Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“And here is the way to the attic.” Viago says as he pulls on the attic’s ladder pull cord. “It is a bit…” He gently wobbles it as the ladder creaks, “- unstable.”

Anton nods his head, “Mhm, yeah, definitely could be a problem. Especially if that splinters. Last thing you want is a wooden stake through your foot if that step falls through.” Viago makes an ‘eugh’ sound in agreement.  Carefully the two of them make their way up the ladder and into the attic of the vampire flat.

When Viago, Vladislav, and Deacon got a summons to New York for what was only described as ‘Official Council business’ for a month, Anton offered up his repair skills to do some much needed work around the flat.  Anton reasoned that if any contractors needed to come during the day or something that might let sunlight into the home, it would be best to do it with the vampire’s safe and sound in another country.

On top of that, recently the flat has been showing its age more and more.  During the last Vampire-Wolf game night, after some of the pack got a bit too rowdy at Stu scoring two triple word scores in Scrabble with ‘ ABACUSES ’, several ceiling tiles came loose. Thankfully they were on the first floor, but Anton didn’t want to risk it happening again if they wanted to watch a rather exciting movie upstairs.  Additionally when Deacon was attempting to plug in the Boombox that Nick had bought him once he started getting interested in cassette tapes, everyone learned that while an electric shock won’t kill a vampire, it certainly doesn’t feel good. Deacon quickly switched to using a walkman after that.

So when Anton offered to house sit as well as fix up the place, the vampires jumped on the opportunity. Well, mostly Viago. The lack of enthusiasm from Deacon and Vlad was not surprising, however when Viago pointed out that both of them resided on the second floor of the flat, they changed their tune.

In the attic Anton could immediately identify several support beams that were rotting from age as well as some spots where he could see potential leaks coming through if it were to rain. He added it to his mental list, then followed Viago back downstairs.

After a few more stops around the flat, Anton had a solid list of repairs he wanted to tackle over the next month, already thinking about what he should pick up at the hardware store in the morning.  Back in the entryway, Viago was wringing his hands together, a nervous tick that Anton had picked up on and couldn’t help but find adorable.

“Alright there mate?” Anton asked

“Yes, yes, um… Anton. I have a bit of an… exotic request.” Viago stammered, avoiding Anton’s gaze.

In the last year or so since the documentary filmed, Anton and the pack have spent a significant amount of time around the vampires.  And in that time Anton has learned some of the… peculiarities of the vampires and their kind. So for something to be considered ‘ exotic’ by their standards should be frightening.

However, given his crush on this particular vampire, he knows that no matter how strange the request could be, he will absolutely say yes.

Anton nods and is quickly dragged into Viago’s room, with Viago shutting his door quickly, leaning against it.

Oh. Anton thought to himself, trying to mentally calculate how to maintain his composure while trying to do mental gymnastics on whatever Viago could be about to ask of him.

Once satisfied that no one else would be following them into Viago’s room, Viago walks over to his dresser, picking up a jewelry box. He cradles it close to his chest as he brings it over to Anton.

Viago takes a deep breath, despite not having working lungs, and carefully opens the lid of the box. Anton, who does have working lungs, holds his breath as he looks on to what is being revealed to him. As the lid opens, a dainty tune from the box begins to play.

Huh?

“A… rock?”

Viago nods, “This is Johan… my pet rock.”

Anton pauses, processing this info, “Your… what?”

Viago quickly shuts the lid of the box, cutting off the music abruptly. He looks away from Anton, clearly embarrassed and upset. “I know it is silly but… Well back in the 1970s they were all the rage and when one of Deacon’s old familiars brought us one… I got a bit attached.”

Anton only vaguely remembers pet rocks existing in his childhood, however at that point he thinks they were already on their way out of trendiness.  He thinks about being a toddler while Viago was… well, Viago, and wonders if their paths ever crossed. A bit weird to think about if he’s honest with himself.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you, I was just surprised is all. I haven’t seen one of these in ages and to be honest, wasn’t sure if people actually took care of them.”

Viago holds the box close to his chest. “It is… a comforting companion when one is immortal.”

That’s when it hits Anton. Viago can’t comfortably have any sort of pet to keep him company when he knows how quickly their life will be cut short in comparison to his own. Sure people expect their pets to eventually pass on, but with how fast things feel for Viago, Anton can’t imagine him wanting to go through that pain over and over again for eternity.

