Work Text:
Vlad Masters couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow when his wife, Magdalene, informed him that the Ancients wanted him to host a “coffee date” with two men who claimed to be the “cousins” of himself and Jack Fenton. Mag had explained the multiverse situation and the Ancients’ belief that developing bonds across dimensions would be crucial when the endgame came.
“It’s a bit…unusual,” Vlad mused, trying to wrap his head around the Ancients’ mandate. Mag only smiled and reassured him, saying, “If the Ancients want it, there’s a reason.”
With the staff given the day off to avoid suspicion, Vlad made sure the kitchen was stocked with an array of treats and fresh coffee. Mag had thoughtfully arranged for them to meet in her beloved indoor garden, where her ghostly plants mingled with earthly blooms. By 9:30 a.m., the doorbell rang, and Vlad opened the door, dressed in a smart blazer and slacks, only to find his guests dressed much more casually. Alexei wore a green turtleneck and jeans, while Robert sported an orange Pac-Man tee and black jeans. The three men paused, sizing each other up until Robert broke the ice.
“Vlad, nice to finally meet the half-ghost version of you. The one we know back home is as human as they come,” he chuckled.
Vlad managed a bemused smile. “I suppose that’s one of the many differences between our worlds. Come in—my wife has prepared her garden for us.”
They made their way through the castle toward the atrium, and Alexei gave a low whistle as they entered the lush space. “No matter what reality you’re from, I guess you’re always going to be a major cheesehead,” he noted, gesturing to the Packers memorabilia decorating the castle hallways.
Vlad blushed but laughed. “Some things are simply universal, I suppose.”
The men entered the garden, where classical music played softly through hidden speakers. The flowers, a mix of Earth and Ghost Zone flora, seemed to glow faintly under the soft, natural light. Robert leaned in to admire a flower with an otherworldly hue. “It’s like something out of a fairytale,” he commented. “Is that Beethoven playing?”
“Indeed,” Vlad replied proudly. “Mag is a gifted pianist. She plays classical music here to encourage the plants’ growth—it’s her little secret to crossbreeding Ghost Zone and earthly blooms.”
They settled at a white wrought-iron table set with coffee, pastries, and toast. After a few sips, Vlad encouraged them to share a bit about themselves.
Alexei spoke first. “To clarify, Robert and I are human, and along with Kathleen, we were essentially ‘created’ by the Ancients to support the multiverse. We’re in our mid-thirties physically and mentally, but in actual time, we’re barely seven months old.”
“Yes, my wife explained that you’re not clones but genuine individuals with lives of your own. What kind of work do you do?”
Alexei chuckled. “I co-manage a sporting goods store, Sports Champions, with Cain Hilton in Peace Valley. Half of our proceeds go toward global environmental and humanitarian causes.”
“Impressive. And you’re happy with the work?”
“We are,” Alexei said, nibbling on a piece of peanut butter toast. “It’s fulfilling, and we feel like we’re making a difference, even in a small way.”
Robert joined in. “I work at an electronics repair shop in Amity Park—employee of the month six times running!” He grinned, grabbing his own slice of toast.
Vlad smiled. “Your lives seem simpler than mine, but it sounds like you both love what you do.”
“We do,” Alexei replied, showing Vlad a picture of their dog. “This guy is a big part of our life, too. We love taking him to the park.”
Vlad studied the image with interest. “A ghostly pet? My wife has one too—a cat named Eleanor. Quite the mischievous little creature.”
“That’s fantastic. We’re all pet people, then,” Robert laughed. “So, what do you do for fun? Besides watching Packers games?”
Vlad smirked. “I spend time with family—Mag, our three kids, and occasionally my mother and sister. Mag’s best friend, Leta, is practically family too, an aunt to the kids.”
“Family really is everything,” Alexei agreed. “Robert and I spend time with the children we consider ‘cousins,’ but it’s tough to get that time alone with them. Once this multiverse crisis is over, we’re hoping we can finally settle in with them without raising any eyebrows.”
Vlad’s gaze softened. “I understand that completely. It took me a while to realize the importance of family myself. And no offense to Maddie’s cousin, but I’m glad I found my true love in Mag.”
“No offense taken,” Alexei replied easily. “Each realm is different—there’s no point in holding grudges across worlds.”
They continued talking, exchanging stories, jokes, and hopes for the future. By early afternoon, Mag returned with a gentle smile and a reminder. “While it sounds like you’re all enjoying yourselves, the multiverse waits for no one. I’m afraid it’s time to head back.”
They each nodded, reluctant to end the afternoon but with an understanding that there’d be other times to meet, hopefully when the multiverse was more stable. The men agreed they’d gladly reunite once the dust had settled, the warmth of this unusual connection carrying them into whatever lay ahead.