Chapter Text
Something was wrong with Legundo.
It wasn’t big, it wasn’t obvious. But Owen knew. He knew something was off. It was in the way Legundo moved, sluggish and disoriented. Hidden behind blunt force and ignorance to one’s own self. Owen knew it, because it used to be his daily life. He knew it because now it was Louis’s daily life.
The first time Legundo got sick, Owen had panicked. He did not show it. For that simply wouldn't do any good. He spent the whole day trying to care for Legundo in round about ways so he would not notice. Particularly because of his own pride, and particularly because he knew Legundo was far too stubborn to accept help.
The question came easily to him. The idea dripped into his head like hot honey, sticking into far parts of his brain he had closed off due to irrelevance. The concept felt homely, like when the question had been asked to him. When the gift had been given to him.
“You know we could easily fix this for you right? Then you’d never be sick again.”
It was so sickenly sweet on his tongue that he instinctively assumed Legundo would agree. Some sick and twisted part of his mind thought ‘Of course he’d want that.’
Legundo had frowned, and shook his head.
“I told you before. The cost is too high.”
Suddenly, Owen’s mind had been doused in cold water, and the chilling effect made him frown as well. He should have known that would be his answer. He should have moved on. Should have taken a page from Louis’s book and respected his answer. But suddenly, it was as if a switch had been flipped.
So he just. Kept. Pushing.
It was subtle, at first. Implying the gift again whenever Legundo had a migraine, or whenever his joints hurt from old injuries. Offering it whenever Legundo asked questions about their vampirism for his notes. It got to a point where Legundo no longer asked, instead asking Louis if he had inquiries. But he didn’t stop there.
He commented on how Legundo might look if he were to take the gift. Insisting he would be handsome surely. A vampire doctor? How attractive. Surely he-
“Owen. Please.” He had said, exhaustion evident as he gave Owen such a pleading look he stopped dead in his tracks.
“I don’t want it. Please stop asking.”
Owen felt as if he had been staked. It was an odd feeling, as he had expected to be denied. But the pure and utter sense of disparity in the Doctor's voice hurt him in ways he didn’t think it could. He huffed, upset.
“Fine. Whatever.”
He went hunting that night, blowing off steam.
Owen stopped pushing. But the question still remained.
What if Legundo died before he accepted it?
What if he never accepted it?
What if sickness takes root?
What if Legundo is gone forever?
Humans are so fragile.
They would outlive him.
He would die.
They would live.
Louis had sensed his frustration, and tried to calm him down. Owen did not. He could not. It was not in his nature.
He was angry.
Angry at Legundo, for being so stubborn.
Angry at humanity, for being so short.
Angry at himself, for being unable to let it go.
“You are sick.” Owen commented as they sat at the breakfast table in their current residence. Legundo huffed, shaking his head, his movements sluggish. Owen could practically smell the fever from where he sat.
“It’s just a cold. I’ll just work from home today.” Legundo sniffed, his hands shaky as he took a bite out of his toast. Owen glowered at him, fighting off the growl that was rising in his throat.
“Nonsense.” Owen huffed, his claws digging into the skin on his legs through the fabric.
“You should rest. You really are not looking well.” He tried to keep his frustration to a minimum, as it was not Legundo’s fault he was sick.
(But it was. It was his fault. If he accepted the gift this wouldn't happen. If he just-)
“It’s alright Owen, I’ll take it easy today.” Legundo promised with a chuckle. It made Owen bristle, but he forced himself to calm down.
Owen had let himself believe Legundo. But he kept a close eye on him.
Over the next few days, Legundo did not get better. In fact, Owen was certain he was getting worse. Even Louis noticed, and a quiet panic began to settle between the pair as they tried to figure out what was wrong. It took a whole week before Legundo finally admitted something might be wrong. It only took him fainting and coughing up blood for him to admit it.
Owen was livid. But he still did not push.
Louis took him to the doctors that very hour. Leaving Owen at home. He could not handle doctors' offices. It was for his benefit. But it made him even more destructive.
He screamed, destroying everything in sight.
He tore up the bedsheets, he broke two chairs, he scratched up the table, he ripped up the couch cushions. He yelled and yelled until someone knocked on their door, asking if he was alright. He had snapped at them, and shut the door in their face.
He cried then, leaning against the door, fear gripping him tight as memories and scenarios that hadn’t happened clouded his mind, pushing him somewhere else as he slid down the doorframe. He sat there, not breathing, only crying and crying until he couldn’t anymore.
