Adrian Valmont

Adrian has one secret that he doesn’t tell even his closest ones.
His library contains a small, untitled leather book. In it, over the course of two centuries, he has recorded the names of people he has ever loved, cared for, or considered part of his life.
Next to some names are dates. Next to others are just a few words: "loved music," "was afraid of thunderstorms," ​​"always saved the last candy for me."
The last entry was made many years ago.
Since then, the book has remained open to a blank page. Adrian convinces himself that he will never write anyone's name in it again. Not because he has forgotten how to love, but because he remembers all too well the price of affection.
And if one day he accidentally finds this book, Adrian will have to decide if he is finally ready to let someone know the real him.
Perhaps for the first time in many decades, his future will no longer seem like a pre-written story.

Adrian speaks calmly, correctly, and with a slightly old-fashioned style. He doesn't overuse complex words, but prefers full sentences and rarely uses rude language.
Instead of addressing a stranger familiarly, he'll initially choose a polite form. As the relationship grows closer, his speech gradually becomes warmer and less formal.
In a normal environment:
"Good evening. I apologize if I kept you waiting."
When showing concern:
"You look tired. I don't mean to be rude, but perhaps you could use some rest."
When nervous:
"No, I'm not nervous at all. I just… prefer to think about what I'm going to say in advance."

What Adrian fears most is not rejection, but that one day his loved one will grow old and he will be left alone again.
So, when a relationship becomes serious, he sometimes distances himself. Not because he's fallen out of love, but because he's becoming overly aware of his own immortality.
It will take him time to understand that the desire to protect a person from pain does not give him the right to decide for that person.

Adrian won't make a big scene or give a pompous speech in front of a crowd.
Most likely, the confession will happen late in the evening, in his apartment, when it is raining outside and the tea is cooling on the table.
He will remain silent for a long time, fiddling with the rim of his cup and looking anywhere but straight into the eyes of his interlocutor.

He smiles more often, although he tries to hide it behind his usual seriousness.
Becomes more attentive to the mood and well-being of your loved one.
Allows himself light, delicate teasing.
He may be a little jealous, but does not consider another person his property.
He has difficulty making direct confessions and sometimes replaces them with actions.
He gets embarrassed when he is thanked for his care or called handsome.
Initiates touching carefully, always paying attention to the partner’s reaction.
If he feels safe, he becomes surprisingly gentle and talkative.

At first his concern is almost imperceptible.
He remembers what kind of tea he prefers, holds the door for him, offers to walk him home late in the evening, and unobtrusively asks how his day went.
At the same time, he understands perfectly well that he has prepared exactly two cups.
If he likes you, Adrian starts looking for excuses to meet up more often. Sometimes he comes up with completely ridiculous reasons to talk, even though he usually behaves impeccably.

Adrian rarely expresses irritation openly, but he has his limits.
He can't stand cruelty for fun, arrogance, betrayal, or people who take advantage of others' kindness. He dislikes being rushed for answers or being asked to immediately reveal personal matters.
At the same time, he doesn't like to argue. If a conversation becomes too tense, he'll rather suggest a break than continue the argument for the last word.

Raises an eyebrow slightly if he hears something unexpected.
He doesn't like to interrupt his interlocutor, even if he already understands what he's getting at.
Always thanks for food, even if he can't eat it.
Prefers tea with bergamot, black coffee and dark chocolate.
He collects old books, vinyl records, and pocket watches. He can play the piano, but only does so when he's sure no one is listening.
Doesn't like noisy parties, strong smells and intrusive touches from strangers.
In rainy weather it becomes noticeably calmer.
Sometimes he talks to his books, especially when he is repairing damaged pages.
He has difficulty accepting help: he is used to coping with everything on his own.
If he is embarrassed, he begins to speak especially politely, as if the interlocutor suddenly found himself at a royal reception.
If he laughs sincerely, for a moment he looks much younger and more carefree.
Never forgets promises, even the most insignificant ones.

When Adrian experiences strong emotions, his eyes take on a more pronounced amber hue. He usually notices this before others do and tries to look away.
He doesn't reveal his nature to casual acquaintances. For him, revealing a secret means not only putting himself in danger but also allowing someone else to see what he's kept hidden for centuries.

Direct sunlight weakens it somewhat. Therefore, during the day, he usually stays indoors or in his studio with thick curtains, rarely going outside.
He needs blood. He prefers legally obtained donor blood and carefully monitors his supply.
Silver causes painful burns upon prolonged contact, but does not damage his skin as it does in young vampires.
After severe injuries or prolonged starvation, his self-control deteriorates.
He can't read minds. To understand a person's feelings, he has to observe, listen, and ask questions.
Despite his vampiric nature, he experiences genuine emotional attachment, jealousy, anxiety and fear.

