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You shall have to wait and see. I can't give away military secrets so easily.
[He says it softly, words wrapped up in an impossibly warm laugh. It goes far too well with the moment, and in that same moment, there's only one action a vampire can take: he tilts his head just a little, leans in, and presses a soft kiss against Sypha's lips.
It is one of those kisses that doesn't linger long, and it would be almost chaste if it didn't come hot on the heels of the last few minutes.
Likewise for the moment, there's only one good follow up. Alucard breathes out, stupefied with happiness.]
I love you. The both of you.
[He says it softly, words wrapped up in an impossibly warm laugh. It goes far too well with the moment, and in that same moment, there's only one action a vampire can take: he tilts his head just a little, leans in, and presses a soft kiss against Sypha's lips.
It is one of those kisses that doesn't linger long, and it would be almost chaste if it didn't come hot on the heels of the last few minutes.
Likewise for the moment, there's only one good follow up. Alucard breathes out, stupefied with happiness.]
I love you. The both of you.
[ Here, at least, he is mostly whole. The marks from the ink are gone, here, but rather than being smudged and rusted they have simply gone from him. They leave new skin where they had been, the edges of the letters darkened like they are holes burned in paper.
Something had been here before Alucard came, something massive and dark and suffocating, but it vanishes as soon as he arrives. Trevor pushes himself to his feet to move over to Alucard, pulling him close. ]
You're here.
Something had been here before Alucard came, something massive and dark and suffocating, but it vanishes as soon as he arrives. Trevor pushes himself to his feet to move over to Alucard, pulling him close. ]
You're here.
I am.
(Alucard sighs with relief. Amazing how a four word exchange can bring such relief.
Sypha isn't here though. That worries him, but in Trevor's embrace, one can't see.)
Sorry we took so long.
(Alucard sighs with relief. Amazing how a four word exchange can bring such relief.
Sypha isn't here though. That worries him, but in Trevor's embrace, one can't see.)
Sorry we took so long.
Doesn't matter.
[ Sypha didn't take the medicine - it'd keep her from waking if anything went wrong. It's sad, not having her here, but not a sign of anything terrible. ]
You never promised to. Neither of you ever promised. But I knew you would figure it out anyway. Find your way to me. Just a matter of waiting.
[ He smiles. It's weak, but it's genuine. He knew. It means a lot to his kind, to trust that someone will do something without their words binding them to it. ]
My part's the easiest, really. Just waiting. Just trusting you both. Nothing to it at all.
[ Sypha didn't take the medicine - it'd keep her from waking if anything went wrong. It's sad, not having her here, but not a sign of anything terrible. ]
You never promised to. Neither of you ever promised. But I knew you would figure it out anyway. Find your way to me. Just a matter of waiting.
[ He smiles. It's weak, but it's genuine. He knew. It means a lot to his kind, to trust that someone will do something without their words binding them to it. ]
My part's the easiest, really. Just waiting. Just trusting you both. Nothing to it at all.
[Alucard lets out a sigh, and it sounds like a tired summer wind ready for the sun to go down so it can rest. He shifts, shifts so he can press a kiss to Trevor's forehead.
He stays there.]
Waiting seems...never mind, I don't think I have the words.
May I ask what happened?
He stays there.]
Waiting seems...never mind, I don't think I have the words.
May I ask what happened?
[ He sinks into Alucard's arms at the kiss. He doesn't want to be weak like this here where he's whole. Where he's barely anything worse than tired. They're both tired. They're all tired.
But here they are. Apparently Alucard and Sypha have to be the strong, safe ones for now, even if he's whole physically. ]
I met him in the flood. He was stuck on a roof, and wouldn't come with me to safety. Said he was afraid. Promised him that no harm would come to him while I was there. [ He sighs bitterly. ] Don't know if the whole thing was planned or if he just found a lucky opportunity.
But here they are. Apparently Alucard and Sypha have to be the strong, safe ones for now, even if he's whole physically. ]
I met him in the flood. He was stuck on a roof, and wouldn't come with me to safety. Said he was afraid. Promised him that no harm would come to him while I was there. [ He sighs bitterly. ] Don't know if the whole thing was planned or if he just found a lucky opportunity.
Having spoken with the man, I think that it may have been a happy accident that he was very well honed to pounce upon.
[It's fine, holding Trevor like this. Being the bulkwark against any sort of agony, because it means he is trusted and loved enough to merit it.
He nuzzles the top of Trevor's head gently, murmuring nothing in particular.]
There are few days left in his life.
[It's fine, holding Trevor like this. Being the bulkwark against any sort of agony, because it means he is trusted and loved enough to merit it.
He nuzzles the top of Trevor's head gently, murmuring nothing in particular.]
There are few days left in his life.
Your father read his inventory, then. He-
[ Trevor has to test the next few words. He had orders, of course he had orders, once the merchant learned who he was selling him to. He can't discuss the things that were for sale. But the words are gone, and the orders with them. ]
-he was selling fledglings. Young ones, the kinds whose minds will never develop fully. It was always either going to be your father or Leon who put an end to him, for that.
