[Protest or no, Trevor does as he's asked, and takes Adrian's torch and cane in hand.
It's not as if Adrian hasn't changed in front of Trevor before, but it would be as fascinating the hundredth time as it had been the first. It's something visceral, grips icy at his heart and steals his breath, despite the knowledge that Adrian would never harm him. It's his upbringing again, Trevor's sure; he can't keep blaming the Belmont legacy, but some small part of him is still wary of the dhampir. Likely the same part of him that still barters with frightened animals, and consequently, a part he patently refuses to acknowledge.
So it's better to look away. Politely, for want of Adrian's modesty and nothing more.]
Sypha will be gone another few days at least, in any case. You needn't mother-hen her to death when she's not even here.
[It's said with a defensive grumble as Alucard hands over all of the things in his hands. He'd honestly not worry about the cane, but it's the torch that is the problem. Fire, even fire where there is mostly stone, is no one's friend.
He takes only a moment to transform, no longer a well dressed gentleman with too much black (it makes society assume he is in mourning and it is not an incorrect thing) to a giant white wolf. There's a soft whine to let Trevor know that he can look again, and then Alucard's nose gets to work.
In this form, yes, he can smell the earthliness that is out of place, but there is more nuance to it. A hint of something wetter (rivers?), something saltier (that implies time at sea or in salt mines), and a little bit of copper (blood.) But more than that, the petrichor is not singular. There's more than one person walking these catacombs with that scent, and that gets a soft huff.
Alucard pokes his nose through the bars of the iron gate. It isn't just to smell more: it is to determine if there are magical wards present as well.]
[Trevor heaves a long-suffering sigh, torch and cane both aloft in one hand as he leans back against the stone jamb. Adrian is, as usual, infuriatingly correct; Sypha would have their heads plattered if they slunk off to the catacombs with no word. It's doing Adrian and Trevor a bit of a disservice, by Trevor's estimation. They can certainly take care of themselves, but--
Well, best not to keep their lady waiting and fretting, on the off-chance she does return early.
Trevor glances down -- though not overly much -- to Adrian. The creature is massive, equal parts intimidating and charming, particularly while he's struggling to shove his snout through the bars. Trevor entertains nigh-suicidal notions on a daily basis (more frequently, if one asked Adrian or Sypha's opinion on the matter), but none are more deadly than the tactless public affection he tends to visit upon Adrian.
Caution to the wind, Trevor pulls off one glove, and reaches down to sink his fingers through the fur between Adrian's ears. His nails are blunt, but he scratches idly at the base of the wolf's skull, and he's certain that's not making it easy for Adrian to focus. But he's nearly as certain that Adrian's enjoying it nevertheless.]
Would you mind a collar terribly? [Trevor smirks.] Could we even find one to fit this mane of yours?
[It is very hard to work with Trevor giving him pets in the very best spot. There's a tail wag that is entirely involuntary, along with a soft, content snort. In this form, Alucard is very warm and his emotions are far easier to read than when he is a person.
Thankfully, the moment of satisfaction is ruined by Trevor being an ass. The giant wolf head turns, and a little growl of disapproval comes with it. He can work and be pet at the same time, but he can't be distracted by someone being...okay, someone just being Trevor.
He pulls back a little to try and get a better angle on the smell, and there's one thing apparent here: there is no spell around the bars or immediately within their boundary. That's good information to have, and so Alucard steps backward carefully.]
[But he'll assume it means his tricky bit of figuring is correct, and that their quarry lies somewhere beyond this locked gate. Trevor turns to face it again, holding the torch higher and squinting through the grating, as if that will give him some better idea of what lay beyond (it won't, and he knows it, but he's an absolute child when Adrian tells him no we are not falling into this half-cocked chase right this very moment, and any tool to help him express his displeasure at the situation will be utilized, up to and including glaring into the darkness).
We'll be back to kill you, as soon as we write our paramour a note is possibly the most ridiculous way this night could end, and it's making Trevor itch.]
Come on, then. [Trevor sighs.] Let's go home and figure this out.
Come to think of it. [If Trevor's estimation of their location in the city is correct... He glances to the ceiling.] Isn't the back corner of your tomb somewhere nearby? Didn't you build any connections to the catacombs?
[Trevor's not certain why he would, or what purpose he thought it might serve during construction, but it certainly would be convenient right now.]
