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[Alucard pauses. Looks to the open page. Then to Sypha. Back to the page.
And what breaks out is a laugh. A real one, deep and full and wonderfully warm, free of the tension and horror and uncertainty that Alucard has carried around the other two for so many nights. It is delighted and furious in equal measure.]
Why would you try frying!? Of all the things--?!
And what breaks out is a laugh. A real one, deep and full and wonderfully warm, free of the tension and horror and uncertainty that Alucard has carried around the other two for so many nights. It is delighted and furious in equal measure.]
Why would you try frying!? Of all the things--?!
I'll never want to.
[ Never.
Alucard rarely uses magic, but he's not convinced that that isn't what those words mumbled against his chest are. They make his mind slow, his eyelids heavy. His body tired in the good way. He doesn't fully untangle from Alucard even as they change. Even if that makes the process difficult.
And when they are changed he lies next to Alucard. The blanket he pulls over them is cool and crisp, the way clean sheets are on a summer evening, but with the weight of something warmer and enchanted to stay that way through the night. He rests a hand on Alucard's cheek, moving close to kiss him. ]
[ Never.
Alucard rarely uses magic, but he's not convinced that that isn't what those words mumbled against his chest are. They make his mind slow, his eyelids heavy. His body tired in the good way. He doesn't fully untangle from Alucard even as they change. Even if that makes the process difficult.
And when they are changed he lies next to Alucard. The blanket he pulls over them is cool and crisp, the way clean sheets are on a summer evening, but with the weight of something warmer and enchanted to stay that way through the night. He rests a hand on Alucard's cheek, moving close to kiss him. ]
I was following the instructions! It was the fire pit that did it!
[ That's what the burners are called now. There's another book to the side of the first one. Smaller and battered and missing the numbering on the spine that marks the other books from the hold. There's a bookmark in it. ]
[ That's what the burners are called now. There's another book to the side of the first one. Smaller and battered and missing the numbering on the spine that marks the other books from the hold. There's a bookmark in it. ]
[In the dark, Alucard still knows when Trevor's going in for a kiss. He can feel it by movement alone. He knows how to angle his head upwards juuuust right in turn, and that even in the dark, Trevor can see his smile.]
I love you.
I love you.
Uh-huh. Sure.
[He does notice the book though. Frowns, walking over to examine it.]
You didn't need to go into the Hold for a cookbook--
[He does notice the book though. Frowns, walking over to examine it.]
You didn't need to go into the Hold for a cookbook--
[ -finally lured Trey out of his room. The lente frytoures worked. Always does. He's still not himself. Wouldn't look at us. Wouldn't talk. Just snatched the plate from her and ran away.
Juliet was like this, too, after her first kill. I had to make the sweets, then. I don't remember if I was as shaken. I want to think I wasn't. I didn't put a stake in anything, after all, and I certainly survived. No reason to be sulking.
I shouldn't complain. If sweets is all that he'll eat until this passes, it's as good a reason as any to only eat sweets.
It's a diary. Discussing the recipe in the cookbook. Like it's something that might help. ]
I had to do something...
Juliet was like this, too, after her first kill. I had to make the sweets, then. I don't remember if I was as shaken. I want to think I wasn't. I didn't put a stake in anything, after all, and I certainly survived. No reason to be sulking.
I shouldn't complain. If sweets is all that he'll eat until this passes, it's as good a reason as any to only eat sweets.
It's a diary. Discussing the recipe in the cookbook. Like it's something that might help. ]
I had to do something...
You already broke the castle, you have to burn it too?
[The words slip out of Alucard's mouth so easily. Like this is just being home with the other two again, nothing else horrible or untoward taking place. But then he opens the book and--
---oh.
He sobers up immediately. Closes the book and replaces it to where it was, moment well killed.]
Oh.
[The words slip out of Alucard's mouth so easily. Like this is just being home with the other two again, nothing else horrible or untoward taking place. But then he opens the book and--
---oh.
He sobers up immediately. Closes the book and replaces it to where it was, moment well killed.]
Oh.
[ There's a difference, between light and dark. It changes the colours. Makes Alucard's hair silver instead of gold. His skin bluer and paler. But he can see as well as he can by day.
It's a blessing, because it means he can see Alucard when he's like this. Tired and unguarded. Means that if he can't sleep he can just watch. Memorise the shapes of his face. Watch as he moves his own hair just slightly with his breath.
It means he can see that smile, and he kisses again because Alucard can't see him smile in turn, only feel it. ]
I know. And I'm so, so fortunate for it.
It's a blessing, because it means he can see Alucard when he's like this. Tired and unguarded. Means that if he can't sleep he can just watch. Memorise the shapes of his face. Watch as he moves his own hair just slightly with his breath.
