5. Epilogue (1/1)

and an epilogue, because i couldn't have the whole story be just about vlad and robin. well, i could, but i didn't.

robin and vlad had fallen asleep at some point, side by side on the sofa, fingers interlaced. the half-fang was slumped over, head resting on vlad's shoulder, the marks of fangs on his neck exposed and still clearly visible.

bertrand stood in the doorway, just looking. they seemed so comfortable together, so secure in the knowledge that the other one was there. that they were loved. as he watched, vlad shifted slightly in his sleep, his other hand moving to rest on robin's knee.

the chosen one had never been his; he'd always known that, known that he would never be that to him. somehow, he'd expected that to make the inevitable hurt less. it didn't. but vlad seemed truly content, for the first time since bertrand had known him, and he didn't have it in him to resent that.

ingrid appeared at his shoulder."sickening, isn't it?" but her voice was low, her tone wistful, and they both knew that they were jealous of the boys slumbering in front of the fire. he forced himself to look away from vlad, meeting her eyes.

"do you miss him?" she was taken aback; bertrand didn't usually address her so bluntly. the softness in his voice caught her off guard and she found herself answering honestly."sometimes. i miss... that." she nodded in the direction of the sleeping teens. "was there ever anyone for you?"he shook his head. "not like them. i didn't have time... there were people, but never..."she nodded; they weren't good at expressing their feelings, neither of them were. she understood.

"come on. let's leave them to it." and they both reluctantly turned away from the bittersweet sight.