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It had been weeks. He had been cooped up in the castle for weeks now. He didn't mind that he was being taken care of, but he was getting restless. Cabin fever. It wasn't something he had ever expected to feel since he had been a travelling doctor prior to his arrival in Oakhurst. But every time he tried to leave the castle, Louis was always there to use that suggestion or command ability the vampires had. It seemed to be stronger when he used it compared to the others (with the exception of Scott), and Legs wasn't sure how to feel about that.
The human had "earned" enough freedom to wander around most of the castle without accompaniment. That just meant Louis and Owen weren't constantly hovering around him. He was thankful for that, but he was rarely completely alone. One of the coven members would usually be around, pretending not to be keeping an eye on him. The only time he was left alone (for the most part) was when he was in his room. Even Louis and Owen seemed to respect it, barely. Though Owen had a tendency to drag the doctor to their room if he or Louis (or both) wanted cuddles, which was often, especially when they were settling into bed to sleep through the day. He wondered if they did it to ensure he couldn't escape while they were asleep.
He also had a tendency to bite the veteran. A lot. It usually wasn't for the purpose of feeding and most of the time, the bites didn't even break skin. It usually just left a mark for a few days. Legundo had thought it was harmless until a few days after he was allowed to free roam when Scott told him it was in fact not harmless. It was apparently a very possessive thing for vampires to do, and it was a way of marking territory.
That had unnerved Legs quite a bit, but there wasn't much he could do. Everyone in the castle could easily kill him if they wanted, so he wasn't going to provoke any of them into doing so.
Currently, he was in his room alone. It was daytime, but none of the coven had gone to sleep. They were busy messing with the townsfolk, and Louis and Owen (mostly the latter) had been teasing them about the fact that they were currently down a doctor. Louis usually made sure the castle defenses were strong and kept an eye on the castle while everyone was out.
It was nice not to be constantly surrounded by the two vampires. He had feelings for them (even if he'd never admit it out loud), but he wanted to go home which, despite what Louis and Owen kept saying, was, in fact, in Oakhurst.
He could try to sneak out. He had seen Louis leaving with the rest of the coven, and no one had stayed behind this time. That meant that the castle was currently unguarded and there was no one nearby to keep him from leaving. It was worth a shot.
He made it to the front door with no issue, but before he could leave, he heard someone call his name from the other end of the banquet hall. It was feminine, which eliminated most of the coven.
He turned around slowly and saw Drift standing in front of the beacon.
"Hello Drift."
He didn't raise his voice. He didn't need to.
She approached him slowly.
"Where are you going?"
"I was planning on heading back to town."
"I thought Owen and Louis didn't want you going back to Oakhurst."
"They don't, but I wanna go home."
Drift hesitated for a moment as she came to a stop in front of him.
"I'm not supposed to let you leave."
"You don't have to tell anyone—"
"But I was sent back to make sure you didn't leave…"
"Really?"
She nodded and said, "Owen got a bit paranoid, so Louis asked one of us to come back."
"I see…"
That threw a wrench into his plans. He hadn't expected either of them to get paranoid, but it made sense. They had been working very hard to make sure he didn't leave.
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine. It's not your fault."
"Would you like some company while we wait for someone else to get back?"
"That would be lovely Drift, thank you."
"You're welcome, Doc."
"That's a name I haven't heard in a while."
"What? Doc?"
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"Well, you guys are vampires. You don't need a doctor, so Louis and Owen stopped calling me that."
"Oh."
He nodded.
It was nighttime by the time anyone else got back. It was Owen, Avid, and Pyro that returned first. Owen was… upset, to say the least. He kept growling and hissing at the other two any time they tried to speak to him. When he saw the doctor, who was still talking with Drift and hadn't realized the trio had arrived, he grabbed the veteran and started dragging him upstairs. He dragged the human to his and Louis's bedroom and threw him onto the bed before laying on top of him.
Legundo didn't struggle. He had gotten used to being dragged and thrown around by Owen. He was just thankful that the vampire seemed to be calming down now.
"You didn't try to leave, did you?"
"Would you believe me if I said no?"
Owen hissed softly and bit down on Legundo's shoulder. His fangs sank into the doctor's skin. It stung for a moment, but Owen thankfully removed his fangs without taking any blood. He licked the bite mark, and Legs shuddered at the feeling of the skin stitching itself back together.
"I will tie you to this bed if I have to. You. Will not. Leave."
