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It had been a hundred years.
And the time, well, to say it went by fast-was an understatement.
A younger Guillermo would have been surprised by how much the world didn't change-but then again, this was the world we are talking about. In order to change, things have to actually happen. And Lord knows this generation was too burnt out by previous events to put much effort into that.
The world was not burning, but it was close to it. Technology had come a bit further on that front, and electric cars were a norm now. Artists were still struggling, the government was still corrupt, and vampires still hunted to survive.
And that's why Guillermo was here-in his mansion in his home in Alaska, with his victim leaning onto his lap whilst he held a chain connected to their neck. They were practically humping his leg, so desperate and needy for him to bite them and then give them a show.
No matter how many years went by, he would still be pleasing someone else.
Guillermo sighs softly, before tugging the human by their neck. He plants his fangs into their shoulder, savoring the sweet flow of blood that drenches his mouth. He sucks greedily as the human beneath him moans, hands gripping his thighs.
Guillermo was happy to have found this system-no one died, no one was hurt-well, not fatally anyway. It was a simple exchange-blood for sex. Of course Guillermo knew how many people had a thing for vampires, he'd met enough of them before he'd been turned by Derek in that dingy gas station all of those years ago.
(He briefly wonders how his sire was doing. He hasn't seen him since it happened.)
When Guillermo was first turned, he had an issue killing. It should have been an easy thing to do, he'd led enough humans to their demise when he was a familiar, murdered hundreds of vampires-but doing the action himself? It had proven much more difficult than he'd at first imagined.
Let it be known that Guillermo was always a planner. He always had a scheme for every occasion, so coming up with one in order to survive wasn't that hard. It had taken him months, months of starvation and agony, but then he'd stumbled into a BDSM club and the idea struck him.
And so he'd survived.
He pulls away from the human, his fangs retracting back into his gums slightly. The human moans crudely, their eyes watery and glazed with pleasure.
Guillermo tries not to feel anything for this next part.
At first it wasn't so bad. There was some underlying Catholic guilt, of course, but there's only so much time for that when you are trying to survive. Then, it felt fun. Guillermo got blood, got laid, and he didn't have to kill anyone for that chance.
But then it started to feel a little bit worse.
Years of the same thing, and it starts to become routine. This intimate, mind blowing thing that Guillermo only used to dream about when he was a preteen-well, it had become mundane. He didn't have any feelings about it, but he knew it was becoming dull.
Then it started to become painful.
He was trying to live. He didn't want anyone to die just so that he could do that, but now he felt like a toy. Overused, touched by a universe of humans, all because he needed their blood. But they didn't need his sex, they only wanted it-so already there was a bit of a dynamic there.
Guillermo had been so sure that vampirism was his ticket to power-no longer would he be overlooked or pushed around, he would be irresistible and admired. But then he'd carved out something for himself that threw all of that away.
Chancing another sigh, Guillermo tugs the human onto his lap.
=====================================
“Master?”
Guillermo flinches, turning toward his familiar. They were a short, thin human with a fluffy mullet, warm cinnamon skin and deep black eyes. They enjoyed wearing puffy dress shirts and tight dark pants, and a variety of heels.
“What have I said about using that word?” Guillermo states softly as he moves back to watching the window.
“Yeah, yeah of course, my apologies. Um…it's just that you got a letter.”
Guillermo raises an eyebrow, holding his hand out for his familiar to place the mail.
They move hesitantly, gently pressing the envelope against Guillermo's palm before quickly moving back a safe distance.
Guillermo ushers the familiar away, waiting for them to depart before turning his attention to the letter.
The envelope was soft and brown, with shining red lettering.
The sender address read as follows:
Department of Vampiric Affairs
Guillermo smiles to himself. He never got mail from them, for reasons he had chalked down to his heritage as a vampire Slayer.
Not to mention the disgrace of his turning.
Guillermo slips it open, revealing a yellowed paper with only a few letters scrawled onto it:
You are formally invited to the annual Vampiric orgy, hosted at the Night Club of Simon The Devious.
