cryptsleeper | Catch All

I...thank you.

[He needs to respond to Hector's actual question. Alucard knows that. But the gratitude comes out first, voiced in a hushed tone of genuine surprise and contentment. He's never told anyone how the left behind creatures were the first that he voiced all the fall out of his father's death to, but...they were there all the same. They were friends and confidants, and they never judged.]

Yes. More than enough for whoever you wish to entrust to my care.

[Alucard finishes with the other cufflink with a bit more speed than the first. He understands the particular fastening, after all, so the work is quicker. But with that done, there's no excuse other than desire to keep touching that wrist.

It's the most natural movement in the world when Alucard's fingers move and lace together with Trevors, cooler hand against warm. Of course Alucard's hands are smoother, with none of the callouses of monster work done over the decades. That contrast is one that the dhampir takes joy in, just like the differences in body temperatures, just like how their natural shapes are at odds. (He's too slender, even if it's all muscle. Trevor's build is wider, and if Alucard was being honest, he found it more attractive than his own.)]

Mmm, yes. It already sounds perfect.

[It's an important question. It's one that requires a considered answer, and Alucard is thoughtful before giving a response.]

Nothing too lingering in the kiss department, if only out of fear of the two of us getting carried away. [It's been known to happen.] Beyond that, whatever you feel safe doing.

[If allies see him smooching a dhampir, for example, that might not be ideal.]

[Hector nods. He can't say 'you're welcome' for something like this.]

I'll leave you notes on their care. You did admirably well the first time around, but...this will ensure nothing will come up that you aren't prepared for.

[It won't stop Hector from worrying for them, but it make the worry unfounded.]

That will be very welcome. [There's a look of actual embarrassment that crosses Alucard's face, and he breaks his gaze from Hector to just off too the side.]

It'll be nice to not fly blindly. I think that they were judging me at certain points for being that foolish in my failures.

[It's a simpler answer than he'd expected, and that's enough to raise both alarm and Trevor's brow. It can't be that easy, can it? Adrian's handing the reins over to Trevor like he's comfortable with however this transpires, and Trevor's not sure why that surprises him, because-- Well, when it comes right down to it, that's been a bulk of their relationship; Trevor setting the pace, and Adrian falling into step beside him, unflinching. As if Adrian's expecting -- and embracing -- every step before Trevor even takes it.

Nothing's ever come easy for Trevor. Nothing this simple has ever been this beautiful.

Momentarily lost for words, Trevor brings Adrian's hand to his lips instead, and presses a lingering kiss to the dhampir's knuckles. He's not sure why it's so sobering to realize that things can pass so easily between them. Maybe it's unknowable, and maybe for once in his damn life, Trevor doesn't have to destroy everything important to find the answer. Maybe it can just... be. Without Trevor complicating everything.]

Free reign? I think you're going to regret that. [Trevor smirks.] I feel like they taught me Viennese waltzes just to prepare me for you.

[There is a small and impossibly warm smile on Alucard's face when Trecor kisses his knuckles just so. He's never articulated what makes him happiest while dating - all the small, little gestures - mostly because calling it dating seemed like a bad idea. Alucard has been matching Trevor's pace to make the man more comfortable with the situation, and that has often meant forgoing some obvious statements.

But this evening is more than likely to lay certain preferences bare, and that's fine by Alucard. Let tonight be the start of a new chapter for all three of them.]

I bet you say that to all your dance partners.

[A laugh is threaded through those worse, and Alucard is all but beaming at Trevor.]

[Ah, that effort would have been lead by the cat. She, ironically enough, has a resting bitch face. He chuckles.]

They're ruthless, and they probably sensed they'd get extra attention if they acted needy. You did fine. It's a testament to your instinct to magical matters that you figured out as much as you did.

[It's easy to lean back against the ship's rail and focus on the past, rather than the future. They'll sleep soon. Tomorrow, their journey by water, and Hector's short stint as captain, ends.]

Well, they sensed correctly. And then some.

[He's nearly embarrassed by that fact, and it would be far more clear if there wasn't a faint laugh somewhere in Alucard's words. They're followed by a much more sobering sigh, and Alucard's fingers return to petting the hare that is now, for all intents and purposes, his charge.]

I know they weren't left on purpose, but I am glad they were there all the same.