"Now, now, Owen. You know better. Chains are much better and safer for holding someone of our human's stature," Louis said from the doorway. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. The lumberjack rolled to one side of the doctor. The former mayor slipped his shoes off and laid next to Legs, wrapping his arms tightly around the younger man. Owen was still halfway on top of him, but there wasn't much of a point in trying to get him off.
Louis pressed a gentle kiss to the side of Legundo's neck. He was always so much gentler with his affection than Owen was, and the contrast was still jarring to the doctor. He was getting used to it though, slowly but surely. He was still getting used to accepting their affections in general, but at least they didn't have to threaten and/or hypnotize him into accepting it anymore. Usually.
He still wanted to go home.
Louis sighed and said, "This is your home, dearest Legundo."
Right. Why did he keep forgetting that Louis could read minds?
"That is by design, my dear."
Don't think about the pet name.
"What does that mean?"
"I have my abilities set up so that humans will forget about them unless I've actively used them around them recently."
"Why?"
"You don't need to worry about that."
"You say that about a lot of things."
"That's because there are a lot of things you don't need to worry about. Not while you're still so… fragile."
Legs just sighed and let himself relax. He was gonna be stuck here for a few hours at minimum.
A few days later, Legs was wandering around when he overheard Avid having a conversation with Louis and Owen. He wasn't going to eavesdrop, but that plan changed when he heard Avid bring his name up into the conversation. He pressed himself against the wall, keeping out of sight.
"I just think the two of you should let him go."
"Why?" Owen growled.
"Well, the townsfolk have been coming to the castle more often since he was brought here."
"And?"
"You two don't seem to be planning to turn him."
"Not quite yet," Louis said calmly.
"Then why not let him go?"
"Because he's ours," Owen growled.
"But his presence here has only brought us more problems! Please at least consider it."
"We'll think about it, Avid," Louis said.
"Thank you."
A few seconds later, the doctor heard Avid retreating. He decided it would be best to head back to his room. As he walked, he thought over what he had heard in his mind. His presence was causing the coven more problems than not. Avid had asked them to consider either letting him go or turning him into a vampire. Had that come from Avid himself or had one of the other vampires, maybe one more powerful, asked him to have that conversation in their stead?
He closed his bedroom door behind him and picked up the book he'd been reading. If someone came to check on him, he wanted to make it look like he was busy. That would hopefully buy him enough time to fully process the implications of what he had overheard.
He also wanted to see if he could find anything that would help keep more of this thoughts from Louis, but that most likely required leaving the castle, and that wasn't really an option at the moment.
Later that day, the vampires were surprised to find that quite a few books from Scott's library had somehow survived the six centuries in between when he had been put into what was supposed to be an eternal sleep and now.
They sorted through most of the books, getting them put in the new library with the rest of the few books they had.
Unfortunately, since Owen had been hovering around Legs since that conversation, the doctor had been unable to go take a look. He wanted to check and see if there were any books that might help him either escape from the castle or at the very least have his mind and thoughts be a bit more protected.
Owen was currently clinging to him, pressed against his side with his face tucked into the human's shoulder, as he had been for the last several hours. He was dozing off, purring softly. Legundo was still reading the same book. He was struggling with it since he usually didn't prefer romance novels. He much preferred sci-fi or horror, maybe even some classics or fantasy, but Shelby had thought he would find this book interesting so he intended to read it to the end. He had to admit though, it was interesting. It was sci-fi, but it was also a polyamory romance and some of the scenes made him fluster more than he'd like to admit. Not to mention, the plot reminded him a lot of his current situation (albeit with aliens instead of vampires), and he refused to read the book around Louis without any way to keep the vampire from reading most of his thoughts.
Legundo managed to read a whole chapter (that was mostly smut). Then Louis walked in, and Legs immediately closed the book.
Owen lifted his head and opened his eyes long enough to see Louis. He made that strange chirping sound the doctor had heard the vampires around him make all the time. It seemed to be a way of communicating, a way all of the vampires seemed to understand. Would he be able to understand them if he let himself be turned?
No.
He was a monster.
He did not deserve eternity.
Louis sat next to him and wrapped his arms around the younger man. He pressed his face into his neck and inhaled deeply. Legs had figured that scents were important to the vampires, especially since Louis and Owen tended to sniff him a lot, so much so that the human had grown used to it and barely even noticed anymore.
"You are not a monster."
