Chapter Text
William Shakespeare’s love story could easily be one of his plays. At least, this last time, someone had a happy ending.
He hoped so. He wanted to believe that you and Vincent had returned to each other despite his attempts at breaking you apart.
Will told himself his actions were just for the sake of seeking inspiration. Looking back at it, he had been jealous. Of both of you. The friend he refused to acknowledge his love for was more than a platonic bond, and the woman he feared his growing feelings for, even before someone put a name to them. Jealous of the bond you shared, afraid of the feelings awakening in him, afraid to be left behind.
In the end he was left, more than a century behind. And it was for the best. For you and Vincent, who were safe and happy, and maybe for him, since the tragedy fueled his work. There were three of you. Someone would be left to suffer, no matter how the story had unfolded.
Even when his time caught up, Will didn’t plan to meet you again. Fate had other ideas, though. Will never thought he would see you by accident, in Paris of all places. What were you two doing back there? Hadn’t you gone back to your home country?
But the sight that caught his attention on the other side of that cafe’s window wasn’t a figment of his imagination, the illusion of a lonely heart’s desire.
The two of you looked so happy together as he expected, but Will couldn’t help but feel bittersweet about it. The flames of jealousy still burned in his chest at the sight of the happiness he could never have, and that was why he had to stay away.
Determined to leave before any of you noticed him, Will turned around but he hadn’t taken three steps when an energy like a whirlwind surrounded him, making him stop in his tracks. It was human magic, not strong enough to deter him, a vampire if he wanted to fight it. But it was also your magic. He would recognize that enticing signature scent anywhere, and that was what made him actually stop.
Will sighed when he heard you leave the shop, and the power surrounding him subsided. He still wanted to leave, but he couldn’t. Not in front of you.
“Why are you running away, Will?” You held his arm from behind, but he didn’t turn around.
You were speaking in a low voice, and Will noticed the attention you were getting from people walking by. Another reason to end this soon.
“After what I did to you, it is safer that our paths do not cross again. Return to his side and forget this meeting.” He gently extracted himself from your grasp, finally turning around to look at you. “Goodbye, my fair maiden. I will pray for your happiness. Although it may not be my place to, after my efforts to destroy that very happiness.” He kissed the back of your hand before attempting to let go.
But you only held his hand tighter, meeting his eyes with determination in your gaze.
“I have already forgiven you, Will. I know why you did that. In the end, having some time apart to think was the best for all of us, but it’s been too much time for you, hasn’t it?”
“You are too kind, my lady, but I don’t deserve such kindness. I cannot guarantee I won’t repeat the same mistakes. Right now I am torn between that wish for yours and Vincent’s happiness and the desire to steal one of you away.”
You only held his hand tighter and smiled, almost with a hint of laughter in it. He felt the wind around you shift, your powers wrapping, not around him, but an area around the two of you, right when Vincent stepped out to join you. The passersby also stopped paying attention to you. Were you hiding them? Why?
Vincent approached with his usual angelic smile, and standing by your side he took both yours and Will’s free hands.
“Why do you have to steal only one of us? We missed you. We came back to Paris to see you, and we were just talking about how we’d like to steal you ourselves when we met. Can we?”
“Vincent… You know a friendly reunion is not what I meant. I…”
“That’s not what we meant, either, Will.” You chuckled, oddly amused by such a serious situation. “We love you. Both of us. And we would like you to be our partner, if you want.”
Both of them? There was nothing that would make Will happier but…
“How can that be? Love shared by three people can end in nothing but tragedy.”
“Why? We love each other, and as long as we’re willing to make it work, why can’t we all be together?”
Seeming to notice Will was still trying to process what they were saying, Vincent took over before you said anything else.
“It is a lot to explain. I was confused when she told me, too. Would you at least listen to what we have to say, Will? If you still want us to go away afterwards, we will, but would you at least listen and think about it, please?”
You and Vincent looked at him with such hopeful eyes, Will found it hard to say no. But would he dare hope? Would he dare attempt to love someone again, especially when your idea of it sounded so unbelievable?
But the thought of returning to the life he’d been leading since losing you and one more look at these pleading eyes of the people he loved and Will knew his answer.
“Do you really want to risk spending time with me, no matter what my answer may be?” He still asked, hesitantly.
Both of you nodded without even taking the time to think. That was the final push he needed.
“Then I will listen.”