A/N: Thank you to FenixFATA23 who has left the first review. I appreciate the support and will take your thoughts into consideration. Gracias! I think Vlad and Danny are compatible as well, especially if the story is set up right. So here is the next chapter, where the setup may have potential, let me know!
Also, I had problems formatting this from the word program I use on my phone to the word doc on my computer. So, if this is hard to read I apologize. I did my best to make the format readable.
Please read and review and I will try to get the next chapter posted much faster. ENJOY!
Chapter Four
Just like That
Vlad returned to his car, a feeling of calm still circling gently around his belly. He shifted unenthusiastically back into his human form and leaned heavily against his vehicle's driver side door. Images were still flowing through his mind, old thoughts and ideas being pushed away to make room for new ones.
It took him nearly half an hour to stop staring at the ground and another ten minutes, after he got into his car, to actually start it and leave. He was headed for his home when he realized he didn't want to go there yet. What was there? Who was there? He was alone again and part of him, granted a very small part, nearly wanted to go back to Clockwork's lair simply for the company if nothing else.
The next few hours found him alone, driving circles on the interstate and old country roads around the town of Amity Park. He still had a lot of work to do, and yet after everything that had happened with Clockwork, Vlad hadn't been given a moment to compose himself. The time spirit had started to speak about the next phase of his plan. It was brilliant, but required even more acting and patience on his part.
Vlad was to stay a little longer in Amity, and he was told to pack up his belongings himself instead of hiring movers. This would give him a longer time period to wait for Daniel to show up again.
The seemingly impossible task would take him weeks but Vlad decided it wasn't that bad. Part of him wanted to go through all of it, as the billionaire realized he had no clue what personal effects he actually had in such a large mansion.
He arrived home to his cat, a dark foyer and utter silence. He elected to make some dinner, drink a cup of hot tea and have a soak in his bathtub. It was the first time in a long time that Vlad found himself unappreciative of the silence. Normally it helped him to think, but tonight, after such a long day, the realizations he had made were gruesome to dwell on and the silence seemed to force him to do so.
Memories of his childhood and his time in college spinning through his mind like water down a drain.
Jack and Maddie, the three musketeers, the happiness he had felt back then all became such a bitter pill to swallow as he looked at his life now.
He sunk down into the hot water, steam rising up around him. A sigh escaped his lips and for a while his mind was blessedly blank. The emotions he had been fighting most of the day seemed to disappear and as the minutes ticked away into a half hour he imagined what life would be like for him now, if only that doctor hadn't gotten in the way.
An hour had passed by the time Vlad was stepping from the tub and drying off. Palms rested on the cool marble counter top before taking a deep steadying breath. Sleep would be near impossible tonight, but given the work he had ahead of him he knew he would have to at least try.
Keep control, Vlad. No matter what happens, remain in control and don't let yourself ruin the one chance you have been given.
Page Break
The walk down memory lane had been painful and enlightening all at the same time and for some reason it had created a need for nostalgic indulgence. Part of him was appalled at the sudden moment of weakness but another part of him found he wanted to embrace it. As he went through all of his things a sudden realization overtook him when he noticed that he had almost no items from his youth.
Vlad had known that he had not kept a lot of his things because the memories weren't very good when it came to his younger years. But still, he had thought he had kept something. Yet, as Vlad dug and searched the only things he found were a very old baseball glove, a dusty photo album (one he couldn't get up the nerve to look through) and a rather battered stuffed animal, a fox to be more precise.
"Ferdy?" Vlad had whispered out as he recalled images of long afternoons confiding his secrets of abuse and sadness to the little creature. One eye had been replaced with a faded red button; the other stared back at him with a honey brown iris that made Vlade wince in discomfort.
The baseball glove had been his father's, he recalled only three times the massive man had taken him to the park to use it. One of those three times had ended disastrously and Vlad threw the glove back in the box when he noticed a smear and several droplets of blood on the back ridge where the thumb laced together with the rest of the mit.
The album had a picture on the front, inserted into a heart shaped opening surrounded by lace and fabric. The picture was of Vlad, his mother and father.
Irena Masters and her son looked happy, he was so little, had he really ever been that small? Ferdy was also in the picture and looked brand new, clutched against Vlad's chest while he smiled that shy smile right at the camera.
Shaky hands had simply set it aside, not knowing when he would be ready to look through it. His father had taken pictures throughout his childhood, no doubt there were images of himself in there he would rather not remember. He even found he could recall the first time his father had taken a picture of his injuries and placed it inside the album.
"This way you can remember your mistakes and always see the consequences of your actions."
Vlad shivered and pushed some strands of hair out of his face, "Sick bastard." Vlad had said to himself as he shoved the book back into the box and covered it with the plush toy and the glove.
Three weeks after saying goodbye to Jack and Maddie and making cruel and painful recollections about his past Vlad was still determined to follow through with Clockwork's plan and feign his moving on and starting a new life. Though by this time, he was so caught up in searching out more objects from his youth he had near forgotten the point of all this strenuous labor.
He had finished the attic, third and second floor and was finally onto the main level of packing when his doorbell rang.
His heart leapt into his throat at the awareness that with all his soul searching and self-rediscovery he had forgotten to expect a visit from Daniel.
"So that's how it feels to not be obsessed with someone-" Vlad mused to himself as he tried to straighten his dust covered shirt and loose strands of hair.
He opened the door to see young Daniel standing there, eyes down, shoulders hunched and hands twisting anxiously behind his back.
"Daniel? How can I help you my boy?" Vlad kept his voice light and neutral, his face surprised and his emotions well hidden. To his own shock he felt no spite towards Jack or anger towards the boy, both being common emotions upon seeing him.
"I was hoping, I mean, I was wondering if you might have some time to talk. Not to say I trust you or anything, but I have some questions for you and I demand- would like, some answers." the blush on the boy's cheeks was obvious though Vlad wasn't sure why the boy before him would be so bashful considering their history.
Daniel's tone had gone from nervous to righteous to embarrassed in less than three seconds, his uncertainty about whether Vlad's reformation was true or just an act quite obvious, but truth be told, Vlad wasn't sure himself anymore and that is what frustrated him the most.
Clockwork had done a number on his brain, he hadn't slept so well since he was little, his inner demons still remained mostly silent, despite some dreams that had brought up some very sour memories, and he felt like a new man.
"Of course little badger, come in." Danny didn't protest to the nickname and Vlad was pleased to see Daniel remained somewhat relaxed as he crossed the threshold of the house.