Interesting.
Guillermo experienced very little pleasures in life at this point, but this hosted a very interesting opportunity for him. He hasn't forgotten the deeds Simon constantly inflicted upon him and his…old masters, but he was so tired of doing nothing that he wouldn't let that change his mind.
As for the matter of the Night Club being hosted so close to his old home, which could end up in his encounter with- them -well, he knew how they liked to hold grudges. They would no doubt not show not only for that, but also because of the utter disgrace that was their own failed hosting of an orgy.
The sex was no big deal to Guillermo. Not anymore. If anything, it might bring a little spice to his situation, and he might be able to look at it in a new light for the next…well, maybe ten years.
Then it was settled. He would be returning to Staten Island, for an overdue visit. And if he ran into them during his time there, well, he would…handle it accordingly.
=====================================
He runs.
There were many terrifying things in this world already, but the might of a fool was reason enough.
He'd dishonored his master, soiled his name for some petty wish, and now he would surely be killed.
So he runs.
As he reaches the border, he pauses to look back at his home, Staten Island.
He was leaving it all behind-his mother, his family, his vampires-and he could never return.
Would his mother resent him for this? Worse, would she be disappointed?
She was the only one he was worried about. Nadja, Laszlo, Colin, Nandor-they would be alive for centuries more.
But she would not.
The rest of his family already never saw him unless they absolutely had to, but his mother…
Was this what he wanted all along? This life of solitude? Was there ever going to be a point when he finally had enough, when he would no longer be reaching for impossible goals with outstretched fingers? When would it end?
Would it be now?
Guillermo bites his lip, willing the tears to stop flowing. He'd brought this upon himself. He'd dug a hole and now he must lie in it.
He turns away, allowing the thoughts and memories of his dear mother flow through his mind. He reminisces on his childhood, where it was only him and her against the world. He remembers her soft, loving touch as she would bathe him, a washcloth being dragged across his shoulders before she began to scrub his curls.
He thinks of Nadja, Laszlo and Colin-the hardships he both endured beside them and fought away from them. He thinks of Nadja with her fierce demeanor, Laszlo with his soft laughter and his sloth behavior, Colin with his words and presence.
He thinks of Nandor.
Long hair, emphasizing the frame of his face. A gentle hand on his shoulder, a hearty laugh. Features contorted with confusion, eyes full of unspoken emotion.
The rage, sorrow and betrayal that burned in his eyes when Guillermo had revealed his secret to him.
Nandor.
Guillermo shakes his head, turning away from his old life as he faces forward.
And he runs.
=====================================
Guillermo watches the ground beneath him, his bat form gliding across the frigid air like a knife through butter.
The early snow was beginning to flutter down, and the bitter cold nips at his body.
The pain is satisfying.
His undead heart twists in his chest as he takes it in, the overly familiar landscape.
He'd missed it gravely.
He had cut everyone off from his life, which was surprisingly easy. He already had difficulty keeping up with his family and the vampires and everything else, so pushing them as far out of his mind as possible to create his new life wasn't difficult.
Well, emotionally, it kinda was. He had days where he would stare at his phone, envisioning a phone call with his mother. He would ask her how she was, she would begin screaming at him to come home, we miss you, we love you.
He wonders what happened to them. His mother had already lived a full life, and it probably got better when he'd left. He had always held her back.
He likes to imagine that she'd grown old, in the care of his cousins. That she had a peaceful death, surrounded by the people who deserved to be in her last moments.
Guillermo remembers going to her Facebook account once, a year after he'd left. Then he immediately deleted his search history, destroyed the phone, and had a panic attack due to the onslaught of anxious thoughts screaming at him that he's watching you, he saw you look her up he knows where she is he'll kill her.
Yeah. His paranoia had grown to…excessive levels.
But now, Guillermo couldn't find it in himself to care. He was tired of this life of solitude, and this outing was his first and probably his last chance to regain normalcy since his disappearance.
