"So um, I was just thinking about how vampires age because of that painting of you upstairs, you look the same but it was done centuries ago," Oliver said after he had finished eating some toast. With Vinny's help, he finally made it to the dining room.
"I should have mentioned that," Vinny turned on his chair. He was sitting next to Oliver at the grand dining table. "When we connected our bond, your ageing process changed to how a vampire would age." He watched Oliver's eyebrows raise.
"Really? How long do you- well, how long will I live for now?"
Vinny thought for a second, he was trying to find the best way to explain it.
"I'm eighteen, in vampire years," He said. "But I've lived for eighteen thousand years if I counted my birthday according to human years." He saw it process through his soulmates mind.
"So, for every vampire year, you live one thousand human years?" He asked.
Vinny nodded, he was surprised that Oliver didn't look too bothered by how long he'll live for. It was a huge change to the lifeline he once had. But he has enough to deal with so maybe it'll sink in later.
"That'll mean that... my dad's life is really short." Oliver realised it was a bit unfair that he was now blessed with this incredibly long life and his dad isn't.
"Well, maybe we can change that."
"What do you mean? How?" Oliver frowned with confusion.
"Don't think about it now, I'll explain when it becomes relevant." Vinny knew his dad wouldn't have made a proposal to John about... that.
"Okay," Oliver smiled. He knew that if Vinny didn't want to tell him just yet, it was for a good reason.
"How did you sleep last night Oliver?" Duke then asked and looked up from some paperwork. He was sitting opposite the boys. Madison and John were sorting out their moving house business somewhere else.
"Great, thank you," He said politely. He did sleep really well. Vinny's bed is extremely comfortable.
Well... their bed.
"Good, are you settling into this new lifestyle okay?"
"It's still quite strange, but I'm over the initial shock of it all now."
Vinny watched Oliver. He couldn't wait to start developing their affectionate feelings. He just wanted to hold his hand and cuddle him.
And kiss him.
He was starting to admit that he did want to know what it would feel like to kiss Oliver. Yes, It might be odd to kiss another guy but he knew he would like it because it would be his soulmate who he was kissing.
"I'm really glad you're getting used to each other," Duke smiled. He noticed that Vinny had watched Oliver all morning. He also noticed that he would soften his gaze every time Oliver smiled or spoke. It was unusual for Duke to see his son without a glare or a moody frown. Clearly, this human will be the centre of attention in Vinny's world from now on.
"Oliver, would you like to see the gardens?" Vinny asked, knowing if he stayed in the dining-room for much longer, his dad would probably start asking embarrassing questions.
Oliver's gaze wandered to the big windows and the snow was falling hard.
"Sure." The gardens were the only part of the Vanderwood property he hadn't seen.
* * * * *
When they had their coats, boots and gloves on, they headed towards the garden doors. The corridors were busy as anybody working didn't hesitate to get a glimpse of Vinny and Oliver together.
Oliver looked up to see that the glare he was once used to was plastered on the vampire's face.
"You're not one for socialising much, are you?" He asked timidly as his shoulder brushed against him when he moved closer to let some people pass by.
"No, but I'll make an exception for you," His words were so casual and Oliver couldn't hold back a little smile.
When they walked back through the dining-room to get to the gardens, John and Madison were sitting at the table with Duke. They watched them walk by with all their winter gear on.
"Son, you're crazy," John chuckled. If he had an opportunity to stay inside, he would take it without hesitation.
"It wasn't my idea," Oliver glanced at the vampire with humoured eyes.
Vinny was growing to like Oliver's confident side, he was beginning to show it more as they got used to each others company. He had moments where he would suddenly get hyper and excited but he would quickly stop when he remember his situation. Vinny could tell that Oliver seemed to be someone who was full of energy and his excitable side seems to be who he natually is.
He couldn't wait until they were one-hundred percent comfortable around each other.
"Which you agreed to," He said before opening the door.
"Yes, but-" Before he let him finish, Vinny gently grabbed his hand and pulled him out and into the snow covered gardens. He shut the door behind him so his parents didn't complain. "Wow," Oliver breathed and looked at all the statues and perfectly trimmed bushes with all kinds of different plants plotted neatly among perfectly laid cobbles. "I thought my garden was big."
"This is your garden," Vinny slowly took his hand back so he could put on his gloves. "Would you like to see the maze?"
Oliver's eyes almost popped out of his head.
"Seriously?"
The vampire turned and started walking in that direction with Oliver eagerly following behind.
They walked through archways, covered in vines and passed huge water fountains that had frozen over from the minus temperatures.
It took them almost five minutes until they were facing the maze.
"How big is this?" Oliver asked. The hedges were almost twice the size of him. But the added two feet of snow on top made it seem even more daunting.
"Let's just say, it's easy to get lost." Vinny knows this maze like the back of his hand. "I doubt you'll make it to the middle."
"Well, I guess I could try," Oliver chuckled while he watched him with intrigued eyes.
"It will take you a while," Vinny walked him over to one of the entrances.
"Are you coming with me?" Oliver asked and looked down the long dull pathway.
"No, I'll go through a different entrance, I'd be tempted to help you with every wrong turn," Vinny saw the hesitation in his eyes. "But I can come with you if you would prefer?"
"No, no. I can do this." Oliver flashed him a big smile before walking into the maze.
The vampire watched until he turned a corner, then he headed towards a different entrance. Vampires hearing is exceptionally good so he would be able to hear Oliver even if he was at the other side of the maze.
