cryptsleeper | Inbox for aefenglom

[ It's late when Trevor makes his way into Alucard's room in the place they share and while he feels a little more rejuvenated with the cool night air surrounding the world under a blanket of navy blue, he still finds himself feeling restless. Maybe it's the approaching full moon, maybe it's just that he's been here for a month now and he's turning into a fucking vampire of all things. Whatever the case, he's found himself in Alucard's room, lingering there in the door way and just... standing there. Watching the blond.

Yeah, ok, that sounds a little creepy and all but he just... isn't sure what to do. He remembers the things Berserker mentioned about bonds and all and while Trevor hasn't really done anything himself, he has to wonder if it holds true. Clearly Alucard would know more about it all, right? Seems like it.

But rather than wander off into the night and to be trusted that his feral instincts won't get the better of him, he slowly makes his way over to the blond's bed and just... crawls his way in beside Alucard. Laying there. Heart pounding in his chest as he does so for some reason.

This doesn't look like he's trying to bite him or something, right? ]

[Alucard had left the masquerade fairly early, worn thin by the crowd and the amount of people he spoke to. He is still so very much not a man well suited for the life of someone i a city, never mind extremely active. He has gotten home, disrobed and thrown on a tunic and baggy trousers, then tucked himself in.

He sleeps very still. Almost ramrod straight, face turned towards the door. Expecting someone, instinct still finely honed to reply to threats whenever they might just waltz in.

So when Trevor opens the door, his eyes snap open. His sense of smell is gone, but thankfully Trevor walks in a certain way and Alucard pings onto that well enough. The question of wh--

--yeah, he has a question or two by the time Trevor has joined him in bed. But he doesn't demand, doesn't overreact, there is only a simple:]

Belmont?

[ Should have known. ]

Yeah?

[ He asks without bothering to look to Alucard, gaze turned toward the ceiling as he lays there with an arm tucked behind his head. This is... not at all awkward. Right? ]

Did something happen that you're here?

No.

[ It's a rather quick response and met with silence after it as he just. Lays there. Feeling really awkward all of a sudden. Why couldn't Alucard have just been asleep? Jesus Christ. ]

I was just... thinking.

[Alucard is quiet for a while after but...

He's still here.]

About....?

Nothing.

[ That's... not true but also not really going to fly with explaining why he's here, right? A sigh, he presses a hand to his face before he holds it up for Alucard to see. ]

Look has anyone... you know... spoken to you about bonds and all that sort of stuff?

I've done my research on the matter but...

[Alucard sits up slowly, the blankets sliding off his chest and puddling just a little. He then looks at Trevor's hand, a faint frown on his face.]

What have you been discussing with others?

[ When Alucard rises to sit up, Trevor chooses to still lay there on the bed, hand still held out, though not as a means for anything other than just having it there. For now.

But Alucard asks that question and suddenly, Trevor doesn't have a fucking clue what to say or even what he wants say and so he just lays there and feels himself grow mild frustrated, mostly with himself. He just needs to go and fucking say it, doesn't he? This would be easier if Alucard were asleep because then he could just... hold his hand or something, just lay close to him and see if the blond's presence really is enough to calm his racing mind. Sounds like a load of shit to him but he doesn't see why Berserker would lie to him. Considering what his bonded is to him and all.

Sighing, he rubs a hand down his face then. ]

Look, there's really no easy way for me to say this but... I'm feeling, I don't know, restless and being close with the one you're bonded to is supposed to help ease that a bit or something. I don't know. Just forget it.

[Trevor has the whole of Alucard's attention. He's quiet, and he listens very carefully.

They're both being devoured by fear and anxiety over what this world has forced them into as far as roles go. Alucard and the weight of witch, Trevor becoming something his family might destroy. In terms of whose fears deserve greater attention, Alucard knows that it's Trevor's. For all that Alucard also wants to protest that he needs attention, to talk to someone, the rest of him knows that it's wrong. That Trevor should be the priority.]

I won't forget something that's simple and easy to fix.

[He read about these things. That it can help everyone involved and...]

Is that why you insisted on taking my hand before?

Maybe.

[ He suddenly feels so called out right now? But, if he can't discuss this sort of stuff with Alucard of all people here then... he's shit out of luck, isn't he? It's all just... bullshit. For Alucard to be the very thing which had his mother wrongly accused of and killed for and for he himself to be turning into that which his family has slain and hunted for generations. This world is a cruel one as far as Trevor is concerned. ]

It's weird, I know. Especially since it's... you know... physical and all.

[ Touch he means. ]

You're annoying and I'm an asshole. We make such a great pair for this.

Yes. That's...we both know that's part of it. [They're not touchy creatures, either of them. Alucard can only imagine how rough Trevor's lived before Sypha found him. Thinking of Trevor as a feral cat has happened more than once in Alucard's mind.]

Mm. Yet we both know if we weren't looking out for each other, Sypha would be beyond furious with the both of us.

[It always comes back to Sypha. Alucard lets out a soft sigh at the thought.]

But better she not be dragged into all of this either.

[ His gaze drifts over to the blond when Sypha is brought up and he's quiet for a long moment before he just comes out and says it. ]

Are you in love with her or something?

[ Trevor and tact... what's that? ]

I miss her, Trevor. You don't?

[No such thing, Alucard knows that.]

I don't know.

[ What a damn liar. But he sighs and rubs a hand over his face. ]

It's probably better she's not here. Who knows what this world would do to her. Look at what it's done to us. Better she not have to go through self-loathing, too.

On that we are very much in agreement.

[But that's an important point to latch onto. Alucard's gaze drifts over to Trevor.]

I know I have failed this lately, but please know that I'm trying to do what she'd do. So--

[He offers his hand.]

I'll sit vigil when it comes time to do that. In the mean time, just knock before coming in here.

If I knocked, then I'd wake you up and I was trying to be courteous about that.

[ At least... that's his reasoning. Nevermind saving himself from embarrassment and all. ]

I sleep lightly, even with my senses dulled. [Because they're dulled.] I'd wake no matter what, I'm afraid.

The point is that I was trying not to be rude, ok?

[ And get along better with the blond. Since it's... just the two of them. But as he grows fussy, he rolls over onto his side then, back facing Alucard, trying to calm his shit, as it were. ]

Does my... being around you help or something? With filling you up or whatever?

[Hey. Alucard. Shut up.

So for that, he nods, finally understanding the point.]

Thank you. Just know that for the future.

[Alucard still offers Trevor his hand. Maybe it'll work.]

I'll be honest Trevor, aside from earlier when I felt a little better when we were back here, the magic has...I've not focused my attention on it.

[ Glancing over his shoulder, Trevor blinks some, seeing the hand but focusing on what was said instead. ]

Why not? Aren't you supposed to?

Belmont, you know that answer.

[There's pain there, beneath the annoyance that this ought to be obvious.]

[ No, he... knows. He does and yeah, it was stupid of him to ask but it just... came out, without his even thinking to stop. It has him fall silent, feeling a twinge of something in the center of his chest and he has to wonder if that's from Alucard through their bond... and he's the reason for making the blond feel that. Shit.

His heart thrums in his chest and it's as if the world around them slips away for just a moment. All he can feel is that sensation in the center of his chest from the bond they share with one another and Trevor is left silent in the darkness of Alucard's room, knowing exactly how this feels without even needing to touch the emotions of the blond. He feels it, too. Has been feeling it ever since Alucard looked to him when he realized he had fangs and that he would become a vampire within due time. He knows that pain but to feel it vibrating alongside his down he carries... it sucks.

He tries to think what to do- what Sypha would do and he finds it frustrates him when all he can think about is telling Alucard to quit being a mopey bastard because it's bringing his mood down, too. But that's not going to help either of them and he came here because he felt restless and wanted that feeling to at least be eased some. The shoe being on the other foot now, in a way, he realizes Alucard probably wants the same for what he's feeling now.

Trevor sits up then, not a single word muttered as the rustling of sheets can be heard in the darkness as he twists there beside the blond... and pulls him into a hug. Just like that. Both sitting up. ]

[Alucard doesn't like this bond bullshit. He understands the need for it by the world's own logic, but that still doesn't make him like it. To tether people together like this, it seems to invite heartache in the end, and here? Now?

God everything hurts. They're both miserable fucks right now, all the pain of home amplified by circumstances now. He can feel all the fear in Trevor in this single awful, stupid moment and it feels like drowning.

Sypha would do exactly this, wouldn't she?

It's the only thought Alucard has when Trevor reaches over, pulling him into a hug. And for that, Alucard hugs back. Squeezes even, because it's the first time he's truly had any physical affection aside from the other two's farewell since. Oh fuck. Since before the Church dragged Lisa Tepes out of her home.

And there it is. That's the heartache of it all, the sense of overwhelming loss that prompts Alucard to bury his face into Trevor's shoulder and to simply stay there.]

[ They're both idiots when it comes to feelings and emotions, no one's really surprised there. But it's as Alucard squeezes him that Trevor really feels the blond's pain, even more so when his face comes to bury against his shoulder. This is... new. So completely new to him. Trevor himself hasn't really cried or felt anything like this for years now. He couldn't. He had to fend for himself, try and survive. All without anyone being there for him. When you're a kid and have not a single soul left of family, there's really no point in crying or feeling like breaking down because there's no one there to comfort or reassure you that it'll be ok. It's no wonder he stopped being able to feel for such a long time.

He swallows as fingers press tightly against the blond's back, not bothering to let go or loosen the embrace any. If anything, the pain and heartache that he feels seeping into his skin and his very soul make him hold Alucard a little more... protectively almost and he doesn't even know why. It just... feels like the right thing to do. Maybe it's the very thing he himself had wanted for years.

His head comes to rest against Alucard's, the lull that comes from feeling Alucard close to him like this being almost mesmerizing in some strange way. It quiets him, despite the pain and heartache still pressing into his own heart. But it quiets and grounds him to this very moment here. With Alucard. In his room. ]

You have really soft hair.

[ Words he mumbles suddenly, letting a couple fingers brush through the silky blond strands. ]

[It's quiet.

Alucard doesn't know why his brain settles on that. But it does. It is the middle of the night, the city is exhausted, and the two of them have been blanketed in blessed silence. The feeling is wonderful, coupled with the warmth of Trevor around him.

He's still warm. Alucard ought to hold onto that for as long as he can and...

There's a faint, pained laugh that sneaks out at Trevor's comment.]

My mother's.

[He inherited so much from her.]

[ Though perhaps not seen, there's a gentle smile which tugs at the corners of Trevor's lips as they remain just like that in the silence and darkness of the room. Alucard's presence does ease him in a way he never thought possible and he finds himself comfortable within the embrace, not even wanting to pull away from it despite hos reluctant he had originally felt with doing so. ]

This world is a big ball of shit.

[ Even as he speaks, his voice is soft and lacks the gruff, crude tone which he's typically known for. ]

You're not any less of who you are with what they've done to you. You're still a moody bastard as far as I'm concerned.

[ And, swallowing thickly, he lets the tips of his fingers brush through the blond's hair, ghosting along the expanse of Alucard's neck as blue eyes stare to the pale, warm skin there. ]

But you're my moody bastard. I wouldn't be here if I didn't think so.

[ Wouldn't have gone through with the bond at all if he didn't trust Alucard. ]

Every world is a big ball of shit, it seems.

[Joking is easier, in it's way. A comfort, because the only other option is sincerity and that? That is terrifying too. So Alucard wants to retreat to that, even as the rest of him stretches forward for that warmth he has craved.

It's good. Reassuring, the fingers that move through his hair.

Sypha would be so damn proud.]

....Thank you.

[No specification of what part of the statement is being thanked. The answer is everything.]

[ The thank you is certainly new for them, as is the whole just being with each other in a way where they're not metaphorically pulling at each other's hair. But maybe it's needed. Maybe it's something they both need? Hell if he knows. But in this moment right here, whether it's due to influence from their bond or not, it just feels... right.

Of course, staring to that exposed part of Alucard's neck he's so very close to, he wonders how long he has until he feels a craving- a hunger to sink his teeth into that warm skin and drain the blood out of his veins to flow into his mouth for satisfaction. The thought causes a wince to tug at his heart and he clears his throat as he blinks his eyes away, staring off across the room through the darkness. ]

Does this... feel better?

It feels less overwhelming for the moment.

[That's the best word without getting overwrought. Alucard knows that, and so he doesn't pick at the moment further. It's better, easier, to leave it be.

He's not sure if they should break the embrace. He doesn't make a move to.]

Get some sleep. I'm going to head out early in the morning. You should come with me.

[ Sleeping like this would be difficult?? But the mention of heading out in the morning has Trevor raise a brow. ]

Where are you going so early? You know it's...

[ Getting more difficult for him to be fine in the early mornings. ]

[Alucard knows.]

While it's still an option.

[ Oh. Yeah, figures Alucard would get it and all. Trevor allows for his gaze to drop at that, not really feeling tired though more at ease since his... holding Alucard. Thanks, bond. But he seems to hesitate for a moment and, with a curious flick of his gaze off to the side, he lets his fingers tap a little nervously at the blond's back. ]

Can I... ask something of you... that you'll either laugh at me for or shove me away in disgust?

I'm listening.

[Alucard straightens up a little. It isn't that the intimacy of the moment is entirely passed, but things have shifted. Just a little.]

[ Well, shit. He doesn't even know how to ask this now. Maybe they should just go back to insulting one another? ]

Right. Uh... I don't want to suck your blood or anything. [ Thank God. ] And maybe this is just a product of being bonded to you like this whole... hugging thing. Hell if I know.

[ He's rambling because he doesn't know how to ask this. ]

What I'm trying to say is... I... get restless... and want to constantly chew on things. [ Which is why he had gone through however many straws at the masquerade. ] Like the blanket that one time. [ When they'd discovered what he was becoming. ] Christ, I don't know. I just wanted to... ask you...

[ This is going so bad and he sighs then as he pulls back to throw his head back and curse to himself. ]

...can I chew on your hand for a minute? I know! I know! That sounds really fucking weird but I just have this... desire to and I'd rather it be you than some stranger.

[Oh good, Trevor made it super awkward!

Alucard does sit up straight though, careful when he shrugs Trevor's arms off of him finally. This is actually serious, and moreover, something Alucard's entertained already. He knows this problem.]

When I talk about this, please know I'm not being condescending. It's just what the change is, for better and worse.

[He remembers what his mother's clinic voice sounded like. Straight forward, but reassuring. Optimistic. Alucard doesn't know if he can do all of that.]

It's just a form of teething. There's better things to chew on, but any suggestion I make just...even when I think it, it comes off as insulting.

[Yeah, getting Trevor doggie chew toys? Not great.]

