A/N: The aftermath, part 4: Goodbye.
Krolock is at the window, like he often is, and he turns around when Alfred enters the room. For the longest moment, the two of them just stare at each other, and the older vampire does again that trick of beforehandedly guessing what's going on in Alfred's mind.
"You came to say goodbye", he states.
"Yes", Alfred agrees and puts down the small suitcase where he has stuffed what few belongings he has.
The Count regards him for a long moment, his pale face as unreadable as it always is. Then he cocks his head just slightly.
"Why?" he asks. This is not something he wishes to find from Alfred's mind – he wants to hear the words spoken out loud.
"Because... my staying here would kill you. I... I need to learn to control my demons. And Herbert needs to heal. I have to go before he starts hating the both of us. I think that... you can live without me, but not without him", Alfred explains slowly. It doesn't make that much sense in his mind either, but this is the best he can manage for now. It's hard to say goodbye.
But maybe it does make more sense than he thought, for the Count nods quietly, and the thoughtful expression on his face seems to suggest that he agrees. He crosses the space between them, moving as gracefully as he always does, and only stops when he's in the front of the younger vampire.
"Then you have to go", he whispers, takes Alfred's face between his hands and kisses him for the last time.
It takes Alfred's breath away, and he allows himself this one final moment; he kisses back and lives forever in this one instance of true peace where it's just him and the one he has come to love against all odds. When Krolock pulls back and looks at him, Alfred can see countless of tempting futures reflected in those dark pools, and just one second, he lets himself be weak. But then he finds his willpower again and he lets his hands that were gripping the older vampire's shoulders fall down. I can only love you by leaving.
"May I ask for something?" Alfred asks, his voice faint and weak.
"Of course", the Count promises.
"Just... tell Herbert that... I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I couldn't love him", the younger vampire whispers.
"I shall tell him so", Krolock nods. Then his eyes become doubtful for a moment. "Are you... do you feel regret?"
"No. I'm not. I wouldn't change anything. I'm... thankful", Alfred insists and is relieved when he sees a smile on the Count's face. He's actually kind of nice-looking when he smiles, Alfred notes, and plants one more kiss on the other man's lips.
A smallest of sighs passes between them, and then it's over.
"We'll meet again. Some time. You know where to find me, my dear Alfred", Krolock says. Alfred opens his mouth to say his goodbyes, but the Count presses one bony finger on his mouth. "No, don't say it. Just go. Go, and flourish."
Alfred flashes a smile, and then he goes.
He's not afraid anymore.