Work Text:
While being trapped in the Manor with his… condition , Victor has so far managed to keep his little secret. Sneaking out in the middle of the night, hiding in the garden, and then sneaking back in as the sun begins its daily route. It wasn’t a hard routine for the postman, keeping secrets used to be his job after all, and he only had to worry about it once a month or so. So, his life at the Manor was relatively quiet, despite the constant threat of the monsters they’ve called “the hunters” sitting just outside the walls. The others would often stop by the friendly Victor as he would make his morning walk around the manor, mirroring his previous routes. Luca would try to get the man to talk about his past, calling the scars over his mouth “intriguing”, only for Victor to once more politely, yet firmly, deny the request. Andrew, another quiet soul, would offer a nod of support to the friendly postman before dragging his loud companion off. Victor would then visit the mysterious Fredrick. Fredrick had been there the longest of any of them, and could often be seen staring longingly out at the woods from the windows. Fredrick would always greet Victor with a sorrowful smile, inviting the man into his room to listen to his piano. While the melody would always change, Victor could feel the pain radiating in every song, every chord revealing the melancholy of the composer even further. One day, Victor hoped to gain the courage to actually speak to him, to ask him what inspired his beautiful music.
Victor’s favorite stop, however, was with the painter Edgar Valden. Despite his initial brashness, there seemed to be a softer side to the artist. Victor loved stopping by Edgar last, just in the hope that he would have already begun work on his painting for the day. Over the past few months being trapped in this mysterious manor, Victor has grown quite fond of the painter, even finding himself to laugh along with some of the jokes Edgar would make to try to cut the silence between them. However, Victor’s favorite part was simply watching Edgar paint. He would watch in silence as Edgar uses the softest stroke to add the lightest highlight on a tree or the smallest whisker on a cat. It was beautiful in its own right. Edgar’s face would often change as he painted and Victor had begun to pick up on the meanings of different expressions. His eyebrows slightly furrowed with his eyes narrowed meant he was trying to focus on a specific area of the painting. His tongue slightly out to the side meant he was concentrating hard on what he was doing, while a head tilt meant he was looking for a new perspective to help improve the piece. Victor couldn’t help but be amused by Edgar’s antics, the painter often finding himself in odd spaces throughout the manor as he found more objects and creatures to paint.
Unfortunately for Victor, however, he didn’t have much time to be around the painter today. This month there is a blue moon and, just Victor’s luck, it happens to be tonight. Quickly making his preparations, Victor makes sure to leave a note for each of the other residents that he would be retiring early that night, and that Wick wouldn’t be on guard outside for them as well. Victor would often let his beloved dog Wick watch the gate of the manor for any signs of the hunters that would try to claw their way in if they had a chance. But on a full moon, Victor refuses to take any chances with Wick’s safety and puts the pooch inside of his room for the night. It’s what’s safest for him. I can’t lose Wick too. Victor knew better than to try to trust himself on a full moon. With his preparations for the night complete, Victor slips out as the sun sets on the horizon, hiding himself in the garden bushes.
~~~~~
“You’re impossible, Luca Balsa!” Edgar screams out, pointing his paintbrush at the grinning man in front of him, “Do you have nothing better to do than try to pester me all day?”
“Oh it is not all day,” Luca rolls his eyes, his smirk only widening as he continues speaking, “your days are usually taken up by Victor.”
“You!- Our relationship is none of your business! He is simply a good companion. Quiet, unlike you!”
“Oh yeah, that’s definitely why your room is full of half-finished paintings of him, surely.” Luca stands up a little straighter, now standing over the painter, “You sure seem to be fond of him, despite knowing him as little as the rest of us do.”
The soft sound of heels grabs the attention of the two arguing men, the sound indicating the arrival of Fredrick, “Must you two really argue at such a late hour? If you cannot contain yourselves, please return to your rooms.”
Edgar frowns, “Absolutely not. I- UGH! You’re all so utterly infuriating! I’m going outside!” He turns, beginning to walk towards the door.
“No!” Fredrick exclaims, grabbing Edgar’s arm, “It’s dangerous out there, you know this! I’ve told you this!”
