[ He looks Alucard over, carefully rearranging the bat orchid in his hair. And with one last kiss, he places his hand into Alucard's and leads him out of the cottage.
The door doesn't lead into the garden. Not this time. Instead it leads to a bright, sun-filled courtyard. The cottage door is gone when they step through it. Instead, it's a great gate. Ahead of them is a near-perfect replica of what was once the Trantoul estate.
Leon is there. Gleaming. He's a thing of stories. The knight in shining armour. The dawn that ends the night. ]
Your ancestors took on a title, to remember what they ought not become. Passed it between them. I know not if it ever made it to you, but- forgive me. That has been the only name I have had for you - for yours - for generations.
[ His voice is soft. Tinged with sadness. But he smiles, looking at Alucard as Trevor leads him closer. ]
[Alucard isn't sure what to expect. He understands what Leon was. And is. But to walk out of that door dressed in clothes he couldn't afford in one hundred lifetimes, floating due to scarred feet, his hand in Trevor's and then to be faced with that?
It is a lot. His eyes almost ache from just looking at the man, and his hand in Trevor's tightens. Just a little. Not from fear, but just from being overwhelmed.
They're all like that, aren't they? Overwhelming, the Belmonts. Even when they're trying to be normal.
Or formal?
Alucard's still not sure what this process is. How regimented it has to be.
That shows when his response to Leon is a terrible mix of the two.]
--If it did, I don't think I was old enough to remember it. I'm still only Adrian. I'd prefer that over....
[ Normal and formal are about the same thing with Leon. ]
If I may use your name, then-
[ His smile is still sad, but it's genuine. Trevor squeezes Alucard's hand softly. ]
-Adrian Fahrenheit Tepes. It is an honor. I am Leon Belmont, of the House of Belmont. And the fact that we are speaking- I understand that it means that things have changed.
[Alucard nods once. In his stomach there is a stirring of butterflies. Or perhaps moths would be the more effective comparison. Either way they flutter.]
They have. But could we discuss this while sitting down, please?
[ He can't kneel down while sitting. How are you meant to revoke a vow in an appropriately dramatic way of nobody is kneeling. Trevor opens his mouth to say something but Leon shakes his head, apparently coming to a conclusion. ]
-Of course. Follow me.
[ He leads the both of them into the estate. There is a small sun room just off the entryway, somehow looking both impeccably clean but also like it hasn't seen use in lifetimes. The plants are healthy and seem well enough cared for, even if they've started to take over just a little. He gestures to a small table and chairs ]
[It's more time spent holding Trevor's hand. More time spent just floating along, taking advantage of the spell for as long as it can last. He loves this spell, wants to be spoiled by it for just a little longer.
His eyes go around the estate in wonder. It's so big. It feels so old, so lived in, but still....there's something missing. Something that's been missing for a very long time.
The feeling intensifies in the sun room. Alucard doesn't remark upon it, he simply settles into the spot and then meets Leon's eyes.]
After a lot of thought, I'd like to revoke the agreement you made with my ancestors. [He pauses, then adds:] But you already knew that.
[ There are three seats. It works well enough, though Leon doesn't sit yet. Instead, he kneels. Bows his head. ]
Adrian Tepes, eldest Son of Vlad Tepes, last descendant of Mathias Cronqvist. For three centuries I and my own have sworn not to interfere in your family's journey. In return, for your safety, we took three secrets.
I will see this knowledge returned to you. In turn, will you free us from this oath?
[ Trevor just shrugs, because this is just how his dad is. Seriously, you should see him talking to Sara during an eclipse. ]
Very well.
[ Leon stands. He raises his head and keeps it raised for a moment, looking upward to force back tears, then lowers it once again and smiles, sitting down. He reaches a hand across the table. ]
It is good to meet you. Better still to see you whole and well.
Trevor's eyes widen in something like horror at that. At exactly the same time, a bright smile spreads over Leon's face. He is both literally and metaphorically radiant.
I did. And my dearest moonlight did. I have been so, so very fortunate.