And here was a rock. Not really a pet in the traditional sense, but in this case, it is a companion that Viago can rely on for centuries. Anton sympathizes with him, understanding the challenges their unique ‘ lifestyle’ brings. There are so many things that the two creatures of the night can bond with, but there are still things that will escape Anton’s understanding.

Anton gently puts a hand on Viago’s shoulder, comforting him. “Well, I will do everything in my power to take care of Johan while you are gone.”

Viago’s shoulders visibly relax as he loosens his grip around the box. “Thank you, mein freund. Deacon and Vlad do not know about Johan, so please, keep him a secret if you can. They… do not see immortality the same way that I do.”

Anton nods as Viago hands him the box. “You got it.” He smiles.

Viago opens the door to his room, leading Anton back to the entryway.  Viago hands Anton the spare key to the flat, then stands a bit awkwardly as he looks around. Early on Anton gathered that Viago is not the best with goodbyes, so he places the box on a side table carefully before pulling Viago into what he hopes comes off as a friendly hug. 

“You have nothing to worry about mate, the pack and I will patch up the flat good as new and I promise Johan will be safe. You have my promise as an Alpha.”  He lets go of the hug but Viago still has his hands gripped on Anton’s arm. “Now you probably should finish packing up, your ride will be here soon, yeah?” Viago gives Anton’s arm a squeeze before letting go.

Viago nods, “Yes I suppose so. Thank you, Anton.”

Anton picks the box back up, giving Viago a nod, as he heads out the door. Before he gets into his car he turns back, seeing Viago standing in the doorway, giving him one final wave before heading back into the house.





Text conversation between Viago and Anton

Viago: Just arrived at the airport! :)

Anton: Great! I meant to ask, what kind of airport do you guys go to? I imagine you can't just go on a normal airline *grimace emoji*

Viago: Nein! One of the council members has a familiar that is very wealthy so they have a plane with the windows sealed! Nice and safe!

Viago: How is Johan?

Viago: Sorry, I know that is a bit strange to ask.

Anton: Nah, not strange at all

Anton: *Sends picture of a small rock with speckles on red velvet*

Anton: Just finished giving Johan a tour of the place

Anton: Glad I cleaned before coming over today *laughing crying emoji*

Viago: :P

Viago: Eugh, I have to go. Deacon and Vlad are causing problems with the flight crew

Viago: They are hypnotized enough already *eyeroll emoji*

Anton: Have a safe trip!

Anton: Text me when you land?

Viago: *bat emoji*

Anton: *wolf emoji*

Post from Anton's private Twitter account

"it's going to be a long month :("

Chapter Text

Text conversation between Viago and Anton

Viago: Landed! 🙂

Anton: Great! How was the flight?

Viago: As good as traveling with Deacon and Vlad in a small compartment can be 😭

Anton: Wouldn’t you guys be great at flying? Planes are kind of like giant coffins in a way? 

Viago: I’d rather fly directly into the sun then share a coffin with those idioten 🤢

Anton: 😂

Anton types but deletes:   Do vampires ever get double wide coffins? To share?

Anton: *sends picture of lumber*

Anton: Dropped off a bunch of wood at your place earlier! Gonna start with replacing the attic beams and that one in the ceramics room you pointed out.

Viago: Getting right to work are we? 😛

Anton: 🤷Felt motivated after work this afternoon and when that happens I try and ride it out before I inevitably get wrapped up in some pack stuff

Anton: Plus a few of the pack are gonna help me with the with the attic beams tomorrow, so I figured picking it up today is just one less thing to think about haha

Viago: 😂Smart hündchen~

*Phone screenshot showing Anton googling hündchen*

Anton: So whats next for you guys then now that you’ve landed?

Viago: Mostly clerical work. Sorting out misc things till we get to our proper lodging.

Viago: We have some fancy dinner in a few hours which will be nice because I am starving 😛

Anton: Oh yeah, what time is it over there then?

Viago: 1am, so still a few hours before anything worrisome :) 

Anton: Well a fancy dinner sounds fun!

Viago: Ehh, it'll probably be relatively boring.

Viago: Mostly just other vampires talking about how great they are at being vampires and how much better than humans they are.

Viago: At least the council sprung for some virgins to eat at least

Anton: Wow so even vampires have boring business dinners. Who knew!

