[ Time was, ‘work’ was something of a euphemism. It was work, what he did, in the truest sense of the word, but it wasn’t-
-well, it wasn’t laying bricks. It wasn’t welding metal. It wasn’t packing crops or hauling boxes or any of the temporary jobs he’s flitted between as one person has ceased needing a labourer and another has begun. Work was something he was born into. A calling. Now? Now it’s a day’s sweat and dirt and nothing more.
It’s a relief, to be doing something normal. Adrian and Sypha found their places in the world, to heal the sick and to tell stories to the world. Trevor abandoned his. And to tell the truth, he’s just as happy for it as they ever were.
(He doesn’t need to work, not really. But whenever anybody points this out he just shrugs.)
Unfortunately, his place in the world has yet to abandon him in turn. The- condition has come and gone as a sickness might. He can disguise most of the physical effects, leaving one inconvenient thing. He can’t eat human food during the attacks. It makes him weak, not eating, and so they come up with a solution. ]
For me? [ A chuckle and a smirk as he falls onto the sofa. It barely reacts to his weight. ] You didn’t need to get pretty ones. They’re not for looking at.
I see no reason to treat it as an indulgence or luxury.
[Alucard moves closer to Trevor instead of dragging him over. The weight difference is something that Alucard finds alarming, and that isn't the goal tonight. Tonight, he wants it to have an air of something much more intimate.]
[ It’s less horrifying by now, at least to him. Earlier on he didn’t like the idea of the other two touching him more than necessary while he was in this state. He felt disgusting. Monstrous. By now? He still feels gross and unappealing, he’s tired and sweaty and also a fairy,, but it’s more similar to the experience of having a cold. Nothing horrifying. ]
You did go much more over the top, before. Still don’t have a fucking clue how you pulled that off in a blizzard.
[ And he reaches over to pluck a flower from the bowl, looking it over for a second and then tucking it behind Alucard’s ear ]
[Alucard knows he has the right look for flowers in his hair. He's braided it back right now and pinned it up into an elegant bun, mostly to persuade the Belmont to play around with the best places to place flowers.
He reaches out for Trevor's hand though, hoping to both take it and then guide it back towards the bowl.]
Right. The two of you had nothing to do with it. Nothing at all.
[ He lets Alucard guide his hand back, fingertips grazing over the flowers. It's silly, really, that they use flowers instead of sugar water. Wasteful. But- it is nicer than just drinking a bottle of sugar water each morning might be. And it keeps Alucard happy, to be able to do things like this for them. And- much as these attacks of being a fairy leave him feeling more weird and unappealing, they do also leave him feeling a little more fragile than usual. Content to let himself be cared for. ]
Need to stop working on tall buildings, when this happens. Didn't realise what an issue high winds would be. [ And then, quickly, before the 'I fell off the building at work' implication of that sentence sinks in and horrifies the husband- ] -s'okay. remembered all the safety gear. Wasn't in danger of anything other than being used as a kite.
[The flowers had been Alucard's idea, after going by yet another get well soon arrangement at work. It was easy, wasn't it? Just buy them when they're needed and all will be well. Or pick them from the wild. Or any other option, so long as it was going to keep Trevor well.
He tuts softly at Trevor's admission, but it's no more than that.]
I'm glad that it wasn't more. Can you get a sense of how long this outburst will last for?
[Alucard selects one of the larger blossoms at random, and he holds it out and over for Trevor to take or simply eat. Like blood, this can't be anything but nutrition. But it can still be a closer act.]
[ He brings the flower up to his mouth, burying his face in its petals, and it would probablly look very pretty and romantic and kissing flowers if he was not a large hairy fairy man and also if behind the flower his tongue was not extending into a thin, uncoiling proboscis to absorb the nectar from it.
...Alucard has a point about the blood thing, he's starting to learn. No matter how appealing it might look from the outside this flower thing is pretty gross from his point of view. ]
Another couple days, at least. Scales haven't started to shed yet. [ He talks into the flower at first, then puts it aside. ] I'll ask for work on the ground tomorrow. Tell them I'm feeling a little unsteady- something like that.
[ Look at him, willing to articulate needs and everything! ]
[It's asked with a grin, because while Alucard would never go so far as to abuse the power of his office under most circumstances, well, this is the exception. It is a medical need, technically. And he is an authority. He is also technically Trevor's primary care physician on all pertinent paperwork.
