Fic: Vampires: Interlude: Vacation
Title: Vampires: Interlude: Vacation
Authors: Dee and Ginny 2wingsnuts
Disclaimer: We're talking about real people (in a very obvious AU). This isn't true.
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: RPS, explicit sex, AU
Current) Pairing: Pavel Datsyuk/Henrik Zetterberg
Summary: Pavel and Henrik go on vacation. Henrik learns more about Pavel before they make a few discoveries.
Author's Notes: Originally for Kathie's birthday, this AU has taken on a life of it's own and is huge. *hugs* Because we love her and Mer and are extremely grateful that they like this AU.
Interlude: Eleven
Pavel slowly sipped his coffee as he stared out at the water.
"What is on your mind?" Henrik asked.
"Just thinking about what we should do next, my love."
"Anything you want," Henrik smiled.
"That's the problem," Pavel sighed. "I do not know what I want to do."
"Do you want to travel back to Russia?" Henrik suggested. "Or just get on a boat and go?"
"What do you want to do?" Pavel asked with a slight smile.
"Let's go to Russia," Henrik said. "I can learn the language better then."
Pavel smiled. "I will take you to my childhood home. I'm sure you'll love it, but it's nothing like our place in Sweden."
"We can go back there later. I'd love to see where you grew up," Hank said. "When do we leave?"
"We'll leave in the morning," Pavel grinned. "As soon as I change travel plans, our chosen will be ready and we're off in the morning."
Hank smiled, easily feeling how happy Pavel was at the decision to go visit his home. "I'll go pack then."
Pavel stood and pulled Henrik into his arms. "We'll go pack," he whispered. "Come with me while I arrange things." He leaned over and discretely brushed his fangs along his lover's neck. "Then we'll pack."
Henrik turned in his mate’s arms and smiled as he kissed him deeply. "Anything that you want."
~*~*~
Pavel led Henrik toward the small run-down village.
"You grew up here?" Henrik whispered.
"Yes," Pavel smiled. "It's not much but it was home."
"Where did you live?" Henrik asked as he carefully looked at each building they passed.
Pavel smiled and reached for his mate's hand. He continued down the dirt road and moved deeper into the village.
"There," he whispered and pointed toward the last building. "That was home."
"Can we go in?" Henrik asked softly as he looked at the small house that had been Pavel's. "How long ago did you leave?"
"Fourteen years ago," Pavel replied. "And yes we can go in, it's still mine," he whispered quietly.
Henrik nodded and walked toward the house. Pushing the door open, he blinked a few times until his eyes adjusted to the dark interior. The house had been taken care of, but it was obvious that no one had been living there. Henrik looked around, trying to picture a young Pavel there with his parents.
"Be careful," Pavel whispered. "It's an old house and I don't want you injured." He waited for Henrik's nod before walking through the house, reliving a few memories of his parents.
Henrik followed after his mate, knowing that he'd been nearly forgotten after a few minutes as he lover walked around each of the small rooms. "Tell me about what it was like to grow up here?" he asked when Pavel looked at him again.
"Cramped," Pavel said softly. "And cold. We were very poor but we tried very hard to be happy." He shrugged. "Not much to tell, I suppose."
"Were you?" Henrik asked, wrapping an arm around Pavel and holding him close.
"For a time," he answered. "But then it became clear that my mother didn't want to be turned. Nothing was quite the same after that."
"Were you okay?"
"Yes but it was colder here. My parents didn't speak and I was ignored mostly until she got sick." Pavel kissed Henrik's temple. "But none of this was your fault."
"I can still wish that it didn't happen," Henrik said.
Pavel smiled softly. "Thank you. Not everyone wants to be turned. I learned that very young."
"I wanted to be turned and I'm honored to be your mate." Henrik smiled. "And I hope you don't feel cold like that any more."
"No," Pavel said brushing a light kiss against the side of Henrik's mouth. "You make me feel warm. And hot," he smirked. "It's easier to be here knowing what it feels like when you have your mate with you. I only hope..." he trailed off and kissed Henrik again. "Never mind. Thank you, my love."
"We'll find your other mate," Henrik smiled. "One day. But for now you're stuck with me," he teased and pressed against Pavel. "Should we make a new memory here or is this place to special to you?"
"It will be more special if every time I think of it, I think of you as well," Pavel grinned.
Henrik laughed and wrapped his arms tightly around Pavel before kissing him slowly. "Show me your room."
"This way," Pavel smiled, but didn't let go of Henrik as he guided him down the hallway. "Here," Pavel pointed to the small room at the end of the hallway.
"Have you ever had someone in here?" Henrik asked as he looked around the room that Pavel had grown up in.
"Never," Pavel whispered as he looked around his old room. He smiled at the slanted ceiling and small cot on the floor before turning back to his mate. "I told you that you were my first," he smiled. "Do you not remember?"
"Sorry," Henrik said, blushing slightly before smirking at his lover. "Do you want to have a first here?"
"What did you have in mind?" Pavel replied and gently kissed Henrik's cheeks. "I didn't think we had any firsts left, you and I," he continued with a grin.
"There will always be first time," Henrik insisted. "The first time in a room or on a boat or while standing on our heads," he laughed.
Pavel tilted his head in confusion. "Standing on our heads? That doesn't sound like fun. Why don't you and I lay on my old bed and - " He brushed his hand against Henrik's erection and smiled.
"That sounds much easier," Henrik agreed, pushing against Pavel's hand even as he leaned down to kiss him deeply.
Pavel smiled and pulled him to the old bed as he unfastened his lover's pants. Reaching inside, he wrapped his hand around the straining erection. "Much," he agreed before kissing him deeply.
Henrik responded eagerly to the kiss, moaning softly as he reached to unfasten Pavel's pants as well. "Love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," Pavel quietly replied and helped Henrik pull his pants down enough so his cock was exposed. "Thank you."
"Thank you for bringing me here," Henrik said, running his fangs lightly down Pavel's neck. "Thank you for showing me where you came from."
"I came from nothing," Pavel whispered. "I was poor as a child but I have you now. I'll never be poor again." He grazed Henrik's neck with his fangs. "And you will never feel the cold that I felt or go without anything that you need. I will make sure to that."
Henrik shuddered, his head dropping back to expose his neck further. "Pav," he said softly, "All I want is you. If all I ever have is you next to me, I'll be happier than I could ever imagine being."
Wrapping his hand around both their erections, he pumped both shafts lightly. "You, my heart, are a wonderful man and I love you." Pavel smiled fondly and leaned forward, dropping a series of kisses to his mate's neck.
"Love you so much," Henrik moaned, running his hands down Pavel's sides.
Pavel twisted his wrist and started pumping their cocks faster. "You're everything to me," he whispered. "Thank you for loving me."
"Thank you for finding me," Henrik said as he gasped. "Pav," he begged. Please."
Pavel tilted his neck. "Yes, my love. Do what you feel," he whispered with a smirk as he increased his speed.
Henrik held back as long as he could before giving in. He licked Pavel's neck, sucking and bruising the skin before sinking his fang in. He cried out loudly as he came hard over Pavel's hand.
"Henrik," Pavel moaned before licking along his mate's neck, sucking hard and marking Henrik before sinking his fans in. He moaned deeply before his release mixed with his mate’s. "God, you taste so great," he whispered before licking the blood away and closing the wound.
Henrik laughed lightly and kissed the side of Pavel's face. "Love you so much," he told him.
"And I love you," Pavel replied. He kissed Henrik slowly before helping his mate stand. Carefully fastening both their pants, he smiled gently. "Where would you like to go now, my love?"
Henrik thought about it a moment before smiling. "I want to go where ever you would like to go."
Pavel laughed loudly. "Let's stay here tonight, my love. I know the bed is not comfortable but I will keep you warm since it is already getting dark."