He led the young man into the kitchen and motioned for him to take a seat on one of stools at the island in the center of the room. Vlad gave a small smirk as he watched the boy glance around at all the boxes that lay open and partially packed.
"Would you like a drink, soda or tea-"
"No thanks." Daniel had said as he waved his hand back and forth.
Vlad nodded but went about preparing a tea tray for himself, quick boiling water, steeping the tea and pulling out cream, sugar, honey and lemon. The silence wasn't awkward per say but Vlad could feel Danny's eyes on his back through the whole process. While he worked he said softly, "I would like to apologize for running out on your mother and father the other day, I should have stayed and finished our conversation but given the new information that came to light, I felt the need to be alone. I hope you will pass along my regrets?"
"Huh? Oh, sure, of course. They understand." Danny said though he seemed distracted and not quite sure what else to say.
The silence stretched on but it wasn't until Vlad turned around that he realized Daniel was staring at the palm of his hand intently. He eyed the boy for a moment and let out a soft cough to get his attention. When Danny looked up he frowned before he cleared his own throat and said with a cocked eyebrow, "So, you're really going through with it- moving back to Wisconsin, I mean."
"I should think so, I've already managed to pack up two-thirds of my house, why turn back now. It's taken me quite a few weeks to make it this far."
"And you're not hiring a packing crew because-"
"I was hoping to use the time to take stock of what I have, what's really important to me and what I need to get rid off. I've so few things left from the old days, I've come to realize that all I really own is stuff, nothing worth real sentimental value, it's rather depressing." Vlad sighed then and took a sip of his tea before he looked to the ceiling and brought a finger to his lips in thought, "I think I'll donate a lot of it, I just don't get any satisfaction out of it anymore."
"Does that go for all your Packers stuff as well?" the question was a challenge and Vlad knew instantly that Daniel was trying to catch him in a lie.
All Vlad could do was answer honestly, "Alright, maybe not all of my stuff." the idea of parting with his vast collection of Packers memorabilia nearly causing him to faint.
Danny sat in silence for a moment before he absent-mindedly took the spare mug Vlad had set out for him just in case and started to make himself a cup, the boy's blue eyes still glancing around the space that echoed with their voices now that it was mostly boxed up.
"I always wondered how you could live in such a big place alone, it would freak me out-"
Vlad looked down into his tea and felt that same bit of anguish start to flare, swallowing the thick sticky lump in his throat he cleared it and then spoke, "I suppose over-compensation goes hand in hand with self-induced loneliness and resentment."
Danny smirked a little and Vlad did the same, suddenly feeling a moment of kinship with the boy though he couldn't say why. It was odd being here with him like this, and while Vlad was still playing a roll he couldn't help see how Clockwork had set up the most brilliant plan he had ever seen.
Speak the truth as you lie and no one will ever know. Perhaps he could learn more tricks from the time spirit after Daniel was secure and at his side. Though at this particular juncture he wasn't entirely certain Clockwork was doing this just for Vlad's own good.
"So, you really have changed? This isn't an evil plot or-"
Vlad was pulled from his musings by the timid question, a rare sight to see the boy so uncertain, still Vlad knew he would have to reassure the boy for quite awhile so he played into it and kept his voice soft and gentle, "Yes Daniel, I've really changed. I've let it all go, and am trying to move on."
More silence, Danny looking down at his tea, Vlad looking at the counter and the moment of awkward silence slowly filled the space, until Danny finally spoke. The amount of reserve in his voice spoke volumes but Vlad couldn't believe the next thing to come out of the boy's mouth, "Soooo, if you're not going to be evil anymore… maybe I could come visit you in Wisconsin over the summer and you could, I don't know, help me with some ghost power stuff?" The question came out slowly, a nervous yet sincere question. Danny keeping his eyes averted to his left, Vlad staring at him in shock before he looked away a moment and then back.
He felt numb for only a second, a moment of dazed confusion before his stomach erupted in an anxiety filled shot of adrenaline, still the only thing that came from his vocal cords was a question, "Just like that?" Vlad hadn't meant to say it out loud, he hadn't even meant to respond right away, but he did and Danny looked to him with an annoyed frown, "Well, yeah I guess so. If you aren't going to try to make me evil or make me kill my dad or anything totally crazy, I guess I could really use your help."
Vlad had to keep from licking his lips, had to keep from cheering and acting out any of his elation. He had to remain calm and weary and stop himself from some grandiose speech about how Daniel's young life would be so much more fruitful in his capable hands.
Clearing his throat, Vlad added another small scoop of sugar to his tea and kept his eyes on his mug. He watched the swirling liquid awhile longer before he glanced up to the young boy before him and asked in a rather disinterested voice, "Oh? Which power seems to be causing you trouble my dear boy?"
Daniel didn't hesitate and in one instant went from pent up and edgy to flabbergasted and frustrated, pouring forth all his anger at the situation and seemingly forgetting who he was talking to, this was Vlad's moment to strike, "Pick one, they are all acting up, and Frostbite has no clue how to help."
"Frostbite, that snow monster from the ghost zone? Why on earth would you go to him for help?" Vlad's distaste was evident but his jealousy was well hidden.
"He has a cold core like me, when I got my ice powers he helped me through the transition, but now I try to do even a basic ecto-ball and it explodes on me."
Angry blue eyes glared at the counter top before them and an air of black clouds seemed to surround the boy.
Vlad couldn't help but chuckle and say in response, "Mmmm, it sounds like you're going through your final stages of metamorphosis. I wouldn't blame Frostbite as that behemoth of a creature probably didn't take it into consideration, if rumors are to be right he considers you the savior of the ghost zone- I would assume he'd not take your actual age into consideration."
"Through what?" Danny asked as he popped his head up in surprise.
"Let's just call it ghostly puberty. It's rather painful and sometimes problematic." Vlad said with a smirk
"Sometimes problematic? It's like getting my ghost powers all over again, but instead of just phasing through stuff accidentally or turning invisible without me knowing it, I'm sneezing and things are exploding. Not to mention I froze all the plumbing in the house and ruptured all the pipes while I took a shower!"
Vlad had to hold back a chuckle and cleared his throat again before he spoke, "The metamorphosis can cause a lot of power fluctuations. It will eventually subside. The most interesting thing I have discovered is that while ghosts usually have a specific set of powers that rarely change or evolve they do get stronger. You and I are different; even after metamorphosis we can still get new powers. And our energy level never seems to peak. Which means-"
"We only get stronger with age." The concerned look in Danny's eyes made Vlad pause a moment, perhaps this anxiety in Danny was directly linked to the situation that occurred with the evil creature Clockwork had shown him.