Viago: I had no idea how lively New York would be at night! I can see the appeal of being a vampire in a major city like this one.

Anton types but deletes: Wellington has a pretty good nightlife

Anton types but deletes: Would you move to New York City?

Anton types but deletes: Please don't move, I would miss you too much

Anton: Makes sense. I've never been much of a city person, even before the whole wolf thing

Viago: Me neither! As much of a convenience of having a meal at any hour, I much prefer Wellington. You can’t beat the elegance of the Big Kumara 😌

Anton: 😂

Anton: Not sure I’d refer to BK as elegant, but yeah, I agree.

Viago: I think it is quite sophisticated! 

Viago: Verdammt 🙁my cellular phone is almost out of battery. I wish you a pleasant evening Anton!

Anton: You too Vi 🙂Hope you can get some sleep and aren’t too jetlagged.

Anton: Do vampire’s get jetlagged?

Viago: I do not think any vampire does jet lagging? Isn’t that what the plane is for?

Viago: Though maybe jet lagging has a different meaning?

Anton: It’s when you get tired from traveling to different time zones on a plane 😂

Viago: Oh! Then nein, I had my dirt safe and sound under my seat! 🙂

Anton: Glad to hear it (whatever that means 😂)

The next day

Text conversation between Viago and Anton

Anton: Getting started on some work at your flat 💪

Anton: How was the dinner party?

Viago: As boring as I expected 🙄Though the blood fountains were a nice touch.

Anton: Blood… fountain?

Viago: Yes! Like a chocolate fountain, but scrummy 🥰

Anton: I’ll take your word for it 😂

Viago: 😛

Viago: How are things at the flat?

Anton: Not too bad, turns out you guys had some more rotting banisters than we originally thought but we had the lumber to take care of it.

Anton: I wouldn’t call it the most aesthetically pleasing fix but it will certainly hold up to time and the sun 😂

Viago: Nonsense! I am sure it looks wonderful!

Viago: Ach, I am being called away 🙁

Viago: Apparently they have ‘updated’ our entrance waltz for council meetings and want us to be prepared when the rest of the guests arrive in a few hours.

Anton: Entrance.. Waltz?

Viago: Yes our waltz. Is that not something the wolves do when they formally meet?

Viago: Ohhh you must have some sniffing ritual instead.

Anton: Nope uh just kinda shake hands and say hello? 😂

Viago: Ah, apologies~

Viago: I must really be going. Ugh, this feels so unnecessary. They JUST changed it 200 years ago! 🙄

Anton: 🕺🦇

Viago: 😭

“Oy, what are you giggling about over there?” Clifton says, interrupting Anton’s train of thought.

“Hm? Oh uh, nothing.” Anton quickly shoves his phone into his pocket. “Just Viago checking in on house stuff.” The pack had arrived during Anton’s conversation with Viago, handling carrying the wood upstairs between messages.

Clifton smirks, “Oh yeah? Did you tell him about your wood in his attic?” Dion elbows Clifton in the gut, causing him to grunt. “C’mon, that was funny.”

“Hey. Dickhead. Knock it off and finish hammering, this thing is heavy.” Declan scolds Clifton as he holds up the pillar Clifton is meant to be hammering.

With Viago now busy, Anton focuses his attention on the remaining repairs. Today the entire pack was able to head over to the vampire flat to help start on the big repairs. The smaller fixes here and there Anton will be able to handle mostly on his own, but the bigger structural fixes would be too difficult without an extra pair of hands or two. Plus the wolves have become quite attached to the vampires, even if they won’t admit it.

Anton wanted to make sure the roof was one of the first things they tackled while the vampires were away. It's the highest risk of accidental vampire-frying of all the fixes they need to do. Plus getting it done early means that he can see how it holds up over the next month and make sure it's up to snuff.

With the attic pillars mostly finished, Anton and the pack head out to pick up some pizza before heading back to his home for a boys night of Mario Kart and bad reality TV.  As Anton lets everyone into the flat, he figures now is a good time to give Viago a little update on Johan and excuses himself to his room to check on something.

He opens the jewelry box that he has started mentally calling Johan’s house, letting the dainty music play as he picks up the stone. It’s smooth, cold to the touch. Anton takes a photo of Johan to text to Viago, texting with one hand while the other rubs the stone gently. Anton wonders to himself if Viago ever does this, like a worry stone. He also wonders if Viago’s hands are similarly smooth and cold. He imagines they must be, but also much softer than Johan.