Henrik smirked and moved close to Pavel. "Will you keep the scary monsters away too?"
He snickered. "I'm the scariest monster in this village," he teased. "I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself from biting you either."
"That's okay," Henrik grinned. "I bite back."
"Good," he laughed and lay back down on the small cot, pulling Henrik on top of him. "Sleep on me, my love," he whispered and kissed his mate's temple.
"You will sleep as well?" Henrik asked as he cuddled closer.
"Of course." He tightened his hold on Henrik. "I vowed to you that I'd never leave you alone."
Henrik smiled and kissed him softly. "Sleep. In the morning you can show me the rest of the village."
"In the morning, my love, I'll show you anything you want," he replied. With a soft kiss to his mate's head, Pavel closed his eyes and prayed that the nightmares wouldn't plague him for one night.
Pavel slowly fell into a restless sleep.
~*~*~
"Pav! Wake up!" Henrik ordered, shaking his mate as he tried to wake him.
Pavel jerked up with a start and cried out. He pulled away from Henrik and stared unseeingly into the darkness. "Where am I?" he called out.
"You're with me. With Henrik," he said softly. "You're at your old home. With Henrik."
Pavel blinked a few times and pulled his mate into his arms. "My love?" he whispered and ran his hands along his mate's face. Tightening his hold on Henrik, he pressed a wet kiss to Henrik's temple. "What happened?"
"You tell me," Henrik said as he wrapped his arms around Pavel as well. "What was your nightmare about?"
"It was terrible," he admitted. "Instead of you telling me you wanted to be turned, you stopped me right before and made me hold you until you died." Pavel wiped his tears away forcefully. "Just memories of my parents, I am sorry."
"Pasha," Henrik whispered, running his hands over Pavel's cheeks and wiping away the tears. He pressed a soft kiss against his lips.
Pavel smiled and kissed Henrik desperately. "I was afraid this would happen here. I am sorry you had to see it." He kissed his mate again, his arms wrapping tighter around the other man.
"Please don't be sorry," Henrik requested seriously. "Don't feel that you have to hide this from me."
"I do not want you to feel my pain," he whispered. "I did tell you about them but I didn't think the nightmares would follow me back home. I will tell you what, if you don't mind tears, please ask me what ever you want and I'll tell you anything and everything about my childhood. Maybe that would help stop the nightmares."
Henrik kissed him again. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, my love, I am sure," Pavel replied and kissed him again.
"Tell me what it was like, growing up with one human and one vampire parent," Henrik asked.
"Before mother told him that she would never be turned, it was good. Father loved her very much and spent a lot of time with me. After she made it clear that she would not be turned, he became very cold. He never hurt either of us but he pulled away emotionally. Mother did too. She blamed me for him pulling away." Pavel shrugged. "We had a lot of good times but at the end, it was mostly bad."
"I'm sorry," Henrik whispered. "That wasn't right."
"It was how they dealt with it," Pavel said, not quite looking at Henrik.
"That's why you touch me all the time," Henrik stated.
"Yes," he whispered. "But if you feel like I'm smothering you with too much attention, please tell me. I don't want to push you away."
"I've never felt like that," Henrik assured him. "And nothing you could possibly do would ever push me away."
"I love you," Pavel said softly. "And I'm glad you're my mate. I'm also thankful you agreed to spend forever with me."
"Every day I am more thankful that you found me," Henrik told him. "Forever with you won't be long enough."
"My love." Pavel crashed their lips together and kissed him deeply. "Anything else you want to know about my life before you?" he gasped out when they finally broke apart.
"Everything," Henrik said with a small smile. "I want to hear anything and everything that you'll tell me. What was your favorite day? Who was your best friend while growing up? What was your favorite thing to study? Did you ever have any pets?"
"I loved the first snowfall," he replied. "I had a few friends growing up, but mostly I was alone. I love learning languages and I had a rabbit that would sneak into my room." He smiled fondly and kissed Henrik again.
Henrik smiled back, resting his forehead against Pavel's. "Thank you."
"What for?" Pavel curiously asked as he ran his hands up Henrik's back. "I should be thanking you."
"For everything," Henrik said as explanation. "I love you. Forever will I love you."
"I love you," Pavel promised and kissed Henrik again. "I will love you forever also." He smiled gently and pressed their bodies tightly together.
"Tell me about the snow," Henrik whispered.
"It's just like the snow in Sweden," he teased with a smile. "White and cold." After a brief kiss, he continued, "I would sneak outside and play in the snow as a child. Build snowmen and play on the lake when it was frozen. A neighbor gave me skates and I taught myself when I was very small."
"You still love to play in the snow," Henrik pointed out. "I've seen you outside when you thought I was not looking," he grinned.
"Yes," Pavel admitted quietly with a slight blush. "Some things you never grow out of."
Henrik laughed softly and tightened his hold against Pavel for a moment. "I love the snow too," he told him with a smile.
"We'll play in the snow together this winter," Pavel promised him.
"We can figure out what to do when we can't play football," Henrik grinned.
"Yes," Pavel laughed. "We can't spend forever having sex," he teased lightly.
"Says you," Henrik said with a teasing sigh.
"Would you like to go back to sleep, my love? I am sorry that I woke you," Pavel sighed. "Unless you have something else you would like to do," he suggested with a grin.
Henrik grinned and rolled so that he was on top of Pavel. "I can think of something I always like to do," he smirked.
He raised his head and kissed Henrik softly. "Just like this," he breathed against his lover's lips. "I want you inside me." He grinned. "Unless you had something else in mind."
"I think you read my mind," Henrik said with another grin.
"Good." He kissed Henrik again as he fumbled with their clothing, trying his best not to break the kiss while he pushed down their pants. "So hot," he muttered, his eyes dark with need, as he wrapped his fingers around his mate's erection.
Henrik kissed him back, running his tongue thoroughly through Pavel's mouth.
He thrust the oil in Henrik's hand as he wrapped his hand around both their cocks. "Hot," he growled and twisted his wrist. "Need you."
Henrik gasped and nodded quickly pouring some of the oil onto his fingers. "Love you," he said as he pressing one finger into Pavel, stretching him quickly before pulling back and pushing two in. He twitched his fingers as he searched for the small bundle of nerves.
"Love you too," Pavel replied as he arched toward Henrik, crying out softly. Pushing down on his lover's hand, he reached for the oil and quickly coated Henrik's cock.
Henrik finished stretching him and, with another kiss, pushed slowly inside of his lover.
Pavel groaned as he wrapped his legs high around Henrik's waist. Moaning loudly, he tried to match each of his mate's slow thrusts.
"I love you," Henrik said softly in time with his slow moves. "I'll love you forever. I'll make sure that you're never alone again."
Pavel closed his eyes and tried to blink back his tears. "Thank you," he whispered. "You'll never be alone either," he promised. "I will love you forever." He reached up and wrapped his hands through his mate's long hair and pulled him down for a deep kiss, feeling the bond strengthen between them.
Henrik responded eagerly to the kiss, speeding up his movements. "Love you," he said again before kissing him again.
"Love you too," Pavel gasped out, arching harder toward Henrik. He grazed his lover's neck with his fangs before moaning loudly. "Now?" he groaned.
"Yes," Henrik agreed, tilting his head so they could both bite down at once.
Pavel felt his mate's fangs as soon as Henrik's taste exploded in his mouth. "My love," he breathed before closing the wound. He looked into dark brown eyes and smiled. "Forever," he whispered and kissed the other man gently. "No matter who our other mate is, I will always love you and need you as much as I do now."
Henrik smiled softly and nodded. "I know," he assured him. "Our other mate will love you almost as much as I do."
"I can never thank you enough," Pavel muttered as he closed his eyes. "And no words could describe how I feel."