He wouldn't let Nandor take that from him as well.
Okay, so not again. Yeah. Not again.
So yes, seeing his home state was…it was nice.
=====================================
Guillermo had excelled in his fashion taste at least, he likes to muse.
As he stands before the night club, which appears to have been upgraded by several counts as it now stands at least three more stories from what he remembered, Guillermo tries to humor himself with this thought.
The other vampires in their splendid attire enter without hesitation, but Guillermo is still admiring from afar in his glittered red vest with a transparent black dress shirt underneath and tight black dress pants that kept his shirts tucked in. He's wearing simple black dress shoes, and a gold lapel over his vest that is in the shape of a bat with a chain that leads down to his pocket. He stares at the club through vibrant ruby irises, wearing red eyeshadow and eyeliner above them.
Taking a breath, Guillermo strides forward and gets into line, running a hand through his curls in thought before he reaches the guard, who gives his hurried acceptance for Guillermo to move forward.
Interesting, he didn't even need to see the invite.
The club is already bouncing, with vampires in every corner dancing and partaking in lustful activities. Guillermo tries not to sneer at this-the orgy hasn't even started yet, for fuck's sake!
He makes his way to the bar, grabbing up a gauntlet of blood and downing it hurriedly; he hadn't had the chance to feed beforehand, considering his method took a bit of premeditation before execution.
“Guillermo! It is so nice to see you!”
Whisking his body around, Guillermo meets Simon's eyes. The vampire hasn't changed the least bit in appearance.
“Hello Simon.” Guillermo states simply, turning his attention back to the bar as he grasps up another cup of blood. He sips it much slower this time, already having fended off most of his hunger.
Simon clears his throat to get his attention again, but Guillermo pays him little mind.
“When does the orgy start?” Guillermo finally asks, glancing up at the older vampire with a thoroughly bored expression.
“Once all of the guests finally arrive. Well, the important ones at least! You know it is quite funny, I did not seem to think that you were interested in this type of thing.”
Guillermo shrugs, swallowing down more blood before swiping a stray drop away from his lips with his thumb in one swift action.
“...things change.”
Simon nods, seeming almost nervous.
“Yes, well I did not think you would even bother accepting my invitation, what with…our previous encounters.”
Guillermo tries not to sigh, searching the room for anyone who peaks his interest. “I was bored, this gave me something to do.”
Simon laughs far too loudly, slapping Guillermo 's shoulder unceremoniously.
“Too right my friend!”
Guillermo shrugs him off, casting a small irritated glare.
“We aren't friends.”
He then moves away, finding himself leaning against a wall across the room. He only watches Simon-who is now moving on to his other guests in order to strike a conversation-for a brief moment. He lets his eyes fall on a male vampire in the center of the club, who has long blonde hair tied in a knot and striking blue eyes.
I am going to get a bite of that before I leave for sure.
“Evening.”
Guillermo jumps, trying not to spill his gauntlet. Another vampire has joined him, bearing short black hair and sharp brown eyes.
“Ah, yes, evening.” Guillermo stutters, brushing a hand over his vest nervously. He takes a large gulp from his cup in his attempt to lower his nerves, as he gives the vampire besides him a once over.
There was something about that sultry voice and his eyes that reminded Guillermo of a distant memory, but he was sure he'd never seen this vampire before in his life. Nevertheless, he was easy on the eyes-and if Guillermo didn't get some entertainment soon, he'd leave and this trip would all have been for nothing.
“You live around here?” Guillermo asks softly, keeping his eyes planted on the vampire in front of him. He needed to convey that his entire attention was on him alone.
The vampire shrugs, still watching the crowd in front of him. “not here exactly, but not too far from here.”
Guillermo smiles, popping his hip out as he leans closer to the vampire.
“This Simon guy is not too good at this. I admit that I am thoroughly bored with the whole thing already.” He says.
The vampire turns to look at him, and Guillermo swears he might fall dead. Those eyes bare into his very soul, sending a shudder down his spine.
