Darkness had started to fall roughly a half hour ago, strange how day had become a sort of dusty color and yet night-time hadn't changed all that much. Everything went black and if one was very lucky they'd be able to see Polaris through the dense clouds; not much different to the light pollution before the bomb.
Vivika stepped onto the elevator at the base of the Empire State building and rode it high up to the large apartment they'd fashioned for Goodweather child; well, it had mostly been Thomas. Now that they had a new world order going fairly well the people at the top of the Partnership were being rewarded, and since she and Thomas were The Master's most loyal servants they'd been granted a – frankly ridiculously large – penthouse since the place they'd been staying in before had received cracks in the foundation after the bomb. However, she had taken a liking to all the floor to ceiling windows the place had, it had amused her that they'd not needed to paint them black or cover them. She'd even managed to go back to Mayfair and get all her entomology things which she'd used to build her own little private retreat, if Thomas got another of his blood dungeons Vivika would have what she wanted.
The raven-haired beauty stepped off the elevator and glanced around in search of Zach, nothing. The apartment was certainly large but still somewhat under furnished for a teenage boy. Green eyes spotted the Feeler sat in a large doorway and followed it through into the next room where she found Zach stood staring out the window at the street below.
"Hi, Z." She greeted as if she cared one iota about the brat but she received no answer.
She sighed and set her bag down on the leather couch then went to rest a hand on his shoulder. Almost instantly Zach curled into her and clung on, he'd done that since Kelly had died; act aloof and vacant than snuggle into her like a hard done to kitten as soon as she got close. Vivika made a display of indulging him for a short while, wrapped her arms around his growing shoulders and rested her chin atop his head as she petted him like the little kitten he insisted upon being. Hopefully he'd not start crying this time, her Qipao dress was silk after all; a present from Thomas like most of her pretty things were, all black silk with little red flowers on it.
While having the teenager latch onto her had seriously started to irritate the more than human she could understand why he did it, she'd pushed at him to create this sense of safety when he was with her and Thomas had declared this to all be a good thing since it made it far easier for them to get Zach to do as he was told. Vivika had made Zach see himself, her, Thomas and The Master as a family, controlling him was why. Zach thought they were all he had left.
"I need you to come eat, okay?" She said softly when she finally managed to crowbar him off her.
"I'm not hungry." He grumbled back quickly.
Nope, she'd had e-fucking-nough of this 'I'm not hungry' shit. They boy needed to eat and she was damn well going to make him. She calmly took out a transparent lunch box from her bag, opened it and sat it down on the coffee table before she peered up at him with as much fake love as she could fill her eyes with.
"You said that yesterday. You have to let me take care of you, alright, that's my job."
Reluctantly Zach agreed and finally sat his ass down on the sofa, he grabbed one of the sandwiches from the box and started to munch on it.
"Make sure you eat your apple as well, you need the fruit."
With that she went to stand by the window where she stared down at the dusty and frankly dilapidated looking street below; they had a little ways left to go before the streets actually stopped looking like a bomb had hit it. People with seemingly nothing to do went this way and that and the sun didn't quite shine but somehow managed to illuminate the city. Vivika liked it. She turned back to the teen, pleased to see him still eating, and went to sit beside him. The boy needed the closeness and the sense of comfort she provided and Zach appeared happy with her proximity.
"Z, I know that Kelly is gone, and I know you're broken-hearted, of course you are, but – do you remember what I told you the first time I took you out?"
Zach nodded as he reached for his red apple. "You said we choose our family."
Boy's not a complete idiot then. "Exactly! Thomas and I may not be your blood and we won't ever try to replace your Mom, but we are your family. You're not alone, Zach, please believe that."
He nodded slowly and took a bite, this kid got easier and easier to manipulate; or perhaps Vivika had just become extraordinarily good at it.
"I know." He breathed then finished chewing his bite of apple. After a moment he glanced up at her with those dark brown eyes of his. "I always wanted a sibling when I was little. Guess now I have a big sister."
Oh Vivika could have rolled her eyes but that was exactly the feelings they'd wanted to instil in young Zach Goodweather. The boy had honestly become so easily led that Vivika hardly had to try any longer. Sometimes it got boring, easy.
