004.

A year ago Klaus was in rehab and had spent Christmas day so deep into withdrawal he wouldn’t have realised the date if someone hit him over the head with a calendar. Not that Christmas has ever really meant much to the Hargreeves, Reginald never had time for things like holidays or cherished childhood memories. Still, spending the day shivering and throwing his guts up was pretty low, even for Klaus. This year he’s free of rehab, and perusing a list of homeless shelters as if it were a fine wine menu. “How about Holy Mary’s Sanctuary?” he asks Ben, “reckon they’ve got any spaces left? Although I don’t think the nuns like me, especially not after last time. They’re probably full anyway this time of year huh? Dammit I knew I should’ve booked in advance.”  he sighs, flings the leaflet on the ground. Homeless at Christmas, god bless us every fucking one. Across the road is a 24 hour store and the neon sign flickers, igniting an idea in Klaus’ brain. 

A lot has changed since last Christmas (hah!), Klaus is sober for one, and two years older which makes his head ache if he thinks about it too long. Also, Vanya has powers now and nearly destroyed the world. So, yeah, a lot going on. At least he’s not homeless anymore though so, hooray for that. He, Ben and Vanya have their own apartment now bought with Reginald’s money. Ben reads, Klaus works on making him corporal in between baking and AA meetings, and Vanya is a vigilante, it sounds like the start of a bad comedy but it’s the happiest Klaus has felt in...possibly ever. The others all want to do a Big Family Christmas this year, for the first time ever, and Klaus appreciates the effort he really does but...well, he and Vanya have a ritual, have had it for years now. Granted Klaus won’t be getting drunk with Home Alone this year, and cheap take out with bad movies isn’t exactly a huge feast made by Grace, but it’s familiar and it’s theirs. Something Klaus doesn’t want to lose, nor share with the others.