Chapter Text
The door slams in his face as Maddie, the love of his life, rejects his advances once again. The bouquet of red roses falls the same as his smile, broken and left on the cold concrete porch as Maddie shuts off the light leaving him in unforgiving darkness.
Vlad sighs and stands there a moment too long, gaze locked on the door that shut in his face. If he strains a bit he can hear the family inside chatting and laughing in the living room. They sound happy.
They are happy.
A happy family.
Spinning on his heel Vlad briskly strides to his black Bugatti Divo, jumping into the front seat and practically tearing the road up as he speeds away. He growls, fist slamming into the steering wheel over and over again.
Why? Why does she always reject him? Why pick Jack over him?
Jack the oaf.
Jack the idiot.
What about Jack is more appealing then someone like Vlad?
Vlad the billionaire industrialist.
Vlad the self-starter.
Sure, he gained his wealth and company through less moral means, but that just highlights his ambition. His drive. What is more attractive than those two attributes?
How can Maddie, his dear Maddie, overlook his qualities in favor of Jack’s ? Stupid, dumb, reckless Jack Fenton.
How?
Vlad has tried so hard for so long. Why can’t she see that?
Whipping the steering wheel, Vlad haphazardly squeals into his driveway. Throwing the door open and slamming it shut he stomps up to his mansion. He treats the front doors the same as the car doors and quickly makes his way down stairs to his wine cellar.
Well, if after all these years she still can’t see him, then he gives up.
Snatching several bottles of various wines ranging from red to white. Vlad makes his way back up the stairs and into his room where he lays the wine on his bed. He grabs a red wine, phasing the cork from the bottle and chugs it.
Popping off the bottle with a gasp, Vlad drops the bottle to the carpeted floor, pounding his chest as he sputters a bit before taking a deep breath to steady himself.
That was dumb, but felt good. It feels good to just let go, so that’s what he’ll do tonight. Let go.
He shucks off his coat and vest, tossing them off to the side. Working on the buttons of his shirt and pants Vlad stumbles out of both leaving him in just his boxers.
Lying beside the wine bottles, he grabs blindly for another, phasing the cork off and downing it in one go like its predecessor.
The room sways as if he were at sea letting him know to slow down a bit. He may not have to worry about alcohol poisoning, but he doesn’t desire to test his limits while in emotional turmoil.
He drops this bottle to the floor too and takes to staring at the ceiling.
Maddie wants nothing to do with him, doesn’t she?
He always believed her to be playing hard to get, like maybe she was encouraging him to be better so that he could earn her love. But, that doesn’t seem to be the case, now that Vlad’s intoxicated mind ponders on it.
Years and years of interactions thought to be flirting are now being viewed in a new light.
Vlad doesn’t understand how this rejection, out of all the others, helped enlighten him. It followed the same formula after all.
An act of his love, Maddie turns away, and Vlad is left to plan the next one.
This time there isn’t gonna be a next one.
He’s starting to realize that he’s- well, he’s aging. He’s getting older and he’s alone.
Years and years he has dedicated his time and love into wooing her, but has only been met with rejection after rejection after rejection. So, perhaps it’s time to take those rejections as a “no” rather than the “maybe” he interpreted them as.
That still leaves him alone.
Huffing, Vlad flops off the bed, casting his arms out to locate his pants. He drags them towards him, fumbling with the pockets to retrieve his phone.
Perhaps it’s the heartache or his intoxicated state that leads him to the conclusion he must create a Tinder account. Nevertheless he does. Fighting double vision he downloads the app with the hopes he’ll find someone, anyone who’ll take him.
He sets up his account, using a few nice photos of himself on vacation or at a gala to highlight his lifestyle a bit. For his introduction he just plasters on a stereotypical “I enjoy long walks on the beach and watching sunsets at the Bahamas.”
He isn’t picky about his preferences, man or woman, he just wants somebody to accept him. To return his love.
He crawls his way back on his bed with minimal balance lost after finishing his profile. Bringing his phone back up to his face he sees the first potential date profile and without even reading her name he goes to swipe right.
However, his phone buzzes and Vlad squints at the match popping up on his screen.
He makes a confused grunt. He could’ve sworn you had to actually swipe in order to match, but… He shrugs, doesn’t matter.
Accepting the match he is thrown into a chat room with the other person named… He squints at the too small text.
Khronos.
What an odd name.
_
“Valeria? Did you get any word from Mr. Bezos for a meeting?” Mr. Masters inquires as he sifts through weapon designs and contracts that need his approval.