"And don't you forget it." She grinned and nudged his arm jovially with her shoulder rather than letting out the irritated sigh which innately came to her. "Hey, I was thinking, there's a huge ass wall in there-" she gestured back towards the elevator, "-with nothing. How about we go to the arcade and grab the games?"
Zach breathed out a laugh. "You suggested that before. It might be cool, we could play games together then." He shrugged.
"I'll get the air hockey table as well if you want." Wasn't like anyone else was using it.
The kid nodded but soon slipped back into that quiet staring of his and she knew he'd be back in his head thinking about Kelly. Honestly Vivika couldn't have cared less that Kelly was dead, all that bitch had ever done was irritate the shit out of her and cast her sideways judging glances about her relationship with Thomas. Still, it wouldn't have been a good idea to let Zach in on all of that and so she kept quiet.
For maybe forty minutes Vivika did her best to chat and console the teenager, she played along with his 'I hate my Dad' rants and smiled in the right places, anything to keep him eating and drinking. Eventually though she managed to excuses herself and rid herself of the tedious job of watching Zach. Riding the elevator back down to the street was like getting out of a war zone to Vivika, she stepped out of the Empire State building and onto the street. The city had become much calmer now the people had taken the hint and accepted the Partnership as something good for them. No more of that chaotic craziness they'd had to put up with in the weeks which had followed the blast.
She stood there a moment delighting in the work she and Thomas had done for their master, Vivika had never been a day person so the loss of bold sunshine really wasn't a big issue. If one paid attention the vague scent of chemicals still lingered in the air from the explosion, a smoky note underneath everything else. Night had officially fallen as she headed to her black SUV, that bomb had done wonders for the traffic. She tugged the driver's door open only to find her husband sat there waiting for her; his hand rested atop his stump in his lap. Vivika didn't jump or scream, Thomas didn't hear a single increase in her heart rate, although, she did beam clearly happy to see him.
"How do you always just appear?"
Eichhorst shrugged slightly. "It's a magical talent."
That comment got a small chuckle out of her as she leaned in to kiss him. His remaining hand easily came up to cup her cheek, his touch warm and comforting against her skin in the night air.
"I wondered if you'd like to accompany me to dinner." He spoke in that deep German accent she adored so much.
"I'd love that."
"Get in." He ordered softly and Vivika wasted no time obeying.
The more than human rounded the car and got in fully aware that he'd been avoiding Zach by waiting for her in the car; Vivika had been known to do the same when she could get away with it.
Thomas usually used his Strigoi speed to get around the city quickly but Vivika did enjoy watching him drive, every single movement was always controlled and organized, practically fluid; she supposed that came from his days as an officer. After a few blocks she settled to watch as the buildings flew by outside the window, a soft smile on her lips.
"What has you so happy, liebling?" Eichhorst questioned without taking his eyes from the road.
"I'm just enjoying The Master's triumph." She easily responded. "Last month I was yelling at scared idiots in the Freedom Centres and now look at us. Humans are convinced – for the most part – that the Partnership is good for them, they're actively aiding it. Strigoi are well fed and the blood farms are taking root."
Thomas spoke as he turned a corner. "Do not grow too complacent, my love, the Jew and his degenerate gang of freedom fighters are still out there biding their time. Plotting. They'll try something and when they do-"
Vivika cut him off before anger and ire could take over her husband. "You'll crush them into a bloody pulp." Her eyes slipped shut then and a tiny, wanton moan escaped her lips. "Just promise me I can watch."
That actually got a smile out of the suit clad Strigoi, well, a devilish smirk.
"Have I ever denied you?"
Green eyes turned hungry as they locked onto Thomas and she quickly leaned over to kiss his cheek only to have to wipe away a small smudge of her practically trademark purple lipstick.
"Never, you're too good to me for that."
The couple didn't speak much for the rest of the short drive to the restaurant, nothing really needed to be said so nothing was. Like a gentleman he opened the car door for her and looped their arms together as they entered. Once inside the patrons took instant notice of the Thomas and his very young, very beautiful, very unpredictable wife. Everyone in that restaurant was a higher ranking member of the Partnership and all either answered to one of them directly or answered to someone who answered to one of them. It was Vivika's job to control the masses, keep records of who was where and keep day to day order around the Freedom Centres while Thomas handled the more clandestine aspects of the Partnership, either way everyone in that restaurant knew the Eichhorsts.