"Yes I am—" Legundo tried to protest. Louis gave him a sharp nip to the side of his neck. He squirmed at the feeling. It was painful and stung for a few seconds after, but it didn't break skin. Louis didn't seem to like doing so unless he was feeding. The doctor was thankful for that. He didn't know if he'd be able to handle it if both of them marked him up whenever they could get away with it.
"You are not a monster, and I will say it as many times as I need to. You are more than just your past."
Legundo didn't try to continue arguing. It was one they'd had before, and it wasn't one he ever won.
"Good boy," Louis said softly, pressing a kiss to the side of the human's neck. He shuddered at the sensation.
Don't think about how it felt.
The older man chuckled softly.
"Sensitive, are you dear?"
"I'm not answering that."
Louis chuckled again and pressed another gentle kiss to the other's neck. The human had to bite his lip keep himself quiet.
"I'll stop teasing you for now."
Thank God.
"He's not going to help you."
"Shush!"
A few days later, Legundo was sitting in the banquet hall with Drift. For some reason, she had become the designated babysitter. Whenever the coven went out for any reason, Drift would stay behind and make sure Legs didn't try to leave. Usually, it resulted in lengthy discussions about anything that came to mind.
They were currently having one of those discussions. It was about whether it was possible for other kinds of supernatural creatures (or paras as Drift seemed determined to call them) to exist if vampires did.
"I'm just saying that I would prefer to have some proof before I make wild assumptions."
"Wild assumptions?? Come on Doc, you are literally surrounded by vampires most of the time! Is it really so wild to assume that other paras could exist?"
"I suppose not, but I'd still like some confirmation before I believe that such things as were-creatures or witches or ghosts exist."
Drift let out a long sigh and opened her mouth to speak. She was cut off by the sound of thundering footsteps coming across the bridge. They both tensed. The rest of the coven wouldn't be running across the bridge like that. That meant some of the townsfolk were coming. That meant he had a chance of going home. But it also meant Drift could be in danger.
He abruptly stood up, almost knocking over the chair he had been sitting in.
He did not want to see Drift come to any harm. She was what he could possibly consider a friend (not that he deserved such) and she was lovely to talk to.
He would not allow harm to befall her, even if it meant putting his own life on the line.
When he stepped towards the door, Drift hissed and grabbed his arm. At least she was behind him. It would be easier to protect her that way.
Martyn, Ren, Sausage, and Abolish came running in, and Legundo felt a part of himself relax at seeing them unharmed.
"Hey Doc," Martyn said as the group stopped in front of him.
"Hello. I assume you four are here to get me out of here?"
"Yeah. Yeah we are."
Legundo glanced back at Drift, who still held onto his arm.
"Do you wanna come with us?"
She shook her head and said, "I'm not supposed to let you leave."
Martyn raised his sword, ready to swing, but the doctor raised a hand to stop him.
"You could say you were overwhelmed."
"I don't think they'd believe me without proof."
"What kind of proof do you need?"
"Some kind of injury should work."
Legundo sighed but relented, though he did not like the notion of her getting hurt. He stepped away after Drift released his arm, and he turned around so he didn't have to see her get hurt. Abolish gently took his arm and led the doctor out of the castle. Stepping outside of the castle for the first time in weeks felt amazing.
"Are you okay?" The butler asked, his voice soft and even like usual.
"I'm not injured."
"How's your mental state?"
"Fine. It feels nice to be outside again."
"They kept you cooped up?"
Legs nodded and said, "They were a bit paranoid about me trying to escape."
"Well, we should probably get back to town before the distraction wears off."
Legundo nodded as the other three came out of the castle. The four surrounded him on the way back to town, and the doctor kept his head down. When they got back to town, the veteran immediately beelined for his house. The air was stale and there was a thin layer of dust coating everything. He sighed softly and got to cleaning.
A couple weeks went by without Legundo encountering Louis or Owen. The weeks were spent caring for the townsfolk. He didn't go outside of the town walls anymore, not even to collect supplies. The other townsfolk, mostly Cleo, would usually go out to gather whatever supplies he asked for. No one wanted to lose the doctor yet.
Abolish and Cleo both seemed to notice that he was doing a bit better mentally. They had pointed out a couple of times that he wasn't having nightmares as often anymore, and he accepted compliments more easily. He didn't tell them why, but Cleo seemed to have guessed that something had happened during his time at the castle.