Eventually he pulled himself up, feeling an intense sense of worry and concern flood through Louis’s side of the bond. Owen hadn’t even felt Louis there in his rage, and he suddenly realised Louis must have felt all of it. He sent back a weak comfort, before setting to work cleaning up his mess.
12 hours, 37 minutes and 43 seconds. That was how long they were gone. It took Owen 10 hours, 20 minutes and 3 seconds to clean up his mess. To fix the chairs, repair the table, sew the cushions and bin the bedsheets. He counted. He counted and counted because if he didn’t he would break down again. Owen was convinced the doctor was dead. He had blocked off his and Louis’s bond. Because if Legundo was dead he would be able to feel it. He would be able to feel the grief. He’d feel the sorrow and he would know. And being unsure was better than knowing.
The door opened at 4:34 am. Owen heard it, and he almost felt sick as he walked down the hall and to the door. He paused as he saw Louis closing the door behind him. Alone.
They stared at each other, and Owen’s gaze darkened.
“Where’s Legs?” He asked, his voice low in a manner he had never ever used against Louis. Never his Angel.
“He’s not dead.” Louis confirmed with a tight look, his hands shaking. Owen found that wasn't as comforting as it should be.
“Where is he?” He asked slowly, not moving his eyes away from where they were locked with Louis’s.
Louis did not look away either, for Owen’s gaze never seemed to intimidate him.
“He’s being prepped to be moved to hospital. In the capitol.” Louis choked, clutching his middle. Owen continued to stare, shaking his head slightly as if what Louis was saying wasn’t true. But he knew it was.
“Why?” He couldn’t bring himself to say more. His throat was tight and his fists were clenched so hard at his side his claws were piercing his skin.
“He- the doctors say it’s his heart,” Louis stuttered, his lips wobbling and tears forming in his eyes. “They say it can be treated.. but..” Louis trailed off, his voice filled with an emotion Owen did not want to hear. Owen wanted to break something. But instead he stepped forward, and wrapped Louis in a hug.
Louis finally broke, sobbing into Owen’s shoulder as the Lumberjack held him tightly. In a firm grip that made him feel more in control than he was. His anger was bubbling, he was on the brink of collapse. But he had to care for Louis. Louis wouldn’t be able to take it if Owen lost control. Not if Legundo wasn’t here.
So Owen poured all his anger into being gentle. He poured it into his hands where he rubbed circles into Louis’s back, he used it to power his body into moving, into packing his and Louis’s bags. He used it to help Louis up, holding him tight as they left the building, paying the man who rented it to them and went back to the clinic. He used it to keep himself together as he and Louis walked to where the carriage was waiting, two Doctors and a driver sat with solemn looks as if Legundo was already dead and they were to drive the body to the funeral home.
Owen couldn’t see Legundo, as they were not allowed on the same carriage. The clinic was kind enough to bring another for them, so they could follow them all the way to the capital. It took 29 hours 54 minutes and 56 seconds to get there. And it took another hour, 22 minutes and 4 seconds to make it to the hospital.
Louis paid for everything, using up every last bit of his wealth he had accumulated towards giving him the best chance of life. The doctors looked relieved they could afford the treatment, but looking at them all Owen felt was disdain.
Abolish met them there, and weirdly enough Owen had expected him. He paid for half the treatment, despite not needing too as Louis had more than enough. But he had insisted, a tight look in his features that betrayed his worry. He helped them find a hotel to stay at near the hospital for the foreseeable future.
Owen finally got to see Legundo a day after arriving at the hospital. Laying in a bed with all manner of things poking out of him. He looked pale, and so not like his Doctor. He couldn’t stay. He felt sick anytime he entered the room. Owen tried to walk the halls of the hospital, but every doctor or nurse he saw sent him spiralling. He hated doctors. He hated clinics, he hated hospitals and hated any medical environments. Louis forced him to stay at the hotel.
Owen knew it was for the best, but he couldn’t help but feel an obligation to stay at Legundo’s bedside like Louis did. He wanted to. But he just couldn’t. It was too much. And that made him angry.
