[The pages get put back. They're realigned so carefully, then put onto a contraption that keeps all the pages perfectly in place. And then there is thick cord, because it seems the thing they both come back to when there's serious discussions to be had is sewing.

Alucard's hands aren't quite nimble, but it's quicker than stitching skin.]

Four months. [He repeats it softly. And he considers everything.]

It isn't that I'm opposed to any of going beyond just [How to articulate this?} A v shape with her as the apex. [Because that's what it is right now.]

But I dread tearing things asunder.