Currently, he was reading the book Shelby had given him. He hadn't taken it with him when he left the castle, but it had been on his nightstand when he woke up a few days ago.
He was so focused on the book that he didn't hear the door of his freshly built clinic open.
"Well, well, well. Look who we have here."
Startled, he looked up. That voice belonged to Pyro, who stood there with their arms crossed.
"Hello Pyro."
"You do know that having a welcome sign means we can enter anytime we want, right?"
"I do. But that welcome sign also states specific times for when the clinic is open and accepting patients."
"You caused quite a fuss at the castle when you disappeared," They said, changing the subject.
"Did I?"
They nodded, uncrossing his arms and walking closer until they loomed over the doctor.
"Louis and Owen were furious. They've been trying everything to get you back, but you've been staying safely inside the town walls since you got back."
"What's your point?"
"Owen is my friend."
"I'm aware."
"I don't like seeing my friend and his husband so sad."
"I imagine not."
"Do you know how happy he and Louis would be if I brought you back?"
Legundo didn't answer, but he could imagine the scene.
They gave him a fanged grin and asked, "What's stopping me from carrying you out of here and back to the castle?"
"You'd get caught."
He growled and shoved the doctor before storming off. The doctor stood up, going to follow, but he stopped. How could he be sure this wasn't a trick to lure him out of the safety of the town walls?
Were the town walls even safe?
He couldn't afford to have doubts like that. If he started having doubts like that, the paranoia might drive him mad and the town didn't need nor want their only doctor going mad.
He shook his head to clear the thoughts. He went about tidying up his clinic, even though it was already tidy. He needing something to do with his hands, something to get his mind off of those thoughts.
The bell hanging on the door chimed just as he finished tidying. He looked up and saw Martyn who was pressing a bloodied cloth to his side.
"Hello Martyn."
The doctor gestured for him to sit or lay down on the stone table. Martyn followed the gesture. The doctor hobbled over and gently pulled the cloth away from the wound. The blood seemed to be slowing but it would be better to stitch the wound closed. He cleaned it enough to get a better look before gathering his tools and beginning to close it. It wasn't very long, but it was deep. Martyn winced as Legs cleaned the wound, but he was careful to stay still while the doctor stitched him up.
"Thanks doc."
"Be careful not to—"
"Not to rip the stitches, I know."
"So which one got you?"
"It was Pyro."
"Really? I actually had them visit me not too long ago."
Martyn's hand moved to grip his sword as he asked, "What did he want?"
"They mostly taunted me."
"About what?"
"Taking me back to the castle."
"Is there any chance you'll let me convince you to put silver in the door?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because everyone is welcome here."
"You're too trusting," Martyn said as he stood up.
"Come back if you rip your stitches."
"I will. Stay safe, doc!"
Once the door slammed shut behind the other man, Legundo tidied up the small amount before sitting down. Winter was coming and it was causing the pains from the shrapnel scarring in his leg to spike up more than usual. That also meant that he was having to use his cane more often. He hadn't been walking much if he didn't have to.
"So Pyro was right."
The doctor froze when he heard Owen's voice from behind him. He slowly turned around to face the vampire. Owen had his arms crossed and an angry look on his face.
"Hello Owen."
"Why the hell did you leave?"
"I didn't want Drift to get too hurt."
Owen growled and stalked forward. Legundo lowered himself into a chair, almost sighing in relief once his weight wasn't on that leg anymore.
"You're too caring," The short vampire said, jabbing a finger at the doctor.
"Is that so bad?"
Owen growled and grabbed Legundo's arm.
"You're coming back," He said as he dragged the veteran out of the chair and to his feet. Legs winced and grunted as weight was suddenly put on his bad leg again so soon and it crumpled under him. Owen let go of his arm.
"What's wrong with you?"
"The cold weather has my leg acting up."
"What does that mean?"
"That leg has some pretty severe shrapnel scarring."
"Oh."
Owen bent down and scooped Legundo up into his arms in a princess carry just as he managed to get a hold on his cane. Being held and carried by someone who was shorter and leaner than him was a new experience, and it was strange. It wasn't something he enjoyed very much, but the break from having to walk did feel nice.
"Hey!"
"Shut up. I'm taking you back to the castle."
"The townsfolk will just keep trying to get me back."
"I don't care. I'm taking you back and not letting you out of my sight."
"But—"
"Shut up," Owen growled as he began walking out of the clinic.
"Why—"
"Shut. Up."