“No, sir. Nothing yet.” She squeaks, clipboard positioned in front of her body like a shield as her brown eyes cast down. Valeria fidgets knowing what will come next. What always happens next when Mr. Master’s doesn’t get a meeting with another CEO.
Paper’s will scatter, the lamp will shatter, and Valeria will duck away from paper weights chucked across the room. None of them are actually aimed at her, don’t get her wrong! It’s just a good idea to take cover in case his aim for the wall is off and goes to her. At that point, though, he always yells for her to leave before it gets too bad.
Her mother insists she quit, that the pay isn’t worth her emotionally unstable boss, but her mom doesn’t understand. The pay is worth it. Like, really worth it.
She’s just a secretary and has so many benefits including dental!
It’s a very good deal, trust her.
So, she braces for the explosion, ready to duck and weave away.
Mr. Masters sighs, “Pity. Well, I can't have it all, am I right?” he jokes.
Jokes, not yells or screams.
Jokes .
His phone buzzes with no chime or sound so presumably on silent. He flips it over and his face practically lights up.
Like with joy.
Joy .
He moves to click on the notification before his eyes flick back to her, “Oh, Valeria can you go grab me some lunch at my usual spot?” He waves and she shakes herself out of the thoughts of whether or not her boss was replaced with a lizard alien.
He’s probably just in a good mood.
“Yes sir.” She spins and starts to walk out.
“You can get something for yourself too. Just put it on the company card, my treat.” He adds right as she shuts the door. Her eyes widen into saucers.
Did he get replaced by a lizard alien?
Who is this person and what happened to her boss?
_
His secretary shuts the door to his office allowing Vlad to rush and answer the notification from Khronos.
Khronos
How are you today?
Vlad
Wonderful now hearing from you
Khronos
Such a flirt agapitós mou <3
Vlad smiles, head light with the rush of blood to his face. Khronos and Vlad have been chatting for weeks now leaving Vlad in a tizzy. Life is just… better. So much better now with Khronos.
Vlad feels lighter, happier than he’s ever felt since High School. Before he met Jack and Maddie. Before he fell into years of a pining, one sided love.
Now he gets to bask in a requited affection. Someone who chose him and continues to choose him.
Well, in the sense of talking back and forth via text that is. To be fair Khronos could’ve ghosted him at any point these past three weeks, but he didn’t- hasn’t. He’s genuinely interested in Vlad, like how he’s doing and what he’s doing. It’s breathtaking. Definitely not something Vlad is used to.
They talk every morning, day, and night about nothing and everything. Their interactions since day one have been effortless.
Natural.
He desperately hopes he won’t mess this up.
This one good thing.
_
Vlad lounges in his Lazyboy, Maddie the cat sprawled out on his lap as they both enjoy reruns of Kitchen Nightmares. Today was long and filled with contracts and meeting scheduling, leaving Vlad worn and in desperate need of a quiet night with his beloved cat.
Watching Kitchen Nightmares is one of the things in Vlad’s life that he never would’ve foreseen giving him peace in a sense.
He has always had trouble falling asleep and frankly staying asleep, especially after the incident that half killed him. Mind plagued with that day and a constant stream of thoughts that refused to quiet. He tried everything from sleeping pills to meditation, but he still couldn’t get more than three hours of rest. That is until one night where he awoke like always from an unpleasant dream of green portals and sores.
He decided a walk around his mansion would aid in clearing his head and relaxing his breath.
He strolled mindlessly through the halls, past his Packers memorabilia and into his living room. Slumping into his Lazyboy he kicked back and decided to channel surf for anything at three in the morning. He came across Kitchen Nightmares and figured it was good enough.
An hour in and he was out like a light.
Thus his routine started where he ate dinner, finished any work left over and then camped out in the living room around seven o'clock watching Gordon Ramsey scream at idiot restaurant owners until he got tired enough.
He was nodding off already, about ready to tuck in for the night when a car horn went off somewhere outside.
Vlad jolts at the sound, Maddie the cat scurrying away to hide as he gets up to investigate. He strides to his front door just as someone starts pounding on it.
Having a feeling on who this is Vlad doesn’t bother to check the peep hole and rips the door open to none other than the oaf himself.
“Vladie! Hey buddy! You ready for family game night?” He shouts, a stupid wide smile stretching his mouth.
Vlad drags a hand down his face, breathing deep, “What?”
Jack looks at him like he just asked a dumb question, “Game night Vladster, remember? I texted you that it was at your house this week.”
“No, you didn’t Jack.” Vlad slips his phone out of his robe pocket, flipping the screen to Jack to prove he did not in fact receive a text.