Alucard doesn't reach over to offer his hand to take the flower away until he's sure the full of the nectar is gone.]
Think you're supposed to examine me before any of that. [ ...he doesn't feel gross enough not to flirt when given such good bait, at least. ] Wouldn't make a difference. They'd just be rid of me nicely.
[ It should probably bother him. It does, when it's anyone else. It would bother him a whole fucking lot if they actually needed the money. But this is what he's wanted for so long, to be small and anonymous and completely and utterly replaceable, and there's a freedom to it. He went from alcohol to danger, and now he's gone from danger to a nasty, volatile labor market. The shit he finds comfort in...
He chuckles. ]
They'll be rid of me anyway, soon enough. Maybe I won't go back for a while, when they do. Be a pretty little housewife for the two of you for a couple months. Apron and everything.
Oh, I need to take a baseline examination first when you're healthy. Helps me establish norms. [He'll fling that bait right back, Mr. Belmont.
All the same, Alucard inches closer. He can't drag Trevor into his lap properly until he's done eating, but he can make it easier.
He looks sideways at Trevor for a moment though, and there's that unspeakable fondness and utter happiness there that somehow always settles on Alucard's face these days, in the quiet moments. He knows that Trevor and work are almost always the same, but this is so different.
Sometimes they joke about how Trevor would be a good stuntman for Hollywood films. But then that's too much danger, and they all know that danger is best avoided for all of them now.]
Mmm, I can't say that I hate the idea. Or the mental image.
[ Too much danger and too much attention. He likes being small and anonymous, and there are probably still things out there that the last Belmont should not be revealing his face to on such a large scale. Physical labour suits him fine. When that dries up, the church will have errands.
And while he might joke about it, it's not horrible to consider the idea of just keeping house for Alucard and Sypha. He leans in against Alucard, taking another flower and draining the nectar from it before he tucks the rest of it into the folds of his braid. ]
Said 'apron and everything', not 'just apron'. But I suppose that's an option, too.
[Alucard knows that he'll have his hair full of flowers by the end of this. The two have a strange tendency to sneak them in, and Alucard has never questioned why. There's a significance to it, but he's never quite understood it.
With Trevor leaned against him, Alucard wraps one arm around his shoulder and tugs him close.]
But...Sypha mentioned this, and it's a discussion the three of us need to have. You deserve time to think over the reaction, admittedly.
[ It's because he has the longest hair. It's the best to decorate.
He leans against Alucard, listening, confused. It sounds like Alucard's asking about having a guest stay, but it's a weird amount of apprehension for that, unless- ]
-oh christ. Your dad's not coming to visit, is he?
[ He doesn't pull away from Alucard, but does shift the way he's sitting. Still close but with less of his negligible weight against their vampire. A baby. That's a fuck of a lot to process. ]
-we're going to have to go through fairy law letter by fucking letter. And- she brought this up? As in she's okay with this? And-
[ -he trails off at that one. It can't be him, he knows it can't be him. He doesn't even want it to be him. At all. He didn't think that would sting anyway. ]
No. No, I want to think about it. I just- shit, babies.
[ He doesn't know how he feels. Alucard's right that he'll need time to think. But he knows that he doesn't want it to be off the table forever. He takes a few more flowers, going through them one by one and putting them to one side as he does. ]
Is- is it even possible? For you, I mean. I don't know how this shit works.
There's other ways. Always kids that need homes. But it'd be nice to be able to have one fucking person in this house other than Sypha who doesn't have weird family baggage.
[ He softens a little at that- maybe that was why it stung. The idea that this would be something - something important - that was theirs and not his. ]
None of the burdens. No expectations. Just another part of our family, by blood or adoption. However works best and safest for us and that child.
[He's using singular, which is doubtlessly a good thing too. Alucard pauses finally, and looks at Trevor directly. This isn't a return to snuggles, and he doesn't want to presume.]
[ The singular is noted, and it is a good thing. One child is- still a lot, but it's a realistic lot. And it's different from what he's used to. No spares, because there's no expectation of danger. ]
Sounds- nice. Lot of shit to get my head around but- nice.
[ It's not quite a return to snuggles, but there's a warmth in his voice, and the next flower goes in Alucard's hair again instead of just being set aside. ]
Even when I'm all scaly and eating flowers and in danger of getting fired for being too much of a moth?
