"It's far easier to say such words, even if they are correct, than do them."
Alucard's smile is fragile. Frought. Then it fades, and his attention goes back to the notebook. To D's drawing. To the things that are so much easier than think about what happened.
D won't press the matter, aware that he is already hypocritical enough with what he's said already. Ultimately it's Adrian's choice of how to move on with his life. Sensing the younger man drawing away, D turns to leave as well. There's still much of the castle that can take his attention, books to study and pour over, and he's certain that there are still dangers in the lands outside the walls that can be hunted.
It shouldn't be a surprise when D disappears without comment. The idea of telling Adrian where he was intending to go didn't occur to him and while the parasite remarked that they might be missed, D ignored it. He privately felt that Adrian would be relieved not to have his presence skulking around his family home, and when he caught wind of a band of monstrous creatures raiding villages and towns to the north, the draw to make use of his skills was too much to resist.
It takes longer than he'd expected, takes more out of him as well, and while there'd been a thought at the back of his mind that this was the time to simply leave and never return, disappear and leave Adrian's strange acceptance behind, the younger dhampir had been right about one thing. The castle is clearly the closest thing he'll find here to sanctuary.
The wolves might be the first to let the pale-haired master of the castle know of his return, or perhaps its the scent of blood that surrounds the horse he'd acquired, old and dried but still clinging to it and D himself. His movements are jerky as he dismounts and goes through the motions of finding a place to settle the creature, every movement tightly controlled to avoid giving too much away.
He hasn't seen Adrian yet, but D imagines that he's watched and doesn't trust a lack of apparent eyes to put him at ease. Soon enough he expects there will be questions and he's bracing himself for them, ignoring the way the sun feels particularly harsh today and saps at his energy.
It was only after the report of night creatures in the north that Alucard had figured out where D had gone off to. There was a logic in it, as D insisted he was nothing but a tool made to deal with such problems, and yes, the whole thing was a problem. A big one, but something the Belmonts could have done easily.
Which, several Belmonts pointed out, was probably why D had left to go do it. Sitting around the castle was going to make anyone restless, and Alucard wasn't making D's life any easier. If anything, it made things harder.
An ugly truth, but one Alucard only sighed at before accepting it. There wasn't a wrong word in there, and he simply waited for the alerts that D was back. The wolves. Protecive defenses that were invisible to the eye. His viewing mirror. Whatever went off first to alert him about D's return.
It's the wolves, in the end. They catch the scent of other dhampir and blood, and one of them runs to the castle, awooo-ing to get Alucard's attention. A large white wolf emerges from the castle in response, listens, and then? Then he darts off to where D has been spotted.
Four paws carry him quickly, but Alucard has the good sense to at least look like a man when he approaches D again. Ignores the sharp scent of blood in the air. Hopes the horse won't startle.
D's hands are oddly gentle as he settles the horse, taking the time to check it over for injuries and do what he can about the worst of the dried blood. There's nothing too serious, fortunately, but its thin and in need of rest. D himself isn't faring much better; what little of his skin that can be seen has a greyish cast to it and his clothing has more holes and tears than before as well as its own fair share of dried blood.
He doesn't turn immediately at Adrian's voice, continuing to see that the horse has enough feed and water first.
That response is automatic at least. The other dhampir steps forward, and as he does so, he accounts for all of D's appearance. Clothing, well, that's clothing and easily fixed. But the gray nature of his skin? Oh, that rings an alarm in Alucard's mind, and his frown deeps.
"I'm a decent seamstress, thankfully. But--"
Not what happened. Only, "You should have told me you were going out."
As much as it might be easier, he can't keep his back to Adrian the entire time so, with a sigh, D finally turns properly to look at him. He knows how he looks which is exactly why he'd been hoping to avoid this conversation at least until he'd had the chance to rest, but that's clearly not about to happen.
He squints at the sun, setting in the distance and haloing Adrian's hair in golden light, and tugs his hat lower.
"And you were busy. I didn't want to interrupt." That's a lie, he'd only assumed as much, but he'll stick to it regardless.
