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The former. That particular pattern isn't unfamiliar to me.
[He's careful not to clarify if he means in dreams or in the waking world. The answer is both, and they don't need to know how much time he spends in that study brooding when they're not home.]
[He's careful not to clarify if he means in dreams or in the waking world. The answer is both, and they don't need to know how much time he spends in that study brooding when they're not home.]
Have you ever had a dream of seeing someone else in the study? Like me, or Trevor.
[Or your father, she thinks, but it's far better to leave that one alone.]
That goes to the form of the dream. If it's a model your dreams are used to following, and you only fit in a different person every time, that's one thing. But if the person you meet there isn't interchangeable, that's another one entirely.
[Or your father, she thinks, but it's far better to leave that one alone.]
That goes to the form of the dream. If it's a model your dreams are used to following, and you only fit in a different person every time, that's one thing. But if the person you meet there isn't interchangeable, that's another one entirely.
In it? No. Never. Passing outside of it, yes. Many a time.
[Maybe he will have to admit to the memories that haunt the hallways this time around. At the very least, it will come up within the year, but it shall be an easier thing to share due to this particular dream.]
I see. And gut instinct factors into all of this as well I'm assuming, correct?
[Maybe he will have to admit to the memories that haunt the hallways this time around. At the very least, it will come up within the year, but it shall be an easier thing to share due to this particular dream.]
I see. And gut instinct factors into all of this as well I'm assuming, correct?
Yes. Just from what you've said, I think there's enough evidence to suggest that this was not a mere figment of your sleeping mind.
[She polishes off another goodly bite of her breakfast, then starts ticking things off on her fingers as she chews.]
A message, a place associated with her, and a deviation from the usual in that specific way — someone usually passing by outside who specifically comes in to see you — those would all fit the mark of a prophetic dream.
[She polishes off another goodly bite of her breakfast, then starts ticking things off on her fingers as she chews.]
A message, a place associated with her, and a deviation from the usual in that specific way — someone usually passing by outside who specifically comes in to see you — those would all fit the mark of a prophetic dream.
[A prophecy to what, just get the castle moving again? Alucard hopes that it isn't the point of the dream alone. It'd be a sad thing if seeing his mother was only ever prompted by need.]
Mm. It is always a reassuring thing when the wisdom of ages backs up one's gut.
Mm. It is always a reassuring thing when the wisdom of ages backs up one's gut.
So, does this mean we can expect you to sleep in late again tomorrow morning?
[He did, after all, mention wanting to experiment with the conditions again, and see if he could replicate the phenomenon.]
At least this time we'll remember the right proportion of eggs to milk. ...I think.
[He did, after all, mention wanting to experiment with the conditions again, and see if he could replicate the phenomenon.]
At least this time we'll remember the right proportion of eggs to milk. ...I think.
If there's success in the experiment, yes. If not, then at least you won't need to worry about breakfast.
[It does, however occur to Alucard that he may not be able to escape Sypha's grasp in the morning if he is in the center of the two of them. Morning cuddles are Required, and today he has avoided his duty.
A bridge to cross later.]
The particulate notes about the castle are, apparently, in my parent's bedroom though.
[It does, however occur to Alucard that he may not be able to escape Sypha's grasp in the morning if he is in the center of the two of them. Morning cuddles are Required, and today he has avoided his duty.
A bridge to cross later.]
The particulate notes about the castle are, apparently, in my parent's bedroom though.
...I don't think we've ever been in there, have we? We always just...avoided it.
[Which doesn't inherently mean that Alucard has avoided it, of course, but she'd be willing to bet that he'd been just as inclined to leave it shut and untouched. There are few places in the castle likely to have heavier memories than that, after all.]
So if they really are there, it's unlikely your sleeping mind could have just made them up. But she would have known. It was her room, after all.
[Which doesn't inherently mean that Alucard has avoided it, of course, but she'd be willing to bet that he'd been just as inclined to leave it shut and untouched. There are few places in the castle likely to have heavier memories than that, after all.]