Vlad wanted more than anything to bring up the monster, the creature that they had unintentionally created but he knew it was impossible, as it would only complicate his plans. Clockwork had assured Vlad the time would come to reveal his knowledge on the matter but he had not specified when.
"Great, so how often does this metamorphosis occur? You said it was my final one, but if we have the ability to get new powers and our energy level can keep expanding, wouldn't that mean we'd have like constant power fluxes and continue to have more?"
"That's- very astute Daniel, you've surprised me." And Vlad was surprised, for while he knew Daniel was very quick on his feet, the area around actual knowledge and academia seemed to elude the often-lazy youth.
"Yeah well, I'm smarter than people think. I'm just not as good at the whole studying thing. It's boring, ghost stuff is never boring."
Vlad smirked and rolled his eyes, "You have the potential to excel at anything you do if you just had some more discipline."
It was Danny's turn to roll his eyes as Vlad gave him a rather un-amused look, "Right, back to the ghost stuff, so will there be more ghostly puberty moments or is this it, because making it through normal puberty is hard enough without a second round, or a third or fourth."
"To answer your question honestly, I am not sure how it will work for you. Each ghosts metamorphosis is different and varies in length and severity. My final metamorphosis occurred not to long ago, or do you not remember the incident with the ecto-acne."
"Wait, that was your-"
"Mhmm." Vlad confirmed with a gentle nod.
"But you're so old-"
Vlad gritted his teeth and winced before he pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers, "Be that as it may, and I don't appreciate the old comment by the way, it proves my point. I got my powers at a much older age than you, which means my final metamorphosis was later than normal. You got your powers at a cruelly young age, which means your metamorphosis could be linked up with your human half. It could speed things up or slow it down. As human puberty tends to end fully between the ages of 17 to 20, no I'm not joking stop gawking, it could be awhile for you."
"Great, puberty for ever." Danny said with a pained voice, his face plopping into his hands.
"Not forever, just for now. And I can help you manage through it if you would like."
Danny seemed to perk up at this and smiled, "Really? No evil plots, or eye for an eye type junk?"
"For the hundredth time, no. If you want my help I will give it to you, no quid-pro-quo necessary. But I do ask that you take this seriously and actually try to pay attention and listen to me."
"No problem."
Vlad gave him a doubtful look before he took a sip from his cup and set it aside, "We shall have to see about that Mr. studying-is-boring."
"Awww man, there's going to be studying?"
"Of course. The only way to learn is to try, with trying come studying."
"So lame." Danny said under his breath.
"Well, if you'd rather keep blowing things up with your ecto-plasmic boogers that's fine-"
"No! No no, I'm good to study, studying is my thing. I'm a wiz, when I apply myself that is." his sheepish look pulled a small smirk and bemused eyes from Vlad but he simply shook his head.
"Good choice. The only issue left would be how to get you to Wisconsin. Obviously you won't want to stay over the summer, but flying back and forth, though easy could get tiring and could be dangerous if your powers fluctuate during your flight. I suppose you don't have a car yet?"
Danny shook his head no and added, "I won't get my license until the end of summer anyway."
"If I were to arrange for my private jet to pick you up- then again I will need that for business trips. I'm supposed to be in Paris next month for several meetings with my board of directors…"
"What about the ghost zone, I've gone through there to your mansion loads of times-"
Vlad's eyes went from wide with surprise to narrowed and annoyed, "Oh really little badger, and what pray tell were you doing flying to and from my home without me present?"
Danny's face paled and he chuckled nervously, "Oh, you know, the usual stuff, spying and messing with things-"
A sudden realization came to him and Vlad stared in anger, "You're the one who switched out my shaving cream with ecto-goop!"
Danny burst out laughing and nearly lost his balance on the stool, Vlad stared un-amused until a thought occurred to him and he gave an evil smile towards Danny.
Danny sobered quickly and gave Vlad a weary look, "What?"
"On nothing, but you would do well to stop pulling pranks on me, as I recall the last time this happened I ended up running for mayor."
Danny recalled their month long prank fest and suddenly didn't feel so much like laughing, "Yeah, well, I did it after you made that vat of potatoes explode on me. I was pulling mash out of my hair for days after."
"Very well, truce?" Vlad asked and held out his hand, Danny hesitated but eventually took his hand and in that moment a strange flow of energy crept up Vlad's arm, it swarmed into his chest and then settled warm and soothing in his stomach. His eyes zoned in on their clasped hands and for a moment he was stunned.
Danny seemed to feel it too and the pair hastily pulled away before each absent-mindedly touched or rubbed their hand. "So, the portal is out of the question because your powers are acting up, if one of your millions of enemies came across you and your powers shorted you wouldn't be able to protect yourself. We also have to deal with the fact that my portal would have to be moved back to Wisconsin which is not as simple or easy as it sounds and I'd have to set up a brand new lab to make up for all the upgrades that my old lab in Wisconsin has missed. Even with endless money it takes time."
There was another silence in which Vlad had been told to wait, to say nothing and act like he was thinking it all over. Clockwork said Danny would come up with the solution if Vlad casually deflated all other ideas. Vlad wasn't the type of man to sweat but having Daniel so close to being his made him all the more jumpy, he was about to scrap Clockwork's advice and offer up his jet again, saying to hell with the board of directors and try to work something out when Daniel finally spoke.
"I suppose…. I c-could, spend the summer…. with you, maybe, take smaller trips back to Amity to see my friends- if that would make things easier."
The provisional tone in his voice, and the upturned brow showed Vlad Danny's discomfort at the idea, which showed there was still little to no trust between them and Vlad needed to tread very lightly.
"That might be the most reasonable thing to do but I know how uncomfortable that would make you. Perhaps we save it as the last option and if we can't think of something better by the end of the school year we can resort to that."
Vlad saw Danny's face relax as well as fill with confusion, it looked like there was almost a tiny hint of trepidation in his eye but it was gone so fast Vlad was sure he had imagined it.
"Alright- that gives us two weeks."
"Excellent, I am sure we can figure out a solution that will work for both of us."
"Okay, yeah, that's fine- um, I guess I'll be going then…. Lots to do...and you got to pack-"
"Oh, speaking of, would you and your little friends like some extra cash for the summer?" Vlad asked, feeling his stomach clench in anxiety, Clockwork told him to offer, but he wasn't sure why or how it would help Vlad get Daniel on his side.
