[ He backs into his room, closes the door, and quickly rights himself. This was already the worst day and is swiftly becoming the very worst day. He's more put together when he opens the door, even though it can't have been more than a minute. ]
[Dracula nods once for Trevor to follow him, then begins to walk. He knows he'll be followed, because Trevor has been a part of this house for long enough. Lisa would consider him an adopted son by any definition after this duration of time, but she's not here. Hasn't been. She'll be satisfied enough by Alucard's protective nature of the Belmont, and that they have looked after each other.
He leads them both to a side room, one with soft furnishings and no fire in the fireplace. Dracula himself stands at the window, not quite brooding but edging close to the definition. When the door is closed, Dracula begins.]
Are you prepared for what will be asked of you in my absence, Belmont?
I am prepared to protect him with my life. To see his enemies dead. To- [ and he only pauses for a moment. ] -see him choose the paths that will see him and your lands safe, even those that he might find... at odds with his mother's wishes.
[ Even those that might be unbelmontlike, he means. He doesn't sit, because he knows better than to believe himself on casual enough terms with Dracula to do so without leave. ]
But I can't say yes to that question. Not without knowing what more you'd ask of me.
[There's a soft noise of acknowledgement when Trevor says at odds with his mother's wishes.]
The topic of the day, it seems.
[And why wouldn't it be? This is all for her sake.]
You will need to be his eyes and ears for the machinations of others, more than you are presently. I do not doubt that those beyond our borders will conspire should my absence drag on for more than a month or so. You already spirited that Speaker in and out with great skill to derive information from her.
[Congratulations Trevor, you're head of the royal intelligence agency.]
[ Well, he knows. Time to employ the strategy of just being mostly honest. ]
I met with her again today while your party were hunting. With your leave, sir, I mean to invite her into the castle. She wishes to document your son's period of interim rule, and has offered her magic and her people's knowledge of the affairs of our neighbours as payment.
[There's no reprisal for letting her in. Just a cold and flat refusal.]
Permitting a speaker into this house will anger too many people, both of this kingdom and our neighbors. That is an unacceptable risk, Belmont. Employ her as a spy if you must, but she cannot be anything but a visitor for several hours at most.
I will know if you let her remain. Her scent is distinct.
[ Well shit. He's going to have to come up with something else. Or just do anyway. ]
I am prepared, then. Only- [ A slight pause. ] -should I have to decide between the keep of your lands and his own wellbeing, I will choose the latter. I hope that is acceptable.
[There's a note of weariness in that. Trevor's getting all the Dracul men vulnerabilities.]
Following my departure the castle will guide you to your intelligence office. There will be a list there of those who you can more likely than not trust and those to put no faith in. There is a list of safe houses should you have to prioritize his well being.
This is a part of your primary work, just in a different manifestation.
I am also aware that he views you as essential to success. Try not to die, Belmont.
[ Okay so maybe attempting one (1) joke at Dracula isn't the best way to not die. But he's been overly formal for so long now and he has- whatever situation he has to return to with Alucard. He needs just one moment of not being entirely serious. ]
You have. [He's not dismissed though.] The circumstances will be more intense from here on out, Trevor Belmont. Do as you have, and know that up until now, I have never had quarrel with how you have carried out your duties.
[It's as close to a good job, Trevor that Dracula has ever uttered to him.]
Go and do as you see fit to ensure my son survives in tact. Yourself as well. We will not speak alone again until I return.
[ Holy shit. He isn't sure how to feel about that. He's visibly caught off-guard when Dracula almost-compliments his work. He doesn't like to think he cares much about Dracula's approval, beyond it being necessary for survival. But- shit. His work is a massive part of who he is, and Alucard hates defining him by it. It's a whole part of him that he's pretty sure this is the first time anyone has ever said anything nice about.
Well. Shit.
He makes to leave, then turns back. ]
I spoke to Adrian earlier. About whether his mother would care for the methods by which her safe return might be obtained. [ It's a dangerous topic, oh god. But, you know. He's trying. Trying to be nice to Dracula. Trying to figure out how to WORD THIS without it being approval. His life got weird. ] I doubt she will. But she can approve or disapprove from the safety of home. Bring her back.