[Alucard takes a step back from the gate, a man again and one staring at the gate as if it has caused him a great offense. He doesn't cross his arms though - he instead holds one out for either the cane or the torch, whichever Trevor decides to give him first.]
Happily.
[Home is not a series of catacombs and therefore automatically better on principle. It's almost as relieving as the fact that Trevor has not dug his heels in about going beyond the gate and getting into trouble. He knows the Belmont and knows the Belmont well - the plausibility of that fight is very much there, ever lingering at the edge of conversation.
But his observation about the catacombs gives Alucard pause.]
It isn't far, but it doesn't connect. I made a point of that so to avoid intruders. Not that it prevented against you and Sypha, but I have a feeling that fate is to blame rather than construct.
[Trevor's smirk has a tendency to soften with sentimentality. It's a subtle change, and it's easy to miss for anyone who's seen it less-frequently than Adrian and Sypha do. He hands over the cane but holds onto the torch, and his bare hand chances a too-lingering-to-be-accidental brush of Adrian's as he secures his glove again.
Now comes the real sport: finding their way out of this maze. Trevor thinks he remembers the way, hopes he can lead them out. If all else fails, Adrian can find the way for them, but Trevor will be damned if he gives the dhampir more ammunition for exactly why he shouldn't have come down here alone. No. And Trevor certainly looks far more assured than he feels when he starts back toward the narrower bit of corridor they'd come from.]
So that's what you call two strangers breaking into your keep, interrupting your slumber and assuming themselves into your life? As you will.
[Trevor's tone is decidedly gentle, for all its teasing. He won't bother fooling himself about it; he's glad Adrian sees it that way. Not an annoyance or a mistake. Simply what was supposed to happen.]
[Alucard's head tilts back, just long enough to catch that sentimental smirk on Trevor's face. It's an uncommon look on Trevor, one that the vampire tries to treasure when he can for it's rarity.
The way Trevor's hand brushes over his though, that's an indicator of what the rest of the evening needs to be spent doing. Planning raids and attacks while holding one or the other is common enough in their strange little home, and Alucard quietly realizes that it has been a few days since they've really sat down together.
Alucard starts to walk with a certain confidence, making it clear that he knows the way out (or at least thinks he does). He doesn't look back to see if Trevor's following. He just assumes.]
[Arguably, that could just as well be fate, but Trevor can't resist an opportunity to stroke his own ego. Especially since Adrian's taking the lead, and Trevor can feel his eyebrow twitching as he reminds himself to allow it. Hang back. It's all right to rely on other people sometimes. They've talked about this, and Trevor is trying.
And walking behind Adrian, Trevor is suddenly reminded of how remarkably well-tailored are the dhampir's suits. This one looks crisp, the lines sharp and--
Not something Trevor should be deeply-pondering while stalking the catacombs, in any case.]
Is this a new coat? I haven't seen it on you before.
Is trying to murder me how you express love at first sight?
[It's a question that is asked very dryly, because Alucard remembers well their first meeting. He was dragged from his rest, and the fight that ensued only ended when Sypha threatened to light all of Alucard ablaze. But there's fondness too, because it simply feels right for what the three of them have become.
Alucard pauses at a five point intersection though, gesturing for Trevor to step forward and perhaps offer some illumination. His sense of smell is a little off with the overwhelming and sudden stink of sewage.]
It isn't, but I don't believe I've worn it around you before. The fabric's waterproofed.
[It had seemed a wise idea at the time. Alucard pauses, then tilts his head at Trevor.]
[It's hard to say which question that affirmation is answering, but knowing Trevor, it's not outside the realm of possibility for him to confuse aggression with affection. The man isn't completely aware of his own emotions, neither putting names to them nor acting accordingly.
Trevor slips past Adrian, pausing to survey the intersection, before motioning for the passage second-to-left. There are small protrusions in the rock between each passage, small shelves whose purpose has been lost to time, and Trevor snatches up a coin from the shelf as they pass.
[The yes makes sense for both anyway. Alucard's response is a soft, chuffed noise that fades down the catacombs behind him, and soon he's in perfect step with Trevor. His eyes catch the glint of the coin in the light.
Clever.
He keeps walking, the tip of the cane tapping against the ground. He's never revealed that said tip is silver (and thus a danger to himself, technically), and tapping it right now feels like a thin safety measure.]