[That's gratitude enough. And maybe that's the best place for all of this to end. Quiet gratitude, and the rare check in to ensure that no more mistakes of the past are repeated. ]

[Trevor smirks, but it seems impolitic to point out that he can't even remember the last time he's danced. He's sure he'll remember the steps, fall into them just like climbing back on a bike, but there's another implication hanging on that admission. It's a lonely implication, and Trevor needn't call that to mind now that -- against all odds -- he's finally found suitable company.

More than suitable. They've been like a delicate dance themselves, and sometimes the missteps are torture, but the rhythm is completely irresistible.

It's another few minutes before the car lumbers to a stop before their destination. The place is ostentatious, to say the least; all sleek modern edges and glowing fountains, and without even looking inside, Trevor would bet money on the presence of Chihuly chandeliers.]

Wait here a moment.

[Trevor nods his thanks to their driver as he climbs out, then circles around to open Adrian's door. And of course, like the proper gentleman Adrian's suddenly discovered in him, he's offered his arm to the dhampir as well.]

[Alucard falls into a content, companionable silence for the rest of the ride, his fingers still laced with Trevor's. It's Trevor's window that he looks out of the entire ride, eyes carefully clocking the streets of Bucharest as they fly past. He knows the city well (he has to, he lives here, he's doing his damn masters here, he does volunteer hours for the arms and armory department in one of the museums), and all of that means that Alucard has a fair idea of at least the district they're heading towards.

The car jostles every so often, causing the beads of Alucard's jacket to brush against Trevor's wrist. There's an apologetic look every time, and Alucard vows that on the way back, he'll just take the middle seat and lean against Trevor the entire time.

There's no protest when they arrive and Alucard is told to wait to get out of the car. He's practically cheering for the statement, as silly and ridiculous as it sounds. This is a date in every way that matters, and he could practically scream from the joy of it all. He's made a promise to himself not to question what has spurred Trevor to acting like this. It's happened. Alucard's happy enough for that.

He takes Trevor's arm when it's offered, aware that the ground beneath their feet are cobblestones placed for elegance and the city's more touristy old world feel. Doesn't matter. It's right for this moment. Right for walking up to the front doors of an all too fancy and expensive restaurant with his boyfriend, the two of them looking far better than they have any right to.

There's a moment when Alucard leans in, right as the doorman opens the door for them both.]

Thank you.

For what?

[Trevor's genuinely baffled, but Adrian doesn't have time to answer before Trevor becomes preoccupied with reservation details with the host. It's a brief exchange before they're being shown to their table. The booth they're shown to is well-away from the kitchens and main thoroughfare, perhaps not exactly private but the panels are high enough to give the illusion. The place is dimly-lit as a whole, and the candles at each table lend to the overall ambiance. And as promised, a string quartet occupies one corner of the place, drawing out subdued melodies just loudly enough to not draw attention to themselves.

It's not bad, by Trevor's estimation. Formal to be sure, but not as pretentious as the places he used to visit with his family, which is a definite point in its favor. But the champagne already chilling at their table? That's just a bonus, and the host is kind enough to fill their glasses and leave their menus before shuffling off again.

Trevor stays at Adrian's side, ensures he's settled and comfortable in his booth before slipping into the one across from him.]

Thoughts? It's not what I expected but that's probably a good thing.

I--

[There is indeed no time to answer. The reservation is much more important, and for all the world, Alucard is still stunned that this is happening at all. He'd have been happy enough going to a bar with Trevor, never mind sitting in a place that's probably...well. He's not paying attention to the menu prices until he absolutely must, nor thinking about how expensive bottle service must be. It'll be ridiculous, and that is that.

The only problem in all of this (and there are so few problems) is where Trevor sits. He's across from Alucard, not beside him, and if that's the only complaint of the evening, well. That speaks volumes. This place's intimacy is already far more than Alucard would ever dare to hope for, and it's why his response is absolutely besotted.]

It's perfect.

[And in truth, those are all the words that Alucard has.]

[It's perfect. Trevor's never been the sort to crave approval, but Adrian's clearly overjoyed with this, and that-- It feels good. It feels so much better than fighting ever did; better than bites and barbs and ice and distance. To see Adrian genuinely happy, sincerely grateful for Trevor's effort, is damn-near the best thing Trevor's ever felt.

It is perfect, if only because Adrian is happy with it. This is never something Trevor would do of his own volition, but Adrian's so besotted (and that alone is something of an unbelievable sight) that Trevor's making a mental note to arrange things like this more often.]

I'm glad. I worried you might think it was too... You know. Too much.

