Despite not sleeping a lot that day, Nikolas was ready to start with his early evening routine as usual.
He got up to an already prepared bath and clothes he will be wearing during that night and after spending only ten minutes in the bathroom, he got dressed and headed towards the dining room to have his first meal. He greeted maids and servants on his way to the ground floor, noticing their unusual, almost pitying glances...
Sun wasn't even properly down yet as the heir of the Keighley family finished his meal and headed towards his workroom that was stationed on the other side of the mansion, but also on the ground floor.
As he was about to step around the corner, he stopped in tracks when he overheard quite an interesting conversation of three maids:
- I wonder why Master slept in his chambers during the day, was there something wrong?
- Have you not heard? - the one with the highest voice said, her tone knowing and sort of mischievous.
- What? What? Tell us!
- Master Nikolas was rejected by his spouse. He must feel terrible… - the maid sighed while the other two gasped.
Nikolas wasn't usually bothered by gossip because he knew people will always find a topic to talk about, but for some reason, he could feel his gut going ablaze as his hands squeezed tightly into fists.
- That is so insensitive of him! I will not proceed to call that arrogant vampire a master! – the one with a very quiet voice said in a determined tone.
- You will have to, we need to stay professional. But there is no denying Master's new spouse is arrogant. Apparently, he is voiced to be one of the most beautiful vampires of our race! – the third one said only to be cut off by the second maid:
- He can be beautiful as much as he wants, his inner beauty is foul. Also, I heard he is quite old too!
- It does not matter that our master is not the prettiest vampire of them all, his spouse should still respect him, especially after so much effort Master Nikolas had put into the wedding and making this house much more comfortable for him. He should be ashamed! – the first one stated.
- Oh, our poor master… - the second one sighed.
The three maids were about to continue their little gossip session when brunette suddenly appeared from around the corner and cleared his throat. Three females froze on spot but as soon as they realized who was standing in front of them, they gasped and bowed deeply in front of their master.
- I did not hire you to gossip around all night. If I hear or notice you talking like this one more time, you can pack your bags. – Coral said in a commanding and cold tone, making all three vampiresses tremble with fear.
- Y-yes, master. W-we did no-
- I do not care, just refrain from saying those foul things in this house. Now, back to work.
After telling the maids off Nikolas straightened up proudly and walked past them, not even giving them a second glance. He could hear three pairs of footsteps dashing across the floor as one of the maids shushed the other two.
He didn't know what angered him more: the fact that Joel had rejected him the previous night, the fact that his servants were pitying him, or the fact that he ended up looking like a complete weakling in front of people he lives with and who are serving him. But he was sure in one thing: he will not let any of those affect his work and his task as a Keighley family heir.
He was a proud Coral and no one, not even the spouse he liked so much, will ever be able to lower down his pride and self-confidence…
***
Joel woke up quite late that night, the moon already being high up in the sky.
He couldn't lie, he was sleeping so soundly the previous day, the bed he was given being very soft and warm, the gentle scent of lemon giving him a slight feeling of comfort.
As he walked from the bed, he removed the thick black curtains from tall windows only to see how beautiful that January night was. Snow started falling slowly, the wind gently caressing naked branches of trees as a wall of evergreen shrub slowly accepted tiny snowflakes. Coral didn't really like winter, but he did like moments like those, just observing snow as it was silently falling on the ground, enveloping everything in its beautiful white blanket.
He wondered how his flowers were doing back home. Was anyone taking care of them? Were his roses and orchids alright?
But then suddenly he remembered his conversation with his… husband from the previous night.
Why are you so afraid of me? I won't hurt you…
For some reason, the tone of the younger's voice, the expression on his face, and the overall atmosphere of that moment got stuck in Coral's memory and made him feel extremely guilty for treating his spouse that way. There really was no reason for him to act the way he did. He slept soundly, younger did not try to push himself on him and he acted like a proper gentleman as his mother told him Nikolas Keighley would.
But that still didn't mean Joel will just go out and apologize to him. He was the one dragged in that marriage, the situation obviously not suit either of them. But he did promise he will not be so rude anymore-
- Joelle? Are you awake?
The voice of his cousin from behind the door made the pink-haired vampire jolt as he quickly put on thin black pants and dashed to open the door. He was already wearing a loose button-up shirt, but that wasn't appropriate enough to receive guests of any kind, not even his own cousin.
But as he opened the door, a hand flew right at his head as Katarin slapped him across the face, her expression showing off nothing but fury and disappointment.
- WHAT THE HELL, KATARIN?! WHY SLAP?! – older yelled in a very loud voice so that even cooks on the other side of the mansion could hear him.
- YOU KNOW DAMN WELL, YOU STUPID, EGOCENTRIC WANKER!
Joel didn't know what shocked him more: the fact that Katarin just yelled at him after so many centuries or the fact that such foul word had left her mouth.
- Rin…
- Don't call me that, sit down! – purple-haired vampiress commanded and older immediately sat on the bed while still holding onto his face, his cheek burning with pain.
