![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[gonna hope that sleeping gets good ideas flowing tonight
She is a very charming and fluffy traitor. One that's getting pets with Alucard's other hand, to encourage her to eat at the very least.]
They're both lap creatures more than anything else, so we might live in hope that the two will get along. [As for the rest, well, Hector isn't wrong.] The introductions will have to be gradual. That's all.
[It's fine, having a bunny buffer. Whatever makes it easiest to talk.]
I think it'd be cruel to keep you apart from them for any longer. And vice versa, if I'm to be perfectly honest.
She is a very charming and fluffy traitor. One that's getting pets with Alucard's other hand, to encourage her to eat at the very least.]
They're both lap creatures more than anything else, so we might live in hope that the two will get along. [As for the rest, well, Hector isn't wrong.] The introductions will have to be gradual. That's all.
[It's fine, having a bunny buffer. Whatever makes it easiest to talk.]
I think it'd be cruel to keep you apart from them for any longer. And vice versa, if I'm to be perfectly honest.
[Cesar and the hare will rule side by side and none shall resist their combined demands for petting.]
Their only flaw, perhaps- they are fond of me. [They're the best things left in his life, and the only thing he can really think to do is to try to come as close to deserving that as he can.
He looks out over the water, away from Deino and Alucard.]
Thank you. [That is the main difference that Hector has seen between Adrian and his father. Dracula, for all the echoes of good Hector had seen in him, was cruel. Adrian is not.]
Their only flaw, perhaps- they are fond of me. [They're the best things left in his life, and the only thing he can really think to do is to try to come as close to deserving that as he can.
He looks out over the water, away from Deino and Alucard.]
Thank you. [That is the main difference that Hector has seen between Adrian and his father. Dracula, for all the echoes of good Hector had seen in him, was cruel. Adrian is not.]
[That gets a very soft laugh from Alucard. It's not at Hector's expense, just from his words.]
They know the best parts of you, I think. [And that's as much a compliment as Alucard can ever pay. Wherever it is that his mind is, Alucard doesn't follow. His eyes remain on the hare.]
We don't know what to do. I think it's in part because you don't know either, but we...[Alucard pauses, his hand stilling from pets.] Our feelings are complicated, but we don't want to take lives when we don't have to. All of us have seen too much death in our lives, Hector.
They know the best parts of you, I think. [And that's as much a compliment as Alucard can ever pay. Wherever it is that his mind is, Alucard doesn't follow. His eyes remain on the hare.]
We don't know what to do. I think it's in part because you don't know either, but we...[Alucard pauses, his hand stilling from pets.] Our feelings are complicated, but we don't want to take lives when we don't have to. All of us have seen too much death in our lives, Hector.
Previously
[This feels like overkill.
Maybe overkill is necessary at this point, though. Because somewhere between the 5-star dinner reservations, literally offering bribes for a private table, and finding a tux to replace the multitude lost in the fire, Trevor forgets to trip himself up over the relative gravity of the situation. Never mind that there's no mistaking this now. There's no way he can play it off as anything other than what it very plainly is, which is to say, a date. With Adrian.And Sypha, if she would just answer her damn phone.
And Adrian's fine with it. More than fine, he's... excited? It's impossible to read tone over text, but he seems eager. And that's a relief at the very least because all Trevor's efforts haven't been for naught. And moreover, the notion that Adrian would actually enjoy a date with him? Without Sypha? That Adrian didn't laugh it off, or straight-up reject the suggestion?
Not that he's giving himself time to worry about it. He's home sooner than the allotted half an hour, hauling his new tuxedo over one shoulder, and Adrian's still in the shower as expected. In the shower, hogging all the hot water, which Trevor's minded less and less since he learned of the dhampir's thirst for warmth.
Never mind it. He has his own shower, and he's never minded running them a bit cool. If he can't make himself look and smell presentable in the span of an hour, he'll consider it an affront to the entire Belmont bloodline.]
[This feels like overkill.
Maybe overkill is necessary at this point, though. Because somewhere between the 5-star dinner reservations, literally offering bribes for a private table, and finding a tux to replace the multitude lost in the fire, Trevor forgets to trip himself up over the relative gravity of the situation. Never mind that there's no mistaking this now. There's no way he can play it off as anything other than what it very plainly is, which is to say, a date. With Adrian.
And Adrian's fine with it. More than fine, he's... excited? It's impossible to read tone over text, but he seems eager. And that's a relief at the very least because all Trevor's efforts haven't been for naught. And moreover, the notion that Adrian would actually enjoy a date with him? Without Sypha? That Adrian didn't laugh it off, or straight-up reject the suggestion?
