I'm complimenting the chef and your taste in places to go for dates, Belmont.
[Alucard shakes his head at Trevor. He hasn't missed those glances around the room, and they're nothing that he isn't used to. They do worry him though, that one day he actually will start a fight. There's a terrible difference between being protective versus over possessive, and Trevor's hedging towards the other.
He nudges Trevor gently under the table.]
Stop fussing. Anyone who makes a move isn't worth your time and effort.
[It's not as if Trevor's any stranger to vigilance, after all, and besides the more obvious preludes, there's always the possibility of something sinister lurking beneath someone's intentions. The Belmonts aren't the only monster-hunting clan in Wallachia, and you don't shack up with the son of Dracula without painting something of a target on your back. Most of the time, it's not an issue, nor does he anticipate it will be, but there's always that chance...
And Adrian needn't be privy to his paranoia, in any case.]
[There's a soft noise from Alucard that may be disapproval, but he says nothing more. Trevor is always going to be Trevor, and all Alucard can do is try and pull him out of his head from time to time. Attempting more is how fights start.
He's never worried about drawing the ire of others, not really. Some of it is because he is the Son of Dracula, and anyone stupid enough to attack him invites the wrath of Dracula upon their heads. The other is the security of simply being around the other two. It's an overly romantic sentiment, and he doesn't care.]
Please. But only if you'll sit on the same side of the booth with me to share it.
[There's the real danger inherent of this thing between them, however more official it's just become. Adrian makes everything sound so damn reasonable -- so tempting -- and Trevor has always fought reason and temptation with tooth and nail. It's still a daily struggle to combat that natural propensity toward contrariness, when when it's pleasant, and especially when it's for his own good.
But his grin softens, and he nods as he finishes off his (woefully scant) steak.]
As you wish. But first--
[The quartet has slowed to an adagio, and the melody suits Adrian, somehow. Who can say exactly how the machinations of Trevor's mind work in this regard, but melancholy strings and Adrian seem inexorably linked. Trevor rounds to Adrian's side of the table, one arm behind his back as he bows slightly and offers his hand to the dhampir.]
Alucard can feel the heat in his cheeks this time. He expected dancing to take place in the privacy of their own home, where every element could be controlled. He expected to eventually just lean into Trevor and kiss him for all he's worth. But public?
If tonight doesn't make it clear how easily persuaded Alucard is by romantic gestures, nothing ever well.
All Alucard can do is put his hand in Trevor's and then slowly stand - careful not to let any of the beading of his suit jacket get meat juices on it.]
How can I refuse?
[Ah, yes. The other problem. All Alucard wants to do is kiss the Belmont now, sod the dancing.]
[Trevor, in all his infinite wisdom, only has so much awareness of Adrian's own feelings on the matter. There's some vague assumption that perhaps Adrian is only humoring him, but Trevor's never been adept at reading people. In fact, he makes a point not to, and merely assumes that everyone in this world dislikes him to a certain degree. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy, but by his own figuring, he's just never been proven wrong before.
And he hasn't danced in years, so he's fully anticipating this will be a massive disappointment for Adrian. But damnit, he's trying, and he'll embarrass himself just this once if it means rounding out this night properly for Adrian.
It's a short walk to the dance floor, and despite Trevor's boasting, there's not nearly enough space for proper waltzing here. Ah well. He can improvise. One hand at Adrian's waist, the other holding his hand aloft in all the typical fashion, Trevor pauses for a moment with a sheepish grin, trying to pick out a rhythm.]
I haven't done this in years, and you're going to regret accepting this invitation.
[Beyond small, there are a few other couples on the floor. Alucard's grateful for that, as it means they're not likely to draw all eyes in the place to the two of them. This isn't the sort of privacy Alucard might have wanted for such a personal moment, but this isn't a date he's in control of. In truth? Not having that control is thrilling.
His hands are cool against Trevor's warmer skin, and he squeezes Trevor's waist for a moment as a means of reassurance.]
I doubt that.
[And so they begin. Alucard's eyes remain on Trevor's face, rather than looking down at their feet. He knows how to waltz, and for all of Trevor's protestations, he's good too. All it is is a moving a little slower to account for the size of the dance floor.]