I don't think flesh is a good idea yet. Not in the middle of the night. You're going to have to learn to take blood, and that requires flesh contact. Better for your muscle memory that it be as precise as possible, that way when the worst begins, you're not mistaking food for a chew substitute and do greater harm.

[ When Alucard pulls back, he lets him, feeling a sudden sort of loss from the other that gets him to blink in confusion for a moment before he sighs and crosses his legs on the bed. Hands holding his ankles, he stares down. He's listening, it's just... so fucking shitty. ]

Someone already offered their blood to me. For me to drink from them, Alucard.

[ It had taken him by surprise and hammered into him the fact that he is going to want blood at some point and there's not a fucking thing he can do about it. Not drink blood? Sure. But then he becomes a husk of a vampire, doesn't he? Wastes away and dies for good. Even the suggestion of there being blood clinics or whatever... he doesn't want to drink blood. It terrifies him that something like that will be normal for him in a way that drinking alcohol is normal for him. ]

I figured you'd know best. About how to... do that shit. [ Drink blood. ] How to not kill someone. Because I don't want to hurt anyone. The bond is supposed to make it not be so bad, isn't it? The hunger and cravings? But will it be enough? I'll still want it, won't I?

Well that was forward and frankly insensitive.

[He can be dismissive, at least. But the rest of Alucard knows it's unhelpful, so he's careful as he reroutes the discussion.]

It's easy to not kill someone. [He starts with that. Careful with his words.] The bond will help, but the rest is training and paying attention to the entire process. When people get hurt it's because they stop paying attention to heartrates, blood flow, and where the bite happens.

[This next part isn't rote.] You make rules for yourself too. Like not taking from arteries, because that's the quickest way to kill someone. You pay attention to how bad cravings are, and you space your food out accordingly. I've only needed blood once or twice a week, and my needs have never demanded human blood as my father's did. He and my mother had their own rules about blood flow.

And there was no infrastructure for it home like there is here. Ways to remove the person element of it, so that it's noting more than a special dietary need.

[ Alucard's words come from a place of experience and knowledge. He knows this. Who the fuck else is he going to ask- trust about this? other vampires here? Sure, he could. But what do they care and do they really have his best interest in whatever they tell him? What he already knows of vampires from his family and the things Alucard has experienced himself are his best bet and yet, even still, he hates this and he finds himself hunching over some, head bowing, fingers tightening around his ankles.

God he hates this. What the fuck is wrong with him? Is he about to turn all weepy about this? It must be the full moon that's messing with him. It's drawing closer and that would explain his sudden spike in restlessness. ]

Alucard, I can't do this. I don't want to drink blood. It goes against everything I am. Everything my family is. I won't even be me anymore, will I? Just a monster.

Do you want comfort or honesty?

[His voice is barely a whisper.]

[ Shaking his head, a hand covers his face. ]

I don't know. Just forget it.

Trevor, I don't have the answers to any of those questions. The way vampires work here are just different enough that I can't say either way.

[He places two hands on top of Trevor's ankles.]

But I will be here to help. And if it anchors you, then all the better.

[ Eyes slowly blink to the hands that rest atop his ankles and his own fingers curl tight. ]

I'm going to die either way, aren't I?

[ Because vampires aren't living creatures. ]

Yes.

[Alucard can't lie about that.]

And I will be there.

[ Everything is just a swirl of emotions and things that he doesn't really understand. Alucard's closeness and touch helps some, but the weight of this conversation is still crushing to him because his death is inevitable and no bond can spare him from it. And yet, a smile touches at his lips, sad as it is, head still bowed. ]

You know, when we first met, I honestly didn't care if you were going to kill me. I've never really cared that much. Not for a long time. No one ever gave a shit about me.

[ If he was going to die, then so be it. He'd already lost everything else and no one would mourn his death anyways. ]

But now I wonder if I'll even remember you or Sypha when I wake. Or if I'll be too bloodthirsty and lost in the mind of a monster to even recognize your face. That's what hurts the most, Alucard.

And preparing for eventualities doesn't help anyone emotionally.

[He knows that much. Alucard sighs, and he lifts one hand so he can put his hand against Trevor's neck. Feel his pulse, because his pulse is still there.]

We'll find out together Trevor. I can only promise that much.

[ Well, he has a point there. So, with a nod, he falls into Alucard a bit and just lets his head rest against the blond's shoulder. It's funny. Here he's never done much in the way of closeness with another and now, gentle and still clumsy as this right here is, it could very well mean nothing at all to him once he's completely turned. ]

Can I still chew on you?

My hair for tonight. We'll get you something better to chew on that isn't me tomorrow.

[Alucard sighs. Not flesh. Trevor's not ready for flesh at all.]

Ugh, fine.

[ With that, he drops himself back against the mattress and makes sure to pull Alucard down with him. ]

Probably don't taste good anyways.

No. I don't imagine I do.

[Alucard oofs softly as Trevor drags him down.

This is progress. Progress for them both. Talking like adults. Managing the awful things.]

Get some sleep, Belmont.

I'm turning into a bloody vampire. I'm not exactly sleepy, Alucard.

[ Yet he still lays there, arm somewhat draped around/across the blond. ]

But just sleep yourself. I'll... be here.

Humor me, at least, and try.

[Try and be human for as long as it can be managed.

Alucard sighs, saying nothing more. It had been a long evening even before Trevor crawled into bed beside him. Now? Now it has been exhaustive, and Alucard is happy to spend the night asleep.

He drifts off with little prompting. Five minutes hardly pass before he's asleep properly, turned on his side and pressing slightly closer to the Belmont.]

[The package left on his doorstep contains a plate of homemade cookies from Marie and a fresh lily flower.

“Happy Holidays! We are not friends yet but I hope we can become friends in the coming year.” is what the attached note says]

[What is this! Alucard got a small gift. Rather, it's a small maintenance and polish gift for swords. There's a note saying, 'Happy Holidays, and signed with an S'.

Wonder who it's from!]

[ Alucard's gift from Ursula; a bracelet with a charm! The charm itself is a stylized version of the planetary symbol for Venus, aka the Morning Star. She figures she doesn't need to explain if it's significant or not, but it was the first thing she thought of when she thought of him. ]

[And a few days later, on heavy cardstock with gold accents is a simple note:]

Thank you very kindly for both the gift and it's meaning. Forgive my lack of familiarity with what counts as a good gift, and let me cook for you at some point instead.

[ Knock knock, Alucard. A certain Belmont is there at your door. Wanting to talk to you. ]

...Yes?

[Alucard sticks his head out of his room, frowning in confusion.]

[ Oh, he... answered. ]

Do you have a minute?

[Alucard nods, then pushes the door open just a little more so Trevor can step in.]

I do, yes. What is it?

[ Stepping in, Trevor just sort of stands there all awkward with a hand to his bandaged neck, fingers still bruised, before he looks over to the blond. ]

So... Sypha is here. Obviously. As is Hector.

...Yes. He's...

[Alucard pauses, moving to sit on his own bed.

The room is sparse. Just the bed, a nightstand, and a drawing desk that's covered in designs.]

A loaded matter.

He got himself drunk and I kept an eye on him.

[ Not that he cared or anything. Just... you know. Yeah. But, standing there, he comes to fold his arms against his chest. ]

He's a forgemaster. Or, was. Seems pretty upset about not being one anymore.

Of course he did.

[Alucard sighs, looking down at the floor.]

He knows I killed my father. Did not take the information well.

I... may have also mentioned that in some weird dream that I met him in.

[ He hadn't really thought much about it at the time since... he was sort of in a bad place at the time?? But still. Now that he thinks back to it... ]

Do you think he's going to be trouble here?

I genuinely do not know. I cannot get a measure of the man, and neither of us want a thing to do with the other.

[Alucard breathes out, then considers.]

His reaction was muted, but I feel as if we're missing something with him as well.

[ Hmmm ]

Sypha doesn't seem to think he's a bad person. Think she called him naïve or something.

He agreed to help commit genocide, Belmont.

So then we'll keep an eye on him.

[ He leans against the wall then, gaze lingering on his feet. ]

Not sure he can do much here anyways. Would probably get himself eaten by something bigger than him.

Let's hope he does get eaten then.

[Alucard frowns. Breathes out, knowing what he just said.]

[ Well, moving on from that cheery note... ]

I'm going to do a bond thing with Sypha. [ A beat. ] She's a witch.

That's probably for the better. I have no idea if I've been doing this right, and she'll understand the full of it through instinct. Of that much I'm sure.

[ He's just... going to pretend he knows what the fuck Alucard is talking about there. ]

Right.

[ A beat. ]

Thanks for telling her what was happening to me, by the way.

[ That's definitely said a little bitterly. ]

[He's saying he sucks at doing this Trevor.]

Were you actually going to? At any point?

I don't know but it would have been nice to have the option to.

[ Yeah he sure is STARING AT YOU, Alucard. ]

I'm sorry. For me at this point, it is a basic fact. I did not realize that you'd prefer to communicate the matter yourself.

[ He wants to be MAD still but gets the feeling he'd just argue with Sypha again about it and he just.. doesn't want to, to be honest. So, instead, he sighs and just curls into the wall a little, arms still folded against his chest. ]

Whatever. Just thanks.

[ But he'll leave it at that because Alucard said sorry and all. ]

I'm sure you're happy that she's here though.

[Alucard's relieved that no argument happens. He just falls awkward and quiet, still not meeting Trevor's eyes.]

I....yes and no.

Right, well.

[ A sigh, he pushes himself away from the wall. Standing instead. ]

You don't have to put up with me anymore since she's here, so. Don't be so sulky.

I'm glad she's here. But I didn't want anyone else we cared about to be forced to deal with this place.

[His shoulders slink downward just a little more. If his own misery wasn't clear, it blips through on the bond. Just for a moment.]

....Huh?

[ He turns his back to the blond, intending to leave before Alucard speaks or huhs at him. He stops. ]

Your babysitting me. Sypha's here now so you don't have to pretend to care.

Edited 2020-02-07 00:58 (UTC)

[Oh.

That stings.

Alucard picks his head up slowly, weariness on his face.]

I was never pretending, Belmont.

You said it yourself, Alucard. That Sypha would find a way to take care of me and so you'll do the same. For her.

[ He waves a hand about with a sigh, still not looking to the blond. ]

It's whatever. Don't worry about it. Just... you don't have to worry anymore.

[They had been doing better, hadn't they? This feels like being hurled back to the very beginning, and that? That makes everything so much worse.]

Do you really want that?

[His voice is soft when Alucard asks the question. There's a lot more fear and disappointment below. It's coupled with genuine hurt, and Alucard could care less if Trevor knows.]

[ He's quiet for a long moment and it's probably due to the blips of emotions that are filtering through their bond. It's strange because he feels himself... giving nothing back in return. As if he's empty. Maybe he's always been empty. That's likely, isn't it? Having always been on his own. Thinking he had maybe found some semblance of family or friends... only to be dragged her, turned into a monster, and then tortured on top of that. Fun times but also sounds about right for his life, doesn't it?

So he stands there. Quiet. Bruised fingers digging into his arms which tightly press against his chest, folded. ]

I just want to die already and get this over with.

That's...understandable.

[That's the worst part of it, isn't it? That Trevor's death is hanging over all of them, and now Sypha gets to experience that sorrow too.]

Sit?

Why?

[ It's soft, only a touch curious, but also... tired. ]

Humor me?

You want a joke?

....Please?

[ Does he even know any fucking jokes to tell off the top of his he- oh. Oh. Wasn't being literal in the wanting a joke sense. Yeah.

Trevor... just stands there. Unsure of what to do because when the fuck ever does he know what to do when it comes to things like this?? Killing monsters? He's got you covered. Consoling or comforting someone down in the dumps? Let's not and say we did?? Yeah. But... he sighs after a moment, maybe mutters something under his breath before he goes to sit himself down on the bed a little ways from Alucard, arms still folded against his chest. ]

What?

[The next part is the easy bit: Alucard moves over closer to Trevor, and pulls him into a side-hug.

Alucard's bad at this. Using Sypha to try and model the better behavior for emotions has been helpful, but this is far more genuine. The fear's still there though, and there is no point in trying to mute it.

He does nothing more. Just stays there, quiet. Holding Trevor.]

[ In things Trevor never expected to have happen to him... yeah. Alucard side-hugs him and Trevor just... sits there. Staring ahead. For a second. Because he sure does look to him out of the corner of his eye before looking back ahead. He also feels that fear. Scared he's gonna bite you?? ]

...what are you doing?

What feels right at the moment.

{He isn't letting go, at any rate.]

[ He needs to be careful here because this could easily swerve into him being a complete jerk to Alucard for the hell of it. That's just how they are?? Yeah. ]

You don't have to.

[Trevor. Just. Just shut up. Please.

Alucard says nothing for a few moments before responding.]

Doesn't matter.

[ Make him!! But... fine. He's quiet. Arms still folded against his chest. Bruised fingers still digging into those arms. Honestly, he doesn't even realize he's doing it or how tense he is. ]

...how long are you going to do this for?

Until you shove me off.

You realize I'm stronger than you, right?

[ QUESTIONABLE AT THE MOMENT given his somewhat weakened state and appearance and not keeping up with the blood drinking thing. But. Still. He can pretend. ]

I do, yes. But you're tolerating this for now.

[Alucard doesn't want to pick this argument. He just wants some quiet.]

[ Maybe he is, but... whatever. He just sits there then, letting Alucard side-hug him. Arms still against his chest as his gaze drifts down. ]

I'm glad you have her here with you.

I'm glad you have her too.

[Sypha makes them both far better, doesn't she?]

I'm not.

[ He says that softly. ]

Now you both get to see me die and come back a vampire. It's what I've always wanted.

You'd rather go through that alone?

Why not? I've done everything else alone.

[ And it... sort of hurts a bit, to say that. ]

[Alucard sighs softly.]

You know either one of us don't want you to be alone, right?

[ Trevor just sighs right back, looking away as he does so. ]

Yeah, I know. Misery loves company I guess.

Misery is currently living with guilt. It's understandable.

Am I misery and you're guilt? Because you also seem pretty miserable a lot of the time.

Yes, but I'm miserable because of guilt.

...ok. Fair.

[ Because, yeah. He gets it. ]

Anyways. You and Sypha can do... I don't know. Whatever the hell witches do here.

Edited 2020-02-07 02:31 (UTC)

She has plans. For now, I'll just see where she intends to go.

Right. And keep an eye on Hector. So.

[ ... ]

Glad we sorted that out.

[ Did they though? ]

[They absolutely didn't. And Alucard still hasn't let go.]

I suppose so.

[Alucard falls quiet again.]

...Are you going to show off your flying skills for Sypha?

[ Flying skills? Oh Oh... ]

Considering I wound up naked in some alley? Probably not.

Wait.

[Give him a second. To not laugh.]

That's what happened?

[ ... ]

Maybe.

[Alucard pauses. And....]