“You do not know Simon already?”
Guillermo gasps out a chuckle, shaking his head.
“I haven't seen him in a long time. But it doesn't seem like he's changed much, honestly.”
The vampire nods, expression unreadable.
“He's not known for that.”
Guillermo smiles, before sipping at his cup. The blood was clearly carefully sewn, no doubt the human responsible was fed on a strict diet beforehand. It tasted like a fine wine, with hints of cherry.
In times like these, Guillermo would try to imagine that he was a greater vampire. Sipping from the throat of an unsuspecting victim, instead of the lifestyle he had trapped himself within.
“...hello?”
Guillermo at least tries to hide his surprised jolt as he turns to the vampire beside him, who is watching him with a… worried expression?
Guillermo clears his throat, rubbing his wrist across his lips.
“I uh-sorry, I got a little spacey.”
“Indeed. May I inquire as to why?”
Guillermo watches this vampire carefully. Really, he didn't have to say anything to him. He could easily just turn away, find another ravishing creature of the night to partake in perverted ordeals.
But he felt like he could trust this vampire. He wasn't sure why, but those eyes…
“Oh, well. I suppose it's just personal things.” He moves his eyes back over the crowd. Not to search out another ravishing creature, but to avoid eye contact.
“You can tell me. What are the chances I will see you again anyway?”
Guillermo looks at the vampire through tender and sad eyes, swallowing softly.
“It is nothing important. Besides, petty emotions would ruin my initial intentions for you.”
The vampire grins at this, closing the gap between them. They are now less than an inch apart, and Guillermo can not look away from those eyes. They make his soul light up in flames.
“And tell me. What intentions do you have for me?”
Guillermo chances a smirk through trembling lips. He looks the vampire over, before placing two hands onto the vampire's hips and pushing him against the wall.
“A little entertainment.”
Guillermo isn't sure if he is imagining it, but he sees a tremble of anticipation run through the vampire's body. Guillermo doesn't wait to find out what it meant, opting to instead press his lips into a chaste kiss.
Familiar. Awfully, horribly familiar-
The vampire returns it with greater vigor, his tongue sliding into Guillermo's eager mouth before entangling with his. Guillermo presses his lower half against the vampire, grinding against him roughly.
The vampire runs his hands down Guillermo’s sides, planting themselves onto his hips as he rocks his body into rhythm. They are just grinding against each other's clothed cocks without a care in the world, and Guillermo truly believes he has not had this much fun in-
“I do say my old chap!”
Guillermo feels like he might faint as he immediately releases the vampire from his hold, head swishing incredulously to meet the eyes of one Laszlo Cravensworth.
His eyes are soft and smoky, eyebrows arched up in surprise as he observes Guillermo. His hair is pulled up in a messy bun, wearing a loose maroon button down.
A hundred years has not changed his features much at all.
“Laszlo…?” Guillermo sounds almost like a kid seeing the Easter Bunny. Like, oh my god it's real but it's terrifying.
Laszlo smiles at him gently, before moving his gaze onto the vampire beside Guillermo, who is looking almost terrified of Laszlo's presence.
“I do say Nandor, I knew you wanted to fuck with him but you didn't say you were going to fuck him.”
Guillermo's entire body freezes up. He moves to stare at the vampire, who's features begin melting into mist until-by the love of whoever is beyond this universe-Nandor is right next to him. The same vampire he had been making out with-was Nandor.
Nandor didn't look much tainted by the years either-remaining ever the same. The emotions in his eyes are unreadable as he watches Guillermo with… wonder?
Guillermo might faint. No, he's going to faint. His stomach churns violently, head swirling. He stumbles, grasping onto the wall in order to keep himself from falling.
“I-what-”
“Easy there Gizmo!” Laszlo outstretches his hand to support Guillermo's trembling body. Nandor is by his side as well, watching him through creased, worried eyes.
Guillermo feels the wave of dizziness slam into him, and then he is engulfed into darkness.