[That's as much acknowledgement to those words that Dracula can manage now. The rest might ruin this strange fragile thing that has settled in the air. So Dracula says nothing to Trevor at all. No words of dismissal, no reply, just that noise of acknowledgement and the quiet hope that Trevor will now depart.
Alucard is in bed whenever Trevor returns, piled up in his furs and arms around one of the much too fluffy pillows.]
[ He's in his nightclothes when he returns to Alucard, and dawn is threatening to break. Normally, he'd just go to his own room when Alucard is already in bed, or at least go to his chair in silence. But he knows there's no way that he's actually asleep.
He sits on the bed, looking down at the vampire burrito. ]
Am I still invited in, or are these your blankets now?
[ He climbs in under the thick furs, but doesn't immediately grab on to Alucard. That's as good a test as any for whether he's in trouble for the long wait. And for the hurried exit, for that matter. ]
[It's hard to be angry when a Dracula summons is the reason for the delay. Alucard immediately moves himself so he's flush against Trevor, but he instead holds onto the Belmont like he used to when Trevor first arrived. Arms around him. Protective. Wanting to hiss at anyone who might come near.
He sighs, other hand stroking through Trevor's hair.]
[ It's been a long time since Alucard attached himself to him like this. Or in this particular way, at least. And he never really knows how to react when he does. He's not really made to be protected. It leaves him caught off guard, a little uneasy. But also desperately, desperately wanting to be sure that Alucard won't let go. He lets his arms settle over Alucard, not even close to holding him as tightly, just making his presence clear.
And god, that's an awkward question after the incident earlier. ]
Of course. [ But how can he say no to such an earnest request? ]
[Alucard angles his head just so, his lips catching Trevor's. For all intents and purposes, this is a chaste kiss. Closed mouth and innocent, just another way for Alucard to express how important Trevor is and how dearly he is needed.
But there's all his fear and desire to not have things change in there, along with a note of want. Undefined want, but want all the same, and so it is that the vampire's lips linger for too long, arms wrapped around Trevor in the vampire's bed and no one else to observe.
It is intimate. They've been that way for some time by virtue of Trevor's work. But Alucard's never done this.]
[ They've kissed before, but it was always just a thing that happened sometimes. There was emotion behind it, of course, but it always seemed like a function of Alucard needing touch to communicate.
This isn't that. This is more, somehow. And different. And halfway through kissing back he has to redirect his thoughts to something unpleasant to avoid having to leave again. When the kiss breaks, he has a hand on Alucard's cheek, staring at him intently. ]
Still scared here? [ He asks it softly, because this bed feels like the safest place in the world. ]
From here on out, this is the only place where I can be.
[The safest part of the castle for his emotions, he means. Once Dracula leaves tomorrow, he can only be an ice cold thing with no emotions. No heart. Just logic and law, and what choices his father would make. Not a tyrant precisely, but close enough.
[ The only place he can be scared. That's- about right, probably. Alucard and Lisa's presence has been the only place where Trevor's felt safe to be visibly afraid for a long, long time. It's only fair that he return the favour.
There's only so much he can do to actively hold Alucard, being held the way he is, but he lets his hand rest on his side, rubbing up and down. ]
Be as scared as you please, then. Secret's safe with me.
[ It's delicate, when he kisses back. Careful, like Alucard might break if he makes a wrong move. ]
Whatever happens, I'll be here. Even if nobody else can be.
[They're words sighed against Trevor's mouth, and while Alucard doesn't exactly go still, he seems to settle down against Trevor's warmth and presence. Tomorrow the world changes.
[ He doesn't sleep so deeply, tonight. Stays awake for a long time, watching Alucard's face. Watching his breath move his hair about.
He's going to lose him. One way or another he's going to lose him during this. He'll live, he can make sure of that. But he can't see any way that he can come out of this as himself. It's long past dawn when he leans forward to kiss Alucard again and then finally, finally sleeps.
He doesn't speak much when they wake. Helps Alucard with the more intricate part of his robes and dresses himself in his formal clothes to see Dracula's departure. Waits until he's out of sight. And god, there's so much work to be done, but all of it feels so small and insignificant in comparison to the situation. ]
Come to the library with me? [ He finally says after a little while. There are other things he needs to attend to before long, but the business with the speaker is probably the most pressing. And it's something he can do at Alucard's side - he's well aware that Dracula said the castle would lead him to Dracula's lists of his enemies, not the two of them. ] I have something I need to test.
[Alucard manages to sleep, and that matter surprises himself. He doesn't let go of Trevor, but his grip lightens the longer he rests. That's the only good part of any of this, and then...
...morning comes and the world shifts beneath their feet. He's quiet as he dresses, hating that and hating that Trevor has to help put on all the intricate garments and make them all look just so. Blacks and deep moonlight silvers today, along with streaks of royal red. He's the king for all intents and purposes now.
He doesn't bother worrying about breakfast. Nothing would settle his stomach at the moment.
[ He doesn't try to offer comfort. He doesn't know how, and even if he did it wouldn't be appropriate. But moving forward, and moving forward with something that Alucard can stomach, that's something he can do. ]
You remember the spell we used to play with when we were younger? The one for sending messages.
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[ He backs into his room, closes the door, and quickly rights himself. This was already the worst day and is swiftly becoming the very worst day. He's more put together when he opens the door, even though it can't have been more than a minute. ]
You wanted to speak, sir?
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[Dracula nods once for Trevor to follow him, then begins to walk. He knows he'll be followed, because Trevor has been a part of this house for long enough. Lisa would consider him an adopted son by any definition after this duration of time, but she's not here. Hasn't been. She'll be satisfied enough by Alucard's protective nature of the Belmont, and that they have looked after each other.
He leads them both to a side room, one with soft furnishings and no fire in the fireplace. Dracula himself stands at the window, not quite brooding but edging close to the definition. When the door is closed, Dracula begins.]
Are you prepared for what will be asked of you in my absence, Belmont?
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[ Even those that might be unbelmontlike, he means. He doesn't sit, because he knows better than to believe himself on casual enough terms with Dracula to do so without leave. ]
But I can't say yes to that question. Not without knowing what more you'd ask of me.
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The topic of the day, it seems.
[And why wouldn't it be? This is all for her sake.]
You will need to be his eyes and ears for the machinations of others, more than you are presently. I do not doubt that those beyond our borders will conspire should my absence drag on for more than a month or so. You already spirited that Speaker in and out with great skill to derive information from her.
[Congratulations Trevor, you're head of the royal intelligence agency.]
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[ Well, he knows. Time to employ the strategy of just being mostly honest. ]
I met with her again today while your party were hunting. With your leave, sir, I mean to invite her into the castle. She wishes to document your son's period of interim rule, and has offered her magic and her people's knowledge of the affairs of our neighbours as payment.
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[There's no reprisal for letting her in. Just a cold and flat refusal.]
Permitting a speaker into this house will anger too many people, both of this kingdom and our neighbors. That is an unacceptable risk, Belmont. Employ her as a spy if you must, but she cannot be anything but a visitor for several hours at most.
I will know if you let her remain. Her scent is distinct.
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[ Well shit. He's going to have to come up with something else. Or just do anyway. ]
I am prepared, then. Only- [ A slight pause. ] -should I have to decide between the keep of your lands and his own wellbeing, I will choose the latter. I hope that is acceptable.
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[There's a note of weariness in that. Trevor's getting all the Dracul men vulnerabilities.]
Following my departure the castle will guide you to your intelligence office. There will be a list there of those who you can more likely than not trust and those to put no faith in. There is a list of safe houses should you have to prioritize his well being.
This is a part of your primary work, just in a different manifestation.
I am also aware that he views you as essential to success. Try not to die, Belmont.
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[ Okay so maybe attempting one (1) joke at Dracula isn't the best way to not die. But he's been overly formal for so long now and he has- whatever situation he has to return to with Alucard. He needs just one moment of not being entirely serious. ]
Am I dismissed, sir?
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[It's as close to a good job, Trevor that Dracula has ever uttered to him.]
Go and do as you see fit to ensure my son survives in tact. Yourself as well. We will not speak alone again until I return.
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Well. Shit.
