This is a sequel to Unexpected and Expectation, so please do read those first if you have time! Trigger warnings for panic attacks and past sexual assault, from the start. Short chapter to get going... Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Characters and settings aren't mine, but you're also unlikely to see this stuff happening in the show...

It was April Fool's Day, and Vlad was in Robin's living room, grinning like a child.

"So when he landed we all hid, Jonno acted like the slayers had captured the place, I can't wait to see his face when he realises we were kidding."
"He doesn't know yet?" Still, it was funny, and it was Bertrand's turn this year. Robin had taken his own prank graciously three years before.
"Nah, they grabbed him the minute he touched down – Jonno read him his rights or something, the works – tied him up and threw him in a cell-"
"Tied him up?" Robin wasn't laughing any more. "Tell me that's a figure of speech."
"Nah, they trussed him up from what I hear. Slayers had a ton of vampire-proof rope hanging about, so they thought they might as-"
"Tell me exactly where he is, and give me the key. Now."

Vlad narrowed his eyes, frowning at him.
"I'm actually the Grand High Vampire, Robin, you can't just-"
"You like Bertrand, yeah? You're happy having him around?"
"Of course I do-"
"Give me the key and it might not be too late."

It was all Bertrand could do to keep himself still – he had to stay still, moving would only draw attention to himself, there was no point struggling or trying to escape – and quiet, hands tied tightly behind his back and tears streaming down his face. He wished he could stop the tears, just one more humiliation on top of all the awful things that had happened to him, that would continue to happen to him. He focused on breathing – in and out, in and out. He couldn't feel his heartbeat; he was afraid. His heart should have been pounding, surely.

He risked a tiny movement, turning his face to the wall in an attempt to hide those scalding, shameful tears, though he couldn't hide the way his entire body trembled. And then, after what could have been seconds or days, he heard footsteps.