Vinny watched Oliver from the other side of the dining-room. After their kiss, they realised just how cold it was to lay in the snow and came inside when Oliver started to shiver. Vinny ordered some hot chocolate to be made for him, So he was currently waiting for it to arrive.
Oliver was talking with his dad as they sat on the couch.
Vinny brought his fingers up to his lips. He could still feel the warmth of his soulmate, lingering on them. He couldn't quite believe that the kiss happened. Yesterday, he was so nervous and thought it would, at least, take him a week to find the courage. But he underestimated the strengths of their bond.
It was hard for him to believe that when he connected with his soulmate, he really was in love.
"How's it going with the house?" Oliver asked and pulled his hoody sleeves over his hands.
"A lot smoother than I thought," John leant back against the couch. "The Vanderwood's can really pull some strings."
"Well yeah, they are in charge," Oliver smiled.
"That's true," John let out a big breath of air. "My mind still hasn't caught up with all of this."
Oliver knew exactly what he meant. It was so much change in such a little amount of time. But it was a good change and he knew he would adapt to it quickly because that's what he wanted.
After sharing the kiss with Vinny, everything became a lot more real. Their feelings were acknowledged as they both knew things would only become more committing from now on.
"So uh, that kiss huh," John grinned and nudged Oliver.
"What! You saw that?" He asked and felt warmth rise to his cheeks.
"We all did."
Oliver mentally face palmed.
"That is so embarrassing," He mumbled.
"It was sweet, was that your first kiss with him?" He asked and his son nodded sheepishly.
"But I don't really want to talk about it with you," He said before John grinned and ruffled his hair. "Get off." Oliver tried to push his hand away.
"Your hot chocolate," They then heard Vinny's deep voice say, immediately capturing Oliver's attention.
"Oh, thank you," He smiled before taking the warm cup. Vinny took the opportunity to sit next to him as he watched him take a sip.
"The removal van has started packing up your home," He said.
"Already? Is there anything we can do to help?" Oliver asked, realising he hasn't helped with any of the moving plans.
"You don't need to help," Vinny could see that his soulmate was still shivering.
"We can help unpack everything when the van arrives."
Vinny shook his head.
"We have hired people for that. You don't need to help at all."
"Really, are you sure?" John asked.
"Of course, you would never see the Vanderwood's unpacking boxes and you two are part of this family now. You need to get used to having people do things for you."
Oliver thought for a minute. This morning, people made him breakfast and cleaned his dishes and just now, someone made him hot chocolate.
"This is so weird," He chuckled. "We're so used to doing everything ourselves."
Vinny nodded.
"If you walked into our kitchen," The vampire said because there's the kitchen for the restaurant that Oliver works in, and there's a personal kitchen for the Vanderwood's. "The staff would be insulted if you made some food or made yourself a drink. We pay them to do that and they like to do their job."
Just then, Charles entered the dining-room.
"Sorry to interrupt. Oliver, there's someone at the door claiming to be your mother," He said with concern. He didn't want strangers coming to the door, pretending to know Oliver, just so they could get into the mansion.
Oliver sat forwards with raised eyebrows. He looked at John who was just as surprised as him. Vinny hadn't asked about his mum. He didn't want to upset him, just in case she might have passed away or if it was a fragile subject.
"What would you like me to do?" Charles asked politely.
"I'll come with you," Oliver said and stood up but John took his arm quickly.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Neither John or Oliver have seen her in years. She abandoned them, so it seems suspicious that she comes back when her son is getting a high status.
"I'll just see what she wants," He said like it was harmless. But John stood up and placed his hands on his shoulders.
"Oliver, you can see her, I won't stop you if that's what you want. But I don't want to see you get hurt. Not like last time."
Oliver knew how heartbroken he was when his mum wanted nothing to do with him or his dad, but he has matured since then and he knows how to handle situations better now.
But maybe seeing her will trigger those bad memories?
He sighed in defeat.
"You're right, she probably only cares about the status of it all. It might not even be her," He turned back to Charles. "Just tell her to leave."
"Okay Master Oliver, I won't tell her it came from you," Charles smiled before shutting the door behind him. Oliver took a seat next to Vinny and relaxed again.
"Master Oliver?" John asked.
Oliver shrugged before picking his hot chocolate back up.
Vinny listened silently. He didn't feel like it was his place to ask questions, clearly there was some tension between him and his mum. But as Oliver's soulmate, he felt like it was his duty to make him feel better.
He stood up and looked at John.
"Do you mind if I take your son for a little while?"