So if they really are there, it's unlikely your sleeping mind could have just made them up. But she would have known. It was her room, after all.
Mm.
[It's confirmation of both parts. That no, she and Trevor have not been in there before, and that no, his own mind could not have thought up this particular location. Alucard had not even ventured near the room to lock it properly, as it was a part of the castle mercifully spared from the destructive fight. It was simply...there.
It's a place he knows will suck the contentment out of him, and so he smiles softly as he says:]
It can wait until the afternoon.
[A few more hours of this mood, at least.]
[It's confirmation of both parts. That no, she and Trevor have not been in there before, and that no, his own mind could not have thought up this particular location. Alucard had not even ventured near the room to lock it properly, as it was a part of the castle mercifully spared from the destructive fight. It was simply...there.
It's a place he knows will suck the contentment out of him, and so he smiles softly as he says:]
It can wait until the afternoon.
[A few more hours of this mood, at least.]
...Yes, but I cannot.
[Because, perhaps, she senses the precariousness of the moment and of his mood, and she wants to do her part to preserve it, too. That means a distraction, and she can't think of a better one than scooting up and out of her chair and over by him, arms out in expectation of being accepted into his.]
Kisses, please.
[Because, perhaps, she senses the precariousness of the moment and of his mood, and she wants to do her part to preserve it, too. That means a distraction, and she can't think of a better one than scooting up and out of her chair and over by him, arms out in expectation of being accepted into his.]
Kisses, please.
Hm, this seems more like an attempt to avoid doing the dishes.
[Trevor agrees that it absolutely is, but too late. Sypha's made a decision, and they can only abide by it. With her arms outstreched, Alucard inches his chair away from the table just enough and then slides Sypha over onto his lap.
She's a familiar and warm weight, and both his arms wrap around her waist, delighted.]
This is the problem with you leaving me in bed alone. You have to do this at the table instead, and the chairs aren't as comfortable as the mattress.
[Trevor agrees that it absolutely is, but too late. Sypha's made a decision, and they can only abide by it. With her arms outstreched, Alucard inches his chair away from the table just enough and then slides Sypha over onto his lap.
She's a familiar and warm weight, and both his arms wrap around her waist, delighted.]
This is the problem with you leaving me in bed alone. You have to do this at the table instead, and the chairs aren't as comfortable as the mattress.
If we had succeeded in making breakfast, it would have been a nice surprise that would have made you happy. Which is more important than even this.
[She nuzzles against him, nose brushing against the hair that falls against the side of his face, mouthing against the line of his jaw.]
But if you would be more comfortable in bed, we could always go back...
[She nuzzles against him, nose brushing against the hair that falls against the side of his face, mouthing against the line of his jaw.]
But if you would be more comfortable in bed, we could always go back...
[Kisses first. Sypha's forehead. The tip of her nose. Both of her cheeks, then her lips. Gentle and chase because well, he knows he tastes most like egg right now. Not the most attractive thing to kiss.]
I'm plenty happy, breakfast surprise having taken a different form than intended.
[Then a perfectly decent proposal.]
Mmm, I think perhaps that is in order. I'd even dare to say dishes can wait.
[This is a rare mood. They're all aware of it. It's important to take advantage of it.]
I'm plenty happy, breakfast surprise having taken a different form than intended.
[Then a perfectly decent proposal.]
Mmm, I think perhaps that is in order. I'd even dare to say dishes can wait.
[This is a rare mood. They're all aware of it. It's important to take advantage of it.]
You, allowing the dishes to go neglected? You really are in a good mood.
[And absolutely none of them are going to complain about it. And every one of them is smart enough to take advantage of this.]
A mood that is infectious, I might add.
[She slumps contentedly against him, resting her head on his shoulder, so that every time she exhales he gets treated to a warm little breath of air washing over the side of his neck.]
[And absolutely none of them are going to complain about it. And every one of them is smart enough to take advantage of this.]
A mood that is infectious, I might add.
[She slumps contentedly against him, resting her head on his shoulder, so that every time she exhales he gets treated to a warm little breath of air washing over the side of his neck.]