[ Trevor has to test the next few words. He had orders, of course he had orders, once the merchant learned who he was selling him to. He can't discuss the things that were for sale. But the words are gone, and the orders with them. ]
-he was selling fledglings. Young ones, the kinds whose minds will never develop fully. It was always either going to be your father or Leon who put an end to him, for that.
It's not just that. The forgemaster?
[Alucard is guessing. He can't be sure, not really, but he has a horrible sinking feeling about what is going to come to pass soon.]
My father met one on his travels. If it is the same man, then he has more reason to be cruel than simply the matter of fledglings. It may be best if Leon stays away.
[Alucard is guessing. He can't be sure, not really, but he has a horrible sinking feeling about what is going to come to pass soon.]
My father met one on his travels. If it is the same man, then he has more reason to be cruel than simply the matter of fledglings. It may be best if Leon stays away.
Him? [ He takes interest briefly, then shakes his head. ] Didn't see who he went to, or I'd tell you.
[ He lets his weight shift onto Alucard. It doesn't quite feel natural, to lean into the feeling of weakness and allow Alucard to make him feel safe rather than fighting it, but it feels nice. ]
I can't be there. And unless he means to be merciful about it, I don't think I can know the details. It'd be fucking embarrassing for something like that to do me in, after all of this.
[ He lets his weight shift onto Alucard. It doesn't quite feel natural, to lean into the feeling of weakness and allow Alucard to make him feel safe rather than fighting it, but it feels nice. ]
I can't be there. And unless he means to be merciful about it, I don't think I can know the details. It'd be fucking embarrassing for something like that to do me in, after all of this.
[Wherever they are (it's just outside the cave at the moment, in the last beautiful fleeting moments of autumn light), Alucard leans back against something solid. The wind ruffles at his hair softly, and it makes the moment feel better.]
Whatever you need to be ignorant of, just tel...
[He tilts his head.]
Do you in?
Whatever you need to be ignorant of, just tel...
[He tilts his head.]
Do you in?
Kill me. Properly.
[ That's the problem that Alucard's having trouble with, right? The slang. ]
It wouldn't be enough, usually, but things are a little shit right now.
[ That's the problem that Alucard's having trouble with, right? The slang. ]
It wouldn't be enough, usually, but things are a little shit right now.
[Alucard is entirely still.]
Belmont, you've never told me what powers you.
Belmont, you've never told me what powers you.
Mercy for the merciless. [ There's a strange quality to his voice when he says that, something like utter certainty but far more powerful. ] Even the wretched deserve a painless end.
[ He's silent for a long moment after that. ]
I doubt your father agrees.
[ He's silent for a long moment after that. ]
I doubt your father agrees.
...We all know he's the exact opposite.
[....But isn't aren't all of Trevor's siblings? All the beliefs that mark where Leon and Matthais' paths split and their lives were never going to be linked together again. Alucard shudders at that thought, the cool wind suddenly becoming colder.
He squeezes just a little harder.]
You won't know any additional details. I swear it.
[....But isn't aren't all of Trevor's siblings? All the beliefs that mark where Leon and Matthais' paths split and their lives were never going to be linked together again. Alucard shudders at that thought, the cool wind suddenly becoming colder.
He squeezes just a little harder.]
You won't know any additional details. I swear it.
Appreciate it. Any other time, the risk might be worth knowing every fucking detail, but-
[ He shrugs, trying to bury himself further against Alucard. It doesn't really succeed. There are some physical limitations that this being a dream helps to avoid (he still appears to have his full antlers, but they pass harmlessly through Alucard when he rests his forehead on his chest. physics only matter when someone wants them to) but he really can't get closer than he is right now. ]
-I knew. Knew one of you'd find your way there.
[ He shrugs, trying to bury himself further against Alucard. It doesn't really succeed. There are some physical limitations that this being a dream helps to avoid (he still appears to have his full antlers, but they pass harmlessly through Alucard when he rests his forehead on his chest. physics only matter when someone wants them to) but he really can't get closer than he is right now. ]
-I knew. Knew one of you'd find your way there.
[Alucard murmurs something, and there's suddenly a thick, warm fur blanket around them both. It adds to a sense of safety between them, hopefully binding them together just a little bit more.
He leans his weight back further against the solid stone, focusing on his own breathing and Trevor's.]
I'm still not sure if I took the best approach in rescuing you. Giving any money to that man felt wrong.
He leans his weight back further against the solid stone, focusing on his own breathing and Trevor's.]
I'm still not sure if I took the best approach in rescuing you. Giving any money to that man felt wrong.
Shit, that. I'll find a way to repay you.