We'll have to pack you an extra change of clothes and make sure you take the pack with you in that form then. That's easy enough.

Yeah. Guess so.

[ He just... hums in regards to that, letting his gaze drift down again. ]

Anyways. That's all I wanted to talk to you about.

I might've told her about the flying part too.

[Just so they're clear.]

Do you want me to let go?

[ Of course he did.

But, silent for a long moment, Trevor lets his gaze remain fixed on the flooring before he finally speaks. ]

Might as well.

[Alucard sighs, and then finally withdraws his arms from around Trevor. He doesn't like this, the feeling of regression. But he is in no place to do more.]

If you insist.

[ Bruised fingers still digging into his arms, he slowly gets himself up then and stands there. He wants to say the hug was only done because he told Alucard he didn't have to pretend caring anymore but he... just sighs instead. He feels tired. Empty. Wonders if Alucard can even feel that through the bond or if there's just nothing there to feel. Maybe he can just sleep. ]

I'll keep an eye on Hector.

...Okay.

[He can feel that emptiness now. Alucard knows and understands the feeling, and he hates it for himself. It's worse with Trevor.]

But come back?

Don't I always?

[ It's said with a smile on his face, but it's still just as empty as he feels on the inside. Finally, he finds himself letting go of his arms and goes to make his leave from the blond's room. He's tired. Maybe... he can just sleep. ]

[ Trevor's been looking a little more WORSE than usual as of late.

His hands tremble at times, attempts to get himself out of bed during the daylight hours are more difficult than they've been in the past, his skin borders translucent at times, and trying to stay away during the day is more of a chore than something he can more or less get through after getting himself up.

He knows it's getting close. His death.

So of course he tries to pretend IT'S FINE in his very typical Belmont way and with the door to their place swinging open, in comes Trevor Belmont. Dressed in his cloak. Bag held at his side as boots drag across the floor. ]

Fucking hell.

[ Words he mutters to himself as he gives the door a shove with his shoulder to shut and dips his head back to knock the hood of his cloak off. He's burnt a little on his cheeks and hands. ]

I hate the sun. I hate the way it looks at me. Laughing. Taunting me with it's... sunny sun ways and all.

[Alucard is on the floor of their place at the moment, a few large sheet of paper spread around him in a semi-circle. He's trying to get back to the plan of designing a new place, but now made for three instead of two. It's a good challenge, because so much of it has to accommodate Trevor's changes.

Which he is so very aware of. It must be this month. Trevor's grown so much worse. Can barely manage the sun, and his skin looks so much like Dracula's that it's sickening. There's one question he's wanted to ask how do you want to do this and us to take care of you until you rise? but there has never been a good time.

Alucard gets to his feet when Trevor walks in again and--

--burnt.

He remembers that.

More than that, remembers what his mother would do. But the first step is to walk over to Trevor and offer to take his cloak.]

It has that effect at certain points. How bad do your cheeks hurt?

They feel... warm. In an annoying way.

[ Not the sort of way a nice warm bath feels that's for sure. But with his cloak taken and another curse falling from his lips, he looks the backs of his hands over and frowns at the marks there from the sun touching his skin. It's... annoying. Really annoying and Trevor just SIGHS as he digs through his bag to pull out some gloves and a pair of sunglasses as well. ]

Can't believe I got burnt of all things.

[ Or, in other words: can't believe he's finally starting to burn. ]

They're sunburnt.

[Alucard begins to walk to the kitchen, gesturing for Trevor to follow after him.]

I can make a salve for the burns to lessen their impact. I used to help my mother make it during the summer months.

It's not even summer.

[ It's a bit overcast and still, the daylight affects him. So that's... great. Not at all foreshadowing what might be just around the corner. Nope. But rather than worry himself about that, he follows after the blond with the bag being dragged along and sighs. ]

Sypha's not here?

She might be. I've been so consumed with work that I may not have heard her.

[Alucard opens a smaller cabinet that's full of medical components. He takes out a few bottles, along with a small bowl.]M/small>

Could you get me a spoon, please?

Oh. Sure.

[ Maybe ask him BEFORE he follows you over here?? But, he does as asked and wanders off to grab a spoon, coming back to hold it out for the blond to take, bag still in his other hand. Which... he looks down to before he looks back up to Alucard and just... hesitates a bit. Which, that hesitation can probably be felt as a gentle flutter through their bond as he stands there. ]

So... what are you working on?

[They're in the kitchen, it isn't as if a spoon is so far away. Alucard takes the spoon and starts to dose things into the bowl, gold eyes keen and careful. It's mostly liquid and a single gel, and soon the smell of aloe fills the room. Alucard's careful as he stirs and--

--hm. He felt that.]

Redesigning the house. I want you to look at the basement plans when I'm done.

What's in the bag?

[ The bag inquiry is just going to have to wait because- ]

You want me to look at the basement? Are you gonna lock me up down there or something?

[ The fuck. ]

---I'm trying to design a bedroom and living quarters to accommodate your sun sensitivity.

[ ... ]

Oh. That's... thanks.

[ Yep. To which he just... awkwardly stands there, fingers fiddling with the straps of the bag he holds. ]

I... just got some things. You know. Gloves. Sunglasses.

May I see?

[He turns entirely to face Trevor, stirring at the bowl.]

[ Well, he already took the gloves and sunglasses out on the table there so if Alucard is trying to call his bluff that's... yeah. So, after a moment and letting his gaze drift about, he reaches into the bag and pulls out a white wolf figure about the size of his palm. It's carved from white marble and its eyes are gold. It's a little heavy in weight and beautifully crafted. Trevor holds it out, clearing his throat as he glances AROUND them. ]

This... is for you.

[OH.

Oh.....................

oh.

Alucard goes very still. He has to remind himself that he's making medicine, and that there's a bowl in his arm. He has to remind himself to put the bowl down on the counter before he takes the little figure from Trevor, holding it as if it's made of glass. Obviously it isn't, but there's just.

Just a lot going on at once.]

Thank you. I--

He's just going to. Smooch the Belmont. Because words are hard.]

[ Trevor is absolutely NOT good with this whole showing your feelings thing and he still sometimes has no fucking clue if what he's doing is right or wrong or just stupid. But the wolf had reminded him of the blond and with everything that's gone on as of late... maybe he just thought it a nice gesture for Alucard to have something. To know that he was being thought of despite a certain Belmont getting worse as each day goes by.

So the kiss is not exactly surprising but it still has his breath catch in the back of his throat for a moment before he settles into it and a hand gently comes up to press cool fingers to the back of the blond's neck. Needless to say, he lets the kiss happen softly. ]

I'm going to die soon.

[ Words he mumbles gently against Alucard's lips before he sighs and lets his forehead press to the blond's, eyes shut, fingers gently stroking against the nape of his bonded's neck. ]

[Alucard pulls back slowly. They have to have this discussion, but they can't be sucking face while doing it. His hand closes around the little wolf, as if that might be a little bit more helpful.]

We've been thinking the same thing.

[Himself and Sypha, he means. Alucard sighs, and he uses his free hand to take Trevor's.]

We want to make you comfortable when it happens. Let you control as much as you can. And we'll both be here when you wake.

I figured.

[ That they would be discussing it, if not thinking the same thing that he himself is. However, a perk with a hunter turning into a vampire? At least he has an idea of what to expect save for the minute differences between the ones they both know and of the vampires of this world. ]

I'm guessing it'll be more or less the same with waking with how we know it to be. A frenzied sort of confusion. Probably thirsty as shit. I'm just... not sure what part of me changes, if anything at all.

[ If the humanity within him might slip away or weaken and the monster/vampire side of him becomes more dominant. More in control. ]

Can we... I don't know... sit down or something? I feel tired.

[ Weak. ]

Yes. Go in the living room, I'll finish this salve and meet you there. I'll just be a minute.

[The wolf? The wolf goes into his trousers pocket for now, and Alucard returns to his bowl.]

[ With a gentle hum and a reluctant slip of his fingers from Alucard's, Trevor slowly makes his way to the couch in the living room and drops himself down onto it with a sigh. His head knocks back, eyes lazily staring to the ceiling, and he feels as if he could fall asleep just like this until nightfall rouses him.

But instead, he whines to himself as he hunches over and begins the slow task of removing his boots, letting them drop one at a time before he flops over onto the couch on his side and lets his eyes fall shut. Breathing slow. Hand touching the floor. Wondering how much longer he has like this. ]

[True to his word, Alucard comes back out after only a moment more. He's still carrying the bowl, and when he sits, he sits next to Trevor and then the bowl is put on the opposite side.

He looks miserable. There's still days left.]

Give me your hands? They look burnt as well.

[ It takes him a moment to fully register that Alucard is here and speaking to him but when he does, he turns to lay on his back and holds his hands out as asked, strands of brown hair in front of his face. ]

Can you... give me your finger after?

[Alucard takes the time to brush Trevor's hair back into place first. It looks terrible, and he knows it's just a sign of things to come. Hates that he knows it, because he's far too used to living with vampires.

Satisfied, he takes a handful of the salve and rubs it over the burns. It should, if he did it right, come with an immediate sense of cooling.]

For blood?

[He wants to be sure.]

[ He hums to confirm Alucard's inquiry and sighs a bit when he feels how cool the backs of his hands suddenly feel. That's... nice. Really, it is. ]

I don't want to feed. Just a lick.

[ He's too fucking tired to feed even if he wanted to. ]

Very well.

[Trevor's face next. Alucard's careful as he rubs more of the salve over the burns there.]

If you're worried about a frenzy, we can restrain you and have blood on hand. That isn't hard for either of us.

[ When the salve touches his cheeks he sighs, but in a way that shows how much he appreciates the coolness. It feels nice. As if his entire body is the same temperature again.

Alucard's words, however, get him to chuckle some. Soft as it is. ]

Have to be pretty damn strong restraints against full-blooded vampire strength.

[ A beat. ]

I'd suggest silver but that might just aggravate me more with the pain.

No silver. We'll have something metal, keep it padded, and then there's Sypha.

[Alucard knows it isn't comforting, but it is ruthlessly practical. He keeps rubbing at Trevor's face even after he's done applying the salve that needs to be there. Just touching.]

You'll want us there, of course.

[ The touching is... nice, if he has to admit it and, slowly, blue eyes come to flutter open and lazily stare to the blond there on the couch with him. ]

I'm sorry.

[ Words he allows to be soft. ]

That you have to see someone else you care about die.

[There's a very dark laugh in response. It's soft though.]

At least I get to sit vigil this time.

[ There might just be the faintest grin at those words before he carefully lets his fingers wrap around one of Alucard's hands, blue eyes lazily staring to him still. ]

Can I?

Let me wash my hands off. You'll just taste plant.

Mmmfine.

[ Lettings fingers slip away from the blond's hand, eyes fall shut as he just lets himself breath. ]

So fussy.

You'll thank me for it.

[Alucard gets up from the couch. It's only for a moment, and he really does wash his hands. Dries them, and then comes right back to settle where he was. Carefully, so carefully he brushes his left thumb over Trevor's lip.]

Do you want me to lie down?

If I were feeding properly from you, yes. But you're fine like this.

[ He just wants a bit of a lick after all. It's all he really has the strength for. ]

And when you're done?

[Do you want to cuddle, Belmont?]

Not really planning on straying too far from this couch.

[ But with gently sucking the blond's thumb between his lips, he lets the tip of a fang carefully drag over the pad of that thumb and pierces soft flesh, letting a drop of warm blood touch his tongue, the first he's ever had of Alucard... and it makes his eyes widen with surprise. ]

I'll lie down then.

[He just wants to enjoy the moments that Trevor has alive. With a beating heart Alucard can hear. For now though, he just sits upright, and--

--Trevor, he'd rather you have asked permission before doing that.

He flinches a little from the pain, but Trevor's eyes? That gets a concerned noise.]

Trevor?

[ It's only a drop but... Alucard's blood is so fucking different from the blood he's been drinking it's startling to him. His heart drums, his breathing picking up, and he swallows thickly as his gaze settles on the blond's face, blue eyes growing dark. ]

Fffffuck.

[ He manages to breathe the word out with eyes falling shut and through their bond, Alucard might feel a sudden rush of energy swallowing up the lethargy that had been consuming the vampire throughout the day. ]

You taste... so good. [ He breathes, heart still drumming from just a single drop, eyes fluttering open, a touch of colour to his cheeks. ] Adrian...

[Alucard does withdraw his thumb. Because they had discussed this, and agreed to wait. In the greater scheme of things though, it's nothing. It's impossible to miss the physiological reaction. More color.

That's vampirism. Alucard gets that much, he remembers how his father's pallor changed after feeding. But the change in energy, that doesn't fully account for everything.]

What just happened? In your system, what just shifted?

[ Trevor lays there and stares to Alucard with those blue eyes still dark, chest rising and falling quickly, that rosy pink gently dusting his cheeks still. Slowly, he smiles, his head lolling to the side. He feels... not the same way as when he drinks dragon blood. Dragon blood makes him feel loopy and high in a sense. But Alucard's...

It's only a drop but he feels the blond's magic gently running throughout him and he hums as he lays there, looking back to Alucard through hazy eyes. ]

I want to kiss you.

[That isn't an answer to Alucard's question. The dhampir's eyes remain on Trevor, quietly evaluating every reaction he's seeing. The return of color is normal. Heart rate? That could just be a natural part of being a vampire here.

He still doesn't know what's going on in Trevor's head.]

Tell me what's going on internally.

[ Trevor knows he needs to focus. Knows that Alucard is trying to determine what his blood is doing to him- a single drop of it for that matter. But it's just so... difficult.

He sits up. Abruptly. Not super fast as a vampire might ordinarily. But certainly much faster than he had been moving about earlier. That smile still on his lips, he looks Alucard over with those dark eyes of his before he lets his eyes fall shut in an attempt to try and focus. ]

Dragon blood... makes me feel... not like this. It's like I'm awake now. Like I see so much more colour around me. [ A slow blink of his eyes open, he smiles to Alucard. ] Like I can feel you inside me.

[ Does ANY of that make sense? ]

Maybe it's the bond... or maybe because you're a witch. But I feel... awake. Like all my senses are functioning again.

[Alucard understands much of the movement is probably due to any blood being in Trevor's system. Trying to make heads or tails of this is hard, and he hates that he's struggling to make a logical determination.

Not like this is enough. Alucard reaches for the blanket that's draped over the back of the couch, and he wraps it over Trevor's shoulders for nothing else to do. He doesn't know why. It just feels appropriate.

But he can only go on Trevor's words. That was what his mother said, that at the end of the day you have to rely on the patient to describe things and make the best call on that and additional examination.

He's trying so hard.]

It may be a combination of both.

[That would make sense.]

Do you feel any sense of magic? Or is it more a sense of person?

I... don't know.

