Here it is, the last one and the one you’ve all been waiting for…
It was the dead of night. You had no idea how you got to the moment of agreeing to meet Vladimir. Yet you were there. You leaned against the brick wall of the tunnel. It was quite secluded, the cars on the other side of the same wall. It was only an advantage seeing that you were there at night. You were hidden from view from passers by.
You noticed quickly you weren’t alone. A dark silhouette approaching you. However when it got closer, you became aware of who it was. Vladimir didn’t even so much as blink as he approached but he did have a smirk. The one you had seen him smile the first time you met. “Vladimir…” You trailed off softly, uncertain of what you’d have said. He said nothing in return.
By the time he was a few feet away from you, he was slowly closing the distance between you both. His hand reached up, stroking your cheek almost lovingly. He leaned in as though about to kiss you but moved his head to the side upon the last moment, brushing your nose his his own. Lightly, he took your wrist into his hand before stepping back, creating a small amount of distance once more but tugging you to follow him. You did. Unsure just what that decision would lead to.
As you got to the forest line, Vladimir carried you. No longer moving at human pace. He took you to an old looking mansion, setting you down gently. It was a miracle it was in such impeccable condition and you wondered how it hadn’t been damaged by vandalism or some other man made destruction. Didn’t time wash away everything? Then again, your mind reminded you this was the Romanians, there would be no doubt it was privately owned. Any trespassers…well, for their sake should have hoped the two would never be home whilst they were there. “All of this for two people?” You said quietly and Vladimir smirked at you, a hum of amusement escaping his tight smile as he passed you to open the door.
When you crossed the threshold you couldn’t help but look around in awe. Everything was framed with wood that looked more expensive than you could ever dream to afford, the floors and banisters of the stairs had been polished too. There were large paintings on the walls. They were definitely old, given the subjects. One in particular caught your eye.
You moved closer and Vladimir only seemed to watch you. You peered closer. “This is really good.” You said quietly, tempted to touch it but holding yourself back. “The Twelve Leaders of the Romanian coven.” Vladimir said fondly, breaking his gaze from you to the painting, standing by your side in moments. “Weren’t you and Stefan two of them?” You asked. “Yes. Do you know where we are?” Vladimir asked in amusement, seemingly already knowing your answer. You focused hard.
"Is that you?“ You pointed to the first in the bottom row of four. “No.” He smiled. “That would be Cyrus and I assure you, my hair has never looked like the end of a mop.” Vladimir had a point, his hair was more platinum blonde whilst ‘Cyrus’ hair looked to be more of a dirty blonde. “I don’t see anyone with your hair.” You smiled bashfully, leaning closer to the painting. “Wait, is that you? Middle row, second to the left?” “Indeed it is.” Vladimir smiled. “That’s cheating, your hair is covered by that hood! It’s not even the same style!” You exclaimed and he chuckled. “You’ve got one more.” He was right. You still had Stefan to find.
“Is that him?” “Perhaps I should be offended that you found him so easily.” Vladimir smirked, leaning against the wall. Your jaw dropped. “You’re joking…that was a complete guess! He looks nothing like himself now.” “It’s just how paintings are darling, they always look a little different to the real thing. The art style.” He finished. “Although our hair is very different. I will give you that.” "This painting has to be at least a thousands years old…“ You began quietly. "How have you kept in such good condition after everything?"
Vladimir smiled slightly, turning his full attention to you, the painting forgotten. His eyes ran over your face, lingering on your lips. Gently, he reached out and lightly stroked your cheek. "There is no secret, darling. We take care of what’s important to us.” He said quietly, almost sweetly. A whole other side to Vladimir you hadn’t seen before. “Might I take your coat?” He asked lightly with a small smile. You shook yourself slightly out of your trance. Immediately moving to remove your jacket. He helped you, taking it from you assuring you he’d only be a moment.
You looked over the rest of the paintings. There was no doubt, the Romanians had been around for a very long time. It made you wonder why Vladimir was so interested in you. You were nothing special.