[Trevor is fairly sure he wouldn't be as graceful with any other partner. But they've always been like this. Fighting, sparring, and even more clandestine activities, there's always a natural ebb and flow between them, a rhythm they fall into without really trying, and that's part of why Trevor's likes it. It's not easy, but it comes easily; settles naturally, if he just lets it.
What a sight they must be. Trevor wishes he could see them from the outside, observe this dichotomy of grace. Mostly he wishes he could see Adrian; just watch him dance, because he must be breathtaking. Maybe he can bring Sypha and Adrian back here before their opera date, hang behind while they conquer the dance floor together. Watch. That would be lovely.]
And you. When did you have formal training? [Trevor lifts his brow; he's impressed. Adrian is just full of surprises.]
[Alucard never expected to actually use the skill. Dancing like this wasn't common in Romania, and no one his age was likely to have learned it unless the family was truly moneyed. So...of course it would be with Trevor. Of course.
It's easy like this. As well as Alucard knows the steps, there's a true joy in letting Trevor lead. That joy has come to be a truth for all of the evening, because precious few things have been in Alucard's control. It's a romantic surrender, and all he wants now is to return home and be on the sofa the two of them, the dhampir simply curled up against Trevor's side, being held.
More than that, he wants to kiss the Belmont. Stupidly, desperately, and with a gentle enthusiasm that's suitable for a spot like this. That's for after the dance is over though, and they're not close to that point yet.]
[Trevor laughs anyway, but it's good-natured, rather than the sardonic snicker Adrian likely expected. More of these little peeks into the dhampir's youth. The more Trevor hears, the more he wants to know, and not for the sake of anything other than-- It's Adrian, and Trevor wants to know him. Intimately, all the little secret parts that pieced Adrian into the man Trevor's holding now; Trevor wants to know them all. Maybe here on this dancefloor -- feet miraculously missing one another with every step -- is as good a time to start as any.]
You speak of her so often; you make her sound extraordinary.
[As dangerous as it should feel to take any manner of vested interest in Dracula's wife... Well. Trevor's already thoroughly defiled Dracula's son. Surely asking about his childhood was no sin at this point.]
[Lisa Tepes, as much as the years have been unkind to her lately, is a remarkable woman. Not because she's romanced a vampire that's 900 years old, not because of her son, but because of her scientific research and where it can lead medicine in the centuries to come. Alucard and his father have tried to champion her at every moment they've been granted, and it's come with humiliation of late.
But that doesn't exchange how extraordinary her mind is, nor how caring she is to her patients and to her family. There may be a day where it's safe to introduce his mother to both Trevor and Sypha.
It isn't tonight.
Alucard shakes his head a little at the question.]
So much anatomy. I don't advise being the child of doctors, you will have highly specific medical knowledge.
[Not like vampire hunting. That's decidedly impractical in terms of the modern world, and all Trevor's varied -- near-encyclopedic -- knowledge of how to kill monsters is useless when it comes to actually living, let alone living with himself.
Trevor's grin goes positively vile for a moment.]
That highly specific anatomical knowledge seems to serve you well enough, doesn't it?
[Crude jokes during a waltz to a live string quartet in a five-star restaurant. If there were a more appropriate parallel to Trevor's entire damn personality...
It shouldn't be surprising that Alucard's nose wrinkles up in absolute disapproval at the sudden crudeness. You killed the moment, Trevor!
To Alucard's credit, he doesn't step on Trevor's foot (in spite of wanting to) or reprimand him with any more than a moment's disapproving glance. It is coupled with a soft sigh, and the whole of the dance slows considerably. The quartet is winding down for a few minutes at least, and that means this little adventure shall be ending in turn.]
You couldn't have waited until we were sitting, could you?
[Trevor's grin would have given him away, if nothing else did. They slow to an eventual pause, and Trevor offers Adrian the most gallant bow he can manage while pressing a kiss to the dhampir's knuckles. Infuriating, perhaps, but at least he's sweet about it.]
Where has your mind gone? [Trevor asks as he leads them back to the booth.] I was referring to your uncanny ability to pick out weak points in a sword fight.
[The feigned innocence and wounded pride is really too much.]