[Alucard's reaction to that is to nudge Trevor under the table with a foot. On some other day, it'd be a swifter, more powerful thing of real irritation. Here and now, it's a gentle correction, a way to say bullshit without swearing inside a classy establishment like the one they're in.]

Sometimes over the top is exactly the right amount.

[Alucard's right hand definitely reaches for the champagne class, but his other lays flat on the table, vaguely extended in Trevor's direction.]

And you're reinforced the fact we are absolutely doing this for Sypha when she's back. Her reaction to this kind of place will be priceless.

[Trevor smirks, and his shoulders shake with silent laughter as he unconsciously reaches out to rest his hand over Adrian's. He can't even predict Sypha's reaction to a place like this. She'll either be overjoyed, disgusted, or some strange mix of overjoyed disgust. Either way, it'll be delightful to see.]

I'm sure she looks better in a tuxedo than either of us. Does she even own a dress?

[Trevor resists the urge to point out that Adrian would look decent in an evening gown as well.]

Goodness. [Alucard pauses, taking his sweet time to not only envision the glory of Sypha in a tux, but in how she'd walk in it. What cuts would flatter her best, and how a hat may very well enhance the entire ensemble even more. It's an image that leaves a flush of pink in his cheeks.] I'll be thinking about that for a while yet.

[Which means that if it ever happens, Alucard will be utterly beside himself.]

I genuinely don't know if she owns a dress. I know she has skirts, I've seen her wear them before, but being a Speaker, I don't suspect she has a dress that would....conform to standards here, for a lack of a better phrase.

[He could be wrong. God, Alucard wants to be wrong and stunned into silence. But for now, he can lie back when he's alone and reflect on that mental image.

Until then, there are other important matters. He takes the champagne in hand, and his thumb runs slowly and softly over Trevor's knuckles.]

Did you have a toast in mind?

[Alucard had won.

He had actually won by cheating, because the minute he and Trevor were alone, Alucard had looped him into the bet. He wasn't a fan of the bath part, but the Sypha without a shirt for a week part? Selling point.

And so they had hatched their plan. It required real acting from Trevor at the horror of being bathed, but the rest? The part after Alucard "accidentally" fell into the bathtub and it was all making out and hands moving up wet shirts? That was just natural and they honestly forgot that there was a bet involved.

It's three days since victory though, and the novelty of it is since worn off. So perhaps it isn't too weird that Alucard is sitting shirtless on the front steps of the castle, a book settled in his lap. Or maybe it is that weird, and the dhampir is manifesting guilt by going shirtless in solidarity.

Either way? He's going about this business like it's absolutely normal.]

[Skirts. Adrian had to say that word, and it immediately short-circuits Trevor into a stunned silence. Trevor appreciates skirts. More accurately, he appreciates legs, and most skirts afford a generous view of the legs they contain. Sypha has nice legs; he'd like to see her in a skirt. Adrian also has nice legs...

Being in whatever this is with both of them has manufactured some inordinately strange trains of thought for Trevor. Clothing, for example. The notion of anything even vaguely attractive becomes a mental struggle between whether Sypha or Adrian would look better in it. They're about even so far, not that Trevor's keeping score, but it's a nigh-daily curse now.

But a toast. Yes. Trevor centers himself, takes up his glass, and draws a slow breath, because--

Words are hard. Finding the right words that won't sound ridiculous is harder still.]

To... [Something, he's tempted to say. But that's not what Adrian wants to hear.] To the luckiest man in the world, who's making a complete idiot of himself and enjoying every moment, because he's doing it beside you.

[That toast gets a soft laugh out of Alucard, and he raises his glass.]

I don't know if I'll drink to all of that, but I can toast to the spirit of it.

[It's wonderful, the weight of the glass in his hand. The clinkof the glasses together. The music that weaves it's way through and makes the whole moment absolute perfect.]

And be very glad that neither of us have to drive back. We're consuming the whole of this bottle.

[Champagne is a bit out of Trevor's wheelhouse. He's used to harder liquor and heavy lagers, but he's not going to look a gift drink in the mouth. And it's not bad (he thinks), just not his usual style.

But they are drinking the entire bottle, and it's not entirely up to the dignified standard of the place to drain his entire flute in one go, but there's something that needs discussing tonight, and Trevor can probably grace it better with a bit of liquid courage behind his words. For whatever it's worth, he doesn't make it look undignified.]

Did your family ever come to places like this when you were growing up? We did, every now and then.