Not that he's giving himself time to worry about it. He's home sooner than the allotted half an hour, hauling his new tuxedo over one shoulder, and Adrian's still in the shower as expected. In the shower, hogging all the hot water, which Trevor's minded less and less since he learned of the dhampir's thirst for warmth.
Never mind it. He has his own shower, and he's never minded running them a bit cool. If he can't make himself look and smell presentable in the span of an hour, he'll consider it an affront to the entire Belmont bloodline.]
[They had been discussing the question of something not that long ago. Alucard wasn't sure if that conversation prompted this actual date date rather than another night of sitting around the house, drinking, and making out. Maybe there was something else going on in Trevor's head.
He shouldn't looking a gift date in the mouth though, not when he gets to go on an actual date.
They're wonderful words to think. They rattle around in his head as he showers, barely aware that Trevor's come home. He's too focused on his wardrobe, what to do with his hair, and what on God's green earth Sypha must be up to if she isn't answering her phone.
The latter is the easiest to take care of once he steps out of the shower. In addition to actual cell phones, Sypha and Alucard had figured out how to make compact viewing mirrors that, for all intents and purposes, were just Facetime but with magic. They were godsends when Sypha had crappy coverage.
Five minutes later, it's clear Sypha isn't making it back for this date, although Alucard has now promised to inform Trevor that he a) owes Sypha a date that's just Trevor and Sypha going somewhere fancy and b) owes all three of them a fancy date together. A true hardship.
Once he's off the phone, everything else happens. Hair (two small braids on other side that meet in an immaculate bun.) Cologne (sandalwood and amber.) Clothes (a black tuxedo with a smear of brilliant, bright red across it, much like a blood smear, with dangling beadwork hanging off the edge.)
And then he sits and waits in the living room, one foot crossed over the other, phone in hand while Alucard waits.]
He shouldn't looking a gift date in the mouth though, not when he gets to go on an actual date.
They're wonderful words to think. They rattle around in his head as he showers, barely aware that Trevor's come home. He's too focused on his wardrobe, what to do with his hair, and what on God's green earth Sypha must be up to if she isn't answering her phone.
The latter is the easiest to take care of once he steps out of the shower. In addition to actual cell phones, Sypha and Alucard had figured out how to make compact viewing mirrors that, for all intents and purposes, were just Facetime but with magic. They were godsends when Sypha had crappy coverage.
Five minutes later, it's clear Sypha isn't making it back for this date, although Alucard has now promised to inform Trevor that he a) owes Sypha a date that's just Trevor and Sypha going somewhere fancy and b) owes all three of them a fancy date together. A true hardship.
Once he's off the phone, everything else happens. Hair (two small braids on other side that meet in an immaculate bun.) Cologne (sandalwood and amber.) Clothes (a black tuxedo with a smear of brilliant, bright red across it, much like a blood smear, with dangling beadwork hanging off the edge.)
And then he sits and waits in the living room, one foot crossed over the other, phone in hand while Alucard waits.]
[His pets are, at least, the reason Hector hasn’t given up completely now that his revenge has been had.]
There’s always going to be death. It’s a part of life. [Death is the medium for his work, and he intimately knows its inevitability.] But to your point, we need not hasten it.
[He understands that Adrian and his hunters serve humanity, and cannot suffer a threat to it. Theirs is the side Rosaly supported.]
I’ll submit to whatever judgment you settle on. If you need me to pledge to never again take a life, or live under house arrest, or allow you to scry to monitor my actions, so be it.
There’s always going to be death. It’s a part of life. [Death is the medium for his work, and he intimately knows its inevitability.] But to your point, we need not hasten it.
[He understands that Adrian and his hunters serve humanity, and cannot suffer a threat to it. Theirs is the side Rosaly supported.]
I’ll submit to whatever judgment you settle on. If you need me to pledge to never again take a life, or live under house arrest, or allow you to scry to monitor my actions, so be it.
[Alucard wouldn't call whatever it is that they're trying to balance mercy. It certaintly isn't justice. Closer to grace, maybe, and it probably doesn't matter what they term it. Making it happen is far more important, no matter what term ends up being used.
But judgement. That word hangs heavy in the air, and Alucard's shoulders slump just a little from that weight. Who are the two of them to pass it? A heretic and a patricide, that's who.]
I...feel as if the last one is the easiest. Pledges mean little, even if we found a way to made it binding, and it would be against many personal mandates to force house arrest.
But judgement. That word hangs heavy in the air, and Alucard's shoulders slump just a little from that weight. Who are the two of them to pass it? A heretic and a patricide, that's who.]
I...feel as if the last one is the easiest. Pledges mean little, even if we found a way to made it binding, and it would be against many personal mandates to force house arrest.