Alucard sighs, but that becomes silence when D turns to him. Too grey to be healthy. Alucard knows that inside is the only option right now, and so he crosses over to them both. To pat the horse, and look at D in the eye.
"You need to get inside. Or are we at the point where a brief burial is far better for you?"
It's short and clipped, showing some obvious strain instead of D's normal level tone, and that bothers him more than he cares to admit. But if it's letting something through in his voice or letting the tremble show in his hands, he'll take the former. Adrian is already too worried for his liking and the sooner he can try to deflect it the better he'll feel.
"Don't need to eat." It's clearly avoiding the question but D is more focused on trailing after Adrian, keeping his head tilted down to avoid the light that glares too brightly and makes his eyes ache.
It doesn't help that currently he's on his own in this conversation, although he doesn't imagine that the parasite would be as helpful as he'd like.
"Don't need you to worry either," he sighs. "Just rest. Hunger won't kill me."
Don't need to eat is, technically, the answer Alucard was looking for anyway. He does need to ensure the capsules are present, or if they aren't, start figuring out supply lines but that's for Later Alucard. Present Alucard is focused on D, and with the comment about worry, Alucard simply shakes his head.
"That ship has sailed, I'm afraid. Come on."
Alucard doesn't start walking. He moves behind D instead, as if to nudge him forward like some kind of animal nosing at it's young. "Inside. Now."
He liked it better when Adrian was walking in front of him. That had at least given him the idea of slipping away to his room where he could properly collapse without being observed. The fact that now he's being shepherded is galling.
"This is why I didn't tell you," he murmurs. "You have more important concerns than me."
Still, it's blissfully cool inside the castle and he can't quite hide the sigh the escapes him at the sensation. Adrian isn't likely to let him off quite that easily, D imagines, so he follows wherever the younger dhampir directs him without further protest. Although once they seem to reach wherever Adrian was aiming for, D drops heavily into the nearest chair.
Alucard could have sworn that time and again, he had made it clear to D that he took looking after guests seriously. Someone of D's circumstances deserved at least that much until a pathway home could open.
He makes sure that D is in the castle, but rather than go anywhere else, Alucard moves in the direction of D's quarters.
"Slightly. Take off your hat and let me see your hands, I need to understand how bad this is."
"Monsters still roam the lands and attack the people here," D returns. "I can wait until Wallachia is stable again. I have time."
Millenia of it really. Even without food, D doubted it would be enough to kill him. The Sacred Ancestor had made sure his 'success' wasn't so easily ended.
At Adrian's insistence D sighed but removed his hat, setting it aside on the bed and offering his hands. Despite his efforts they still tremble slightly but otherwise there isn't a mark on him.
Alucard keeps the words stuffed down his throat, focusing on what's actually important. To call it a proper medical examination? That's laughable. But to take more than a cursory glance is important, and that much Alucard can do.
With D's hand offered, Alucard takes one very gently, and he brings it up to the eye level. Looks. Pays attention to the color, and then looks to D's face for the sake of comparison.
His hand twitches at the contact, as though D instinctively tries to pull back from it but stops himself, and he lets out a slow breath and makes himself relax. Adrian doesn't intend him harm and if there is anyone he can trust here, it would be the other dhampir.
It's still hard - the idea of trusting anyone is a difficult one for D, as is allowing anyone close enough for contact - but he'll make himself tolerate it. Out of the light his skin manages to look slightly less grey, closer to his normal pallor, and he's cool to the touch.
At the question, D considers Adrian's expression. He doubts that the younger man will like anything he has to say on the matter, but... "I've survived worse. I'm in no danger of dying or attacking anyone. I healed a lot of damage and it takes it out of us."
Alucard's careful. He has to be, D's reaction makes it clear that any form of touch is not a matter of comfort for the other dhampir. And so after a few moments of looking, Alucard lets go of D's hands as gently as he took them.
"I see."
D's right that Alucard disapproves of the response, and so he's calm and quiet for a moment more.
He sighs again, aware that Adrian isn't pleased about something in all of this, but he can't seem to grasp what it is that the younger dhampir wants of him. D has never been skilled with the subtleties of communication - or communication in general really - so like most things, he approaches the matter head-on.