Jack frowns, “Oh. Sorry V-man, but you know now! Let’s get this thing started!” He booms casually strolling into his house and Vlad just lets him. There’s no stopping that idiot once he’s got a goal in mind.
“Sorry Vlad, we didn’t know.” Jasmine states, looking sheepish, “I can try and convince him to take us all home if you want?” she offers kindly.
Vlad shakes his head, “No, no Jasmine it’s alright, come on in.” he gestures letting her pass.
Daniel gives him a look, but remains silent as he walks in and leans against the wall in view of the door as his mother follows.
Maddie.
She looks at him apprehensive, like he’s a bomb about to go off. He can also see a hint of disgust in her eyes.
How did he not notice that before?
“Vlad.”
“Madeline.”
Her eyes widen a touch before she schools her features and strolls in with a bag most likely filled with board games.
Vlad closes the door and takes a deep breath.
He thought it would hurt seeing her or maybe that deep affection would stir up again, but it didn’t.
He aches, yet feels ok and most importantly harbors no love for her. He’ll always care, will always remember how his heart would beat for her.
But now he belongs to another.
He belongs and is wanted by another.
“What was that, Vlad?” Daniel tears him out of his head. Vlad spins around to face the boy whose eyes are fixed on his face and arms are crossed defensively. Daniel’s lip curls, “Don’t tell me you're trying a new tactic to woo my mom. What? Acting like you don’t care then ruining her night with another display of obsession?” he scoffs.
Vlad frowns, “No Daniel I’m not. I’m done trying-”
“Yeah right.” He growls, eyes flashing green.
“V-man! Danny! Get in here we’re playing Monopoly tonight!” Jack shouts from the living room.
Daniel gets one last glare in before he spins and makes his way to where the rest of his family is.
His family.
For family game night.
Why is Vlad a part of this? He’s not family. He never was, never will be.
He sighs and shuffles his way into the living room where they all are sitting around a Monopoly board. There’s an empty space between Jack and Jasmine which, Vlad is guessing, is his seat.
Plopping down Vlad buckles in for an interesting night.
_
“That’s not fair!” Daniel shrieks as his piece falls on the jail space. Jasmine laughs maniacally, spreading out her stack of cash.
“All’s fair in love and war Danny boy.” She cheers as she fans her face with the wad of cash having won this game and the past two after everyone declared bankruptcy.
Daniel groans as Madeline and Jack both clutch on to each other in laughter. Vlad can’t help the chuckle that escapes him, the atmosphere of the room affecting him. Daniel flops on the ground in defeat as Jasmine begins to cover him in her cash.
Madeline recovers first, “Alright, alright everyone I think that’s enough for one night.” She starts packing up the board and all the pieces and Jasmine helps round up all the cash scattered around the area.
Lidding the board game Vlad grunts as he’s suddenly in a headlock.
“Thanks for being a good sport Vladster! We should do this again!” Jack shouts as Vlad slips out of his hold, brushing his hair back.
Vlad looks around at the family as they clean up, a warm feeling bubbling up in his chest, “Yes, I… I would like that.” He responds honestly.
Jack’s smile widens, punching his shoulder before slipping past him.
He had a good time, a great time even. He may have lost every game they played, but it still felt good to be a part of something.
There’s just-
He just needs to make one thing right.
He watches as Jack and the kids start making their way to the door, Madeline trailing behind a bit.
“Madeline. Can I speak with you for a second?” He requests, hoping she doesn’t get the wrong idea. She looks startled for a moment before glaring at him, arms crossing.
“What is it Vlad?” She strains, Jasmine and Daniel coming to halt at the door frame.
He breathes, “I just want to apologize for- Well, my uncalled for displays of affection despite the fact you are taken. I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable and I assure you I won’t be behaving like that anymore.” He vows, as her eyes narrow.
Just as she’s about to respond, however, Vlad’s phone dings with a message from Khronos.
Vlad pats his pockets before he finds his phone and whips it out.
Khronos
Sweet dreams agapitós mou.
Vlad can’t help the smile overcoming his face.
“You have Tinder?” Jasmine squeaks out, face bright red as her mother spins to her, “How did you know that was Tinder, Jasmine?” Madeline questions sternly, hands on hips.
Jasmine’s eyes widen as she rushes out with an excuse about her dad needing help, Daniel shuffling after her, gagging.
Madeline shouts after her, waving him off before shutting the door.
That was her accepting his apology right? He hopes so, because that was awkward. Shaking his head, Vlad makes his way back to his living room, plopping back into his lazyboy and clicking Kitchen Nightmares on again.
Vlad
I’ll see you there.
_
Vlad paces back and forth nervously, hands combing through his hair.