We'll need to take more walks in places like this then.
[Extremely romantic, catacomb walks.
Well, stops now. Alucard's ears twitch as he hears movement behind them both, painfully slow at first and--]
[It speaks volumes to the trust they've developed with each other, that when Adrian says run, Trevor doesn't question it. No whys, no scoffs, no argument; because they both know they're a force to be reckoned with, especially together, and if Adrian has judged something too much of a challenge for them--
But Adrian's also not above ordering Trevor to run while he stays behind to contend with the thing, and like hell is Trevor leaving him alone down here with some horror. The stupidity of it hits him hard and fast; if they could smell their quarry, why didn't they think it could smell them too?
Trevor snatches Adrian's wrist and starts running.]
[Alucard didn't expect for Trevor to grab his hand too. He had little desire to turn and fight, because if this thing is what he thinks it is, they're very much in trouble.]
Don't look behind, I think it's a basilisk.
[It's a conclusion based on sound. He's heard no feet, only slick movement that sounds very much like a snake on a larger scale. A low hiss, one from very far away.
Alucard's feet pound over the catacomb's uneven flooring, and then to hell with it. He starts to float, feeling safer for having no stones to trip over.]
[For all that Trevor is skilled at working under pressure, they both know it's entirely ad-libbed and a large bit of stupid luck that pulls him through most situations. Call it divine protection. He's not so keen to test that theory now.
There'd been another street-level exit somewhere around here, he was sure of it. If only he had a moment to stop and get his bearings, he might be able to pick out the intersection that would lead them to it. They don't have the luxury to stop and think. Thankfully, he's not even stopping to pick up the coins at each passage split. If only he could remember, there's some demarcation, some--]
There!
[As they round the next corner into a new intersection, they find the passage to their far-right flanked by two gilded skulls. While skulls aren't unusual for catacombs, golden skulls are, and Trevor thought it was strange when he came upon them earlier, until he realized the passage was an exit. It made more sense then, and he should have filed the information away as important, but he'd almost forgotten.
Sure enough, the passage leads them to a crumbling staircase, and Trevor takes them three at a time, still holding tightly to Adrian's wrist.]
[Being behind Trevor while floating feels a little like being a balloon being tugged along. It's a ridiculous thought as they flee, the catacombs moving past htem faster and faster. That the Belmont isn't keen to turn and fight is something Alucard is thankful for. Neither of them is ready to deal with that yet.
That Trevor finds a closer exit to the one Alucard used is a real miracle. Whizzing past the gilded skulls (super weird, but also for later), Alucard takes a single moment to tilt his head back to try and see if they're being followed. Somehow, the movement has stopped at just the skulls, but that doesn't exactly fill him with relief.
There's a goddamn basilisk under Bucharest, and they just became it's new worst enemy.]
You can let go, I think there's boundaries it can't cross--!
[Famous last words, but the door. They're at the door, or the cover, or whatever it is that allows for free passage in and out of the catacombs.]
[The catacombs are remarkably easy to access; the wrought-iron gates are all old and poorly maintained, and this one bursts open the moment Trevor slams his shoulder into it, screeching and crashing on rusty hinges to grant them access to the stone-walled set of stairs that would lead them up to the main thoroughfare above.
Trevor finally skids to a halt when they're through, and gives one last glare to the darkness behind them before slamming the gate shut and sagging back against the wall.]
Fuck!
[Trevor's panting, struggling for breath as his legs threaten to give out beneath him, exhausted from a full day worth of stalking the catacombs coupled with that mad sprint for an exit.
Trevor realizes a beat or two later, he's still holding Adrian's wrist in a nearly white-knuckled grip. It loosens immediately, and he smoothes his thumb apologetically over the dhampir's skin before dropping his hands entirely.]
Why does every damned monster want to turn us to fucking stone?
[They look a mess as they burst above ground. It's a blessing that it's dark out, the street not terribly busy and many a light off in the homes that line the street. Alucard knows that if it was daylight, they'd be in fine trouble indeed.
Such as it is, he takes care to put the cover of the catacomb entrance back to where it was the moment that Trevor releases his hand. He can't trust that whatever is below ground won't come back up, but for now, they have to leave it be.
Alucard glances down at his hand. The mark from Trevor's grip is already fading. It's tempting to reach over and take Trevor's hand again, but...public.]