"Um, it's cool Vlad, I know you got a lot of cash to throw around but we don't need handouts-"
"I wasn't offering one Daniel, I have the entire main floor of my mansion to sort through and pack up, and considering you are planning to come to Wisconsin this summer I need time to prepare my home for a child with overactive malfunctioning powers. It can be a bit…. Costly. If I were to leave you all a list of rooms to pack up would you be willing to come in on the weekends and finish up for me? I can sort the rubbish from the rest when I unpack in Wisconsin. We can kill two birds with one stone-"
Danny thought about it, debated really, but eventually gave a small smile and nodded "Sure. I suppose Sam doesn't need the money but I know Tuck is always looking for ways to get new tech. And I wouldn't mind some cash myself. I'll ask them and let you know later this week."
"Excellent, here's my number, just let me know. If not, I may have to hire some packers and between you and I, three teenagers would probably do a better job than a group of professionals."
Danny gave a small chuckle at this and then turned and slid from his stool, "Right well, I better go, I'm meeting Sam and Tucker at the movies."
Vlad nodded and moved around the counter to follow Danny out of the kitchen, "Have a good afternoon Daniel, I look forward to this summer's activities."
As Danny walked out of the house and looked over his shoulder to wave good bye Vlad felt something consume his chest, something closely resembling hope.
Page break
When Danny, Sam and Tucker arrived at Vlad's house a note greeted them on the door. Danny grabbed it and read aloud, "Dear Daniel, please help yourself to anything you want in the kitchen but try not to leave a mess. I won't be back for a while so the house is yours to do with as you please, save for blowing it up. The entertainment system should still be hooked up and the pool house is still open. I appreciate the help and will be back tomorrow morning. Your payment is on the kitchen counter. Enjoy the weekend, Vlad."
"Weird. It doesn't even sound creepy or filled with subtext." Tucker said as he grabbed the handle and pushed the door open.
"Tucker! Will you wait? I wanted to check and make sure there weren't any booby traps." Danny said as he turned into his alter ego and flew slowly into the house.
The letter, which Sam had picked up from the ground, had seemed totally benign and as she looked it over she couldn't help her surprise at finding exactly what Tucker said, nothing.
She poked her head through the doorway and saw Danny zooming from room to room, his expression indomitable but his efforts fruitless.
After a few more minutes of waiting restlessly on the front steps Sam walked in with Tucker in tow.
"Anything?" she asked as Danny flew past.
"Nothing, but that doesn't mean there isn't one." Danny said, his voice betraying his determination to find some form of booby-trap or weaponry.
"If you're so worried about some big bad scheme why did you agree to pack up all his rich-boy junk?" Tucker asked as he pulled out his PDA and started to flip through it.
Danny stopped mid-air in the center of the entryway and looked down at him, "It was the perfect opportunity to snoop around. Figure out what his plan really is so we can stop it before it gets too far along."
"It's a good idea, but honestly, after everything you told us I'm not so sure Vlad isn't being honest." Sam and Danny looked to Tucker in surprise, "Tucker, how could you say that?" Danny said in frustration.
"Yeah, especially after all the evil schemes he's pulled. He's nearly killed Danny on more than three separate occasions." Sam agreed.
"Look, all I'm saying is, this would have to be the most elaborate plan he has ever tried to pull off, I'm not saying it's impossible, but I mean, uprooting his entire life, quitting his mayoral chair, hugging your dad? That's a lot, even for Vlad."
"Are you kidding? That's all in a day's work for our resident fruit loop. Nothing has ever stopped him- or do you not remember Danielle and the time with the creepy cloning project?"
"That's exactly my point. Vlad's been willing to go to some pretty crazy lengths to get what he wants- so does packing up and moving on really seem like the solution to his problems? Moving away from his target instead of towards it? Giving up a seat of power? Showing remorse for his treatment of your dad?" Tucker explained, he was digging through a few boxes, looking at random items that held no real interest to him.
His curiosity got the better of him though and as his finger flicked across a strange object with jingling springs he gasped when one shot off towards Danny who successfully ducked out of the way.
"I know, it seems weird, but a false sense of security could be his main goal at the moment. If I know anything about Vlad there is always more than one part to his over elaborate plans. This is just step one, step two could be anything or happen at anytime. Like at his mansion in Wisconsin."
"Which I am still pissed about by the way. Why would you agree to something like that!" Sam snapped as she folded her arms and leaned against the stair railing.
"I know, it could all be part of the plan. But it's also a possibility that it could be a good opportunity to gain information. If he thinks I believe him, if he thinks I trust him- I might be able to figure out his true intentions." Tucker looked to Sam and sighed, shrugging his shoulders and turning to dip his nose into another box.
"It's dangerous to go off on your own. I mean, we're a team. Don't we get a say in this?" Sam argued angrily.
Danny finally landed and approached his female friend, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder and giving an understanding look before he spoke, "I know this is hard for you Sam, but I don't think there is any other way. Besides, I've been dealing with that crazed up fruit loop for years now. I can handle him. If things do get out of hand I can just hit him with my ghostly wail and get the heck out of there."
Sam was about to protest again when Tucker interrupted, "Whoa, hey guys, come and take a look at this!"
Danny and Sam glanced to him curiously before they looked back at each other and Sam rolled her eyes, Danny smirked but turned and walked over, "What is it Tuck?" Danny asked peering over his friend's shoulder.
"It's an album. Looks old...and I think the kid on the front is Vlad."
"Whoa! No way!" Sam said with a wicked chuckle as she eyed the gangly youth squished between his two parents.
Danny's eyes scanned the image, looking first to the shy smile of the small boy, the eyes kind and gentle, the plush fox held tightly in a hand. His eyes went next to Vlad's mother, silvery blonde hair, bright blue eyes and a very caring and warm face. She was tall and thin, not as curvy as Danny's mother. Her hand clasped Vlad's, her thumb seemingly about to rub soothing circle on the back of us hand.
All in all Vlad and his mother seemed happy together and Danny didn't recognize the shy but friendly boy in the picture as the bitter angry man he knew now.
However, when his eyes landed on the man that Danny could only assume was Vlad's father his heart grew cold. The man's eyes were empty; though there was a small smile on his face it looked more like a mask. Those eyes, hazel maybe in color, seemed narrow, almost sinister in nature. It made Danny uncomfortable to look at him, his daunting height, narrow waist and broad chest made him seem like a beast of a man and Danny couldn't help notice how tight the man seemed to be squeezing Vlad's shoulder.
