cryptsleeper | Catch All

[Alucard hates. All of this. He hates the horrible feeling of Trevor's blistered hands in his, and when he nears the group of Belmonts he can at least manage a single idea.]

Tell Sypha then. She'll know the right protocol.

[Sypha's not immune to Dracula's rage, but Lisa is. Sypha's also wise enough to know that, and Alucard knows that much to be a truth. He lets go of Trevor's hand and offers it to the rabbit instead, clearly apologetic.

He's not sure if petting bunnies is allowed, but he can respond to Trevor's question while making an honest attempt.]

Three or four to the first. Double that for the second.

[He doesn't dare speak specifics out loud, lest they be overheard.]

What is the most remote edge of this place?

[ The youngest of Leon's daughters bows her head for pets, because even the fae allow themselves some indulgences (a lot of indulgences, really, but some of them are content with indulgences that don't end in horrible, horrible things). ]

Sypha. Your keeper? [ She looks to Trevor, and he nods. ] She probably won't put me on any sticks. I hope. I'll have her where she ought to be, quick as I can.

[ She waits only a little longer to enjoy pets, and then she's entirely a rabbit, if a horned one, and she's out of sight in a moment. Trevor looks about. ]

You can only get so far from her before you start moving toward her again. I'll take you as far as we can go. Hours, or days?

[ Not that the difference matters much, here. ]

[Alucard's good at giving pets, mostly because as a wolf, he knows where all the sweet spots are. His nails are well honed for it too, and he continues until the moment is well over.]

Thank you.

[It's a small kindness, but one that will have a very strong impact indeed.

Once she is gone, Alucard rises slowly. There's a pause as he adjusts his hat, pulling the brim down. His eyes meet Leon's for a beat, and in the moment there is no denying the worry there. There's zero doubt with how Dracula will react to this.

Then his face is a perfect blank.]

Lead on. And the answer is the second one.

[He doesn't know how else to manage, so he takes Trevor's arm in his. Guests need to be escorted, after all. Alucard can play that much into optics, fully aware that relying on the Belmonts is his best chance for survival.]

[He may seek to shepherd their actions, to broker them to his conditions, but turn about is fair play. Sypha is good at pushing buttons, at finding cracks, and she knows how to exploit them with him. Of course, the same could well be said in turn, as he knows all of her weaknesses as well. The only difference is his slow burn juxtaposed against her harder motions.

Sypha does manage to keep her balance, and may have kept it far longer out of sheer stubbornness had she known his mind. She doesn't, but it is pleasant from here, feeling the silken texture of his hair slip through her fingers, to have the steady firmness of his chest by hers. He is a very handsome individual, and there is no denying that.

Her lips do brush teasingly over his, once, twice, before that thick voice hums, mouth still hovering over his.]

See. Showing is better than telling, no?

[Although what can Sypha say. She is greedy, and her terms are far from met as she lowers herself to rest on his lap.]

In this case, doubtlessly.

[Alucard's smile is razor sharp, aware that they've both reached the same conclusion about where this is probably going to end. It's hardly the first time the library's bore witness to this, and it won't be the last.

He does pull back though, because it is far better for him to bury his face into her shoulder. To use one hand to tug at fabric, exposing skin, and then apply a flurry of kisses to what he can reach. It means that there's more hair for Sypha to take in hand, and that some of it falls down and out, brushing against her chest, a few flyaways sticking to the fabric of the sofa itself.

What he isn't kissing (and never kisses without explicit permission) is her neck.]

[There is a smile and a soft chuckle at his words, although her eyes are still only for him, pupils blown in desire. A protest falls past her lips as he retreats, mouth starting to open to give a quick quip, but it falls away in to a low moan as his lips dance over her skin.

No doubt some may look upon him with horror due to his lineage, and Sypha knows a thing about that. All three of them have been judged by false beliefs, and in their cases, they couldn't be further from the truth. She's seen him fight, that raw strength and poise, and yet he is as delicate and gentle now as a lamb. One with sharp pointy fangs, mind...

Her hand does turn, to stroke down those golden threads, only to reach up again, fingers pressing against the nape of his neck. It is those small pleasurable noises that slip past her lips as she squirms on Alucard's lap. Her hand comes free from his shirt, to join the other one in his hair, and while he may skirt around her neck, Sypha trusts him wholly. It is why her head lolls to the side and her fingers press ever so, guiding, but not demanding, permission granted but not forced.]