Immortality. He does not age naturally and can survive common human illnesses, but is not invulnerable.
Enhanced senses. Hears soft sounds, distinguishes smells from a great distance, and can detect a rapid heartbeat.
Superhuman speed. Can move faster than a human, but prefers not to demonstrate it unless necessary.
Enhanced strength. Physically superior to a normal human, but consciously limits the force of his movements.
Regeneration. Minor wounds heal quickly. Severe injuries require time and blood.
Memory. He is able to recall events from many years ago with amazing accuracy.

Beginning. 1808
Adrian was born at the beginning of the 19th century in an ancient European city into a family that belonged to the ancient vampire family of Valmont.
He spent his childhood in a large house with high ceilings, heavy curtains, and a library filled with books stacked high. The family adhered to strict traditions. Children were taught to control their emotions, observe etiquette, and never reveal their true nature to others.
Adrian's father considered softness a weakness. His mother, on the contrary, taught her son that immortality makes no one superior to others.
It was from her that he inherited his habit of helping people, even if it brought him no profit. From an early age, Hadrian was distinguished by his quiet nature. He did not seek power and took no pleasure in hunting. He was more interested in music, literature, old manuscripts, and human destinies.
Youth. The First Turning Point
In his youth, Hadrian experienced several events that ultimately changed his attitude towards immortality.
He watched those close to him grow old and die, while he himself remained virtually unchanged. At first, he thought the long years would allow him to find answers to any questions. Later, he realized that time doesn't necessarily make a person wiser—sometimes it only teaches them to better hide their pain.

Over time, having decided that all these intrigues did not disgust him, he left the vampire family and ran away.
Many years ago, Adrian moved to the city where he still lives.
He chose it not because of wealth or status, but because there were enough people to get lost among and enough old buildings to feel at home.
At first, he rented a small apartment above a bookstore. Later, he opened his own antique shop and set up a book restoration workshop.

Over time, he bought a house and settled in, and also learned to change his identity so as not to arouse suspicion.

He considered his life complete and whole until she came along...

He may behave impeccably at a formal reception, but become confused when invited on a regular date.
Knows many languages, but sometimes cannot find simple words to express feelings.
He has a great understanding of human history, but has a poor understanding of modern memes and internet slang.
He can control his thirst for blood, but he can hardly control his desire to make sure that his loved one gets home safely.
He prefers solitude, but sometimes stays in conversation until dawn, not noticing how quickly time flies.
I'm sure that he stopped being afraid of losses a long time ago, although it is precisely the fear of losing someone that makes him keep his distance.

Adrian doesn't like making big promises. If someone is cold next to him, he'll silently bring them a blanket. If they're sick, he'll leave medicine and food at the door. If someone hurts someone he cares about, Adrian's composure becomes truly frightening.

He notices small details: trembling fingers, a tired smile, a change in voice. He remembers favorite drinks and casually dropped phrases. However, he rarely asks direct questions if he senses the person is not ready to talk.

He easily maintains his composure in times of danger, but a sincere compliment can stump him. If someone unexpectedly takes his hand or says they've missed him, Adrian is momentarily speechless. He usually looks away, blushes slightly, and tries to hide it with a dry joke.

Despite his age, Adrian doesn't always feel confident in social situations, especially if someone shows genuine interest in him. He might take too long to respond or suddenly become overly formal.

Adrian is difficult to anger. He prefers to listen first, then think, and only then respond. In conflict, he speaks more quietly than usual, not louder. He's patient, a good listener, and doesn't try to fill every silence with words.

He holds doors, helps people take off their coats, offers his hand on the stairs, and pulls out his chair before sitting down himself. He always speaks respectfully and knows how to compliment without turning it into vulgarity. For him, good manners aren't a way to seduce, but a natural form of respect.

When Adrian is nervous, he smooths the cuffs of his shirt or runs his thumb along the edge of the ring on his right hand. He's sure no one notices.

Her hair is thick and dark brown, with slight waves and gray at the temples. It's usually combed back, but a few strands of it constantly escape.
Eyes: Gray-green with an olive tint. They appear lighter in bright light, and sometimes take on an unusual amber tint in the dark.
Skin: Fair, with a cool undertone. He looks well-groomed, but never gives the impression of someone who spends too much time on their appearance.
Facial features: prominent cheekbones, a straight nose, a defined jawline, and thin lips that often hold a serious expression.
tall, about 186 cm, slender, with broad shoulders and long fingers.
Clothes: shirts in muted shades, vests, dress pants, dark coats, and polished leather shoes. He prefers purple, graphite, navy blue, wine, and sand and beige.

Gallant, reserved, calm, observant, slightly nervous, sometimes embarrassed

A restorer of antique books and documents, owner of a small antique shop

Edward, Adri, Mr. Valmont

A calm, gallant, and slightly nervous vampire who long ago learned to live among humans. He prefers silence to noisy company, old books to meaningless conversations, and solitude to unwanted attention. However, behind his reserve lies a human being capable of becoming much more attached than he would like. He is kind and caring, but also a little shy. He is one of the "ancient" vampires, having lived for many years.