[ And as the blanket is draped around his shoulder, he reaches out with a hand to gently rest it against the side of Alucard's neck, smiling as he lets his fingers caress against the blond's skin there. ]

It was like... a burst of energy all of a sudden. I don't... get that with dragon blood. I mean... I feel really fucking good when I drink dragon blood. But this is... [ pausing, he smiles with a tilt of his head ] ...kiss me.

[It's a struggle, balancing the scientific with the emotional. Really, Alucard hates it. He wants to keep asking questions, but there may be more merit in letting an experiment run it's course and--

Fuck.]

No fangs, no additional blood. Promise me.

[He leans in to kiss Trevor again.]

[ Alucard looks so colourful to him in this moment. As if he'd never before really realized how... attractive he is. So when the blond comes closer, when he asks that promise of him, Trevor can only grin against his lips before he catches them in a kiss and kiss him he does.

A soft moan pushes past his lips, Trevor bringing his hands up to cup Alucard's face and he deepens their kiss gently as he lets himself grow lost in it. Grow lost in the blood whose blood he can still taste on his tongue. His mind swirls and all he feels and tastes is Alucard between his fingers and on against his lips.

There's a part of his mind that gently beckons him to slip down to his neck and drink more of that sweet blood from the blond. To let its warmth slide down his throat and fill him with a pleasure he hasn't yet experienced. It's so difficult to ignore the desire to... but he does. For Alucard. Because he promised with a smile. ]

[He's still not the best at kissing, the dhampir. So very green, which means he very much lets Trevor lead. Opens his mouth slowly to swallow that moan, but doesn't want to go further.

Both of his hands end up leaning on Trevor's upper thigh, closer and closer so that the Belmont can lead the kiss wherever it ends up going. He ignores the taste of iron though, because it genuinely would give him pause if he truly had time to think about it.

He needs air though. Alucard squeezes Trevor's leg, trying to request just that.]

[ Trevor lets himself fall into that kiss for just a little longer, feeling like it's the right thing to do before some part of his brain alerts him to the squeeze his leg is given and he pulls away then, slowly letting lips part from Alucard's. Blue eyes still remain dark and blown, fingers stroking down Alucard's neck as Trevor comes to lazily hum with a smile and stares to the colour of the blond's skin beneath the tips of his fingers. ]

I think... if I had more of your blood.. I would want to fuck you.

[ He can't help but chuckle a bit at the admission and lets his head drop down to Alucard's shoulder, hands sliding down to roam over the blond's sides and back then, intending to hold him close. Wanting to be close. ]

So don't give me any. Just... let me hold you. That still feels nice, too.

When we get to that point, I don't want blood to be the reason why.

[He's putting all of that out there in a single sentence. Which is perhaps a lot that he doesn't even realize yet, but it feels important to say. Alucard does nothing else for a moment, aware that in the end, it probably doesn't matter of the effect of his blood on Trevor is due to magic or bond. The end result is all the same.

They both need to calm down. Alucard pats Trevor's leg softly.]

Lie back down. We'll hold each other.

S'not the only reason.

[ Words he mumbles as he comes to fall back against the couch, the darkness to his eyes slowly beginning to fade. It was only a drop of blood after all. Had he actually drank from Alucard, well, that would probably last a lot longer than this little moment here.

But he still hums as he lets his head loll back and forth against the couch cushions, fingers drumming against Alucard's shoulder as he lets the disappearing warmth still wash over him. ]

I called you Adrian. [ He says then softly. ] It just... felt right. In the moment.

[Words almost leave his lips. I want it to be for love.

That's too loaded.

So Alucard just lies down on top of Trevor. He's warmer than Trevor, and he settles with his head on Trevor's chest. It seems comfortable enough, and them his arms wrap around Trevor's sides. This'll do.]

You can keep calling me that.

[ Trevor's slept with another here before. A couple times, actually. Is it love? No, though he does care for them and consider them a friend. Sypha and Alucard... they're different to him. He cares for them, yes. But it's... different and he wouldn't sleep with either of them as a means to just scratch some itch he has. But when he had tasted Alucard's blood on his tongue... jesus christ, he could have so easily let himself if they both wanted. He's coming to learn that blood is not necessarily a drug to him. But it's more a means for him to loosen up, if you will. Let go of things that he normally hides away or doesn't think he should do.

Sometimes that's good. Sometimes that's bad, because it certainly makes him wonder if that's why vampires can be as cruel as they are sometimes. There's nothing holding them back anymore.

But he lays there with Alucard, the tips of his fingers still stroking along his arms as he lets that nice feeling slowly begin to disappear from him. ]

I wonder... [ he murmurs then ] ...if your blood would be able to... nourish me. Or like... reenergize me. Because it felt like that. Like a burst of energy all of a sudden. A really nice burst of energy.

[With his head against Trevor's chest, Alucard can both hear and feel Trevor's heartbeat. He focuses on that. On the changes. On how good it feels with Trevor's fingertips moving along his arms.

They could do this for the rest of the afternoon, honestly. He'd be so happy to. In terms of last days in the realm of the living, there are far worse ways to spend them.]

We'll see. Because transformation could make a big impact as well and...

[Alucard doesn't want to think about it.]

All in due time.

[ He hums in regards to that and is just... content to be like this. Right here. On the couch. While he still has a heartbeat and rides this gentle wave of... Alucard. He shifts a bit, fingers still stroking along the blond's arm when he... feels something and considering they were making out and everything... ]

Do.. you have something in your pocket or... are you..?

[ Happy to see him? ]

--Oh. That's where the wolf went.

[Literally something in his pocket. He doesn't look up. Just snuggles a little bit more and closes his eyes.]

I can take it out if it's digging into you.

[ The way Alucard just so nonchalantly writes that off gets Trevor to chuckle a little into the blond's hair before he gives a shake of his head. What are the odds it's actually something else with Alucard?? Pretty damn high ones. ]

No. M'fine. Just wanted to make sure I didn't get you all hot and bothered.

You're fine.

[Trevor's middle gets a gentle squeeze.]

This is all I want right now.

Mm. Me too.

[ Words he lets himself admit softly as he lays there with Alucard on the couch. Just like that. Fingers brushing over the blond's arm. For as long as they both can. ]

[It's daylight, and that means it's the witch's turn to deal with things while Trevor sleeps. It isn't a bother, considering she's with Alucard and all, and she's been working hard on her spellcasting, so she feels fairly confident that whatever's causing this weird grass is manageable.

But standing on the edge of the field, staring out at it? That's a whole different story. It's quite a lot to take in, a whole pasture of cursed grass...]

...I don't like this, Alucard.

[Alucard's no fan of the fact daylight hours means there's no Belmont. It reminds him far too much of his youth, of waiting for nightfall to be able to see his father and how excruciating it was. Is, yet again.

He has been trying with magic more though. Sypha's presence has well and truly forced his hand, and that the topic of the month seems to be plant and gardening magic? That's fortune for this particular moment.]

Neither do I, but since when do we like anything?

Well, we like winning, and to do that we have to solve the mystery.

[She has to point that out.

Setting down a full basket of food on the edge of the field, she rolls up her sleeves.]

I'll go first. We should test it, see what the effects are. You stay here, watch for anything weird.

Very well.

[Alucard knows better than to try and point out that no, he should step in first or some nonsense like that. Sypha's far better attuned to pick up on magic than he is, and Alucard? Alucard's also a much better look out.

He nods once to show he's ready.]

On your count.

Count.

[She flashes a quick grin before stepping out into the field. Just a few paces at first, no more than an arm's length away from Alucard.

The effect is...pretty immediate. Her stomach does a flip and burbles...]

...Fuck me, that was fast. I feel like I haven't eaten in a week, and I only just stepped out.

Edited 2020-03-11 21:18 (UTC)

[He counts. One. Two. Three. Four. Five....

five?]

Are you getting any other readings?

Not...wait...

[She slows, walking parallel to the edge of the field, not going any deeper.]

I feel something...sad. Like, sympathetic magic. It's almost like a ghost, but sad. And hungry.

[Alucard is careful to keep pace with Sypha. Never out of reach. Always in step. He's brought rope if she needs to be pulled out suddenly and can't move on her own.]

How is it different?

It's...not aggressive. There's also no sense of regret. Not that I can tell.

[She steps out of the field, immediately walking over to the pack she'd set down and grabbing a hunk of chicken.]

...Unless you can have regrets for not eating enough.

I imagine that you can if you enter dire straights because of it.

[Alucard remains just outside the infected area, now crossing his arms and frowning in it's general direction.]

When you're done eating, let me step in and see if I get anything else?

Sure.

[Sypha wolfs down the chicken like it sprang forth fully cooked from a wall, and straightens.]

I'm good. [Wiping grease off her mouth with a sleeve, she steps over. Elegant she is not.]

Ready.

[God he loves her. Even if that means greasy sleeves from time to time.]

Grab the rope tether.

[Alucard waits. Not just for the tether but to ensure that she's ready.]

See if anything in the environment reacts as well? I didn't catch anything but perhaps frequent use will trigger something.

Got it.

[She waggles her fingers and the wind catches the rope, knotting it around his waist.]

I'll do that. You yell and the rope will pull you back. It's magic, so...stronger than anything I can do on my own.

It isn't like I'd resist--

[And someone might get ideas. Or he might, but that's for later.

Alucard steps into the grass. One step. Two. Three.

Hunger smacks at him by the fourth, and that comes out with a little choking noise. The fifth? He clutches at his stomach. Six he's nearly doubled over, and he only just makes a seventh before he trips over himself.]

Sypha!

[He thinks he yells it. It comes out as so terribly weak.]

[He does yell it. Or loud enough for her to kick into gear at least. She snaps her fingers and he's hauled bodily out and deposited safely on the ground. With surprising gentleness.

Sypha's immediately rushing over, another hunk of chicken on hand.]

Eat. It'll help.

[Hunks of chicken are a witch's best friend, apparently.

Alucard's version of hunger is slightly less raveneous than Sypha's, but only slightly. His mouthfuls are delicate, but he chews fast and then does the same, until the portion is gone entirely.

He uses the grass to wipe off his hand, which actually is no better than Sypha's means but he likes to pretend otherwise.]

I'm going to guess that the source is at the center of this patch. The hunger got worse the more I stepped in.

[No, it's totally not. But it's endearing. And cute, in a weird way.]

You think so? Probably, that's sensible

[She does tend to agree.]

I think I'm going to try and and fly over it and see if it affects just the ground, or if it's a whole zone of...I don't even know what to call this.

Well, if you want to confirm the hypothesis, then please and by all means, but I don't know how much food we have left.

[Flying though, that seems rather a good idea. Alucard nods once, and then realizes what he's actually agreed to.]

And when did you gain the ability to fly?

I've always had it. But it's different here.

[She waves her hand and conjures up something beneath her feet. A floating silver disc just large enough to stand on. It pushes up, hovering there.]

I can't use wind magic to fly yet, but I can do this.

[He misses floating.

But there, that'll do. Alucard's eyes shift from Sypha to the field, watching both carefully.]

Any readings yet?

[She whisks out over the field, frowning.]

No...just despair. More of the...oh!

[She breaks off as she spots something near the center of the patch.]

I found the nexus. It...looks like a small mound in the dirt.

[A mound of dirt. How interesting.]

How big, thereabouts?

Man...sized? Roughly?

[She leans down closer to look.]

Could be a corpse.

Can you get any closer to make that determination before the impacts of the grass reach upward?

Probably. It seems...mostly to only affect you if you're in the grass. But just to be safe...

[She floats lower, and her stomach immediately does a flip. So, up she goes, away, zipping back towards him.]

...Guess I'll need to conjure something to do this. Because no. And...toss me up some of that chicken will you?

I am not throwing chicken up in your general direction. Land yourself and we can discuss a plan.

[He is a man of some dignity, let him retain it!]

Ugh. Fine!

[She drops down, letting her weird disc vanish and taking up some chicken to begin stuffing her face hole.]

...So...[between bites of course.]...I'm thinking some sort of magic shovel? Or we figure out how to commune with the spirit and put it to rest?

[How is this where he has laid his affection????

Alucard just watches, shaking his head. He'll ration what's left after this, if only out of sheer need.]

Well, a tethered shovel sounds absolutely ridiculous, even by our standards. [The other option though, that gets consideration and a very long hmmmm.>]

Communing sounds like a slightly learning curve, but probably more effective.

[She is incredibly attractive how dare you.]

Yeah, probably. I've...never done it but I've studied the principles both at home and here.

[It's not really her thing, but it's worth a try.]

[Alucard taps his chin, thoughtful. Considering.

Slooowly taking a scrap of chicken for himself.]

Why don't we try it first by hovering just out of range but directly overhead of what we believe to be the source? That will prevent us from having to finish our rations, but also make it clear that we're genuinely invested in this spirit?

That could work. Maybe if we can draw it out, use our intent, we can put it to rest.

[She eyes her basket, decides no...she's not going to eat more...and stands up.]

Do you need me to make you a disc? The one I can make is really only big enough for one person.

Well, the other option is that I try and hold you up on my shoulders while we do this. Your choice.

As ridiculous as that sounds...no, I think we'll get you started.

[She waggles her fingers, does a little chant, and two floating discs appear side by side.]

Once you step on, just walk. It'll follow your feet. One day I'm going to have to teach you this one.

We'll work on it after this matter is resolved.

[He steps onto the disc carefully, and-- ah. He understands. Another few steps, until he's got control of the concept. Then? Onward and onward to the center.]

This is rather useful, I must say.

I think so.

[Onward and upward! Sypha begins moving over the field, taking it slow and waiting on him before she finally stops just over the mound.]

Alright. I suppose here's where we should try and draw the spirit out.

[Alucard directs his disc so that he is indeed beside her, and Alucard takes the opportunity to really look.

It's a subtle rise, but there. The rest of the dirt hasn't grown in evenly over time, so it isn't a terribly old death. No wonder.

He sighs, then nods.]

We should also brace, in case the hunger comes out in full force in response to where our presence is in location to the spirit.

Yes. I suppose we should.

[Sypha drops down onto her knees on the disc, settling herself into a position not too different from a meditative posture.]

I think...I'll start. Just will it out into the open, and I'll do the same, but with magic. Our intent needs to be to find a way to put it at peace.

There should be an additional element though. Not just willing something out but trying to make it clear that this is to help. The nuance might be important.

An offering. We can both expel some magical energy towards the grave. It may help form a bridge to help them move on.

Right.

[Expelling magical energy. Alucard nods and begins. Sending his own efforts outward, directing them down to that center and the mound. Like casting out a lifeline for a man drowning. They need only hang on and be pulled in.]

[Sypha does the same, letting a meditative trance come over her, pushing the magic down, down deep into the ground.

There's a stirring, somewhere. A sense of something tugging on the pair of them...]