[Alucard understands that not only is permission given, but that he is more than welcome to move towards Sypha's neck. It's one of those wordless gestures that has developed as a natural outgrowth of this relationship, and it is a pleasure in and itself.

He moves from shoulder to neck with a slow, careful trail of kisses that linger in each spot for almost a moment too long. That's on purpose too, because Alucard still wants to hold a few cards in this thing that's still, in theory, a negoation.

Having Sypha squirm in place is cruel though, because what it provokes is a half roll of his hips. That was a tool for later, to be strategically used for effect rather than used so early on.]

[Her fingers curl against the nape of his neck, digging lightly at his toying movements. Sypha's not surprised at his course of action, given how chaste his movements has been, knowing that he is doing it on purpose and not for any other reason. At least no more. There had been some learning curves in the beginning, but that's settled since.

Sypha gives that soft moan as he meanders, taking his bloody awful time, and she debates whether to give ground and force her hand, or sit back. It is hard at times to see what reaction she can obtain from him, as he tends towards stoic, but there... His body responds on kind to her own instinctual movements, her legs squeezing ever so as she finds her breath hitching with that upward roll of his.

She gives that hum, nails scraping over his scalp as one hand glides down the length of his hair, giving a small tug before releasing. Yet that hand isn't idle or passive, dragging down his chest, twitching as his lips press. Her fingers twist, pulling the hem of his shirt up, until her thumb can skim along his abdomen.

They are of two different minds, not that Sypha actually has qualms about his leisurely pace. It is nice, and does bring a flush to her cheeks, but so does giving another downward roll of her hips, grinding circular.]

We have time to think, at least.

[ Leon was smiling when they last spoke, even in the home of his oldest foe. He is not smiling now. As Trevor and Alucard walk away, he's rallying his two remaining daughters into action for some reason or another (preparation for Dracula's retort, because he knows that Dracula will not target the queen and cannot target him. He has no reason to believe that he will not lash out at the innocent over this).

Space wraps around, all paths leading back to the queen's throne eventually, but there is a point at which one can be as far as possible before being led back. Trevor leads Alucard in that direction, through thick grasses and trees. ]

I shouldn't have assumed- shit. [ He shouldn't have assumed that Alucard would just trust him without being asked to. That's kind of the opposite of how all of their interactions have gone. He was arrogant, and Alucard's going to suffer for it. ] She means to starve you.

[There is no doubt in Alucard's mind that his father's response to this will be furious and disproportionate. Alucard knows his father and has seen a fraction of that fury time and again. This is beyond anything else that has happened before. For all intents and purposes, the son of Dracula is kidnapped and held hostage, but there's no ransom demands made.

Leon may be the only man that can predict and prepare for whatever comes next. Alucard is sure that when it ends, he will be home, but he shall not be leaving the castle for some time. But innocent? Oh, Alucard knows the rhetoric in response. Someone could have stood up and said no. There are no innocents.

He lets Trevor lead him through the tall grasses, ignoring the too bright and curious eyes that fall upon them as they pass.]

Yes. I figured that part out. [His voice is soft, like naming the thing will make it ten times worse.] I need to be kept quiet and away so that I am not provoked into more foolish action.

[In that, there's at least some show of trust in the Belmont to shepherd him through this.]

You only said that you didn't need blood. I can offer you food, and as long as you only take what's given you then there shouldn't be consequences. But blood-

[ -there's no way to measure time. Looking back, the Belmonts are out of sight and they shouldn't have walked that far in the amount of time that it feels like. They could already have been walking for days or just minutes, and Sypha would be no closer with the news either way. He doesn't know how long they have next until hunger starts knawing But they're out of the queen's direct gaze and Trevor lets go of Alucard.

They've had the discussion about touching him being acceptable if there's a good reason, but he'd rather not do so too much. Unfortunately, the moment he does- ]

Are you done with the half-breed? I demand the next dance!

[ The peacock fairy pushes through the grass, beautiful tail dragging along behind him. There are less people this far out, but that just makes Alucard stand out all the more. Everyone in the immediate area is aware of the queen's guest, of how rare a being he is, of how well they'll be rewarded if they can tempt him to stay. The peacock takes Alucard's hand in his own, placing the other hand on his hip as he looks Alucard over.

Harm none of my people, the queen had said. ]

Their kind were human once, you know. Disgusting. You'd do far better with a nobler house.

I don't like the risk. Any technicality....

[And he's stuck. He's stuck and his father will go to war and destroy all of faerie to make it otherwise. Alucard doesn't want that much bloodshed for any reason, most certaintly not in his own name. He hates this, he hates that the other Belmonts feel miles away, he hates how time and space work in this liminal spot in the universe.