However, much to Vivika's surprise, instead of being seated in the main area the maître d' guided them to a private room on the far right of the restaurant decorated in dark reds and golden accents. The older maître d' excused himself and closed the door behind him leaving Vivika and her husband alone. The walls were mostly bare save for a few sconces and an oil painting of what looked to be the Venice canals. Dead centre stood a table expertly dressed with three gold, taper candles lit to provide the table an intimate glow.
With a raised eyebrow Vivika turned to Eichhorst and snaked her arms around his neck while his hand settled at her waist instinctively.
"Alright, Thomas, as much as I'm enjoying the private time it is very cloak and dagger. You have us always sit in the main restaurant."
"Do I?" He looked at her with a hidden smile clearly playing dumb for some reason.
Vivika nodded. "Always. You sit us there for two reasons; firstly, so they know there is a Strigoi in their midst, not just any Strigoi but our master's right hand. Secondly, to be possessive of me. All those people out there and I'm in charge of half of them, ruthless and unwavering and yet I obey you, I kneel for you and do anything you wish."
Eichhors' grasp on his wife tightened somewhat. "While I don't deny you're astute observations, meine liebe, what sort of husband would I be if I forgot today? Also, I am still yet to get you to stop kicking off your shoes and leave them lying around."
She fluttered her eyes up at him. "Well, I have to have some rebellions."
Thomas pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Ich liebe dich. (I love you) Happy birthday, Vivika."
The semi-immortal's brow furrowed then with genuine confusion, she glanced off into space a moment but made no attempt to separate herself from her monstrous husband. Thomas just watched her with those fake blue eyes of his.
"Is it the twenty-second already?" Eichhorst seemed surprised she'd forgotten. "Huh, I've not celebrated my birthday in so long I'd all but forgotten."
He caressed her cheek softly with his remaining hand as real compassion filled him.
"When was the last time?"
"The one just before I got kicked out of Cornell, so a while."
Thomas kissed his bride softly, lovingly not with heated passion.
"Then I insist we make up for lost time. You have been hard at work tending to the centres and dealing with Zach's childish distress all day while I have all but ignored you-"
Vivika cut him off once again. "You work harder than I do. Seriously, you haven't had a day off since the before the war ended."
Eichhorst couldn't really argue with that, while there had been quieter days he'd not actually had a true day off to just laze around since before he'd been turned; not that he'd ever been all that bothered.
"Which is why I thought you would enjoy it if tonight was just you and I." Another loving kiss. "Dinner, wine, presents."
Vivika perked up at that which got a tiny smirk out of her husband.
"I do like gifts. Though most of them are more for you than me; heels, dresses, lingerie. You do enjoy draping what's yours in diamonds and silk, don't you."
"Perhaps we could split the difference and say they are for us, besides, beautiful wives get beautiful things. Now, I have the kitchen preparing your favorites, would you care for some wine?"
The raven-haired beauty settled against him a moment to just snuggle into his chest and seek his comfort, comfort he'd only grant to Vivika.
"I love you."
"And I you, meine süße." (my sweet)
They broke apart and Thomas pulled out his bride's chair like a perfect gentleman then set about pouring rich crimson into a wine glass which he handed to her with a smile before he went to retrieve his own already full glass and seated himself; not for one second did either pretend his glass contained anything but blood.
"Prost." (Cheers) Eichhorst said as they clinked their glasses together then sipped.
Odd to see the suit clad Strigoi actually sip rather than letting his stinger emerge all the way out but Vivika did notice the movement in his throat under the prosthetic.
She let out a little hum at the taste of her wine, soft notes of strawberry that danced on her palate.
"Have we ever done this? Have a calm, relaxing meal where we don't discuss The Master taking over the world."
"He needs to take the entire country before we move on to the world, my love, though I do admire your optimism. And we have done this before, I got you pizza remember?"
