Healing isn't always easy | Eden

His hoarse broken voice made him shush him softly, leaning down to connect their foreheads. He didn't need to speak. He just needed to take his time to heal.
Finishing up cleaning him he noticed how Eden moved over, sighing at how stubborn he was, but he got into the bed, wrapping his arms around him carefully. He could feel all of the pain; when it came, when it left, when it worsened and lessened. It wasn't an easy circumstance to be in, but this was the cards they had been dealt. He just hoped that Eden wouldn't bear any resentment towards him because of what his blood had done to him.
As he laid there, he filled in the gaps in the vampyre's memories, or at least the parts that Romeo knew. How the twins had been, how Josette, in his eyes, had betrayed them by legalising them. He also spoke about his mother and the fact that she was the reason both of them were still alive because she had come and helped them to a hospital. He told him about the staff, how they had tried to kill him. However he didn't forget the good things. He told him how the vampyre's body had reacted to his touch, to his voice. He told him how far he had come in his recovery, and while some days were still bad, he had gained some weight now. Showing his hand with his ring he smiled a little, proud of how far he had come.
"Seeing you fight for your life .. I guess it really motivated me to do the same," he admitted, though he wasn't sure how it had just happened. His therapist said he was doing better every day, and he had gotten some tools to work with along with a list of foods that he could test himself on on days he felt brave. "I've already told you all of this while you were asleep," he admitted. He had spoken a lot to him while he had been unconscious, and he wasn't afraid to admit it. "Sometimes it felt like you heard me .. and I could feel vague feelings .. but I don't think the doctors really believe me."

He knew that it wasn't good to be in this place, but for now it was necessary. He couldn't bear the thought of bringing Eden home only to have him fall into a slumber once more. Looking at the rings close together made his heart beat a little faster. It wasn't anything special and yet it meant so much, didn't it? He let the vampyre touch him all he wanted, and as he removed his hand he frowned, lifting it back up. "I'm not afraid to feel your pain," he whispered softly, turning his head to kiss the cold hand. Eden was so pale still. Not that he wasn't that normally, but he was more akin to translucent at this point.
He let Eden ride out the pain, just holding him, whispering soothing words as that was honestly all he could do. Kissing his forehead, his cheeks, even daring to kiss his lips rather tenderly, it was clear that Romeo loved him more than ever. He was grateful for him saving his life, but even more relieved to have Eden awake at last. Though he would have to confess to his dark thoughts at a later point, he was sure of it. For now he just wanted to think of life.
"I've started looking at apartments," he admitted, wanting to distract him from the pain a little if he could. "There's a few very nice ones in Central; It's close to work and one of them even has a small garden," he could always show the pictures at some point. Nuzzling his nose to his forehead, breathing in his faint scent he sighed, "I've been offered the head seat at the Trevino Corporation," he said, needing to come clear about it, "I haven't given my answer yet .. But I will have to soon enough." He knew he couldn't wait forever, and yet he wasn't sure what to do. He had always spoken about having his own firm, and this would effectively be it, but he wondered if he even wanted to continue that legacy. In fact he was contemplating shutting the business down and use the assets to fond a new one, just for the hell of it.

Even if Romeo wasnt afraid, Eden didnt want him to feel it. It was cruel and unforgiving. It was like his insides burned like never before and yet he wasnt even warm in the slightest. He was actually colder now that his body was using so much of his energy on healing and beating the infection. Eden was good at disguising the pain, but Romeo would be able to see right through him anyway. Which was probably good. He listened to the soothing words, closing his eyes as he tried to focus on that rather how his body felt like it was being pulled and scrunched at the same time. Why did pain have to be such a complicated feeling? An apartment in Central sounded nice. But then there was the mention of the firm. It felt a little sudden but it had to mean that Lucius had finally succumbed to his wounds. “School?” He asked in a hoarse tone. Would the apartment give him room to study? Even if he had been offered a whole firn, there were still a basis of education that was needed to really take over.