Alucard's hand is free, but only for a fleeting moment. There is another fae that's grabbed his hand, and Alucard immediately backs away so that the hand on is hip is forced to fall away or to grip tighter. The latter is a dare, to risk grabbing the son of Dracula and suffering consequences from it. He cannot and will not harm others, but provocation, that Alucard can lay an argument for.

He's all ice when he responds, drawing himself up far too high and channeling every moment he has seen his father be a terror.]

I see that far nobler houses have no concept of manners or respect for guests, grabbing them as if they're meat on a buffet - or do I mistake my position here?

[Sypha's fingers against Alucard's neck are a thing unto themselves. The motions there draw quick, sharper breaths from him than anything else, because surprise: anything involving necks is a Thing for the dhampir.

Still, his progress is careful and measured, because to kiss up Sypha's neck and ending just below her jawline is something worth doing slowly. Not just because of all the wonderful noises she makes and the way he can feel every one of them while he is pressed so close against her, but because against her neck, Alucard can feel the change in her heartrate. There's such a thrill to it that he should be ashamed, but oh no. This is pure delight for him.

A warm hand against cool flesh gets a deep sigh out of him, one too besotted to function for a moment. He's still pressed against her neck, but that is changing now, as he must ask one question:]

General. [Because this is still sort of a negotiation.] Is the loss of my shirt a part of your terms?

[He has to absolutely control his hips to not respond to any provocation.]

You seem- [ And the peacock's hand does fall away, but he moves in closer. His smile loses any joy it held without wavering even a little. It's hard to say if he expected insults and posturing to work or if he just wanted an excuse to gloat and provoke - if Alucard attacks him and is forced to remain here as a result, he'll be well-rewarded. ] -to understand your position perfectly, Meat. I simply want you to make the right decision about who is to consume you.

[ Trevor clears his throat. He wants to punch a fairy. He only doesn't because that kind of fuss would draw the queen's attention, and because harm done in Alucard's name might count as him doing harm. Instead, he tries to push between them. A moth settles in Alucard's hair, like a living ornament. ]

I claimed him as my husband. Years ago.

[ It's true! And it's not like anyone here would think to ask 'did he agree to that'. ]

[Alucard does not hesitate to show fang in response to that show of teeth. He's barred from using them, but a reminder that he has them, and oh, Dracula will hear of this isn't amiss. Because Dracula will know every moment of this evening, be it through Alucard's words or simply reaching into his memories.

Alucard's all set to snap something close to fighting words, but Trevor is faster. Moreover, Trevor is much more clever than Alucard is in this moment, and it brings to mind how Sypha often resolves disputes. She's been a good influence on him, hasn't she?

The moth in his hair is probably claim enough. Alucard takes the relief for what it is, and he steps back without another word, allowing Trevor to take the role of protective husband. (Dracula is going to hate this so much.)

He continues to stare at the peacock though, fangs visible and gold eyes dripping with distaste.]

[ The peacock narrows his own eyes, long feathers feeling the air for falsehood. There is none to be found. Trevor extends a wing over Alucard's shoulder. ]

Humans seek out humans. Of course. Tainted blood reaches for tainted blood. [ If he's humiliated by the rejection, it doesn't immediately show. Though he is putting a lot of effort into this 'not caring' thing. ] find me when you realise the foolishness of your choice.

[ There are a few spectators, but most lose interest upon seeing that a fight isn't going to break out. More lose interest upon learning that Alucard isn't immediately available to them. Trevor tries to move away from them, making sure that there isn't anyone to see when he carefully removes the wing from around Alucard and sits. This area is wooded, and the earth soft and warm. ]

Shit, I'm sorry. I- [ Just broke about five separate rules Alucard has given to him - claiming ownership of him, moving him about from place to place without his say so. He exhales, looking first at the ground and then up at Alucard. ] -sorry.

[Alucard channels every ounce of his father's presence, staring down at the peacock with the disdain Dracula reserves for the surname Belmont. It isn't a bad impression, all things considered, and he knows the stare he gives could freeze rivers. There are no clever words, only the quiet relief of watching the peacock finally retreat and the aggressive Not Caring in his voice.

But then they're away from the other predators. Alucard doesn't care about what rules have been broken. He's safe for the immediate present. That's all that matters, and whatever defense is needed, they'll use.

The wings may not be around him. But Alucard sits down next to Trevor, and there's a hand that reaches out Trevor's without even waiting for permission.]

