Chapter Text
It had been only about a day since Guillermo was turned human again. From the moment the sun roused on that eventful night he's couped himself up in his small room for as long as he could only really leaving when it's necessary. Whether or not he was punishing himself for what he'd done or just was so lost and confused he felt glued to his bed had become lost to him. It hasn't even been a full twenty-four hours since that night and yet it's felt like a week already.
However, it all made sense when he really thought about it. Life has time and time again thrown him through the wringer. He's seen death many times, he's been put at risk of death more times than one should be, he’s killed armies of vampires, he's been shipped in a coffin across the sea twice, worked so hard for barely any payoff, been put through vampire limbo but couldn't tell anyone out of fear for his life and other people's feelings, experimented on, hunted, turned fully into a vampire, and now been made human once more. So when he was finally given a moment to sit down the impact everything that had happened these last few years finally hit him and he didn’t want to get back up.
When he went to check on him Nandor noticed right away his very clear shift in behavior. He expected this to happen sure but he didn’t expect him to be this down this soon.
Not waiting to do nothing about it he thought up an idea that might help him. “Guillermo I’m going to need you to drive me to the store.”
Guillermo looked at him a bit puzzled “Why? I can't think of anything we really need right now off the top of my head?”
“Well, we're starting to run low on candles to burn. While normally I would just fly there I thought maybe we could go on a little ride in your shitbox instead.” he was making the candle thing up. He hasn’t actually checked so for all he knew they really were running low. But he'd figured getting Guillermo out of the house and getting his mind off of things for a bit might do him some good. Plus the opportunity to spend some time with Guillermo and just Guillermo sounded too good to pass.
It had been a while since they’ve done anything together with the whole Guillermo trying to figure out what was going on with him and trying to prevent Nandor from finding out thing. Sure they went out to see a movie back in April but other than that it’s been far too long. At least far too long for Nandor’s taste.
The thing is Guillermo didn't really want to be out alone with Nandor at the moment. While he knows Nandor not only won't kill him but forgives him he still feels bad. However, even he knew going out would be nice and who was he to disobey Nandor after all he's done? So he plastered on a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes “Sure just give me a minute.”
—
An air of awkwardness lingered between them. Normally when stuff happens between them they can just ignore it. However, given the gravity of the choice and decisions Guillermo has made plus its implications, it's a lot harder for them to just ignore it this time around. Still old habits die hard so they still try to ignore their issues. Though Guillermo's sad playlist playing as they drove didn’t really help them.
The need to break the silence slowly crept onto Nandor after the silence in the air left him wandering his mind for longer than he likes. So as Linger by The Cranberries quietly played in the background he took it upon himself to attempt to make conversation.
Looking around he tried to find something anything to talk about. “I see you got rid of the silver ropes on the seatbelts.”
“yeah,” Guillermo shifted a little in his seat “Sorry about that by the way.” His eyes glanced at Nandor for a split second.
“Don't be. You were just doing what you thought was the right thing.” Nandor wishes Guillermo didn't have to look at the road. He wishes he could look into Guillermo's eyes. But there's also a part of him that's glad Guillermo can't look at the slight pain that still lingered on his face. “Besides, that was what? A year ago?”
Guillermo let out a small chuckle. “It was two years ago...” He wanted to slip in a master at the end but he couldn’t bring himself to instead cutting the sentence there.
A long pause fills the air. Nandor once again breaks the silence. “Did you get a haircut?”
“Yeah, it turns out I'm not a fan of hair touching my neck or having a beard. I honestly don't know how you and Laszlo do it.” Guillermo leaned back in his seat a little.
Nandor looks down at his hand as he begins to fidget with his rings. “It's a shame. It looked... nice on you.” Nandor was now REALLY glad Guillermo couldn't look at him. “Thought I will say it was an absolute fucking mess last time I saw it.”
“yeah well aging a month all at once kinda does that.” After a small pause and knowing Nandor was probably going to keep talking to Guillermo sighed “Look I know there's a huge elephant in the room with us,”
“Guillermo, this is a car and I don't see any elephants.”
“Whatever just... I don't want to think about that right now.” Guillermo takes a deep breath. “Hell, it might just be a bit before I feel comfortable thinking about that . I know there’s some awkwardness between us and you’re just trying to ease it but for now, I just want to buy those candles we need and go home.”
Despite knowing Guillermo had to focus on the road and wasn’t able to look back Nandor looked at him. “If you need time to wind down, that is fine. Once we get home you can take as much time as you need off and whatever you need right now I'll help the best I can. You’ve helped me enough these last few years. It's about time I help you.”
“Really? I mean I don't know I've already caused you enough stress-”
Nandor placed a hand on Guillermo's upper thigh and gave it a slight reassuring squeeze. “My word is my bond. Relax.” He rubbed his thumb against his thigh as he spoke. His hand didn't leave his leg for a good while.
Guilermo’s eyes grew wide as he suddenly sat up in his seat blushing a little. As any words he could have said failed to leave his mouth. Thankfully the song playing in the background said his thoughts for him. You know I'm such a fool for you. You got me wrapped around your finger. Do you have to let it linger?