Archive of Our Own ^beta

Leonard noticed quite some things about Klein in these months. 

The first thing he noticed was how thin he was.

When he first met Klein, he was not only met with a thin young man, but also a frankly - disgusting tiny room. There was little space. He couldn't believe Klein lived in such a horrid place. 

When Klein became his colleague, he noticed how the sleeves of his shirt were slightly too big for his arms, and how there was little fat on his face. Klein was made up of bones and flesh.

He noticed how Klein didn't like to waste any food.

Whenever they would eat lunch or dinner, even together with the entire Nighthawk community, Klein ate everything on his plate. Even at the end when it took him longer to finish it.

“You don't need to eat if you don't want to, you know,” Leonard had pointed out. He didn't want Klein to end up sick. “Just eat what you can.”

Klein finished eating his fill before replying. “I'm not going to waste this food.”

Leonard frowned. “Klein, there's no need to force yourself.”

“I'm not,” he said. “But Captain paid for this. I'm not wasting it.”

“Captain won't mind if you can't – or don't want to – eat it all.”

Klein stopped at that.

“I know,” he said.

He still ate everything.

Klein also didn't like to give away money easily.

The money he got was mostly given away to groceries. What he got left, he didn't do anything with.

“Why don't you use what's left?” Leonard asked. 

“Why should I?”

“Why not? You could buy something nice for yourself.”

“That's not necessary.”

Leonard took out his own wallet. “Shall I buy something for you?”

“No,” Klein said instantly. His hand clenched tighter around the bag full of vegetables.

“It wouldn't be a bother, if that's what you're worried about.”

“I said no,” he replied, turning around to face Leonard. His gaze turned softer. “Don't do that. Buy something important with it.”

“You're important to me, Klein.”

“I'm just your colleague. Don't waste that money.”

“It wouldn't be a waste,” Leonard pressed. “Really.”

At Klein's silence, the pieces got together. “Klein, you are aware that you're more important than money, right?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then why–”

“Money is valuable, Leonard,” he interrupted. “Don't throw it away.”

Leonard dropped the matter, putting his wallet back. 

“Alright,” he said softly. “I won't.”

Klein relaxed at that.

He noticed Klein's courage, how he was determined above everything else.

If only he could've known he would lose Klein and the Captain. He should've been stronger. He should've fought back. He should've done something, anything.

Leonard watches the crimson moon. 

A tear falls down his face. Alone, just like he felt right now.

Rest well, Klein, he thinks. I won't forget you.