A sort of birthday present for Theodore I suppose. A short story from Stefano's POV during “His Last Masterpiece”. Please enjoy!
Stefano hummed quietly to himself as he shakily worked on developing his newest photos. With Y/N missing it was really all he could do to stop himself from panicking too much. Should he go get the girl that he was told to get a while ago? Probably. But that could wait just a tiny bit longer. He just needs to do something to calm his nerves to make him think more rationally; he couldn't lose his composure. He wouldn't be of any use to anyone like that.
The hair on the back of his neck stood on end as he heard what sounded like something hard hitting the tile floor behind him. Hand grasping for his knife, he quickly turned to see Father Theodore standing a few feet away, watching him, with his hands resting on, the source of the sound, his dog-headed cane.
"Good evening, Father." Stefano gave him a slight nod, setting his knife back on the counter and turning back to his work. He removed the photo from the chemicals and began to hang it up, quietly cursing the shaking of his hands causing the fluid to drip everywhere.
"A good evening indeed, Stefano." Theodore responded. "I believe congratulations are in order."
Stefano almost dropped the photo, but finished hanging it and went on to the next.
"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about." He replied, anxiously avoiding eye contact with the man who was now walking over to him.
"Come now," Theodore placed a hand on Stefano's shoulder. "It's not every day a man learns he is going to be a father."
Stefano's lone eye met Theodore's two in a panic as he fumbled for a response. Was the priest angry? Was he going to hurt him? Was he going to hurt Y/N? Was he going to-?
"Oh that." He looked away, clearing his throat. "Thank you."
The other man gave an odd little chuckle and patted the artist's shoulder before walking off to look at the photos hung throughout the dark room. Stefano studied his movements carefully in an attempt to discern his motives.
"A shame I can't congratulate the mother-to-be." Theodore plucked a photo from the line and looked it over. "She seems like a nice girl. I'd hate to think of what those beasts in the streets would do to her."
He held the photo so Stefano could see. It was Y/N, and she looked horrified. At the time, he had just led her into a room with a few of his other models strung up for his next piece. Of course when doing this he would always leave an open spot so it seemed as if that's what would happen to her. He loved knowing that he could get her to react that way. Seeing the photo in this context however… he felt like he was going to be sick.
"I believe she is alright, for now." Theodore continued, looking back at the photo. "Though, that man she is with is nothing but trouble."
Stefano anxiously flexed his gloved hands. Y/N was with a man? Was it that man from before who hurt Guardian? Was it someone she found in Union?
"I can lead you to her." Theodore offered, making eye contact with Stefano. "And you can keep her safe, here, to have your child." Stefano knew what was coming. There was always a catch. "But you need to bring me the girl. Stop wasting time." Theodore leisurely walked back toward him, his cane clicking against the tile like a ticking clock.
"Every minute you wait here is another minute your precious muse could be suffering at the hands of a stranger. Is that what you want?" Stefano clenched his jaw and balled up his hands at his sides.
"We both know she can't look after herself. Especially not in her present condition." Theodore paused, shoulder to shoulder with him now, and leaned over murmur into the artist's ear. "Bring me the girl, Stefano." Theodore pressed the photo to his chest. "And you can protect your muse."
Stefano held the photo against himself as Theodore walked away, the click of his cane echoing on the tile floor for a few more steps before he phase shifted away.
The artist slowly dragged his gaze down to look at the portrait.
He noted the tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.
He would find her. He had to.
He took a deep breath, picked up his camera and his knife, and headed for Union.
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You can find “His Last Masterpiece” here on AO3!