Romeo chuckled softly at the hoarse but simple question, "I have my final exam in a couple of weeks .. I'm surprised they are even letting me, seeing as I didn't really finish my whole time as an intern," but then again he had always had amazing grades and nepotism probably was at play too. Not that he minded, it just meant he could get on with his life. "I've been studying just fine here at the hospital with you," he knew he was overburdening himself again, but this was just for a brief period. A period that was soon coming to an end, and his life felt like it could finally begin.
"You're so cold," he muttered softly, pressing him a little closer. Even if Eden didn't need the heat, it was clear Romeo wanted to soothe him. The feeling of their skin pressed together had always made both of them relax more. He kissed his forehead gently, just staying close to him. "We're going to be a family .. You and I .." he smiled, closing his eyes as he just wanted to feel Eden like he was right now. Sure, the pain was uncomfortable, but it was a fact they had to deal with. "When you're all better we'll elope .. we'll have the same last name .. we'll be husbands," he muttered, finding all of it so comforting, "my husband."

Hearing the whisper made him feel warm and fuzzy inside, enjoying the soft touches that only the vampyre could provide him with. "Jeg elsker deg," he whispered in return, touching him along his side, just being there for him to provide comfort. "Now you need to rest, alright, the doctors might want to run tests on you later," he sighed. He wasn't a fan of those tests. It seemed like they were endless, but then again they perhaps were.

A few days had passed, and Romeo was sitting by Eden's bed, reading up on his exam. There was a gentle knock at the door and the lycan looked up. He was a bit surprised to see his mother there, as she stood in the doorway not entering before she was allowed to. Romeo looked to Eden, wondering if he would let her in or send her away. Chiara Trevino had reclaimed her last name after divorcing her despicable husband. "Bambino?" she asked, hoping her son would help her with translating as her English wasn't very good for what she wanted to say. That being, if Eden allowed her there.

Chiara stepped in at the vampyre's gesture, holding her handbag neatly with two hands. She nodded at her son as she started to speak Italian, Romeo translating it because she had quite the dialect. "I want to say that I am sorry for what I did to you both," he said, feeling a pit in his stomach because to even hear his proud mother apologize wasn't something that happened ever. This was genuine, he just knew it. "I thought I was doing what was best for the family, for Romeo, and for the life he deserves," she took a breather and Romeo looked to Eden, unsure of what the vampyre thought of all of this. He at least wasn't showing. "I do not expect to be forgiven; I do not expect for my actions to be forgotten; but I do wish that I could've seen you for what you are sooner," Romeo felt himself a little shaky in his voice, mostly because this meant a lot to him, even if it was an apology more so aimed at Eden, as he and his mother had spoken about all of this while Eden had been unconscious.
"My son is the brightest star in my universe; I have loved him as good as I could, but I know that he needs a better and stronger love," he translated, watching as she dug into her purse. From it she took a small and neatly wrapped gift, coming closer and giving it to Eden. Romeo got up, moving over to sit on the bed next to Eden, helping the vampyre unwrap it if needed be. She spoke again, but Romeo cut her off, looking at her with disbelief but she nodded and the young lycan continued his translation. "It is tradition in our family to give a gift when a couple is engaged," unwrapping the gift inside was a small box that clicked open, "and also a gift for when they are officially married." - "This is a Trevino family heirloom, gifted to me upon my engagement, and now I pass it on you you," Romeo's eyes watered, trying to dry them off. In the box was a very neatly and beautifully decorated pocket watch. Antique and very well taken care of. "It is to remind us that while time is fleeting, you must always remember to take the time for your spouse and children."
Chiara took a step away, letting them look at it as she stood there, unsure what the vampyre could say to her. Maybe he would turn her away? Which she couldn't blame him for. "You do not need my approval, nor am I required to witness your day, but I will place my faith in you, Eden Parish, to love my son and always protect him how you have shown to."

Yeah Eden wasnt exactly in a headspace to be translating things in his head, especially an apology so it was good that Romeo did it for him. He however just seemingly listened with an unchanging expression, looking between the lycans while one spoke italian and the other translated it. He wasnt really in a forgiving mood so it was good that she wasnt coming here to ask for it. He however could commend that she was showing up to admit her wrongs. He wasnt much different.
The gift made him frown a little but he let Romeo handle it. The package was quite neat and he did wonder what was inside. When it was revealed to be an engagement gift, his eyes slightly softened but it wouldnt be noticeable for anyone but the lycan by his side. The box was opened and Eden leaned over to look at the watch too, but he also noticed Romeo’s reaction to all of this. It meant a lot to him that his mother had come here to apologize, didnt it? He sat for a moment, looking at the gift before he looked towards the window. “It isnt me who needs to forgive anyone.” He said, because all in all had it only been Lucius and the grandfather that had actually done anything to harm him. But she had hurt Romeo. And for that he wasnt sure if he could forgive her. But he would have to if Romeo was ready to mend the bond. “Thank you for the gift. And for the fact that you chose Romeo.” He said, but it wasnt really all. He however felt that while they were still here, there was no telling when or if one of the twins could possibly show up. “There is one thing that we need, that I do have to ask of you.” He said, grabbing onto his blanket a little as the proud man in him was hating that he even had to ask. “I’ll need someone to sign an apartment. Tempoarily. Where Romeo and I could live. We’ll handle the bills and everything. I just need someone else to be on the papers so Romeo can be safe.” He said, looking at the lycan’s mother with serious eyes.