Hank smiled as he felt Pavel fall into a peaceful sleep. He didn't need words to know how his mate felt.
~*~*~
Pavel blinked slowly and smiled when he felt the comfortable weight of his mate on his chest.
"Henrik?" he whispered, trying to determine if the man was still sleeping. When he received no response, he tightened his hold and placed a soft kiss to the top of the other man's head. "I love you," he whispered to the sleeping man.
He smiled when he heard a soft whispered response from the other vampire.
He carefully rolled Henrik off of him and stood, stretching his arms over his head. He wondered what he could show his mate, being there wasn't much to the village he grew up in. He wondered if he could get away with taking him into the forest and showing him the lake. Pavel smiled, he knew Henrik would love anything they did together.
It was one of the things that made him love him even more.
"Where are you going?" Henrik muttered sleepily as he sat up.
"Nowhere without you, my love," Pavel replied with a soft smile. "Did you sleep well?"
"I was with you, of course I did," Henrik answered.
"Even though I woke you in the middle of the night screaming?" Pavel asked with a slight blush.
"Even then," Henrik smiled.
Pavel cuddled back with his lover. "I love you," he whispered before kissing Henrik softly.
"I love you too," Henrik promised.
"Would you like to walk to the lake?" he quietly asked. "You saw the village yesterday on the way to my old house." He shrugged. "There's not much left to see."
"I would," Henrik agreed immediately. He pressed a light kiss against Pavel's temple.
"Then we'll go for a walk as soon as you are ready," Pavel smiled. "My rabbits might still be there."
"If they are, we could take some of them back to Sweden with us. Or wherever we go next," Henrik suggested.
Pavel smiled. "Let me know when you are ready to go," he requested as he bent down to fasten his shoes.
Five minutes later Henrik was completely dressed. "I'm ready," he announced. "Let's go."
Pavel smiled and reached for his mate's hand. "This way," he guided and led the other man behind the house and into the forest.
Henrik listened carefully as Pavel quietly explained what he used to do when he was young when he played in the forest.
Pavel stopped suddenly and dropped to his knees. "Bunny!" he exclaimed, sounding almost like a small child instead of a thirty year old man. He carefully picked up the rabbit and smiled up at Henrik. "Bunny, meet Henrik. Henrik, this is one of my rabbits."
Henrik knelt next to his lover, smiling and hiding his amusement. "It's nice to meet you Bunny," he greeted formally. "Can I pet him?"
Pavel blushed and held the rabbit out. "Yes," he replied and then in a quieter voice whispered, "It's okay Bunny, he's with me. He won't hurt you or your family."
Henrik pet the soft fur and smiled. "He's a very nice rabbit. How big do you think his family is?"
"I don't know," Pavel replied and turned the rabbit until he could look into the dark eyes. "Do you want to go home with me?" he quietly asked, ignoring the look Henrik gave him. "Gather your family and I'll take you with me," he promised and placed the rabbit back on the ground.
"Pav, you don't really think...." Henrik trailed off as rabbits started hopping toward them.
"Don't really think what?" Pavel asked with a smile. "I told you I didn't have many friends but this family of rabbits used to sneak into my room when my father wasn't looking. I protected them and they have always treated me as good as I treated them." He petted each rabbit gently. "You must think I'm crazy now."
"No," Hank said. "I think I love you even more."
Pavel beamed and carefully picked up one of the baby bunnies, handing it to Henrik. "You take care of him and he will always be your friend." He looked back down and smiled. "We are heading toward the lake, join us or meet us as my old home." A few of the rabbits hopped in the direction from which the two vampires had walked from and a few hopped in front of Pavel, in the direction of the lake. "And you are staying here," he laughed at the few remaining rabbits. He took Henrik's empty hand and smiled. "I don't talk to all animals," he explained. "And this family of rabbits is the only one that listens to me. You don't have to worry about me."
"I never would ... I'm just kind of amazed," Henrik admitted as he cuddled the little bunny.
Pavel laughed and walked the rest of the way to the lake. "What do you think?" he smiled and spread his arms. "This is where I was when I wasn't in my old room."
Henrik gazed over the water. "Wow," he whispered. "It's peaceful and beautiful. No wonder you spent so much time here."
"It's almost as beautiful as you," Pavel whispered and smiled gently.
Henrik nudged Pavel lightly with his shoulder and smiled. "I love it here," he said.
"I love you," Pavel touched his arm briefly.
"Thank you for bringing me here," Henrik said, wrapping his arm around Pavel as he leaned close.
"Tell me about your childhood," he requested. "Tell me about your family, about growing up and anything else you want to." Pavel smiled. "Please?"
He laughed gently and asked, "Where should I start?"
"Wherever you want," Pavel smiled and sat down next to the water as Bunny hopped into his lap. "We have forever."
Henrik smiled and sat next to him leaning close as he leaned over to pet Bunny. "I love that," he sighed happily.
"Me too." Pavel glanced at him and brushed their hands together. "Did you have any pets growing up?"
"No, not really."
"Not really?" Pavel asked.
"No true pets. Just the strays that hung around," Henrik explained.
"Strays?" Pavel asked. "Dogs or cats? And what about your parents? I only remember stories that I heard about them. What are they like?"
"Both," he answered. "They're great people. They're involved with a vampire community in the far north of Sweden. I haven't seen them in years."
Pavel stood and grinned. "Would you like to go there? Visit them? We'll take the bunnies."
Henrik smiled. "We could do that, couldn't we?"
"We'll leave in the morning," Pavel replied and placed the bunny on the ground. He looked at Henrik and smiled mischievously. "It is a warm afternoon," he pointed out and pulled his shirt off. "And there is a nice soft breeze." He grinned and stripped off his pants before diving into the lake.
Henrik watched his mate for a minute, enjoying watching him move through the water before stripping off his own clothes and following him in. He had known this trip was a good idea.
~*~*~
"Beautiful," Pavel whispered as he looked around the small town. "Your parents are here?"
"They are," Henrik said. "Unless they've moved, they're just down that road over there." He pointed at a small trail leading away from the center of the village.
Pavel took his hand. "Then let's go," he encouraged and started down the trail.
"Do you have Bunny with you?" Henrik asked before they could get far. "Or did you leave him in the house?"
"Bunny is at the house, with your rabbit," Pavel replied. "Have you thought of a name for him yet?"
"Rabbit?" Henrik suggested with a shrug.
"Why are you stalling, my love? Do you not want to see your parents?" he asked carefully.
"It has been a long time," Henrik said slowly.
"And? Are you afraid that they will be unhappy that you were turned?" Pavel asked.
"I don't know how they'll feel," he said softly. "What if they're disappointed in me?"
"My love," Pavel whispered. "I will be there by your side and, no matter how they feel, I love you. Just tell them, I'm sure they still love you, vampire or not."
"Yes," Henrik whispered. He took Pavel's hand and started down the road. "I'm sure you're right."
"I am," Pavel said encouragingly.
"Henrik?" the woman asked as she rounded the corner. "What are you doing here?" She smiled brightly. "It's been so long. You look great. How is everything? What's new?" she asked in a whirlwind of words as she rushed toward them and wrapped both arms tightly around Henrik's body.
"Mother," he whispered, holding her tight.
"You didn't tell us you were coming," she chastised as she pulled back just far enough to look at him. "Or that you had been turned. Congratulations." She looked over at Pavel. "Are you my son's mate?"
"Yes ma'am," he smiled. "Pavel." He studied her for a moment. "You should tell him," he whispered as he leaned forward.
"Tell me what?" Henrik asked.
She smiled. "Do you think?" Pavel smiled back and nodded.
"Yes," Henrik encouraged. "Tell me."
She smiled and took his hand, placing it over her heart and waited for the clarification to sink in.