Mm. Little bit. Mouth's all- [ He makes a gesture with one hand that's probably supposed to reference his tongue unfurling into the stupid nectar tube. ] -nasty.
A couple, yeah, until she's back or this wears off.
[ It's ridiculous, that he can get cold in this too-fucking-hot country. But it's drier here, with less water in the air to hold heat. And he's not great at generating heat when he's like this. And- ]
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-well, it wasn’t laying bricks. It wasn’t welding metal. It wasn’t packing crops or hauling boxes or any of the temporary jobs he’s flitted between as one person has ceased needing a labourer and another has begun. Work was something he was born into. A calling. Now? Now it’s a day’s sweat and dirt and nothing more.
It’s a relief, to be doing something normal. Adrian and Sypha found their places in the world, to heal the sick and to tell stories to the world. Trevor abandoned his. And to tell the truth, he’s just as happy for it as they ever were.
(He doesn’t need to work, not really. But whenever anybody points this out he just shrugs.)
Unfortunately, his place in the world has yet to abandon him in turn. The- condition has come and gone as a sickness might. He can disguise most of the physical effects, leaving one inconvenient thing. He can’t eat human food during the attacks. It makes him weak, not eating, and so they come up with a solution. ]
For me? [ A chuckle and a smirk as he falls onto the sofa. It barely reacts to his weight. ] You didn’t need to get pretty ones. They’re not for looking at.
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[Alucard moves closer to Trevor instead of dragging him over. The weight difference is something that Alucard finds alarming, and that isn't the goal tonight. Tonight, he wants it to have an air of something much more intimate.]
I could have gone much more over the top here.
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You did go much more over the top, before. Still don’t have a fucking clue how you pulled that off in a blizzard.
[ And he reaches over to pluck a flower from the bowl, looking it over for a second and then tucking it behind Alucard’s ear ]
There we go. All I really need.
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[Alucard knows he has the right look for flowers in his hair. He's braided it back right now and pinned it up into an elegant bun, mostly to persuade the Belmont to play around with the best places to place flowers.
He reaches out for Trevor's hand though, hoping to both take it and then guide it back towards the bowl.]
Come here?
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[ He lets Alucard guide his hand back, fingertips grazing over the flowers. It's silly, really, that they use flowers instead of sugar water. Wasteful. But- it is nicer than just drinking a bottle of sugar water each morning might be. And it keeps Alucard happy, to be able to do things like this for them. And- much as these attacks of being a fairy leave him feeling more weird and unappealing, they do also leave him feeling a little more fragile than usual. Content to let himself be cared for. ]
Need to stop working on tall buildings, when this happens. Didn't realise what an issue high winds would be. [ And then, quickly, before the 'I fell off the building at work' implication of that sentence sinks in and horrifies the husband- ] -s'okay. remembered all the safety gear. Wasn't in danger of anything other than being used as a kite.
no subject
[The flowers had been Alucard's idea, after going by yet another get well soon arrangement at work. It was easy, wasn't it? Just buy them when they're needed and all will be well. Or pick them from the wild. Or any other option, so long as it was going to keep Trevor well.
He tuts softly at Trevor's admission, but it's no more than that.]
I'm glad that it wasn't more. Can you get a sense of how long this outburst will last for?
[Alucard selects one of the larger blossoms at random, and he holds it out and over for Trevor to take or simply eat. Like blood, this can't be anything but nutrition. But it can still be a closer act.]
no subject
...Alucard has a point about the blood thing, he's starting to learn. No matter how appealing it might look from the outside this flower thing is pretty gross from his point of view. ]
Another couple days, at least. Scales haven't started to shed yet. [ He talks into the flower at first, then puts it aside. ] I'll ask for work on the ground tomorrow. Tell them I'm feeling a little unsteady- something like that.
[ Look at him, willing to articulate needs and everything! ]
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[It's asked with a grin, because while Alucard would never go so far as to abuse the power of his office under most circumstances, well, this is the exception. It is a medical need, technically. And he is an authority. He is also technically Trevor's primary care physician on all pertinent paperwork.
Alucard doesn't reach over to offer his hand to take the flower away until he's sure the full of the nectar is gone.]