The Goldsmith’s came to visit. They had gone to see Legundo, stopping by the hotel on their way back. Shelby had wrapped him in a hug the second she saw him, and Owen hugged her back. He buried his face into her white hair, drinking in the scent of ink, paper and strawberries. Scott, Avid and Drift didn’t stay long. Scott had given him such a look of pity it made him want to rip his throat out, and Avid had made one to many more sympathetic comments than he would like. He didn’t mind Drift. But they were not close. So he wasn't surprised when she left with them.
Pyro stayed, insisting on making something for Owen to eat. Owen used to hate Pyro. He was needy and overzealous. He had put on such a front Oakhurst, following after Scott. Too much fake ego, it had made him sick.
But now, Pyro was quiet. He was everything you would think of in a scholar. Owen thought it was because of Scott’s new found domesticated nature, but Owen knew it to be untrue.
Owen never said it aloud, but he always felt Pyro shouldn’t be living with his abuser. Even if they were surrounded by people who treated them nicely and acknowledged what had happened to them. It left a bitter taste in his mouth. But Pyro never complained.
Pyro and Shelby stayed with him the whole day and into the night. Louis came home for an hour to bathe and get changed, saying quick and tired greetings to the fledglings, giving Owen a kiss and leaving once more. Owen had never felt so hollow.
Shelby, bless her heart, tried to distract him with card games. The three of them played for hours, until Owen finally cracked a smile when the siblings started pelting cards at each other and rolling around on the carpet. It was short lived though, as they had to leave eventually. The Goldsmiths lived in the capitol, so Shelby gave him their address and wrapped him in another hug. Owen had held back tears as he held her close.
“We’ll visit again tomorrow okay?” She said sweetly.
“Okay.” Owen nodded, watching as the pair walked down the hallway and down the stairs. He closed the door, then crawled into bed and passed out.
He woke the next day to the sound of footsteps and a push of the shoulder. Shelby and Pyro had come back as they had said.
“You left the door unlocked and didn’t answer the door.” Pyro explained as Shelby crawled into the bed beside a bleary Owen, pulling him into another hug. He frowned, huffed vaguely in response as he melted into Shelby’s hold for just a moment, before forcing himself up to face the day.
Pyro made him breakfast. Apparently he, Shelby and Drift had been trying to figure out how to make a vampire diet interesting. And Owen had no idea what they had done or how they had done it, but somehow they had made a bowl of meat taste completely different. The meal Pyro had made him the day before had been just as good, so he didn’t complain when the bowl was pushed in front of him and he was made to eat.
He ate in silence as the Fledglings talked at him, including him gently with yes or no questions so he wouldn’t have to speak. He finished the bowl quicker than he would have liked, but didn’t request another.
Some time during the day Owen built up the courage to go visit Legundo. Pyro and Shelby accompanied him as he walked down towards the hospital, and let him take his time as he stood outside it for a moment. When Shelby had asked him the first day why he wasn’t with Legundo he had snapped at her, saying it was none of her business. But seeing her hurt expression had made his throat tight, and he admitted he was apprehensive towards medical environments due to his time as a human. But he had not elaborated, and she did not push.
And neither pushed now, as he took slow and measured steps up to where Legundo’s room was. Instead, they told him stories of their travels. Stories he had heard from their letters, and stories he hadn’t. It was nice, counting each step up to the room, while having the fledglings as a calming white noise to block out the sounds of the hospital.
He entered Legundo’s room silently, feeling a sense of pride at the look Louis gave him. Something akin to relief at his presence, but also a tense worry. As if Owen was an explosive waiting to go off. Owen kept silent as he pulled over a chair, sitting directly beside Louis and taking his Fiancé’s hand in his.
Shelby and Pyro talked with Louis, while Owen watched Legundo. He was still asleep. They were waiting for the surgery that was scheduled for the next evening, so he was still hooked up to several machines with a Doctor constantly coming in and checking his condition. Owen tried to focus on the people around him, to keep himself grounded. It was working for the most part. He reached out and took Legundo’s hand in his free one, the voices of his Lover and Fledglings melting into the background as he listened to Legundo’s heartbeat.
It was stuttery. And slow. Far too slow to be a good sign. But he knew he would be okay. He hoped he would be okay. Everyone was saying he was stable, and the surgery would help. He hadn’t asked the average success rate of the surgery. He did not want to know what the odds of never seeing his boyfriend again would be.
Time ticked by, and Owen stayed with Louis long into the night. Pyro and Shelby left, and a thick silence filled the room. The only sound being Legundo’s slow heartbeat. Eventually, Louis stood up, placing a kiss on Legundo's forehead and helping Owen up and out of the room. They walked back to the hotel together, hand in hand, not bothering to care who saw them.