Vivika smirked. Oh that seemed like so long ago, a lifetime really, well, she'd been human back then so maybe it was a lifetime ago. She and Thomas had come so far since then, since he'd dumped her in his bedroom at Mayfair and set about finding tasks for her to accomplish. Vivika had gone from nothing to one of the three most powerful people in the country and soon the world, and it was all thanks to Thomas Eichhorst. Gods, did she love him, her demon in a perfectly tailored suit … and she adored the way he still wore the watch she'd stolen for him. Vivika's brain ground to a somewhat delayed halt then and her brow furrowed suspiciously.
"Hold on, how the hell do you know today is my birthday? I never told you that."
It was true, Vivika hadn't celebrated her birthday in years so it hadn't ever been worth mentioning. Hell, he'd never been forthcoming with his personal details either, had she not been in the public library one day getting more books and walked past the history section only to be bombarded by the idea of looking him up she'd have never figured out he'd been born in eighteen-ninety-five; Viivka would have liked to see little baby Thomas. That little smile of his wasn't lost on Vivika either, the knowing one which silently said he was fifteen moves ahead of everyone else.
"You gave me your full name the very first time we met; Vivika Cassandra Graves. So, when I took you as my assistant it was not all that hard to figure out who you were and where you came from. Alas, here we are and I wish you a very happy twenty-second birthday, my love."
A knock sounded lightly at a door hidden away in the corner Vivika hadn't even noticed and then a waiter entered carrying a silver platter with an array of plates and bowls, he set them quietly before Vivika; she quickly became rather certain she'd never be able to finish all of it on her own.
"Please enjoy, Missus Eichhorst." Said the waiter before he backed out of the room.
Anyone who'd spent more than ten minutes with Vivika knew her 'favorites' meant Asian food - specifically Japanese – so she was quite pleased but not overly surprised to see the sushi and tempura alongside many other dishes. The emerald-eyed woman beamed across the table at Thomas.
"It really must be my birthday."
Eichhorst let out a hum. "Enjoy. Though I do somewhat envy you. Sushi wasn't popular in Germany while I was human and I have always been curious about it."
Vivika chuckled as she took up her chopsticks. "Nope, if you want to envy something I can eat that you can't then you should envy me for maple bacon."
Thomas didn't appear all that convinced. "I shall take your word for it. Tuck in."
Vivika did just that. She ate enthusiastically but certainly not in an unladylike like manner, the entire time Eichhorst watched her as he sipped his wine glass of blood, watcher her enjoy herself and let out little hums of delight; especially when she got to the squid. He'd taken to relishing making his wife happy very early on in their relationship, an outcome which had surprised him at first.
"You really do know how to spoil a girl. Such a good husband." She teased.
"I do my best, Vivika. Though you'd be amazed how difficult it was to get an itamae into the city."
"Awww, are you smuggling people for me now? So sweet. And I feel bad sitting here eating all of this while you sip that tiny glass of blood."
Thomas' fake blue eyes flicked to the practically empty glass, to his wife and back. He sat at the table with no plate, no cutlery, just that depleted glass while Vivika had a tiny plethora of delicacies around her.
"I have more, I was simply being polite."
She pointed at him softly with her chopsticks. "Thomas, darling, don't stand on ceremony. You know I like watching you devour."
Eichhorst smirked, couldn't help it, that small expression that carried so much darkness, the one he only broke out when he was reminded of just how much he loved his evil, little bride. His perfect whore. In one smooth motion Thomas set the glass down and rose to his feet, he fastened the button of his charcoal suit jacket then crossed the room to the same door their waiter had used and vanished out the room. She'd suspected that door lead more directly to the kitchens so it was highly likely her husband had stashed a snack away in one of the meat lockers or in a side office.
Vivika didn't even glance up when he returned hauling a shirtless – and for some reason shoeless – man into the room by the hair and dumped him, just dipped her gyoza into the slightly spicy dipping sauce. Thomas yanked the man to kneel between his legs once he'd sat down and tugged his head back to expose his neck.
"Lady, the fuck is wrong with you?! Stop him!"
For some reason people always tried to appeal to Vivika's better nature, completely unaware that she didn't have one. A pretty, young girl with a conscience and a devout moral compass wouldn't have been Thomas Eichhorst's wife, she'd have been a forgotten about meal.