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[ It should probably bother him. It does, when it's anyone else. It would bother him a whole fucking lot if they actually needed the money. But this is what he's wanted for so long, to be small and anonymous and completely and utterly replaceable, and there's a freedom to it. He went from alcohol to danger, and now he's gone from danger to a nasty, volatile labor market. The shit he finds comfort in...
He chuckles. ]
They'll be rid of me anyway, soon enough. Maybe I won't go back for a while, when they do. Be a pretty little housewife for the two of you for a couple months. Apron and everything.
no subject
All the same, Alucard inches closer. He can't drag Trevor into his lap properly until he's done eating, but he can make it easier.
He looks sideways at Trevor for a moment though, and there's that unspeakable fondness and utter happiness there that somehow always settles on Alucard's face these days, in the quiet moments. He knows that Trevor and work are almost always the same, but this is so different.
Sometimes they joke about how Trevor would be a good stuntman for Hollywood films. But then that's too much danger, and they all know that danger is best avoided for all of them now.]
Mmm, I can't say that I hate the idea. Or the mental image.
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And while he might joke about it, it's not horrible to consider the idea of just keeping house for Alucard and Sypha. He leans in against Alucard, taking another flower and draining the nectar from it before he tucks the rest of it into the folds of his braid. ]
Said 'apron and everything', not 'just apron'. But I suppose that's an option, too.
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[Alucard knows that he'll have his hair full of flowers by the end of this. The two have a strange tendency to sneak them in, and Alucard has never questioned why. There's a significance to it, but he's never quite understood it.
With Trevor leaned against him, Alucard wraps one arm around his shoulder and tugs him close.]
But...Sypha mentioned this, and it's a discussion the three of us need to have. You deserve time to think over the reaction, admittedly.
[This is hard. And a bit scary but.]
Would you mind keeping house for one more?
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[ It's because he has the longest hair. It's the best to decorate.
He leans against Alucard, listening, confused. It sounds like Alucard's asking about having a guest stay, but it's a weird amount of apprehension for that, unless- ]
-oh christ. Your dad's not coming to visit, is he?
[ MOOD: LOST. ]
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[Okay out with it, dhampir.]
I'm talking about a baby, Trevor.
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...wait.
Shit, a baby? I-
[ He doesn't pull away from Alucard, but does shift the way he's sitting. Still close but with less of his negligible weight against their vampire. A baby. That's a fuck of a lot to process. ]
-we're going to have to go through fairy law letter by fucking letter. And- she brought this up? As in she's okay with this? And-
[ -he trails off at that one. It can't be him, he knows it can't be him. He doesn't even want it to be him. At all. He didn't think that would sting anyway. ]
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It's a lot. That's why I said that you'll need time to think. We all do. But if you absolutely are uncomfortable, then it's off the table, full stop.
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[ He doesn't know how he feels. Alucard's right that he'll need time to think. But he knows that he doesn't want it to be off the table forever. He takes a few more flowers, going through them one by one and putting them to one side as he does. ]
Is- is it even possible? For you, I mean. I don't know how this shit works.
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[The response is soft, because Alucard knows he's asked a lot. But there's something else here. He has to emphasize it.]
I'd want them to learn Belmont things too, you know. All your skill and athleticism. Stupid whip things. All of that.
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[ He softens a little at that- maybe that was why it stung. The idea that this would be something - something important - that was theirs and not his. ]
All the useful shit, none of the burdens?
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[He's using singular, which is doubtlessly a good thing too. Alucard pauses finally, and looks at Trevor directly. This isn't a return to snuggles, and he doesn't want to presume.]
I love you both.
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Sounds- nice. Lot of shit to get my head around but- nice.
[ It's not quite a return to snuggles, but there's a warmth in his voice, and the next flower goes in Alucard's hair again instead of just being set aside. ]
Even when I'm all scaly and eating flowers and in danger of getting fired for being too much of a moth?
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[Care is important. He could just be doing the doctor thing, but no. This is very different. And important.]
May I please kiss you?
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[ He moves closer, though, offering a cheek. ]
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There's a lot they have to consider now. But Trevor didn't say no, so the first important conversation has gone well enough.]
Mm.
[It's harder to kiss with a weird nectar tube.]
Do you need extra blankets tonight?
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[ It's ridiculous, that he can get cold in this too-fucking-hot country. But it's drier here, with less water in the air to hold heat. And he's not great at generating heat when he's like this. And- ]
-You're not great for keeping warm.