For Centuries - Season 4 [Completed]

10 PM - 11 PM

"Cold", The Cure

I looked at Stanislas and saw that Aidan was gazing at him too.

"James, Amaury, could you accompany Lucas and Anna to the mansion? We will join you very soon," I said.

They nodded and left, while I approached the old vampire to take off his chains. When I did, he stayed seated and did not raise his head.

I walked towards the other side of the room to leave them some space but when I came across Aidan, I stroked his arm gently and leaned for a second against his shoulder, trying to give him the comfort and encouragement I knew he needed.

"Why me? What the fuck did you see in me?" Aidan said suddenly, still at a fair distance from his sire.

Stanislas kept on looking away but he did not hesitate. "You were beautiful, smart. And then there was this hunger for approval."

Aidan winced. "Then why did you leave me?"

"You cared too much." Stanislas said the words with an even voice, but when he looked up and crossed Aidan's gaze, his jaw clenched and his hands shook. It was not anger, it was guilt. "Aidan," he tried, almost in a whisper.

My vampire closed his eyes for a second. "It was a bad idea. I don't need to talk to you."

Stanislas stood up and took a few steps closer to him. "I will never bother you again. I give you my word."

"This is not that simple," Aidan shouted. "I've got to get rid of you. You're everywhere. You're like poison in my bones."

Stanislas flinched. He took a deep breath. "I am sorry. I know there is no excuse for how I treated you."

And Stanislas lowered his head and knelt slowly in front of Aidan.

My heart skipped a beat and Aidan gasped. Then he shook his head. "Stand up. You still don't get it, right? Everything is about power with you. Even this, this parody of expiation. I don't want this. Stand up and look me in the eyes, you coward."

Stanislas lifted his head, visibly confused, and he did as told. "I... I don't know what else to do."

"I loved you," Aidan snapped, his body leaning forward, all his muscles tense. "I don't understand why but in a way I always will."

Stanislas clenched his fists but his eyes were still locked on Aidan's. "I care about you," he answered slowly. 

And Aidan laughed, the sound of it mixed with incoming sobs. "You killed me, you played with me, and then you abandoned me, telling me I was worthless. In more than 800 years, no one has hurt me as you did. I hated myself so deeply."

Stanislas did not move and let him continue.

"But I was lucky enough to find people who loved me. To find my best friend. To find the love of my life." He paused. "I know now that life is not just pain."

Tears rolled down Aidan's face. Stanislas raised his hand as if to touch him but he wavered and pulled back.

"I hope," Aidan said, "that one day you will understand what the fuck all this is about in the end."

"I think I understand now," Stanislas said softly.

Aidan's hands moved before his body followed and leaned on Stanislas' chest. His sire froze, he closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Aidan's shoulders. "I am sorry. You deserved so much better. You deserved everything. I am glad you finally found it."

Then Stanislas pulled back, looked Aidan in the eyes a last time and walked passed him. He glanced at me. I nodded. And he left the club.