[It's easier to breathe once things get properly under way. She still stays by his side, still keeps hold of his hand for as long as he can afford to grant it to her, but it's apparent that the people who approach them are coming to pay respects to Alucard specifically, with herself being spared only a passing glance, if she even warrants acknowledgement to begin with at all.
It drags on, and she eavesdrops, and much of it doesn't make sense. She watches their faces instead, trying to make a game of which ones are lying and which ones are telling the truth, based on the slight tells in their features. Perhaps she'll ask Alucard about them later. She attends to the refreshments, the drinks, the little details. She'll need to master all of them as quickly as possible, for her to fit in here. Alucard can shelter her tonight, but he won't be able to forever.
But then, eventually, a lull comes, and he nudges her.]
Are you sure you can do without me?
[It sounds like a tease, which is good, because it hides the genuine concern inherent in the question. She does want to look around more than she's been able to at his side, but it's not for the sake of appearances that she's been staying close. Leaving him isn't even a consideration, unless he's going to be all right.]
no subject
It drags on, and she eavesdrops, and much of it doesn't make sense. She watches their faces instead, trying to make a game of which ones are lying and which ones are telling the truth, based on the slight tells in their features. Perhaps she'll ask Alucard about them later. She attends to the refreshments, the drinks, the little details. She'll need to master all of them as quickly as possible, for her to fit in here. Alucard can shelter her tonight, but he won't be able to forever.
But then, eventually, a lull comes, and he nudges her.]
Are you sure you can do without me?
[It sounds like a tease, which is good, because it hides the genuine concern inherent in the question. She does want to look around more than she's been able to at his side, but it's not for the sake of appearances that she's been staying close. Leaving him isn't even a consideration, unless he's going to be all right.]
When will you find me again?