[It's all the insult and outrage that Alucard can manage in an establishment like they one they're in. Anything else would break decorum and get them both thrown out, and that's unacceptable for certain. Also, leave it to Trevor to manage to get innuendo into the evening and leave Alucard without a way to fire back against it.
The only other thing that sounds is a huff from the dhampir, and that's as they walk back to the booth. He slides into his side, but catches Trevor's to force him to remain.]
One day, I'll have revence for all those little moments you know.
[Adrian had requested Trevor sit beside him for dessert, and Trevor doesn't assume Adrian intends that revenge on him now. So he carefully slides in beside the dhampir, and gives Adrian's wrist a gentle squeeze before waving their server down again.]
Dessert is entirely your choice. Call it recompense.
[Dessert ends up being an apple strudel because sometimes, a classic is a classic, even it is from further west. It's served quickly, still warm with melting cream atop it, and Alucard is so terribly content that he almost melts with it.
But dessert also means the end of at least this portion of the evening, and as they wait for the check, Alucard's hand closes around Trevor's and squeezes.]
Do you want to go home right away, or walk for a while?
[The pie is a surprise. Trevor would have pinned a chocolate preference on Adrian if he had to guess, but there are no complaints from him on the matter. He files it away, almost-beside-but-not-quite the rest of his encyclopedic monster knowledge, that dhampir -- or at the very least, this dhampir -- like apple pie. Trevor's still making an undignified attempt to scrape every last crumb off their plate while he ponders the question.]
Home, if I had to choose. But I'm not opposed to walking either if you'd rather.
[Home means the freedom to just lean into Trevor entirely and ask to just be held. That's all he wants. Just that. Just quiet, and to be alone with someone important.
He squeezes Trevor's hand again.]
Do you want me to get a car it's way while you take care of the check?
[Trevor leans over to press a kiss to Adrian's temple, soft and brief and sweet in spite of its brevity. And that -- despite Trevor being entirely responsible for it -- gives him pause for a moment. It was an entirely unconscious gesture, and he has to wonder if he's already getting too comfortable with this. Though if Adrian's not complaining...
Trevor comes back to himself, and slides out of the booth again to work out payment with the host. It's all typical tedium, yes everything was excellent, yes he'll make a donation with his purchase, yes credit please, and by the time he returns to offer his arm to Adrian, he's fully out of whatever almost-dwell he'd been nearing.]
[There's a very small, delighted smile in response to that kiss. He doesn't catch the pause, because the gesture's sweetness has simply blindsided the dhampir in the very best way possible. Tonight Trevor has been full of surprises, and more than that, given Alucard everything he's wanted in a relationship with either one of them but been terrified to pursue. Or even ask after, because Trevor is Trevor and he doesn't want to move into one territory with Sypha and leave Trevor behind.
In Trevor's absence, Alucard taps quickly at his phone. The car will be there shortly, and there's the helpful notification that it's here! when Trevor returns.]
Very. Car's waiting for us.
[Waiting, and Alucard's been waiting for something too. He slides in first, but once in, Alucard doesn't scoot all the way. He takes the middle seat instead, waits for Trevor to sit and buckle up. When that does happen, Alucard immediately leans against the Belmont. It's an odd sideways sit, not comfortable but making do, forcing Trevor's arm over his shoulder.
Perfect. It's all he wanted since they left the damn house.
[Trevor's barely gotten situated in the car when Adrian's pressing against his side. His arm winds willingly around the dhampir's shoulders, and despite the lovely effect, he's somewhat resentful of Adrian's up-do. It's preventing his fingers from curling through the man's hair, and his hand hangs awkwardly for want of something to touch.
Trevor confirms their destination to the driver. But Adrian's current position cannot possibly be comfortable. Cars aren't generally the most comfortable place to have a snuggle, but this is unacceptable, considering Trevor can actually do something about it. He shifts, carefully maneuvering to lean back against the door, slipping his thigh beneath Adrian's knees to create a cozy space for the dhampir between the seat and Trevor's chest. Now, with the new position of his arm, he can easily brush his fingertips over Adrian's cheek instead. It's almost as good as his hair.]