[For whatever it's worth, Trevor does manage to clean up nicely. It shouldn't be a surprise, considering his upbringing. Because, despite all the recent unpleasantness, the Belmonts were a rather well-to-do family, and along with that came certain obligations. It wasn't all monsterpedias and combat training; sometimes it was charity balls and fundraisers and whatever else generations-old vampire-hunting families had to pull in order to maintain their wealth and societal status. Trevor never cared for that part, never fit, but he can appreciate that it was good training for nights like this.
Good enough that, when he finally makes his way downstairs, he manages to look positively decent. Adrian sees the patent-leather dress shoes first, followed by pressed slacks and a sharp shirt all in black. The jacket is a sharp cut of deep red velvet, somehow perfectly fit to contain all that muscle without appearing bulky, with black lining and a silk pocket square. God help them, he even managed to properly situate the matching red bowtie, and the requested stubble has been uniformly trimmed.
Trevor's still fussing with the cufflinks when he hits the bottom step, but he freezes immediately when his gaze falls on Adrian. The sudden realization strikes him: this is why they never go out. This is why public is off-limits. Because Adrian has managed to arrange himself into some obscene manner of unearthly beauty, dripping jewels and sex appeal like the royalty he is, and Trevor is utterly undone. It's simultaneously insulting and captivating. Beauty like this attracts attention, and the unfair animal part of Trevor is already bristling at the looks Adrian will attract the moment they set foot in that restaurant.
Composure, he reminds himself. But he can't help the slight grin that tugs his lips when he approaches the couch and extends a hand to help Adrian to his feet.]
Is the jacket supposed to be some kind of warning?
Good enough that, when he finally makes his way downstairs, he manages to look positively decent. Adrian sees the patent-leather dress shoes first, followed by pressed slacks and a sharp shirt all in black. The jacket is a sharp cut of deep red velvet, somehow perfectly fit to contain all that muscle without appearing bulky, with black lining and a silk pocket square. God help them, he even managed to properly situate the matching red bowtie, and the requested stubble has been uniformly trimmed.
Trevor's still fussing with the cufflinks when he hits the bottom step, but he freezes immediately when his gaze falls on Adrian. The sudden realization strikes him: this is why they never go out. This is why public is off-limits. Because Adrian has managed to arrange himself into some obscene manner of unearthly beauty, dripping jewels and sex appeal like the royalty he is, and Trevor is utterly undone. It's simultaneously insulting and captivating. Beauty like this attracts attention, and the unfair animal part of Trevor is already bristling at the looks Adrian will attract the moment they set foot in that restaurant.
Composure, he reminds himself. But he can't help the slight grin that tugs his lips when he approaches the couch and extends a hand to help Adrian to his feet.]
Is the jacket supposed to be some kind of warning?
[Alucard grew up vaguely aware of the Belmonts but never having to take them seriously. Or any monster hunting type of family, not really. The castle could move. The castle was always nestled snuggly in the mountains of Romania or the Balkans or wherever else Dracula felt was needed. He grew up learning how to defend himself, and all too aware that even among vampires, he was unique in power because he was still the son of Dracula.
So their downfall had mattered little. It was only when Trevor entered his life that Alucard truly sat down and looked at what the reality of being a Belmont was - looking out to the world, rather than the grim night work that had been the family's tradition since the the late 1000s and early 1100s. Nearly a millennia of work, and within modern Romania (after the geopolitics of WWI and II, then the communists). In theory, Alucard knows that the European social elite world was a place Trevor once walked. In theory, that meant dressing like this.
None of that matters. And none of Alucard's skills help mute his reaction either. His eyebrows go up, his eyes widen, and there is a soft noise of being truly impressed and a little overwhelmed at how well fit Trevor's clothes are in this moment. The colors are all too obvious, he does need to maintain those family traditions, but the rest of it? It's nearly obscene how perfect he looks.
Then Alucard thanks Sypha in the back of his mind that they're going to get at least two more days of Trevor in this get up. Best Sypha. The best.
Alucard takes the hand when it's offered, aware that there's a faint touch of red in his cheeks. On a human, they'd be burning red.]
Only for those who need it. I managed to get in touch with Sypha.
So their downfall had mattered little. It was only when Trevor entered his life that Alucard truly sat down and looked at what the reality of being a Belmont was - looking out to the world, rather than the grim night work that had been the family's tradition since the the late 1000s and early 1100s. Nearly a millennia of work, and within modern Romania (after the geopolitics of WWI and II, then the communists). In theory, Alucard knows that the European social elite world was a place Trevor once walked. In theory, that meant dressing like this.
None of that matters. And none of Alucard's skills help mute his reaction either. His eyebrows go up, his eyes widen, and there is a soft noise of being truly impressed and a little overwhelmed at how well fit Trevor's clothes are in this moment. The colors are all too obvious, he does need to maintain those family traditions, but the rest of it? It's nearly obscene how perfect he looks.
