A/N: The aftermath, part 5: Forgiveness.
I originally meant to finish this piece with the last part, but soon realized one more scene needed to be written to close everything up the way I wanted. Here comes the final part of the series, this time with Krolock's point of view. Thanks for all who took time to read and review!
Krolock stands on the wall of his castle long after Alfred's figure has disappeared into the shadows of the woods. He thinks of many things while he' standing there: death, forever, loving and losing... and, surprisingly, moving on.
Of course there's melancholy, but there's also something almost like... hope. It's not something he's used to feel and for the longest time, the only thing he can do is to marvel. He's not sure if it's a lasting thing, or how well it mixes with his dark nature, but for now... it feels almost good.
Alfred is right, of course. The Count can live without him, but not without Herbert. He has known this for the most of his vampire life, and it's not something he wishes to compromise with, not any more than he already has. Alfred is also right in leaving, even if there's unexpected pain about it... But also hope for reunion. The world might be changed by then, and perhaps there will not be anything left between them when that night comes, but Krolock doesn't bother himself with such things. There's no reason to ponder on matters that can only be revealed with time.
With a final sigh, he wishes well for the young vampire, descends from the wall, and walks slowly back inside.
Herbert waits for him at the bottom of the stairs. The Count halts and seeks his son's eyes, wishing to know what the boy is thinking but not wanting to invade his mind. Herbert looks back quietly, and for a long moment they just stand there in silence. It hasn't been the same between them ever since that night, which scares the older vampire. If all the other things change, Herbert has always remained constant... until now.
Then, after a while, Herbert lets out a small cry and dashes into his father's arms. Suddenly, all is well again, and the Count can feel a heavy weight being lifted from his heart. Alfred is right.
By the way Herbert is trembling, he wonders if the boy is crying, and that might well be it, so he holds the younger vampire tightly until his son calms down a bit. It's really amazing, how Herbert hasn't even said a word yet, and everything is all right already, because how could possibly words shouten in anger mean anything when Herbert really is the most precious thing he has in this world?
"Vati... I'm sorry. Really. I'm so sorry", the boy whispers after a moment, although the older vampire isn't even sure if it's Herbert who should be apologizing.
"It's fine, son. It's all fine", the Count answers gently and his son looks up to him. Indeed, there's tears in Herbert's eyes and Krolock marvels at how the boy is able to feel everything so strongly. Then again, so had been his mother.
The younger vampire sniffs and wipes his eyes, and then looks at his father with clearer eyes.
"Did you... did you really love him?" Herbert asks. "If you truly did..."
"I suppose I did, at least for the moment. But it doesn't matter now", Krolock answers, and it's surprisingly easy to say those words. Herbert will forgive him once the boy realizes what gift Alfred has given to the Count... but now is not a time to speak of it.
"I want you to be happy, Vati. I really do. I'm sorry I forgot about that for a while", Herbert says quietly, lowering his gaze in shame.
"I know that, son. Don't worry... And you know that I am sorry too – it was not my intention to cause you pain", the Count says and lifts the boy's chin so that their gazes meet. A tentative smile spreads on the boy's face.
"I realize that now, Vati. And I hold no grudge. All is forgiven", he says. "I'm like a cat – I land always on my feet."
Krolock nods silently, wishing mutely he could be more like his son, and then he can feel...
"You'll stay with me?" the younger vampire asks quietly, still in the need of being convinced.
Krolock smiles, and this time, it's genuine.
"I will."
And for the first time in many years, the idea of keeping that promise fills him with a sense of calm.
FIN.