"You don't like that I got injured." While it's posed as a statement more than a question, D is largely guessing, relying on his noncommittal tone and level look to get Adrian to confirm or deny.
"Why? Would you prefer I remained here and ignored the creatures beyond these walls?"
There's almost some pride there - that D feels confident enough in having a measure of Alucard to make that kind of a guess. However, the conclusion is wrong, and he's ready to dash that. So Alucard folds his arms over his chest and sighs.
"Getting injured is a matter of course. But had you told me where you were going, I could have helped you prepare for what you were to encounter. Provide maps of the area. Support from afar. And I would know where you were if you took longer to come back.
"My countrymen burn what they fear, D. As capable as you are, I harbor a fear of that fate for all of those in this castle."
"Hm." It's a sound of agreement really; he had inferred a great deal but being wrong didn't concern him. That Adrian was willing to correct him still provided the information he'd been looking for.
Although it's still strange to hear and there's a flicker of confusion in his expression to hear that Adrian would have wanted to help. That he was worried.
He is the last to say he's good at reassuring anyone, and the majority of the time he wouldn't even try. But he does make some attempt in acknowledgement of all Adrian has done for him.
"Fire wouldn't be enough. A stake isn't enough. You don't have to worry about that."
Is that almost a parent level chiding? Perhaps, and Alucard has no shame in it. A frown crosses his face, deep set and deciding that the nicer, slower approach here isn't worth the time or effort.
"That isn't the point. You probably know that isn't the point, as I have every faith in your ability as a monster fighter in general. But this isn't home, you don't know the land or people, and you're a guest. How would you feel if someone suddenly disappeared?"
Does his expression turn a little more stoic out of stubbornness? Possibly, but he'd never admit it. The direct approach is appreciated, however much he might have trouble with what Adrian is saying, he does appreciate that he doesn't have to guess his meaning.
But the other problem with the openness is that... He has to answer it. On his own, he can't rely on the parasite to step in with its own version of events to distract from him.
D's throat works silently for a moment, and it's clear that it's something of a struggle for him to continue. But he does try.
"If something hadn't happened to them I would assume that they had chosen to leave. Vampires hunters and dhampirs in particular don't have friends, Adrian. I... Have never had anyone care what happened to me."
He doesn't like talking about it this much. "I don't know why you keep trying."
"Because that's how I was raised and the wisdom that was imparted to me by my parents."
Mostly his mother, but the point still stands. But listening was also a key part of that, and so Alucard does his very best to shut up and listen.
It makes sense that D's not used to this whole someone-giving-a-shit thing. His circumstances are so dramatically different that for it to be otherwise would be the truly strange element at hand. But it doesn't make it easier, because Alucard can't simply rely on phrases like common politeness or social contracts to get D to maybe be a little more open.
He lets out a soft, considering noise.
"In the future, can you let me know when you head out?"
D considers the request, finding it easier to think of it as a contract in a way. An equal exchange rather than something offered from a place of concern that he has difficulty understanding.
"If you want to offer help instead of stopping me, then I will," he agrees. Then D tilts his head, watching Adrian. He's tired, exhausted and drained and needs rest, but there's time for that later and now there's another focus. Not a job, exactly, but close enough that it feeds into his single-minded focus all the same.
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Alucard's smile is fragile. Frought. Then it fades, and his attention goes back to the notebook. To D's drawing. To the things that are so much easier than think about what happened.
"But thank you all the same."
Time jump to later?
D won't press the matter, aware that he is already hypocritical enough with what he's said already. Ultimately it's Adrian's choice of how to move on with his life. Sensing the younger man drawing away, D turns to leave as well. There's still much of the castle that can take his attention, books to study and pour over, and he's certain that there are still dangers in the lands outside the walls that can be hunted.
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It takes longer than he'd expected, takes more out of him as well, and while there'd been a thought at the back of his mind that this was the time to simply leave and never return, disappear and leave Adrian's strange acceptance behind, the younger dhampir had been right about one thing. The castle is clearly the closest thing he'll find here to sanctuary.