Really, the fact I'm not fussing about dishes is the truest indicator of mood?
[The grumpy noise he makes is all smoke and mirrors. Trevor's watching this with a stupid smile on his face, and the position that Sypha's in just makes the next part easier. It is no effort at all for Alucard to shift where his arms are, and scoop Sypha up like the royalty they treat her as as Alucard rises to his feet.]
Really now, Sypha. Would you like to adjust that criteria of yours?
[The grumpy noise he makes is all smoke and mirrors. Trevor's watching this with a stupid smile on his face, and the position that Sypha's in just makes the next part easier. It is no effort at all for Alucard to shift where his arms are, and scoop Sypha up like the royalty they treat her as as Alucard rises to his feet.]
Really now, Sypha. Would you like to adjust that criteria of yours?
You have to admit, it is a very reliable indicator. Perhaps not the best one altogether, but at least a reliable one.
[She squeaks a little, though, when he gets up and takes her along with him, equal parts startled and pleased. It's familiar enough that it's easy to wrap herself around him to make the carrying easier, with her arms adjusted neatly around his shoulders and her knees held together so that he can hook efficiently beneath them.]
You're playful, that's another good one, too.
[She squeaks a little, though, when he gets up and takes her along with him, equal parts startled and pleased. It's familiar enough that it's easy to wrap herself around him to make the carrying easier, with her arms adjusted neatly around his shoulders and her knees held together so that he can hook efficiently beneath them.]
You're playful, that's another good one, too.
Still! Housework!
[It's so easy to fall into this familiar rapport. Alucard would be a liar if he said he didn't adore it, just like he didn't adore the all too easy to tote around Speaker in his arms and the way she knew how to hang on.
The only thing left to do is start to walk out of the kitchen entirely, Trevor right behind and just laughing at this ridiculous display.]
And if I am, it's only because you've made some very compelling suggestions in the last few minutes.
[It's so easy to fall into this familiar rapport. Alucard would be a liar if he said he didn't adore it, just like he didn't adore the all too easy to tote around Speaker in his arms and the way she knew how to hang on.
The only thing left to do is start to walk out of the kitchen entirely, Trevor right behind and just laughing at this ridiculous display.]
And if I am, it's only because you've made some very compelling suggestions in the last few minutes.
Well, then. I think I should do what I can to encourage your good mood, don't you think so?
[Well, allegedly, anyway. Really it's more like she's out to tease him in one of her favorite ways, given that his hands are occupied with holding her and his focus is on trying to get her back to the bedroom. She, on the other hand, has a little more free range of movement — and more importantly, she knows what he likes.
So maybe it comes as no surprise when she dips down to kiss at his neck, just a little above where his pulse rests, and throws in a light scrape of her teeth for good measure.]
[Well, allegedly, anyway. Really it's more like she's out to tease him in one of her favorite ways, given that his hands are occupied with holding her and his focus is on trying to get her back to the bedroom. She, on the other hand, has a little more free range of movement — and more importantly, she knows what he likes.
So maybe it comes as no surprise when she dips down to kiss at his neck, just a little above where his pulse rests, and throws in a light scrape of her teeth for good measure.]
So long as it isn't terribly distracting to my grip.
[He's had practice at this, so the bar for terribly distracting is rather high at this point in time. Just to be on the safe side though, Alucard makes sure his grip is firm without being painful.
Alucard's also able to keep moving even as Sypha hones in on the spot that always makes him gasp in delight. This time is no different, and she's far too quick to add teeth. There is encouraging, and then there is this.]
Sypha!
[It's half delighted, half embarrassed.]
[He's had practice at this, so the bar for terribly distracting is rather high at this point in time. Just to be on the safe side though, Alucard makes sure his grip is firm without being painful.
Alucard's also able to keep moving even as Sypha hones in on the spot that always makes him gasp in delight. This time is no different, and she's far too quick to add teeth. There is encouraging, and then there is this.]
Sypha!
[It's half delighted, half embarrassed.]