Suddenly Thomas ripped the man backwards harshly so the back of his head smacked against Thomas' thigh, a snarl on his heavily make-up covered face. For the first time since the flailing man had been brought in green eyes shifted upwards to see both men.
"Do not make demands of my wife, especially on her birthday."
The shirtless man found himself jerked upwards by all of Thomas' Strigoi strength and then his stinger launched out and latched onto his meal's neck. Vivika didn't peer up again, just carried on eating while she listened to the last sounds of a dying man. At this point of her life Vivika was utterly unaffected by a man hardly older than herself being drained of every last drop by her husband at the dinner table. It wasn't the first time she'd seen it and it certainly wouldn't be the last.
When the man fell limp Thomas retracted his stinger and kicked the body off to the side of the table similar to how one would shoo a kitten which insisted on being underfoot. Quietly he lifted a napkin, pure and white, that he used to dab away a small drop of blood from the corner of his mouth.
The couple chatted and enjoyed this surprise celebration for quite some time. The golden candles burned down slowly and a smoky scent filled the air when one finally went out. It had been a while since the raven-haired woman had felt so loved, just being sat there with her husband, a man who valued her birthday more than she did it seemed, it was perfect. Thomas appeared relaxed as well; an unusual occurrence even to his bride.
Eventually Vivika had to stop eating even though she didn't want to – everything was so good – and Eichhorst gave her a minute before he rounded the table to her, lifted her up out of her chair and then sat down so she was forced to sit in his lap; her backside supported by his left leg and his handless arm around her waist. Green eyes watched his hand slip into his suit jacket a moment only to return with a long, slender, black box wrapped with a little silver bow and held it out for her. Thomas adored the way she lit up as she took the box and yanked off the bow. Inside she found a tennis bracelet with circular cut green gems set amongst the silver.
"Are these real emeralds?"
"But of course, liebe, only the best for my beautiful bride."
He lightly kissed the top of her head as she put the bracelet on and admired it. While his wife could be quite fickle at times she was always appreciated and grateful for the things he gave her, she never turned her nose up or complained when he'd not leapt into action to get her something she'd mentioned on a whim. The German supposed that it had come from her time living on the streets. Vivika wanted all the sparkly, expensive things, the designer dresses and heels but she'd never demand them off him. Frankly that made spoiling her all the more enjoyable to Thomas; hence the Louboutin Cathy heels she currently wore.
"Thank you, Thomas, this is beautiful."
She was so perfect sat there in his arms, a genuine smile on her lips as she looked up at him. Even when he'd been human he'd never expected a woman to love him like Vivika did. He might have preferred blondes for the vast majority of his life but he'd not trade his raven-haired hellcat for the world.
"You are most welcome, although, thanks to you I have come to learn that a lady always needs the matching earrings."
His right hand slipped back inside his jacket to produce a second black box wrapped the same as the first though this was was much smaller. Vivika opened it with just as much glee finding inside the aforementioned matching earrings. He quickly found a kiss pressed to his jaw.
"Perfect husband."
Oh didn't that comment fill his worm coated heart with pride.
"I try." He told her nonchalantly.
She settled against him happily. Vivika smelt lightly of miso and lemongrass while Thomas had an air of blood with sandalwood from his cologne. Thomas held her close, both arms wrapped around her waist as she savoured his unnatural warmth. He genuinely never thought he'd have this; his perfect bride. The elder man must have given something away because Vivika peered up at him with those dazzling eyes of hers, the one's he'd chosen emerald jewelry for.
"Did you want this when you were human? A wife, birthdays, anniversaries?"
Thomas sat there silent for a moment, he didn't usually talk about his pre-Strigoi life and when he did it normally ended up being fleeting, a or throw away comment or a quick answer he could brush over. Vivika knew all that so she didn't push him when he remained quiet just a little too long.
"... For a time, yes." Thomas kept his voice level and calm. "Back then having a family was the … life goal. The thing society pushed everyone towards, and, of course, I was indoctrinated to want it as well. There was a girl when I was quite young, we lived almost directly across the street from one another."
"What happened?"
"Her father decided I was below their class and did everything he could to keep us away from one another. As soon as she was old enough he started to push her towards a boy who worked for him. I think she married him in the end."