After walking back and forth, her black dress floating behind her, Katarin stopped suddenly, making her cousin flinch.
- Why the hell did you reject Nikolas the previous night?!
- How do you kn-
- The whole mansion is talking about it, stupid! You really thought no one would notice?! – vampiress whisper-yelled, her usually adorable face now being swallowed by anger. – I can't even imagine how Nikolas feels, his own servants gossiping about him and pitying him…
- They are pitying him? Why?
Vampiresse's bright green eyes widened, not believing her cousin's ignorance.
- Because you rejected him, stupid! That vampire is already self-conscious enough, you just dug him in deeper with your I- don't- want- to- marry- him rubbish!
- How the hell do you know he's self-conscious? You barely know him!
- I know him longer than you, my dear Joelle. And trust me, you behaving like a twat is the last thing he needs at this moment.
- First of all, stop calling me names, it's not suited for you! And second of all, I don't plan on apologizing to him, he will just see that as an opportunity to try and flirt with me. But I did promise myself I won't be mean anymore…
Katarin could only shake her head in disbelief. As two cousins locked their eyes for a few moments, the purplehead sighed again and headed towards the door.
- I don't care what you will do, you have to fix this and you have to do it as soon as possible. If I hear even the slightest complaint about you, slap will not be the most painful body contact you will receive from me.
With those words, Katarin dashed through the door and closed them with a loud bang. Thankfully, she was leaving that night and Jin did not have to fear for his life anymore.
As he removed his hand from his cheek, he could feel his whole jaw going numb. Katarin maybe seemed harmless and adorable, but she had a very painful slap. Joel for sure didn't want to experience that one again…
***
After a long night, Nikolas was finally free to relax and he couldn't wait to eat some delicious food in the dining room.
For some reason, vampire hunter activities had become more frequent in past three months. Those attacks weren't well planned and a lot of human hunters died on their quests, but that still didn't mean vampires did not suffer any casualties. As the head of Internal Affairs within vampire society, Nikolas was responsible for soldiers patrolling the borders and bigger vampire towns as well as securing peace in the Capital. He knew his role wasn't easy, but he also knew he will not be able to keep up if he continues to do a sloppy job like this night.
But it wasn't only vampire hunters that gave him headaches.
There was a serial killer roaming the streets of the Capital.
From the information he had gained from his colonels, the killer was only after very young vampires, those that were under the age of 50. He would somehow manage to snatch children away from their parents only to leave the child's body exactly two days later in front of their parent's house. Their throats would be slashed and their hands were missing while there were also signs of sexual assault and rape on the child's body.
After hearing said reports, Nikolas raged because of those disgusting acts, ready to do anything to stop that maniac in his spree. He will be having a meeting with his colonels in six days and they have to focus on finding the murderer's pattern of assaults, hoping to prevent another victim from being snatched away. Already thirteen young vampires suffered that terrible fate and Nikolas intended to put an end to it as soon as possible.
With those thoughts roaming his mind Nikolas didn't even notice a newcomer in his dining room.
- Took you long enough! – Joel pouted as he crossed his arms on his chest.
At first, Nikolas was completely baffled by the sight in front of him. Jin was dressed in a regular black button-up shirt and black pants, his rosy pink hair styled perfectly as he pouted his full lips. A cold appetizer was already served in front of him while his glass was filled with red wine. But most surprising to the younger was the fact that Joel actually sat on a seat right next from Nikolas's...
Without ever taking his eyes off the older, the brunette sat down at the head of the table, his expression, and movements careful as if he was dealing with a delicate animal that was threatened to run away if he makes any sudden movement.
- What are you looking at? – older's brows furrowed while Nikolas positioned himself on the chair.
- What changed? – was the only thing the brunette said as he put his elbows on the table while intertwining his fingers under his chin.
- What? I can't come and eat with my spouse? Is that forbidden?
- I thought you want nothing to do with me. – Nikolas said calmly as he observed older's confidence slightly dwindle away, his embarrassment prominent from the way his ears started reddening.
- I- I don't like eating alone… that's all… - older said quietly while fidgeting with his fingers under the table, unable to look other Coral in the eyes. Nikolas couldn't help but smile, Joel proving to actually have an adorable side.
- Alright, let's eat then. – the brunette said nonchalantly as he picked up the slice of marinated bread with freshly cut vegetables on it from the plate in front of him.
- You don't use fork and knife to eat it? – Joel asked in disbelief.
- Why? I'm at home, I can eat however I want.
- You should still show your manners despite being at home! – the pinkhead scolded as he cut off the piece of bread with fork and knife and put it in his mouth.
- My house, my rules. – Nikolas answered with a smile in his tone, that little bickering being more than amusing to him, especially since he knew he couldn't lose that small battle.
- It's not just your house anymore, you know?! – older put away his cutlery and wiped the mouth with a napkin, his lips pouting again.