“I’m not planning on leaving the gates, Fredrick.” Edgar pulls his arm away, frowning, “Besides, none of us have seen a hunter lurking around in a month. I’ll be fine. I just need some air.” With that, Edgar continues towards the exit, blocking out any potential attempts to get him to listen again. Why does everybody have to be so aggravating around here? Stupid Fredrick and his stupid secrets, stupid Luca and his stupid snooping, stupid Andrew and his stupid pacifism. And Victor! …Victor… Edgar shakes his head, continuing to walk. He just had to find somewhere to sit and sketch for a while! That would clear his head for sure. Edgar sighs and kicks a rock, keeping his eyes down on the ground. Why does that brat Luca always try to anger him? And why does it always have to work too? A raven’s caw pulls the painter from his thoughts, his eyes widening as he realizes where he is. No… no no no I wasn’t paying attention! A flash of feathers blocks out Edgar’s vision as he yells out.
~~~~~
Victor’s head snaps up, his ears twitching as he registers the sound he had just heard. It sounded like Edgar. Victor stands up, stretching as he sniffs the air, finding the painter’s sweet scent nearly immediately. Victor huffs, his paws hitting the ground as he sprints off, following the scent. Why woods? His wolf brain tried to think but defaulted back to his basic instincts. He had to protect Edgar and to do that, he had to find him first. As he grew closer to the scent, the caw of ravens above him urged Victor to run faster. Finally, he had Edgar in view. However, his brain rushed into an aggressive, protective mode as he saw the creature above his painter and the telltale smell of iron around them. Victor lunges forward, knocking the hunter away from the injured Edgar. He snarls at the bird-like hunter, his teeth bared as he attempts to keep the creature down on the ground.
“Give…” A low and breathy voice crows out from the monster, “My… Dove.” Victor snarls, pressing his front paws down harder, blood from the creature pooling around his claws. The monster screams out, shoving Victor off of itself and into a tree. Victor yelps, sliding to the ground. He pants softly for a moment before forcing himself back up. He rushes towards the monster again, biting its bony leg and pulling, the creature screeching out in pain once more. Victor lets go, eyeing the bird-like creature as he inches toward Edgar. He looks at Edgar, a soft whine escaping him as he softly rubs his head against Edgar’s cheek.
“...Victor..?” Edgar asks softly, removing one hand from the bleeding wound on his waist to try to set on Victor’s pale golden fur. Edgar’s eyes widen as he watches the creature limp over to them. He yelps and squeezes his eyes shut as the monster lifts his protector in the air, throwing him again. Victor yelps as he hits the ground. The monster limps closer to Edgar again, leaning down to look him in the eyes. Edgar breathes heavily as he stares at his reflection in the creature’s empty eyes. The creature releases a low coo before raising its claws at Edgar again. Edgar whimpers softly, closing his eyes again as he prepares for what seems to be his inevitable death.
“Que tu m’aimais encore,” A soft voice begins singing, “Serait-ce possible alors,” Edgar opens his eyes, finding the creature has stopped, its head now tilting as if to find where the song was coming from. Edgar turns his head to see the source of the singing, dread filling him as he sees a telltale red coat stepping closer. He knows how to handle this thing? Fredrick continues his song, the monster starting to coo along and move away from Edgar. Fredrick holds his hand out to the monster, Edgar watching in a mix of mute shock and horror as the creature takes Fredrick’s hand, letting Fredrick do a small spin. Fredrick turns to Edgar and nods, signaling to him that it is time to leave. Edgar nods and tries to stand, hissing in a breath as his wound prevents him from much success with that. Victor stumbles over, whining and nudging Edgar softly.