He stared at her for a long minute. "When? How?" he asked. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"It's been a year or so," she replied. "Your father too. We were hoping you'd come visit so we could tell you in person." She hugged him again. "I love you, my son. It is so good to see you again."
"It is good to see you too. I should have come sooner but Pavel and I have been traveling."
She took his hand and guided him farther down the trail. Pavel walked behind them with a fond smile on his face. He really didn't care what they were talking about; the only thing that mattered to him was the look on his mate's face when he realized he would always have his parents.
The brief wave of self-pity was cut short when Henrik's mother stopped and turned around.
"Come," she ordered and linked her arm through Pavel's. He smiled and followed next to them as he realized that he'd found the family that he had always been seeking.
"Son," Henrik's father greeted before they could step into the small cottage. "I have missed you."
Pavel watched with a fond smile as Henrik's father hugged his mate tightly.
"You love him very much," she whispered.
"Yes," Pavel agreed. "So much more than he could ever imagine."
She smiled softly knowing that her son had found a good mate. "How long ago did you find him?"
"Seven years but I did not approach him until two years ago." He smiled at her. "You raised him into a good man; I am deeply honored that he loves me."
She smiled and started to speak as Henrik brought his father over to do the introductions. "Welcome to the family."
"I am honored to be considered part of your family," Pavel whispered softly as he smiled gently at his mate. "Thank you."
Henrik's father smiled and pointed to the house. "Come. My wife makes too much food. Join us for dinner and tell us all about yourself Pavel."
He smiled and followed Henrik's family into the house. "What would you like to know?" he asked as he took the offered seat, reaching for his mate's hand as the other man sat next to him.
"About you. You must be a good man or my son would not love you as much as I can see he does."
"I am an only child, the last-born vampire and love your son very much." He smiled. "And am deeply grateful to be part of your family."
"You have no family," she stated.
"No," he shook his head. "Only your son."
Henrik laughed softly as he saw the look in his mother's eyes. He took Pavel's hand and said, "Welcome to the family. They're never letting you go now."
"Where are you staying?" Henrik's father asked.
"We found an Inn on the edge of the town," Pavel replied.
"Nonsense," she said firmly. "You will stay here. You will stay so we can get to know the man our son loves."
"We have a few animals with us," Pavel blushed lightly. "We do not wish to be an inconvenience."
"You are family, not an inconvenience," she insisted.
"If you're sure," Pavel hesitated.
"We are," Henrik's father said firmly.
Pavel nodded. "My love," he said as he turned to face Henrik. "I will gather our belongings, stay and see your parents. I will not be long," he promised as he stood. "Thank you."
Henrik nodded and walked his mate to the door before turning back to his parents. "I've missed you," he told them, giving them both another hug.
"I missed you too," his mother replied. "I always knew you were special but I had no idea you were destined to be a vampire's mate." She smiled brightly.
"Why were you turned?" he asked. "I mean, what...I am happy that I will have you forever but why?" he asked, stumbling over his words.
"Not all of those who are turned are mates of vampires. Sometimes they ask chosen if they would like to be turned," his mother started to explain.
"And you wanted to be," he clarified.
"Yes, I wanted to spend forever with your father. Finding out that I'll have you forever also is an added bonus."
He nodded. "I'm lucky that Pavel found me," he said softly.
"He has another mate," his father commented. "Have you found them yet?"
"No, right now we are enjoying each other and spending time learning everything we can about each other until his other mate is found," Henrik replied, smiling at his parents.
"Will you be able to share him?" his mother asked, concerned.
"Yes," Henrik replied without hesitation. "I knew before I agreed to be turned that he had another mate. I love him deeply but I am confident that I will be able to love his other mate as well."
"As long as you're happy," his mother said.
"I couldn't be happier," he smiled. "Are you? Knowing that you'll never be grandparents, are you happy with how my life turned out?" he whispered after a brief pause.
"Henrik," his father said. "As long as you, our son is happy, we are happy."
"I am, thank you," Henrik nodded. They sat in comfortable silence for several minutes.
"We are back," Pavel greeted with a bright smile as he stepped into the room. "Did we interrupt anything?" he carefully asked as he handed Rabbit to Henrik.
"No, we were just catching up," Henrik said, kissing the side of Pavel's mouth as he leaned down.
"If you would like, I can go wandering while you continue to spend time with your parents," he offered, kissing Henrik gently.
"No," his father stated. "Stay, I would like to ask you a few things."
"Of course," Pavel smiled as he sat down next to Henrik, Bunny appearing in his lap.
"You have another mate that you haven't found. Are you going to be able to handle two mates? You love my son very much; I don't want any one hurt."
"Sir, I know you know about mates and pieces, so I will be simple in my explanation. Your son is the main piece of my soul. I am very confident I will be able to love him and whoever our third mate is equally. I will never treat them differently and will spend forever making sure that both my mates are well loved and treated better than they ever imagined." Pavel smiled at the older version of his lover and nodded. "I have always known that I had more than one mate, I am just thankful I found your son first."
"If you hurt him," he mother started to warn.
"Ma'am," he smiled. "I could never hurt Henrik. He is much too important."
"If he does," Henrik teased. "I will give him to you first." He smiled at his mother.
"Rabbits?" she asked when she finally noticed them. "You have pet rabbits?"
Pavel smiled brightly. "This is Bunny," he said, holding up the small animal that he was holding. "Henrik's is named Rabbit."
Henrik laughed softly. "Pavel grew up with their family," he explained. "We came here from his old home and brought them with us."
"May I?" she asked, holding her hand out. Pavel nodded and held Bunny out to her.
"He's so soft," she said as Bunny settled down against her. "Do you have just these two?"
Pavel blushed. "There are four more hiding in my bag," he admitted.
"Can I see?" Henrik's father asked. Pavel nodded and reached into his bag, pulling them out. "They are lovely creatures," he said as he looked at the animals that were staying near Pavel even as they sniffed and looked around.
"Thank you," he replied and petted one of the smaller bunnies. "I was not fortunate to have many friends when I was smaller but these animals have always been there for me." He watched in fond amusement as one of the bunnies cautiously made its way toward Henrik's father.
"Are there more?" Henrik's mother asked.
"Bunny's whole family lives in the woods near the village where I'm from. These are just the ones that were willing to go traveling with us," Pavel explained.
"I know that you two will want to travel. See the world and search for your mates," his mother said. "We are settled here. We like the community and have no desire to move in the near or distant future. If you like, and if the rabbits are willing, we have room on our land here for them."
"Thank you," Pavel replied, smiling brightly. "I will bring them on our next visit," he promised. He knew he was not acting like the vampire, and man, that he should be but knowing that his pets, the family he had when his own turned away from him, would be well taken care of by his mate's parents made him very happy. He glanced over at Henrik and felt his smile soften. "You were very lucky," he whispered. "You have good parents."
"I think I'm the luckiest person ever," Henrik smiled.
"You mentioned dinner?" Pavel asked, turning to Henrik's mother, still smiling brightly. "Does the offer still stand?"
"Of course," she said. "Ten minutes," she promised.
He nodded and looked around the small room, seeing his mate's parents from a different light. He allowed himself a few minutes of wondering what it would be like if his childhood had ended differently before he felt a gentle pressure on his hand. Turning to face Henrik, he laughed. "I am fine, my love. I was only thinking."
"You think too much," Henrik scolded gently but smiled.
"Sometimes I cannot help it," he admitted softly, still smiling.
"I know," Henrik smiled. "I know it's not the same, but you have a family now. My mother won't let you go."
"Never," she agreed. "Come Pavel; help me put dinner on the table. Would your rabbits like anything to eat? I do have some fresh greens from the garden."
"That would be wonderful," he replied and handed Henrik Bunny. He kissed his lover's cheek softly and stood, following his new mom into her kitchen.
He still had a mate to find, but, for now, he was happier than he had ever imagined he could be.
Authors: Dee and Ginny 2wingsnuts
Disclaimer: We're talking about real people (in a very obvious AU). This isn't true.
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: RPS, explicit sex, AU
Current) Pairing: Pavel Datsyuk/Henrik Zetterberg
Summary: Pavel and Henrik go on vacation. Henrik learns more about Pavel before they make a few discoveries.
Author's Notes: Originally for Kathie's birthday, this AU has taken on a life of it's own and is huge. *hugs* Because we love her and Mer and are extremely grateful that they like this AU.
Interlude: Eleven
Pavel slowly sipped his coffee as he stared out at the water.
"What is on your mind?" Henrik asked.
"Just thinking about what we should do next, my love."
"Anything you want," Henrik smiled.
"That's the problem," Pavel sighed. "I do not know what I want to do."
"Do you want to travel back to Russia?" Henrik suggested. "Or just get on a boat and go?"
"What do you want to do?" Pavel asked with a slight smile.
"Let's go to Russia," Henrik said. "I can learn the language better then."
Pavel smiled. "I will take you to my childhood home. I'm sure you'll love it, but it's nothing like our place in Sweden."
"We can go back there later. I'd love to see where you grew up," Hank said. "When do we leave?"
"We'll leave in the morning," Pavel grinned. "As soon as I change travel plans, our chosen will be ready and we're off in the morning."
Hank smiled, easily feeling how happy Pavel was at the decision to go visit his home. "I'll go pack then."
Pavel stood and pulled Henrik into his arms. "We'll go pack," he whispered. "Come with me while I arrange things." He leaned over and discretely brushed his fangs along his lover's neck. "Then we'll pack."
Henrik turned in his mate’s arms and smiled as he kissed him deeply. "Anything that you want."
~*~*~
Pavel led Henrik toward the small run-down village.
"You grew up here?" Henrik whispered.
"Yes," Pavel smiled. "It's not much but it was home."
"Where did you live?" Henrik asked as he carefully looked at each building they passed.
Pavel smiled and reached for his mate's hand. He continued down the dirt road and moved deeper into the village.
"There," he whispered and pointed toward the last building. "That was home."
"Can we go in?" Henrik asked softly as he looked at the small house that had been Pavel's. "How long ago did you leave?"
"Fourteen years ago," Pavel replied. "And yes we can go in, it's still mine," he whispered quietly.
Henrik nodded and walked toward the house. Pushing the door open, he blinked a few times until his eyes adjusted to the dark interior. The house had been taken care of, but it was obvious that no one had been living there. Henrik looked around, trying to picture a young Pavel there with his parents.
"Be careful," Pavel whispered. "It's an old house and I don't want you injured." He waited for Henrik's nod before walking through the house, reliving a few memories of his parents.
Henrik followed after his mate, knowing that he'd been nearly forgotten after a few minutes as he lover walked around each of the small rooms. "Tell me about what it was like to grow up here?" he asked when Pavel looked at him again.
"Cramped," Pavel said softly. "And cold. We were very poor but we tried very hard to be happy." He shrugged. "Not much to tell, I suppose."
"Were you?" Henrik asked, wrapping an arm around Pavel and holding him close.
"For a time," he answered. "But then it became clear that my mother didn't want to be turned. Nothing was quite the same after that."
"Were you okay?"
"Yes but it was colder here. My parents didn't speak and I was ignored mostly until she got sick." Pavel kissed Henrik's temple. "But none of this was your fault."
"I can still wish that it didn't happen," Henrik said.
Pavel smiled softly. "Thank you. Not everyone wants to be turned. I learned that very young."
"I wanted to be turned and I'm honored to be your mate." Henrik smiled. "And I hope you don't feel cold like that any more."
"No," Pavel said brushing a light kiss against the side of Henrik's mouth. "You make me feel warm. And hot," he smirked. "It's easier to be here knowing what it feels like when you have your mate with you. I only hope..." he trailed off and kissed Henrik again. "Never mind. Thank you, my love."
"We'll find your other mate," Henrik smiled. "One day. But for now you're stuck with me," he teased and pressed against Pavel. "Should we make a new memory here or is this place to special to you?"
"It will be more special if every time I think of it, I think of you as well," Pavel grinned.
Henrik laughed and wrapped his arms tightly around Pavel before kissing him slowly. "Show me your room."
"This way," Pavel smiled, but didn't let go of Henrik as he guided him down the hallway. "Here," Pavel pointed to the small room at the end of the hallway.
"Have you ever had someone in here?" Henrik asked as he looked around the room that Pavel had grown up in.
"Never," Pavel whispered as he looked around his old room. He smiled at the slanted ceiling and small cot on the floor before turning back to his mate. "I told you that you were my first," he smiled. "Do you not remember?"
"Sorry," Henrik said, blushing slightly before smirking at his lover. "Do you want to have a first here?"
"What did you have in mind?" Pavel replied and gently kissed Henrik's cheeks. "I didn't think we had any firsts left, you and I," he continued with a grin.
"There will always be first time," Henrik insisted. "The first time in a room or on a boat or while standing on our heads," he laughed.
Pavel tilted his head in confusion. "Standing on our heads? That doesn't sound like fun. Why don't you and I lay on my old bed and - " He brushed his hand against Henrik's erection and smiled.
"That sounds much easier," Henrik agreed, pushing against Pavel's hand even as he leaned down to kiss him deeply.
Pavel smiled and pulled him to the old bed as he unfastened his lover's pants. Reaching inside, he wrapped his hand around the straining erection. "Much," he agreed before kissing him deeply.
Henrik responded eagerly to the kiss, moaning softly as he reached to unfasten Pavel's pants as well. "Love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," Pavel quietly replied and helped Henrik pull his pants down enough so his cock was exposed. "Thank you."
"Thank you for bringing me here," Henrik said, running his fangs lightly down Pavel's neck. "Thank you for showing me where you came from."
"I came from nothing," Pavel whispered. "I was poor as a child but I have you now. I'll never be poor again." He grazed Henrik's neck with his fangs. "And you will never feel the cold that I felt or go without anything that you need. I will make sure to that."
Henrik shuddered, his head dropping back to expose his neck further. "Pav," he said softly, "All I want is you. If all I ever have is you next to me, I'll be happier than I could ever imagine being."
Wrapping his hand around both their erections, he pumped both shafts lightly. "You, my heart, are a wonderful man and I love you." Pavel smiled fondly and leaned forward, dropping a series of kisses to his mate's neck.
"Love you so much," Henrik moaned, running his hands down Pavel's sides.
Pavel twisted his wrist and started pumping their cocks faster. "You're everything to me," he whispered. "Thank you for loving me."
"Thank you for finding me," Henrik said as he gasped. "Pav," he begged. Please."
Pavel tilted his neck. "Yes, my love. Do what you feel," he whispered with a smirk as he increased his speed.
Henrik held back as long as he could before giving in. He licked Pavel's neck, sucking and bruising the skin before sinking his fang in. He cried out loudly as he came hard over Pavel's hand.
"Henrik," Pavel moaned before licking along his mate's neck, sucking hard and marking Henrik before sinking his fans in. He moaned deeply before his release mixed with his mate’s. "God, you taste so great," he whispered before licking the blood away and closing the wound.
Henrik laughed lightly and kissed the side of Pavel's face. "Love you so much," he told him.
"And I love you," Pavel replied. He kissed Henrik slowly before helping his mate stand. Carefully fastening both their pants, he smiled gently. "Where would you like to go now, my love?"
Henrik thought about it a moment before smiling. "I want to go where ever you would like to go."
Pavel laughed loudly. "Let's stay here tonight, my love. I know the bed is not comfortable but I will keep you warm since it is already getting dark."
Henrik smirked and moved close to Pavel. "Will you keep the scary monsters away too?"
He snickered. "I'm the scariest monster in this village," he teased. "I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself from biting you either."
"That's okay," Henrik grinned. "I bite back."
"Good," he laughed and lay back down on the small cot, pulling Henrik on top of him. "Sleep on me, my love," he whispered and kissed his mate's temple.
"You will sleep as well?" Henrik asked as he cuddled closer.
"Of course." He tightened his hold on Henrik. "I vowed to you that I'd never leave you alone."
Henrik smiled and kissed him softly. "Sleep. In the morning you can show me the rest of the village."
"In the morning, my love, I'll show you anything you want," he replied. With a soft kiss to his mate's head, Pavel closed his eyes and prayed that the nightmares wouldn't plague him for one night.
Pavel slowly fell into a restless sleep.
~*~*~
"Pav! Wake up!" Henrik ordered, shaking his mate as he tried to wake him.
Pavel jerked up with a start and cried out. He pulled away from Henrik and stared unseeingly into the darkness. "Where am I?" he called out.
"You're with me. With Henrik," he said softly. "You're at your old home. With Henrik."
Pavel blinked a few times and pulled his mate into his arms. "My love?" he whispered and ran his hands along his mate's face. Tightening his hold on Henrik, he pressed a wet kiss to Henrik's temple. "What happened?"
"You tell me," Henrik said as he wrapped his arms around Pavel as well. "What was your nightmare about?"
"It was terrible," he admitted. "Instead of you telling me you wanted to be turned, you stopped me right before and made me hold you until you died." Pavel wiped his tears away forcefully. "Just memories of my parents, I am sorry."
"Pasha," Henrik whispered, running his hands over Pavel's cheeks and wiping away the tears. He pressed a soft kiss against his lips.
Pavel smiled and kissed Henrik desperately. "I was afraid this would happen here. I am sorry you had to see it." He kissed his mate again, his arms wrapping tighter around the other man.
"Please don't be sorry," Henrik requested seriously. "Don't feel that you have to hide this from me."
"I do not want you to feel my pain," he whispered. "I did tell you about them but I didn't think the nightmares would follow me back home. I will tell you what, if you don't mind tears, please ask me what ever you want and I'll tell you anything and everything about my childhood. Maybe that would help stop the nightmares."
Henrik kissed him again. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, my love, I am sure," Pavel replied and kissed him again.
"Tell me what it was like, growing up with one human and one vampire parent," Henrik asked.
"Before mother told him that she would never be turned, it was good. Father loved her very much and spent a lot of time with me. After she made it clear that she would not be turned, he became very cold. He never hurt either of us but he pulled away emotionally. Mother did too. She blamed me for him pulling away." Pavel shrugged. "We had a lot of good times but at the end, it was mostly bad."
"I'm sorry," Henrik whispered. "That wasn't right."
"It was how they dealt with it," Pavel said, not quite looking at Henrik.
"That's why you touch me all the time," Henrik stated.
"Yes," he whispered. "But if you feel like I'm smothering you with too much attention, please tell me. I don't want to push you away."
"I've never felt like that," Henrik assured him. "And nothing you could possibly do would ever push me away."
"I love you," Pavel said softly. "And I'm glad you're my mate. I'm also thankful you agreed to spend forever with me."
"Every day I am more thankful that you found me," Henrik told him. "Forever with you won't be long enough."
"My love." Pavel crashed their lips together and kissed him deeply. "Anything else you want to know about my life before you?" he gasped out when they finally broke apart.
"Everything," Henrik said with a small smile. "I want to hear anything and everything that you'll tell me. What was your favorite day? Who was your best friend while growing up? What was your favorite thing to study? Did you ever have any pets?"
"I loved the first snowfall," he replied. "I had a few friends growing up, but mostly I was alone. I love learning languages and I had a rabbit that would sneak into my room." He smiled fondly and kissed Henrik again.
Henrik smiled back, resting his forehead against Pavel's. "Thank you."
"What for?" Pavel curiously asked as he ran his hands up Henrik's back. "I should be thanking you."
"For everything," Henrik said as explanation. "I love you. Forever will I love you."
"I love you," Pavel promised and kissed Henrik again. "I will love you forever also." He smiled gently and pressed their bodies tightly together.
"Tell me about the snow," Henrik whispered.
"It's just like the snow in Sweden," he teased with a smile. "White and cold." After a brief kiss, he continued, "I would sneak outside and play in the snow as a child. Build snowmen and play on the lake when it was frozen. A neighbor gave me skates and I taught myself when I was very small."
"You still love to play in the snow," Henrik pointed out. "I've seen you outside when you thought I was not looking," he grinned.
"Yes," Pavel admitted quietly with a slight blush. "Some things you never grow out of."
Henrik laughed softly and tightened his hold against Pavel for a moment. "I love the snow too," he told him with a smile.
"We'll play in the snow together this winter," Pavel promised him.
"We can figure out what to do when we can't play football," Henrik grinned.
"Yes," Pavel laughed. "We can't spend forever having sex," he teased lightly.
"Says you," Henrik said with a teasing sigh.
"Would you like to go back to sleep, my love? I am sorry that I woke you," Pavel sighed. "Unless you have something else you would like to do," he suggested with a grin.
Henrik grinned and rolled so that he was on top of Pavel. "I can think of something I always like to do," he smirked.
He raised his head and kissed Henrik softly. "Just like this," he breathed against his lover's lips. "I want you inside me." He grinned. "Unless you had something else in mind."
"I think you read my mind," Henrik said with another grin.
"Good." He kissed Henrik again as he fumbled with their clothing, trying his best not to break the kiss while he pushed down their pants. "So hot," he muttered, his eyes dark with need, as he wrapped his fingers around his mate's erection.
Henrik kissed him back, running his tongue thoroughly through Pavel's mouth.
He thrust the oil in Henrik's hand as he wrapped his hand around both their cocks. "Hot," he growled and twisted his wrist. "Need you."
Henrik gasped and nodded quickly pouring some of the oil onto his fingers. "Love you," he said as he pressing one finger into Pavel, stretching him quickly before pulling back and pushing two in. He twitched his fingers as he searched for the small bundle of nerves.
"Love you too," Pavel replied as he arched toward Henrik, crying out softly. Pushing down on his lover's hand, he reached for the oil and quickly coated Henrik's cock.
Henrik finished stretching him and, with another kiss, pushed slowly inside of his lover.
Pavel groaned as he wrapped his legs high around Henrik's waist. Moaning loudly, he tried to match each of his mate's slow thrusts.
"I love you," Henrik said softly in time with his slow moves. "I'll love you forever. I'll make sure that you're never alone again."
Pavel closed his eyes and tried to blink back his tears. "Thank you," he whispered. "You'll never be alone either," he promised. "I will love you forever." He reached up and wrapped his hands through his mate's long hair and pulled him down for a deep kiss, feeling the bond strengthen between them.
Henrik responded eagerly to the kiss, speeding up his movements. "Love you," he said again before kissing him again.
"Love you too," Pavel gasped out, arching harder toward Henrik. He grazed his lover's neck with his fangs before moaning loudly. "Now?" he groaned.
"Yes," Henrik agreed, tilting his head so they could both bite down at once.
Pavel felt his mate's fangs as soon as Henrik's taste exploded in his mouth. "My love," he breathed before closing the wound. He looked into dark brown eyes and smiled. "Forever," he whispered and kissed the other man gently. "No matter who our other mate is, I will always love you and need you as much as I do now."
Henrik smiled softly and nodded. "I know," he assured him. "Our other mate will love you almost as much as I do."
"I can never thank you enough," Pavel muttered as he closed his eyes. "And no words could describe how I feel."
Hank smiled as he felt Pavel fall into a peaceful sleep. He didn't need words to know how his mate felt.
~*~*~
Pavel blinked slowly and smiled when he felt the comfortable weight of his mate on his chest.
"Henrik?" he whispered, trying to determine if the man was still sleeping. When he received no response, he tightened his hold and placed a soft kiss to the top of the other man's head. "I love you," he whispered to the sleeping man.
He smiled when he heard a soft whispered response from the other vampire.
He carefully rolled Henrik off of him and stood, stretching his arms over his head. He wondered what he could show his mate, being there wasn't much to the village he grew up in. He wondered if he could get away with taking him into the forest and showing him the lake. Pavel smiled, he knew Henrik would love anything they did together.
It was one of the things that made him love him even more.
"Where are you going?" Henrik muttered sleepily as he sat up.
"Nowhere without you, my love," Pavel replied with a soft smile. "Did you sleep well?"
"I was with you, of course I did," Henrik answered.
"Even though I woke you in the middle of the night screaming?" Pavel asked with a slight blush.
"Even then," Henrik smiled.
Pavel cuddled back with his lover. "I love you," he whispered before kissing Henrik softly.
"I love you too," Henrik promised.
"Would you like to walk to the lake?" he quietly asked. "You saw the village yesterday on the way to my old house." He shrugged. "There's not much left to see."
"I would," Henrik agreed immediately. He pressed a light kiss against Pavel's temple.
"Then we'll go for a walk as soon as you are ready," Pavel smiled. "My rabbits might still be there."
"If they are, we could take some of them back to Sweden with us. Or wherever we go next," Henrik suggested.
Pavel smiled. "Let me know when you are ready to go," he requested as he bent down to fasten his shoes.
Five minutes later Henrik was completely dressed. "I'm ready," he announced. "Let's go."
Pavel smiled and reached for his mate's hand. "This way," he guided and led the other man behind the house and into the forest.
Henrik listened carefully as Pavel quietly explained what he used to do when he was young when he played in the forest.
Pavel stopped suddenly and dropped to his knees. "Bunny!" he exclaimed, sounding almost like a small child instead of a thirty year old man. He carefully picked up the rabbit and smiled up at Henrik. "Bunny, meet Henrik. Henrik, this is one of my rabbits."
Henrik knelt next to his lover, smiling and hiding his amusement. "It's nice to meet you Bunny," he greeted formally. "Can I pet him?"
Pavel blushed and held the rabbit out. "Yes," he replied and then in a quieter voice whispered, "It's okay Bunny, he's with me. He won't hurt you or your family."
Henrik pet the soft fur and smiled. "He's a very nice rabbit. How big do you think his family is?"
"I don't know," Pavel replied and turned the rabbit until he could look into the dark eyes. "Do you want to go home with me?" he quietly asked, ignoring the look Henrik gave him. "Gather your family and I'll take you with me," he promised and placed the rabbit back on the ground.
"Pav, you don't really think...." Henrik trailed off as rabbits started hopping toward them.
"Don't really think what?" Pavel asked with a smile. "I told you I didn't have many friends but this family of rabbits used to sneak into my room when my father wasn't looking. I protected them and they have always treated me as good as I treated them." He petted each rabbit gently. "You must think I'm crazy now."
"No," Hank said. "I think I love you even more."
Pavel beamed and carefully picked up one of the baby bunnies, handing it to Henrik. "You take care of him and he will always be your friend." He looked back down and smiled. "We are heading toward the lake, join us or meet us as my old home." A few of the rabbits hopped in the direction from which the two vampires had walked from and a few hopped in front of Pavel, in the direction of the lake. "And you are staying here," he laughed at the few remaining rabbits. He took Henrik's empty hand and smiled. "I don't talk to all animals," he explained. "And this family of rabbits is the only one that listens to me. You don't have to worry about me."
"I never would ... I'm just kind of amazed," Henrik admitted as he cuddled the little bunny.
Pavel laughed and walked the rest of the way to the lake. "What do you think?" he smiled and spread his arms. "This is where I was when I wasn't in my old room."
Henrik gazed over the water. "Wow," he whispered. "It's peaceful and beautiful. No wonder you spent so much time here."
"It's almost as beautiful as you," Pavel whispered and smiled gently.
Henrik nudged Pavel lightly with his shoulder and smiled. "I love it here," he said.
"I love you," Pavel touched his arm briefly.
"Thank you for bringing me here," Henrik said, wrapping his arm around Pavel as he leaned close.
"Tell me about your childhood," he requested. "Tell me about your family, about growing up and anything else you want to." Pavel smiled. "Please?"
He laughed gently and asked, "Where should I start?"
"Wherever you want," Pavel smiled and sat down next to the water as Bunny hopped into his lap. "We have forever."
Henrik smiled and sat next to him leaning close as he leaned over to pet Bunny. "I love that," he sighed happily.
"Me too." Pavel glanced at him and brushed their hands together. "Did you have any pets growing up?"
"No, not really."
"Not really?" Pavel asked.
"No true pets. Just the strays that hung around," Henrik explained.
"Strays?" Pavel asked. "Dogs or cats? And what about your parents? I only remember stories that I heard about them. What are they like?"
"Both," he answered. "They're great people. They're involved with a vampire community in the far north of Sweden. I haven't seen them in years."
Pavel stood and grinned. "Would you like to go there? Visit them? We'll take the bunnies."
Henrik smiled. "We could do that, couldn't we?"
"We'll leave in the morning," Pavel replied and placed the bunny on the ground. He looked at Henrik and smiled mischievously. "It is a warm afternoon," he pointed out and pulled his shirt off. "And there is a nice soft breeze." He grinned and stripped off his pants before diving into the lake.
Henrik watched his mate for a minute, enjoying watching him move through the water before stripping off his own clothes and following him in. He had known this trip was a good idea.
~*~*~
"Beautiful," Pavel whispered as he looked around the small town. "Your parents are here?"
"They are," Henrik said. "Unless they've moved, they're just down that road over there." He pointed at a small trail leading away from the center of the village.
Pavel took his hand. "Then let's go," he encouraged and started down the trail.
"Do you have Bunny with you?" Henrik asked before they could get far. "Or did you leave him in the house?"
"Bunny is at the house, with your rabbit," Pavel replied. "Have you thought of a name for him yet?"
"Rabbit?" Henrik suggested with a shrug.
"Why are you stalling, my love? Do you not want to see your parents?" he asked carefully.
"It has been a long time," Henrik said slowly.
"And? Are you afraid that they will be unhappy that you were turned?" Pavel asked.
"I don't know how they'll feel," he said softly. "What if they're disappointed in me?"
"My love," Pavel whispered. "I will be there by your side and, no matter how they feel, I love you. Just tell them, I'm sure they still love you, vampire or not."
"Yes," Henrik whispered. He took Pavel's hand and started down the road. "I'm sure you're right."
"I am," Pavel said encouragingly.
"Henrik?" the woman asked as she rounded the corner. "What are you doing here?" She smiled brightly. "It's been so long. You look great. How is everything? What's new?" she asked in a whirlwind of words as she rushed toward them and wrapped both arms tightly around Henrik's body.
"Mother," he whispered, holding her tight.
"You didn't tell us you were coming," she chastised as she pulled back just far enough to look at him. "Or that you had been turned. Congratulations." She looked over at Pavel. "Are you my son's mate?"
"Yes ma'am," he smiled. "Pavel." He studied her for a moment. "You should tell him," he whispered as he leaned forward.
"Tell me what?" Henrik asked.
She smiled. "Do you think?" Pavel smiled back and nodded.
"Yes," Henrik encouraged. "Tell me."
She smiled and took his hand, placing it over her heart and waited for the clarification to sink in.
He stared at her for a long minute. "When? How?" he asked. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"It's been a year or so," she replied. "Your father too. We were hoping you'd come visit so we could tell you in person." She hugged him again. "I love you, my son. It is so good to see you again."
"It is good to see you too. I should have come sooner but Pavel and I have been traveling."
She took his hand and guided him farther down the trail. Pavel walked behind them with a fond smile on his face. He really didn't care what they were talking about; the only thing that mattered to him was the look on his mate's face when he realized he would always have his parents.
The brief wave of self-pity was cut short when Henrik's mother stopped and turned around.
"Come," she ordered and linked her arm through Pavel's. He smiled and followed next to them as he realized that he'd found the family that he had always been seeking.
"Son," Henrik's father greeted before they could step into the small cottage. "I have missed you."
Pavel watched with a fond smile as Henrik's father hugged his mate tightly.
"You love him very much," she whispered.
"Yes," Pavel agreed. "So much more than he could ever imagine."
She smiled softly knowing that her son had found a good mate. "How long ago did you find him?"
"Seven years but I did not approach him until two years ago." He smiled at her. "You raised him into a good man; I am deeply honored that he loves me."
She smiled and started to speak as Henrik brought his father over to do the introductions. "Welcome to the family."
"I am honored to be considered part of your family," Pavel whispered softly as he smiled gently at his mate. "Thank you."
Henrik's father smiled and pointed to the house. "Come. My wife makes too much food. Join us for dinner and tell us all about yourself Pavel."
He smiled and followed Henrik's family into the house. "What would you like to know?" he asked as he took the offered seat, reaching for his mate's hand as the other man sat next to him.
"About you. You must be a good man or my son would not love you as much as I can see he does."
"I am an only child, the last-born vampire and love your son very much." He smiled. "And am deeply grateful to be part of your family."
"You have no family," she stated.
"No," he shook his head. "Only your son."
Henrik laughed softly as he saw the look in his mother's eyes. He took Pavel's hand and said, "Welcome to the family. They're never letting you go now."
"Where are you staying?" Henrik's father asked.
"We found an Inn on the edge of the town," Pavel replied.
"Nonsense," she said firmly. "You will stay here. You will stay so we can get to know the man our son loves."
"We have a few animals with us," Pavel blushed lightly. "We do not wish to be an inconvenience."
"You are family, not an inconvenience," she insisted.
"If you're sure," Pavel hesitated.
"We are," Henrik's father said firmly.
Pavel nodded. "My love," he said as he turned to face Henrik. "I will gather our belongings, stay and see your parents. I will not be long," he promised as he stood. "Thank you."
Henrik nodded and walked his mate to the door before turning back to his parents. "I've missed you," he told them, giving them both another hug.
"I missed you too," his mother replied. "I always knew you were special but I had no idea you were destined to be a vampire's mate." She smiled brightly.
"Why were you turned?" he asked. "I mean, what...I am happy that I will have you forever but why?" he asked, stumbling over his words.
"Not all of those who are turned are mates of vampires. Sometimes they ask chosen if they would like to be turned," his mother started to explain.
"And you wanted to be," he clarified.
"Yes, I wanted to spend forever with your father. Finding out that I'll have you forever also is an added bonus."
He nodded. "I'm lucky that Pavel found me," he said softly.
"He has another mate," his father commented. "Have you found them yet?"
"No, right now we are enjoying each other and spending time learning everything we can about each other until his other mate is found," Henrik replied, smiling at his parents.
"Will you be able to share him?" his mother asked, concerned.
"Yes," Henrik replied without hesitation. "I knew before I agreed to be turned that he had another mate. I love him deeply but I am confident that I will be able to love his other mate as well."
"As long as you're happy," his mother said.
"I couldn't be happier," he smiled. "Are you? Knowing that you'll never be grandparents, are you happy with how my life turned out?" he whispered after a brief pause.
"Henrik," his father said. "As long as you, our son is happy, we are happy."
"I am, thank you," Henrik nodded. They sat in comfortable silence for several minutes.
"We are back," Pavel greeted with a bright smile as he stepped into the room. "Did we interrupt anything?" he carefully asked as he handed Rabbit to Henrik.
"No, we were just catching up," Henrik said, kissing the side of Pavel's mouth as he leaned down.
"If you would like, I can go wandering while you continue to spend time with your parents," he offered, kissing Henrik gently.
"No," his father stated. "Stay, I would like to ask you a few things."
"Of course," Pavel smiled as he sat down next to Henrik, Bunny appearing in his lap.
"You have another mate that you haven't found. Are you going to be able to handle two mates? You love my son very much; I don't want any one hurt."
"Sir, I know you know about mates and pieces, so I will be simple in my explanation. Your son is the main piece of my soul. I am very confident I will be able to love him and whoever our third mate is equally. I will never treat them differently and will spend forever making sure that both my mates are well loved and treated better than they ever imagined." Pavel smiled at the older version of his lover and nodded. "I have always known that I had more than one mate, I am just thankful I found your son first."
"If you hurt him," he mother started to warn.
"Ma'am," he smiled. "I could never hurt Henrik. He is much too important."
"If he does," Henrik teased. "I will give him to you first." He smiled at his mother.
"Rabbits?" she asked when she finally noticed them. "You have pet rabbits?"
Pavel smiled brightly. "This is Bunny," he said, holding up the small animal that he was holding. "Henrik's is named Rabbit."
Henrik laughed softly. "Pavel grew up with their family," he explained. "We came here from his old home and brought them with us."
"May I?" she asked, holding her hand out. Pavel nodded and held Bunny out to her.
"He's so soft," she said as Bunny settled down against her. "Do you have just these two?"
Pavel blushed. "There are four more hiding in my bag," he admitted.
"Can I see?" Henrik's father asked. Pavel nodded and reached into his bag, pulling them out. "They are lovely creatures," he said as he looked at the animals that were staying near Pavel even as they sniffed and looked around.
"Thank you," he replied and petted one of the smaller bunnies. "I was not fortunate to have many friends when I was smaller but these animals have always been there for me." He watched in fond amusement as one of the bunnies cautiously made its way toward Henrik's father.
"Are there more?" Henrik's mother asked.
"Bunny's whole family lives in the woods near the village where I'm from. These are just the ones that were willing to go traveling with us," Pavel explained.
"I know that you two will want to travel. See the world and search for your mates," his mother said. "We are settled here. We like the community and have no desire to move in the near or distant future. If you like, and if the rabbits are willing, we have room on our land here for them."
"Thank you," Pavel replied, smiling brightly. "I will bring them on our next visit," he promised. He knew he was not acting like the vampire, and man, that he should be but knowing that his pets, the family he had when his own turned away from him, would be well taken care of by his mate's parents made him very happy. He glanced over at Henrik and felt his smile soften. "You were very lucky," he whispered. "You have good parents."
"I think I'm the luckiest person ever," Henrik smiled.
"You mentioned dinner?" Pavel asked, turning to Henrik's mother, still smiling brightly. "Does the offer still stand?"
"Of course," she said. "Ten minutes," she promised.
He nodded and looked around the small room, seeing his mate's parents from a different light. He allowed himself a few minutes of wondering what it would be like if his childhood had ended differently before he felt a gentle pressure on his hand. Turning to face Henrik, he laughed. "I am fine, my love. I was only thinking."
"You think too much," Henrik scolded gently but smiled.
"Sometimes I cannot help it," he admitted softly, still smiling.
"I know," Henrik smiled. "I know it's not the same, but you have a family now. My mother won't let you go."
"Never," she agreed. "Come Pavel; help me put dinner on the table. Would your rabbits like anything to eat? I do have some fresh greens from the garden."
"That would be wonderful," he replied and handed Henrik Bunny. He kissed his lover's cheek softly and stood, following his new mom into her kitchen.
He still had a mate to find, but, for now, he was happier than he had ever imagined he could be.