"Oh, no, of course not. he's all yours." John watched Vinny gently take Oliver's hand and pull him up too. He could see they were still getting used to their feelings but it was sweet to see the spark in their eyes every time they made that contact.
"Where are we going?" Oliver asked.
"Just for a wander."
As they walked down the corridor, Vinny took the courage to intertwine their fingers. Oliver watched as they passed staring eyes but the vampire didn't seem bothered. He loved the warm feel of his soulmate's hand tightly meshed with his. He loved to feel connected in a physical way so he didn't care what anyone else thought.
They both walked down another corridor to hear shouting coming from a distance.
"What's that?" Oliver questioned and tried to concentrate on the noise. Vinny took a moment before he heard who it was.
"Desmond," He muttered.
They walked in the direction of the shouting.
When they reached the kitchen, it was clear to hear that it was coming from in there. Vinny was furious. If the shouting was this loud in the kitchen, people in the restaurant would be able to hear it.
Oliver could feel the anger coming from Vinny but he wasn't going to get in his way, Desmond shouldn't shout at someone in front of everyone and the vampire was the one in charge.
Vinny slowly opened the door to the kitchen and they both silently walked in.
"You don't get paid to talk to your boyfriend all afternoon!" Desmond spat at a girl, standing timidly next to the counter. A lot of glances were shared in Oliver and Vinny's direction, but nobody made it clear they were there. They wanted the master to see how awful Desmond can be and for some reason, he seemed to be much worse today.
The staff also wanted to fuss over the newly formed couple and bombard Oliver with so many questions.
"I-I'm sorry-"
"You're what? You're sorry?" Desmond mocked. The poor girl looked like she was on the verge of tears. "If I had the power to fire you, I would've done it weeks ago you Slut!"
Gasps were shared through the room. Even Vinny was shocked. Did that seriously come out of his mouth?
The boys looked at each other in disbelief. Oliver could see the anger building in his soulmate. He didn't want this to turn into a screaming match. But nobody could believe he just said that. What a horrible thing to say.
Vinny then leant his head in close so he could whisper.
"Would you prefer it if I didn't shout?" He asked quietly.
"If you stay calm, you'll look like the better person."
Vinny pulled his head back and stared at him for a moment. Oliver seemed so kind-hearted and very level-headed. Not to mention, he would probably be the only person to talk him out of his angry episodes.
"I think I finally found the voice of reason."
Oliver chuckled quietly while Vinny let go of his hand so he could walk up to Desmond who's face changed dramatically when he saw the vampire stand next to the girl.
"Can someone please explain to me what is going on?" He asked sternly and glared around the room. Yes, Oliver had told him to stay calm but his glare was something he couldn't hold back.
He then glanced at the girl who was looking very nervous. Oliver knew this girl. She was extremely shy but also really kind and wouldn't hurt a fly.
"What happened?" He grumbled before crossing his arms. The girl cleared her throat and started to fidget.
"M-My boyfriend dropped by, o-only for a second. He came to drop off my lunch," She said very quietly but Vinny heard her perfectly.
"Is this true?" He asked and looked around the room again.
"No, It's not!" Desmond said desperately.
"I wasn't asking you," Vinny growled and took a stepped forwards, making Desmond step back.
"Yes it's true, her boyfriend wasn't even in the restaurant for longer than a minute," A guy bravely said, making Vinny nod. That's exactly what he wanted to hear.
He then looked at Oliver. His little smile made him instantly calm down before he spoke.
"We could hear you yelling from down the corridor, which means they could hear you in the restaurant. Not only is that unprofessional, it's rude. And you called her a slut? Be very surprised if you're not fired by the end of the week." He found it difficult not to really raise his voice.
The whole room was silent as they praised the master in their heads. Desmond was clearly embarrassed but rightfully so. He can't speak to people with so much arrogance and expect to get away with it.
Vinny was pleased with himself as he walked back over to his soulmate. Oliver was trying so hard to keep back a smug smile. But the vampire had managed to stay calm and put Desmond in his place. They didn't say anything as he lead Oliver back through the kitchen.
As they walked down the hallways in silence, Oliver finally cracked a smile.
"That was totally worth seeing," He said, making Vinny's eyes glisten.
"You don't think I was too harsh?" He knew he doesn't have a filter when he's angry and it can be hard to stop himself from going too far.
"No, not at all. Desmond deserved that and I think you should maybe talk to Duke about him?"
Their shoulders brushed past each other, making warmth shoot down their arms.
"Oh I will, don't worry."