Text conversation between Viago and Anton

Anton: *Texts picture of Johan on his bed with a blue flannel shirt slightly off screen*

Anton: Johan update! Safe and sound at my flat. Thought about bringing him over when we were working earlier but figured he would prefer being at my place instead with all the hammering going on

Viago: Ah! Wunderbar ❤️ How did the working go?

Anton: Not too bad. We got the main pillars up. Tomorrow we will go in and clean it all up and fix any last sneaky holes.

Anton sits on his bed as he mindlessly rolls Johan around his hand, waiting for Viago to type a response. He lets his heart flutter as he looks at the heart Viago sent him. Sure Viago is generally an affectionate person and probably texts hearts all the time. Especially to people like Stu. Everyone loves Stu.  But for this moment, he can pretend that the heart means something more than just a friendly text.

He holds Johan in between his finger and thumb, smiling at he inspects the pebble. “Guess I should thank you for giving me an excuse to text Viago every day, huh?” He grins.

Suddenly his door opens as Clifton enters, without even knocking. “Yo Anton, my phone’s almost dead can I borrow your charger-”

Quickly Anton sits up, shoving Johan behind him on his bed. “What the fuck Clifton?! Ever heard of knocking?!”

Clifton puts his hands up defensively and takes a step back, “Woah, chill out man. Also swearwolves-” Anton throws a pillow at Clifton, socking him in the face. “ Christ man, just chill.”  The commotion alerted the rest of the pack who are now also standing behind Clifton in the doorway, trying to figure out what is going on. 

Anton is panicking. And when Anton panics, so does the wolf. He can feel the hair on his arms bristling as he grips his comforter. Seeing this the pack keeps their distance, letting Anton do his breathing exercises to calm down.

Once he’s regained control, Anton takes one hand and rubs his eyes. He knows that it is no use hiding this from the pack. He can’t even go one day without them suddenly intruding. Viago had mentioned keeping Johan a secret, clearly because of mocking from the other vampires. But he doesn’t think the pack would be like that. Especially if their Alpha commands them not to.  He exhales, “Alright. I am trusting you guys to keep this on the down low. And you aren’t allowed to laugh…” The pack look at each other curiously before taking a proper step into Anton’s room.

Reaching behind him, Anton grabs Johan, thankful for the rock being out of his hands during his little freak out. He holds his closed hand in front of him, then opens it palm up, showing the pack the rock. “This is Johan. Viago’s pet rock. He asked me to pet sit while he’s away and I was just texting him an update. He told me not to tell anyone since Deacon and Vlad have mocked him for it.” Anton waits as the pack stare at the rock, expecting ridicule for playing into whatever this is with Viago.

“Ah, that makes sense.” Clifton replies

Huh?

“Aw, he’s kinda cute isn’t he?” Declan says, leaning over to take a closer look. The rest of the pack murmur in agreement as they nod in understanding.

“You guys... Don’t find it weird?” Anton asks, tilting his head in confusion.

Dion shrugs, “Nah, it's weird. But Viago’s a weird guy. Makes sense for him to have a weird pet right?”

“Yeah, it's pretty sweet actually.” Nathan G replies.

“Plus this is probably like the equivalent of first base with him right?” Clifton says, lacking any tact. Declan elbows him in the gut.

Anton can feel his face burning in embarrassment.

“Don’t worry Ant, we just know you like him. We like him too” Nathan M says.

“Well not like that-” Clifton replies, once again being elbowed in the gut by Declan. “Will you knock it off?!”

“And now we can help you out with pet sitting! Rock sitting?” Dion asks around to the group.

Anton nervously rubs the back of his neck. “Thanks guys… I’ll have to ask Viago though since he kind of wanted this to be a secret. But I am sure he will at least appreciate you guys offering.”

“Anyway, we’ll leave you be. Take your time” Stu says as he gently shoves the rest of the pack out of Anton’s room. They all mumble apologies on their way out.

Once he can hear the pack has reconvened in the living room and have started booting up Mario Kart, Anton lets out a deep breath as he flops back down on his bed. He places his hand holding Johan over his chest. He picks up his phone and begins typing.