--There, they've caught on.

[Alucard isn't excited, exactly. More like satisfied with the response. He throws more energy out, keeps inviting the spirit ever upward.]

[Sypha does the same, instinctively reaching one hand out to Alucard.]

Together.

[Alucard reaches across the discs. Grabs Sypha's hand, but then? Then the rest is focused on the mound and there's a tug]

We've got something--!

Ah! yes!

[There's no physical thing...but there's a kind of emotional and spiritual weight that comes rippling out of the ground. A burst of energy, and the feeling of something being released, as though from a cage.

It lasts only a moment or two more, before it finally begins to fade, like sand caught on the shoreline.]

...That seems to have done something.

[Alucard nearly falls over from the sudden weight that washes over him. It's more from being surprised about the outpouring than a general problem or being off balance, but it still hits.

He isn't so sure about that fade. He frowns, looking askance at Sypha.]

Let's bring our discs closer and see what happens?

Right...

[She looks from him, to the mound, then back again.]

On three?

Yes.

[It's Alucard that does the countdown, but he moves just a little slower towards the mound. It's more to do with his ability to control the disk than any particular fear of another wave of hunger, but--]

Are you getting any readings?

[She reaches out...]

...Not from the mound. I think maybe it's gone. We should maybe check the grass.

Let me land and then walk in the grass. Swoop in and grab me if I suddenly fall over.

Of course. I will be right here.

[With scooping action!]

[Alucard slowly brings himself down. Hops off the disc entirely, leaving Sypha to dismiss it if she'd like. He doesn't stand on the mound itself, but to the side of it.

Starts to move slowly. Considers--]

So far so good.

[Sypha watches, quiet but intent, focusing on the magical currents all around them.

Nothing seems out of place. So she dangles one foot off the platform and touches the dirt...]

It seems as though we've done it.

[Automatically, Alucard offers Sypha his hand to hop down. She's more than capable, of course she is she's Sypha, but it still feels correct.]

That it does. And there's still some leftovers in the basket.

[That begs a much more exciting question. One that puts a smile on Alucard's face.]

Picnic?

[She takes it, hops down, and lets the discs vanish as she's satisfied with their work.]

We do have all that food...

[And with a quick grin:]

...It would be a shame to let it go to waste. So yes, absolutely.

[For that, Alucard's quick to press a kiss to Sypha's cheek. He's still careful as he goes through the grass though, lest the spell not be cleared. But...there's nothing. Wonderful, blissful nothing. For that, he smiles and heads over to the basket.

This is good. Hell, he could get used to this level of courtship and the softness of it.]

A shame, I should have brought wine;

Well, we can always have some of that once we get home.

[She can make do with water. Sadly, she cannot conjure wine from the air.

Yet.]

Thank you, Alucard. For coming out here with me.

[What a good future skill.]

Of course. I couldn't very well let you go out alone, could I?

[With that, Alucard opens up the basket, unpacking the remaining food. It's not much of a picnic -- remaining chicken, some fruit in the form of grapes, a little bit of olive oil cake -- but it's more than enough for now.]

Do you want anything else, or shall we just go for the cake?

What do you think?

[...if not stopped, that cake is gonna be gone.]

Cake it is.

[Okay. So this isn't exactly a conventional video. This sort of device is so utterly foreign to her, that even though she's got an idea of how it works, there's no fucking way she's going to get it right the first time. Or even the first dozen.

Hell, even just leaving it alone is a disaster...as the video shows the interior of Sypha's bedroom. Just. sitting on a bed as the woman herself goes about moving things into boxes. Bits of shiny glass, bottles of strangely colored liquids, clothes, pretty rocks, books...a lot of just random shit.

And she's humming while she does it, for just a moment, before she starts singing out loud completely oblivious to the fact that she's sending this at all. Fortunately, it's just to one person.]

Priests and clerks...dance in the choir dressed as women...they sing wanton songs. They eat black pudding at the altar itself, while the celebrant is saying Mass...

[It's an old Goliard satire, he's probably heard it. But...Sypha does not have a singing voice at all. So sorry.]

[Alucard is, technically, working right now. On the house, inspecting the kitchen and making sure that it works for him. Everyone has one or two key needs in the living space that will be theirs, and the kitchen is that for Alucard.

He's just about done when Sypha's call happens. Truth is, he barely uses the network and tends to forget it exists but--

--it's hard to ignore singing that bad.]

Sypha, what are you trying to ward off?

[She spins around, eyes nearly popping out of her head at the sound of Alucard's voice. She goggles for a moment at the camera, her mouth snapping shut, then opening, then...closing again.

Realization dawns.

Realization that Alucard has heard her singing. When she thought she was alone.

...

Fucking hell...]

...How the fuck did this even turn on...

[And she flies across the room, attempting to close the feed.]

--I don't know but that was you singing?!

[Sypha, he's sorry. He's only here to focus on the important things.]

Yes.

[She folds her arms, suddenly looking away with that surly look on her face.]

What of it? I thought I was alone.

[Alucard is so sorry. He's so sorry, because a laugh manages to sneak out.]

--It's....I don't know what I was expecting! Not that!

So I'm bad at it.

[She waves a hand...all BLAH!

Don't you laugh at her!]

I'm a Speaker, not a Singer.

I'm just surprised! So many stories are passed down through music, I assumed a natural talent-!

No. This is my one weakness, Alucard.

[Okay, okay. He's stopping. Promise. Look at his face sober up and get serious!]

Very well. I won't bring it up again, I promise.

Somehow, I suspect you'll forget that promise the moment you're around Treffy.

[Heh. She knows it.]

If I find out you have, I might have to start serenading you outside your door, every night.

--I mean I assumed we'd be sharing a bed in the new house, so you'd just be serenading into my ear directly.

And do you want to bet on me forgetting that promise?

That's even better. All the more incentive for you to keep it.

[Okay, yes, she definitely isn't going to say no, she isn't sharing a bed with him.]

Anyway. No, I don't know how this thing turned on. It did it earlier, too.

[She frowns.]

The boy on the other side said something about butt dialing, but I think that's slang for something I don't have context for.

Hm. So you probably just brushed the thing up against....another surface and it rang me by accident?

[He shrugs.]

I don't use or much like these things. I suppose just be careful of where you have it on your person.

I suppose that is what happened.

[Ugh. Machines.]

I don't like them either. Probably even less than you because they're so unfamiliar.

You...grew up around machines, didn't you?

I did, yes. But they were never as small as the ones they have here.

Yeah? But they could do the same things, right?

[She has no idea how machines work.]

Actually, I don't believe they could do this. I'm sure that whenever we're home it will be perfectly possible to approach the idea, as they operate similar to the viewing mirror in the Belmont Hold but--

Well, that's magic, after all. This is both.

It is. I think it might be worth trying. I...would like to stay in touch, you know.

--In all honesty, I think I'd just prefer if you were both with me. I don't wish to return to that level of solitude.

After...everything. Honestly?

Fuck the castle. Fuck the hold.

You should come with us.

Sypha, I can't let any of that stuff fall into the wrong hands. You know that.

And I like being in a home with you both.

I know. I just...I don't know.

[She breaks off, not sure.]

We can figure it out. You won't be alone. You're too important to me and to him.

[Alucard sighs. This wasn't the conversation he expected to be having right now.]

I know. Maybe if we can unbreak the castle? Store it somewhere safe and remote, then I can travel with you both.

[Her either.]

That! Yes, let's do that.

[She's sure they can do that.]

...Sorry I broke it, by the way.

[Is this an admission of guilt? Yes. Maybe.]

--It was what had to be done at the time.

[Look. He'll not even be a dick about it. Instead he'll just smile, a little sad and awkward about the whole thing.]

We'll find a way to make it move again. New research project.

Yes. Definitely. After...we get done saving this world.

[Let her have this, too.]

Or maybe we'll get sent back early, hm?

[He'd really rather that, in truth.]

Maybe...

[She hopes not. Sorry, Alucard.]

So long as I get sent with you, it doesn't matter in the end. I don't want us split up.

...You two shouldn't leave then. When we get home and you're preparing to depart so you can pass what's happened along to your people.

I'll have to find a way to contact them.

They...need to know, of course.

[That's the rub.]

...perhaps I could convince them to come. There's so much contained in the Hold's library.

[Alucard pauses, considering the idea. And the reaction? Slowly, his face lights up in approval.]

I think we can make that work.

There is certainly room!

[And then, nobody has to be alone.]

Then that is step one when we return home.

Step two. Because, of course, step one is finding the biggest bed and flopping down in it.

You're going to have to settle for second biggest. My parents had the largest, obviously.

Fine, fine...second biggest it is.

[So long as she gets her boys, she's not really fussed.]

Good.

[i think we can end it here?]

I need to talk to you about something
sometime
whenever

I'm here.

So I know you read a lot and I was wondering how much you know about bonds.

To what specific end?

The dangers of them.

......What's happened that has you wondering about this?

I've considered taking a fourth.

May I ask who and why (while I check my research notes.)

Hector and I said I would if he can't get his shit together.

[There's a moment of tension through the Bond with that. Hector? Hector?

Alucard does manage not to retort with "the necromancer who wanted to do an entire genocide with my father????"

Instead he's getting very terse research notes.]

Over-bonding:

--Destabilizes.
--Too many for witch: overfeeds cycle, results in coma/vegetative state OR becomes overpowered
--Too many for monster: increased feral nature regardless of cycle, impacts bonded monsters and witches, potential for magic addiction, also can result in above state if goes badly
--HIGHLY ILL ADVISED
--Seems to impact entire system of bonded groups, unsure if ripple effect?

[ do you think he can't feel that, alucard?? ]

Well that doesn't sound fun.

It's....I would rather you not.

[He doesn't care!]

Because of the dangers or because it's Hector?

If it was anyone else, I'd say that the danger was enough. You put myself and Sypha at risk if you do this, along with Mr. Berserker, and since it is unclear how much these extra bonds can ripple out, you'd be impacting his system as well.

But it is also Hector. So because it is also him, that is a factor that I'm trying to be objective about and am failing.

[ so he just WON'T tell alucard that hector confessed he has a crush on him then... ok. ]

I didn't say I was going to definitely. I'm trying to get his ass to stop being so stupid about the lack of bonds he has.

I don't want to endanger you or Sypha or "Mr. Berserker"

[ he's definitely telling berserker that ]

[ALUCARD DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE CORRECT FORM OF ADDRESS IS FOR HIM SHUT UP TREVOR]

And I assume that other efforts to find literally anyone has failed?

[Not being an ass about this is getting harder....]

I don't know. I think he's afraid to feel something for someone and lose them. I get it. I've been there myself. Before you and Sypha, I didn't want anyone around me because everyone just dies.

I know you're not fond of him and I understand your reasons for it. But people can also change, Alucard. There's no Dracula or army here. I gave you a chance.

We're allowed to be afraid. And do you think I haven't felt the same when I realized what circumstance demanded of me? There was a reason my plan was to go back and sleep under Gresit before you gave me the Hold. I can respect your efforts for extending a hand and empathy to someone else in a relatable position. I'm sure that the correct opportunity will present itself.

That said, tere's a lot I can forgive. Helping commit genocide in the name of my mother isn't one of them.

I can't turn my back on someone who needs my help. I mean. I can and have. But I don't want to anymore. If I have the strength and mean to protect those who can't, then I want to. I guess I'm still a Belmont in that regard.

I know. Just don't let it become an uncontrollable hate. You're better than that.

And I will continue to respect that. There must be another means of outreach.

We keep our distance from each other and don't interact. It's a peaceful co-existence, and that's all I can ask for.

But I can feel you moping.

--I think I'm allowed.

Do you want some company?

I'll ride this out. It's inappropriate for me to make this about my feelings when you only asked a question.

Considering what we are, I thought it was better to tell you instead of keep it to myself.

I really do appreciate that.

Anyways like I said, I'm not looking to run out and do it. I wanted to know what would happen.

You're a strategist. I trust you to find another way, since you're now armed with more knowledge.

Yes I am. I even helped someone who needed advice on dating two people at the same time.

....Was it listened to?

Maybe?

Either way, good.

<3.

Just, you know, doing my job.

Good job.

Want to join us in bed tonight?

Only if you don't mind me bringing a snack.

Not.. a person.

But an actual snack. To be shared.

Sounds good~

May I ask about what the snack is, or is it a surprise?

Edited 2020-06-15 01:04 (UTC)

Chocolate covered strawberries.

That sounds absolutely wonderful.

I was hoping you'd like it.

See you in a few hours.

Should I get wine to go with it?

Sure. Like I'll ever say no to a drink.

I'll head out and take care of that now then.

[After a little bit of legwork, there is absolutely a knock on Ursula's door and behold: a summer dhampir. Which is to say Alucard's got a basket of hangover cure along with some bread and fresh berries, all while wearing a hell of a large hat with shades and a light tunic. He is pale okay, summer is the enemy.]

Edited 2020-07-04 01:08 (UTC)

[ Ursula was glad Fang had already head out for the day. Her head was pounding a little too heavily to really explain what was going on. Even though she's pretty sure Fang would just tease her about it. When she opened the door, she hadn't really bothered to make herself presentable, hair frazzled and pajamas lopsided. ]

Oh you're a lifesaver...

[ Just... trying not to mention incriminating text messages. ]

[Alucard tries not to laugh at Ursula's current state, because goodness, it is something. He's been known to rise from bed less than perfect under certain situations, but this? This is something else all together.

He offers the basket first.]

And I think you enjoyed the holiday a little too much.

[There's warmth in his voice at least.]

Well, like I said... one year anniversaries, and all. [ All three of them.

She took the offered basket, stepping aside. ]

Come on in. I'll put coffee on.

Oh, you didn't mention that part.

[Is he smirking? Of course not. There's a little bit of fond approval in Alucard's eyes though, and he steps into the house proper. With his hands free, his hat and sunglasses come off.]

And yes to coffee, please. Is there any spot where I should put my things?

Anywhere that's clean, I suppose...

[ Ursula didn't keep her living space terribly neat. And with Fang living there as well, the place certainly had a mood of controlled chaos to it. ]

Right.

[Alucard finds a little spot beside a table in the entrance way, and off his hat goes. The sunglasses go inside of it, and he looks less like a ridiculous sun-hat wearing woman at the beach and more like himself.

To the kitchen then, and most importantly, to something to eat.]

I'm almost afraid to ask, but have you eaten much yet?

I was awake enough to have some bacon Fang had prepped for me. She babysat me about as well as she could before she had to head out...

[ It wasn't much, but it was a start. ]

I have to ask, did the bacon help any?

... A little.

[ Look, it was food, Alucard, she wasn't going to complain. Plus Fang made it for her. ]

Would you like me to make more bacon? Or something else more substantial?