[ Oh god he's being a Proud Dad and Trevor hates this. ]
[ He laughs. Trevor looks like he wants to sink into the ground. ]
They've been drawn to him. Ever since he was small. They pounce him when he moves as a fey, don't they?
[ Trevor doesn't answer. Oh god, make this stop. Leon just continues. ]
His first hunt was a man who tried to drown his ratter's kittens. I- try not to encourage them to target humans unless they must. But the man survived, and I shaln't say I wasn't a little proud. And oh, the little ones wouldn't leave him alone for months afterward. They would have followed him to the ends of the earth.
[ Just a few words. Just a few words and they could have done so much more. Just a few words and Alucard's family would still be here.
There's no sense in wishing things could be different. ]
-this was all that was needed.
[ Whatever crossed his face for a few seconds passes and he smiles. Warm. Bright. Trevor curls his wings around himself a little, about the same colour that he is in the baths. ]
They were troublesome things, weren't they? Always unravelling his work when he was still learning his craft. So he set about training them. Flew about for them day and night, until they were exhausted from chasing him. Made them the best mouse catchers they could be, so that human families would want to take them in.
[Alucard assumes that meeting Sara will be more just to say hello if all formal elements are well and truly gone. He then looks at Trevor, watching the reaction as Leon explain more and more.
He laughs softly, leaning in to kiss Trevor's cheek.]
You've always been like this, haven't you?
[Wanting to help. Save and make sure someone is in a better place than when they started.]
I'll have to see if there are any young friends in the neighborhood when we return. Thank you for telling me ah--
[ -cats shouldn't get drowned! Why does everyone make a big deal about him thinking that! But he stops, because cheek kiss. Good. But also dad right there. Why is everyone embarrassing him in front of everyone else! ]
-Call me what you wish. But Leon will do, I think.
Somehow, I doubt that 'Godfather' would be less awkward. But if it is- It isn't particularly accurate, I suppose. Dear Mathias never did have his children baptised, and I somehow doubt that *that* family tradition ended in the time our families have spent apart.
[ It's Trevor who stands to open the door of the sunroom, letting Eight in. She boofs and immediately jumps up first to lick Trevor, then Leon. Then she puts her paws on Alucard's lap and her face on her paws, standing on her hind legs by his chair. A sturdy looking short-haired dog, small but entirely muscle, follows and sits by the table, tongue very out of its mouth. A third is long and sleek and content to curl up to sleep nearby.
The non-dog figure that enters is a little shorter than Trevor and covered entirely by a long, dark, hooded robe. She takes Trevor's chair and lays her hands on the table - one flesh and one charred bone held together and animated by a collection of thin roots and vines. A skull stares out from the hood. ]
My daughter, and our Keeper of Secrets. If you wish the return of your family's knowledge, you need only ask her.
[If Alucard could smile wider, he would. Such as it is, he immediately embraces the Best Dog, burying his face into her fluff and muttering all the variations of who's the best girl? into it. It isn't kind to get her fluff over Trevor's hard work but he's missed this dog so much. He knows she has friends with her but no. Eight is special. Eight was so important to recovering. Eight got life back on track.
Finally he looks up from Eight's fluff. He didn't know what to expect from Enid. The lack of glamour is a surprise but...]
[ Eight! Eight is the best girl! And she knows it! She gives a cheery boof and licks Alucard's face, absolutely getting white fur all over the coat.
Enid doesn't respond for a moment. It's a dramatic silence, except for how after a few seconds of it she looks at her father and brother, not possessing the facial muscles to manage a glare. With a soft 'oh', Leon leaves the room. Trevor sighs, waving a hand dismissively. ]
You could have given yourself a tongue, you know. This is important.
[ Leon returns with pen, inkwell and paper. Enid picks up the pen. ]
Very well.
I am Enid. These are Eight, Fourteen and Fifteen.
My library is missing several of your family's writings. Please surrender the following to my scribes for copying as soon as possible-
[ And Trevor snatches the pen out of her hand, because what the fuck. This isn't the time. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Another kiss. Another. Two more, all quick but trying to drive home the point.]