"So weird," Tucker mused, "Hard to believe Vlad could ever have been some innocent little kid."
Danny took the album from his friends hands, unable to look away as he wandered off, "Everyone comes from somewhere." he murmured out as his eyes continued to scan the photo on the front.
Sam and Tucker looked after him in confusion before sighing and going back to hunting for clues.
Danny was unaware of their dismissal as he walked up the large staircase, still looking at the picture, studying the body language, the faces and the eyes. The more he looked the more he noticed the subtle things, a slight wince to the young Vlad's eyes, the tense posture of Vlad's mother and the faded bruise near her eye she had tried to cover with makeup.
Everything about the man in the picture screamed domineering, controlling and dangerous. The feeling of dread he was getting from looking at the man made him wonder what Vlad's childhood must have been like. He continued to walk, unaware of where he was actually going as his fingers gently opened the cover and he began to scan.
The first few pages were normal, pictures of Vlad as an infant and then slightly older with his parents at home or at the park. Most of the photos held happiness in them, even the first few years Vlad's father was seen smiling, holding his son adoringly as well as kissing or teasing his wife. It seemed there was nothing but good happy memories for the first few years of Vlad's life.
The third page is where Danny noticed a change. Vlad's father, his smile seemed to fade, his eyes growing more narrow and annoyed. His posture changed from open and loving to cut off and distant. It was on the fourth page that Danny stopped walking. A clipping from an old newspaper filling the page. It contained a picture of Vlad's mother with a headline that made Danny woefully uneasy.
LOCAL WOMAN GONE MISSING
Danny scanned through the article, reading about the small search party and subsequent theory that she had ran off to be with some hidden lover when a note had turned up in her dressing gown. She had abandoned her son and husband and was somewhere in Reno, was the best guess that anyone could figure.
It didn't really make sense to Danny, as all the pictures he had seen thus far had made it appear that Vlad's mother was absolutely adoring of her only son and wouldn't just run off with another man.
He decided to put those thoughts on hold as he turned the page where he was greeted with a spidery scrawl on an otherwise blank sheet of paper that had been slid behind the plastic.
These memories, my son, are for you, so that you may always see your mistakes and remember the consequences of your actions. Love, Papa.
When Danny turned the page the book dropped from his hands, an exclamation of "Whoa!" escaping his mouth. He had lurched back, as if the album had burned him. He shook his head a moment and then glanced at the book where it lay face down and splayed open.
"No way." He whispered out, thinking for sure he had seen the pictures wrong. Slowly, as if the book was alive and may bite him, he reached down and picked it up, turning it over to glance at the pictures that had been placed on the next page.
It was an image of Vlad, a black eye decorating his young face, the hand written caption below simply said, did not clean his room.
The picture next to it showed him sporting a swollen and busted lip with another hand written caption, forgot to take out trash.
The other two pictures were no better, both with captions that read, Being too clingy and wanted a goodnight kiss.
When Danny turned the page he was greeted with more images of violence and captions seemingly there to denote each photo and the cause for the abuse.
Slowly, he turned a few more pages, realizing as he went that the level of abuse was seemingly growing right along with Vlad. Danny reached the final page only to find that Vlad looked nearly sixteen. His face was a mess, a mixture of blood and bruises, tears making his cheeks shine and he was holding his wrist, which looked, swollen and bent at an awkward angle. Danny noticed his clothes were torn and stretched and he was favoring his right ankle. The caption below made his stomach feel sick, for being weak, real men don't need hugs.
"Man." Danny whispered as he slowly closed the album and looked at the picture on the front cover. He didn't know how to process this new found information, though it made a lot of things about the man he knew today more understandable.
Growing up with a psycho father was definitely a partial explanation for why Vlad was so messed up. He wasn't a fool to let his pity get the better of him; he wasn't about to start to let himself empathies with his archenemy. But Danny, by his very nature, was kind and often felt remorse for those who didn't always deserve such things. Vlad was no exception, he felt bad for him, truly deeply sorry that Vlad had grown up with a father that was so abusive.
He held the album to his chest and thought about how his own Parents treated him. They could be forgetful, sometimes even dismissive, but they cared for Danny and his sister more than either would probably ever be able to understand. They loved him and no amount of mistakes would change that.
Vlad, often very quick to anger and no stranger to dealing out punishments as he saw fit, was nothing more than the product of his up bringing. No doubt there was even more compounding issues that had arouse from his stint in the hospital and loosing the woman he loved to another man.
It was becoming more and more evident to Danny that if this situation was true, if Vlad really was trying to start over, Danny could see the possibilities of helping the man in ways Vlad never would have considered.
No matter how crazy Vlad has been, or how crazy he still is, the only constant there has ever been is the man's supposed desire for a family. The perfect wife and son have been at the core of his desires. Now, he has given up on that, at least in regards to my mother and me. But maybe, if I work this right, I can help him find someone….help him….get what he needs to truly move on and be happy. No more fruit loop in my life to drive me crazy, beat me senseless or try and destroy the world.
Danny looked up as he realized that he no longer heard his two friends and realized he was in the upper most hallway, the wall before him holding a massive picture of the man in question.
Vlad's eyes were narrow, the smile on his face cruel, yet as Danny looked closer, he realized that behind the narrow eye stared he saw a certain amount of emptiness and the evil smirk seemed rather forced. Glancing at the large painting, would only allow you to see the surface. But if you really looked, there was something hidden behind his eyes and Danny suddenly found within himself the determination to try and make the monster into a man.
He pulled out his cell phone from his pocket and found Vlad's name and only hesitated a second before he made the call.
The phone rang several times before Vlad picked up and the man's voice sounded confused, "Yes? Daniel, is everything alright?" Danny wasn't sure how the man knew his number, then again, Vlad had probably had it long before he gave Danny his.
"Uh, yeah, everything is….fine-" he stared once again at the rather large and obnoxious painting of the man that was on the wall before him, doubt suddenly washing through his gut.
"Alright." Vlad said softly but the confusion in his voice was evident and Danny was about to tell him never mind, it was an accidental dial when his eyes dropped back down to the album and the picture that rested in the cover.