Then Alucard thanks Sypha in the back of his mind that they're going to get at least two more days of Trevor in this get up. Best Sypha. The best.
Alucard takes the hand when it's offered, aware that there's a faint touch of red in his cheeks. On a human, they'd be burning red.]
Only for those who need it. I managed to get in touch with Sypha.
Will she be joining us?
[Trevor somehow doubts it, given the time. More's the pity, but he's hardly going to complain about having Adrian at his side all night. He won't admit to having been entranced by the dhampir before, but this particular wardrobe selection has Trevor questioning the notion of thrall. But Trevor elected to trust Adrian a long time ago, and along with that trust comes a certainty that Adrian would never, even if it were possible.
The beading is an interesting touch, though. Trevor has to resist the urge to run his fingers through the bits hanging from Adrian's wrist, which is probably the most mature decision he's made all day. Instead he pulls Adrian up from the couch and wraps an arm tightly around the dhampir's waist, leaning close to press their foreheads together and find that God, Adrian even smells mouthwatering. Trevor's cologne is subtle, musky without being overwhelming, but whatever Adrian's wearing? It reminds Trevor of sin; of sacred things in holy places being utterly defiled by wicked hands.
Trevor almost suggests skipping dinner altogether, almost closes the remaining distance between them to steal the kiss that he's aching for. But that would be defeating the purpose of this night, which was, very simply, that Adrian deserves nice things, and Trevor intends to treat him to them without complaint for once.]
You look... [Trevor pauses to think, because there are a million complimentary adjectives running through his head, and none of them seem sufficient to summarize how weak he's made Trevor. So instead, he settles for:]
Decent.
[Trevor somehow doubts it, given the time. More's the pity, but he's hardly going to complain about having Adrian at his side all night. He won't admit to having been entranced by the dhampir before, but this particular wardrobe selection has Trevor questioning the notion of thrall. But Trevor elected to trust Adrian a long time ago, and along with that trust comes a certainty that Adrian would never, even if it were possible.
The beading is an interesting touch, though. Trevor has to resist the urge to run his fingers through the bits hanging from Adrian's wrist, which is probably the most mature decision he's made all day. Instead he pulls Adrian up from the couch and wraps an arm tightly around the dhampir's waist, leaning close to press their foreheads together and find that God, Adrian even smells mouthwatering. Trevor's cologne is subtle, musky without being overwhelming, but whatever Adrian's wearing? It reminds Trevor of sin; of sacred things in holy places being utterly defiled by wicked hands.
Trevor almost suggests skipping dinner altogether, almost closes the remaining distance between them to steal the kiss that he's aching for. But that would be defeating the purpose of this night, which was, very simply, that Adrian deserves nice things, and Trevor intends to treat him to them without complaint for once.]
You look... [Trevor pauses to think, because there are a million complimentary adjectives running through his head, and none of them seem sufficient to summarize how weak he's made Trevor. So instead, he settles for:]
Decent.
No, unfortunately. She's too far away, but has made two requests. First, you take her on a date like this, just the two of you. Second, there is one with all three of us. I told her it wouldn't be a problem, naturally.
[So really, Trevor, you get to clean up twice more in the near future.]
She'll be home in three days, four at the longest.
[The rest of the conversation between Alucard and Sypha had detoured into the dhampir making sad faces at her and saying she's missed. Sypha is far too used to the conversation, and so her immunity to the Sad Dhampir Face is at an all time high.
With their foreheads so closed together, Alucard shifts his own head for just a moment. It's a good opportunity to kiss the tip of Trevor's nose, the gesture momentary but no less sweet for it. Little things like this, they mean the world to Alucard. They always have, and around Sypha, it's easy to plant tiny little surprise kisses during moments of otherwise contented silence. With Trevor, it's trickier. He's pricklier, like a feral cat most days, and so opportunities to show gentler affection need to be approached with caution.
His hands search for somewhere to go - hanging off at his side feels silly. They settle on top of Trevor's hips, brushing against the velvet. The texture is as soft as Alucard expected, a wonderful contrast against the firm muscle underneath. His fingers curl in the fabric, aware that there's a stupid grin on his face.
The pronouncement of how Alucard looks gets a laugh.]
You clean up pretty well too.
[So really, Trevor, you get to clean up twice more in the near future.]
She'll be home in three days, four at the longest.
[The rest of the conversation between Alucard and Sypha had detoured into the dhampir making sad faces at her and saying she's missed. Sypha is far too used to the conversation, and so her immunity to the Sad Dhampir Face is at an all time high.
