[Alucard moves the book off of Trevor's chest and onto the side, then draws himself up all too slowly. It gives him moments to consider all of this, with one hand reaching to take Trevor's. His right, because that's where his ring sits.

His thumb moves over it as Alucard speaks. He wants to respond to the sap, to bundle Trevor up and turn it all back on him, but no. Practical is the only thing that matters.]

Sypha and I have been trying to figure out what to do for you for some time now. [It's their husband, they worry.] I dislike this, but it's the first viable option if we plan it carefully.

[Which is to say there's going to be rules.]

Not in our room. Medical kit is right next to us. You tell me when to start and stop. And I do not take from the vein. Doing so takes much too long to heal.