It did mean a lot to Romeo. That watch he had known about since childhood and his mother would always tease him when he asked to hold it. Now it was his and Eden's. And that meant something. As Eden began speaking, Chiara looked to her son, needing translation and Romeo provided it to her. He could see she was aware of what he was talking about, but her and Romeo would have to figure that out on their own time. This was at least an olive branch.
The mention of an apartment made Chiara a little surprised, but she agreed as she looked to her son and he nodded at her question. Not wanting to overstay her welcome, she bid them a good day and would make sure to handle everything in regards to an apartment. Romeo had promised to send her a link to the apartments he had been looking at. Once she was gone, he turned his eyes back on the watch, carefully touching the engraved gold that looked so intricately sculpted to look like a forest. "You're afraid that your Parish name won't keep me safe anymore," he said in a serious tone as he packed the watch away for safe keeping, putting it in his bag where he wouldn't lose it.

"What?" he said a bit in disbelief, however once he had gotten to think about it, it really made sense. If they were going to be together, it was best if the Parish estate thought him dead. "I'll make sure of it," he promised, his breath shuddering a bit as he thought all of it through. He knew this wasn't technically his fight to take, but he did wonder if they shouldn't just take the time to find a new name. A name that would embrace both of them. Though perhaps Eden wouldn't like that. He was old fashioned after all, but he wanted to say something at least.
"We don't have to be named Parish or Trevino," he said, reaching up to touch Eden's hand that rested against his cheek. It felt soothing. Just feeling his touch, hearing his voice. They were the lucky ones right now. "We could choose our own name; Not be associated with either families and just make our own?" Maybe it was a long shot, but he wanted Eden to know that names weren't too important to him. He leaned in, kissing his lips gently before wanting to listen to what he had to say about it.

He did let Romeo think about it. But the alternative couldnt possibly be better. They needed time to figure out what they wanted before anyone else with some sort of motive for revenge came right to their doorstep. Not that it wasnt his fault. It wasnt like he hadnt been a great help in creating the children that now wanted him dead. Romeo however said something that kind of shocked the vampyre. Maybe it was just because he was old. But it seemed almost forbidden to not take one of the names. He did look thoughtful like he was considering it, frowning as he looked down. “I-… do think that may be what’s for the best of us as well.” He had to admit. Being a Parish at this point was like having a target on their back. And it wasnt like the vampyre was very interested in joining the Trevino family; granted that they werent going to make sure that a vampyre most definitely wouldnt be a part of their family.

"We don't have to make the decision now," he promised the vampyre, knowing that traditions meant a lot to both of them, but especially the vampyre. However after everything that had happened, could they really take the family name of those who had wronged them so much? Wasn't that like bringing forth a bad omen? "I'll handle those papers, and you'll get your rest; I spoke to one of the nurses and he said there might be a chance of you getting out within the week." To Romeo that was good news at least. But then again it was just a nurse whom had heard a rumor, so nothing was set in stone just yet.
Romeo went to take care of the documents as well as making sure his mother knew what apartment he had been looking at that he felt could fit him and Eden's needs. It wasn't anything special, but it would be a home for them. A place where they could be safe, or so he hoped.

His mother had worked quickly, securing them an apartment was easy as long as you could wave a down payment in cash in front of the owner. The apartment was in Chiara's name, but Romeo was listed as the tenant - however that wouldn't be stated anywhere public. Romeo came back into the hospital room, helping Eden pack up. He wasn't sure this was wise, but he could understand the vampyre. It wasn't like the lycan liked being here anyways.
Signing Eden out was a bit of a hassle, but in their files he was technically dead for now. Romeo got them a car and drove them to the apartment. His mother had truly outdone herself, even making sure there was food in the fridge and at least some basic furniture for them. The apartment was quite nice, a small garden and a balcony, a nice open kitchen and a good sized bedroom with a large closet accompanying it. The bathroom was also quite nice and modern; They weren't going to need much right now. "You should have some blood .. And I'll have some food as well," he promised the vampyre. He wasn't liking cooking right now, but he knew that he needed to eat if he wanted to stay in this apartment and not be torn from Eden again.

