Oliver tiredly groaned, moving over and leaning against Vinny was perfect for his groggy mind. The noise of his morning alarm was screeching through his brain. The vampire moved his book out of the way when Oliver clumsily reached over to switch off his clock. He had not even opened his eyes when he missed the button and knocked it off the bedside table.
The alarm switched off, but Oliver dropped his face back into the pillow. He did not want to work today.
Vinny put his book down, knowing that in a minute or so he'd have to wake him again.
Oliver was so tired because of yesterday's events with scarlet. Then being apart from Vinny, he kept waking up and expecting to see his sister in the room. It annoyed him, he knew fine well that she is not here and he is safe. However, he couldn't help but feel like he was being watched.
Now that morning had arrived, things felt different. There was daylight in the room and the vampire was awake to reassure him that everything was just fine. Vinny knew Oliver felt a little worried last night and it was still irritating him that Scarlet would do such a terrible thing, to her brother and his soulmate.
"Oliver, it's time to get up," He said softly and gently shook his shoulder. Oliver rolled over while attempting to open his heavy eyelids.
"Okay," He whispered. "But you're so warm, though." He moved over and curled up around his Vampire. He buried his head into his chest when he felt Vinny's arms wrap around him. He could feel the vampire's heart, beating faster against his cheek.
Vinny still gets excited when Oliver moves in so close. It is incredibly new for them both to share company that they crave so much.
"I don't want you to work today," He mumbled, watching Oliver's eyes flicker back open. He almost fell asleep again. Vinny was concerned after what happened with that guy yesterday when they crashed the car. He had not told Oliver because it would only make him worry. This isn't the first time he has been threatened with a gun, but now he has a soulmate, he was concerned about both their safety.
Maybe he could tell his dad that he was worried and Oliver could get the day off? He knew they were short on staff, due to the weather.
Sighing, it would be less stressful for his dad if his soulmate did work. He didn't mind sitting in the restaurant but today, he would be watching him like a hawk.
He looked down to see he had fallen asleep, again.
"Oliver," Vinny lightly shook him.
He let out a little groan in protest, but he knew he needed to get out of bed. He is definitely not a morning person.
"Okay, I'm awake," He mumbled and forced himself to sit up.
* * * * *
"So, you're saying Desmond just walked out because you were being difficult?" Duke asked. His son nodded while they marched down the corridor.
"Yes, now please fire him," Vinny was blunt, as usual.
"I'd love to fire him, however, we are still short on staff," He sighed and stood outside the kitchen door.
Madison greeted them and gave her son a big smile.
"If you're planning on staying in the restaurant today, then we want you to pay extra attention to Oliver. After yesterday with that man, it's not safe for him."
Vinny frowned.
"I'm in the restaurant so I can stare at him anyway. And you think I haven't thought about that already?" He muttered before turning and heading into the kitchen.
His parents looked at each other with raised eyebrows.
"He has perked up today... I think," Duke chuckled and follow him. Vinny isn't very good at showing the little hint of happiness in his soul, but he tried.
The teen vampire stopped at the entrance to the kitchen, his eyes immediately fell on his soulmate, trying to catch up with the many questions from other workers.
He casually strolled up to him and surprised Oliver when he felt warm arms coil around his waist. He looked up to see his soulmate, leaning in close.
"Hi," His deep voice vibrated through Oliver as he stared into his big green eyes.
"You're like, two minutes late. What is wrong with you?" He joked with a happy grin. Although, all he could concentrate on was the vampires touch and his close contact.
"You would have been late too if I didn't have to drag you out of bed," Vinny smirked. He was aware that the staff were looking and making a quiet fuss. His pride for Oliver was shining through, and he liked to show him off.
"I got up eventually," The human mumbled, only able to hold back a chuckle when Duke cleared his throat.
"Right okay, I know it's exciting to see my son without a frown, but we need to get started," The Alpha said, making Vinny roll his eyes.
Oliver leant his back against his chest. After being separated past their limit yesterday, they have wanted nothing more than to be extra close.
As Duke started talking, not once did Vinny take his gaze away from his human. His favourite thing to do is watching his bright eyes, his interesting expressions and drifted concentration.
Oliver was totally aware he was staring, but he loved it when he does.
"-Okay? so we're prepared for a busy day, let's get this restaurant open." Duke watched his staff start to rush around. "Oh and before I forget, can I speak to Desmond outside please?" Desmond's head popped up with pride and he confidently walked over. "Vinny, could you also come outside too?"
Vinny was already glaring, but he was interested in what his dad had to say.
"I'll be out in a moment," He turned Oliver around. "Don't go into the restaurant until I'm with you and- actually, you can come outside too," He took his hand and squeezed it tight. Oliver's skin was always so warm and soft.
"Are you sure?" He asked when Vinny tugged lightly on his arms.
"I'm positive."
When they made their way out and into the hallway, Duke and Madison were watching Desmond with curiosity, intrigued to hear how he would respond to their questions.
"So Desmond, I've heard some complaints about you," Duke crossed his arms. "Can you tell me why people might feel the need to complain?"
Desmond narrowed his eyes and pretended to think.
"No alpha, I'm shocked to hear this."
Even Oliver frowned.
"So, am I wrong in believing you called a member of staff... a slut?" Duke asked.
"Yes, I never said that." He crossed his arms, feeling the need to look superior.
"Yes you did," Vinny tried to stay calm. "Oliver and I were there."
Desmond shook his head.
"You must have been mistaken, Master."
Oliver could not believe it, Desmond was blatantly lying, and to the Vanderwood's!
"Are you calling me a liar?" He asked through gritted teeth. Vinny already could not stand him, but how dare he try and deny his mistakes.
"No, you're just wrong."
Oliver held Vinny's arm when he felt him tense up.
"Excuse me, Desmond, where are your manners?" Madison asked sternly. She could see he was angering her son and she could also see that he was doing it on purpose. Living for as long as she has, things don't go unnoticed.
"Oh, I apologise Alpha," He said and took his gaze back to Duke, ignoring her completely. Madison did not enjoy his audacity. "I'm good at my job, I'm nice, I'm friendly to staff and customers."
Vinny's glare was very cold.
"Calling you a friendly person is like calling me a friendly person," He said slowly. Why is he pretending to be the innocent one here? It would go a lot smoother if he admitted his mistakes and apologised. "You're nasty, rude and you like to pick on everyone who doesn't live up to your standards."
Duke shot Vinny a glance to say calm down, but he could tell by Oliver's face that what his son was saying, was right. Oliver is too nice of a person to let Vinny tear into someone who didn't deserve it.
"Desmond, can I ask why you are unpleasant to Oliver?" Madison questioned. That is the one thing they have noticed Vinny always went back to while ranting about him.
"I'm not," He mumbled. "I would consider Oliver a friend."
Vinny stared at him like he was the most empty-headed human on this earth.
"Look, Desmond," Oliver stepped towards him. "This would be a lot easier for us all if you just admitted that you have not exactly been nice. We can help you move on from your mistakes."
Desmond then decided that he could not hold it back any longer.
"Oliver, you're so stupid!" He sighed while shaking his head. "Do you not see, this whole time I've been feeling this way and you never once showed any interest."
Everyone frowned, not quite understanding his words.
"What are you talking about?" Oliver asked in confusion.
Desmond shuffled from one foot to the other. The suspense was growing in the back of his throat and his hands became sweaty. He just had to say it.
"I'm in love with you."