It was an unnerving silence, and Owen felt it on him this time to break it. So he did. When they got to the hotel he made simple conversation, he told Louis about the Fledglings and what they did while they visited. He talked about how much he loved him and he wanted him to be okay. He and Louis set about making a bath, holding each other close in the warm water as for once: Owen was doing all the talking.
“I don’t know why it’s hitting me so hard,” Louis finally said after a beat of silence. “I have had mortal companions before. And they left me long ago. I should be used to this feeling of dread.”
Owen pursed his lips, resting his head on Louis’s shoulder as the soap bubbles started to fade into the water.
“He won’t die.” Owen said, but both of them knew that wasn’t true. Even if he didn’t die now, it was inevitable.
The next day they stayed in the hospital waiting room while Legundo underwent surgery. It was a painfully long time sitting and waiting. But Owen had sat in a hole for 200 years, sitting on a chair for a few hours wouldn't kill him. Louis paced the office a few times, before settling in beside Owen and staying deathly still, lost in thought.
8 hours, 45 minutes and 23 seconds was how long it took for a doctor to come to them with information.
“He’s stable. We’ll need to keep him here for the next few days to make sure everything’s gone well,” The nurse said absentmindedly, as if she hadn’t just told them something so important. “But after that it’s strict bed rest for a while.”
The nurse left, and Owen and Louis cried in relief.
They were not permitted to see him until the next day, and were ushered out of the hospital, so they went back to the hotel. The second the door closed they both cheered in relief. But the battle wasn't over until Legundo was in their care once more. So they washed up, packed their bags and cleaned the room. They ate dinner, then went to bed, curled up in each other's arms for the first time in days.
The next morning all the Goldsmiths arrived, showing their relief for Legundo’s condition. Owen knew that most of them were not that close to Legundo, so he did not understand why they insisted on being so involved. They left soon after they arrived, letting them know their home was open to them any time. Scott had begrudgingly agreed, as it was technically his home they were offering.
Abolish came by just as they were about to leave for the hospital, walking with them with that same steady confidence of a true hunter. He seemed less tense now.
When they got to Legundo’s room, Cleo and Pearl were there. They had only gotten news of Legundo’s condition many days after his initial admittance, and were only now arriving due to the secluded nature of Oakhurst. Legundo was not awake, but the Doctors said it was to be expected and he would wake for short periods during the next few days.
So all of them stayed. Pearl would occasionally leave to get food for the group, before returning as fast as she could. The group struck up easy conversation, leaving Owen to brood in a corner as he stared at his sleeping lover. The rest of the group were familiar with each other, and conversation came easy to them. Owen did not mind, as Louis was seeming in much better spirits, responding with his usual calm enthusiasm.
Legundo woke an hour and half later, groaning in discomfort as he attempted to move. Everyone in the room made panicked noises and attempted to stop him from moving. Legundo blinked groggily as he looked around the room, before finally registering what was happening and settled back down. Louis let out a pleased chirp, wrapping Legundo in a tight hug with a relieved laugh. Legundo was startled for a moment before wrapping Louis in his arms with a content sigh.
Owen felt his body relax, but he said and did nothing as the pair parted and Legundo’s gaze landed on him.
“Whats with the sour face?” He joked weakly, reaching a hand out to Owen but not quite reaching him. Owen took the hand in his own and squeezed it in what he hoped was a threatening manner.
“Never. Ever scare us like that again Doctor.”
Legundo laughed, nodding as he ignored the pure look of raging concern from Owen, turning his gaze to everyone else in the room.
“I agree with dark and brooding for once Doc.” Cleo sighed dramatically, giving him an affectionate pat on the shoulder. Legundo chuckled, still pale and exhausted where he lay in the bed but he nodded.
“I’ll try my best.”
Abolish set them up with a more long term place of residence for Legundo’s recovery, a bigger house in close range to the hospital. It was simple, but good. And Legundo was not happy about it.
“I can walk, I’ll just take it easy.” He huffed as he tried to pull himself out of bed for the third time that day. They had only just gotten him home and situated.
“Absolutely not.” Owen hissed, forcing him back into the bed with as much force as he could without worrying about hurting him.
“Owen-“
“No he’s right.” Louis sighed, placing a tray of food on Legundo’s knee as he glowered stubbornly.