- Oh, so now you do accept me as your spouse. I didn't know Joel Bellerose was so selfish of a vampire. I believed you were the victim here, I did not want to make you feel uncomfortable… - brunette said in a slightly mocking tone as he averted his eyes from older dramatically.
He could hear Joel huff in annoyance and a few moments of silence passed before Nikolas heard a quiet:
- S-sorry…
Despite not believing what he had just heard, Nikolas turned around and put a palm around his ear, leaning in closer towards older.
- Huh?! I didn't hear you well! Can you repeat that?!
Joel huffed once again, his face showing utter disbelief as he muttered:
- You really piss me off! I said I'm sorry, alright?!
A proud grin appeared on Nikolas's face, a proud expression annoying the hell out of the older as he looked away in anger. Brunette, however, didn't want for it to stay like that.
- Listen, Joel… - younger's face softened as his voice became more of a whisper. – Both of us are caught in this situation. No one wants to be forced to do something they don't want to do, but sometimes we can't choose. I just want you to feel comfortable here, nothing more. As far as I am concerned, we don't have to act like we are married. We will treat this as a business contract if you want to. I just want to be on good terms with you. I hope you want it too.
The silence was yet again cast upon the two vampires, Joel slowly turning his head towards the younger, his expression softening little by little.
- We shared a kiss and blood… will you be able to overlook that fact? – he asked, his deep pink eyes full of some emotion Nikolas couldn't decipher.
- If that is your wish I will. I will pretend like that never happened.
Older nodded as he looked down in his food, ready to start eating again. But before he picked up a fork and knife again, he turned towards the younger and offered his hand.
- Then it's a deal.
- Deal. – younger shook his hand with a smile, ignoring slight pain in the back of his chest.
After they broke the contact of their hands, Nikolas took his glass filled with wine and rose it, proposing a toast.
- For a new beginning?
After a shorter moment, Joel also took his glass with the intention to clink it with the younger's, but as soon as the two glasses made a contact, Nikolas's glass broke in half, spilling red liquid across the tablecloth and their food. Both vampires jumped up but there was no saving their clothes from being splashed with wine.
For some reason, that whole scene was rather funny to Joel and he started laughing hysterically, the sound of his laughter echoing the mansion as he tried to hold up his balance. Even Nikolas started giggling, not because of the situation but because of the sound of the older's laugh.
As maids rushed into the dining room and saw the mess, they cleaned the table and noted their master they will set the table for the last meal in a few minutes. Both vampires decided to use that time to go and change their clothes.
As they walked towards the stairs, Joel was still giggling.
- How is that even possible?! For a glass to break like that!
- Actually that happens to me all the time, I unintentionally break things around the house as soon as I touch them or take them in my hand.
- You better not touch my stuff when they arrive, I possess some rather delicate things. – rosehead mocked as they climbed up the stairs. Their way up was followed by giggles and a bit more relaxed atmosphere, but when they had to separate at the top of the stairs, awkward silence arose between them once again.
After a shorter moment of staring, Nikolas said:
- I- I better go change then.
- Yeah, me too… - older said awkwardly. But before Nikolas could disappear around the corner, other Coral called out to him. As the younger turned around, his eyes wide with surprise, Joel asked:
- Will I be able to plant some flowers around here? Roses could do for the first hand.
- Do you like flowers?
Instead of answering, older nodded his head, nervous to hear Nikolas's answer.
Younger Coral, on the other hand, was literally screaming on the inside. Joel had just told him something about himself on his own accord. Good start, Nikolas…
- I will arrange something, I promise.
With that, the two vampires parted ways, older unsure whether to look forward to having a meal with Nikolas or not. But that one little incident will for sure be engraved in his memory for the longest time.
The memory of the moment when he had finally felt welcomed in that unknown house…
***
The next evening, Joel was awoken by a light knocking on his bedroom door.
Still dizzy from his slumber and amount of red wine he had drunk the previous morning, he got up and headed towards the door, still being conscious enough to cover his chest a little better.
The last meal was more than enjoyable for Joel. He and Nikolas talked a lot, but older also couldn't believe how delicious food they were served was. Despite having a five-course meal, older just couldn't get enough. Through conversation, he had found out some small things about his spouse, like the fact that he preferred meat over seafood or the fact that he wasn't very fond of alcohol but he was also intrigued by Nikolas's intellect and his way of talking was rather calming.
As the pink-haired Coral opened the door slightly, the first thing that got into his sight being a bouquet of yellow roses.
- What's this? – he questioned the maid before taking flowers in his hand, their familiar scent already calming the Coral down.
- Master sent them for you. He said you will know the meaning. – she said with a smile before bowing and excusing herself.
After entering his room again and sitting on the bed, Joel tried hard to think of what Nikolas wanted to tell him with those roses until it suddenly hit him.
The Yellow rose represented friendship.
With that beautiful flower, one was sending a simple message.
I care.
And you give them to me after I've mentioned you I like roses, older thought with a shy smile as he smelled the flowers again.
What are you doing to me, Nikolas Keighley?...