Don't be. [He sighs, breathing out two soft words, clearly wounded:] Tainted blood.

Edited 2019-06-05 00:33 (UTC)

[ He looks up in confusion at the hand. He's been trying not to touch Alucard more than necessary, because he's not even sure he knows what the rules are anymore. Cautiously, he extends a wing again, not wrapping it around Alucard but offering it in case it's wanted.

He's not good with this, but he can understand when he hears hurt, if nothing else. ]

He was trying to goad you into attacking him. It's- not worth paying any mind to.

Hardly the first time it's been thought. [He says that part with a crisp certainty, one that's trying not to dwell on what was said. Alucard fails only seconds later, when his tone shifts into something more tired.] Simply the first time someone's said it to my face.

[It's in part hurt and in part understanding that Trevor is his only chance at survival tonight that has Alucard taking Trevor's hand. For those same reasons, he scoots a little closer, so that anyone else looking in on this scene will take the optics as romantic and claiming.]

Tonight, I fear previously established conventions need to be cast aside in order to survive.

I'll forget this, if you want. Once this is done.

[ He doesn't want to. All else aside, it's- nice, the way Alucard's long fingers rest in his hand. But it's intimacy of necessity, not choice, and finding it pleasant at all feels wrong.

He shakes his head, dropping that subject. The extended wing falls onto Alucard's shoulder again. It's more careful this time and he measures Alucard's response, ready to pull it back the second there's any indication he's doing something he shouldn't. ]

The ones the queen made herself are just dicks.

We'll sort it all out later.

[Later. The future. Alucard's mind is focused on only the present, on surviving it, on making sure that he manages to come out the other end. He's good at resolve, at steeling himself and getting through difficult things. But he's also far too spoiled by his father's presence, and perhaps tonight he's coming to terms with how tenous that cna be.

His father is as well. Badly.

Alucard doesn't let go of Trevor's hand, and at the sudden statement, there's a weak but clearly delighted laugh.]

Sounds like the personality is inherited.

[It's those little things that Sypha knows, that she could press further if she so desired, that she has pressed further in the past. She may well return there again later, but she has her own agenda, and she hums, fingers drumming against his side.

He is very distracting, especially as he seems to be covering every inch of her flesh with his mouth. Her voice gives a measure of calm, but the flush on her skin and the measure of her heartbeat claim others.]

Mhmm. The gummy army demands some territories to be surrendered.

[Like his shirt, to begin with... Other items are certain to follow, as she moves to draw the fabric slowly up, fingers exploring his skin as if it were unexplored land and she needed to memorize the lay of it. Of course she has seen him before, has been with him before, but it never gets old or tiresome.]

Hm.

[Alucard withdraws his hands in full, raising them up over his head so that removing his shirt is easier for Sypha. It is important, in negotiations, to be helpful about such things.]

And in examining the territories underneath, what is to be found?

[It is a little awkward, being positioned like this. It isn't a hardship though, because for all of Sypha's time, there is a chance to luxuriate in her touches.]

You want to be careful with that, you're already on her shit list.

[ But there's no reproach in his voice, and he chuckles. ]

She's- ruled by whim. She takes an interest in something - you, right now. Father- Leon, back before he was like this. All of us at some point or another. Or maybe not you, yourself. Maybe she likes the idea of a war with your father.

The ones she made herself, they take it hard when she gets bored of them. Act like dicks to be interesting to her again. Act like they think she would, because they think that'll get her attention.

[ It doesn't work most of the time, of course. Because she expects them to act like she would. It's far more unexpected and interesting when they act like Leon, and then she has to pay attention. Then, awkwardly because he doesn't particularly want Alucard to feel sorry for the fairy, just to feel less hurt. ] She'll eat them, if they're too boring.

I think you've already found I am not Sypha, and thus poor with words.

[Sypha would be able to endure this much easier, wouldn't she? Her words with the Queen would have been exact and resolved the situation already, whereas what is he? A spoiled dhampir too used to extra protection forced to deal without it.

His face is already long as Trevor speaks. But the words war with your father put a real fear on his face, one that can't be hidden.]

The idea, but not the practice. I...can't think of an idea that's bound to have more human causalities, in truth. [Because of course they will. Disposable meat shields.]

I'm....well. That's one way to address that issue. [His voice is flat. The hand in Trevor's is still gripping tightly, because it's still stuck at the comment from before. War with Dracula. For fun.]

Catch All

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then my internet goes down and my laptop decides to update

WELP. and now im heading to bed so UNTIL TOMORROW....

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