Shhh. Just enjoy yourself, my love.
[She's not altogether too concerned about the possibility of him dropping her, less from anything to do with underestimating how distracting she might be and more just because that's a measure of her faith in him — confident, unshakeable.]
My handsome prince, whisking me away.
[She's not altogether too concerned about the possibility of him dropping her, less from anything to do with underestimating how distracting she might be and more just because that's a measure of her faith in him — confident, unshakeable.]
My handsome prince, whisking me away.
[One of the three of them has to at least be aware of these things! And it sure as hell ain't Sypha right now, plus Trevor's been waiting for the hallway to get just a little bit wider, allowing himself and Alucard to walk shoulder to shoulder. Easier for trying to steal kisses from Sypha like that.]
Mm, you should make that plural.
[Because otherwise, that's just rude.]
Mm, you should make that plural.
[Because otherwise, that's just rude.]
I thought you were the prince, and Trevor was something else. It's important to be accurate.
[It's also important to share, which means that at regular intervals Alucard will be subject to the impossible cuteness that is literally carrying Sypha while she leans over for kisses from Trevor. A feat of gymnastic greatness.]
...Or is a boyar the same? I don't remember...
[She probably does, but she knows she can bait Alucard into being an insufferable know-it-all, which is also always fun.]
[It's also important to share, which means that at regular intervals Alucard will be subject to the impossible cuteness that is literally carrying Sypha while she leans over for kisses from Trevor. A feat of gymnastic greatness.]
...Or is a boyar the same? I don't remember...
[She probably does, but she knows she can bait Alucard into being an insufferable know-it-all, which is also always fun.]
[There's a groan from Trevor halfway through one of those kisses, You're going to get him started on this again? and Alucard cannot help but just hold his nose far too high.]
Well just for that, I'm not going to get into particulars lest I offend delicate sensibilities.
[Thank God as far as Trevor's concerned. Alucard's much too invested in being a transport for cuteness, all but glowing as he watches the two smooch.]
Well just for that, I'm not going to get into particulars lest I offend delicate sensibilities.
[Thank God as far as Trevor's concerned. Alucard's much too invested in being a transport for cuteness, all but glowing as he watches the two smooch.]
He is very cute when he's showing off, though. Just because you don't like the topic of choice...
[Not to be outdone, she works her fingers through Alucard's hair, nails scritching lightly at the nape of his neck while she continues to draw her kisses from Trevor with every offer of them.]
[Not to be outdone, she works her fingers through Alucard's hair, nails scritching lightly at the nape of his neck while she continues to draw her kisses from Trevor with every offer of them.]
[Just pick a different topic. Like books or science. Which are equally unsexy, but things that Alucard is even nerdier about so the showing off potential is much greater.
Or the other option is to keep kissing Sypha to keep her from enabling, which is the thing Trevor decides to go with in the end. Alucard keeps trying to watch, but Sypha's nails are far, far too clever for their own good and that means he's making a stupid noise instead. He'd rather be underneath her on the bed while she does that, free to squirm in delight instead of clamp down because he's still carrying her.
Thank God the bedroom door is still open. There's no need to try and open it with an armful of Sypha, making life much easier. Rather than just put Sypha down on the bed and then climb in beside her, Alucard sits himself down with her still in his arms.
Actually, to hell with it. He lies right down, dragging Sypha with him so Trevor has enough time to climb into bed too.]
Or the other option is to keep kissing Sypha to keep her from enabling, which is the thing Trevor decides to go with in the end. Alucard keeps trying to watch, but Sypha's nails are far, far too clever for their own good and that means he's making a stupid noise instead. He'd rather be underneath her on the bed while she does that, free to squirm in delight instead of clamp down because he's still carrying her.
Thank God the bedroom door is still open. There's no need to try and open it with an armful of Sypha, making life much easier. Rather than just put Sypha down on the bed and then climb in beside her, Alucard sits himself down with her still in his arms.
Actually, to hell with it. He lies right down, dragging Sypha with him so Trevor has enough time to climb into bed too.]
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