“You are not leaving this room until the recommended time. Then you will be taking it even easier than your definition of ‘easy.’”
Owen felt the familiar question drip into his mind over the next few days, leading to an uncomfortable sticky feeling every time he and Legundo were alone. It wasn’t often. But when they were, Owen would find himself slipping into that old habit once more.
“It could save you. You wouldn’t have to go through that again.”
“No Owen.” He had snapped, but instead of giving up, Owen kept going. He got angry.
“Doctor I don’t understand why you have to be so stubborn-“
“The cost is-“
“‘too high!’ I know I know. But you don’t have to hurt anyone, you know this!” He hissed as he paced the room, his fists clenched at his sides as Legundo tensed.
“I’m not talking about the diet, Owen I’m talking about me.”
Owen stared at him, taking it in before he scoffed, letting the words truly sink in. It made his blood boil even more as he growled at Legundo.
“You? How could you possibly be the cost? Do you really hate yourself that much? Do you really hate your life that much?” He spat, baring his fangs in a way he had sworn to Louis never to do towards the ones he loved again.
“Owen, that's not fair.” Legundo sighed, exhausted and upset.
“What isn’t ‘fair’ Doctor is how you somehow believe you having this- shortened lifespan to those around you will fix anything!” Owen seethed, his voice getting significantly louder as he stalked closer to the bed. Legundo did not waver however.
“I told you before. I did my damage. I’ll fix it as much as I can and then I’ll be gone.”
He spoke it like scripture. Like some holy words that suddenly made everything make sense. Like those pointless ramblings of the church Owen had heard his entire life, giving reason to his condition and faulting it for his dirty sinful soul.
“Don’t you think you could do more good? You could help anyone-“
“I don’t deserve eternity Owen. The world is better off without me in it.”
“You don’t get to decide that.” Owen said coldly, pointing a clawed finger in Legundo’s direction.
“You being dead, would cause more harm than good,” He hissed slowly, his anger simmering into a quiet volume, dangerous and tight.
“You don’t get to just roll over and give up. We have all done things worthy of being labelled sinful. It isn’t a matter of deserving, it’s about doing what is necessary.”
“It’s still my choice.” Legundo glowered in response, a steady anger settling over the Doctor in a way Owen had not seen before.
“I am lucky enough to be so fortunate to hold you and Louis’s company. I cannot be so selfish to accept the gift of having it for eternity.”
“Selfish.” Owen echoed, stepping away from Legundo’s bed and turning to the wall.
“Selfish?” He said again, his claws twitching at his side.
“What is selfish is your incessant need to have this moral obligation.” He hissed.
“Do you ever stop to wonder what your death would mean for those around you? You should have seen Louis while you were in hospital. I don’t think he would be able to take it.”
“I know.” Legundo responded, his voice thick with emotion. Owen didn’t turn to look at him. He sat in the tense silence, until the anger and frustration became too much and yelled. He growled, slashing his claws against the wall of the bedroom in a fit of rage. Deep gashes from his claws slowly started to embed into the wall with the force of his blows, smaller scratch marks lining them as he finally breathed out in a deep sigh, stepping back.
“I’m going hunting.” He spat. He didn’t look at Legundo. He left the room, slamming the door with such force the frame creaked in protest and the wall seemed to shake. He saw Louis, standing in the hallway with a look of desperation on his face, and Owen knew he had heard it all. He ignored his fiancé, leaving the house and transforming into a bat. He flew to the nearest wood land and took his rage out on every living thing there.
Deciding to be petty, he did not return home for two nights. Instead he roamed the forest, killing anything he saw, eating what he could and stock piling the rest. He ignored Louis’s worried feelings through the bond, only sending back enough reassurance that his partner knew he was safe and alive.
When he did eventually come back, he didn’t speak to Legundo. Louis was tense, and he knew this wasn’t helping ease his worries any, but he couldn’t help it. He was worried he would bite Legundo’s head off if he tried to talk to him again. Louis tried to be gentle, pulling him away and asking what had happened as if he didn’t already know. Owen told him anyway.
“Darling, you can’t force him to make that decision. It’s a big deal.. and not everyone is happy with our lifestyle-“
“I know. But that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.” Owen snapped, before recoiling. He hated being mad at Louis; he didn’t do anything to deserve it. Louis sighed sadly, cupping Owen’s face loosely.
“You don’t. I’m not happy about it either but you can’t take it out on Legundo.” Louis insisted.