The wolves might be the first to let the pale-haired master of the castle know of his return, or perhaps its the scent of blood that surrounds the horse he'd acquired, old and dried but still clinging to it and D himself. His movements are jerky as he dismounts and goes through the motions of finding a place to settle the creature, every movement tightly controlled to avoid giving too much away.
He hasn't seen Adrian yet, but D imagines that he's watched and doesn't trust a lack of apparent eyes to put him at ease. Soon enough he expects there will be questions and he's bracing himself for them, ignoring the way the sun feels particularly harsh today and saps at his energy.
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Which, several Belmonts pointed out, was probably why D had left to go do it. Sitting around the castle was going to make anyone restless, and Alucard wasn't making D's life any easier. If anything, it made things harder.
An ugly truth, but one Alucard only sighed at before accepting it. There wasn't a wrong word in there, and he simply waited for the alerts that D was back. The wolves. Protecive defenses that were invisible to the eye. His viewing mirror. Whatever went off first to alert him about D's return.
It's the wolves, in the end. They catch the scent of other dhampir and blood, and one of them runs to the castle, awooo-ing to get Alucard's attention. A large white wolf emerges from the castle in response, listens, and then? Then he darts off to where D has been spotted.
Four paws carry him quickly, but Alucard has the good sense to at least look like a man when he approaches D again. Ignores the sharp scent of blood in the air. Hopes the horse won't startle.
"Welcome back."
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He doesn't turn immediately at Adrian's voice, continuing to see that the horse has enough feed and water first.
"Should I have come back?"
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That response is automatic at least. The other dhampir steps forward, and as he does so, he accounts for all of D's appearance. Clothing, well, that's clothing and easily fixed. But the gray nature of his skin? Oh, that rings an alarm in Alucard's mind, and his frown deeps.
"I'm a decent seamstress, thankfully. But--"
Not what happened. Only, "You should have told me you were going out."
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As much as it might be easier, he can't keep his back to Adrian the entire time so, with a sigh, D finally turns properly to look at him. He knows how he looks which is exactly why he'd been hoping to avoid this conversation at least until he'd had the chance to rest, but that's clearly not about to happen.
He squints at the sun, setting in the distance and haloing Adrian's hair in golden light, and tugs his hat lower.
"And you were busy. I didn't want to interrupt." That's a lie, he'd only assumed as much, but he'll stick to it regardless.
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Alucard sighs, but that becomes silence when D turns to him. Too grey to be healthy. Alucard knows that inside is the only option right now, and so he crosses over to them both. To pat the horse, and look at D in the eye.
"You need to get inside. Or are we at the point where a brief burial is far better for you?"
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It's short and clipped, showing some obvious strain instead of D's normal level tone, and that bothers him more than he cares to admit. But if it's letting something through in his voice or letting the tremble show in his hands, he'll take the former. Adrian is already too worried for his liking and the sooner he can try to deflect it the better he'll feel.
"Inside. I'll be better with rest."
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Well, for a few feet. He then glances behind himself to ensure D is following.
"Quickly then. You look awful. Do you have any capsules left?"
He can't tell if D's actually eaten, and if he hasn't, that needs to be addressed too.
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It doesn't help that currently he's on his own in this conversation, although he doesn't imagine that the parasite would be as helpful as he'd like.
"Don't need you to worry either," he sighs. "Just rest. Hunger won't kill me."
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"That ship has sailed, I'm afraid. Come on."
Alucard doesn't start walking. He moves behind D instead, as if to nudge him forward like some kind of animal nosing at it's young. "Inside. Now."
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"This is why I didn't tell you," he murmurs. "You have more important concerns than me."
Still, it's blissfully cool inside the castle and he can't quite hide the sigh the escapes him at the sensation. Adrian isn't likely to let him off quite that easily, D imagines, so he follows wherever the younger dhampir directs him without further protest. Although once they seem to reach wherever Adrian was aiming for, D drops heavily into the nearest chair.
"Happier now?"
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Alucard could have sworn that time and again, he had made it clear to D that he took looking after guests seriously. Someone of D's circumstances deserved at least that much until a pathway home could open.
He makes sure that D is in the castle, but rather than go anywhere else, Alucard moves in the direction of D's quarters.