We attract a cetain type of beast, I suppose.
[He says it darkly, no humor to his voice.]
That thing has our scent now. When we return, we need to mask it.
[Mask it. Trevor can't fathom how that will work exactly, but the panic is slow to ebb. Perhaps better sense would present itself with a clear mind. Or perhaps he'd just let Adrian worry about that part.
It takes a few moments for his breath to slow. In the meantime, he self-consciously readjusts his cape, warily eyeing the top of the staircase for interlopers. And he's bracing himself for the admonishment that he knows is on the horizon. Of all the stupid moves... Wouldn't have happened if you'd just... Are you satisfied now... When will you stop...
Trevor waves his hand vaguely, as if that will ward off Adrian's venom, and takes his bowler from its place at his belt. Fashion may dictate a certain decorum, but expensive hats were impractical when ducking beneath the low ceilings of an endless crypt, so he'd stowed it beneath his cape while he explored the catacombs. He's amazed it hadn't flown off in the fray.]
Well. [Trevor grins as he brushes back his hair and carefully replaces his bowler.] I'd say that went fairly well.
[Alucard's tone is unhappy, but it doesn't border into disappointed. Not really, because Alucard suspects that anything he says will be nothing in comparison to what Trevor is thinking.
He pauses, readjusting his gloves and then his far too askew tie, before looking to Trevor.]
I think I triggered it after I stuck my nose through the bars. Cab home, or do you want to walk?
[If Trevor's estimation of their location is anything to go by...]
We're not far. A few blocks, I think. Let's walk.
[It seems like a sensible decision, pleasant as the night has turned. Early autumn has ushered in a cooler breeze without the bite that will follow later in the season. Trevor's never particularly minded the cold, but their home is ever-so-slightly more enjoyable with the windows open to the fall breeze.
When they can be open. The manor is wrapped tight in enchantments and protection spells, but for some reason Trevor's never understood, those magicks don't extend to open fucking windows. There's some manner of mystic symbolism surrounding it, he's sure. But with these forged creatures about, Sypha and Adrian have insisted it's safer to keep the house shuttered. At least at night.
Trevor leads their way up the stone staircase and onto the cobbled side street, still stubbornly picking apart the whole window conundrum as the start toward home.]
Do you really think they'd come in the house if we opened a window tonight? That one couldn't even leave the catacombs. Surely...
[It's piss-poor bargaining, even for Trevor. But a man needs a certain amount of fresh air in his life, and Trevor's being woefully deprived his nightly doses.]
[The cab is to let them sit and breathe, but Alucard isn't in a mood to argue. Oh yes, the autumn air is cooling after all the running and floating, but being out in the open at the moment makes the dhampir very, very nervous.
It doesn't show though, not as he carries himself with the usual dignity and decorum he always has. Alucard is far too skilled at walking down the street and keeping the world at arm's length, and it has often proven to be a thing he struggles to shed at home.
Home.
At least home will be safe, cloaked in his wards and Sypha's.]
I don't want to risk it. The thing in the catacombs may not be able to leave, but other things might.
[It's a terrible risk. One that tonight Alucard really doesn't want to deal with tonight.]
[Trevor takes a moment to get his bearings, then hooks right and leads them down a different side street. He's got a decent sense of direction, for whatever that's worth in the middle of the city. It's more useful in the wilderness -- in fact, most of Trevor's skills are more useful in the wilderness -- but they haven't seen fit to travel in quite some time. More's the pity; Adrian is a vision in riding leathers.
Trevor's told him as much, but it only ever earns him a scathing glare. Really, Adrian needs to learn how to take a compliment.
The silence has stretched on half a block before Trevor picks up on it, and decides it's the uncomfortable kind rather than the companionable kind. He glances around to ensure their solitude (it's an empty street, no real risk of being found out), then hangs back to lean close to Adrian. Close enough, at least, that his hat brim brushes Adrian's hair when he murmurs sincerely:]
Thank you for coming to look for me. I appreciate your concern, and I would have done the same for you.
[They all know the city as well as they know each other at this point. Trevor's natural tracking skills, Alucard's vampire abilities include hunting, and Speaker knowledge means none of them can truly be lost. It is nice, however, to give up the need to navigate and let Trevor do that, for in Alucard's silence there is constant worry.