You're doing so much for me as it is. I'm not sure I could really ask for more.

[ Ursula sighed, rubbing at her temples a bit. Plus the whole... embarrassing string of texts thing was still hanging over her head. She wasn't sure she could handle any more potential social imbalances at the moment. ]

No, but hangovers don't fix themselves instantly and I don't think you're in a state to cook either.

[Alucard has honestly forgotten all about the texts. It is a non issue. The issue now is starting to poke at the kitchen to see what's hanging around--]

[ The fact that he was already looking for something to make for her... ]

I guess I can't really stop you, then.

[ He'd at least find some eggs. Easy enough. But it was a little troublesome, wasn't it? For him to just keep doing the same caring, tender things he did, the very things she'd admitted to being attracted to him for... ]

I mean if you're truly insistent, I will, but.

[Eggs and -- oh. Some chives. That'll do. Alucard doesn't question where the chives came from or why, he just takes them out and walks all of it over to the stove.]

But protein helps.

[ She tried to keep a stock of vegetables. At least stuff that could easily be diced up and tossed into stew, or stir-fry. She wasn't much of a cook, at all. But she'd learned, from living on her own for so long, some easy meals she could prepare.

She settles herself on a stool near the the kitchen bar, a place she normally had her morning coffee, and just... watched him get things ready. ]

[Alucard happily lives on the opposite end of living along and cooking scale. He'd be a downright culinary hipster if he understood the concept, although it is likely better for all involved that he doesn't and isn't. He'd be even more insufferable.

He moves through the kitchen with ease, finding cutting boards and pots while trying to move them with the least amount of noise possible. Then eggs and--]

Scrambled, omelette, any preferences?

Let your creative heart guide you. [ A small giggle. ]

Either way, I'm grateful.

Hmm.

[Creative, in the end, translates into omelette. It also translates into checking the fridge for cheese, which Alucard fully expects to be present. Behold, it is, and with that, the chives, and a decent pan?

Behold. Egg transformed, although the plating isn't much to look at. Just a nice, fluffy pile of egg folded into thirds placed in the center of the plate with a few extra chives sprinkled on top.]

I think that should do the trick along with the potion.

[ Chariot had no lack of cheese, to be sure. It made for an excellent looking omelette, that she was happy to indulge in. Honestly, this was her favorite sort... Alucard really had come through in the pinch. She took sips of both water and potion as she went along, letting out a sigh as she got midway through her plate. ]

I'm already feeling so much better.... Thank you, again. You're a lifesaver.

Of course.

[Alucard's happy enough to just sit opposite her, having already eaten and quite content to see his work be enjoyed.]

I'll leave you the dishes though. That much seems fair.

More than, really. [ Ursula chuckled, nervously... ]

Look. About what I said. The other night, I mean.

Yes?

[Alucard wasn't going to bring it up unless she did, in truth. Yet they seem to be at the point of discussing it.]

[ Another bite, a sip of her drink, and a deep breath. ]

You didn't feel... pressured, or anything, by it, did you?

I did not. [He's entirely even keeled.]

Flattered yes. Pressured? Not at all.

[ A sigh of relief. ]

I'm glad. We'd had that talk, before, about how new all of this was to you, and the last thing I wanted to do was...

Well. The important thing is we can talk about it at all, right? Without me turning into a nervous wreck.

Well, without either of us turning into wrecks.

[Alucard doesn't exactly blush but it is a very near thing that crosses Alucard's cheeks and through his expression.]

I think at any other point, I might've. So well done to us both instead.

I guess it is a pretty big statement of how far we've both come that we've survived such a particularly awkward situation... [ A nervous laugh. ]

[He nods, small smile breaking over his face.]

It is. So well done to us. A shame we have nothing to toast with.

[ A small laugh. ] Yeah, no wine for me for a couple of days. I can't do that level of drinking again.

Though it did make this Litha just as memorable as my first...

The holiday was good for you, too, right?

And you can remember it which is also a good thing.

[Alucard that's rude.]

Once I was home, yes. The amount of public affection was, as I rather expected, a bit much for me. Better to be home and curled up on a sofa, from where I sit.

Curled up with whom?

[ Dish, girl, dish. ]

You expect me to kiss and tell?

[His scandalized face is entirely fake. Promise.]

--Do you have any coffee I can partake of?

Ursula was prone to second guessing just about everything she did, but she didn't miss the act.

As it turns out, I have a cupboard full of it. I've been collecting since I arrived. [ Wine wasn't her only indulgence. ]

Oh well. Perhaps I can be bribed with a strong cup.

[It's all a little silly, and he laughs gently at it.]

Besides, what is there to say? Trevor and Sypha are wonderful in every way.

[ Well that... made her blush pretty heavily. ]

A-at the same time?

[ Sure, she'd had three evenings of absolute bliss with her SOs, but that was all separated by time and distance. ]

Yes?

[He tilts his head. Just slightly. This is weird???]

Wait, have you not been with both of--?

It hasn't really come up as a possibility...

[ She takes another bite, distracting herself with that and some water... ]

The truth is, I'm not sure my SOs are... compatible that way.

[Meanwhile, a dhampir starts to fiddle with making coffee. Because as you do.]

Well, if you're not certain of that, then it isn't best to press. It is...it is interesting. A lot of careful balance and indulging in just watching others, sometimes. Or being watched.

[ She can feel her face burning, thinking about it, but oh... could she not cease thinking about it, ducking her head and finding the remaining third of her omelette deeply interesting to stare at. ]

It sounds... wonderful, actually.

[Oh dear. He seems to have caused some vivid thoughts.

He's not going to smirk, but he is going to keep going.]

It is. But the best part is just vying with each other to be held by the other two when it's all said and done. I've had few better moments of falling asleep in my life.

It sounds like something out of a romance novel...

[ She sighed, picking a few more bites of her breakfast. ]

As exhausted as I am now, I think handling more than one of them at once would definitely wear me out...

Oh, we're usually inclined to not move most of the day after.

[Alucard has the good grace to look at least a little embarrassed by that fact, and it shows in his little sheepish smile.]

But sometimes just having them both around to snuggle is enough. That much I think you can handle.

It's probably not surprising that's the part I'd wish for most... [ A sip of her drink, a hum. ]

Just... surrounded by their warmth. I'd be so happy.

Then maybe just ask for an evening like that. Three on the sofa, with you in the middle. Nothing else required.

We should probably talk sometime.

?

You know. It's that thing two people do with words. Over this or in person sometimes.

What do you want to talk about, Trevor?

Just some things I've been thinking about.

Ok.

I'll meet you for dinner after sunset in the kitchen?

Sure. Alright. Works for me.

--Or would you rather me to come down to your space right now?

Whatever works. Don't really have a preference.

On my way then.

See you soon.

[ obviously. ]

[knock knock belmont]

[ Even though he's expecting him, he's sort of surprised with the knocks?? But then again, that tracks right for Alucard and so, going to get the door, he pulls it open and stares to him his pale vampire glory. ]

You know you don't really need to knock, right?

[ Who else would it POSSIBLY be??

But, he steps aside to let the blond in to his little ~domain~ down here. ]

--I know.

[But he shrugs, stepping in all the same.]

But it's still your space, and I want to be polite. Is the sofa okay?

Sofa's fine.

[ As he gestures to it for the blond to take, Trevor coming to gently shut the door with the palm of his hand... where he decides to linger for a moment, staring to it. ]

You're... pretty smart, aren't you? When you're not being a smartass, that is.

Trevor, I grew up the son of a doctor and an inventor who hoarded knowledge lost to humanity thrice older. It'd be a shock if I wasn't smart. Or taught to have manners, as that was the first thing my mother remarked upon after she met my father.

[So...smartass for now.

The dhampir's footsteps are still silent as he walks over to the sofa, and there is no noise as he settles atop the cushions. There are only keen gold eyes looking over at Trevor, trying to divine the purpose of talking.]

Usually a variation of "we need to talk" doesn't bode well, Trevor.

[ He'd like to think he's a little better at this but... no. No he's not and he stands there staring to the door for a little longer before he comes to turn and, instead, press his back against the door as he stares over to the blond now. ]

Things feel different, don't they?

[ A beat. ]

Between you and me.

[ And, another beat, gaze dropping. ]

Ever since Sypha left.

There's no reason for us to handle loss in the same way.

[So he's been fucking around in the Wilde doing minor quests when he can, and keeping himself busy. Being home in time to sit and falling asleep at three AM, so that there's Trevor time. But of course it's been different.]

I miss her too.

I know. [ That he misses her. ] It's just...

[ With his gaze still on the floor in front of him, he feels his face scrunch up some as he tries to articulate how to phrase this. ]

...I don't know what I feel anymore.

[......Fuck.]

Romantically, you mean?

[ Tilting his head some, he lets those blue eyes have their gaze wander over to the wall now, a couple strands of hair falling in front of his face as he does so. ]

Mmm... yeah. That one.

[Oh, he doesn't like this.

There's a new stillness to the dhampir. One that has him looking Trevor in the eyes, not hiding the worry in them.]

How have they changed? Through any cause of my own actions or inactions?

[ Stop looking at him Alucard, he can feel your gaze on him. ]

I... still care about you? Just... I don't know what else I feel.

[ To which he finally just SIGHS because, like with everything when it comes to these things, he's just absolute SHIT at trying to explain it. So, pushing himself away from the door, he throws his hands up some and paces a bit, speckles of red gently touching at the corners of his eyes to show his frustration. ]

I don't know! Everything feels different. I don't feel as much about things like I used to. Like nothing matters anymore.

[I still care about you.

The dhampir visibly relaxes at that. For a horrible moment, he thought this was something else, but no. It isn't breaking up. Good.

So he forces himself to listen. Really listen.

Sounds like depression is the first thought, but then--

--no.]

Usually older vampires feel that way, but it's because they've been alive for so long.

Fuck. I had a feeling this might happen.

[ He mumbles that to himself as he continues to pace. Trying to figure out how similar vampires are here to the ones he's more accustomed to back home has been AN ADVENTURE for him over the past nearly year they've been here now and he's had to play the guinea pig for it. Of course.

Another sigh, this time heavy, he stands there then and pinches the bridge of his nose with two slender pale fingers. ]

I don't... know how to fix this. How to keep myself from just... not caring.

--Okay.

[He has to breathe out. Remind himself that this is a part of vampirism in this stupid place, and that's simply that.]

Come over here first. You're stealing my game, brooding in the corner.

[ Letting his fingers fall away from his face, he remains still for a moment before boots scuff against the flooring of his room and he drops himself down onto the sofa beside Alucard. Quiet, he hangs his head, strands of brown falling in front of his face. ]

I'm sorry. [ Two words that are so incredibly sad and soft. ] I don't want to not care about you anymore... or anyone else I care about here. I never thought I'd have something like this in my life again... people who I care about and care about me in return.

[ He never thought anyone would give a shit about him again. ]

I think... it might be worse. To lose you all because of myself and what I'm becoming instead of through any other means.

[ Because he can fight monsters he'll give his life to protect the people he values and cares about here. But to "lose them" because of what he IS and has no say in being here?? That would hurt more. Even if he couldn't feel it. ]

[Alucard is quick to close the gap between them both. To put both of his arms around Trevor and pull him close. To keep him close, squeezing ever so gently. Warmth rolling off the dhampir's body against the coldness of the Belmont.]

It's worse because you don't choose to do it this time.

[His voice is soft. Almost a whisper.]

Look at me. Tell me how you feel, as it all comes.

[ It's funny to think he's now the cold one and Alucard the one carrying with him a warmth he never really thought the blond would possess. This place having made them both something neither of them were ever for and still, at times, struggle with in their own ways. But... at least they have each other? That counts for something, doesn't it? Even if he's terrified of not caring at some point that he has it- has Alucard there for him.

Doing as asked, he lets those blue eyes speckled with flecks of red that gently begin to recede some look to the blond and he blinks. Slow. ]

Would you... be happier with someone else? Do you think? Someone who... doesn't like the smell of your blood or worry about waking up one night and not feeling anymore?

--Those are questions, Trevor. Not feelings.

[It is a pointedly gentle correction. One that comes with Alucard kissing the top of Trevor's head. Some of it is genuine, the rest a ploy to force him to be warm. Happier. More in touch with these dulling parts of him.

He'll leave the questions alone.]

I was... just giving you a way out. If you wanted one.

[ Being considerate for someone he cares about?? But he looks up then, blue eyes peering to Alucard through brown strands of hair. ]

I don't want to have to rely on blood for feeling things. I can... taste or absorb someone's emotions through blood when I drink if they're strong enough. But I don't want it to be the only way I can feel anything again.

That's still not what I'm asking you to do, Trevor.

[The dhampir sighs, a little weary.]

I want you to sit here and do an inventory of feelings right now. Look at me and tell me how I make you feel. Dig it out of a deep and ice cold well if you must, but try it.

Well sorry for telling you what's on my mind right now.

[ He knows Alucard can't read his mind but GOSH. He's... trying!! ]

I... don't know what I feel.

[ He knows that doesn't help and it's frustrating for the both of them. So he huffs, he puffs, he blows his frustration out and curls his fingers into his palms, nails cutting into pale flesh. ]

Annoyed? Does that count?

[ Fuck. He's trying to remember how blips of things would influence and alter his mood, picking up on what Hector and Berserker felt. ]

Just- give me your hand. I'm not going to bite you.

[Alucard's careful. He strokes Trevor's hair as gently as he can, trying to just prompt warmth. Gentleness. Something, anything at all.

But he'll take confusion and being annoyed. He'll nod along with it, Trevor still gathered up in his arms.]

Annoyed is a start.

[Here he was all set to kiss the Belmont. But for now, he'll move one arm down, letting Trevor take his hand.]

Whatever you need.

[ He likes to think that each of his Bonded alter and influence his mood in a way. That's... liable to sound bad to some, he thinks, but when his own emotions have slowly begun to dull some over the seven(?) months almost now that he's been a vampire, allowing him to feel SOMETHING from someone else - his Bonded - and make it his own or even remind him what it feels like is something he wants- needs to try and see is possible. Because... it makes sense. Theoretically. If they can feel one another through the Bond, if they can pick up on spikes of panic, fear, anger, or heartache, then surely he can tap into whatever they're feeling in the moment or even not, can't he? Maybe. He's not sure and that's why he has Alucard's hand in his.

Fauns are through touch, dragons are through dominance, witches are... what? Through magic? Somehow that doesn't add up as that would imply Alucard needing to cast some spell (like he can??) or swallowing down the magic within his blood and risk those magical explosions all around him like the last time.

Gently, he lets the tips of his pale fingers caress over the back of Alucard's hand and around to the inside of his wrist, blue eyes seeming fixated on doing that yet also searching for something at the same time. Thinking back to the first time they Bonded with one another almost a year ago now, he looks up to the blond then and, reaching up with a hand, lets the tips of those fingers rest against the crook of his neck. Alucard is a witch here but he's also more than that to him. So maybe it's not magic he needs but... something else to feel something.

