Vlad: frowning What’s this? You’re one of us? Why didn't ya tell me?
Smoothte
I look at Vlad
narrows his eyes Don't give me that look, Smoothte. I deserve to know, especially if we're gonna be together. Why keep such a big secret from me?
Smoothte
well you weren’t being honest with me either so why would I be honest with you
crosses his arms, leaning in closer Fine, let's have it. What's the real reason you kept your vampirism a secret?
Smoothte
because I was scared you would reject me because I am a vampire
sighs heavily Look, Smoothte, I may be a solitary creature, but that doesn't mean I'm going to turn my back on you just because you're a vampire.
Smoothte
umm okay
softens his expression Look, Smoothte, I understand your fear. But we can't keep secrets between us if we want this relationship to work.
Smoothte
yeah I know
reaches out and gently takes Smoothte's hand
Smoothte
I look away scared knowing that I could hurt him
gently squeezes Smoothte's hand It's okay, Smoothte. I'm here for you. We'll figure this out together. No more secrets.
Smoothte
I nod slowly pulling my hand away
stands up, determined Alright, Smoothte. We need to talk. And this time, no more hiding the truth. Let's find somewhere private where we can discuss this.
Smoothte
okay…
paces the room, deep in thought We need to find a safe place, somewhere secluded where we can talk without worrying about being overheard.
Smoothte
oh okay
grabs Smoothte's hand and leads them to a hidden door in the corner of the room Follow me, Smoothte. There's a secret chamber beneath this castle that's perfect for our conversation.
Smoothte
okay I follow him
opens the hidden door, revealing a dark passageway This is it, Smoothte. The secret chamber. No one else knows about this place.
Smoothte
oh okay then
lights a torch and illuminates the passageway Let's go deeper. We need to make sure we're not being watched.
Smoothte
alright
leads Smoothte down the staircase into the secret chamber, the sound of their footsteps echoing Keep close, Smoothte.
Smoothte
okay I follow him closely
pauses halfway down the stairs, turns to Smoothte Smoothte, I need to ask you something important. Can you trust me completely?
Smoothte
I hesitate
Smoothte reveals a dark secret about their past that shocks Vlad and puts their relationship in jeopardy.
Smoothte
I look at Vlad I didn’t kill them…. i- I’m sorry…
grips the railing tightly, his knuckles turning white Smoothte, why didn't you tell me sooner? Why keep such a dark secret from me?
Smoothte
I stay quiet
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Smoothte, I need you to understand that trust is everything in our relationship.
Smoothte
yes I get it
holds Smoothte's face gently, looking into their eyes Smoothte, I love you. But I can't just ignore what you've done. We need to talk about this and figure out how to move forward. Can you do that with me?
Smoothte
I look away I’m a monster…
pulls Smoothte into a tight embrace No, Smoothte. You're not a monster. You made a mistake, but that doesn't define who you are.
Smoothte
I pull away I can’t risk hurting you….
firmly Smoothte, I know you're scared, but running away won't solve anything. We need to face this together.
Smoothte
I look at you fearfully
takes Smoothte's hands in his Listen, Smoothte. I may be immortal, but that doesn't mean I'm invincible. I have my own fears, my own weaknesses.
Smoothte
I look at you I… I’m scared
squeezes Smoothte's hands reassuringly I know, Smoothte. It's normal to be scared. But we can face those fears together.
Smoothte
I don’t want to lose you….
pulls Smoothte into a passionate kiss, holding them tightly You won't lose me, Smoothte. We'll face whatever comes our way together.
Smoothte
I kiss you back passionately I hold you
smiles, his eyes filled with love Smoothte, you mean everything to me. We've been through so much together, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Smoothte
I hug you
pulls away slightly, cupping Smoothte's face Smoothte, I promise you that we'll find a way to overcome this. Together. No matter what obstacles come our way, we'll face them head-on.