Legundo finally fell silent. He wasn't going to get anywhere if he tried to talk to Owen right now. The vampire was already agitated as is, and the doctor didn't want to tip the balance into full anger. Owen stepped outside and started making his way towards the closest gate. He kept glancing around, trying to make sure no one was following him.
Legundo stayed silent. The movement of Owen's steps was rather relaxing. Combined with the fading pain and lack of sleep, the doctor was finding it harder and harder to keep his eyes open.
"You can rest," Owen said softly, slowing his usually quick pace so that the human in his arms wasn't jostled as much. Legs let himself relax and fall asleep, even though some primal part of his brain screamed at him to stay alert.
When the doctor woke up, he was laying in between Louis and Owen, who were both fast asleep. Louis had his arms tightly wrapped around him while Owen's grip was looser but the short vampire also had his wings wrapped around the human.
Legundo sighed softly. There was no way he was getting away this time. At least not yet. Maybe never. Or maybe they would be less protective if he let them turn him.
Like that was ever going to happen. He was a monster. He did not deserve eternity. He didn't deserve the love and affection that Louis and Owen so generously gave him either.
"You are not a monster," Louis's voice was sleepy but determined.
"But—"
"Doctor."
Louis's voice was firm and the doctor didn't try to argue anymore. There wasn't much of a point anymore, and he suddenly realized that he was starting to believe Louis and Owen when they said he wasn't a monster. It could be due to the hypnosis vampires had, but it could also be due to him actually starting to get better, in a way. Realistically, it was probably a mix of both.
Legundo glanced towards the window as Louis slowly got up and began going through his usual routine. The light from the sun was almost completely gone.
Owen got up not too long later. Both of them had now let go of the doctor and neither tried to stop him when he went to get up on his own. His leg, however, seemed to have different plans. The very instant he put his weight on it, white hot burning pain filled the limb and it crumpled underneath him, unable to hold his weight. It hadn't been so bad in ages.
Thankfully, he didn't hit the floor. Louis was quick enough to catch him. The former mayor helped the doctor up and back onto the bed.
"Are you alright? Owen informed me that your leg was causing you some discomfort, but I wasn't expecting that."
Legundo took a few moments to breathe before he answered.
"I wasn't expecting that either. It must've been worse than I thought. Or sore from being used so much despite the pain."
Louis sighed and said, "If you were in pain, why did you keep working?"
"It's not the worst pain I've been through."
"That's no excuse! You still need to care for yourself even if it's not the worst thing you've been through."
"But—"
"Doctor."
Legundo fell silent. He wasn't gonna win this fight. He knew he needed rest, even if he wanted to refuse, to push his own issues aside to keep helping people.
"You know, if you become a vampire, you don't have to deal with pain from old scars."
"My answer is the same as it always has been, Owen."
Both of them looked disappointed, but neither pushed (though the former soldier could see how much Owen wanted to).
"Well, at least for today, I'm putting you on bed rest," Louis said as he tucked the human in.
"I'm pretty sure I'm the doctor here," Legundo protested.
"You are, but what good is a doctor who can't walk because he's in debilitating pain?"
Legundo pointedly did not answer.
"Your silence still proves as an answer, y'know," Louis said as he finished dressing.
"Do you have any painkillers?"
"No. They're all back at my clinic."
"Well, Owen will stay here with you while I go get them."
"Why do I have to stay behind??" Owen protested.
"You antagonize the townsfolk far too much, dearest. I doubt you'll be able to get in and out without trying to poke the bear at least once if you can."
Owen glanced at the currently bedridden doctor for a moment before saying, "Fine, but only because he's so cute."
Louis smiled softly.
"I will be back hopefully soon."
Once the door closed behind Louis, Owen climbed on top of the human and settled down.
"Why do you constantly refuse the gift?" He asked softly as he buried his face in the other's shoulder and breathed in his scent.
"I'm a monster, Owen. You know that. I don't deserve eternity."
"That's bullshit."
"You know the horrible things I've done."
"I do. But I've also seen some the memories of how hard you've worked to atone for those things. You do so much for others, even if it hurts you in the end."
"Owen—"
"Just shut up. Why won't you let yourself be loved?"
"I don't—"
"I swear to the God I don't believe in, if you say you don't deserve it, I will bite you."
"You already do that anyway."
"Shut up."
He did. It was quiet for a long few minutes.
"I don't like smelling pain from you."
