking up at Steven and blinking twice, “would you like to try it with me?”
“...Eh?” Klaus’ forwardness could be a really unexpected force at times.
“A relationship. Would you like to try it out with me?”
“Oh.” Steven couldn’t deny he hadn't thought about it before. They’ve been partners for a long time, after all.
“I suppose we could try.”
—
Kissing Klaus didn’t feel quite right. Their “date” was just them hanging out like usual.
They quickly agreed that it wasn’t going to work out, no hard feelings. And so they went back to their normal roles. If anything, the ease at which they handled it only made him more confident that they really were good partners, just not in that way.
Steven didn’t expect much anyways. Klaus seemed to have taken a special interest in that kid. Maybe he should try to push them together, he chuckled to himself. Somehow, it seemed like it could work out between them instead. He observed them talking in the corner of the office, how small and skinny Leonardo was compared to Klaus, and yet they talked to each other like they were equals, with Leonardo’s easy-going grin and Klaus’ calm smile… like a gentle giant and a young kid.
Yeah, it could be cute.
…
Well, regardless, his role will always be acting as Klaus’ right hand man. One step behind, always watching his back.