* * * * *
Almost twenty minutes had past and Oliver was still turning corner after corner. He hoped that the middle would be obvious. He should have asked Vinny if there was a statue of some sort that would help him find out where he was.
Little did he know, his soulmate knew exactly where he was.
As Oliver past a pile of leaves that he planted on the ground for the third time, he knew he wouldn't be finding the middle.
"This is impossible," He mumbled to himself and continued on his journey.
Another five minutes went by and still, no progress. That's when Vinny decided it was long enough.
When Oliver turned another corner, he walked straight into his soulmate. He stumbled back with surprise as Vinny grabbed his coat to stop him from falling over.
"Jesus-" He breathed. "How did you get there?" He was a little stunned.
"I just did," The vampire shrugged. "Shall I help you find the middle?"
"Um, can we please maybe get out of here?" Oliver asked. He was starting to feel a little claustrophobic and the vampire could somehow tell.
"Of course." Vinny chewed the inside of his lip when he held eye contact for a little longer. He could barely believe that this was his soulmate, standing in front of him.
As he turned to leave, he smoothly took hold of his hand. They had gloves on so they didn't feel the satisfaction of one another's skin, but it was still exciting.
He led Oliver out of the maze and back around to the side of the mansion. They were still holding hands as they stopped outside the back door. Little did they know, John, Duke and Madison had spotted them from inside.
Vinny stood a little closer as he reluctantly let go of his hand. But before he could say anything, Oliver quickly pulled his hand from behind his back and dropped some snow onto his head. The Vampire stayed still while his soulmate quickly stepped back. He didn't expect him to do that but it was a good thing that Oliver spotted the humour in his eyes, he wasn't sure if he had stepped over the mark.
Vinny shook his head and ran a hand through his hair before leaning down to pick up some snow.
Oliver turned to run as Vinny launched a snowball through the air. It just missed him as he ducked behind a statue.
"Are they having a snowball fight?" Madison questioned.
Vinny didn't hide, he picked up more snow and threw it at Oliver. This time, It hit him in the back as he tried scooping it up from the ground.
"Give me a chance," Oliver laughed before another snowball hit him in the side of the head.
Vinny knew he didn't stand a chance against him as he walked over. He was feeling very relaxed and comfortable to be himself.
Just before Oliver had the chance to throw snow at him, Vinny grabbed him and dumped him in a big heap of snow. His soulmate took a second to process what just happened before reaching forwards and grabbing his hand, making Vinny fall on top of him.
A deep and a very attractive chuckle escaped the vampire's lips, causing instant pleasure to shiver down Oliver's spine. It felt like the best sound he has ever heard.
He laid there for a moment, trying to relax as the master of the Vanderwood family laid on top of him.
But Vinny rolled to the side when his soulmate propped himself up and onto his elbows.
The vampire intensely stared at him while he took off his glove. He too felt a wave of affection at being suddenly so close. His heart was beating heavy, he was nervous as he slowly reached up and delicately placed his warm hand against Oliver's cold cheek. He was breathing carefully.
Oliver's big eyes looked deep into his as he subconsciously reached forwards and tugged gently on his coat, making him lean a little closer. He had no idea what was giving him the courage to do this but they both needed to be affectionate.
Their parents were still watching from the window.
Vinny scanned Oliver's face before his gaze landed on his lips. His mind was racing. He wanted to lean closer when strong emotions flashed through them both.
Oliver had so much passion rising in his chest, he needed the vampire's comforts but it was confusing him how his body craved it so much. Although, deep down they knew what they both wanted. Vinny was still incredibly nervous but the overpowering feelings took over any other emotion.
He simply couldn't stop himself as he leant his head closer.
Oliver still had his hand holding onto Vinny's coat but he moved it up to his shoulder. The vampire stopped moving when he felt his soulmate's warm breath against his lips. Their faces were now incredibly close. Nothing around them mattered except for their close comfort and physical contact.
Vinny almost hesitated. This was another guy but it was also his soulmate and he has needed to get this close ever since they connected the bond. He just didn't allow himself to fully accept it, until now.
As Oliver's heart was thumping extremely hard, he dared to lean forward and rest his forehead against Vinny's. That was when the vampire couldn't hold it back any longer.
He slowly closed the gap between their mouths until he felt Oliver's lips graze across his own. They were so smooth and warm. He continued to push gently into him, sealing their lips officially together and his mind exploded. He felt his soulmate's face press closely against his when he kissed him back.
Bursts of affection circled in their chests as Vinny moved his hand to the back of Oliver's neck. His scent filled his nose when he breathed deeply. Their kiss was so delicate and warm.
Oliver kissed him again before Vinny pushed down onto him, making him drop his head back slowly and into the snow.
He leant over him when Oliver pulled gently on his shoulders. The inviting taste of each other was all they craved and It filled their senses with joy and pleasure. Their minds were foggy and filled with feelings for one another while their lips moved together.
Nothing could compare to this moment.
A few more seconds passed before Vinny slowly lifted his head. His eyes gently opened to see Oliver, staring lovingly up at him. No words were needed. This moment was special and it was the first step to building a closer and more affectionate relationship.
Their pupils were dilated and passion ran through their bodies.
Vinny subconsciously embedded his fingers into the back of his soulmate's hair. Oliver couldn't describe how amazing that was. He could see the same love in Vinny's eyes that he felt in his heart.
They both watched each other for a moment longer until they smiled in disbelief.
They just shared their first kiss.