Whatever is below in the catacombs is a threat. That's always been known and obvious, but never truly addressed. Now though, now they've given away their curiosity and greater things might come knocking on the surface. It may not only target the three of them.
It isn't until Trevor's practically up against him that Alucard is pulled out of his thoughts even somewhat, and it's only because Trevor's hat has met his hair.]
Honestly, I suspect that it was a 50-50 chance of which one of us would have been the first down there.
[In better circumstances, he might say it with more cheer. Such as it is, Alucard's tone is grim.]
I'm lighting warding fires in all the fireplaces when we get in as a safety precaution. It'll protect the whole block, not just us.
[If Trevor wanted to know where the dhampir's mind was, well...]
{All business, then. Of course. And while Trevor hasn't the faintest idea what the creation of a warding fire might entail, he'll try his hand at it anyway. Anything to feel like he's actually doing something in the face of all this magic being thrown around. Perhaps that's part of what brought him to the catacombs in the first place.
Whatever helps Adrian to feel better about the whole probably-forged basilisk beneath their feet thing, which--
Admittedly, it is a little worrying. Not that he'll be in a panic barring the doors and windows, but perhaps sleep will be a bit harder-won tonight. His machismo will allow for no more.]
Can I help?
[It's all he can offer, really. Because if this is one of those snap your fingers to make magickal fire appear tricks, then he's better off sitting back and letting Adrian handle it.]
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[Protest or no, Trevor does as he's asked, and takes Adrian's torch and cane in hand.
It's not as if Adrian hasn't changed in front of Trevor before, but it would be as fascinating the hundredth time as it had been the first. It's something visceral, grips icy at his heart and steals his breath, despite the knowledge that Adrian would never harm him. It's his upbringing again, Trevor's sure; he can't keep blaming the Belmont legacy, but some small part of him is still wary of the dhampir. Likely the same part of him that still barters with frightened animals, and consequently, a part he patently refuses to acknowledge.
So it's better to look away. Politely, for want of Adrian's modesty and nothing more.]
Sypha will be gone another few days at least, in any case. You needn't mother-hen her to death when she's not even here.
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[It's said with a defensive grumble as Alucard hands over all of the things in his hands. He'd honestly not worry about the cane, but it's the torch that is the problem. Fire, even fire where there is mostly stone, is no one's friend.
He takes only a moment to transform, no longer a well dressed gentleman with too much black (it makes society assume he is in mourning and it is not an incorrect thing) to a giant white wolf. There's a soft whine to let Trevor know that he can look again, and then Alucard's nose gets to work.
In this form, yes, he can smell the earthliness that is out of place, but there is more nuance to it. A hint of something wetter (rivers?), something saltier (that implies time at sea or in salt mines), and a little bit of copper (blood.) But more than that, the petrichor is not singular. There's more than one person walking these catacombs with that scent, and that gets a soft huff.
Alucard pokes his nose through the bars of the iron gate. It isn't just to smell more: it is to determine if there are magical wards present as well.]
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Well, best not to keep their lady waiting and fretting, on the off-chance she does return early.
Trevor glances down -- though not overly much -- to Adrian. The creature is massive, equal parts intimidating and charming, particularly while he's struggling to shove his snout through the bars. Trevor entertains nigh-suicidal notions on a daily basis (more frequently, if one asked Adrian or Sypha's opinion on the matter), but none are more deadly than the tactless public affection he tends to visit upon Adrian.
Caution to the wind, Trevor pulls off one glove, and reaches down to sink his fingers through the fur between Adrian's ears. His nails are blunt, but he scratches idly at the base of the wolf's skull, and he's certain that's not making it easy for Adrian to focus. But he's nearly as certain that Adrian's enjoying it nevertheless.]
Would you mind a collar terribly? [Trevor smirks.] Could we even find one to fit this mane of yours?
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Thankfully, the moment of satisfaction is ruined by Trevor being an ass. The giant wolf head turns, and a little growl of disapproval comes with it. He can work and be pet at the same time, but he can't be distracted by someone being...okay, someone just being Trevor.
He pulls back a little to try and get a better angle on the smell, and there's one thing apparent here: there is no spell around the bars or immediately within their boundary. That's good information to have, and so Alucard steps backward carefully.]
Rrf.