"Who said anything about vials?" he replied. He knew that the doctors had kept him on very strict blood, so he wasn't going to pretend that a vial would be sufficient. He helped Eden over to sit down in the couch, making sure he was sitting alright before he grabbed his jacket. He didn't like what he was about to do, but they couldn't ask for a live donor to come to their new place, then they would know what was up. "I'll go find you someone to drink from, alright, just .. Please just rest for a bit," he pleaded, leaning down to kiss the vampyre's lips before he had to go.
The night was very young, but Romeo was an attractive guy who drew in a crowd as soon as he went into the nearest bar. He looked around, using his scent to find someone who wouldn't be intoxicated and also was healthy. It was funny how much you could find out from their scent alone. Finding a few women who seemed willing to go back to his place, he hated that he had to pretend to flirt with them. But he needed them. Eden needed them.
Coming back a few hours later, one of the girls giggled as she stepped into the nice apartment, another leaning against Romeo who looked more or less stoic. The third female followed soon after, looking around until she noticed Eden on the couch, "you didn't say anything about a roommate," she sounded a little upset. Romeo locked the door silently, "he's not my roommate, he's my fiancé," he just said, the second girl giggling as she shook her head at how silly he was. He sighed, keeping the attention of the girls on him. "My love, would any of these suffice?" he asked, looking at Eden hoping that this had been worth it.

The sight that met him wasn't a comforting one. He could see that Eden had been in pain, and the blood dried on his chin made him worry. Should they have stayed in the hospital? He wasn't sure he liked this if the vampyre would start getting worse because he didn't know how to take care of him. Regardless, Eden asked for one of the girls, and Romeo left for the kitchen with the other two.
The girl seemed curious, but she moved closer, sitting down in the couch with him. "Anthony is really hot," she smiled, looking a little longingly after where Romeo had went. It was clear the lycan hadn't given her his real name. Either that or she had just made up a name in her mind. "I think Britney and I agreed to a threesome, but I think Jenny might be up for a foursome if she knows he'll be in on it," she wasn't even holding back on how explicitly she wanted Romeo. But that was the curse of the lycan's ability. It often drove his victims a little mad with lust, so much so that they couldn't control themselves.

The girl was very interested, biting her lower lip as she nodded, moving closer, however nothing could prepare her for what happened next. The vampyre was stronger than her, even if he was still suffering, and she tried to scream, but it muffled under his hand. Soon enough she fell limp. Her body relaxing under the paralyzing bite. She was a healthy young woman, so her blood would taste pure and clean. Plus she hadn't consumed alcohol so it was pretty much liquid gold for a sick vampyre like Eden.
Romeo hated doing this. Not because he felt bad for the women, but rather because it felt like he was cheating. He knew he had had to do this, but he didn't like flirting with women when all he truly wanted was the vampyre in the other room. The girls were dull bimbos who only seemed interested in him because of his looks. Eden knew him better than these wasteful girls ever would. The brunette, Jenny leaned against Romeo and watched as he cooked while Britney, the blonde, moved around the kitchen, slowly undressing herself. Jenny seemed to like that idea, joining in, putting on a show for Romeo that he wasn't interested in at all. Skimpy whores, he thought to himself, continuing to cook but it seemed to just fuel the girls' need to have him look to them.

Romeo finished up cooking his dinner, but he couldn't get himself to eat infront of these girls. He had to distract them. "How about we take a shower together?" He smiled, hating having to do so but the girls seemed very interested. He guided them to the bathroom, "make yourself at home .. I'll be with you shortly," and the girls started to giggle. He went and ate a few bites, but frankly his appetite was gone. These girls weren't worth much, but they would serve a purpose.
Finishing up he went to the livingroom where his eyes widened at the sight. "Eden," he breathed out in panic, hurrying over to check on him, "my love, please, what's going on?" He wasn't even sure if Eden knew, but he felt so helpless in all of this. He helped clean him up, but ehat else could he do? "You want me to get you another girl?" He asked carefully. Perhaps this one had been bad.