“Not… Not helping, Victor,” Edgar whispers out, now trying to use the large wolf in front of him to stand. Despite the circumstances, Edgar couldn’t help but wish he had the chance to paint the gorgeous wolf before him. He was truly beautiful, pale golden fur pairing beautifully with the deep gold in his eyes, all while the red running down his head contrasts wonderfully. Wait… Red? Edgar’s eyes widen and he stumbles up, holding his still-bleeding side. As soon as they were somewhere safe, he would check for whatever was making Victor bleed. Edgar pushes himself back towards the manor, his thoughts drowning out the sorrowful singing of Frederick. Just… had to… get to safety…
~~~~~
Victor’s ears perk up as he hears Edgar’s quiet voice give out a soft whine. He curls tighter around the smaller man, determined to keep him protected, even if they are just in the garden now. Victor had followed Edgar back to the manor while Fredrick kept the hunter distracted, and watched as Edgar passed out from his wound. Unfortunately, that meant that Victor had to drag Edgar further into the gate. He would have to apologize to him when he changed back later. After he takes care of Edgar’s wound that is. Victor hates seeing Edgar so hurt while he lacks the ability to take for him. So, instead, he lays his head on Edgar’s chest, letting out a soft huff as he closes his eyes. Before long, the sun rises, Victor’s form returning to one of a human. He quickly sits up, inspecting Edgar, ensuring that the pale man still has a pulse. A wave of relief washes over him as Edgar gives a soft whine at the disturbance. Victor gives a soft hum, standing up before lifting Edgar into his arms and carrying the brunette inside.
“Victor there you a- ahhh what happened?!” Luca runs over, checking that his friend was still alive before turning back to Andrew, “Go get some bandages, now! I’ll go grab a washcloth! Victor please set him on the couch. He’s most likely to stay still for you.”
Victor nods, walking over to the couch and carefully laying the still-asleep Edgar down. Even while he was injured, Victor couldn’t help but find the other rather… cute. With careful hands, he begins to remove Edgar’s cape and unbutton his shirt so that Luca and Andrew would have clear access to the wound. A soft frown falls on Victor’s face as he spots the bandages wrapped around Edgar’s chest. That can’t be healthy for him… I’ll write to him about it. Victor’s thoughts are interrupted as Luca runs back over, setting a wash basin down on the coffee table and gently shooing Victor off to the side.
“Alright, now,” Luca says as he begins to softly wipe away the drying layers of blood from the wound, “would you mind writing down what happened so I can have Andrew read it to me so I know just what happened last night?” Victor nods, pulling his miniature notebook from his pocket, followed by his pen as he begins to write, avoiding his own secret the best he can. Not that he wouldn’t give it up if he thought it would help Luca treat Edgar. The postman’s writing finishes right as the gravekeeper returns with the bandages.
“Apologies… I had to find a different medicine cabinet, the one near us was out of bandages,” Andrew’s soft voice speaks as he holds out the bandages for Luca, who quickly grabs them.
“You’re perfectly fine, Andrew. Victor once you're done, please let Andrew read that to me?” He looks over at the two, a smile on his face attempting to disguise the worry in his eyes, “I have to know exactly why I’m gonna be scolding this idiota.” Victor nods, continuing his writing for a moment longer before handing the small notebook to Andrew.
“Ah- alright then…” Andrew sighs softly, pulling the notebook a bit closer to his face and squinting a bit to be able to see the words clearly, “ I heard… Edgar yell from out in the woods. I followed and found him cornered by one of the hunters, a bird one. I tried to get it off of him, then… ” Andrew stops for a moment, pulling the notebook even closer to make sure he was reading it correctly, “...Frederick knows how to calm a hunter?”
“Excuse me, what?” Luca says, taking his eyes away from Edgar to stare up at Andrew, then turns his head to Victor, “You’re joking, right? There’s no way you’re not joking.” Victor shakes his head, he isn’t joking around Not that he really understood it either, but it is the truth. Luca sighs softly, turning back to Edgar, “Why didn’t you bring him inside right away?”
“He says that he had also passed out from adrenaline afterward,” Andrew softly adds before looking to Victor, “Here, allow me to check you for injuries.” Victor nods, stepping over to Andrew, who instantly begins to check over the postman for any sign of injury. “Hm… did something cut your head?” Andrew says softly, brushing his thumb over a small cut right below Victor’s hairline. Victor nods, giving a soft hum in response. He had completely forgotten about how much he had been thrown around. Andrew grabs one of the clean washcloths from the bowl and very softly runs it over the cut, the warm water washing away the dried blood from Victor’s skin. Andrew frowns softly, “My word you two… It’s a miracle that you made it out alive, let alone with so few injuries.” Victor nods, letting Andrew continue to care for him. It really was a miracle that they made it considering anyone else they knew who tried had ended up dead or simply missing. The grave keeper's hands work quickly to bandage Victor’s wound, ensuring that the bandage will stay in place with a well-tied knot. Victor gives a smile as a thank you to Andrew before turning to watch Luca continue to work on Edgar. The painter was still out cold, yet it seemed that he was no longer in much pain as his face had relaxed.