But we should get going. If there's anything else you want to fuss over, now's the time.
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The door doesn't lead into the garden. Not this time. Instead it leads to a bright, sun-filled courtyard. The cottage door is gone when they step through it. Instead, it's a great gate. Ahead of them is a near-perfect replica of what was once the Trantoul estate.
Leon is there. Gleaming. He's a thing of stories. The knight in shining armour. The dawn that ends the night. ]
Your ancestors took on a title, to remember what they ought not become. Passed it between them. I know not if it ever made it to you, but- forgive me. That has been the only name I have had for you - for yours - for generations.
[ His voice is soft. Tinged with sadness. But he smiles, looking at Alucard as Trevor leads him closer. ]
Alucard. The last Alucard.
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It is a lot. His eyes almost ache from just looking at the man, and his hand in Trevor's tightens. Just a little. Not from fear, but just from being overwhelmed.
They're all like that, aren't they? Overwhelming, the Belmonts. Even when they're trying to be normal.
Or formal?
Alucard's still not sure what this process is. How regimented it has to be.
That shows when his response to Leon is a terrible mix of the two.]
--If it did, I don't think I was old enough to remember it. I'm still only Adrian. I'd prefer that over....
[His free hand gestures, then falls.]
Sorry, I'm not used to this.
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If I may use your name, then-
[ His smile is still sad, but it's genuine. Trevor squeezes Alucard's hand softly. ]
-Adrian Fahrenheit Tepes. It is an honor. I am Leon Belmont, of the House of Belmont. And the fact that we are speaking- I understand that it means that things have changed.
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They have. But could we discuss this while sitting down, please?
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[ He can't kneel down while sitting. How are you meant to revoke a vow in an appropriately dramatic way of nobody is kneeling. Trevor opens his mouth to say something but Leon shakes his head, apparently coming to a conclusion. ]
-Of course. Follow me.
[ He leads the both of them into the estate. There is a small sun room just off the entryway, somehow looking both impeccably clean but also like it hasn't seen use in lifetimes. The plants are healthy and seem well enough cared for, even if they've started to take over just a little. He gestures to a small table and chairs ]
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His eyes go around the estate in wonder. It's so big. It feels so old, so lived in, but still....there's something missing. Something that's been missing for a very long time.
The feeling intensifies in the sun room. Alucard doesn't remark upon it, he simply settles into the spot and then meets Leon's eyes.]
After a lot of thought, I'd like to revoke the agreement you made with my ancestors. [He pauses, then adds:] But you already knew that.
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[ There are three seats. It works well enough, though Leon doesn't sit yet. Instead, he kneels. Bows his head. ]
Adrian Tepes, eldest Son of Vlad Tepes, last descendant of Mathias Cronqvist. For three centuries I and my own have sworn not to interfere in your family's journey. In return, for your safety, we took three secrets.
I will see this knowledge returned to you. In turn, will you free us from this oath?
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Alucard looks to Trevor because the kneeling. What the fuck??
He's not sure what else to do. Alucard's eyes return to Leon, betraying the bewilderment.]
You're free. And whatever those secrets are, keep them unless you deem them safe to share.
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Very well.
[ Leon stands. He raises his head and keeps it raised for a moment, looking upward to force back tears, then lowers it once again and smiles, sitting down. He reaches a hand across the table. ]
It is good to meet you. Better still to see you whole and well.
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But okay that's just. Alucard pauses, then tilts his head.]
It's...good, to be standing here. You raised a good son.
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I did. And my dearest moonlight did. I have been so, so very fortunate.
[ Oh god he's being a Proud Dad and Trevor hates this. ]
Has he told you about the cats?
[ HE HAS NOT. OH GOD. OH GOD THIS IS THE WORST. ]
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[Alucard perks up. Significantly. Because now there's no more formality at hand, only absolutely ragging on his boyfriend.]
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They've been drawn to him. Ever since he was small. They pounce him when he moves as a fey, don't they?