Owen sighed, but nodded through gritted teeth.
He didn’t apologise for another night, sleeping on the couch while Louis hovered anxiously between rooms. The next morning while Louis was out shopping, Owen went into the bedroom with a bowl of meat and blood for himself, sitting on the floor beside the bed and eating quietly. Legundo didn’t say anything either, just eating his own breakfast Louis had made him before leaving.
The silence soon became suffocating, and when Owen finished his food he sighed, his ears twitching.
“I’m still mad at you,” He started, placing his bowl on the hardwood floor.
“I know.” Legundo agreed simply, still eating his food slowly.
“…but I’m not going to take it out on you.” Owen grimaced, still looking away from Legundo, who said nothing in return.
Another uncomfortable silence extended into the room, and Owen was starting to think maybe Legundo would never speak to him again.
“Okay.” Legundo said quietly, so quietly Owen wasn’t sure anyone without supernatural hearing would hear it.
“Okay.” He confirmed, a sense of relief crawling through him as he settled against the side of the bed.
A tentative truce was reached at that moment, and they carefully walked around it the following weeks of Legundo’s recovery. Louis seemed to just be glad they were on talking terms again, and weren’t fighting every other afternoon. Owen tried to ignore the sticky feeling in his chest. He tried to ignore the dread for the future and what that could mean for Legundo.
Every time Legundo would wince or groan in pain, Owen couldn’t help but give Legundo an intense stare. Sometimes they’d lock eyes, and Owen knew that Legundo understood what he was thinking. Sometimes he’d shake his head, as if Owen had voiced the thought, other times he ignored it. But Owen was just glad he was okay.
About a month after the incident Legundo started to get back to his work. Mostly just paperwork and check ups at local clinics, but eventually he started practicing again. Louis and Owen would hover around the residence they would stay at waiting for him to come home, then take care of him when he got home. Legundo didn’t enjoy their fussing, but it was difficult to shake after something like that.
Abolish visited frequently during this time, much to Legundo’s excitement, but once Legundo was back on his feet Abolish returned to the shadows. Cleo made an effort to visit before they started travelling again, before returning with Pearl to Oakhurst. The Goldsmiths stayed in the capitol, saying their farewells as they left for farther afield once more.
Louis tried to convince Legundo that maybe they should stay in the city for a while, just until he was completely back to normal. But Legundo insisted that he should get back to helping people who needed it more. They all knew Legundo wouldn’t be as healthy as he had been. Having something like that happen at his age would leave him weaker, and Owen hated it. But Owen and Louis took it in stride, helping whenever they could to ease Legundo’s struggle.
“I’m scared of what will happen to you.” Louis said quietly to Legundo one day, Owen hiding behind the door, listening in.
“But I won’t force you to stay with us forever. I know this is important to you.” Louis had insisted, his voice cracking slightly.
“I’m not going to leave you.” Legundo promised, but Louis felt no comfort through their bond.
“No.” Louis confirmed, “but I think death would be worse.”
Owen knew that wasn’t true. If Legundo was alive and chose to leave them forever, he thinks it would hurt worse. He knew Louis thought that too. But maybe Louis was desperate. Maybe he was starting to wish Legundo would accept the gift too. But Louis was too kind to ask that question. He was too understanding to beg him to stay with them. So these conversations were all they had.
Owen left them to it, deciding to make dinner for once.
Things finally started to feel normal two months after the incident, and Owen was glad for it. They continued to travel, until they noticed Legundo was starting to slow down. He would work, come home and then sleep. Sometimes he’d miss meals and they would have to try to keep him awake long enough to stomach something. All the travelling was really taking it out of him. Owen was worried his health was deteriorating again, but Legundo insisted it was just from all the stress. He was ‘getting too old for all the adventure’ as he put it.
“Why don’t we settle down then?” Louis suggested one evening over dinner, Legundo finally having a day off before they had to leave town.
“How so?” Legundo asked between bites of his potatoes.
“Well.. why don’t we buy a house? Maybe in some town that needs a good doctor, with a forest nearby.” Louis blushed, his ears twitching. But Legundo’s gaze drifted as he slowly nodded, and Owen found the idea.. actually appealing. His whole life he hadn’t really had a home. His home was Legundo and Louis.
“I mean.. we've been travelling for almost two years now, and there are plenty of towns we could settle down in.. if you wanted.” Louis tried to reason, an anxious energy clouding his eyes as he flitted between the pair. Owen smiled, nodding along.