“You know, I can feel you staring,” Luca laughs softly, “I’m almost done, then I’m gonna have you or Andrew carry him upstairs and I’ll get the poor guy changed into some not bloody clothes.” Victor nods, then points at his own chest. “Oh don’t worry, once he’s in the bedroom the first thing I'm gonna have him do when conscious is take off those damn bandages. I told him they were a horrible idea.” Victor gives a small nod and sits back, waiting for Luca to finish bandaging up Edgar. Once he finishes, he gives a nod to Andrew, who comes over and lifts the painter up before following his partner up the stairs, leaving Victor alone in the living room.
Victor takes a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. Edgar now knew. There was no way he didn’t, he even called out Victor’s name. A soft whine escapes him as he considers every possibility that could occur. Would Edgar be upset with him? Call him a monster? Thoughts swirl through his head, blocking out the sound of the front door opening and rapidly closing, footsteps speeding towards him. Hands pull Victor forwards, and out of his thoughts. He lets out a soft yelps, grabbing the wrists as he looks at who grabbed him. Frederick’s usual gentle features are hardened by anger and a hint of sorrow.
“How are you able to be here!” Frederick growls out, knuckles turning white from how hard her was holding onto the postman’s shirt, “You shouldn’t be able to get in here if you’re like that!” Victor tries to pull away, looking away from the composer. “Answer me, Victor! I saw you out there, you shouldn’t be able to be in here!”
All the commotion brings Luca running down the stairs, “Ma va’! What in God’s name is going on down here!” Luca frowns, pulling Frederick away from Victor, “What is wrong with you! He’s hurt!”
“You didn’t tell them?” Frederick glares at Victor, “After both Edgar and I saw you’re still going to try to keep this a secret?”
“Oddio, Frederick! Calm down for five seconds and just explain to me rather than shake the one person here who can’t talk!” Luca growls out, clearly already overwhelmed by the entire situation. Frederick sighs and dusts himself off, taking a moment to take a breath.
“Victor shouldn’t be able to get into the manor. He’s at least partially a monster.”
“...Did you hit your damn head or something?” Luca says, raising an eyebrow an crossing his arms, clearly not convinced.
“You can ask Edgar once he wakes up. Victor is a werewolf, I saw it myself, as did Edgar, considering that he used Victor as a crutch to make it back here. Also, it would explain the monthly disappearances.” Frederick frowns, continuing to glare daggers into Victor.
Luca blinks a few times before lowering his arms, “Well, say what you’re saying is true, right? Why does that matter? Victor’s never hurt any of us and it even sounds like he actively protected Edgar, so why care, huh?”
“Because if he can come in then why can’t Orpheus!” Frederick spits out, his fragile patience already lost, “If he can be here, then why can’t I have my raven here too!” Victor blinks a few times, his mind beginning to connect the dots, my dove? My raven? Are they…? Victor steps over to Frederick, setting a hand on his shoulder, a soft look in his eyes. Frederick tries to step back, tears already stinging at the corners of his eyes, but Victor tights his grip slightly to keep him there. With his free hand he holds up his notebook again as if to tell Frederick he can explain. Frederick hesitates for a moment before nodding softly, standing still as Victor begins to write again. Once he is finished, Victor hands the notepad over to Frederick, allowing him to read his explanation.
I wasn’t always like this. I used to work as a postman for a man we called “Big Daddy”. Eventually, he decided that he needed to ensure my silence, well, more silence. And what better way than to force me into a spot where I would need him to keep my new secret as well? I wish I wasn’t like this, it’s horrible to know that I can never be normal again, no matter what I do. But I swear to you Frederick that I would never hurt anyone here. I do everything in my power to make sure no one is around me when I transform. Last night was… different because I heard Edgar’s scream. I don’t know what your connection to that hunter is, but I promise you I have no idea why I can be here and he can’t. I’m sorry this hurts you to see.