Text conversation between Viago and Anton

Anton: Hey…

Anton: I need to tell you something

Viago: Oh no 😟Is something the matter?

Anton: Kind of? Maybe?

Anton: While I was texting you the pack came in and saw Johan. But I explained how I am pet setting for you and they all were very understanding!

Anton: I’m really sorry, I know you told me not to tell anyone

Anton: But I trust them

Anton types but deletes: Are you mad at me?

Anton types but deletes: Fuck, please don’t be mad

Viago: What a relief! I thought you were hurt or in trouble!!

Viago: Don’t scare me like that welpe 😣

Viago: I understand, you are the Alpha so I imagine it is hard to keep secrets from your pack

Viago: If you trust them, I trust them 🙂

Viago: I trust you

Anton sighs, tension leaving his body immediately. He places his arm over his face as he chuckles in relief. Holding up Johan above him. “That was a close one, huh bud?”

Text conversation between Viago and Anton

Anton: Thank you thank you thank you 😭 They even offered to help out but I don’t think that will be necessary.

Viago: Silly pups! I am sure Johan would appreciate some new friends 😛

Anton: 😂

Anton: Wait a sec, isn’t it daytime for you???

Viago: Ah, yes it is. But our accommodations are fully sun-proof! I wanted to stay up a bit late so I could make sure to wish you and Johan a good evening 🙂

Anton: 🙂

With Johan placed back on his own bed, Anton puts on some sweatpants, grabs his phone charger, and joins the rest of the pack downstairs. The pack is already knee deep in a race, with Stu in the lead as always. He tosses the phone charger to Clifton who’s sitting on the floor, then takes his spot on the couch.

Clifton grabs the charger and plugs it in before turning back to Anton, “Oy, bring Johan down. He can watch us play some video games.”  The rest of the pack chatter in agreement without taking their eyes off the TV.

Anton raises an eyebrow at that. He had just finished wrapping his head about the oddity of the situation with Viago, but seeing his pack also warm up to the… interesting situation he has found himself in makes his chest swell with fondness for his pack. 

Text conversation between Viago and Anton

Anton: *texts picture of Johan on the couch with Mario Kart on the TV*

Anton: Johan is keeping score for us 🙂

Viago: 😛

Chapter Text

Text conversation between Viago and Anton

Anton: *texts picture of repaired attic*

Anton: Good as new! Should keep the sunlight out for another few decades 🙂

Viago: Fantastic! Thank you again mein freund! :) Deacon and Vlad will be appreciative I’m sure

Anton: 🙂

Anton: So uh, what's on the vampire agenda today then?

Viago: Hmmm… Nothing too too interesting.

Viago: To tell you the truth… I have been sneaking out between things

Viago : There are so many interesting shops and places to explore here!

Viago: I only wish some of the places were open later 🙁

Viago: So many museums and libraries! 

Anton: Maybe you can sneak in as a bat? Or hypnotize some of the guards?

Viago: My hypnosis is not nearly as powerful as Deacon or Vlads and they both just want to go clubbing and taste the locals 😭

Anton: I awww, I'm sure your hypnosis is great!

Anton: I mean I haven't seen you hypnotize anyone

Anton: Or BE hypnotized by you

Anton: (I think)

Anton: But I'm sure it's great!

Anton: Johan thinks so too 😛

Viago: Well, if you think so then maybe I shall give it a go! 😛 Worst case, I am fantastic at misting!

Anton: Good luck! 🙂

Hours later

Viago: *texts a picture of inside a library*

Viago : Successful infiltration! Now I can read to my heart's content!

Anton: Knew you could do it! Just make sure you don’t stay out too late! 

Viago: Ah yes, perhaps I'll set an alarm, I can get lost in a book now and then… 😂

Anton: I'll let you read :) Johan says hello!

Viago: 😍

Next Day

Anton: Hey viaaagoooo quick question since Johan is like 40 he can drink right

Anton: Or are rock years different

Anton: Cause we wantslkdsfk ggg dsrfggsssasf

Viago: 😟

Anton: Ugh sorry, Cliff stole my phone

Anton: The boys wanted to bring Johan to the Big Kumara but then Dion said something about how maybe rocks age differently like how one human year is seven dog years… Turned into a whole thing

Viago: Hmm, I never thought about it

Viago: But I would say yes, at least 40 years old

Viago: But I am not sure if he will be much company at a club?