"Look, um…Vlad… I don't think there is a solution for me getting to and from Wisconsin…"
The other end of the line remained silent for a moment before Vlad spoke again, a sigh escaping his throat, "I understand, it is summer after all and I know how much you value time with your little friends. Perhaps I can see if I can stay in Amity longer, though I will need to find another place to stay as the new mayor is eager to move in-"
"No, Vlad, just…just hang on…" Danny said and he swallowed, as the silence that followed was rather thick.
He took a breath and tried again, thinking of the pictures he had just seen and how Clockwork had assured him that befriending Vlad was the right thing to do.
"Um, look, the most important thing for me right now is to get my powers under control, and considering Frostbite has no clue how to help me…. and Clockwork seems so determined for me to…" he trailed off again, realizing that Vlad did not know of the time spirits request for Danny to befriend him.
"Maybe, it would just be easier if I…. I will…I will go with you. I mean, I will stay with you for the summer, maybe take the limo back to Amity on weekends to visit or invite Sam and Tucker over to Wisconsin. Either way, my priority is my powers. So…I guess…. when school is out I will just…. return with you…. to Wisconsin."
There was an even longer silence and after a moment Danny called after him, "Vlad? Are, are you there?"
"Yes, yes of course dear boy. I have no problems with this arrangement, if you are sure. Samantha and Tucker are more than welcome to come visit. Just, do me a favor and run it by your mother will you? Given our history she may not like the idea of me taking off with her child. If she agrees we can proceed, yes?" and Danny was shocked to hear the man's voice sound so smooth and gentle, something stirred in his belly and he found himself pulling the album back to his chest as he stepped back to lean against the wall.
"Yeah, sure I will…. do that."
"Excellent. Everything else going alright with the packing?"
Danny was lost in the sound of the man's voice, in the fact that Vlad refused to take him without his mother's permission, that Vlad was being so…. Normal.
"Daniel?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, packing is going fine…. just…. slow…you have a lot of stuff fruit loop."
"Yes. The curse of money and no one to share it with I'm afraid. Well, take care little badger. You are welcome to stay there tonight if you like. Otherwise, I will see you when next we meet."
"Right, yeah. See you…"
When the line went dead Danny swallowed, looking down at the album that was tucked securely to his chest, before eyes wondered back up to the evil smile of the man in the painting.
Somehow, Danny had to reach the man underneath, had to find the heart that lay beneath years of torment, trauma and anger. Vlad seemed to be well on his way, Clockwork having done a pretty good job at getting the man to turn the page on his own.
Yet, no matter how Danny tried to justify his actions as good and noble, he felt like there was something else going on. He just couldn't get the feeling of dread to leave his stomach, and no matter what he would do over the next week, that smooth even voice of the man he had hated for so long would stay with him, haunting him in a way he couldn't escape.
Page Break
School was out today and Vlad waited in a cool anticipation for Danny to show up. He was restless and frustrated by how slow everything was moving but Clockwork assured him that it would lead Vlad to his goal with minimal fighting and casualty.
So when Danny showed up at his door, his little friends in tow, with bags in hand and a rather worried look on his face, Vlad took up his persona as the born-again nice guy and kept everything casual and low key.
After a few minutes of greeting and Danny reiterating for the umpteenth time that we could leave whenever he wanted and that he would blow the man sky high if he tried anything funny, they found themselves near the trunk of the limo.
The driver packed in both Vlad and Danny's bags and then went and opened the door, Vlad following him and coming to stop next to the driver.
"Alright, this is it. I have the whole thing set up. You two will be coming to visit on weekends. We each have cell phones and communicators so we can talk as often as we want. Anything weird or funny and I am out of there quicker than my dad to the fridge."
"Got it." Sam said with a nod of her head and Tucker gave a thumb up and a clever smirk.
"I got this set up and ready to go for you. It's my old laptop. Thanks to Vlad's generous donation to my allowance, I got a new one. But this thing is still top notch. It's a direct link to all of your ghost files, your parents lab and my and Sam's computers. Just open her up, hit the wifi and you will have everything you need."
"Thanks Tuck." Danny said as he smiled and took the computer before sliding it into his backpack.
"Just remember to keep your eyes open and taken notes. Let us know the instant something doesn't feel right. If at all possible, see if you can get his lab in Wisconsin up and running. Tucker installed a program on the computer that will update his system automatically and you might be able to use it to your advantage if need be." Sam said as she peered over Danny's shoulder to the man who was currently looking off in the distance.
"Got it. But, honestly guys, you have nothing to worry about. I've taken his royal assness down plenty of times before. If anything happens, I will be ready."
"We know you got this. No worries here."
"Thanks, Tuck." And Danny looked to Sam who sighed and looked away before running a hand nervously up and down her arm, "Just be careful Danny. He has tricked you before; manipulation is one of his strongest attributes. Be ready for anything, and be ready to jet."
Danny picked up his bag and threw it over his shoulder before placing a hand on her arm, "I got this, Sam. If he does pull something, I'll be ready."
"Yeah. Besides, if Danny isn't we're jut a phone call away." Tucker added and Sam sighed, "That's what I'm afraid of. We've never…. not been there for you…this will be the first time you're really on your own-"
"Hey, just…just relax. I will be fine. Now come on, group hug." Danny said, trying to not let Sam's fears and worries effect him. Though, he would be lying if he said he didn't have the same things running through his own mind.
They all hugged and then Danny readjusted his bag and turned away from them, fear and worry filling his stomach but he pushed it back and looked to the man he was planning to spend his summer with.
He stopped in front of him and looked up, seeing soft eyes and a gentle smile, "Ready to go?"
Danny spared one last look at his friends and then nodded before he reluctantly got in the limo. He sat with his back to the rear so that Vlad would have to sit with his back to the driver and he pulled his bag off and set it aside.
As the limo pulled away he turned in his seat and looked out the back window to watch his friends shrink into the distance. His heart beat increasing and a certain amount of sadness settling in.
He pushed it down and then, when he could no longer see Sam or Tucker, he sat back and then looked across the small space of the limo to find Vlad looking at him with something he could only describe as indecision. His brow was turned up, a small none aggressive frown on his lips.
"What?" Danny asked softly and Vlad looked at him with sincere eyes as he said delicately, "You'll see them again soon, Daniel. You needn't have any fear of it. I promise, everything is going to be alright."
Danny swallowed and slowly nodded; his eyes glanced to the floor as he heard that soft voice that he wasn't at all used to. It was odd, but for the first time since he had met this man, Danny found he actually believed him.
