Viktor's eyes darkened, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "Mikel, you don't understand the risk you're taking. If you stay human, they'll come for you again. And next time, I might not be there in time to save you."
Mikel shook his head, his heart pounding in his chest. "But I don't want to lose myself, Viktor. I don't want to become something I'm not. I love you, but I don't need immortality to love you."
Viktor's jaw clenched, and he stood up abruptly, pacing the length of the studio. His frustration was palpable, his desperation mounting.
He clenched his fists, and tried to compose himself.
When he faced Mikel again, his expression was a mixture of desperation and fear. "You don't understand. I've lived for centuries, Mikel, centuries without anyone. I finally found you. You are my mate, my only chance at happiness, at love. But if you refuse to let me turn you, you'll die. Either they'll kill you, or time will take you away from me. And I… I can't bear that."
Mikel's heart broke at the anguish in Viktor's voice, but his own convictions held ffirm
"I don't need to be a vampire to love you," Mikel said, his voice steady despite the tears in his eyes. "I love you as I am, human. And I believe you can love me the same way. But I won't give up my humanity Viktor. I won't."
He stood up and moved toward Viktor. "I want to feel everything, love, pain, joy, sorrow. I don't want to give that up."
Viktor turned to face him, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and sorrow. "I don't want to loose you," he said softly, his voice breaking. "I don't want to live without you."
Mikel reached out, gently taking Viktor's hand in his. You won't lose me," he said softly. "But I need you to accept me as I am."
Viktor squeezed Mikel's hand gently, as if anchoring himself to the warmth and life that radiated from the young artist. "You don't understand the depth of the darkness that surrounds my world, Mikel. I've lost everything I've ever loved. I can't bear it if I lose you too."
Mikel felt his heart twist at the raw vulnerability in Viktor's voice. He wanted to comfort him, to ease his fears, but the weight of their situation loomed over them like a storm cloud. "You're not going to lose me," he promised again, his voice steady despite the tremor of uncertainty that lingered beneath. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. But I can't become something I'm not, at least, not yet."
Viktor's expression hardened slightly, frustration dancing behind his eyes. "Every day you remain human is a day you are at risk. I can't protect you from what I know is out there, Mikel. You think you can love me without losing your humanity, but the truth is, your very existence is a target on your back."
Mikel stepped closer, feeling the heat radiating off Viktor's body. "But what's the point of being with you if I lose who I am? If I lose my humanity? How could I love you fully if I became a vampire?" He searched Viktor's eyes, trying to convey the depth of his feelings, the struggles he faced. "This life we share, it's beautiful. I want to experience all of it, even the pain. Isn't that what being human is about?"
Viktor hesitated for a moment, then wrapped his arms around Mikel, pulling him tightly against him. The warmth of Mikel's body was a balm against the cold heart, he closed his eyes, breathing in the scent of paint and oil that clung to the younger man. "You have no idea how much I wish I could let you go on being who you are," Viktor whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "But I can't shake this feeling of dread."
Mikel pulled back slightly, searching Viktor's eyes. "What if we set boundaries? What if we create a safe space? You can teach me about your world without turning me. You can show me how to protect myself." He took a deep breath, feeling the intensity of the moment. "We can still be together while I remain human. You can show me what it means to love you without making me a vampire."
Viktor opened his mouth to respond, but Mikel pressed on, feeling a surge of determination. "I want to experience everything, your world, your fears, your joys. But I can't lose my own identity in the process. Please, Viktor. Trust me."
For a long moment, Viktor studied Mikel's face, as if searching for something deeper within him. Mikel could feel the tension in the air, the precarious balance between love and fear that held them both hostage. He hoped that somewhere in Viktor's heart, there was a flicker of understanding that might allow them to navigate this dangerous path together.
Finally, Viktor sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his emotions. "You're more stubborn than I thought," he murmured, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Mikel's heart raced at the tentative acceptance in Viktor's voice. "So you'll give me a chance?" he asked, hope bubbling within him.
"Yes," Viktor replied, his voice steady but cautious. "I'll give you that chance. But you must promise me this: if things get too dangerous, you will let me protect you, no matter what it takes. You will not put yourself in harm's way, not for me."
"I promise," Mikel said.
Viktor's expression softened again, and he reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Mikel's ear. "You have no idea how terrifying it is for me to allow you to make your own choices in this world."
"And you have no idea how powerful love can be," Mikel replied, meeting Viktor's gaze unwaveringly. "Together, we can create something beautiful, despite the chaos that surrounds us."
Viktor's eyes shone with a mixture of fear and admiration as he leaned down, capturing Mikel's lips in a tender kiss. The warmth of their connection pulsed through them, igniting a spark of passion that left Mikel breathless. In that moment, Mikel could feel the bond between them deepening, a tether that promised strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
"What happens now?" Mikel asked, when the pulled away from each other.
Viktor stepped back, his demeanor shifting as he regained his composure. "Now, we should clean up this mess before it attracts unwanted attention."