=====================================
It's warm.
That's the first thing that comes to Guillermo-that it is warm.
Then, it smells nice. Like mahogany and cinnamon, and a hint of pumpkin spice.
Then he realizes that it is familiar.
Guillermo shoots up, huffing out breaths through blown irises as he takes in his surroundings frantically.
He is in the basement cage.
He blinks several times, observing the candles placed on the floor by his bed. He was wrapped in soft covers, and placed on several plush pillows.
So they wanted him to be comfortable. Why? As a final mercy?
Guillermo releases a huff of breath, his chest aching. He needed to leave.
But the cage had been upgraded to silver over the years, a fact Guillermo is made aware of as his finger comes in contact with one of the bars. He hisses, hugging his hand to his chest.
Fuck.
Guillermo tries not to cry, or panic, or do anything that would destroy the mask of a powerful vampire he'd built up delicately. He opts to instead find a corner of the room to space off at.
He has to remind himself that he'd let this happen. He had put himself in this position, and now he was stuck.
It was his fault, again. He'd learned to train his mind to that state, because then he would no longer feel let down by others.
He hears the doors click, and he snaps his head up to see Laszlo and Nandor enter the basement. He schools his expression, ensuring that he looks as emotionless as possible.
Nandor goes to the front of the enclosure, watching Guillermo through a concentrated gaze.
Laszlo stands beside him, eyes weighed by several different emotions.
“Welcome back to the cage, Gizmo. I hope everything is to your taste.”
Guillermo tilts his head, lips pressed in a thin line.
“Yes, thank you.”
The room lapses into silence, where Guillermo places his hands into his pockets and grabs his phone out. Several texts and missed calls from his familiar.
Yeah. He should call them with an update.
He scrolls through his very limited amount of notifications, reminded yet again of the amount of things he lost in his effort to avoid being in the very position he was in right now.
Of course, it's mostly people signing up and asking for a ‘session’.
Guillermo sighs through his nose in frustration, causing the other vampires to jump at the small noise. Guillermo looks up at them, placing his phone down.
“Oh, my apologies. Anyway, I assume that you are going to finish our business. Please let me know when that will be happening so I can sort out my last wishes.”
Nandor and Laszlo both look perplexed, but Nandor recovers faster.
“We um-we are. Definitely here to finish the unfinished business.”
Guillermo nods, bearing a dull expression. He expected to feel a bit more fear in the face of his soon-to-be killer, caused by the buildup of this moment. But he had lived for a hundred years now as a vampire, and nothing was changing or interesting at this point. This kind of was…interesting at least. And it was overdue.
Nandor turns his eyes to the ground, and Laszlo looks like he wants to be literally anywhere else right now.
Guillermo huffs out a breath. “So…do you like, have a time? I have a few things I have to settle before you kill me, you know. And I would really rather not do it too early, because then I might have time to respond to people's messages of remorse and that would really suck.”
(Of course, Guillermo didn't really think the only person he had to ‘settle’ things with would respond at all. They'd be too pissed off that he didn't make them a vampire before he was killed.)
Nandor jolts, eyebrows twisted in agitation and confusion.
“You can't rush me on this! May I remind you of who is in control here?! Do I have to do that? And do I have to remind you that it was you who made such a choice, it was you who-”
Guillermo rolls his eyes in exasperation. “Yes Nandor, I am fully aware that I made a shit decision.” He settles his gaze over Nandor's eyes, searching them frantically. “I am aware of how torturous the betrayal from a familiar, who you have placed your trust in, who you saw as a friend, who was always by your side in their service-I KNOW. I know I fucked up, so just-kill me, and be at peace.”
He slumps back onto the bed, bringing his knees to his chest.
He just wanted it to be over.
Nandor is taken aback, blinking away his confusion as he shares a glance with Laszlo. He opens and closes his mouth a few times, before shaking his head rapidly.
“I-well that's-so what, now you want to be killed? What, as some sick escape from the world of vampirism which I had told you was a curse?! Is that why you bothered coming back?”