Page break
They pulled up to Vlad's Wisconsin home in the late afternoon. The ride had been quiet, no conversation or even eye contact for that matter. There was a small bit of tension that seemed to be building but neither halfa addressed it and when they finally pulled up in front of the large mansion Danny realized the time had come.
He was here in Wisconsin, alone with Vlad, and far away from his friends and family. He was on Vlad's turf and knew very little about the area. All he had with him was some tech gear, his own brain and his ghostly wail.
He only hoped his power fluctuations wouldn't affect his ability to wail, because knowing Vlad as he did, that was about the only thing that could take the man down, even if for only a few minutes.
"Come, Daniel. Let's get you settled." They exited the limo and Danny watched as the driver saw to their bags.
"Just put those bags in the spare room down the hall from mine, Françoise." The driver nodded and started the long hall in through the large oak doors, "Are you hungry, Daniel?" Vlad asked and the boy, whose eyes had been scanning his surroundings looked to him and he gave a single nod.
"Very well, let's see if there is anything in the kitchen yet."
Danny followed Vlad into the house and continued to watch his surroundings and after several minutes of walking and numerous twists and turns they entered into a kitchen that was even bigger than the one at his Mayoral house in Amity.
"See you're mostly unpacked." Danny said as he looked at all the sparkling appliances and gleaming dish ware.
"No, actually. I donated almost all of the items from my home in Amity. This was all left here incase I ever came back. I do suppose it was inevitable but one never knows where they might end up."
Danny didn't say anything and took a spot at the isle in the center of the large space, the stool's legs echoing as he pulled it out to sit down.
"My staff won't be back for a few more days, I gave them some time off to spend with their families so it is up to us to feed ourselves. What would you like?" and Danny watched in awe as the man removed his black suit jacket and undid the buttons of his sleeves, rolling up the white pristine fabric to his elbows and putting hands on his waist.
Danny continued to stare at seeing the man with such a casual appearance, his face remaining the neutral and unassuming look it had displayed the last few times they had met.
"You cook?" Danny asked as he realized what the man was implying.
"Yes, Daniel. Contrary to your belief that I am a spoiled rotten billionaire there was a time in my life when I could make a mean scramble. So, what do kids your age prefer? I will warn you I refuse to make anything filled with grease or slathered in ketchup but otherwise I can make you just about anything you want."
Danny looked down, a nervous hand scratching the back of his head as he thought about what he might be hungry for. A bout of homesick hit him and he glanced up and said in a rather shy manor, "Mac and cheese?"
Vlad stared a moment and then let out a chuckle, "Very well. Make yourself useful and grab me the pasta, hmm?"
"Oh, uh, sure…where…where is it?" Danny asked looking around the rather daunting kitchen.
"In the pantry, the glass door at the end of the counter." Danny nodded and hopped from the stool as Vlad reached for a pot that was hanging over the island.
Danny crossed to the fancy wood and glass door, thinner then a normal one and with black cursive words on the glass that read 'Pantry.' He opened it and realized it was just as excessive as the rest of the house. He walked in and looked around, gazing at the shelves upon shelves of dried and packaged goods. His eyes scanned but he saw nothing even close to resembling macaroni.
Moving to his left he walked a few feet before he came to the end of the space and stared at the glass jars before him, each having a hand written label of what was inside.
"Um, Spaghetti, Rotini, Angle Hair, Ravioli, Tortellini, Linguine, Penne, Rocchetti, Ziti, Lasagna, Manicotti…. where is the macaroni?" He continued to look for several more minutes before he felt a presence behind him and spun around, his back hitting the shelves violently.
"Easy Daniel. I thought you got lost." Danny looked up to find Vlad staring down at him with concerned eyes.
"I, uh, can't find the…mac-macaroni." He felt his heart beating a million miles an hour, his hands shaking though he fisted them tightly and kept them behind his back.
"My apologies, I do have a rather obscene love for pasta, I keep just about every type. It should be….here-" and Vlad moved forward, reaching up above all the others and grabbing the glass container.
Danny felt the man's heat, got a small whiff of his cologne and saw the way his muscles moved under his shirt.
To close, he is too close….
When Vlad pulled down the pasta he took a step back and turned away, moving out of the pantry and heading for the stove, Danny pocking his head out from the doorway and watching as the man got on with dinner.
Danny shook his head and tried to still his racing heart as he exited the pantry and returned to his stool. For the next few minutes he watched as Vlad boiled water and added a small amount of salt. The silence had returned and Danny found he couldn't take it anymore, so he tried to start a conversation.
"So you used to cook…before you were…ya'know, rich?"
"Yes, one of the few things I still enjoy doing myself. My…mother started to teach me, I continued to and learn after she…well, I taught myself a lot of things as I got older."
Danny felt his curiosity peak, having found the photo album, the man's vague communication about his mother didn't surprise him, but he elected to push despite the fact he knew better than to push the man before him, "What about your dad? Did he like to cook?"
Vlad gave a snort of derision but kept talking as he poured the pasta into the water, "He didn't like anything save for a stiff drink at the end of the day…. and my misery." Vlad had said the last part under his breath but Danny had caught it and he looked away, feeling guilty for bringing the man up given he knew more than Vlad was aware.
"So, when did you really learn to cook?" Danny tried, his hope of keeping the conversation going and the silence at bay pushing him forward.
"In college actually. Your mother taught me a lot of what I know. I've expanded since then, improved on most of her recipes, but then that happens when you are alone. Doing things to keep your mind active." Vlad mused and he walked to the fridge and started to pull out more ingredients.
"Let's see, mac and cheese, how about white cheddar, provolone and Parmesan?" and Vlad glanced to Danny who just nodded in response.
"Excellent, you aren't picky. So, let's grab some cream, butter and eggs."
"Eggs? In mac and cheese?"
"Just the yolks, makes the cheese sauce much more decedent." And Vlad crossed to the island with his arms full. He pulled down a large saucepan from the rack and then retrieved a cutting board and a rather large knife.
As he approached the counter with the knife Danny tensed and Vlad, of course, noticed. He eyed Danny in confusion before he looked at the knife and sighed, "Daniel, please, I know this is very strange for you, goes against every instinct you've developed to deal with me….and I know it will take time, but…you must realize that….well…if I was going to kill you I'd have a much better plan than just stabbing you with a cutting knife."
Danny's jaw dropped as he stared at the man before him who was giving a rather tender smile, "In fact, I'd probably just electrocute you while you were in the bathtub, even as a halfa you wouldn't survive and it would be far less troublesome to clean up."
