Vinny was pulled from his dreams by someone's whimpers. His heavy eyes peeled open in the dark room. The whimpers became clear when he blinked back the tiredness. It was obviously Oliver as he sat himself up and turned to see if his soulmate was okay.
Oliver was sleeping, but he appeared unsettled and stirred with a frown. He looked to be having a bad dream.
Vinny sat up properly and reached over to the lamp. It brightened the room and showed the clear discomfort on the humans face. Vinny couldn't bear to see it; he had to wake him.
"Oliver," he whispered and gently shook his shoulder. The human woke immediately and pushed the vampire back. Oliver's eyes were wide and fearful as they darted around, not recognising his surroundings.
Vinny firmly gripped his shoulders.
"Oliver look at me. It's alright; you're safe!" he said and rested a hand on the side of his face, looking him deep in the eyes. "Look at me, calm down."
Oliver breathed heavy with a sore chest. He looked shaken up as his eyes adjusted to who he was staring at with such panic.
"Sorry, I just... I didn't know where I was," he whispered, struggling to sit up.
"It's okay," Vinny said and rubbed his back, "you don't need to apologise."
Oliver was having a bad dream about the kidnapping, so when Vinny was leaning over him, he freaked out.
"Come on, try and get some more sleep." The vampire gently laid him down and snuggled close.
Oliver did relax with his comfort, but he didn't know if he would manage to get back to sleep. Although, he was grateful that Vinny left the lamp shining.
* * * * *
An hour passed, and Oliver was still awake.
He couldn't bring himself to shut his eyes. His dream had made him paranoid. Oliver knew he was acting silly because he is perfectly safe, but he couldn't calm his mind.
Vinny had fallen asleep forty minutes ago. Oliver could tell by his deep breathing and how relaxed his body was against his as he continued to stare at the dark wood of their poster bed. His eyes were stinging with tiredness, but still, he wouldn't close them.
Oliver turned his head, so his nose touched Vinny's. He could feel his warm breath against his face.
"Oliver," Vinny mumbled quietly, only just waking up. "are you having trouble sleeping?"
Oliver watched his eyes open. They were bloodshot and tired.
"Yes, but don't worry. You should go back to sleep."
Vinny slowly propped himself up and glanced at Oliver's alarm clock. It was 3:45 in the morning, that's why Oliver looked so exhausted.
"Would you like to go down to the kitchen and get something warm to drink?" he suggested with a yawn.
Oliver liked that idea.
"Okay, If you don't mind?" He asked while struggling to sit up. His ribs were extremely painful.
"Of course not, but you'll have to help me. I'm not very good at using modern kitchen things."
Oliver smiled as Vinny helped him out of bed.
"I love how you need help with that," he smiled, making Vinny chuckle which melted Oliver's heart.
They took each other's hand before walking to the door. The corridor was dark, but Vinny switched on the light before they headed to the stairs. He knew it would be easier for them coming back if the lights were already on.
Oliver looked at the ornaments and random objects that were placed on shelves and cupboards as they walked. He loved this mansion and still couldn't believe that he was able to call it his home.
It took the boys almost five minutes until they reached the kitchen after walking down long and silent corridors. Vinny opened the door, and they squinted at the bright light.
Oliver has never been in the Vanderwood's kitchen before. It was the same layout as the restaurant kitchen, but smaller. However, it was still huge compared to a regular kitchen.
He sat on a stool and watched Vinny prepare the drinks. He was insanely tired but glad that he had such a caring soulmate who would sacrifice his own sleep to help him feel better.
Vinny took a moment to figure out how to turn on the kettle before standing in front of Oliver as they waited for the water to boil.
"How are your ribs?" he asked.
"Very sore," Oliver said truthfully. No matter what position he is in, they still hurt, "but they're healing." He flashed a tired smile which tingled Vinny's senses.
"Yes, and quickly I hope." He leaned down and kissed his temple before moving to the kettle, and reading the back of the hot chocolate tin, figuring out how to make it correctly.
He brought the drinks to the table and pulled his stool close, so his legs were on either side of Oliver's. He watched the human sip his drink as they sat in comfortable silence. Their eyes were tired, and their bodies were weak, but doing something random helped Oliver to concentrate on other things for a while.
"Would you like to talk about it now?" Vinny asked. His soulmate looked up with a thoughtful expression and nodded to say yes. "Is it your mum that's bothering you?"
Oliver nodded once again.
"I can't believe she was like that," he mumbled. "It was like her mind wasn't even there."
"She's getting the help she needs," Vinny said softly. The police sent her to the correct institute where they could treat her mental health before living out her prison sentence.
"I know. I just miss how mum used to be." Oliver knew she wouldn't return to the loving and caring mum who she once was. Things between them have changed forever, and that's what he is finding hard to accept. Yes, she was gone for a long time before that, but pointing a gun at Vinny was unacceptable.
"I can't imagine how it must feel," Vinny sighed. His parents are perfect. They love him and love each other; he didn't have to worry about them ever breaking up because of their bond.
Oliver took Vinny's hand. He felt better if he could simply feel him.
"If I look on the brighter side, Madison acts like a second mum," he admitted.
"If you told her that, you'd make her entire year," Vinny scoffed as he rubbed his eyes. "But she does naturally mother everyone."
Oliver lightly chuckled.
"Your parents are great." He was starting to feel more relaxed. Something about Vinny's presence is oddly calming, considering his status of making people feel the exact opposite.
"Yes," Vinny watched Oliver's fingers slot perfectly in between his, "they are."
Oliver grinned when Vinny gave him a look of amused warning.
"Don't tell them I said that." The vampire loved his parents, but they would be incredibly big-headed if they heard him.
"What if I did?"
Vinny was satisfied when the joy came back to his soulmates beautiful eyes.
"You won't."
Oliver tilted his head.
"You don't know that."
"They probably won't believe you anyway," Vinny smirked.
"Yes, because their grumpy son would never say nice things about his mum and dad."
Vinny couldn't help but chuckle.
"Exactly."
Oliver squeezed his hand, feeling back to his usual self.
"Well, I don't know, you're quite loving underneath that frown."
Vinny frowned for Oliver's amusement.
"Only for you."
Oliver rolled eyes. He loved how the vampire only showed his true colours to him.
"See, you are sweet."
"I know, I'm adorable."
Oliver nearly choked on his drink at Vinny's emotionless face. He watched with twinkling eyes, feeling the atmosphere settling comfortably.
"Thank you," he said, "for making me feel better."
Vinny stood up and stepped in-between Oliver's legs, wrapping his arms around his shoulders.
"Of course, it's what I'm here for," he whispered and pulled him into a gentle hug.
Oliver wrapped his arms around his waist and buried his head in his chest. His ribs were hurting, but it was worth it for an embrace.
They breathed in each others scent before Vinny pulled away.
"Are you ready to go back to bed?"
"Yeah, I feel like I could sleep for days now."
"Me too."