1. Chapter 1 (1/1)
just a little one-shot from aaages back because i felt so terrible about leaving it on a sad note earlier.
however, i'd just like to remind people that the review system works best with constructive criticism, and while i don't mind what people leave on my work i do object to seeing other writers told their work is terrible by anonymous reviewers. if you're going to be offensive, you can at least have the decency to sign in so an actual discussion can occur. just putting that out there (and i'm pretty sure you guys aren't the anon-hate type but i just needed to get that off my chest). also, the above author's note is probably longer than the story itself, so... sorry.
disclaimer: i don't own anything in this story.
"dad, ingrid... there's something i have to tell you both." vlad glanced sideways, to where bertrand was standing a respectful two steps behind him. "something we have to tell you." ingrid looked smug and vlad suspected she was a few steps ahead of them, but the count seemed more intrigued than anything.
he stretched his hand back and caught bertrand's, pulling him a little closer and clinging to his fingers."bertrand and i are a couple. we've been seeing each other for a while now, but we don't want to sneak around anymore." he felt bertrand's grip on his hand tighten and sensed him tense up, still slightly behind his boyfriend. all they could do now was wait for his family's reaction.
the silence hung over them for about a minute before ingrid snorted."that's your news? you two have been gazing into each other's eyes since before the whole sethius debacle – i doubt anyone in the school hasn't known about it for at least two years." the look on their father's face suggested that she was wrong about that, but she continued with a sigh. "still, this means no more painful excuses about extra training, so good for you."
the count was staring at the linked hands of vlad and his valet, apparently in shock. as he realised that everyone else in the room was staring at him, he found himself compelled to come up with some sort of response. before vlad had come of age, he probably would have just had bertrand executed and be done with it, but now that wasn't an option and besides, in the two years since sethius' attempt to rise to power the 400-year-old had proven himself a valuable asset to the dracula household.
he could disapprove all he wanted, but it wasn't as if vlad would listen to him anyway. something about the way they stood waiting for his judgement – the anxious expression in bertrand's eyes, the calm determination in vlad's, the way his son had carefully
ought his partner forward and linked their fingers in support – was oddly reassuring. the boy was in safe hands.
in the end, there was only one thing he could say."well, bertrand, you'd better treat him well, or you'll have me to answer to."
bertrand nodded, hardly believing that the count was just going to accept their relationship, and vlad turned to grin
illiantly at him."you see? i told you they'd be fine with it." the relief in his voice was obvious, though, and he knew bertrand could see right through him. before the older vampire could comment, he reached up and pulled him into a passionate kiss.
"oh, goody," they heard ingrid say, "now we have to watch. i think i preferred the painful excuses."