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[But he'll assume it means his tricky bit of figuring is correct, and that their quarry lies somewhere beyond this locked gate. Trevor turns to face it again, holding the torch higher and squinting through the grating, as if that will give him some better idea of what lay beyond (it won't, and he knows it, but he's an absolute child when Adrian tells him no we are not falling into this half-cocked chase right this very moment, and any tool to help him express his displeasure at the situation will be utilized, up to and including glaring into the darkness).
We'll be back to kill you, as soon as we write our paramour a note is possibly the most ridiculous way this night could end, and it's making Trevor itch.]
Come on, then. [Trevor sighs.] Let's go home and figure this out.
Come to think of it. [If Trevor's estimation of their location in the city is correct... He glances to the ceiling.] Isn't the back corner of your tomb somewhere nearby? Didn't you build any connections to the catacombs?
[Trevor's not certain why he would, or what purpose he thought it might serve during construction, but it certainly would be convenient right now.]
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Happily.
[Home is not a series of catacombs and therefore automatically better on principle. It's almost as relieving as the fact that Trevor has not dug his heels in about going beyond the gate and getting into trouble. He knows the Belmont and knows the Belmont well - the plausibility of that fight is very much there, ever lingering at the edge of conversation.
But his observation about the catacombs gives Alucard pause.]
It isn't far, but it doesn't connect. I made a point of that so to avoid intruders. Not that it prevented against you and Sypha, but I have a feeling that fate is to blame rather than construct.
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[Trevor's smirk has a tendency to soften with sentimentality. It's a subtle change, and it's easy to miss for anyone who's seen it less-frequently than Adrian and Sypha do. He hands over the cane but holds onto the torch, and his bare hand chances a too-lingering-to-be-accidental brush of Adrian's as he secures his glove again.
Now comes the real sport: finding their way out of this maze. Trevor thinks he remembers the way, hopes he can lead them out. If all else fails, Adrian can find the way for them, but Trevor will be damned if he gives the dhampir more ammunition for exactly why he shouldn't have come down here alone. No. And Trevor certainly looks far more assured than he feels when he starts back toward the narrower bit of corridor they'd come from.]
So that's what you call two strangers breaking into your keep, interrupting your slumber and assuming themselves into your life? As you will.
[Trevor's tone is decidedly gentle, for all its teasing. He won't bother fooling himself about it; he's glad Adrian sees it that way. Not an annoyance or a mistake. Simply what was supposed to happen.]
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[Alucard's head tilts back, just long enough to catch that sentimental smirk on Trevor's face. It's an uncommon look on Trevor, one that the vampire tries to treasure when he can for it's rarity.
The way Trevor's hand brushes over his though, that's an indicator of what the rest of the evening needs to be spent doing. Planning raids and attacks while holding one or the other is common enough in their strange little home, and Alucard quietly realizes that it has been a few days since they've really sat down together.
Alucard starts to walk with a certain confidence, making it clear that he knows the way out (or at least thinks he does). He doesn't look back to see if Trevor's following. He just assumes.]
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[Arguably, that could just as well be fate, but Trevor can't resist an opportunity to stroke his own ego. Especially since Adrian's taking the lead, and Trevor can feel his eyebrow twitching as he reminds himself to allow it. Hang back. It's all right to rely on other people sometimes. They've talked about this, and Trevor is trying.
And walking behind Adrian, Trevor is suddenly reminded of how remarkably well-tailored are the dhampir's suits. This one looks crisp, the lines sharp and--
Not something Trevor should be deeply-pondering while stalking the catacombs, in any case.]
Is this a new coat? I haven't seen it on you before.
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[It's a question that is asked very dryly, because Alucard remembers well their first meeting. He was dragged from his rest, and the fight that ensued only ended when Sypha threatened to light all of Alucard ablaze. But there's fondness too, because it simply feels right for what the three of them have become.
Alucard pauses at a five point intersection though, gesturing for Trevor to step forward and perhaps offer some illumination. His sense of smell is a little off with the overwhelming and sudden stink of sewage.]
It isn't, but I don't believe I've worn it around you before. The fabric's waterproofed.
[It had seemed a wise idea at the time. Alucard pauses, then tilts his head at Trevor.]
Did you cross here, or no?
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[It's hard to say which question that affirmation is answering, but knowing Trevor, it's not outside the realm of possibility for him to confuse aggression with affection. The man isn't completely aware of his own emotions, neither putting names to them nor acting accordingly.