[ Trevor doesn't answer. Oh god, make this stop. Leon just continues. ]
His first hunt was a man who tried to drown his ratter's kittens. I- try not to encourage them to target humans unless they must. But the man survived, and I shaln't say I wasn't a little proud. And oh, the little ones wouldn't leave him alone for months afterward. They would have followed him to the ends of the earth.
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Oh, I can see a swarm of moths absolutely being a perfect toy for a cat.
[This is so much. So good.]
What very excellent information to have. There are so many strays in the city.
[S M I L I N G.]
Is there anything else I must do, or should I ask for more stories about Trevor's youth?
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[ Just a few words. Just a few words and they could have done so much more. Just a few words and Alucard's family would still be here.
There's no sense in wishing things could be different. ]
-this was all that was needed.
[ Whatever crossed his face for a few seconds passes and he smiles. Warm. Bright. Trevor curls his wings around himself a little, about the same colour that he is in the baths. ]
They were troublesome things, weren't they? Always unravelling his work when he was still learning his craft. So he set about training them. Flew about for them day and night, until they were exhausted from chasing him. Made them the best mouse catchers they could be, so that human families would want to take them in.
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He laughs softly, leaning in to kiss Trevor's cheek.]
You've always been like this, haven't you?
[Wanting to help. Save and make sure someone is in a better place than when they started.]
I'll have to see if there are any young friends in the neighborhood when we return. Thank you for telling me ah--
How should I call you?
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[ -cats shouldn't get drowned! Why does everyone make a big deal about him thinking that! But he stops, because cheek kiss. Good. But also dad right there. Why is everyone embarrassing him in front of everyone else! ]
-Call me what you wish. But Leon will do, I think.
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[They're getting a cat, he's decided. And for that Trevor gets a second kiss before his attention returns to
his father in lawLeon.]...It'll be Leon then. With some awkwardness, I must admit.
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But you may use it.
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[There was protection in playing the part, at least for a time.]
...I'll work up to that. [Alucard pauses though, because he hears something else.]
Are there dogs at the door?
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[ It's Trevor who stands to open the door of the sunroom, letting Eight in. She boofs and immediately jumps up first to lick Trevor, then Leon. Then she puts her paws on Alucard's lap and her face on her paws, standing on her hind legs by his chair. A sturdy looking short-haired dog, small but entirely muscle, follows and sits by the table, tongue very out of its mouth. A third is long and sleek and content to curl up to sleep nearby.
The non-dog figure that enters is a little shorter than Trevor and covered entirely by a long, dark, hooded robe. She takes Trevor's chair and lays her hands on the table - one flesh and one charred bone held together and animated by a collection of thin roots and vines. A skull stares out from the hood. ]
My daughter, and our Keeper of Secrets. If you wish the return of your family's knowledge, you need only ask her.
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[If Alucard could smile wider, he would. Such as it is, he immediately embraces the Best Dog, burying his face into her fluff and muttering all the variations of who's the best girl? into it. It isn't kind to get her fluff over Trevor's hard work but he's missed this dog so much. He knows she has friends with her but no. Eight is special. Eight was so important to recovering. Eight got life back on track.
Finally he looks up from Eight's fluff. He didn't know what to expect from Enid. The lack of glamour is a surprise but...]
It's safer if you keep that knowledge, I think.
[That's his decision and he's sticking with it.]
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Enid doesn't respond for a moment. It's a dramatic silence, except for how after a few seconds of it she looks at her father and brother, not possessing the facial muscles to manage a glare. With a soft 'oh', Leon leaves the room. Trevor sighs, waving a hand dismissively. ]
You could have given yourself a tongue, you know. This is important.
[ Leon returns with pen, inkwell and paper. Enid picks up the pen. ]
Very well.
I am Enid. These are Eight, Fourteen and Fifteen.
My library is missing several of your family's writings. Please surrender the following to my scribes for copying as soon as possible-
[ And Trevor snatches the pen out of her hand, because what the fuck. This isn't the time. ]
-Enid!
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But right. Alucard leans over Eight to look at the paper and--]
...I'm going to presume that at this point, you're just teasing me?
[please let it be that.]
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