"Slightly. Take off your hat and let me see your hands, I need to understand how bad this is."
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Millenia of it really. Even without food, D doubted it would be enough to kill him. The Sacred Ancestor had made sure his 'success' wasn't so easily ended.
At Adrian's insistence D sighed but removed his hat, setting it aside on the bed and offering his hands. Despite his efforts they still tremble slightly but otherwise there isn't a mark on him.
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Alucard keeps the words stuffed down his throat, focusing on what's actually important. To call it a proper medical examination? That's laughable. But to take more than a cursory glance is important, and that much Alucard can do.
With D's hand offered, Alucard takes one very gently, and he brings it up to the eye level. Looks. Pays attention to the color, and then looks to D's face for the sake of comparison.
"How advanced is this for you?"
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It's still hard - the idea of trusting anyone is a difficult one for D, as is allowing anyone close enough for contact - but he'll make himself tolerate it. Out of the light his skin manages to look slightly less grey, closer to his normal pallor, and he's cool to the touch.
At the question, D considers Adrian's expression. He doubts that the younger man will like anything he has to say on the matter, but... "I've survived worse. I'm in no danger of dying or attacking anyone. I healed a lot of damage and it takes it out of us."
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"I see."
D's right that Alucard disapproves of the response, and so he's calm and quiet for a moment more.
"How do we expedite the healing then?"
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"You don't like that I got injured." While it's posed as a statement more than a question, D is largely guessing, relying on his noncommittal tone and level look to get Adrian to confirm or deny.
"Why? Would you prefer I remained here and ignored the creatures beyond these walls?"
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There's almost some pride there - that D feels confident enough in having a measure of Alucard to make that kind of a guess. However, the conclusion is wrong, and he's ready to dash that. So Alucard folds his arms over his chest and sighs.
"Getting injured is a matter of course. But had you told me where you were going, I could have helped you prepare for what you were to encounter. Provide maps of the area. Support from afar. And I would know where you were if you took longer to come back.
"My countrymen burn what they fear, D. As capable as you are, I harbor a fear of that fate for all of those in this castle."
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Although it's still strange to hear and there's a flicker of confusion in his expression to hear that Adrian would have wanted to help. That he was worried.
He is the last to say he's good at reassuring anyone, and the majority of the time he wouldn't even try. But he does make some attempt in acknowledgement of all Adrian has done for him.
"Fire wouldn't be enough. A stake isn't enough. You don't have to worry about that."
See, reassuring.
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Is that almost a parent level chiding? Perhaps, and Alucard has no shame in it. A frown crosses his face, deep set and deciding that the nicer, slower approach here isn't worth the time or effort.
"That isn't the point. You probably know that isn't the point, as I have every faith in your ability as a monster fighter in general. But this isn't home, you don't know the land or people, and you're a guest. How would you feel if someone suddenly disappeared?"
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But the other problem with the openness is that... He has to answer it. On his own, he can't rely on the parasite to step in with its own version of events to distract from him.
D's throat works silently for a moment, and it's clear that it's something of a struggle for him to continue. But he does try.
"If something hadn't happened to them I would assume that they had chosen to leave. Vampires hunters and dhampirs in particular don't have friends, Adrian. I... Have never had anyone care what happened to me."
He doesn't like talking about it this much. "I don't know why you keep trying."
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Mostly his mother, but the point still stands. But listening was also a key part of that, and so Alucard does his very best to shut up and listen.
It makes sense that D's not used to this whole someone-giving-a-shit thing. His circumstances are so dramatically different that for it to be otherwise would be the truly strange element at hand. But it doesn't make it easier, because Alucard can't simply rely on phrases like common politeness or social contracts to get D to maybe be a little more open.
He lets out a soft, considering noise.
"In the future, can you let me know when you head out?"
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"If you want to offer help instead of stopping me, then I will," he agrees. Then D tilts his head, watching Adrian. He's tired, exhausted and drained and needs rest, but there's time for that later and now there's another focus. Not a job, exactly, but close enough that it feeds into his single-minded focus all the same.
"Will you trade questions with me again, now?"
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End here?