With their foreheads so closed together, Alucard shifts his own head for just a moment. It's a good opportunity to kiss the tip of Trevor's nose, the gesture momentary but no less sweet for it. Little things like this, they mean the world to Alucard. They always have, and around Sypha, it's easy to plant tiny little surprise kisses during moments of otherwise contented silence. With Trevor, it's trickier. He's pricklier, like a feral cat most days, and so opportunities to show gentler affection need to be approached with caution.
His hands search for somewhere to go - hanging off at his side feels silly. They settle on top of Trevor's hips, brushing against the velvet. The texture is as soft as Alucard expected, a wonderful contrast against the firm muscle underneath. His fingers curl in the fabric, aware that there's a stupid grin on his face.
The pronouncement of how Alucard looks gets a laugh.]
You clean up pretty well too.
[Hector shrugs. He trusts Adrian's judgment above his own in this matter. He is the dumbass that trusted vampires. Alucard and his friends were the ones who stood up to oppose the slaughter whenever everyone else has resigned themselves to it.]
Then that shall be our course of action. Do you need anything to locate me? I may travel, and you said before that it was easier if you knew where to look.
Then that shall be our course of action. Do you need anything to locate me? I may travel, and you said before that it was easier if you knew where to look.
I think that's a question Sypha's better equipped to answer than I am. Typically it requires some sort of personal connection, as I understand it, with locks of hair being quite common.
[Alucard still doesn't like it, having to act as a perpetual eye over a single man. But it's for a much greater good and preservation of life, so he can't argue it. Not really.]
I hope that traveling helps, honestly. Staying still is likely to let things fester right now.
[Alucard still doesn't like it, having to act as a perpetual eye over a single man. But it's for a much greater good and preservation of life, so he can't argue it. Not really.]
I hope that traveling helps, honestly. Staying still is likely to let things fester right now.
[Hector nods, consenting to provide whatever Sypha deems necessary, but Adrian doesn't seem happy with it.]
Would you prefer parole? [If he's traveling, he supposes he could come by at times and check in, if that would be more palatable.]
Traveling can't make it worse. So long as my pets can make the journey. I may have to invest in a wagon to make it easier on them.
Would you prefer parole? [If he's traveling, he supposes he could come by at times and check in, if that would be more palatable.]
Traveling can't make it worse. So long as my pets can make the journey. I may have to invest in a wagon to make it easier on them.
It's probably the best term for it.
[All of it sits ill. No one has come to judge Alucard for what he's done, and to be in judgement and execution thereof smacks of hypocracy to the most extreme degree. He begins petting the hare again in the vain hope that it might distract him just a little.]
A small one, I think. If you have to have more than one horse, that means more feed to carry, then more supplies and -- [Alucard waves his free hand vaguely.]
I hope the path brings some kind of resolution for you. One that at least allows for easier living than what you've had of late.
[All of it sits ill. No one has come to judge Alucard for what he's done, and to be in judgement and execution thereof smacks of hypocracy to the most extreme degree. He begins petting the hare again in the vain hope that it might distract him just a little.]
A small one, I think. If you have to have more than one horse, that means more feed to carry, then more supplies and -- [Alucard waves his free hand vaguely.]
I hope the path brings some kind of resolution for you. One that at least allows for easier living than what you've had of late.
[More dates. Trevor can do this, maybe even happily, but it makes a part of him positively itch to be volunteered for it. It shouldn't; it shouldn't matter, because this is Adrian and Sypha they're talking about, and he wants to do nice things for them. Just--
Never mind, he urges himself. The kiss to his nose is shockingly endearing, and it's just the thing to smooth Trevor's bristles and bring him back to the moment. A moment where Adrian is complimenting him genuinely, and that's possibly the most laughable thing to happen so far this evening. Trevor looks like peasantry next to Adrian, and he probably always will, but that's okay. It doesn't matter what Trevor looks like next to him, because -- inexplicably -- they've chosen each other. Maybe Trevor will be able to put words to that realization someday.
Maybe he'll also be able to express how grateful it makes him feel. For now, he'll have to settle for showing Adrian instead.
The dhampir looks too good to abstain from, especially now that the precedent has been set. Trevor captures his lips softly, just for a moment, thumb trailing idly over Adrian's cheekbone. He only lingers for a moment before drawing away again with a slight smile.]
I think I can manage that.
[Trevor's phone chimes to signal their driver's arrival, and what follows is almost like muscle memory. He keeps his arm out for Adrian as they exit the house and make their way to the car, opens the door and ensures the dhampir is safely inside before rounding to climb in himself. It's a surprising level of politeness from Trevor, all things considered. He confirms the destination to their driver, and starts fussing with his cufflinks again as they pull away. It has to be more nervous energy than practicality at this point.]
Now where on earth [Trevor pauses to cast Adrian a sidelong glance.] did you find a jacket like that?