[He practical purrs the response, and it can doubtlessly be felt as Alucard has now nestled his head in the crook of Trevor's neck. He was already thinking the word perfect and yet somehow it got better.]
Thank you for tonight.
[It isn't over yet. Alucard knows that, but it is well worth articulating his gratitude now.]
[There's no doubt in Trevor's mind that Adrian's sincere in his gratitude. He's never seen the dhampir like this before, practically -- and almost aggressively -- melting against Trevor's chest. And it feels nice. There's an intimacy to it that Trevor can't put words to; not because he doesn't want to, for once. He simply doesn't have the words for it.
Perhaps part of him doesn't quite understand it yet, or why it feels so completely sublime. Waiting for the other shoe to drop has rarely been so enjoyable.
And sometimes if the shoe's not falling fast enough, Trevor has to hurl it himself.]
Any comments? Complaints? Recommendations for future outings?
[They have a few more minutes until they're home and Alucard can do this properly, all curled up and happy and stupid against Trevor like he wants to be. No seat belts in the way, nothing.
The part of Alucard, and it is a very tiny part, that isn't stupid and besotted and awash in affection realizes that Trevor's question is a self-sabotage attempt. And easy to avoid.]
Shhhh. [He squeezes Trevor's hand gently.] That's for tomorrow.
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[Alucard shakes his head at Trevor. He hasn't missed those glances around the room, and they're nothing that he isn't used to. They do worry him though, that one day he actually will start a fight. There's a terrible difference between being protective versus over possessive, and Trevor's hedging towards the other.
He nudges Trevor gently under the table.]
Stop fussing. Anyone who makes a move isn't worth your time and effort.
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[It's not as if Trevor's any stranger to vigilance, after all, and besides the more obvious preludes, there's always the possibility of something sinister lurking beneath someone's intentions. The Belmonts aren't the only monster-hunting clan in Wallachia, and you don't shack up with the son of Dracula without painting something of a target on your back. Most of the time, it's not an issue, nor does he anticipate it will be, but there's always that chance...
And Adrian needn't be privy to his paranoia, in any case.]
Do you want dessert?
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He's never worried about drawing the ire of others, not really. Some of it is because he is the Son of Dracula, and anyone stupid enough to attack him invites the wrath of Dracula upon their heads. The other is the security of simply being around the other two. It's an overly romantic sentiment, and he doesn't care.]
Please. But only if you'll sit on the same side of the booth with me to share it.
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But his grin softens, and he nods as he finishes off his (woefully scant) steak.]
As you wish. But first--
[The quartet has slowed to an adagio, and the melody suits Adrian, somehow. Who can say exactly how the machinations of Trevor's mind work in this regard, but melancholy strings and Adrian seem inexorably linked. Trevor rounds to Adrian's side of the table, one arm behind his back as he bows slightly and offers his hand to the dhampir.]
Would you honor me with a dance?
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Alucard can feel the heat in his cheeks this time. He expected dancing to take place in the privacy of their own home, where every element could be controlled. He expected to eventually just lean into Trevor and kiss him for all he's worth. But public?
If tonight doesn't make it clear how easily persuaded Alucard is by romantic gestures, nothing ever well.
All Alucard can do is put his hand in Trevor's and then slowly stand - careful not to let any of the beading of his suit jacket get meat juices on it.]
How can I refuse?
[Ah, yes. The other problem. All Alucard wants to do is kiss the Belmont now, sod the dancing.]
And if you'll be so kind as to lead?
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And he hasn't danced in years, so he's fully anticipating this will be a massive disappointment for Adrian. But damnit, he's trying, and he'll embarrass himself just this once if it means rounding out this night properly for Adrian.
It's a short walk to the dance floor, and despite Trevor's boasting, there's not nearly enough space for proper waltzing here. Ah well. He can improvise. One hand at Adrian's waist, the other holding his hand aloft in all the typical fashion, Trevor pauses for a moment with a sheepish grin, trying to pick out a rhythm.]
I haven't done this in years, and you're going to regret accepting this invitation.
[And into a simple step sequence.]
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His hands are cool against Trevor's warmer skin, and he squeezes Trevor's waist for a moment as a means of reassurance.]