Guillermo kind of wants to punch him. But he was also right, he had warned him.
“No, I want you to kill me so that you can finally have your stupid honor back, and stop holding this stupid grudge.”
Nandor is looking at him as if he has grown two heads, and it makes Guillermo want to sob violently. So he turns his head away, wishing his aching heart to stop.
“You are not terrified.” Nandor finally manages.
Guillermo laughs. It's an ugly sound, full of hollowness and regret.
“I am terrified. But I've been scared for so long that it-it isn't obvious. You learn to bury these things, as you know. ”
It was true. And not the only emotion Guillermo has hidden in the crevices of his heart, which is now rising back into his throat and choking him.
Because fuck. The years have been so kind to Nandor's appearance.
Of course, he doesn't look like he's changed. His hair appears much less well kept, but Guillermo could say that that was his own fault. But his eyes are still hypnotizing, his voice still wraps around Guillermo like a cloud of aphrodisiac, his cape still hanging off of his broad shoulders and encapsulating his body like a frame over a portrait. He is, as he was all those years ago, still absolutely wrapped around Nandor's finger.
And Guillermo absolutely fucking hates it.
If you didn't know, a hundred years of twisting overwhelming fear and thundering yearning swishing through your brain is paralyzing. It can make you insane, cause you to snap at the worst moment. It can make you inhuman and cruel.
So Guillermo did bury them. It was necessary.
Mix that with his grievances towards his abandoning his family who no doubt was better off without him and what was essentially him allowing himself to be used by various beings in order to survive, and you begin to lose yourself in it. Years swirl together and time becomes an illusion-Guillermo hadn't felt like an actual person in so long, an identity swallowed away.
So yes, seeing Nandor was disorienting. And yes, he was going to bury these feelings too.
Another chunk of time, gone.
He closes his eyes, taking an unnecessary breath in.
He notices, not for the first time, that neither Nadja or Colin Robinson are present. And if his senses are to be believed, they hadn't been for a long time. Of course, he simply didn't have time to mention it before.
So, without having anything left to lose, Guillermo turns to the two vampires.
“Where's Nadja?”
Nandor stiffens, and Laszlo looks rather tormented.
Nandor's lips curl into a snarl, as he approaches Guillermo with malice. “You do not get to waltz into here and ask about things that you missed out on because you ran away! No, you do not deserve to know that.”
Okay, ouch.
Guillermo turns away, nodding. “Yeah. Okay. Sorry I asked.”
But Nandor doesn't stop, not even as he turns to a depressed looking Laszlo.
“The nerve he has! To think he gets to know about any of us, after what he has done! He thinks he is entitled to everything, huh?! Fucking asshole. We really should just rip him limb to limb and-”
“Nandor, shut up.”
Guillermo feels his eyebrows raise as he glances at Laszlo, who sighs heavily and meets his eyes.
“We aren't going to kill him, Nandor. You know that more than I.”
Guillermo then looks at Nandor, who looks like he might strangle Laszlo before he turns away abruptly, storming out of the basement while shouting obscenities in his direction.
Laszlo shakes his head. He pulls a wooden crate over to the cage, sitting on it so that he is face to face with Guillermo.
A long moment passes before Laszlo speaks again.
“tell me Guillermo, how vampirism is treating you.”
Guillermo blinks, trying to understand what just happened but failing miserably.
“I…fine, it's been just fine.”
Laszlo nods, running a hand through his messy hair.
“I had hoped as much for you. We all did, even Nandor. When you left, it had…a greater impact than what we had imagined.”
Guillermo bites his lip. He doesn't want to tell him that life as a vampire had been utterly cruel to him, always finding him at his lowest and slashing its claws into him over and over again. Because he doesn't need to know, and it didn't feel like the right time anyway.
Laszlo takes a breath before continuing.
“We all had…formed attachments to you, in a way. And losing you, it paved the way for what these hundred years have looked like.”