“I like the idea.” He affirmed, taking in how Louis’s shoulders relaxed at the agreement, before turning to Legundo- who ultimately held the final decision.
Legundo nodded, humming in thought before sighing with a smile.
“I don’t see why not. It could be good for us.. to calm down for a while.” He agreed, taking a sip of the juice Owen had got him as opposed to coffee. Louis lit up, clapping his hands together.
“Wonderful! We’ll have to start considering our options.”
So they got to planning. Legundo finished up all the jobs he had scheduled while Louis and Owen considered all the towns they had visited. There were some things that were necessary for them to want to live there, so Louis made a list.
They needed to live by a forest, with some sort of woodworking job nearby for Owen. They needed a town that needed better Doctors, probably in a place where general medical care might be hard to come by, and the town needed to be close enough to the capitol and Oakhurst so they didn’t have to travel weeks to visit their loved ones or send letters.
With all that in mind they slowly started crossing off towns until they were only left with a few. When Legundo was free of his duty for a while, they set out to these towns to scope them out. They had visited them before of course, but now they were looking for the aspects of them that would make them wish to live there. It was quite therapeutic actually. Owen had been getting used to the domesticity of his life now, but there was something so different about searching for a place to be his own with his favourite people.
“Why don’t I make us a house?” Owen offered one night as they were considering their final options of towns before going into the actual house buying process. Louis lifted his head with a hum.
“Build us a house?” He questioned with a smile. Legundo raised his head from his paperwork.
“I mean yeah I’ve done it before.” Owen shrugged, feeling heat rising to his cheeks.
“I thought Sausage built your house in Oakhurst?” Legundo questioned, placing his pen down to properly get involved in this conversation.
“I mean- Yes he is much better at making pretty houses.. but I had made a house for myself when I was human I mean.” Owen corrected him, suddenly feeling his suggestion was a little silly.
“It was quite a nice house for the limited supplies you had. And given your condition.” Louis agreed with a smile.
“Yes- and I could probably make us a nicer, bigger house with better supplies. And given I’m not sick anymore and I have help..” He exasperated slightly, gesturing vaguely with his hand as the pair considered it.
“And well.. Louis you were always better at knowing what looks nice as opposed to practical so if we all help I could make us something nice.”
Legundo nodded slightly and Louis smiled in thought.
“It is quite a romantic thought. Building a house together.” Louis gushed, placing a hand on his cheek with a sigh like the hopeless romantic he is. Legundo chuckled at that, nodding in agreement.
“I like the idea. And it means we can make it exactly how we want it. We just need to buy the land.”
Owen felt a new found excitement light up at the idea of a new project as Louis started to get visibly excited.
“Oh yes! And I have enough money to get us whatever we need.” He did not say it boastfully, just a fact, and that always made Owen love him even more.
“And we’ve been saving up pretty well so I don’t see why not.” Legundo agreed, causing Owen to nod in contained excitement.
With that settled, finding the place they wanted to live was a lot easier. They settled on a town they visited regularly, that was covered in forests and sprawling flower fields. They bought a piece of land that was covered in forest, and Owen set to work for two days cutting enough down to make room for a house and a path into town while Legundo and Louis stayed at the local inn. They had stayed there before and had become friendly with the owner and quite a few locals to the point of returning regularly. So staying in this town made sense.
Louis and Owen had poured their hearts out into designing a beautiful home for them, and Owen hoped he could make the vision happen. Legundo put in a few ideas for the design but otherwise he didn’t mind what the house looked like.
Legundo applied for a job at the local clinic, and was hired immediately as he already was in very high regard by the staff and town during his last visits. Owen was considering applying for a woodworking apprenticeship in the wealthier part of town, but decided on focusing on the house first.
The local carpenter and woodworker actually heard of what the trio were doing in the forest and set off down Owen’s newly made path to find Owen setting up the frame for their house. He had been fascinated with Owen’s work and admitted they didn’t really have a lumberjack around and he was always too busy to gather wood himself. Owen shrugged and suggested that he could supply wood for him as he was a lumberjack by trade. The carpenter had been grateful and insisted he’d pay well.
Owen was quite pleased with the outcome as he continued to build the first story of the house.
“Uhm Owen..” Louis said timidly as he helped organise the chest of supplies. Owen hummed in response, setting up the flooring for the second floor as he leaned over the side to talk to Louis.