He makes to leave, then turns back. ]
I spoke to Adrian earlier. About whether his mother would care for the methods by which her safe return might be obtained. [ It's a dangerous topic, oh god. But, you know. He's trying. Trying to be nice to Dracula. Trying to figure out how to WORD THIS without it being approval. His life got weird. ] I doubt she will. But she can approve or disapprove from the safety of home. Bring her back.
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[That's as much acknowledgement to those words that Dracula can manage now. The rest might ruin this strange fragile thing that has settled in the air. So Dracula says nothing to Trevor at all. No words of dismissal, no reply, just that noise of acknowledgement and the quiet hope that Trevor will now depart.
Alucard is in bed whenever Trevor returns, piled up in his furs and arms around one of the much too fluffy pillows.]
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[ He's in his nightclothes when he returns to Alucard, and dawn is threatening to break. Normally, he'd just go to his own room when Alucard is already in bed, or at least go to his chair in silence. But he knows there's no way that he's actually asleep.
He sits on the bed, looking down at the vampire burrito. ]
Am I still invited in, or are these your blankets now?
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He refuses to think about his father. Instead he moves the pillow and lifts all the furs.]
Get in here.
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He sighs, other hand stroking through Trevor's hair.]
May I kiss you?
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And god, that's an awkward question after the incident earlier. ]
Of course. [ But how can he say no to such an earnest request? ]
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But there's all his fear and desire to not have things change in there, along with a note of want. Undefined want, but want all the same, and so it is that the vampire's lips linger for too long, arms wrapped around Trevor in the vampire's bed and no one else to observe.
It is intimate. They've been that way for some time by virtue of Trevor's work. But Alucard's never done this.]
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This isn't that. This is more, somehow. And different. And halfway through kissing back he has to redirect his thoughts to something unpleasant to avoid having to leave again. When the kiss breaks, he has a hand on Alucard's cheek, staring at him intently. ]
Still scared here? [ He asks it softly, because this bed feels like the safest place in the world. ]
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[The safest part of the castle for his emotions, he means. Once Dracula leaves tomorrow, he can only be an ice cold thing with no emotions. No heart. Just logic and law, and what choices his father would make. Not a tyrant precisely, but close enough.
He leans against the hand on his cheek.]
And you're the only one who will ever know.
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There's only so much he can do to actively hold Alucard, being held the way he is, but he lets his hand rest on his side, rubbing up and down. ]
Be as scared as you please, then. Secret's safe with me.
[ It's delicate, when he kisses back. Careful, like Alucard might break if he makes a wrong move. ]
Whatever happens, I'll be here. Even if nobody else can be.
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[They're words sighed against Trevor's mouth, and while Alucard doesn't exactly go still, he seems to settle down against Trevor's warmth and presence. Tomorrow the world changes.
But tonight they can just have this.]
Good night. I'll see you come evening.
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He's going to lose him. One way or another he's going to lose him during this. He'll live, he can make sure of that. But he can't see any way that he can come out of this as himself. It's long past dawn when he leans forward to kiss Alucard again and then finally, finally sleeps.
He doesn't speak much when they wake. Helps Alucard with the more intricate part of his robes and dresses himself in his formal clothes to see Dracula's departure. Waits until he's out of sight. And god, there's so much work to be done, but all of it feels so small and insignificant in comparison to the situation. ]
Come to the library with me? [ He finally says after a little while. There are other things he needs to attend to before long, but the business with the speaker is probably the most pressing. And it's something he can do at Alucard's side - he's well aware that Dracula said the castle would lead him to Dracula's lists of his enemies, not the two of them. ] I have something I need to test.
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...morning comes and the world shifts beneath their feet. He's quiet as he dresses, hating that and hating that Trevor has to help put on all the intricate garments and make them all look just so. Blacks and deep moonlight silvers today, along with streaks of royal red. He's the king for all intents and purposes now.
He doesn't bother worrying about breakfast. Nothing would settle his stomach at the moment.
It's a blessing when Trevor says the word test.]
Of course. May I ask what the experiment is?
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[ He doesn't try to offer comfort. He doesn't know how, and even if he did it wouldn't be appropriate. But moving forward, and moving forward with something that Alucard can stomach, that's something he can do. ]
You remember the spell we used to play with when we were younger? The one for sending messages.
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