[Alucard keeps his hand rock steady. Doesn't flinch. Doesn't react even as he can feel the deepest, darkest memories stir to life in his own mind. He has lived with them for so very long now that they have little power over him.
But he knows the intensity of the memories. When Vanessa reacts as she does, letting go of his hand, he withdraws it slowly.]
I'll put the kettle on for tea if you'd like a few moments alone.
[He's figured out the tea thing pretty fast, being not English and all.]
[Alucard exits quietly and neatly, as if none of this has happened. It is only once he is in the kitchen, with the kettle set upon the stove and the burner going that he finally lets out a deep exhale that he had been holding in.
Sorting through the residual emotions is for later. In private. Nothing that needs to be done here or now, because it's hardly the point. So he focuses on getting tea cups and tea leaves and the tea pot and all the little accoutrements that are demanded for tea.
It takes ten minutes in all. More than is strictly needed for tea, but it seems important all the same.
The set that Alucard carries out on a lacquer tray is simple. White bone china with golden colored (but not true gold) handles, tea leaves and their strainers set atop the cups, and an equally plain tea pot beside them. The sugar bowl and cream pitcher are a deep blue glass rather than the same fine china.
Alucard sets them down, but doesn't settle himself. He instead goes to the fireplace, realizing how smouldering it is. A few logs are fed, and then poked and prodded at with the poker.]
[Vanessa has not moved from her spot on the couch since he left. There has been shifting of course, she is not made of stone, but to lift ones self up and move about seems like such a Herculean task that she has not attempted it.
After her breathing eased her mind went blessedly blank, lured perhaps by the simple crackle pop of the slowly dying fire and the common noises of the London street. Soothing in the way only human noises can be, a loose tether to reality.
By the time he returns she has the forethought and energy for a brief smile and the familiar task of preparing tea.]
One of the first things I managed to accomplish on my own when I was released from the asylum was to prepare a cup of tea. I couldn't recall how I took it at first, that came later. How do you take yours, Mr. Tepes?
That feels like a deeper thing that wouldn't be shared in most company. Alucard does not know how to acknowledge that, but he understands it is important to have shared at all.]
Black with one sugar, please.
[He fusses with the fireplace for a few moments more, then finally makes his way back to his chair and their little conversation corner.]
[An offering, like his to leave and make tea. A peek into the insides after a look at his. Information not freely, easily given. She pours his first, deftly handling the teapot, the delicate tongs for the cube of sugar. The composure of a woman of title and breeding.
Then her own. Vanessa lets the silence sit till she has her first sip of tea. Shocking how such a simple thing can be so stabilizing.]
Thank you for allowing me a moment, Mr. Tepes. That was a series of very difficult conversations, I appreciate your honesty and understanding.
Of course. But I trust that my nature will remain between us.
[It's the only thing he'll ever insist upon. London may be large, and there may be comfort in the fact it is easier to hide among the masses, but Alucard knows better than to bank on just that fact.
He only holds the tea, for in truth the point was to focus on Vanessa rather than himself. He takes precious comfort in the stuff, but when in England...]
Then I assume that our previous agreement still holds?
[Alucard doesn't mind the faux paus. Barely noticed it, and that's a blessing of being a stranger to certain customs. He takes the cup and wraps both of his hands around it, simply absorbing the warmth.]
If it is still agreeable to you. From my perspective you are perhaps uniquely qualified in this matter.
[There was an unspoken 'but' there. But she had reacted strongly to his confession. And while her reaction was valid she is aware that from his perspective it might be just a little too much. The human freaking out and making accusations. She had been there before, certainly not to the same extent but sometimes she could still see the terror in her parents eyes.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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But he knows the intensity of the memories. When Vanessa reacts as she does, letting go of his hand, he withdraws it slowly.]
I'll put the kettle on for tea if you'd like a few moments alone.
[He's figured out the tea thing pretty fast, being not English and all.]
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Yes, I would be most grateful, Mr. Tepes.
[Damnation, if she could only find a way to steady her heart. The time alone to collect herself is also gratefully appreciated.]
no subject
[Alucard exits quietly and neatly, as if none of this has happened. It is only once he is in the kitchen, with the kettle set upon the stove and the burner going that he finally lets out a deep exhale that he had been holding in.
Sorting through the residual emotions is for later. In private. Nothing that needs to be done here or now, because it's hardly the point. So he focuses on getting tea cups and tea leaves and the tea pot and all the little accoutrements that are demanded for tea.
It takes ten minutes in all. More than is strictly needed for tea, but it seems important all the same.
The set that Alucard carries out on a lacquer tray is simple. White bone china with golden colored (but not true gold) handles, tea leaves and their strainers set atop the cups, and an equally plain tea pot beside them. The sugar bowl and cream pitcher are a deep blue glass rather than the same fine china.
Alucard sets them down, but doesn't settle himself. He instead goes to the fireplace, realizing how smouldering it is. A few logs are fed, and then poked and prodded at with the poker.]
no subject
After her breathing eased her mind went blessedly blank, lured perhaps by the simple crackle pop of the slowly dying fire and the common noises of the London street. Soothing in the way only human noises can be, a loose tether to reality.
By the time he returns she has the forethought and energy for a brief smile and the familiar task of preparing tea.]
One of the first things I managed to accomplish on my own when I was released from the asylum was to prepare a cup of tea. I couldn't recall how I took it at first, that came later. How do you take yours, Mr. Tepes?
no subject
That feels like a deeper thing that wouldn't be shared in most company. Alucard does not know how to acknowledge that, but he understands it is important to have shared at all.]
Black with one sugar, please.
[He fusses with the fireplace for a few moments more, then finally makes his way back to his chair and their little conversation corner.]
no subject
She pours his first, deftly handling the teapot, the delicate tongs for the cube of sugar. The composure of a woman of title and breeding.
Then her own. Vanessa lets the silence sit till she has her first sip of tea. Shocking how such a simple thing can be so stabilizing.]
Thank you for allowing me a moment, Mr. Tepes. That was a series of very difficult conversations, I appreciate your honesty and understanding.
no subject
[It's the only thing he'll ever insist upon. London may be large, and there may be comfort in the fact it is easier to hide among the masses, but Alucard knows better than to bank on just that fact.
He only holds the tea, for in truth the point was to focus on Vanessa rather than himself. He takes precious comfort in the stuff, but when in England...]
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With a smile of apology she offered the saucer and cup to Adrian.]
I will breathe a word to no one, Mr. Tepes. You have my word.
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[Alucard doesn't mind the faux paus. Barely noticed it, and that's a blessing of being a stranger to certain customs. He takes the cup and wraps both of his hands around it, simply absorbing the warmth.]
no subject
[There was an unspoken 'but' there. But she had reacted strongly to his confession. And while her reaction was valid she is aware that from his perspective it might be just a little too much. The human freaking out and making accusations. She had been there before, certainly not to the same extent but sometimes she could still see the terror in her parents eyes.
Another sip of tea.]
no subject
[[this actually seems like a logical spot to end the thread!]]