“Nandor was gone for about fifty of them. Me, Nadja and Colin were all who were left. Then Colin went on a business trip, and while I tried to keep in contact with him, it appears that he found a better life for himself.”
“Then it was me and Nadja. And my dearest wife, well, she left. She said she needed air, that being around only me for so many years was becoming unbearably lonely, with my own emotions admittedly taking its toll on myself. She went to the council, and her work was recognized by others higher up, and she has been climbing the ranks ever since. She calls, sends Ravens every so often, but I have missed her dearly. She hasn't spoken to us in awhile, which has been the cause of some…grief within me, I admit.”
He rubs his eyes with one hand, before glancing back up at Guillermo.
“Nandor came home, and it was just me. I had spent several years alone, trying to sort out everything. He was torn apart, and he was terrified. You have to understand his pain, what you did and what he knew he had done to you. He was…unwell, for a while. We had begun to think that you had been killed, what with there being absolutely no record of you left. We even went to your mother, but she…” Laszlo trails off. “Well, I'm sure you know.”
Yeah, he did. Well, he could guess.
“She was dead by then, I assume.” Guillermo states quietly, keeping his eyes trained on the ceiling.
“I-yes-” Laszlo looks at him in confusion. “But your other family were there, and they evidently recognized Nandor, because they began screaming at him, about where you were. Why you never…said goodbye, to her.”
Guillermo feels his heart shatter for what must be the millionth time in his hundred year vampiric life, as he clasps his eyes shut. He is unable to stop the tear that streaks down his face.
“...but then we left, returned home. And time went on. When Simon went around boasting that he was hosting an orgy, I put in a request for an invitation to be extended to you. And it was done, evidently. I truly didn't think you would find an interest in it, but here we are now. I admit that I never took you for the horny type-”
“no, okay-Laszlo, that's enough, thank you.” Guillermo states hurriedly, still trying to keep his emotions intact.
Laszlo nods softly. “Well, that is how these past years have been. The only reason that you are in this cage is because I needed to tell you that, and because we admittedly didn't want you running off again. There is much left to be said on Nandor's part, and I might actually consider throwing myself into a pit of wooden stakes if I have to continue dealing with his moping. You are also in this cage because Nandor still thinks he's going to kill you, or he just wants to scare you. either way.”
Guillermo nods softly, eyes still closed as he swallows harshly.
“Thank you. for telling me about that.”
Laszlo hums in reply.
“Yes, well, I am not without a soul.”
=====================================
Laszlo had left for the night awhile ago, leaving Guillermo alone in this basement.
He is curled up on the mattress, staring at the number on his screen. He needs to call them, let them know he's fine and to await further instruction.
But he's tired. And upset.
He gets dragged here after fainting because of course Nandor lied , used deceit on him. Just to get him here, in this stupid cage again, alone.
Guillermo hates being alone.
At least with his system, he had a body near him to provide warmth and take away some of the heaviness in his chest.
But he is without that now.
Why you didn't say goodbye to her-
Guillermo squeezes his eyes shut, the sob escaping his lips much louder than he'd intended.
As he was prone to doing, he hadn't even thought too hard about his mother.
What kind of son was he.
What did he think he was doing, running away and leaving her in the dust for some fairytale dream? Why did he let his fear control him?
The last time Guillermo spoke to her was at her birthday party.
Only a few weeks before Nandor had found out that he'd gotten turned by a vampire other than him.
The years had slid by Guillermo’s eyes. Now and only now does it sink in that his mother was dead, and that she never got to know what happened to him. Her only child, gone with the wind.
The only person who had and could ever love Guillermo, and he'd abandoned her.
He deserved this.
It doesn't feel real.
=====================================
By the time night had fallen again, Guillermo had reached a new level of exhaustion. He'd spent the day wailing, and the only break from that was the fact that he'd cried out all of the blood he possibly could, and now he needed to eat.
Which sucked, because he had a system. One that he needed to use, and one that would undoubtedly be met with ridicule by his captures.