[ The conversation flinches as Leon realizes where he's unintentionally lead it to. An abrupt silence to follow the sharpness of what paranoia of the Church has done to an innocent and well-meaning woman haunts him. It's something he struggles to digest. He thinks of Mathias and Rinaldo, how they had guarded their use and knowledge of alchemy from society, perhaps all too knowing of the risk it posed to their status and safety. Leon hesitantly makes note to never divulge the true workings of his whip to the public. ]

[ Despite knowing that Alucard is not a man to openly desire sympathy, Leon can't let himself not say anything. ]
"That shouldn't have happened to her. I'm sorry." [ But he knows that Alucard knows its unfairness already. There's not much to be said of a tragedy that's already befallen. What might he want to hear in regards to Sara's fate, had someone heard his story? To everything Mathias had orchestrated? ]

"In spite of those circumstances, you still pledge your loyalty to humanity. Though the rest of us may not realize how difficult that must be for you, I recognize a blessing as it is. Your aid may be very well undeserved, but I only hope we humans can help ease your grief as allies—... hopefully, as true friends. No one should go through it alone."

Edited 2019-08-12 05:34 (UTC)

All three of us? No.

[It's never something Alucard has explicitly stated, but he grew up in the castle outside of humanity, as much as his mother protested the matter at first. The only reason Lisa Tepes had relented was due to Alucard's rapid aging. To expose him to the world was a danger, and that she wouldn't abide. Even though it meant her son would be isolated. Alucard knew it always bothered her.

He doesn't let the thought linger. Not when there happier memories.]

They went out though. A lot, sometimes dressed even more elaborately than we are, others my mother was just dragging him to see a movie which he almost always hated. I think she just liked hearing his critical thoughts after.

[Trevor probably didn't expect the Alucard's Parents Relationship department to happen, but oh well. Alucard's too proud of the two most days, and it shows in the warmth of his voice now.]

Only for her sake and per her request.

[Those words come out with a little more anger. He was angry. God, Alucard still is angry about the situation at the end of the day. His mother was murdered for bullshit reasons, and his father went so mad with grief that the kind thing was to put him out of his misery. He's allowed to be angry at the unfairness of it. If his mother hadn't been who she was, Alucard may have slept through his father's genocide.

Or worse.

The sympathy is genuine. Alucard knows that, but it is so hard not to chafe against it with the bitterness running through his thoughts. It takes real effort to shove it aside, to return to the far more well meaning if exhausted nursemaid mode. An easy role. One he's had to play several times over for Trevor.]

[There were several conclusions that Sypha had come to. First, Alucard was a cheater. Second, Alucard was a cheater. Third, it was bloody cold inside.

She would say that she had gone down swinging, at least putting up something of a 'fight', although the two against one had been too much for her in the end. If, and it was a big if, she ever decided to wager in the future, she would set the terms of a wager a bit more clearly.

But she had done as the terms had set out, more or less. She might have laid on the couch or carried a book that she just happened to be reading, or spend a little more time outside where she could wear her top. There might have also been some pointed looks and huffs from her.

Sypha might have tossed his book at his head, had Alucard specifically come out and said that the novelty had worn off, which was likely good that he hadn't verbalized that to her. Lunch was ready, even if Sypha wasn't the best cook, and she had gone looking for both. Personally, they should be glad that she hadn't spit in the soup... Trevor had been easy to find, giving him a clipped message, arms crossed beneath her chest. Alucard was harder to find, although eventually she had cracked open the door, finding him seated there.

Whereas she might have exited and bantered with him, today her head was all that did, leaving her bare torso pressed against the door. Not like they had many neighbours, but she also wasn't going to prance around showing off.]

Your food is getting cold.

[Although she did pause, as- yes, he was shirtless, which got a dubious look from Sypha as to why.]

[ Leon senses the anger stirring beneath the surface, and holds his tongue. Knowing very well that his words may tip the scales of Alucard's temper, he should let this topic go. He doesn't want to risk Alucard uncovering any potential regret in decision. Compassion alone doesn't take away the dhampir's pain. ]

"..."
[ Only now, he's at a loss for words. He's driven this conversation into a dead end, and the only way he feels he can potentially uplift it is to mention the wishes he assumes of Alucard's mother, how maybe she'd like him to start his life anew. That in itself is also likely to upset him further— the more Leon tries to find out, the more he's pushed from it. Or lashed at. Not that he can really blame Alucard. His own understanding of that rage is what prompted Alucard's father to offer Leon eternal life, after all. ]

Edited 2019-08-12 15:45 (UTC)

Catch All

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject