[ Leon was smiling when they last spoke, even in the home of his oldest foe. He is not smiling now. As Trevor and Alucard walk away, he's rallying his two remaining daughters into action for some reason or another (preparation for Dracula's retort, because he knows that Dracula will not target the queen and cannot target him. He has no reason to believe that he will not lash out at the innocent over this).
Space wraps around, all paths leading back to the queen's throne eventually, but there is a point at which one can be as far as possible before being led back. Trevor leads Alucard in that direction, through thick grasses and trees. ]
I shouldn't have assumed- shit. [ He shouldn't have assumed that Alucard would just trust him without being asked to. That's kind of the opposite of how all of their interactions have gone. He was arrogant, and Alucard's going to suffer for it. ] She means to starve you.
[There is no doubt in Alucard's mind that his father's response to this will be furious and disproportionate. Alucard knows his father and has seen a fraction of that fury time and again. This is beyond anything else that has happened before. For all intents and purposes, the son of Dracula is kidnapped and held hostage, but there's no ransom demands made.
Leon may be the only man that can predict and prepare for whatever comes next. Alucard is sure that when it ends, he will be home, but he shall not be leaving the castle for some time. But innocent? Oh, Alucard knows the rhetoric in response. Someone could have stood up and said no. There are no innocents.
He lets Trevor lead him through the tall grasses, ignoring the too bright and curious eyes that fall upon them as they pass.]
Yes. I figured that part out. [His voice is soft, like naming the thing will make it ten times worse.] I need to be kept quiet and away so that I am not provoked into more foolish action.
[In that, there's at least some show of trust in the Belmont to shepherd him through this.]
You only said that you didn't need blood. I can offer you food, and as long as you only take what's given you then there shouldn't be consequences. But blood-
[ -there's no way to measure time. Looking back, the Belmonts are out of sight and they shouldn't have walked that far in the amount of time that it feels like. They could already have been walking for days or just minutes, and Sypha would be no closer with the news either way. He doesn't know how long they have next until hunger starts knawing But they're out of the queen's direct gaze and Trevor lets go of Alucard.
They've had the discussion about touching him being acceptable if there's a good reason, but he'd rather not do so too much. Unfortunately, the moment he does- ]
Are you done with the half-breed? I demand the next dance!
[ The peacock fairy pushes through the grass, beautiful tail dragging along behind him. There are less people this far out, but that just makes Alucard stand out all the more. Everyone in the immediate area is aware of the queen's guest, of how rare a being he is, of how well they'll be rewarded if they can tempt him to stay. The peacock takes Alucard's hand in his own, placing the other hand on his hip as he looks Alucard over.
Harm none of my people, the queen had said. ]
Their kind were human once, you know. Disgusting. You'd do far better with a nobler house.
[And he's stuck. He's stuck and his father will go to war and destroy all of faerie to make it otherwise. Alucard doesn't want that much bloodshed for any reason, most certaintly not in his own name. He hates this, he hates that the other Belmonts feel miles away, he hates how time and space work in this liminal spot in the universe.
Alucard's hand is free, but only for a fleeting moment. There is another fae that's grabbed his hand, and Alucard immediately backs away so that the hand on is hip is forced to fall away or to grip tighter. The latter is a dare, to risk grabbing the son of Dracula and suffering consequences from it. He cannot and will not harm others, but provocation, that Alucard can lay an argument for.
He's all ice when he responds, drawing himself up far too high and channeling every moment he has seen his father be a terror.]
I see that far nobler houses have no concept of manners or respect for guests, grabbing them as if they're meat on a buffet - or do I mistake my position here?
You seem- [ And the peacock's hand does fall away, but he moves in closer. His smile loses any joy it held without wavering even a little. It's hard to say if he expected insults and posturing to work or if he just wanted an excuse to gloat and provoke - if Alucard attacks him and is forced to remain here as a result, he'll be well-rewarded. ] -to understand your position perfectly, Meat. I simply want you to make the right decision about who is to consume you.
[ Trevor clears his throat. He wants to punch a fairy. He only doesn't because that kind of fuss would draw the queen's attention, and because harm done in Alucard's name might count as him doing harm. Instead, he tries to push between them. A moth settles in Alucard's hair, like a living ornament. ]
I claimed him as my husband. Years ago.
[ It's true! And it's not like anyone here would think to ask 'did he agree to that'. ]
[Alucard does not hesitate to show fang in response to that show of teeth. He's barred from using them, but a reminder that he has them, and oh, Dracula will hear of this isn't amiss. Because Dracula will know every moment of this evening, be it through Alucard's words or simply reaching into his memories.
Alucard's all set to snap something close to fighting words, but Trevor is faster. Moreover, Trevor is much more clever than Alucard is in this moment, and it brings to mind how Sypha often resolves disputes. She's been a good influence on him, hasn't she?
The moth in his hair is probably claim enough. Alucard takes the relief for what it is, and he steps back without another word, allowing Trevor to take the role of protective husband. (Dracula is going to hate this so much.)
He continues to stare at the peacock though, fangs visible and gold eyes dripping with distaste.]
[ The peacock narrows his own eyes, long feathers feeling the air for falsehood. There is none to be found. Trevor extends a wing over Alucard's shoulder. ]
Humans seek out humans. Of course. Tainted blood reaches for tainted blood. [ If he's humiliated by the rejection, it doesn't immediately show. Though he is putting a lot of effort into this 'not caring' thing. ] find me when you realise the foolishness of your choice.
[ There are a few spectators, but most lose interest upon seeing that a fight isn't going to break out. More lose interest upon learning that Alucard isn't immediately available to them. Trevor tries to move away from them, making sure that there isn't anyone to see when he carefully removes the wing from around Alucard and sits. This area is wooded, and the earth soft and warm. ]
Shit, I'm sorry. I- [ Just broke about five separate rules Alucard has given to him - claiming ownership of him, moving him about from place to place without his say so. He exhales, looking first at the ground and then up at Alucard. ] -sorry.
[Alucard channels every ounce of his father's presence, staring down at the peacock with the disdain Dracula reserves for the surname Belmont. It isn't a bad impression, all things considered, and he knows the stare he gives could freeze rivers. There are no clever words, only the quiet relief of watching the peacock finally retreat and the aggressive Not Caring in his voice.
But then they're away from the other predators. Alucard doesn't care about what rules have been broken. He's safe for the immediate present. That's all that matters, and whatever defense is needed, they'll use.
The wings may not be around him. But Alucard sits down next to Trevor, and there's a hand that reaches out Trevor's without even waiting for permission.]
Don't be. [He sighs, breathing out two soft words, clearly wounded:] Tainted blood.
[ He looks up in confusion at the hand. He's been trying not to touch Alucard more than necessary, because he's not even sure he knows what the rules are anymore. Cautiously, he extends a wing again, not wrapping it around Alucard but offering it in case it's wanted.
He's not good with this, but he can understand when he hears hurt, if nothing else. ]
He was trying to goad you into attacking him. It's- not worth paying any mind to.
Hardly the first time it's been thought. [He says that part with a crisp certainty, one that's trying not to dwell on what was said. Alucard fails only seconds later, when his tone shifts into something more tired.] Simply the first time someone's said it to my face.
[It's in part hurt and in part understanding that Trevor is his only chance at survival tonight that has Alucard taking Trevor's hand. For those same reasons, he scoots a little closer, so that anyone else looking in on this scene will take the optics as romantic and claiming.]
Tonight, I fear previously established conventions need to be cast aside in order to survive.
[ He doesn't want to. All else aside, it's- nice, the way Alucard's long fingers rest in his hand. But it's intimacy of necessity, not choice, and finding it pleasant at all feels wrong.
He shakes his head, dropping that subject. The extended wing falls onto Alucard's shoulder again. It's more careful this time and he measures Alucard's response, ready to pull it back the second there's any indication he's doing something he shouldn't. ]
[Later. The future. Alucard's mind is focused on only the present, on surviving it, on making sure that he manages to come out the other end. He's good at resolve, at steeling himself and getting through difficult things. But he's also far too spoiled by his father's presence, and perhaps tonight he's coming to terms with how tenous that cna be.
His father is as well. Badly.
Alucard doesn't let go of Trevor's hand, and at the sudden statement, there's a weak but clearly delighted laugh.]
You want to be careful with that, you're already on her shit list.
[ But there's no reproach in his voice, and he chuckles. ]
She's- ruled by whim. She takes an interest in something - you, right now. Father- Leon, back before he was like this. All of us at some point or another. Or maybe not you, yourself. Maybe she likes the idea of a war with your father.
The ones she made herself, they take it hard when she gets bored of them. Act like dicks to be interesting to her again. Act like they think she would, because they think that'll get her attention.
[ It doesn't work most of the time, of course. Because she expects them to act like she would. It's far more unexpected and interesting when they act like Leon, and then she has to pay attention. Then, awkwardly because he doesn't particularly want Alucard to feel sorry for the fairy, just to feel less hurt. ] She'll eat them, if they're too boring.
I think you've already found I am not Sypha, and thus poor with words.
[Sypha would be able to endure this much easier, wouldn't she? Her words with the Queen would have been exact and resolved the situation already, whereas what is he? A spoiled dhampir too used to extra protection forced to deal without it.
His face is already long as Trevor speaks. But the words war with your father put a real fear on his face, one that can't be hidden.]
The idea, but not the practice. I...can't think of an idea that's bound to have more human causalities, in truth. [Because of course they will. Disposable meat shields.]
I'm....well. That's one way to address that issue. [His voice is flat. The hand in Trevor's is still gripping tightly, because it's still stuck at the comment from before. War with Dracula. For fun.]
Casualties don't rally matter to her. She's- [ He takes a moment to try to work out how to explain it. ] Made of human fear of the unknown. Anything short of total human extinction won't harm her, and any attempt at that will make her stronger before it makes her weaker, since it'll make them so much more afraid. War would be a slaughter for anyone in its path.
For as long as I remember, our father has been making sure to keep them apart from each other. Our queen can't go to Dracula directly as long as he's here. It's worked. But we never expected him to have a family, and the Queen never promised that you would be Leon's opponent alone.
[ He squeezes Alucard's hand back, the wing around him growing heavier as it dissolves into many many moths crawling over his shoulders. ] This is- probably a lot. Sorry.
[There's a heavier and heavier exhaustion that settles over Alucard as Trevor keeps speaking. His shoulders slump, his head tilts downwards even more, and the moths on his shoulders don't even react to their sudden presence.
He brings his free hand up, rubbing at the bridge of his nose.]
It's a lot, yes, but understanding it all is important. [The only important thing.]
Is there any way to extend the keeping her away from immediate family? [There is a sidelong look to Trevor, one that clearly means Alucard is speaking of his mother. Dracula might be able to control himself with this. But harm coming to Lisa? Oh...the world wouldn't survive that rage.[]
[ He actually goes still at that, his hand going loose in Alucard's- he's not seemed particularly bothered by any of this so far, but talk of Lisa- ]
-she's safe. She's- shit, she's as safe as anyone can be. You saw what happened when I tried to go near her home when she wasn't in it, let alone if she'd been there.
[ He's clearly agitated by talk of Lisa, but he tries. He frowns and he thinks and- ]
-what do you think she would do, if something she didn't understand tried to threaten her? And what do you think most humans would do? Or your father? Or you? Anyone else would attack it, or run away from it, or try to do what it wanted. She'd ask what it was and try to figure out how it worked and-
[Alucard opens his mouth to protest that his father is a scientist too, that he works to understand but that isn't entirely true. He'll understand the natural world, but rarely the nature of others. He has the things he will go into rages about, and the safety of his family is the number one thing. Threaten them and...
...they've both seen that result.
Trevor's assessment is entirely true. But there's another quiet realization.]
My mother is her antithesis, and thus always immune and safe.
[He and his father aren't that exact antithesis. And thus, Alucard is here.]
And so I'm the easier candidate to needle him towards even dancing around the thought of war.
[The sigh he lets out is exhausted, and there's a note of pain in that too. Being used against one's own family, that's...that's a hard thing to bear.]
[ He rubs the back of his head with his free hand. The weight on Alucard's back shifts a little to form wings of his own, black velvety ones with a trim of gold. ]
Leon thought that was why I wanted you for my husband. That I'd just say it so that it was said and then leave you be, so that you couldn't be targeted. I hadn't even realised. [ He chuckles, a little sheepishly. ] He was furious.
[In the heat of summer, Alucard hadn't been wearing his usual coat. The weight of suddenly something being on his back is bizarre, but his state of mind doesn't really allow for questions. He just pulls the edges of those wings closer towards his chest, like he would with his coat.]
Mm. I think I see why - it's harder to rectify the matter now because my father is the way he is.
[Local bat dad complicates everything news at 11.
There's a moment where Alucard's eyes glance around.]
Is there anyplace more...inside...that we can sit? Forgive me if sitting anywhere in the opens leads to a feeling of vulnerability here.
[ ...though it's not like Alucard particularly wants to be here. ]
There are places, but they're- [ for people who want privacy for kissing reasons, and enchanted appropriately ] -liable to mess with your head. We can go further into the woods, if that would help.
[ He stands, pulling Alucard to his feet, and those wings coil around him as bast they can. The wooded area is strange. It isn't so dense that it should be difficult to see far ahead, and yet things keep appearing suddenly. Trees, beds of flowers. Eventually, a silvery structure spun from what appears to be spider thread, hanging from one of the larger trees. Trevor tilts his head at it. ]
That- shouldn't be there.
[ On the one hand, he doesn't like it. On the other, it is a hidden place. And it doesn't seem like it's one of the sex tents. ]
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[ Leon was smiling when they last spoke, even in the home of his oldest foe. He is not smiling now. As Trevor and Alucard walk away, he's rallying his two remaining daughters into action for some reason or another (preparation for Dracula's retort, because he knows that Dracula will not target the queen and cannot target him. He has no reason to believe that he will not lash out at the innocent over this).
Space wraps around, all paths leading back to the queen's throne eventually, but there is a point at which one can be as far as possible before being led back. Trevor leads Alucard in that direction, through thick grasses and trees. ]
I shouldn't have assumed- shit. [ He shouldn't have assumed that Alucard would just trust him without being asked to. That's kind of the opposite of how all of their interactions have gone. He was arrogant, and Alucard's going to suffer for it. ] She means to starve you.
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Leon may be the only man that can predict and prepare for whatever comes next. Alucard is sure that when it ends, he will be home, but he shall not be leaving the castle for some time. But innocent? Oh, Alucard knows the rhetoric in response. Someone could have stood up and said no. There are no innocents.
He lets Trevor lead him through the tall grasses, ignoring the too bright and curious eyes that fall upon them as they pass.]
Yes. I figured that part out. [His voice is soft, like naming the thing will make it ten times worse.] I need to be kept quiet and away so that I am not provoked into more foolish action.
[In that, there's at least some show of trust in the Belmont to shepherd him through this.]
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[ -there's no way to measure time. Looking back, the Belmonts are out of sight and they shouldn't have walked that far in the amount of time that it feels like. They could already have been walking for days or just minutes, and Sypha would be no closer with the news either way. He doesn't know how long they have next until hunger starts knawing But they're out of the queen's direct gaze and Trevor lets go of Alucard.
They've had the discussion about touching him being acceptable if there's a good reason, but he'd rather not do so too much. Unfortunately, the moment he does- ]
Are you done with the half-breed? I demand the next dance!
[ The peacock fairy pushes through the grass, beautiful tail dragging along behind him. There are less people this far out, but that just makes Alucard stand out all the more. Everyone in the immediate area is aware of the queen's guest, of how rare a being he is, of how well they'll be rewarded if they can tempt him to stay. The peacock takes Alucard's hand in his own, placing the other hand on his hip as he looks Alucard over.
Harm none of my people, the queen had said. ]
Their kind were human once, you know. Disgusting. You'd do far better with a nobler house.
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[And he's stuck. He's stuck and his father will go to war and destroy all of faerie to make it otherwise. Alucard doesn't want that much bloodshed for any reason, most certaintly not in his own name. He hates this, he hates that the other Belmonts feel miles away, he hates how time and space work in this liminal spot in the universe.
Alucard's hand is free, but only for a fleeting moment. There is another fae that's grabbed his hand, and Alucard immediately backs away so that the hand on is hip is forced to fall away or to grip tighter. The latter is a dare, to risk grabbing the son of Dracula and suffering consequences from it. He cannot and will not harm others, but provocation, that Alucard can lay an argument for.
He's all ice when he responds, drawing himself up far too high and channeling every moment he has seen his father be a terror.]
I see that far nobler houses have no concept of manners or respect for guests, grabbing them as if they're meat on a buffet - or do I mistake my position here?
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[ Trevor clears his throat. He wants to punch a fairy. He only doesn't because that kind of fuss would draw the queen's attention, and because harm done in Alucard's name might count as him doing harm. Instead, he tries to push between them. A moth settles in Alucard's hair, like a living ornament. ]
I claimed him as my husband. Years ago.
[ It's true! And it's not like anyone here would think to ask 'did he agree to that'. ]
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Alucard's all set to snap something close to fighting words, but Trevor is faster. Moreover, Trevor is much more clever than Alucard is in this moment, and it brings to mind how Sypha often resolves disputes. She's been a good influence on him, hasn't she?
The moth in his hair is probably claim enough. Alucard takes the relief for what it is, and he steps back without another word, allowing Trevor to take the role of protective husband. (Dracula is going to hate this so much.)
He continues to stare at the peacock though, fangs visible and gold eyes dripping with distaste.]
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Humans seek out humans. Of course. Tainted blood reaches for tainted blood. [ If he's humiliated by the rejection, it doesn't immediately show. Though he is putting a lot of effort into this 'not caring' thing. ] find me when you realise the foolishness of your choice.
[ There are a few spectators, but most lose interest upon seeing that a fight isn't going to break out. More lose interest upon learning that Alucard isn't immediately available to them. Trevor tries to move away from them, making sure that there isn't anyone to see when he carefully removes the wing from around Alucard and sits. This area is wooded, and the earth soft and warm. ]
Shit, I'm sorry. I- [ Just broke about five separate rules Alucard has given to him - claiming ownership of him, moving him about from place to place without his say so. He exhales, looking first at the ground and then up at Alucard. ] -sorry.
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But then they're away from the other predators. Alucard doesn't care about what rules have been broken. He's safe for the immediate present. That's all that matters, and whatever defense is needed, they'll use.
The wings may not be around him. But Alucard sits down next to Trevor, and there's a hand that reaches out Trevor's without even waiting for permission.]
Don't be. [He sighs, breathing out two soft words, clearly wounded:] Tainted blood.
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He's not good with this, but he can understand when he hears hurt, if nothing else. ]
He was trying to goad you into attacking him. It's- not worth paying any mind to.
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[It's in part hurt and in part understanding that Trevor is his only chance at survival tonight that has Alucard taking Trevor's hand. For those same reasons, he scoots a little closer, so that anyone else looking in on this scene will take the optics as romantic and claiming.]
Tonight, I fear previously established conventions need to be cast aside in order to survive.
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[ He doesn't want to. All else aside, it's- nice, the way Alucard's long fingers rest in his hand. But it's intimacy of necessity, not choice, and finding it pleasant at all feels wrong.
He shakes his head, dropping that subject. The extended wing falls onto Alucard's shoulder again. It's more careful this time and he measures Alucard's response, ready to pull it back the second there's any indication he's doing something he shouldn't. ]
The ones the queen made herself are just dicks.
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[Later. The future. Alucard's mind is focused on only the present, on surviving it, on making sure that he manages to come out the other end. He's good at resolve, at steeling himself and getting through difficult things. But he's also far too spoiled by his father's presence, and perhaps tonight he's coming to terms with how tenous that cna be.
His father is as well. Badly.
Alucard doesn't let go of Trevor's hand, and at the sudden statement, there's a weak but clearly delighted laugh.]
Sounds like the personality is inherited.
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[ But there's no reproach in his voice, and he chuckles. ]
She's- ruled by whim. She takes an interest in something - you, right now. Father- Leon, back before he was like this. All of us at some point or another. Or maybe not you, yourself. Maybe she likes the idea of a war with your father.
The ones she made herself, they take it hard when she gets bored of them. Act like dicks to be interesting to her again. Act like they think she would, because they think that'll get her attention.
[ It doesn't work most of the time, of course. Because she expects them to act like she would. It's far more unexpected and interesting when they act like Leon, and then she has to pay attention. Then, awkwardly because he doesn't particularly want Alucard to feel sorry for the fairy, just to feel less hurt. ] She'll eat them, if they're too boring.
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[Sypha would be able to endure this much easier, wouldn't she? Her words with the Queen would have been exact and resolved the situation already, whereas what is he? A spoiled dhampir too used to extra protection forced to deal without it.
His face is already long as Trevor speaks. But the words war with your father put a real fear on his face, one that can't be hidden.]
The idea, but not the practice. I...can't think of an idea that's bound to have more human causalities, in truth. [Because of course they will. Disposable meat shields.]
I'm....well. That's one way to address that issue. [His voice is flat. The hand in Trevor's is still gripping tightly, because it's still stuck at the comment from before. War with Dracula. For fun.]
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For as long as I remember, our father has been making sure to keep them apart from each other. Our queen can't go to Dracula directly as long as he's here. It's worked. But we never expected him to have a family, and the Queen never promised that you would be Leon's opponent alone.
[ He squeezes Alucard's hand back, the wing around him growing heavier as it dissolves into many many moths crawling over his shoulders. ] This is- probably a lot. Sorry.
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He brings his free hand up, rubbing at the bridge of his nose.]
It's a lot, yes, but understanding it all is important. [The only important thing.]
Is there any way to extend the keeping her away from immediate family? [There is a sidelong look to Trevor, one that clearly means Alucard is speaking of his mother. Dracula might be able to control himself with this. But harm coming to Lisa? Oh...the world wouldn't survive that rage.[]
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[ He actually goes still at that, his hand going loose in Alucard's- he's not seemed particularly bothered by any of this so far, but talk of Lisa- ]
-she's safe. She's- shit, she's as safe as anyone can be. You saw what happened when I tried to go near her home when she wasn't in it, let alone if she'd been there.
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[Alucard still isn't sure how.]
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[ He's clearly agitated by talk of Lisa, but he tries. He frowns and he thinks and- ]
-what do you think she would do, if something she didn't understand tried to threaten her? And what do you think most humans would do? Or your father? Or you? Anyone else would attack it, or run away from it, or try to do what it wanted. She'd ask what it was and try to figure out how it worked and-
[ He actually shudders at that idea. ]
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...they've both seen that result.
Trevor's assessment is entirely true. But there's another quiet realization.]
My mother is her antithesis, and thus always immune and safe.
[He and his father aren't that exact antithesis. And thus, Alucard is here.]
And so I'm the easier candidate to needle him towards even dancing around the thought of war.
[The sigh he lets out is exhausted, and there's a note of pain in that too. Being used against one's own family, that's...that's a hard thing to bear.]
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[ He rubs the back of his head with his free hand. The weight on Alucard's back shifts a little to form wings of his own, black velvety ones with a trim of gold. ]
Leon thought that was why I wanted you for my husband. That I'd just say it so that it was said and then leave you be, so that you couldn't be targeted. I hadn't even realised. [ He chuckles, a little sheepishly. ] He was furious.
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Mm. I think I see why - it's harder to rectify the matter now because my father is the way he is.
[Local bat dad complicates everything news at 11.
There's a moment where Alucard's eyes glance around.]
Is there anyplace more...inside...that we can sit? Forgive me if sitting anywhere in the opens leads to a feeling of vulnerability here.
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[ ...though it's not like Alucard particularly wants to be here. ]
There are places, but they're- [ for people who want privacy for kissing reasons, and enchanted appropriately ] -liable to mess with your head. We can go further into the woods, if that would help.
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I understand. [Both the reason why, and that Trevor is explaining this to him for an awfully good reason.]
Please lead on.
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That- shouldn't be there.
[ On the one hand, he doesn't like it. On the other, it is a hidden place. And it doesn't seem like it's one of the sex tents. ]
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