TW: 15th century in a nutshell: homophobia and religious trauma.
To everyone's shock, Milo's father was very accepting of his son's idea. He also wanted Milo to be closer, and being in Prague meant they could see each other much more, and that they could rely on their son to be home quicker if something were to happen. With that, instead of coming back to Paris, Milo sent out a letter to Sebastian and the head of the Orchestra, letting them know his time there was over.
His only regret was not saying goodbye to his uncle in person.
As the days went by, Milo got into his new routine: help in the vineyard during the mornings, help in the store during the afternoons, and practice violin at night, or in the early mornings. He'd still go to the taverns every other night, especially now that Damien got into the habit of accompanying them. All the hesitation that he got about being near the older man dissolved quickly as they began talking more often.
He'd never see either Damien or Petr around the town in the mornings, but they'd cross paths every night, whether it'd be in the tavern or the vineyard - as they became frequent guests in the Nerudov house. When they were home, Milo would be more contained, more distant, and afraid his parents would see right through his crush on Damien. His many siblings also helped to bring the attention out of him, especially the toddlers, but he didn't want to risk it. Instead, he barely spoke to the man while they were there, focusing on Petr.
However, while at the tavern, they got to sit next to one another and talk as much as they'd like, and soon Milo began feeling the concealed touches he was so used to when flirting.
Even the only thing Milo did not like about going out with his brothers began turning into a moment he looked forward to. Before Damien, his siblings, and Petr often would go upstairs to the women and press Milo to do the same. He didn't want to be with a prostitute but he also wasn't able to deny it without raising suspicion.
So, on many nights, he'd go upstairs to an available whore and just pay them to talk and teach him how to pretend they had done it. To Milo's surprise, they were usually very sweet women who would give him great advice about sex, even though he never planned on having it. By that point, Milo had a preferred one - Alena, a woman who already knew they were not going to do anything but talk and didn't seem to judge. He knew her life story and she knew much about him as well.
But now, with Damien there, things began changing - the older man also didn't want to go upstairs and instead preferred to wait for the others while drinking. When Milo heard that, he took the opportunity.
- "I'm going to keep Damien company. You can go."
- "Are you sure? I can wait here, I don't mind."
- "No, no. I'm not in the mood today, I prefer to stay here and talk." - He smiled at Damien. That was the first of many nights when the pair would be left alone, talking by themselves at the table, their bodies near to each other.
Almost a month had passed and even with many opportunities to be by themselves, there wasn't anything other than fingers brushing against each other, hands that met when they passed something from one to the other, their knees touching under the table. After a few too many drinks, one night Milo finally gathered the courage to ask.
- "Why do you never go upstairs, Damien?"
The older man smirked at the question, getting a little closer to Milo. It was enough for the younger man to gulp - somehow it felt like Damien was waiting for him to ask that question all along.
- "The same reason you don't, Milo."
His hand trembled and for a second he thought he was about to let his cup fall from his hands.
YOU ARE READING
Bad Blood (MxM)
Vampire[COMPLETE] For centuries, the sorcerer Milo tried to run away from his old coven and the creatures that were waiting for him there. The memories of pain kept him focused on his disguises, and when he finally thought he was safe, the possibility of w...