Of course, the door clicks open as soon as his train of thought reaches his mind, and the sight of Nandor brings Guillermo enough of an emotional hurricane to help him not think about his hunger.
“Evening Gizmo!” Laszlo states cheerfully as he follows after a solemn looking Nandor, the both of them approaching the cage.
Guillermo can only find it in himself to nod in answer. This sobers Laszlo greatly, his mood going unmatched.
Nandor is the first to break the silence, leaning down to Guillermo's level.
“Are you hungry?”
Guillermo doesn't know how to respond exactly, unsure of how Nandor is going to play this. He might be genuinely considering Guillermo's health, or he might be teasing him with his answer.
Taking a breath, Guillermo meets Nandor’s eyes with apprehension.
“Are you going to let me eat?”
Nandor appears taken aback, but quickly schools his expression into one of anger.
“Do you really think of me that way?! You are cruel, Guillermo. I however, am not.” He spits, making sure to bare his fangs in a show of domination.
Guillermo flinches, his lip wobbling besides himself as he quickly darts his eyes away from Nandor.
It isn't his fault. This whole shitfest has already been an emotional roller coaster.
Nandor seems to soften at this, eyebrows falling into a more worried look.
“Guillermo, I didn't mean-”
“Then what did you mean? To trick me, drag me here, insult me, berate me for something I have already punished myself enough for, only to toy around with my emotions? Is this what you want?”
Guillermo snaps, rubbing at his irritated eyes.
Nandor blinks, his body slumping slightly.
“I-well, you are the one who-”
“I get it! I fucked up! I know what I did, I have spent these past years regretting it. Vampirism is a curse, and of course you warned me, but you couldn't have stopped me. But I have learned.”
Guillermo continues now, a wave of torturous feelings wrapping their tendrils around his heart. He wants, no, needs to cry-but again, he is empty of blood. A reminder.
“What more do you want me to say? Or what would you have me do? I've already told you that you can kill me, as if you needed my consent. I have already told you that I am sorry. I have spent every single fucking day hating myself for it, and I am tired. Just do whatever you need to do.”
Nandor watches him carefully, seated on the floor now. He crosses his legs, looking at his curled fingers.
“I want you to stay.”
Guillermo searches Nandor's face for something, anything that will give away what is really happening in his mind. After finding nothing, he decides to look at the ground.
“No, you don't.”
Not anymore.
It's Nandor's turn to hunt for what Guillermo is thinking, his head tilted.
“But, I do. I have missed your presence, and I do not care if you are a vampire now. I admittedly have…reached an understanding about your situation. I was unkind to you, and I counted on your staying by my side as a familiar for much longer. But you got tired of waiting, and I suppose it hurt me.”
Guillermo doesn't look at Nandor this time, keeping his eyes on the floor.
Of course he figured that out. Because it was that easy, and you were the one who jumped the ship at the first sight of danger. Of course it was you.
It's always your fault.
“...thank you, for saying that. And I'm sorry, for hurting you. I didn't think about that.”
“Of course you did not.” Nandor replies matter-of-factly, as if Guillermo didn't know that. “So, will you stay?”
Guillermo draws a blank. He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes.
“I am different. You won't want who I am now.”
Nandor seems more perplexed.
“Besides being a vampire and being much more sad, I do not think you have changed.”
Guillermo wants to laugh. He wants to roll around the floor, wants his dead lungs to rattle with it.
“You've only seen me for a few hours.”
Nandor smiles, a sickeningly sweet thing.
“I know you well, my dear Guillermo. But if you truly have become someone whom I do not wish to have by my side any longer, then I will let you know. But how about we do a running test? You stay here for a week, and we will let you know whether we would like you to stay.”
Guillermo swallows, his brain a storm of emotion.
He could stay. Risk having Nandor kill him at his first chance.
Or, he could stay and actually be happy.
Both choices were…terrifying. The second one more so.
But really, what did he have left to lose?
So Guillermo does something impulsive.
“...”
“Okay.”