I doubt that.
[And so they begin. Alucard's eyes remain on Trevor's face, rather than looking down at their feet. He knows how to waltz, and for all of Trevor's protestations, he's good too. All it is is a moving a little slower to account for the size of the dance floor.]
There. You're doing fine.
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What a sight they must be. Trevor wishes he could see them from the outside, observe this dichotomy of grace. Mostly he wishes he could see Adrian; just watch him dance, because he must be breathtaking. Maybe he can bring Sypha and Adrian back here before their opera date, hang behind while they conquer the dance floor together. Watch. That would be lovely.]
And you. When did you have formal training? [Trevor lifts his brow; he's impressed. Adrian is just full of surprises.]
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[Alucard never expected to actually use the skill. Dancing like this wasn't common in Romania, and no one his age was likely to have learned it unless the family was truly moneyed. So...of course it would be with Trevor. Of course.
It's easy like this. As well as Alucard knows the steps, there's a true joy in letting Trevor lead. That joy has come to be a truth for all of the evening, because precious few things have been in Alucard's control. It's a romantic surrender, and all he wants now is to return home and be on the sofa the two of them, the dhampir simply curled up against Trevor's side, being held.
More than that, he wants to kiss the Belmont. Stupidly, desperately, and with a gentle enthusiasm that's suitable for a spot like this. That's for after the dance is over though, and they're not close to that point yet.]
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You speak of her so often; you make her sound extraordinary.
[As dangerous as it should feel to take any manner of vested interest in Dracula's wife... Well. Trevor's already thoroughly defiled Dracula's son. Surely asking about his childhood was no sin at this point.]
What else did boredom teach you?
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[Lisa Tepes, as much as the years have been unkind to her lately, is a remarkable woman. Not because she's romanced a vampire that's 900 years old, not because of her son, but because of her scientific research and where it can lead medicine in the centuries to come. Alucard and his father have tried to champion her at every moment they've been granted, and it's come with humiliation of late.
But that doesn't exchange how extraordinary her mind is, nor how caring she is to her patients and to her family. There may be a day where it's safe to introduce his mother to both Trevor and Sypha.
It isn't tonight.
Alucard shakes his head a little at the question.]
So much anatomy. I don't advise being the child of doctors, you will have highly specific medical knowledge.
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[Not like vampire hunting. That's decidedly impractical in terms of the modern world, and all Trevor's varied -- near-encyclopedic -- knowledge of how to kill monsters is useless when it comes to actually living, let alone living with himself.
Trevor's grin goes positively vile for a moment.]
That highly specific anatomical knowledge seems to serve you well enough, doesn't it?
[Crude jokes during a waltz to a live string quartet in a five-star restaurant. If there were a more appropriate parallel to Trevor's entire damn personality...
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[Oh, Trevor.
It shouldn't be surprising that Alucard's nose wrinkles up in absolute disapproval at the sudden crudeness. You killed the moment, Trevor!
To Alucard's credit, he doesn't step on Trevor's foot (in spite of wanting to) or reprimand him with any more than a moment's disapproving glance. It is coupled with a soft sigh, and the whole of the dance slows considerably. The quartet is winding down for a few minutes at least, and that means this little adventure shall be ending in turn.]
You couldn't have waited until we were sitting, could you?
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[Trevor's grin would have given him away, if nothing else did. They slow to an eventual pause, and Trevor offers Adrian the most gallant bow he can manage while pressing a kiss to the dhampir's knuckles. Infuriating, perhaps, but at least he's sweet about it.]
Where has your mind gone? [Trevor asks as he leads them back to the booth.] I was referring to your uncanny ability to pick out weak points in a sword fight.
[The feigned innocence and wounded pride is really too much.]
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[It's all the insult and outrage that Alucard can manage in an establishment like they one they're in. Anything else would break decorum and get them both thrown out, and that's unacceptable for certain. Also, leave it to Trevor to manage to get innuendo into the evening and leave Alucard without a way to fire back against it.
The only other thing that sounds is a huff from the dhampir, and that's as they walk back to the booth. He slides into his side, but catches Trevor's to force him to remain.]
One day, I'll have revence for all those little moments you know.