"You can smell pain?"
"Yeah..."
"Even now?"
"Well, you're still in pain."
"Right."
"What... What happened? To cause the scars I mean. If you don't mind me asking. I've seen bits and pieces, but not enough to get the full story."
Legundo paused for a moment. This wasn't something he'd shared with anyone. Did he really want to burden Owen with his trauma?
"Are you sure you want to care this burden?"
"You are not a burden," Owen growled softly.
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. Now share."
"Well, it was while I was still in infantry, just before I started studying medicine. We were sent in for a siege. I don't remember much of what happened, but I still have nightmares about feeling the skin get mangled by horribly mutilated metal and the feeling of the cold seeping in as I lost blood and feeling in that leg..."
Owen tightened his grip. It brought the former soldier back from memories of a war long over.
"And your eye?"
"Also when I was in infantry. A bayonet slash to the face. It wasn't nearly as bad as the leg, but I still almost lost the eye."
"When did it happen?"
"I think it happened just after I was sent to the front lines."
"You have a lot of scars."
It was a passive observation, but the older man still sounded so sad.
"I was in the military for a long time."
"Can I count them sometime?"
"Huh?"
"Your scars. Can I count them sometime?"
"Yeah. I don't think I'd mind if you did that."
Owen pulled him closer.
"The pain doesn't smell as intense anymore."
"But it's still there?"
Owen nodded and said, "I wish there was more I could do to help."
"Rest should help."
"I know. You're staying here until you don't smell like pain."
"You know that's never gonna happen."
"I know," Owen said, snuggling closer to the human.
"You can't keep me in bed all the time. The leg will get stiff from disuse."
Owen growled softly and said, "Fine. You'll stay in bed until the smell has faded enough so that it isn't all you smell of."
"I suppose I can agree to that."
"Good. I don't like you being in pain."
"It's unavoidable for me."
"If you became a vampire—"
"No."
"You're no fun."
"I don't deserve eternity, Owen."
"That's bullshit," The vampire said, giving the doctor a sharp nip to the neck.
"I've done horrible things."
"I know. Louis knows. We don't care. You've been working ever since to atone for the things you've done."
Legundo stilled. They didn't care. They knew what he had done, the innocents he'd killed, and they didn't care. How was that possible?
"How can you not care?"
"I did at first. But as Louis likes to say, your past does not make up the entirety of who you are. You've changed since then. You aren't the same monster anymore."
"That implies that I'm still a monster."
Owen growled softly and bit the doctor's neck. It didn't break the skin, but it was still enough of a warning. Legundo didn't say anything more. It was peaceful, and while he and Owen waited for Louis to return, his mind began to wander. Was he really such a monster? It was starting to feel less and less like that was the truth. He had done horrible things, but he had also worked every day since leaving the military to atone for those things, even when he was exhausted or in pain. In all that time, he had never felt like anything other than a monster. How could just a few weeks with two vampires that made him feel things he didn't want to admit change how he saw and felt about himself so swiftly?
When Louis returned, Legundo was half asleep. Owen shook the doctor gently. He opened his eyes and looked at the short vampire.
"You don't smell so much of pain anymore," He said softly.
Legundo nodded softly, the edges of sleep still clinging to him. The pain wasn't as intense anymore. If he stayed off that leg for another day, he would be back to normal. Or as normal as he could be in the castle. He knew Louis and Owen wouldn't let the other vampires hurt him, but that didn't make him feel easy about being here. He knew he would be safe if he let himself be turned, but something still held him back.
"I got your pain medicine," Louis said, snapping the doctor back to reality.
"Thank you."
Owen pulled the veteran closer, still sprawled on top of him. Louis looked over and sighed softly.
"Owen."
"I'm not letting go."
"At least make room for me."
The younger vampire huffed but moved enough so Louis could lay next to Legundo. The veteran shifted slightly while he had the chance. The former mayor laid down, wrapping his arms around the human as the other vampire adjusted again, sprawling out over the top of both of them.
"You know my dear," Louis started. "If you allowed one of us to turn you, you would not have to deal with such pains any longer."
"I don't des—"
Owen bit the veteran before he even could get the full sentence out.
"Don't start with that "I don't deserve eternity" nonsense," He hissed. It wasn't a truly angry sound. More frustrated than anything.
"Why do the two of you want to turn me so badly? And why not just do it without asking? It's not something the others seem to have a problem with."
"We aren't them," Owen growled.
"That doesn't answer why you want to turn me so much."
"We simply do not wish to lose you to age, my dear," Louis said softly. Legundo noticed the nickname this time, but he did his best to ignore how warm it made him feel.
"I don't deserve eternity. I did my damage—"
"And you have spent every day since atoning. Do you not believe you've done plenty to redeem yourself?"
"I've killed countless people."
"And how many have you saved? How many people would not have survived had you not given your expertise?"
Legundo did not answer that question.
"They gave me medals for my crimes."
"Tis the nature of war. That is not something that is solely your fault. It is merely the way humans are."
"You say that like you already consider me a vampire."
Louis just smiled softly and said, "Don't think so deeply about it, my dear."
"Rrrright."
Owen huffed above them and stretched his wings out as much as he possibly could.
"Owen, my love, we aren't going to leave you."
"Are you sure? Legs has gotten away before."
"Well, he won't get away again."
They seemed to continue their conversation in that strange form of silent communication they had, and Owen slowly relaxed. He pressed his face into the veteran's neck and took a deep inhale. Legundo was used to this by now, as well as the soft nips that shortly followed the inhale.
The scarier thing was that he felt himself growing more and more comfortable with the idea of letting one of them turn him.
That scared him to some degree. Despite his insistence that he did not deserve eternity, he found himself growing accepting of the idea as long as it was with them.
He didn't deserve love, yet somehow, it had taken root in his heart regardless.
"You do deserve love, Legundo, and we will keep telling you that until you believe it," Louis said. His voice was soft and gentle, and Legundo wanted so desperately to believe him.
But every time he tried, the memories of his past came flooding back to remind him just how much of a monster he truly was.
"You aren't a monster."
"But—"
"But nothing, dear Legundo. You have spent everyday since you left the military working to atone for the things you did during that time of your life. All of that work must count for something."
"I suppose you're right."
"I'm glad you've decided to see sense."
It had been a few days since Louis had brought the pain medicine, and for the most part, the pain had faded. That did not mean it wouldn't flare up again if he wasn't careful.
If you allowed one of us to turn you, you would not have to deal with such pains any longer.
Louis had said that. At the time, he hadn't thought much of the offer, but as the days passed, he hadn't been able to get those words out of his head. He had always been so insistent that he didn't deserve eternity, but was that really the case? As Louis had pointed out, the doctor had spent everyday since he left the military working to undo all the harm he had done.
When would enough be enough? He had never thought that far ahead. He had never thought he could properly atone for the things he had done. He had killed countless people.
Then Louis had asked the question. How many had he saved? Legundo hadn't kept count. He believed that no amount of people saved would be ever enough. Louis and Owen both believed that wasn't the case.
What if they were right? What if it was possible for him to atone for the things he had done in the war? What if, just maybe, Legundo did deserve love and eternity?
He sighed and closed his book. There was no point in trying to read if he was going to keep getting distracted by his thoughts. He stood and winced slightly as a jolt of pain shot through his leg. He must've been sitting too long, and with how cold it was, his leg was acting up again. It hadn't been too bad for most of the day, and if he let it show that it was starting to bother him, he would likely be put on bed rest again by the two vampires that had been caring for him.
Louis's words echoed in his head again. If he let himself be turned, he wouldn't have to deal with the pain from his scars anymore. It sounded nice. He had dealt with his scars for most of his life at this point. It was hard to recall a time without them.
"Would being a vampire really be so bad?" He muttered quietly to himself.
"Well, it's pretty grand."
The doctor jumped at the sound of Scott's voice from behind him. He turned around to look at the elder vampire.
"Scott."
"So are you actually considering it?" He sounded far too excited.
"Just a bit," He kept his thoughts guarded, though he wasn't sure Scott had the same mind reading capabilities as Louis.
"My, my. I wasn't expecting them to actually convince you."
"I'm not convinced."
"You just said you were considering it."
"That doesn't mean I'm convinced."
The nobleman gave him a sharp-toothed grin and said, "Right. Anywayss, what have those said to get you on our side?"
"I don't see how that's any of your business."
Scott groaned.
"Why do none of you tell me anything?"
"Maybe because it's none of your business," Legundo said bluntly, a bit snappish.
"That's not how gossiping works, dearie!"
"This isn't something for you to gossip about!" The doctor exclaimed.
The elder vampire huffed, "But I wanna know!"