"Good."
Thomas raised a single fake eyebrow in question and tilted his head down to her.
"Good?"
"Uh-huh. If you'd married her then you wouldn't have met The Master, come here, and I wouldn't have my husband. Some dead bitch would."
She placed a delicate kiss to the prosthetic neck he wore knowing full well the danger which lurked underneath.
Silence hung between them a short time and Thomas had started to think she'd got nothing more to say on the subject when quietly her voice sounded again; the second candle went out leaving behind that wispy trail of smoke.
"Did you want a wife after you were turned?"
There it was, he'd expected that question long ago.
"No." He answered simply. "Humans became a pathetic waste of time so why would I bother marring one? Humans are little more than flies buzzing around my face, we squash them not offer them love. I did not desire a wife even after you came into my life," Thomas confessed even though Vivika tensed slightly, "then, all of a sudden, I found myself stood outside a jewelry store on my return from dealing with an errand. Considering I am full of the things you have a very surprising way of worming yourself into what remains of my heart, my love."
She breathed out a soft laugh. "It's dusty in there but it still exists."
There Vivika went teasing, always teasing. It had annoyed him somewhat at first but now he quite enjoyed her jokes and jabs; revelled in that macabre sense of humor of hers. Still Vivika sighed after a short moment and it had Thomas raising yet another questioning eyebrow as he peered down at her. She had settled her head against his shoulder, her hand over hs heart and practically looked ready to fall asleep right there but he hadn't missed the sigh nor the slight sadness hidden within it.
"Are you alright, liebling?" When she didn't answer quickly he slid two fingers under her chin and tilted her head upwards forcing her to face him; a silent demand for an answer. "Vivika?"
She smiled but it wasn't even remotely like the others they'd shared that evening.
"It's nothing, Thomas, just a stupid little fantasy. Don't pay it any mind."
"If there is something you want, I will get it for you. Vivika, you know that."
She moved his fingers from her chin and took her hand in his which she held close to her chest.
"It's not something you can obtain, it's an impossibly that's why it's fantasy. Like I said, ignore it."
"Tell me." He ordered, accent thick.
His tone left no room for misunderstands and Vivika knew she'd not get out of it any time soon. With a reluctant sigh she finally gave him a real answer.
"Do you remember after the bomb went off and you came back after speaking to the Master? Zach was asleep in my lap and I was petting his hair."
"I remember." Those two words were all he gave his wife.
"You said I'd be a good mother and it's just been going around in my head ever since. The other day I came out of my entomology room and – there are just two huge bedrooms we are literally never going to use. I get we're the top of The Master's servants so we get the nice new penthouse but it's massive. I know it's stupid but for just a second I thought … what if there was a kid asleep in there or playing with their toys."
Eichhorst's eyes went wide. "You want a baby?"
The suit clad Strigoi had honestly never expected that of his beloved, she'd never seemed to express much interest in children in general and clearly disliked Zach.
"I don't just want a baby you got from somewhere or some donor's baby, I want our baby, like genetically yours and mine. Which is impossible and we both know it." The young woman settled closer against him and Thomas rested his chin atop her head as thoughts and questions flooded through his brain. "Like I said it was just a silly fantasy. We can't have children, you don't want children, so it doesn't matter. I have you and that is all I need."
Eichhorst didn't know what to say to her; speechlessness was a rarity for him. She was right, of course, they couldn't have children and Thomas hadn't every really wanted kids even when he'd been human and stuck in that 'you must grow and have a family' way of thinking. The only way for them to have a child would be for him to infect her once she was already pregnant, create a Born, but then she'd not possess the correct organs to give birth and it would have to claw its way out of his very beautiful wife, probably killing her. The early years of a Born's life were very cruel. He'd not allow harm to come to Vivika and The Master had made it very clear she wasn't to be turned. So that left them with her being very, very right, they couldn't have a child.
He sighed internally. Thomas hadn't lied, Vivika would make a good mother, she loved with all her heart, she was loyal and quite frankly would have been the only person capable of raising and adoring a half-breed. Still, it wasn't possible and not worth fretting over. His arms tightened around her, Eichhorst just hoped this fleeting fantasy didn't take root; it would only hurt her.