[ Not the point, Trevor. Outside their immediate area, darkness is creeping in. He tires to ignore it, let the blanket keep him tight against Alucard. ]
[ Not the point, Trevor. Outside their immediate area, darkness is creeping in. He tires to ignore it, let the blanket keep him tight against Alucard. ]
Don't worry about it. Please. It's...in the end, I don't care about the cost. Just the morality of it.
[He sighs. The wind picks up, and Alucard kisses the top of Trevor's head.]
We should head inside.
[He sighs. The wind picks up, and Alucard kisses the top of Trevor's head.]
We should head inside.
I doubt he'll be keeping it for long.
[ The words feel slightly acidic on his tongue. It's safe to say that, for now, but approaching the kind of thing that might clash with the beliefs that form him. ]
You couldn't have done anything else. I'd have been forced to fight you. You'd have let me win, and I'd feel shitty about it now.
[ The words feel slightly acidic on his tongue. It's safe to say that, for now, but approaching the kind of thing that might clash with the beliefs that form him. ]
You couldn't have done anything else. I'd have been forced to fight you. You'd have let me win, and I'd feel shitty about it now.
[Alucard nods for only a moment, and he pauses so he can close his eyes. Try to shift the space around them, and where they end up is his own bedroom in the castle. The bed is comfier, made far too large for a single man and with a few extra furs draped over it for warmth. The rest of the place, it's all books, a drafting table in the corner, and a great, grand window that looks out onto the mountains in the setting sun.
Trevor will never be allowed here, but he should still enjoy the comforts of it. Even if it's just in dreams.]
Was that the trick if I had gone down another path?
[Alucard sighs heavily at the information. It doesn't make anything better.]
We should have found you sooner.
Trevor will never be allowed here, but he should still enjoy the comforts of it. Even if it's just in dreams.]
Was that the trick if I had gone down another path?
[Alucard sighs heavily at the information. It doesn't make anything better.]
We should have found you sooner.
[For two weeks, Alucard has been given permission to spend 24 hours outside of the castle, save for when summoned by his father. There is enough sympathy in Dracula to understand and be empathetic (within reason) about the situation. Alucard must check in every hour over viewing mirrors, but that is all he must do.
Between himself and Sypha, they keep watch over Trevor. Bring food, water, tuck him in warm furs and strive to provide whatever comfort they possibly can.
It is 2 in the morning. Alucard is on watch, but what that means is he's simply sat up beside Trevor, his arms wrapped around them both, savoring their sleeping forms. They're precious like this, and he knows how important it is to keep them safe now.
But there's a noise outside the cave. It isn't Leon. It isn't Trevor's sisters. Their smells are distinct and Alucard knows them well now. This is new, and it reeks of ill intent.
Carefully, so, so carefully, Alucard disentangles himself from the pile of limbs, and stands to his feet. There's no muting the sword as it comes out of the sheath, but he tries his damnest.]
Between himself and Sypha, they keep watch over Trevor. Bring food, water, tuck him in warm furs and strive to provide whatever comfort they possibly can.
It is 2 in the morning. Alucard is on watch, but what that means is he's simply sat up beside Trevor, his arms wrapped around them both, savoring their sleeping forms. They're precious like this, and he knows how important it is to keep them safe now.
But there's a noise outside the cave. It isn't Leon. It isn't Trevor's sisters. Their smells are distinct and Alucard knows them well now. This is new, and it reeks of ill intent.
Carefully, so, so carefully, Alucard disentangles himself from the pile of limbs, and stands to his feet. There's no muting the sword as it comes out of the sheath, but he tries his damnest.]
[ He's never been this sick before. He's died before and yet he's never been this sick. Most of the time, he sleeps. His sisters walk him about in the sun every now and then. The fever rises and breaks. It hurts. He tries not to complain. The other two are there, and-
-and even in his sleep, he can feel Alucard leaving. It's that, rather than the noise that rouses him. Sleepily, he reaches to grab at his vampire. ]
Stay. [ He doesn't sound fuly awake. He isn't, really. He just knows that Alucard is moving away from him, and that this is the worst thing that could possibly be. ] Please stay.
-and even in his sleep, he can feel Alucard leaving. It's that, rather than the noise that rouses him. Sleepily, he reaches to grab at his vampire. ]
Stay. [ He doesn't sound fuly awake. He isn't, really. He just knows that Alucard is moving away from him, and that this is the worst thing that could possibly be. ] Please stay.
[Alucard is already out of arm's reach, but God if that request doesn't cause him to draw closer out of instinct. He knows Trevor isn't fully awake. He doesn't care, that's his Trevor and he's needed and--
no. There's that noise again, and Alucard takes a step forward.]
Someone's here who shouldn't be. I'll be right back.
no. There's that noise again, and Alucard takes a step forward.]
Someone's here who shouldn't be. I'll be right back.
[ His hand falls on nothing, and he makes a soft, distressed noise at it. It hurts, everything hurts, and Alucard's presence soothes it. He doesn't want to be separated from either of them. He's not ready to be separated from either of them yet. ]
Come back soon. Or take us with you.
Come back soon. Or take us with you.
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