It means he can see that smile, and he kisses again because Alucard can't see him smile in turn, only feel it. ]
I know. And I'm so, so fortunate for it.
I did not break that castle. The castle broke itself by fighting against me. If the wagon's wheel comes loose, I do not blame the horses.
Right, you blame me.
[ They keep talking, Trevor not knowing the significance of the book and Sypha not thinking it over enough to be worried about Alucard looking at it. She just laughs, sinking against Trevor. ]
See? You heard it. He broke the castle. He admitted to it.
Right, you blame me.
[ They keep talking, Trevor not knowing the significance of the book and Sypha not thinking it over enough to be worried about Alucard looking at it. She just laughs, sinking against Trevor. ]
See? You heard it. He broke the castle. He admitted to it.
[Alucard works as normal for the next few days. Trevor has things to do, but Alucard truly notices his absence. He doesn't pine, that's stupid. Not when he knows Trevor will come back. But there is a small little ache of wanting Trevor back as soon as possible. Of Alucard making sure to hold onto the Belmont closer in the evenings.
It takes a week to put all the preparations in place. Alucard closes the clinic at three in the afternoon that day, making it easier on himself and on Trevor so they can both focus. So that Trevor can whisk Alucard off to that little cottage that now holds itself as a singular point in Alucard's mind. Where he got his second life. Where he was made more himself, all thanks to a broken oath.
The thing Trevor has made him, it's-- it's so much. So elaborate. So carefully detailed, and Alucard nearly cries at the sheer overwhelming everything of it. What else can he do? There's so much care. He'd never wear something like this outside the realm of faerie. He just--
--when Trevor finishes making adjustments, Alucard catches him. Puts both hands on either side of Trevor's cheeks and holds him fast.]
Look at all you've done.
It takes a week to put all the preparations in place. Alucard closes the clinic at three in the afternoon that day, making it easier on himself and on Trevor so they can both focus. So that Trevor can whisk Alucard off to that little cottage that now holds itself as a singular point in Alucard's mind. Where he got his second life. Where he was made more himself, all thanks to a broken oath.
The thing Trevor has made him, it's-- it's so much. So elaborate. So carefully detailed, and Alucard nearly cries at the sheer overwhelming everything of it. What else can he do? There's so much care. He'd never wear something like this outside the realm of faerie. He just--
--when Trevor finishes making adjustments, Alucard catches him. Puts both hands on either side of Trevor's cheeks and holds him fast.]
Look at all you've done.
You still broke it.
[But Alucard's already deep in his own head. His hand shakes as he tries to rest against the counter, as if nothing's happened. He's fine. This is fine.
He tries to focus.
Making fun of Sypha. Right.]
You're also banned from cooking here.
[But Alucard's already deep in his own head. His hand shakes as he tries to rest against the counter, as if nothing's happened. He's fine. This is fine.
He tries to focus.
Making fun of Sypha. Right.]
You're also banned from cooking here.
[ He talks to his family, of course, but mostly he works. Day and night, save for the few hours where he holds on to Alucard until he sleeps. As moths, more often than that. A swarm of them, dancing around each other like a living loom. Pulls colour from charcoal and fire to make thread.
A matter of days isn't enough time. Not even for him. He'd spend years on this if he could, the way that humans dedicate their lives to creating one perfect thing.
But days is what he has. He sees imperfections all over the coat and they eat at him, but there's no more time. Single threads out of place, colour fading on induvidual fibres. The intricate gold patterns are only gold and not finished with leaves of deep green as he wanted them to be. It fits Alucard well, but not like a second skin. The queen would have him skinned for bringing it before her.
It's good enough for any mortal king, and it's nowhere near good enough for Alucard.
He tugs at the sleeves, pulling them down over Alucard's wrists as the enchantment takes effect. It took so much of the precious time he had, but it wasn't negotiable. It lifts Alucard slightly, taking his weight so that his scarred feet don't have to. ]
We can- it can wait a few more days, if you want. I can finish it-
[ He's not nervous about Alucard meeting his family, but about the coat. It's not good enough. Not even close. ]
A matter of days isn't enough time. Not even for him. He'd spend years on this if he could, the way that humans dedicate their lives to creating one perfect thing.
But days is what he has. He sees imperfections all over the coat and they eat at him, but there's no more time. Single threads out of place, colour fading on induvidual fibres. The intricate gold patterns are only gold and not finished with leaves of deep green as he wanted them to be. It fits Alucard well, but not like a second skin. The queen would have him skinned for bringing it before her.
It's good enough for any mortal king, and it's nowhere near good enough for Alucard.