Anton: Well maybe we should go to a… Rock club

Anton: Like rock music

Anton: A club that plays rock

Anton: Cause he's a rock

Anton: I’m shutting up now

Viago: 😂 Quite humorous! 

Viago: I am sure Johan would enjoy a night on the town! Just make sure he doesn’t drink too much!

Anton: No hangovers for Johan, got it!

Viago: 😂

Anton: *texts photo of the club*

Anton: The boys and Johan are having a good time 😎

Viago: 🎉 🎉 🎉

Next Day

Viago: Antonnnn the new robes we have look so silly

Viago: *sends blurry picture*

Viago: *sends a second blurry picture*

Viago: I can't get a good photo 🙁

Anton: What if you use the selfie camera?

Viago: Who is Selfie and why should I use their camera?

Viago: Is that a fae you know? 😮 

Anton: No, it's the camera on the front of your phone? On the side with the screen?

Viago: There is ANOTHER camera?

Anton: 😂Yes Viago, that's called the selfie camera

Anton: In your camera app just click the icon that has a little arrow

Viago: *sends selfie picture*

Viago: That is much better than spinning the camera around!

Anton: 😂yes lmao 

Anton: And those robes look spiffy, despite being a little silly

Viago: Very! I enjoy the way the capes go swooooosh

Viago: How are you today Anton? 

Anton: Pretty good all things considered

Anton: Spent most of the day nursing the rest of the pack’s various hangovers

Anton: You'll be happy to know that Johan and I were sober buds throughout the evening 😛

Viago: 😂

Viago: Glad to hear Johan isn’t giving you too much trouble 😛

Anton: Of course not! He’s been a perfect gentleman

Anton: Actually I've been meaning to ask, what's the origin of his name? It’s Dutch right?

Viago: Correct! 🙂

Viago: Actually I named him after a previous companion I had

Viago: When I was mortal, I mean

Anton types but deletes: Is he named after an ex?

Viago: My childhood pet, Johan, was one of my family’s hunting dogs

Viago: However, like me, he did not take as much to his given role 😂

Viago: Johan much preferred the company of pats rather than that of hunting foxes and pheasants

Anton: Can’t blame him, I think I would also prefer the company of pats

Viago: 😂

Viago: After he kept sneaking out during hunts to roll in the grass, my father urged the groundskeeper to remove him, but occasionally when he would sneak out, he would make his way towards whatever corner of the grounds I had snuck off to and joined me

Viago: It took mother many tiresome discussions to let my father drop it and allow me the company

Viago: After that we would take afternoon strolls and lay in the grass while I read my books! I named him after the author of the book I was reading when he first stumbled upon me 🙂

Anton: Aw, that's so sweet, Vi. 

Viago: 🙂

Viago: He was a teensie tiny boy. White with brown and black spots.

Anton: Like a Jack Russell? I think they were hunting dogs

Viago : Hm, let me do the google…

Viago: Yes! Exactly! 🙂 

Viago: But of course, as things with pets go.. Well. You understand…

Viago: I am just fortunate it happened before turning into a vampire, not sure I would have been able to resist reading in the sun to him 😔 

Anton: 🙁 I’m sorry

Anton: Do you read to this Johan like you did with the original Johan?

Viago: Yes! Although not quite the same

Anton: Does he not like the same books as you? 😛

Viago: 😂Nein~ Johan has veeeery good taste of course

Viago: Just like me 😉

Viago: I adore reading to Johan

Viago: Not many people enjoy listening to the readings of Baroque poetry or Victorian dramas . 

Anton types but deletes: I would listen to poetry with you

Anton types but deletes: I would listen to anything you could read

Anton types but deletes: You could read a bbq manual and I’d be enthralled

Anton: Maybe you could show me a few of your favorites when you are back. I’m not much of a reader but I would give it a try

Viago: Wundebar! I would love that mein freund! 🥰

Viago: You are welcome to peruse my entire library if you wish! 

Anton: Maybe I will 😛 I’ll have to get Johan’s recommendations

Viago: 😂

Anton: 😛

Anton: I hate to run but I have to start heading out to work. 

Viago: Of course! Have a good evening Anton 🙂

Anton: You too Vi 🙂

Next day

Viago: Anton!

Viago: *texts selfie*

Viago: I have mastered the selfy camera! I even showed Deacon and Vlad who were very impressed!