Trevor slips past Adrian, pausing to survey the intersection, before motioning for the passage second-to-left. There are small protrusions in the rock between each passage, small shelves whose purpose has been lost to time, and Trevor snatches up a coin from the shelf as they pass.
He's not entirely useless after all.]
It looks good. You should wear it more often.
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Clever.
He keeps walking, the tip of the cane tapping against the ground. He's never revealed that said tip is silver (and thus a danger to himself, technically), and tapping it right now feels like a thin safety measure.]
We'll need to take more walks in places like this then.
[Extremely romantic, catacomb walks.
Well, stops now. Alucard's ears twitch as he hears movement behind them both, painfully slow at first and--]
Start running, Belmont.
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But Adrian's also not above ordering Trevor to run while he stays behind to contend with the thing, and like hell is Trevor leaving him alone down here with some horror. The stupidity of it hits him hard and fast; if they could smell their quarry, why didn't they think it could smell them too?
Trevor snatches Adrian's wrist and starts running.]
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Don't look behind, I think it's a basilisk.
[It's a conclusion based on sound. He's heard no feet, only slick movement that sounds very much like a snake on a larger scale. A low hiss, one from very far away.
Alucard's feet pound over the catacomb's uneven flooring, and then to hell with it. He starts to float, feeling safer for having no stones to trip over.]
We need an exit. Now.
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[For all that Trevor is skilled at working under pressure, they both know it's entirely ad-libbed and a large bit of stupid luck that pulls him through most situations. Call it divine protection. He's not so keen to test that theory now.
There'd been another street-level exit somewhere around here, he was sure of it. If only he had a moment to stop and get his bearings, he might be able to pick out the intersection that would lead them to it. They don't have the luxury to stop and think. Thankfully, he's not even stopping to pick up the coins at each passage split. If only he could remember, there's some demarcation, some--]
There!
[As they round the next corner into a new intersection, they find the passage to their far-right flanked by two gilded skulls. While skulls aren't unusual for catacombs, golden skulls are, and Trevor thought it was strange when he came upon them earlier, until he realized the passage was an exit. It made more sense then, and he should have filed the information away as important, but he'd almost forgotten.
Sure enough, the passage leads them to a crumbling staircase, and Trevor takes them three at a time, still holding tightly to Adrian's wrist.]
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That Trevor finds a closer exit to the one Alucard used is a real miracle. Whizzing past the gilded skulls (super weird, but also for later), Alucard takes a single moment to tilt his head back to try and see if they're being followed. Somehow, the movement has stopped at just the skulls, but that doesn't exactly fill him with relief.
There's a goddamn basilisk under Bucharest, and they just became it's new worst enemy.]
You can let go, I think there's boundaries it can't cross--!
[Famous last words, but the door. They're at the door, or the cover, or whatever it is that allows for free passage in and out of the catacombs.]
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Trevor finally skids to a halt when they're through, and gives one last glare to the darkness behind them before slamming the gate shut and sagging back against the wall.]
Fuck!
[Trevor's panting, struggling for breath as his legs threaten to give out beneath him, exhausted from a full day worth of stalking the catacombs coupled with that mad sprint for an exit.
Trevor realizes a beat or two later, he's still holding Adrian's wrist in a nearly white-knuckled grip. It loosens immediately, and he smoothes his thumb apologetically over the dhampir's skin before dropping his hands entirely.]
Why does every damned monster want to turn us to fucking stone?
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Such as it is, he takes care to put the cover of the catacomb entrance back to where it was the moment that Trevor releases his hand. He can't trust that whatever is below ground won't come back up, but for now, they have to leave it be.
Alucard glances down at his hand. The mark from Trevor's grip is already fading. It's tempting to reach over and take Trevor's hand again, but...public.]
We attract a cetain type of beast, I suppose.
[He says it darkly, no humor to his voice.]
That thing has our scent now. When we return, we need to mask it.
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It takes a few moments for his breath to slow. In the meantime, he self-consciously readjusts his cape, warily eyeing the top of the staircase for interlopers. And he's bracing himself for the admonishment that he knows is on the horizon. Of all the stupid moves... Wouldn't have happened if you'd just... Are you satisfied now... When will you stop...