He tugs at the sleeves, pulling them down over Alucard's wrists as the enchantment takes effect. It took so much of the precious time he had, but it wasn't negotiable. It lifts Alucard slightly, taking his weight so that his scarred feet don't have to. ]
We can- it can wait a few more days, if you want. I can finish it-
[ He's not nervous about Alucard meeting his family, but about the coat. It's not good enough. Not even close. ]
[Alucard's first response is to gasp softly, because the enchantment? Oh. Oh that is years and years better and he knows he can't be spoiled by this. Musn't be, because he can't wear clothes like this ever back home. Can't have magic on his person at all times. But for a moment? For however long this lasts? It's so, so good.
He responds by kissing Trevor. Soft and fleeting but still so very much there and trying to make a point.]
It's perfect. You can come back to the work, full in the knowledge that everything is as it should be with our families.
He responds by kissing Trevor. Soft and fleeting but still so very much there and trying to make a point.]
It's perfect. You can come back to the work, full in the knowledge that everything is as it should be with our families.
Why are you banning me? [ She points to the oven, then huffs. ] This thing is to blame. It should be banned from making food.
[ She waves one hand, forming a sheet of ice in the air. ]
Do you need-? [ She places ha hand against it, letting it sit between the two of them and Alucard so he can touch it, too. He was burned as well, after all. ]
[ She waves one hand, forming a sheet of ice in the air. ]
Do you need-? [ She places ha hand against it, letting it sit between the two of them and Alucard so he can touch it, too. He was burned as well, after all. ]
You can't cook in the first place. It seems far safer.
[At the ice, Alucard holds up his hand. Already healed.]
I'm fine.
[At the ice, Alucard holds up his hand. Already healed.]
I'm fine.
It's not.
[ It looks fine. He's just being fussy. He knows he is. But this is important to him, the place where his art and the person most important to him meet. He wanted this to be better.
The kiss mollifies him somewhat. It's quick, but he rests his hand on Alucard's him when it ends. Pulls him back in to kiss him again. ]
I'll come back to it. I won't stop working on it until it's everything I want to give to you.
[ It looks fine. He's just being fussy. He knows he is. But this is important to him, the place where his art and the person most important to him meet. He wanted this to be better.
The kiss mollifies him somewhat. It's quick, but he rests his hand on Alucard's him when it ends. Pulls him back in to kiss him again. ]
I'll come back to it. I won't stop working on it until it's everything I want to give to you.
I won't make you stop.
[Another kiss. Another. Two more, all quick but trying to drive home the point.]
But we should get going. If there's anything else you want to fuss over, now's the time.
[Another kiss. Another. Two more, all quick but trying to drive home the point.]
But we should get going. If there's anything else you want to fuss over, now's the time.
I can cook! I cook sometimes!
She does. It's-
[ It sounds pained. It sounds slightly more pained when the ice turns to frigid water and just happens to splash him. ]
You make it, then.
She does. It's-
[ It sounds pained. It sounds slightly more pained when the ice turns to frigid water and just happens to splash him. ]
You make it, then.
[Alucard's entire face falls.
He's fucked up, hasn't he? In some unspoken way. The other two they have their language now. Their unspoken means of communication, and good. Good for them. Let them keep being happy.]
I'll do the dishes and get out of your hair--
He's fucked up, hasn't he? In some unspoken way. The other two they have their language now. Their unspoken means of communication, and good. Good for them. Let them keep being happy.]
I'll do the dishes and get out of your hair--
-Stay.
[ The tone of everything changed, and so does his. It's not pleading. It's not- much of anything, really. But it's soft. Warm. He rolls up his sleeves. ]
Apparently I'm cooking. You may as well be around to eat it. It's-
[ He looks over at the recipe that Sypha chose. It hasn't quite clicked why she chose it, but he knows that he likes those things. Always found them comforting. Maybe she feels the same way.
The recipe calls for apples, of course. Which is why there's a basket of pears. That? He understands. ]
-it'll be okay. I've made it before, I probably won't fuck up.
[ The tone of everything changed, and so does his. It's not pleading. It's not- much of anything, really. But it's soft. Warm. He rolls up his sleeves. ]
Apparently I'm cooking. You may as well be around to eat it. It's-
[ He looks over at the recipe that Sypha chose. It hasn't quite clicked why she chose it, but he knows that he likes those things. Always found them comforting. Maybe she feels the same way.
The recipe calls for apples, of course. Which is why there's a basket of pears. That? He understands. ]
-it'll be okay. I've made it before, I probably won't fuck up.
I'm not hungry.