Frederick reads over the note and his eyes widen a bit, “I… I see. I apologize,” Frederick sighs, “That hunter is… unique. He grew fascinated with me, watching me play the piano through the gates, and never showed any hostility to me. One day I had grown brave enough to step outside of the gates to him, and he remained calm, excited to be able to actually touch me. Then, he even surprised me one day by being able to take a human form. I… I gave him the name Orpheus, so he can have a regular name besides the one that we call his monstrous form. To him, I am his dove,” Frederick gives a soft chuckle, “calling me his soft ray of light. In turn, he’s my raven, for… obvious reasons.”
“Oh mio dio you’re in love with a hunter,” Luca says, his eyes wide. Frederick’s face grows red as he looks away, confirming Luca’s statement, “But… I… Frederick, they try to
kill
us! It sounds like he literally tried to kill Edgar! Have you even seen how big of a wound he has?”
“I know! I… I know. I was… working with him on it, for a while. Trying to see if I could possibly make him nonaggressive to the others that visit this cursed place. But nothing worked! I… I got angry with him after another man, Luchino, went missing. I screamed at him and refused to go see him anymore. I… I didn’t realize how desperate he would get.”
“Lord give me strength, why wouldn’t you tell us, idiota! You’re always keeping secrets, just talk to us! Let us understand what is happening now!” Victor takes the opportunity to slip upstairs to check on Edgar while the two continue their discussion. He’d rather avoid their yelling if at all possible as well. Victor knocks softly on Edgar’s door, surprised by the several rustling noises inside. Victor leans closer to listen to what is happening.
“Edgar, ein freund, please! You aren’t supposed to be moving around so much with that wound of yours!” Andrew’s voice cries out.
“Oh please, I’m fine! Besides, someone knocked on my door, I should be the one to answer!”
“I can get it. Please, just let yourself rest. You know that Luca won’t go easy on you if you hurt yourself over this!”
“I… Fine! Just- can I at least have my cape? I want to look semi-decent if someone else wants to come in.” Edgar sighs. Victor backs up from the door, waiting patiently for Andrew to help Edgar. After a few moments, Andrew opens the door, already looking exhausted from the day’s events. He gives Victor a gentle nod and lets him inside, deciding to take his leave and closing the door behind him. Victor frowns softly upon looking at Edgar. His usual ponytail was taken out, his curly brown hair falling messily around his shoulders, his skin paler than usual due to the blood loss, while his eyes now had dark circles beneath them from the lack of good rest. His bloody clothes were hastily tossed into a pile by the window, replaced by a white nightgown. Victor steps over, sitting on the edge of the bed, tilting his head a bit to the side, seemingly asking if he is okay.
“I’m alright Victor,” The painter smiles softly, reaching a hand out to softly caress the other’s face, “Don’t you get all worried on me now.” Victor’s frown deepens as he gently holds Edgar’s hand to his face, wanting his sincerity to come across. “Ah… Victor, I promise you, I’m okay now. Luca said he thinks I should be in bed for a while while this all heals up, but it’ll be okay. I promise.” Edgar frowns softly, letting Victor just hold his hand. Time seems to slow for a moment as the two gaze at each other, worry apparent in both faces. Edgar breaks the silence, “So… about last night. Is… that something I’m allowed to ask about or…?” Victor sighs softly, pulling out his notepad back to the page he had written for Frederick. Edgar softly takes the book from him, reading over the page.
“...Ah…” Edgar says softly before looking back up at Victor, “Well… Personally, I don’t think that changes anything then.” A small smile forms on Edgar’s lips as he talks, “I mean, you did kinda ever so slightly maybe save my life.” Victor blinks a couple times before a gentle chuckle escapes him. He leans slightly closer to Edgar and softly ruffles the other’s hair. Edgar hums softly, leaning into the touch. Victor takes the sign, scooting closer and letting the other lean on him.
“You know,” Edgar says softly, leaning his head on Victor’s chest, “You’re quite warm. I like it.” A soft blush covers Victor’s cheeks as he gives a small nod, wrapping an arm around Edgar. Within a few moments, the painter was back asleep, a calm smile on his face. Victor hums softly, pulling a blanket over them and holding Edgar just a bit closer. Before long, the postman was drifting off as well.
Luca opens the door, quietly grumbling to himself about his conversation with Frederick. However, upon seeing the couple in the bed, a smile forms. He steps back, silently closing the door, stepping back to Andrew. The albino man tilts his head to the side, silently questioning the inventor’s grin. “It took those two long enough. Come now, mi amor, let’s go rest now.”