Legundo just sighed and walked away. He returned to Louis and Owen's room. He'd been staying there more and more since his (rather forceful) return to the castle. He found he didn't actually mind staying. He was rather fond of the two vampires. He was finally starting to admit to himself that he had feelings for them.
He still had that question rattling around in his head. Would becoming a vampire really be so bad? Other than the bloodthirst, there were plenty of upsides. One of them being that he would get to spend more time with Louis and Owen than he would if he stayed human. And he would be able to help more people, if that was what he wanted.
He laid down on the bed, pulling the blankets over himself. Maybe becoming a vampire wasn't so terrible after all. And it would mean getting closer to hopefully leaving this wretched place.
Owen walked in and immediately draped himself over top of the doctor.
"You seem to like doing this," He said softly.
"It keeps you from leaving."
"I'm not sure I still want to leave…"
Owen perked up, his eyes bright with curiosity and excitement.
"Have you finally decided to accept the gift?"
"Welllll, I will say that I am considering it."
Owen smiled brightly and snuggled into the doctor.
"Do you know who you might want to turn you?"
"I'm not too sure… Both of you seem pretty eager."
"We're mostly just excited you're finally taking us up on our offer."
"I haven't actually accepted anything yet," Legundo said quickly. Owen pouted a bit.
"What did you mean "we"? Have you already told Louis?"
"Yeah!"
"How?? Is it that silent communication the two of you share?"
"So you picked up on that, did you?"
The doctor nodded.
"Well, yes, that's exactly how. And it's not just between the two of us. Any vampire in a coven can communicate that way."
"Is there a limit to it?"
"Not that I know of. I just know you have to be in a coven, though sire-fledgling bonds are exempt from that rule according to Louis."
"What else do you know?" The doctor's voice was full of pure curiosity.
"You can become a vampire and find out for yourself if you'd like."
The veteran went quiet at that. It was a very clever play on Owen's end, using the doctor's curiosity to get him to turn. And it was very tempting, especially since he had already been considering it.
"Yeah. Actually, I think I will turn."
Owen perked up with the biggest smile on his face. It was adorable.
"You mean it?"
The doctor nodded.
"Alright! Who do you want to turn you?"
"Whoever is easier for you two. I don't want to be a burden."
That sentiment earned him a sharp nip to the neck.
"You lovable dumbass, you will never be a burden to either of us!"
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely 1,000% positive."
"If you say so."
"I do say so! Now, who do you want to turn you?"
"Well—"
"And do not say whoever is easiest. If you say that, I'm having Scott turn you."
Legundo scrunched up his face. He was not going to be turned by someone like Scott.
"Well, I trusted you first."
Owen's expression lit up again.
"Alright, but I don't wanna get the bed messy, so let's do it at the desk."
He got up and pulled the doctor up, supporting him when his leg started to give out.
"Careful, doc."
He led him over to the desk and sat down, pulling the younger man into his lap.
"So how does this work?" The soon-to-be vampire asked, suddenly feeling a lot younger.
"There are a few ways to do it, but I'm going with the way Louis turned me. I'm going to feed you some of my blood and then drain all or most of yours."
"How will you know when you've given me enough?"
"I'm not actually sure…"
"I'll know," Louis said from the doorway. He walked over.
"I came as quickly as I could. Are you sure about this, Legundo?"
The human nodded.
"Very well then. Let's get started," The former mayor said.
Owen bit his own wrist, drawing blood. He lifted the wound to the veteran's lips. He hesitated for a moment before gently closing his lips around the younger vampire's wrist and beginning to drink. It was oddly cold, but it didn't actually feel terrible going down, and it tasted quite nice.
After a few moments, Owen pulled his wrist away at Louis's guidance. Legundo almost missed it.
"Are you ready?" Owen asked softly, giving the human one last chance to change his mind. He just nodded. The vampire nodded in return and sank his fangs into the other man's neck with all the gentleness he could muster.
Maybe it was just Legundo's mind being strange, but this time felt different from the other times Owen had drank from him.
It was odd though. He could feel himself growing colder as his blood was drained away. He could feel his heart slowing despite its best efforts to keep him alive.
Owen tightened his grip as the dying man's head lolled forward slightly. Louis stepped closer and guided his head to rest out of the way but still in a comfortable position.
Legundo let his eyes drift shut as his heart beat its last. He would be safe, and he would wake up a new man. He would wake up beside the two men he had grown to love.