Never mind, he urges himself. The kiss to his nose is shockingly endearing, and it's just the thing to smooth Trevor's bristles and bring him back to the moment. A moment where Adrian is complimenting him genuinely, and that's possibly the most laughable thing to happen so far this evening. Trevor looks like peasantry next to Adrian, and he probably always will, but that's okay. It doesn't matter what Trevor looks like next to him, because -- inexplicably -- they've chosen each other. Maybe Trevor will be able to put words to that realization someday.
Maybe he'll also be able to express how grateful it makes him feel. For now, he'll have to settle for showing Adrian instead.
The dhampir looks too good to abstain from, especially now that the precedent has been set. Trevor captures his lips softly, just for a moment, thumb trailing idly over Adrian's cheekbone. He only lingers for a moment before drawing away again with a slight smile.]
I think I can manage that.
[Trevor's phone chimes to signal their driver's arrival, and what follows is almost like muscle memory. He keeps his arm out for Adrian as they exit the house and make their way to the car, opens the door and ensures the dhampir is safely inside before rounding to climb in himself. It's a surprising level of politeness from Trevor, all things considered. He confirms the destination to their driver, and starts fussing with his cufflinks again as they pull away. It has to be more nervous energy than practicality at this point.]
Now where on earth [Trevor pauses to cast Adrian a sidelong glance.] did you find a jacket like that?
[There is a brief moment of color on Alucard's otherwise all too pale face when Trevor actually kisses him. It's hardly anything, but the timing of it? That's key, because there's the affection underlying it has a different texture from most of their shared evenings together. A promise of being together for a few more weeks, taking everything with a level of casualty that may not be bad, but Alucard's realized he wants to move beyond.
The word commitment bubbles up to the surface of his mind, and Alucard tests it for a moment. Considers it, then realizes that it's all he wants. Commitment that this is actually serious now, rather than a passing dalliance with no clear cut goal.]
Good, because she should see you like this too.
[Sypha's absolutely missing out. Alucard will sneak a photo at some point to send her, but for now, dinner awaits. They go by the key basket as they walk out the door, and Alucard grabs his set to ensure that they won't be locked out of the house. (Technically, the house will open for Alucard if he comes home without a key. But it's nice to pretend that the house is a normal house rather than a small, city friendly version of the castle that sits over a far more vast crypt that takes up a whole city block.
Once settled in the car, Alucard shifts so that his back is against the space where door and seat meet, eyes on Trevor. He's fiddling with the cufflinks again, and so Alucard gestures for Trevor to extend his wrist.]
It's designer. [He shrugs as he says it, because do the specifics truly matter?] Something about it struck me, and I'm glad I bought it.
The word commitment bubbles up to the surface of his mind, and Alucard tests it for a moment. Considers it, then realizes that it's all he wants. Commitment that this is actually serious now, rather than a passing dalliance with no clear cut goal.]
Good, because she should see you like this too.
[Sypha's absolutely missing out. Alucard will sneak a photo at some point to send her, but for now, dinner awaits. They go by the key basket as they walk out the door, and Alucard grabs his set to ensure that they won't be locked out of the house. (Technically, the house will open for Alucard if he comes home without a key. But it's nice to pretend that the house is a normal house rather than a small, city friendly version of the castle that sits over a far more vast crypt that takes up a whole city block.
Once settled in the car, Alucard shifts so that his back is against the space where door and seat meet, eyes on Trevor. He's fiddling with the cufflinks again, and so Alucard gestures for Trevor to extend his wrist.]
It's designer. [He shrugs as he says it, because do the specifics truly matter?] Something about it struck me, and I'm glad I bought it.
It suits you.
[Everything suits Adrian, so by Trevor's figuring, that's more of a generalized statement than a compliment. Everything -- from leather to leggings to nothing -- it all suits Adrian and they both know it. It would hardly be worth commenting on, if not for the fact that it's practically wearing on Trevor tonight. Adrian's appeal is an oppressive force at times, and Trevor is so easily overwhelmed by it.
Two hands are better than one, though. Trevor offers his wrist across the seat to Adrian, a small smile tugging at one corner of his lips. And, if Adrian cares to notice, the embellished buttons are gold, inlaid with garnet. Not a drop of silver to be found.]
Never could get the hang of these damn things.
[Everything suits Adrian, so by Trevor's figuring, that's more of a generalized statement than a compliment. Everything -- from leather to leggings to nothing -- it all suits Adrian and they both know it. It would hardly be worth commenting on, if not for the fact that it's practically wearing on Trevor tonight. Adrian's appeal is an oppressive force at times, and Trevor is so easily overwhelmed by it.
Two hands are better than one, though. Trevor offers his wrist across the seat to Adrian, a small smile tugging at one corner of his lips. And, if Adrian cares to notice, the embellished buttons are gold, inlaid with garnet. Not a drop of silver to be found.]