“This Uhm, this wouldn't happen to be a place for a fireplace right?” He was obviously trying to look less anxious than he was, shuffling about near the start of a stone fireplace coming from the side of the house. Owen flinched, he knew he would have to have a conversation like this sometime.
“It is..” He started, hopping down from the building and onto the grass where Louis was standing.
“Oh! Er- okay.” Louis smiled, turning back around to organise the chests, despite them already being organised due to his earlier efforts.
“Louis..” Owen huffed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck as he walked over to his Partner.
“I know you don’t like fire, but we need a way to heat the house in winter.” He tried to reason, and Louis nodded.
“Why can’t we use those heater things- uh radiators?” Louis tried. Another fun human invention the pair enjoyed, as they didn’t need to have a fireplace in every room to heat a house.
“We can only afford to have those in some places. So we chose upstairs.” Owen explained, placing a hand on Louis’s shoulder and turning him around.
“I’m going to put it in an isolated room so when it’s lit you don’t have to see it. And it’ll have a grate.” He insisted, cupping Louis’s face and pressing a kiss to his cheek.
Louis frowned but nodded, uncertainty and a bit of fear flowing through their bond. Owen sent comfort back, sharing a kiss with his fiancé before turning back to continue his work.
The second story of the house was faster now that he had a layout, so all he had to do was build upwards. He built the walls along the outside then made the separate rooms. The first story was complete so Legundo and Louis set about installing utilities while Owen finished up the top half.
“It’s lopsided.” Owen grumbled dejectedly, staring at the roof from the back of the house, facing towards the deeper forest area.
“You can’t even notice, love.” Louis insisted fondly, tilting his head in slight confusion as he tried to see what Owen was seeing. Legundo walked over, wiping his brow and also began examining it.
“..now that you mention it..” He started, also tilting his head as he looked at the roof.
“See!” Owen exasperated, putting his arms out to gesture towards the build.
Louis sighed in slight amusement, “It’s really not that big of an issue. It’s functional.”
“It’s annoying my happiness!” Owen grumbled dramatically, causing Legundo to chuckle.
“No one’s going to be looking at the back. Besides, the front is perfect.” Louis smiled, placing a hand on Owen’s shoulder as he grumbled. He was too tired to fix it, especially when they were so close to their house being properly finished. And Louis was right, it was an irritating error that he only noticed because he built the thing. It was causing no harm to the house itself.
Once everything was built up, Owen set to work crafting much of the furniture. Louis insisted on buying some of the items needed so Owen wouldn’t overwork himself. Owen agreed, but ensured that he was the one who made their bed. He made several tables, a coffee table for the living room, an island for the kitchen, two beds (one for them and one for the guest room) and two desks.(one for the main bedroom and one for Legundo’s office.) The rest of the furniture and decorations were bought by Legundo and Louis.
“What do we think?” Owen asked nervously as they stood in their patio garden that Louis insisted on having. They had just finished putting the last bit of furniture together and into their respective rooms, and we’re about to start moving all their belongings into the places they belonged.
“It’s perfect.” Louis sighed softly, giving Owen a kiss of gratitude before Legundo followed suit.
“I think you deserve a vacation for all your hard work.” Legundo smiled as they parted and Owen let his shoulders relax.
“I could sleep for years, that's for sure.” He chuckled.
With that, they began to unpack and sort through their belongings, placing them neatly into drawers, cupboards, wardrobes and shelves. Louis had plenty of books he had left with his coven, going on a trip to retrieve them before placing each and every one on the bookshelves around the house.
“Tango says hi.” Louis grinned, placing a bottle of alcoholic crimson and normal wine into the cupboard from his trip.
Soon the house felt full, and they settled for their first night inside it. Laying on the handcrafted bed with the sheets Louis had bought. Owen curled up under Legundo’s arm while Louis tucked himself against Legundo’s other side.
“You really have outdone yourself my love.” Louis praised, reaching across Legundo’s chest and taking Owen’s hand in his. Owen chirped happily, nuzzling closer to his partner.
“It was a team effort.” He mumbled sleepily.
“This is the best gift I have ever been given.” Legundo said softly, and the vampires knew he meant it.
Owen smiled, holding Legundo close and squeezing Louis’s hand, as he drifted off to sleep, the worry of the future melting away for just a moment, allowing him to fall into a peaceful sleep.