Danny continued to stare with a wide-open mouth as Vlad gave a smile and started to cut thick slices from the cheese blocks he has brought over.
"Anyway, I have no intention of killing or harming you in anyway. I am not foolish enough to assume you don't have a backup plan. I figure you would just hit me with that ghostly wail of yours, hm? Give you a good shot at giving to safety, assuming it would actually knock me out. I recall last time though; it only took me down for a few minutes. Not a lot of time to escape given I am faster than you, flying or otherwise, the blessing of long legs."
Danny's shock had faded by this point and he crossed his arms over his chest and gave the man a rather angry glare, "It's nice to have someone to talk to." Vlad said softly as he looked up, seemingly unaware that he had just made several threats and Danny wasn't about to let it slide.
"Do you make it a habit to threaten your guests as you make them dinner?"
This seemed to surprise Vlad and he stopped what he was doing as he looked up to Danny and cocked his head to the side, "Threats? Whatever do you mean dear boy?"
And Danny was once again surprised as he suddenly realized that Vlad had no clue what he had just implied, "You just threatened to kill me via electricity before saying if I try to run you could catch me!"
Vlad's eyes glanced to the ceiling in thought, going back over what he just said before a look of shock popped onto his face, "Sorry. I suppose old habits die-hard. Just forget I said anything." The man said and he looked rather guilty and he went back to chopping up the cheeses.
When that was done he cut a chunk from the butter and put it in the saucepan before dumping all the cheeses over the top. He then turned and put it on the stove, turning the heat on low and then wiping his hands on a rag before he grabbed the eggs. It took him only seconds to separate the yolks from the whites and then he set the bowl on the counter next to the pan.
"I suppose we will both have to try and break our old habits. Since we are no longer fighting, it might be hard to not… revert to our old ways."
Danny looked down as his lap, crossed arms falling as he nodded, "Yeah, okay, let's just admit this is really weird and uncomfortable."
"Agreed." Vlad said and he took up the small pitcher of cream and headed for the stove. He held a wooden spoon in his hand and started the process of stirring and melting the cheese and butter.
"So, it's weird, we agree. Let's just take it a day at a time and see how things go…preferably without the subconscious death threats."
"Yes, yes of course. I do apologize." Vlad said, his eyes still on the sauce he was making.
Danny studied the man's back, it was straight as a lance and seemingly pulled tight. His broad shoulders holding a tension that Danny had never noticed before. He glanced something as the man held the handle of the pan, a scar running from his elbow to his wrist on the underside of his arm.
"What happened to your arm?" Danny asked and he saw Vlad stiffened more before he released the pan to raise his arm, looking at the mark with a frown, "Nothing. Just a scar left over from the first year I had my powers."
"Really? What happened?" Danny was far to curious to hear about Vlad's own mistakes as a freshly made halfa to even think about how rude the question was.
Vlad let out a sigh but continued to monitor the sauce, "A week before I was released from the hospital I managed to sneak outside for some air. The doctor who was in charge of my care was obsessed with studying my reaction to the ectoplasm that had merged with my DNA. He rarely let me leave my room, so finding an opportunity to escape for a few hours was always on my mind."
Danny looked down at this and tried to imagine what that would have been like to be trapped and treated no better than a lab rat.
"I was outside when it happened. I had climbed up onto one of the walls surrounding the building and was watching the people on the outside, even thought about calling for help. I just…wanted to talk to someone..... I would have given anything to just…have a conversation…to meet someone new. I was so isolated, in so much pain, I just wanted…" the man trailed off and Danny looked at the back of his head, noticing how his shoulders seemed to drop a little.
"Anyway, I saw a girl, around my age, and I was going to ask her… I don't even remember honestly, I just wanted to talk to her and as I went to call out my arm turned intangible."
"What happened?" Danny asked.
"What do you think happened you imbecile!" Vlad suddenly shouted and then he froze, staring at Danny's wide eyes and he instantly closed his and shook his head, "I…apologize. I have… it is not something I talk about…ever…. with anyone. Aside from you, there isn't anyone who…" the man gave a flustered hum before he turned back to the stove and let out another sigh, "When I fell off the wall I landed in some bushes and in my haste to escape I didn't realize my arm was wedged between some branches. I panicked and yanked myself free…needless to say I hurt myself in the process of extraction."
Danny didn't understand how the branches in a bush could leave a scar like that but given how reluctant Vlad seemed to talk about it he let it go. He glanced at the back of his hand and saw the faded scar he had received his first month with powers and smirked, "I got this one the very first time I fell through the floor. Came down on the glass coffee table."
Vlad turned to him and moved closer, looking at the scar on the back of his hand and frowned, "You're very lucky. Could have been much worse."
"Yeah. Sam was able to get the glass out and wrap it for me. Had to tell mom Tuck and I were jumping on the couch. Pretty lame excuse but she bought it."
Vlad smirked and then went back to cooking. The rest of the time while Vlad cooked there was silence. Danny didn't like silence but decided it was better to keep his mouth shut.
After another ten minutes Vlad asked him to grab the strainer and bring it over. Vlad poured the water out and let the pasta plop down into the hole filled metal bowl. He then grabbed two plates and served up the steaming macaroni before dumping the cheese sauce over the top.
Danny couldn't lie, it smelled heavenly and when he took the first tentative bite he hummed in delight and then shoveled in another large fork full.
"Well?" Vlad asked as he leaned on the island with a fork full of the cheesy pasta hovering before his mouth.
"Mm Hm." Danny nodded happily and continued to eat. Vlad chuckled and brought his fork to his mouth, "Mmm, now that is some good Mac and cheese if I do say so myself."
"You wouldn't." Danny teased with an eye roll and Vlad smirked as he chewed.
The two ate in companionable silence until their plates were empty and then Vlad cleared them, leaving them to soak in the sink before he stood and moved around the island. Danny slid from his stool and didn't flinch when the man put a hand on his shoulder.
"Come, I will show you to your room. No doubt your friends are eager for their first update."
"Oh right, my friends. Yeah, that'd be good."
"Certainly." Vlad nodded and with his hand on the boy's shoulder he guided him from the kitchen, neither noticing how close they remained all the way up to the spare room.
A/N: Thank you for being so patient. Things are about to start heating up. I think I am leaning towards slash with how this story is unfolding but still not one hundred percent committed to that. Please read and leave a review and I will try to get chapter four up asap!