Never could get the hang of these damn things.
Was that a pun?
[Alucard doesn't hold back the laugh that follows. It's a light thing, taken aback and impressed. No, the pun probably wasn't on purpose knowing Trevor, but it's worth asking all the same. Worth being surprised and delighted all the same. There's a part of Alucard, one that operates on a deeper level, that wants to pull all those lighter parts of Trevor to the surface, to encourage them to stay. That part of Alucard isn't in charge, but all the same, it works.
Once Trevor has extended his wrist, Alucard's quick to fasten the links with minimum fuss. It's all nimble fingers, no stinging of silver in spite of the Belmont colors, and that gets a pleased hum by the time Alucard finishes.]
It really helps to have a second set of hands to deal with them.
[Alucard doesn't hold back the laugh that follows. It's a light thing, taken aback and impressed. No, the pun probably wasn't on purpose knowing Trevor, but it's worth asking all the same. Worth being surprised and delighted all the same. There's a part of Alucard, one that operates on a deeper level, that wants to pull all those lighter parts of Trevor to the surface, to encourage them to stay. That part of Alucard isn't in charge, but all the same, it works.
Once Trevor has extended his wrist, Alucard's quick to fasten the links with minimum fuss. It's all nimble fingers, no stinging of silver in spite of the Belmont colors, and that gets a pleased hum by the time Alucard finishes.]
It really helps to have a second set of hands to deal with them.
[Well, unless Adrian proposes something different, that is what Hector will go with.]
I'll get by. [The people of Wallachia manage travel by wagon. He's sure he can figure out a way. If nothing else, a zombie horse that has no need to eat, though that would make it harder to travel unnoticed.]
I... [He knows he owes Adrian a great deal. He would never have defeated Isaac on his own, and Adrian has given him the opportunity to try to rebuild his life twice. He should ask for no more, but...]...I will be fine. Even with the wagon, though, some of my pets might not be suited for a life on the road.
[Deino, for one. He brought her with him because she would not have survived otherwise. She deserves somewhere she can rest until time undoes Hector's work.]
Some of them need a more stable home than I can provide. [He looks to Adrian, Deino settled happily in his lap.]
I'll get by. [The people of Wallachia manage travel by wagon. He's sure he can figure out a way. If nothing else, a zombie horse that has no need to eat, though that would make it harder to travel unnoticed.]
I... [He knows he owes Adrian a great deal. He would never have defeated Isaac on his own, and Adrian has given him the opportunity to try to rebuild his life twice. He should ask for no more, but...]...I will be fine. Even with the wagon, though, some of my pets might not be suited for a life on the road.
[Deino, for one. He brought her with him because she would not have survived otherwise. She deserves somewhere she can rest until time undoes Hector's work.]
Some of them need a more stable home than I can provide. [He looks to Adrian, Deino settled happily in his lap.]
You'd know more about life on the road than I do. I'll take your word for it.
[There's no jealously in the tone. Just a statement of fact. Everyone in Alucard's life knows more about living on the road than the dhampir does.
Alucard's about to say something else, but then he realizes the gravity of Hector's words. The trust that's embedded in them, and with that, Alucard's eyes meet Hector's. There's gratitude in there, well aware that they've managed some level of trust. That's a lot, given the situation.]
You're sure?
[There's no jealously in the tone. Just a statement of fact. Everyone in Alucard's life knows more about living on the road than the dhampir does.
Alucard's about to say something else, but then he realizes the gravity of Hector's words. The trust that's embedded in them, and with that, Alucard's eyes meet Hector's. There's gratitude in there, well aware that they've managed some level of trust. That's a lot, given the situation.]
You're sure?
[Trevor has to stop and think; was what a pun? The realization strikes him a beat or two later than it should, and he smirks with a slow shake of his head.]
Dork.
[It's not an insult if it's the truth. Adrian and Sypha are total nerds; Trevor's told them as much, and their acknowledgement makes it all the more entertaining. But it's endearing. Everything they do is adorable. The more Trevor allows himself to acknowledge that truth, the freer -- and more foolish -- he feels.
They rarely poke fun at his more vulnerable moments. Sypha recognizes them for what they are, and throws the occasional good-natured jibe. Adrian treats them with respect, almost handles them with kid gloves. But neither of them has ever made Trevor regret opening up to them or feeling anything. That's crucial, and it's far more than Trevor's ever gotten from his family.
Adrian and Sypha are starting to feel safe.]
You certainly know your way around a man's wrist. It's practically indecent.
Dork.
[It's not an insult if it's the truth. Adrian and Sypha are total nerds; Trevor's told them as much, and their acknowledgement makes it all the more entertaining. But it's endearing. Everything they do is adorable. The more Trevor allows himself to acknowledge that truth, the freer -- and more foolish -- he feels.