[They were going to let him be during the day, weren't they? Hadn't that been how things were falling into place? It was going to be fine. Perfect. He could let distance drive them the rest of the way away, and no one would have to feel guilt. It was perfect it was--
--he sighs. He knows the excuse won't work, even if it's still true.]
Fine. But only to prevent another fire. When you're done, I'll excuse myself.
[They were going to let him be during the day, weren't they? Hadn't that been how things were falling into place? It was going to be fine. Perfect. He could let distance drive them the rest of the way away, and no one would have to feel guilt. It was perfect it was--
--he sighs. He knows the excuse won't work, even if it's still true.]
Fine. But only to prevent another fire. When you're done, I'll excuse myself.
[ He looks Alucard over, carefully rearranging the bat orchid in his hair. And with one last kiss, he places his hand into Alucard's and leads him out of the cottage.
The door doesn't lead into the garden. Not this time. Instead it leads to a bright, sun-filled courtyard. The cottage door is gone when they step through it. Instead, it's a great gate. Ahead of them is a near-perfect replica of what was once the Trantoul estate.
Leon is there. Gleaming. He's a thing of stories. The knight in shining armour. The dawn that ends the night. ]
Your ancestors took on a title, to remember what they ought not become. Passed it between them. I know not if it ever made it to you, but- forgive me. That has been the only name I have had for you - for yours - for generations.
[ His voice is soft. Tinged with sadness. But he smiles, looking at Alucard as Trevor leads him closer. ]
Alucard. The last Alucard.
The door doesn't lead into the garden. Not this time. Instead it leads to a bright, sun-filled courtyard. The cottage door is gone when they step through it. Instead, it's a great gate. Ahead of them is a near-perfect replica of what was once the Trantoul estate.
Leon is there. Gleaming. He's a thing of stories. The knight in shining armour. The dawn that ends the night. ]
Your ancestors took on a title, to remember what they ought not become. Passed it between them. I know not if it ever made it to you, but- forgive me. That has been the only name I have had for you - for yours - for generations.
[ His voice is soft. Tinged with sadness. But he smiles, looking at Alucard as Trevor leads him closer. ]
Alucard. The last Alucard.
[Alucard isn't sure what to expect. He understands what Leon was. And is. But to walk out of that door dressed in clothes he couldn't afford in one hundred lifetimes, floating due to scarred feet, his hand in Trevor's and then to be faced with that?
It is a lot. His eyes almost ache from just looking at the man, and his hand in Trevor's tightens. Just a little. Not from fear, but just from being overwhelmed.
They're all like that, aren't they? Overwhelming, the Belmonts. Even when they're trying to be normal.
Or formal?
Alucard's still not sure what this process is. How regimented it has to be.
That shows when his response to Leon is a terrible mix of the two.]
--If it did, I don't think I was old enough to remember it. I'm still only Adrian. I'd prefer that over....
[His free hand gestures, then falls.]
Sorry, I'm not used to this.
It is a lot. His eyes almost ache from just looking at the man, and his hand in Trevor's tightens. Just a little. Not from fear, but just from being overwhelmed.
They're all like that, aren't they? Overwhelming, the Belmonts. Even when they're trying to be normal.
Or formal?
Alucard's still not sure what this process is. How regimented it has to be.
That shows when his response to Leon is a terrible mix of the two.]
--If it did, I don't think I was old enough to remember it. I'm still only Adrian. I'd prefer that over....
[His free hand gestures, then falls.]
Sorry, I'm not used to this.
See? You know that he is really the one who starts fires. I am innocent.
[ He ignores that, looking over what Sypha already had prepared. The batter is too thin, but he can deal with that. The spices aren't ground yet. The honey-
-he has a lot of work to do. But they'll cook quickly, when they're ready. He starts chopping a pear. ]
Try them? Honey's not going to be easy to come by unless I repair the old bee boxes. It'd be a shame to use it and you not have any.
[ He ignores that, looking over what Sypha already had prepared. The batter is too thin, but he can deal with that. The spices aren't ground yet. The honey-
-he has a lot of work to do. But they'll cook quickly, when they're ready. He starts chopping a pear. ]
Try them? Honey's not going to be easy to come by unless I repair the old bee boxes. It'd be a shame to use it and you not have any.
Use the honey, Belmont. I'll go get it out of the pantry.
[He says nothing about repairing the boxes. Or even about how technically, Alucard can afford sugar. He just slips out of the kitchen and into the pantry, returning with a mostly full jar of the stuff and putting it beside him.]
I don't go through it very quickly.
[He says nothing about repairing the boxes. Or even about how technically, Alucard can afford sugar. He just slips out of the kitchen and into the pantry, returning with a mostly full jar of the stuff and putting it beside him.]
I don't go through it very quickly.
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