Trevor waves his hand vaguely, as if that will ward off Adrian's venom, and takes his bowler from its place at his belt. Fashion may dictate a certain decorum, but expensive hats were impractical when ducking beneath the low ceilings of an endless crypt, so he'd stowed it beneath his cape while he explored the catacombs. He's amazed it hadn't flown off in the fray.]
Well. [Trevor grins as he brushes back his hair and carefully replaces his bowler.] I'd say that went fairly well.
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[Alucard's tone is unhappy, but it doesn't border into disappointed. Not really, because Alucard suspects that anything he says will be nothing in comparison to what Trevor is thinking.
He pauses, readjusting his gloves and then his far too askew tie, before looking to Trevor.]
I think I triggered it after I stuck my nose through the bars. Cab home, or do you want to walk?
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We're not far. A few blocks, I think. Let's walk.
[It seems like a sensible decision, pleasant as the night has turned. Early autumn has ushered in a cooler breeze without the bite that will follow later in the season. Trevor's never particularly minded the cold, but their home is ever-so-slightly more enjoyable with the windows open to the fall breeze.
When they can be open. The manor is wrapped tight in enchantments and protection spells, but for some reason Trevor's never understood, those magicks don't extend to open fucking windows. There's some manner of mystic symbolism surrounding it, he's sure. But with these forged creatures about, Sypha and Adrian have insisted it's safer to keep the house shuttered. At least at night.
Trevor leads their way up the stone staircase and onto the cobbled side street, still stubbornly picking apart the whole window conundrum as the start toward home.]
Do you really think they'd come in the house if we opened a window tonight? That one couldn't even leave the catacombs. Surely...
[It's piss-poor bargaining, even for Trevor. But a man needs a certain amount of fresh air in his life, and Trevor's being woefully deprived his nightly doses.]
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[The cab is to let them sit and breathe, but Alucard isn't in a mood to argue. Oh yes, the autumn air is cooling after all the running and floating, but being out in the open at the moment makes the dhampir very, very nervous.
It doesn't show though, not as he carries himself with the usual dignity and decorum he always has. Alucard is far too skilled at walking down the street and keeping the world at arm's length, and it has often proven to be a thing he struggles to shed at home.
Home.
At least home will be safe, cloaked in his wards and Sypha's.]
I don't want to risk it. The thing in the catacombs may not be able to leave, but other things might.
[It's a terrible risk. One that tonight Alucard really doesn't want to deal with tonight.]
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[Trevor takes a moment to get his bearings, then hooks right and leads them down a different side street. He's got a decent sense of direction, for whatever that's worth in the middle of the city. It's more useful in the wilderness -- in fact, most of Trevor's skills are more useful in the wilderness -- but they haven't seen fit to travel in quite some time. More's the pity; Adrian is a vision in riding leathers.
Trevor's told him as much, but it only ever earns him a scathing glare. Really, Adrian needs to learn how to take a compliment.
The silence has stretched on half a block before Trevor picks up on it, and decides it's the uncomfortable kind rather than the companionable kind. He glances around to ensure their solitude (it's an empty street, no real risk of being found out), then hangs back to lean close to Adrian. Close enough, at least, that his hat brim brushes Adrian's hair when he murmurs sincerely:]
Thank you for coming to look for me. I appreciate your concern, and I would have done the same for you.
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Whatever is below in the catacombs is a threat. That's always been known and obvious, but never truly addressed. Now though, now they've given away their curiosity and greater things might come knocking on the surface. It may not only target the three of them.
It isn't until Trevor's practically up against him that Alucard is pulled out of his thoughts even somewhat, and it's only because Trevor's hat has met his hair.]
Honestly, I suspect that it was a 50-50 chance of which one of us would have been the first down there.
[In better circumstances, he might say it with more cheer. Such as it is, Alucard's tone is grim.]
I'm lighting warding fires in all the fireplaces when we get in as a safety precaution. It'll protect the whole block, not just us.
[If Trevor wanted to know where the dhampir's mind was, well...]
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Whatever helps Adrian to feel better about the whole probably-forged basilisk beneath their feet thing, which--
Admittedly, it is a little worrying. Not that he'll be in a panic barring the doors and windows, but perhaps sleep will be a bit harder-won tonight. His machismo will allow for no more.]
Can I help?
[It's all he can offer, really. Because if this is one of those snap your fingers to make magickal fire appear tricks, then he's better off sitting back and letting Adrian handle it.]
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