They rarely poke fun at his more vulnerable moments. Sypha recognizes them for what they are, and throws the occasional good-natured jibe. Adrian treats them with respect, almost handles them with kid gloves. But neither of them has ever made Trevor regret opening up to them or feeling anything. That's crucial, and it's far more than Trevor's ever gotten from his family.
Adrian and Sypha are starting to feel safe.]
You certainly know your way around a man's wrist. It's practically indecent.
That's not a yes or a no, Belmont.
[Trevor's called Alucard worse than dork or nerd anyway. Early on, it was only vampire or Alucard's name with an unwanted gravity that made Alucard chafe. These days, it's easier. Better for certain, and it's lead to a far better relationship than Alucard ever anticipated.
He's still unsure what his father makes of it. Alucard does know that he doesn't care.]
We both know I'm familiar with more than just wrists. Speaking of, give me your other.
[He motions for the other set of cufflinks, knowing the second set will be much easier to deal with than the first.]
How far is this place from the house anyway?
[Trevor's not given him the name of the place, the address, any identifying features besides extremely fancy.]
[Trevor's called Alucard worse than dork or nerd anyway. Early on, it was only vampire or Alucard's name with an unwanted gravity that made Alucard chafe. These days, it's easier. Better for certain, and it's lead to a far better relationship than Alucard ever anticipated.
He's still unsure what his father makes of it. Alucard does know that he doesn't care.]
We both know I'm familiar with more than just wrists. Speaking of, give me your other.
[He motions for the other set of cufflinks, knowing the second set will be much easier to deal with than the first.]
How far is this place from the house anyway?
[Trevor's not given him the name of the place, the address, any identifying features besides extremely fancy.]
[Hector breaks eye contact first. He doesn't want to leave any of his pets with someone else, but their needs outweigh his. The dogs will be able to handle travel- they find their stability in their master, not in their surroundings, but Deino needs peace, and his cat and hawk are both territorial creatures, better served to settle into a home rather than constantly roaming.]
It's only logical. There are very few people who would even accept them, and of those, less who even could see to their needs.
[And Hector knows Adrian will take care of them. He can turn into a wolf and tear a man to death, but to the little reanimated creatures, he'd be nothing but a stalwart protector.]
I assume you've room enough for a few strays in that castle of yours?
It's only logical. There are very few people who would even accept them, and of those, less who even could see to their needs.
[And Hector knows Adrian will take care of them. He can turn into a wolf and tear a man to death, but to the little reanimated creatures, he'd be nothing but a stalwart protector.]
I assume you've room enough for a few strays in that castle of yours?
[Trevor adjusts in the seat to extend his other wrist toward Adrian. Perhaps it's not entirely necessary to rest his other hand on Adrian's knee, but he does it anyway. It's subtle affection, not enough to draw their driver's attention, but moreover, Trevor's testing the waters. For all their past intimacy, this will be the first time they've graced a public venue in any kind of romantic capacity. They should probably understand where their lines are drawn.
Belatedly, it occurs to Trevor that maybe boundaries should have been established before they left the house.]
About ten minutes. It will probably depend on traffic. You'll like it, I think. There's supposedly a live string quartet.
[Trevor casts Adrian a sidelong glance, then focuses his attention on the dhampir's hands instead.]
Anything I should know before we arrive? [Trevor's lowered his voice, gone a bit somber.] Limitations on hand-holding? Dancing? Anything you'd find distasteful in public?
[For all his false bravado, Trevor almost seems nervous tonight.]
Belatedly, it occurs to Trevor that maybe boundaries should have been established before they left the house.]
About ten minutes. It will probably depend on traffic. You'll like it, I think. There's supposedly a live string quartet.
[Trevor casts Adrian a sidelong glance, then focuses his attention on the dhampir's hands instead.]
Anything I should know before we arrive? [Trevor's lowered his voice, gone a bit somber.] Limitations on hand-holding? Dancing? Anything you'd find distasteful in public?
[For all his false bravado, Trevor almost seems nervous tonight.]
Page 42 of 199
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
- 135
- 136
- 137
- 138
- 139
- 140
- 141
- 142
- 143
- 144
- 145
- 146
- 147
- 148
- 149
- 150
- 151
- 152
- 153
- 154
- 155
- 156
- 157
- 158
- 159
- 160
- 161
- 162
- 163
- 164
- 165
- 166
- 167
- 168
- 169
- 170
- 171
- 172
- 173
- 174
- 175
- 176
- 177
- 178
- 179
- 180
- 181
- 182
- 183
- 184
- 185
- 186
- 187
- 188
- 189
- 190
- 191
- 192
- 193
- 194
- 195
- 196
- 197
- 198
- 199
- »
Page 42 of 199