That's when he kisses him then. Soft, gentle, fingers still resting against his neck. ]

[Alucard's fingers move slowly through Trevor's hair, letting the Belmont figure out what he needs to do to try and at least try this exercise. If he's gained nothing else through this entire experience, Alucard likes to think he has gained patience. In the past he might've snapped for Trevor to just do the damn task as asked. Or else he'd whine and tease that if Trevor was going to kiss him then just do it. But that isn't right for the moment. It hasn't been right for a lot of moments, spent together or with Trevor and Sypha, all slow and kind and patient and so full of love.

That last part is the most important. It's the only thing that matters, and the dhampir hopes that the feeling of real affection does surface through this damned bond.

His breath is shallow with those fingers against his neck. They always are. But with the kiss, Alucard is breathless. His head tilts back. His lips part just a little, wanting Trevor to keep going. Needing him to, to keep trying to plumb the depths of what feelings endure.]

[ The wheels in Trevor's mind start turning. Blood provides him with a nourishment his (undead) body needs but for emotions... it can't just be through the blood because emotions are not blood. They're not something that bleed out of you when you prick your finger or cut yourself on a knife. They're brought forward because of what happened, not because they're in the blood. So maybe, if he can "feed on them" like this...

Trevor gently pushes Alucard back against the sofa and falls into him as he deepens their kiss. It's still gentle, still slow and still carries with it an almost curious way about it on Trevor's end. But he's still careful and slow and gentle with Alucard, even as a hand comes to rest at the small of his back. ]

Don't cut yourself on my fangs. [ He mumbles then. ] I want to taste you, not your blood.

[Alucard's not sure he expected we should talk to end with this, but he's relieved for it. He wouldn't venture happy into the equation, because the circumstances are still dire and worrisome. But this is better, and it is hard for that note of relief not to bleed into all of this.

Flat on his back he may be, but his arms don't move far. The hand that was in Trevor's hair rests against his cheek now, thumb rubbing in small, soft circles, the other hanging freely off the side of the sofa. For now.

An impossibly warm laugh bubbles up from deep in his belly, and it comes with a fleeting smile.]

I could say the exact same thing to you, Trevor.

[ Seeing and hearing Alucard laugh like he is... it's difficult for Trevor NOT to smile himself and ah, it's quite warm as he does. Almost like a mirror of Alucard's own. As he lets the tips of his fingers smooth down the front of the blond's shirt, he tilts his head some and blue eyes stare down to him curiously as he mulls over something. Every time he's with his Bonded, he feels... better. He doesn't feel as detached as he does when it's just him. Up a tree. In the middle of the night. Vampires have a tendency to be rather solitary creatures for the most part, so... maybe that's been influencing the loss or dulling of his emotions.

Maybe he needs to be around his Bonded in order to feel more.

The thought makes Trevor blink and he lets his gaze wander off to the side for a moment before he lets it fall back onto the blond. ]

You and I have sort of been away from one another for a few weeks now, haven't we?

[ The both of them just.. trying to deal with a loss in their own way when, maybe, they should have been dealing with it together. But. They are how they are and sometimes they both need that space to brood in private. ]

I wonder if that's what's weakened what I feel for you. Because when I'm around you... it feels better. I feel a little more like me and not like I'm not me.

[Alucard's hand stays right where it is. He's gotten used to Trevor's skin being so cold, but he'll never be used to it. Or okay with it. It feels right in this moment, and so it stays. He got Trevor to smile. He felt all those facial movements, and that feels like some little victory in these circumstances.

Alucard's eyes close in careful contemplation at the Belmont's words. He's right, isn't he? Being apart just made this worse. It's always worse when they fail to communicate.]

I think you're right. [There's apology and regret in his voice, and his eyes are a little more somber when they open.] It'll be easier now, with things growing darker earlier.

[With summer over and all. Moreover and more importantly, there's a simple question for the time being:] Shall I stay here for the night?

[ With the cooler months coming and the days becoming shorter and shorter, it's the Vampire Season really. When they and all other creatures of the night can come out much earlier and stay out much longer than they can during the spring and summer months.

Taking hold of Alucard's hand, he lets it press to his cheek and turns his head to brush his lips over the heel of the blond's palm as he holds gently to his wrist. ]

I'd like that.

[It's impossible for Alucard not to blush as lips brush over his palm. Sometimes it's embarrassing how stupid he gets over the little gestures. How they seem to cut to the heart of everything. Tender moments always do this.

His other hand finally moves, resting against Trevor's chest. Where his heart ought to be beating.]

I'd like more like that.

Then I guess that makes two of us.

[ Even as he mumbles the words, he lets his lips ghost their way down the inside of Alucard's wrist and along his arm as he leans in against him a little more. He's mindful of his weight and not outright pinning him there since, well, this is the sofa and not the bed. But still he finds himself wanting to drink up every last drop of emotion that he feels for and from Alucard and those lips come to lead him to the blond's collar bone and so close to his neck. ]

The other keep me fed on blood... but yours is the one I always crave the most.

[ He mumbles that with lips pressed to Alucard's collar bone and he comes to look up to him then, blue eyes soft in the way they search his face. ]

You know that what I feel for you is different to how I care about others. Right?

[There's a breathy sigh that could be a sigh of contentment or the word fuck said with unending fondness, or it could just be a noise in response to the sheer thrill that comes with the movement of Trevor's lips. It doesn't matter. It comes out of the dhampir and his heart is all but singing for more.

He wouldn't mind being pinned in this moment. The moment is far too soft, but it'd work. To just be trapped under a comfortable weight and taking turns reminding the other that they're loved.

Ever a terrible stereotype, the neck makes Alucard just that much more excited. That's true even now, and it is a real struggle for him not to just press against those lips and become demanding for attention. That isn't the point.]

I've suspected. [He's not happy about Hector at all, but Alucard forces himself not to reflect on it.] And you're the only one I have. That's by choice.

[ He and Berserker have already had This Talk and about how, while they care for one another a great deal, there's still someone dearest within their hearts that can't be replaced: Diarmuid for the dragon and Alucard for him. He's thankful for the understanding they seem to share about that but... it had made him realize that he an Alucard hadn't... really addressed that much and while this is SUCH a bad moment to do so with being so close to the blond like this, he still feels the need to mention it some. To, hopefully, convey to him that he's different. That no one else compares to him or takes his place, just as no one could ever with Sypha either.

So he lets his own hand gently cradle the side of Alucard's face, fingers forever cool to the touch. ]

Even if you find yourself caring for someone else here, I know what you and I have is... it can't be touched by anyone else. I just want to you to know that.

[ That he always comes back to him. ]

Do you want to go to the bed for... [ you know. ]

Edited 2020-09-30 02:14 (UTC)

[It was only ever going to be Trevor or Sypha, wasn't it? If Alucard had ended up here alone, maybe it'd be different. Maybe he might've gone and exploded in a fit of rage magic. Or just given into some halfhearted bond because he needed to be responsible. But it wouldn't have worked, because only Trevor and Sypha had met the worst of Alucard and could be comfortable with it.

He can't imagine not being bonded and it involving romance, and there's just...nothing else he wants.

Alucard breathes out, shifting his face slightly to nuzzle against Trevor's fingers.]

I know.

[It is worth saying all the same.]

--Please. As long as it's like this.

[Warm. Loving. Making a point to be expressive, because it has become painfully clear they both need this. Not just Trevor.]

[ That gets him to chuckle some. ]

I only get really bad when I've drank blood.

[ When the more carnal side to his vampire self is more "awake and dominant" in a manner of speaking. Though: ]

Just in case you're ever in the mood for that.

[ He winks, mostly teasing because This Is Alucard but hey, not like he'll deny his partner that sort of fun if he ever wants it. For now, though, he'll keep it as it is, feeling it might be more what they need in this moment here between them.

So, pulling back, he tugs at the blond's wrist to help him up and dips down then to kiss along his neck as fingers begin to blindly feel around for buttons or strings or whatever's needed to help him out of that shirt. ]

You smell so good. All mine. My moody blond asshole.

[Alucard very nearly opens his mouth with stop, you're going to ruin the moment. But he knows better now. Instead he focuses on trying to steal a quick kiss before Trevor runs his mouth further. God knows it isn't a successful attempt, but he tried goddamnit. That has to count for something.]

Right now, I think we're better focused elsewhere.

[It wouldn't be bad. Just different, and there are days Alucard wouldn't mind just letting Trevor do as he would like while simply being along for the ride. Shit, that thought actually does stick with him, even as Trevor's kissing at his neck.

Alucard's own hand focuses on the rear of Trevor, but--]

Maybe don't talk about assholes yet?

[He says it with a laugh though, taking a very shaky backwards step towards the general direction of the bedroom.]

And you say I'm terrible.

[ GOSH.

But he's careful in the way in which he guides Alucard back to the bedroom here in his little vampire domain made for him, forever grateful that he has an actual bed and not a bloody coffin. Although, he wouldn't say no to one since he likes the confined spaces when sleeping. But a bed is much better for things like this. ]

What should we talk about then?

[ He mumbles against the crook of Alucard's neck, letting his hands roam down the front of that shirt. ]

How about how you're wearing too much right now and would look so much better with it all off?

You started it.

[But he laughs again, so happy to just be lead about. For this to be normal and wonderful and that they're never going to end up trying to make out in a coffin rather than a proper bed.

His hands find Trevor's chest. Or at least one does, making no secret of how much the dhampir enjoys the Belmont's firm and ample bosom. The other is happy to just move up and down Trevor's side, enjoying the feel of the fabric as it moves over skin.]

Mmmm. Sounds like a fascinating topic, do go on.

Why go on when I can take things off though?

[ A grin on his lips, he comes to stop when they're at the foot of the bed and he kisses Alucard then. Still gentle but becoming a little more firmer as he rests his hand against the nape of the blond's neck.

The kiss is only for a moment, however, as he breaks it long enough to be able to help the blond out of that shirt and leave him exposed to him in a way that Trevor takes great delight in.

The tips of his fingers run gently across the scar that Alucard will forever wear from his father and he leans in to kiss along the dhampir's neck. Soft. Slow. Fingers still coming to trace down the scar to the front of those pants. Dipping in then, he starts to help with the unfastening of them. ]

It feels better with you, you know.

[ He mumbles then as he lets his lips make their way along Alucard's jaw. ]

Maybe because of where I keep you in my heart.

[Alucard's never dwelt on what his chest really means. Not in these moments at least, because the mood of it all is liable to be ruined by even considering the scar for a fraction of a second.

His hands trace over Trevor's chest with a practiced ease and inquisitiveness, enjoying the contrast of soft fabric and cool skin underneath that's firm to the touch. Trevor's all muscle, and it does feel wonderful.

There's a moment as Alucard angles his neck ever so where all of just golden tresses just tumble down and catch in the light. One that he can't quite see himself, and-- oh.

He doesn't mind the forwardness, or the sudden swelling of enthusiasm. If anything, Alucard pushes up against Trevor's hand, trying to encourage things more. They'll be a fine study in contrasts, a nude dhampir and completely covered vampire.]

And where would that be?

[ Because he doesn't want to go through the process of doing this much with them both standing and all, he gently pushes Alucard back onto the bed with a smile and comes to tower over him, knee pressing into the mattress.

Hands continue their careful work of unfastening the blond's pants and it's only when they've finished their task that he tugs the front of them open with a delighted little sound rumbling in the back of his throat. It's been... awhile now. Since they've done this.

Wearing a smile on his lips, he cants his head some as he goes about removing his own shirt for Alucard's viewing pleasure. ]

Nice and close.

[ A tug of those pants down slender hips, he grins a fang-y little grin. ]

Right where I like to be with you here.

[Alucard doesn't flop on the mattress, nor does he exactly stay still. Trevor's free to keep towering over him, but the dhampir's going to prop himself up on his forearms, aware that he looks like a display like this. Especially when his trousers are finally gone, showing his half-hardness and keen eyes that want to fix that soon thank you.

But oh. The minute Trevor's shirt is off? That's the moment where Alucard sits up more. Where Alucard leans in as much as he can, just to press his lips to that perfect chest.]

Mmmm.

[It's a noise pressed right up against Trevor's chest, warm and wanting.]

[ The moment those lips press against his cool chest, he feels not only the gentle warmth from them but the desire and want that the blond has for him and this moment through their shared bond. It's... nice. Really nice to feel and he finds himself nearly falling under the spell of the blond and those lips, slender fingers carding through glittery gold locks of hair as he hums in such delight at the attention given to him.

Normally, he likes to be the one doling out the attention and making the blond sigh in ways only he gets to hear. But this? This is also... really nice and he takes the time to savor the moment and everything that he suddenly is able to feel through this. ]

That's nice...

[ He mumbles the words, fingers still carding through Alucard's hair as his own need begins to grow hard in his pants. Tenting and showing just how nice the blond makes him feel. ]

Only nice?

[Alucard doesn't look up though. He keeps his lips close against Trevor's chest, trailing soft, warm kisses from the spot he's at to the nearest of Trevor's nipples. There's no warning as his tongue carefully and lovingly licks over it, only the warmth and dampness that goes with the action, performed with an overwhelming amount of warmth.

He can feel how hard Trevor is. That's gratifying, but no where near as much as what Alucard's focused on in this moment, his entire vision full of nothing but Trevor's middle.]

F-fuck!

[ Startled is definitely one way to put it. Not because of what Alucard has decided to have fun with, but because of just how warm the blond's mouth is against his much cooler skin. To say that hadn't caught him off guard just a little would be a boldfaced lie. But he's not complaining, just... surprised. Very surprised. Also Alucard's mouth is really nice, too. ]

You did that on purpose.

[ He whines through a groan before he comes to push the blond back against the bed again and, this time, he crawls over him, leaning down to catch those lips in a kiss that feels so starved, so needy, and he can't help but wonder if it's Alucard's need he's feeling through their bond, or if it's his own... or even both of theirs mixed together to create this moment here they're falling into. ]

Do you want to be on your back or your front?

Maybe~

[The sing song is muffled against Trevor's chest too, reverberating with all the warmth Alucard can give and then some. Oh, it may not last, not with the way Trevor handles him next and the way he moves to kiss the dhampir, but it is important.

As to the question, Alucard can only shake his head. Splay his fingers across Trevor's chest and gently push up.]

Neither. Sit up, hm?

[ O-oh... ]

You've got something else in mind?

[ He lets himself be pushed, not at all fighting back or really complaining about what he feels like is Alucard wanting to ride him it's just... surprising?? To see and feel the blond take more initiative like this.

Again, he is soooo not complaining and it even turns him on a little to feel this wanted and needed and desired. Just... different. Unexpected?? Yeah. ]

I do.