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[Adrian had requested Trevor sit beside him for dessert, and Trevor doesn't assume Adrian intends that revenge on him now. So he carefully slides in beside the dhampir, and gives Adrian's wrist a gentle squeeze before waving their server down again.]
Dessert is entirely your choice. Call it recompense.
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[Dessert ends up being an apple strudel because sometimes, a classic is a classic, even it is from further west. It's served quickly, still warm with melting cream atop it, and Alucard is so terribly content that he almost melts with it.
But dessert also means the end of at least this portion of the evening, and as they wait for the check, Alucard's hand closes around Trevor's and squeezes.]
Do you want to go home right away, or walk for a while?
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Home, if I had to choose. But I'm not opposed to walking either if you'd rather.
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[Home means the freedom to just lean into Trevor entirely and ask to just be held. That's all he wants. Just that. Just quiet, and to be alone with someone important.
He squeezes Trevor's hand again.]
Do you want me to get a car it's way while you take care of the check?
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[Trevor leans over to press a kiss to Adrian's temple, soft and brief and sweet in spite of its brevity. And that -- despite Trevor being entirely responsible for it -- gives him pause for a moment. It was an entirely unconscious gesture, and he has to wonder if he's already getting too comfortable with this. Though if Adrian's not complaining...
Trevor comes back to himself, and slides out of the booth again to work out payment with the host. It's all typical tedium, yes everything was excellent, yes he'll make a donation with his purchase, yes credit please, and by the time he returns to offer his arm to Adrian, he's fully out of whatever almost-dwell he'd been nearing.]
Ready?
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[There's a very small, delighted smile in response to that kiss. He doesn't catch the pause, because the gesture's sweetness has simply blindsided the dhampir in the very best way possible. Tonight Trevor has been full of surprises, and more than that, given Alucard everything he's wanted in a relationship with either one of them but been terrified to pursue. Or even ask after, because Trevor is Trevor and he doesn't want to move into one territory with Sypha and leave Trevor behind.
In Trevor's absence, Alucard taps quickly at his phone. The car will be there shortly, and there's the helpful notification that it's here! when Trevor returns.]
Very. Car's waiting for us.
[Waiting, and Alucard's been waiting for something too. He slides in first, but once in, Alucard doesn't scoot all the way. He takes the middle seat instead, waits for Trevor to sit and buckle up. When that does happen, Alucard immediately leans against the Belmont. It's an odd sideways sit, not comfortable but making do, forcing Trevor's arm over his shoulder.
Perfect. It's all he wanted since they left the damn house.
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Trevor confirms their destination to the driver. But Adrian's current position cannot possibly be comfortable. Cars aren't generally the most comfortable place to have a snuggle, but this is unacceptable, considering Trevor can actually do something about it. He shifts, carefully maneuvering to lean back against the door, slipping his thigh beneath Adrian's knees to create a cozy space for the dhampir between the seat and Trevor's chest. Now, with the new position of his arm, he can easily brush his fingertips over Adrian's cheek instead. It's almost as good as his hair.]
Better?
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[He practical purrs the response, and it can doubtlessly be felt as Alucard has now nestled his head in the crook of Trevor's neck. He was already thinking the word perfect and yet somehow it got better.]
Thank you for tonight.
[It isn't over yet. Alucard knows that, but it is well worth articulating his gratitude now.]
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[There's no doubt in Trevor's mind that Adrian's sincere in his gratitude. He's never seen the dhampir like this before, practically -- and almost aggressively -- melting against Trevor's chest. And it feels nice. There's an intimacy to it that Trevor can't put words to; not because he doesn't want to, for once. He simply doesn't have the words for it.
Perhaps part of him doesn't quite understand it yet, or why it feels so completely sublime. Waiting for the other shoe to drop has rarely been so enjoyable.
And sometimes if the shoe's not falling fast enough, Trevor has to hurl it himself.]
Any comments? Complaints? Recommendations for future outings?
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The part of Alucard, and it is a very tiny part, that isn't stupid and besotted and awash in affection realizes that Trevor's question is a self-sabotage attempt. And easy to avoid.]
Shhhh. [He squeezes Trevor's hand gently.] That's for tomorrow.
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