Valentine's day is fast approaching and he doesn’t know if it’s ok to ask Khronos out on a date.
Is that appropriate? It’s only been like a month since they started talking.
Talking. Not dating now that he really thinks about it.
Talking.
Sure Khronos has expressed his interest many times in many texts, but who’s to say that wasn’t just normal flirting and not displays of wanting to date?
Maybe Vlad is over thinking this.
To be fair the only experience he has with dating was from when he was in High School and that was close to forty years ago.
How is he supposed to know if it’s ok to ask him out?
Vlad stares at his phone and takes a deep breath. He should just focus on the facts. The facts being that Khronos clearly likes him and Vlad likes him back. So, logically, it should be fine to ask him out.
This won't mess anything up.
He won’t mess this up.
Vlad picks up his phone like it’s a bomb and carefully opens Tinder. Finding Khronos he clicks on the chat button and hovers his thumbs over the keyboard.
Vlad
This past month has been a dream and I really enjoy
talking with you. Would you like to make this official
and go out with me this Valentine’s day?
He holds his breaths as the three dots bounce in the corner of his phone.
Up and down they go as he waits, time slowing, making him feel as if he has been waiting hours despite it only being a few seconds.
His phone buzzes and he jumps.
Khronos
I thought you’d never ask. I’d love to go out with you <3
His hands now shake for a different reason.
He's gonna have to call Valeria. He needs a reservation for two.
_
Vlad fixes his tie for the fifth time since he’s been seated at his table waiting on his date.
Tonight's the night.
Vlad is thirty minutes early, not being able to wait a second more in his home. He kept pacing and sweating unreasonably, so he thought it best to arrive early hoping it would settle his nerves while he waits for Khronos.
He had offered to pick him up, all fancy cars and flowers, but Khronos politely declined, expressing he had his own transportation.
Vlad anxious fidgets with the small gift box in his hand, rubbing his thumb up and down the ribbon before setting it on the table so as to not ruin it. He takes in his surroundings of laughing couples, glasses clinking, and some proposals.
People clap and cheer for them as Vlad watches fondly.
If all goes well that could be them one day in the future. He hopes at least.
His fingers play with the table cloth as his mind wanders. What will Khronos wear for their date? Something tells him that he’s a bit old fashioned so perhaps a tux?
Vlad bets he’d look good in a tux.
Coincidentally a man in a tux makes his way into the restaurant causing Vlad to perk up. As the man walks towards him Vlad can’t help but get his hopes up.
Tall, with dark curly hair swept back and smoldering eyes. The man continues to him before taking a seat at the table beside him, greeting a gorgeous woman in a shimmery red dress.
Vlad’s stomach drops.
He doesn’t know what Khronos looks like.
His profile didn’t feature any photos now that he thinks about it.
What if- What if Khronos isn’t real?
Vlad sucks in a breath, quickly looking down at the white linen table cloth. Now that he really considers this he matched with him instantly once he completed his profile. That’s not normal. You're supposed to swipe right a few times.
Another oddity is his profile.
No pictures, just his name.
Has Vlad been pranked? Or- or catfished?
Vlad has so many enemies. Was this a way to get back at him? Maybe he should just leave-
“Vlad?” a familiar deep voice echoes in front of him as he whips his gaze up. A man with white grayed hair is before him, dressed in a business casual dress shirt and slacks with a scar running down his left eye.
Their eyes meet and Vlad can’t help, but admire his brown, almost red eyes. He’d know those eyes anywhere.
“Clockwork?” he breathes, confused as to why the Master of Time is here and how he looks so human.
Wait.
Master of Time.
Khronos.
Vlad’s an idiot.
“Khronos.” He states firmly as Clockwork smiles and takes the seat across from him, “Yes and yes. Either name will do.” he chuckles looking Vlad up and down, eyes lidded, “You look beautiful.”
Vlad blushes loudly, “I- I um… So do you.” he settles on, fist balling on the table with his nerves. Why didn’t he tell him? Is this a trick? Did Daniel ask him to humiliate Vlad?
Clockwork seems to take notice, his hand slides across the table to cover Vlad’s closed one.
“No tricks or pranks. I like you, simply as that.” he soothes, seemingly reading Vlad’s mind. Knowing him he probably saw a future where Vlad questioned him.
His rough thumb rubs back and forth across Vlad’s skin relaxing his fingers until he decides to take a chance. Removing his hand from Clockwork’s he catches the minute twitch of disappointment from the Time god. Not allowing that to simmer he swiftly laces their fingers together.
“I like you too.” he admits, smiling as the candle between them flickers in the low light.
~ End ~