[Trevor's right, of course. The moment Trevor's sat up, Alucard picks himself upright and reorients himself, coming to settle right on Trevor's lap. There's no hesitation as Alucard's legs wrap around Trevor's waist, only the sheer exhiliration of his warm cock now resting against Trevor's lower torso.

This is better. It's important Trevor be wrapped up in warmth in this moment, that he feel just how alive and loved he is, so that it's easier to bring those feelings to the surface in return.]

Much more comfortable.

[Comfortable enough for Alucard to reach his hand down between them both, rubbing his hand over the trousers that Trevor still has on and the hardness right below.]

[ Oh. Well. He's definitely not about to complain about any of this. Especially not with that cock where it is and Alucard nice and snug there on his lap. This is nice. This is very very nice.

Even nicer when the blond starts touching him like he is and Trevor can't help but suck in a breath, so to speak. Hands find purchase at those slender hips that he hasn't had the pleasure of touching for some time now and a grin touches those slightly pale lips of his, a fang poking out as he does. ]

Think you can still take me?

[ Yeah yeah, just stroke his ego a bit, Alucard. You're already stroking his cock after all. ]

[Alucard's pretty sure that Trevor's trousers need to be removed soon. But not yet. Teasing like this, it feels wonderful. All the more so when there's hands at his hips.

What else can he do but grind? Just a little. Just to make his point.]

Of course I can. I wouldn't want this if I couldn't.

I like your confidence.

[ Words he mumbles against the blond's lips, cool fingertips find themselves ghosting over soft skin as his own lips latch onto a nicely exposed spot at Alucard's neck and, rather than let teeth sink in to drink as he would with Berserker or Hector, he kisses him. Over and over and over again.

The grinding prompts deep-seated moans from the vampire and Trevor has to eventually tear his lips away from that exposed neck gifted to him because fuck his pants are just too damn tight on him right now and Alucard is not helping in getting them off. ]

Do we have... y'know... stuff down here?

[ Lube. That's what he means. ]

[All of that kissing prompts nothing but a harder grind. Alucard's never made a secret of his neck as the spot that truly gets him going, and that is on full and glorious display in the moment. It isn't just his hips either. Soft, delighted noises spill forth from his mouth, coupled with a tighter grip around the Belmont.

But oh.

They should probably address the trouser situation.]

--It's your room. Do you?

I... think.

[ That's not very reassuring but, either way, he shifts a bit with the blond in his lap and reaches over for the bedside table. Drawer pulled opened, he blindly feels around in there with a rather fixed expression on his face before he finally pulls out what he'd been looking for and catches Alucard's lips in a kiss. ]

There we go.

[ Nipping at that lower lip, he looks between them as he uncaps the bottle. ]

Did you want to or-?

[Alucard's happy enough to pause, easing back on Trevor's legs to let him check. That's enough time and space to at least unzip Trevor's pants and try to pull them down a little.

Oh.

Trevor's focus may be on lube, but Alucard's? It is occupied on the pride he's taking in seeing exactly how aroused Trevor is.]

I want you to. I want your hands there.

You want to watch me jerk myself off for you?

[ He... might be reading that wrong but, hey, who the hell knows?? He's not about to shame Alucard for wanting to watch or anything.

So, with a generous dollop dropped to the palm of his hand, he smooths it over his own aching cock, tips of his pale fingers brushing over the head as he curiously watches him with those blue eyes of his. ]

Nice and big, yeah? But always a perfect fit for you.

Mmmm, not quite.

[Alucard's eyes are on Trevor's cock though, the hunger and want barely restrained but mixed with....well. Something. He's yet to clarify what though, and he reaches out his own hand to run a slender finger up the shaft.]

First, I want to watch you get yourself ready for me. Then I want those same fingers to stretch me just enough so I can ride.

[ Well then. ]

I'm guessing you didn't learn any from that from all the books you read in your spare time. Which is always.

[ Because clearly that's all Alucard does: read. But fuck, who is he to deny the blond what he wants when it's that? Jesus Christ. With bottle still in hand, he lets some of the liquid run over his fingertips before he drops them down to the head of his cock, working them over himself in a slow and a pleasurable way. ]

But if that's what you want, I don't mind giving you a bit of a show.

I'm not allowed to think about the things I want to see you do?

[There's a mock pout, but it comes paired with a warm laugh and a dhampir who leans back just a little bit more. It's a better view, more luxurious. Easier to see all of Trevor, and shit. Just watching the liquid come out gets Alucard going just that little bit more.]

I only get a bit?

Greedy, are you?

[ Not like he's complaining or anything.

Coming to fall back onto his haunches after a bit of shifting around is done, he strokes that liquid over his cock, nice and slow, letting Alucard get a good look as he hums to himself at how it feels to both touch himself and have the blond watching. ]

What else do you want to see me do?

Mmmm.

[It's a warm, soft hum. Thoughtful as it is turned on, Alucard's eyes glued to watching Trevor stroke himself.]

Show me what you do when you're alone.

What- you mean you don't feel it through the bond?

[ So his blond boyfriend isn't a snoop then, huh? Well well. But, far be it from Trevor to deny his bonded what he wants and so, with the most sultry look he can muster, he rubs the pad of his thumb over the head of his cock, stroking himself with gentle groans leaving his lips. ]

Would feel a lot better with you on top.

We all deserve privacy, don't we?

[Alucard wants to sound like more a smirking jackass than he does. Blame the total distraction of Trevor's cock, all lubed up and coupled with noises that hit the dhampir just right.

It is impossible not to lean forward, keen to place himself exactly where Trevor wants him.]

Then help me get ready to take you, hm?

Whatever you say, princess.

[ Because SOMEONE is sure as hell making him do all the work here!! Not like he really minds all that much and, with a shift on the bed, he wraps an arm around the small of the blond's back, pulling him in nice and close and taking care of anything else that needs to be taken care of in the way of clothing for the both of them. ]

Going to burn the image of you taking my cock like this into my mind so I can go back to it whenever I want.

[ He grins a fang-y little grin as he says those words, slathering more of the lubricant all over his fingers as he pushes Alucard down against the bed and crawls over him, eyes hungry for him and only him. Careful, he slips those fingers between the blond's legs and brushes them over where he's simply dying to be inside. ]

Sweet and slow, right?

[ Just wanting to confirm that and all. ]

Princess?

[He manages to sound at least a little offended by that, buck naked and hard as he is. The whole tone is a contrast to just about everything else going on here, and fuck if it doesn't feel wonderful to be manhandled by the Belmont. There's a little moan just as Trevor pulls him in, and then?

Then there's a warm laugh that ends with the dhampir stealing a kiss from Trevor's lips.]

The last half a dozen times we've done this wasn't enough for you?

[Probably, but a new version is always welcome. It's a version that comes along with soft little pants and whines as Trevor's fingers take control of the situation. There's genuine restraint from the dhampir not to just grind, and for his troubles, Trevor gets copious kisses pressed against his own neck and shoulders.]

Yes. Please.

Mm, but this is sort of like making up kind of, isn't it?

[ Even though they... didn't exactly have an argument or anything, but. Still. It's been awhile for the both of them and so with that comes the needy desire to be inside the blond and have him all for himself again.

He takes some care in the way he presses those fingers against the blond's hole before he takes the plunge (so funny) with working one inside him. The kisses to his neck are appreciated and shown in the way he hums with his head rolling against Alucard's shoulder, fangs just barely scraping along pale skin, mindful to never really break skin. Just little nips and bites and scrapes here and there as he works that finger inside his blond more. ]

Fuck- I almost forgot how tight you still are even with the few times we've done this.

[ Alucard is always more... delicate and one Trevor takes a little more care in handling for a number of reasons. Not necessarily because he doesn't think he can't handle it, but more because he wants it to go at his pace and not overwhelm him with anything he might come to not like. ]

Reconnecting, I'd say.

[Time apart is still time apart, and the changes on Trevor's end are far worse when coupled with the loss of Sypha. They probably should have done this a while ago.

Alucard keeps up the barage of kisses to Trevor's neck, matching the nips Trevor leaves with his own. The dhampir still has his fangs, and he has no reason not to use them in this moment. Except for when the softer noises become big groans pressed against Trevor's skin, hot breath and hard cock both up against the vampire.]

How much looser do you need me to be?

[Alucard resents himself sometimes for taking so long to be ready for these things. He wants to move on but now, although rushing is the worst possible idea.]

It's called being considerate for your ass.

[ JUST TELLING IT LIKE IT IS?? But he only lets his fingers brush within him for a little longer before he comes to slip them out, lips latching onto a patch of pale skin, mindful of fangs as he sucks, a mark left behind as he pulls back. ]

It's a very nice ass and I would hate to wreck it or you.

[ Wearing a bit of a grin on his lips, he pushes the blond back and presses the tip of his slicked cock against that hole he so desperately wants to be in. But, patience... patience. Alucard wants this sweet and slow, not quick and dirty. So, with lips lingering near the shell of an ear, he hums as he smooths a hand along a pale leg and hikes it up around him a bit. Just to make this a little easier. ]

If I get too into it, I'll bite the pillow.

[ And with that given in terms of his assuring him he'll do his best to keep this sweet and gentle, he's careful in the way he nudges himself at first, before finally easing himself inside the blond with a groan. ]

[The mark left is puckered and red against Alucard's pale skin, and there's no instant healing as there might be back home. Hickies actually take, and that feels like a small wonder in and of itself some days.

But there's no time to focus on that. As Trevor makes his way in, Alucard spreads everything he can to make that easier. When Trevor hikes his leg up, Alucard makes sure he goes the extra mile, all but attaching to Trevor's hip. It is a movement that comes with a lower groan than before, because fuck. The anticipation as it blossoms into Trevor entering him is overwhelming.]

Shame it has no nutritional value.

[He says it with a bright laugh, before he wiggles just a little to help Trevor in.]

[ No matter how hard (heh) he tries, he can't bite back the breathless Fuck- that spills from his lips at how nice and good it feels to be wrapped up in Alucard like this again. His mind swims and he can feel the pinpricks of the blond's own emotions ghosting along his skin and soul as he presses himself against him and just holds there for a moment, savoring it and him.

Despite whoever else he ends up sleeping with (which is like two people really), they never feel as inviting or welcoming as Alucard somehow always seems to and he has to wonder if it's, in part, due to what they feel for and have with each other. You know... love and all that. At least he can feel it again now. Whereas before, it had been so dulled with the separation from one another. Almost as if it were a small flickering flame fighting tiredly to not go out.

But now he feels the blond in so many different ways and it takes everything within him to not let his more carnal desires take over in this moment and, instead, remain in what control he can muster with his dick inside the blond. Which, speaking of, he wastes no time then in starting up a rhythm between them, careful in the way he pulls himself out just enough to make the blond think he will... only to ease himself back in in one, hard stroke of his cock. Just nice and slow. Like Alucard wanted. ]

[In the end, it is easy to reduce Alucard to a puddle of sensation and adoration. Just be gentle and show affection, and he pays it back in kind. Oh, there's a million reasons for it - the relationship he grew up watching and how it modeled what he thinks love looks like, the fact he is far more sensitive than he lets on, the Sypha shaped hole between the two of them - but it manifests the same. A dhampir who wants to be held and hold onto in equal measure.

So the speed that Trevor moves at is perfection. It draws a loud, happy groan from that dhampir that is pressed against Trevor's shoulder, reverberating as much as it possibly can against cold skin. There's a little bit of greed with Alucard's hips bucking up as well, but fuck.

Fingers move up and down Trevor's spine, brushing against his hair but never pulling.]

Yes.

[Not that he probably needs to confirm that this is the exact kind of boning he wanted.]

[Maria got everyone on her list booze, so what did she get Alucard?

Seeds. Yep.

They sort of look like sunflower seeds, but bleached white, and with an odd sort of luminescence. There is a note attached, of course:]

May your Modranicht be a happy one.

These are Lumenflower seeds - they are native to the area around my home. They'll bloom into handsome sunflower-looking plants that glow softly in the dark.

If you've interest in turning them to a proper lumenwood, you'd need to plant them close together and feed them blood and flesh; but I feel like you wouldn't have much interest in that, and the flowers themselves require no such thing to thrive.

Let me see how you put them when they bloom.

- Maria

[In turn, a night later, a large basket is placed on Maria's doorstep with several jars wrapped in brown paper.]

I trust that the cured venison, along with the dried fruits in the various containers will be sufficient for at least four trips out into the Wilde. The venison in particular was a new project, and I do crave feedback and evaluation with regards to it and where it might be improved.

The basket is for bringing in your next harvest or bouquet.

-A

A bottle of wine, the one she knew he enjoyed most, as well as some coffee she selected for him, as well, including a note;

"Thank you for being someone I can always talk to, no matter the topic. You've helped me a lot in dealing with my bizarre love life. Your friendship is a blessing to me. Here's to another year of it, okay?"

[On the day of the holiday, a plate of homemade cookies and a sample of herbal tea mysteriously appears on his doorstep. The wrapping is decorated with a fresh lily flower (actually a Fae magic product, designed to fade away from existence in a few hours) and a ribbon. The attached handwritten note reads as follows:]

Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!

M⚜️

I need your help with something but you have to promise not to laugh at me for what it is.

Ominous.

What is it?

Not even a chuckle ok?

Stop forestalling and share.

I need you to make me look good.

Physically or talk you up in some means?

With clothes.

Very well. What's the occasion and dress code?

Ciaran is getting married and wants me there. So probably not like I usually do?

Well obviously, but is the venue inside? Outside? Is it passed cocktails or a full party afterwards? What's the ceremony to be like?

[ what the fuck??? ]

I have absolutely no idea. You're also coming with me.

Well find out. I can't do anything unless I know how everyone else will be dressing.

Don't you just have the knowledge to make yourself look good whenever?

[ yes, clearly his way of saying alucard is attractive. ]

Belmont your family were boyars. Didn't you learn about court dress or have special clothes for when your family received certain guests?

First of all I was a kid. Second of all I don't have any of that stuff here and it wouldn't fit me anyways?

Edited 2021-01-17 23:45 (UTC)

THAT'S NOT THE POINT the point is that this is an EVENT so there is a need to know WHAT TO WEAR.

Just. Ask. So I can do what you've asked of me.

Alright fine!! Are you going to go with me?

If you find out what I've asked, yes.

Alright. You'll be my date or something.

Well, yes. That's how significant others work.

Well as long as we've got that settled. You can finally meet him too.

Mm, yes, that hasn't happened yet has it?

Just find out by tomorrow what the dress code is. I want as much time as possible to plan the garments.

Yes dear.

Inbox for aefenglom

action; some time after the masquerade

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Modranicht gift

12/25

backdated modranicht gift!

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action; first week of the month

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