Anton: Glad to hear it 😛

Viago: Now it is your turn!! Send a photo with your selfie camera phone!

Anton: 😂I don’t know, I look pretty ragged right now

Anton: All scruffy cause I need to shave

Viago: I like scruffy! 😛

Anton nearly throws his phone across the room in a panic. He’s not sure why he’s so surprised though. He did spend an entire conversation teaching Viago how to send pictures, it would only make sense for Viago to ask for one in return. He doesn’t really consider himself photogenic. Typically he’s the one taking photos, though occasionally when the pack gets really rowdy they pull him in for a pic or two.

Anton goes to his bathroom, fussing with his hair a bit. Today has been a pretty lazy day all things considered, mostly just taking care of chores here and there around the house and a few errands. He snaps a few photos, but then immediately deletes them.

First he tries a casual thumbs up, then leaning his face into his hand, trying to seem casual. Then he tries a smirk, then a full teeth smile, then a no teeth smile. After several photos he just rubs his face. 

“It’s just a photo. It’s no big deal, he even said he likes scruffy… Unless he’s teasing you… I mean me…” He takes a deep breath, quickly snaps a photo, then sends it before he can second guess if it is too casual. The pack would be having a field day with this if they knew.

Anton waits for a response… Nothing. Normally Viago is pretty quick to reply in a conversation. He has an adorable habit of being absolutely unable to multitask, so Anton knows he’s sitting somewhere just staring at his phone rather than replying to a text then going to do something.

The chat bubble for Viago typing appears, then stops. Appears, stops.  It feels like ages before Viago finally responds.

Anton : *Texts selfie*

Viago: 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Anton is not entirely sure what several thumbs up emoji might mean in this context, but he hopes it is a compliment.

Next Day

Viago : Antonnnn I’m bored 🙁

Viago : Are you doing something interesting?

Anton : 😂

Anton : Scoping out a new spot for the full moon, thought it might be good to switch it up a bit.

Anton : Also we don’t want any hunters catching on to our routine 😅

Anton : Found this spot on my hike today, thinking it could be a good one

Anton : *Sends picture of wooded area along lake*

Viago : 😮

Viago : Schön! It’s wonderful! 

Anton : And it’s pretty secluded! Thought the lake might be fun for the boys to splash around in

Anton : *Sends picture of lake*

Viago : Very serene~

Viago : Ahhh, how I miss sunbathing and floating on my back on the water…

Viago : Well I can still float technically… But it is not the same 😭

Anton : 🙁

Anton : Maybe when you guys are back we can have a little vampire werewolf party here?

Anton : Plus there is a campground not too far from here, we could rent out some cabins so you guys have somewhere when the sun comes up

Anton : Sorry is that too presumptuous? Not sure how vampires feel about camping…

Viago : That sounds shwjgf

Anton : ???

Anton : Vi???

Viago : Apologies my friend, I may or may not have… poofed a bit at that 😅

Anton : Poofed…?

Viago : Yes, well.. A ‘side effect’ of my fantastic misting abilities is that sometimes when I get too excited, I go *poof* It is rather embarrassing

Anton : 😂

Viago : And mist-me may or may not be able to hold a cellphone easily and dropped it 😅

Anton types but deletes: That’s so fucking cute

Anton types but deletes: That’s so cute

Anton : So I take it that you’d like to go camping sometime?

Viago : Yes! 🙂

Anton : You got it, any time you want

Viago : I wish it was nowww, I miss the comfort of my coffin 😭

Viago : So. Much. Paperwork.

Anton : Why do vampire’s need so much paperwork??

Viago : I am unsure 😭I think this may have been the work of the Energy Vampire council, just trying to get an extra meal out of us.

Anton : What are energy vampires?????

Anton : I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that there are different kinds of vamps but what do energy vampires do then?

Viago : Hmm… Remember that woman you told me about? Kathy?

Anton : 🙄Unfortunately

Viago : More or less the same thing 

Anton : Yikes 😬 I do not envy you

Viago : Ech, maybe I am just that word you guys use when someone is hungry but also furious because of said hunger.

Anton : Hangry?

Viago : Yes, hangry! 

Viago : I think I will go venture out for some dinner

Anton : 😂Have a good hunt, Vi

Viago : And have a good rest of your hike my friend! 🙂