middaeg | [closed] winter pool time

I wasn't going to. That way lies madness.

[Alucard screws the lid back onto the jar, but he doesn't stand just yet. He remembers their awful conversation from a few days ago, and so instead, he places his hand atop Trevor's and squeezes it very gently.]

[ Trevor's hand is a little cool to the touch... going to get colder the more he becomes a vampire. Just another thing to look forward to?? Or something. Regardless, he hums a bit and offers a bit of a smile before he glances around their surroundings. ]

Guess it's best not to look at it then. Who knows what the hell would show up for me.

If you'd like to, I'll give you space.

[The cold doesn't bother him, but Alucard's probably the only person used to it. Hugging his father as a child was hugging a corpse, after all.

All the same, his thumb runs over Trevor's knuckles slowly.]

[ He considers that for a moment, even gives a bit of a peek to the pool... but ultimately decides against it. For now?? Who knows. ]

I don't need to see a tankard of ale to know I desire it.

[ Or maybe he'd see blood... there's a terrifying thought.

But he pulls his hand away and readjusts his cloak a little. ]

Did I... tell you about my getting another bond probably? Other than Sypha, I mean.

I think it moves beyond basic things like ale.

[Alucard doesn't harp on it though. He simply stands, tucking the jar into the little satchel that hangs at his side.

There's a pause at Trevor's words. Sypha was going to happen, that much was obvious and hardly something he'd want to discourage. But another person outside the two of them? That's....

...that's not his business. His face goes carefully blank, not wanting his own confused emotions to impact Trevor's decisions.]

You didn't. You're certain that you want a third?

[ Honestly, it's not like he goes looking for these things?? They just happen. Somehow. ]

He lost a bond recently and he's... a friend?

[ Ugh, yeah. YEAH. ]

He gives me blood when I need it. [ A beat. ] He's a dragon. I think his blood does something to me.

[Alucard's lips thin for a moment and...]

Oh, that explains a few things I had experienced over the past few months.

[Dragon blood, it seems, goes through bond as well.]

If that's what you wish to do, I'm not going to say no.

[Alucard does not have confidence in Trevor's decision making, but the past few months have been a little better on that front.]

You... felt it?

[ He seems... not embarrassed but shocked?? Maybe?? ]

Was it like a... warm and fuzzy sort of feeling?

Something like that. I wasn't sure of the cause, and it seemed inappropriate for me to demand an explanation.

[ Well... shit. He rubs a hand at his neck, seeming a bit sheepish then. ]

Oh... sor..ry... about that.

I'm not sure there's anything to apologize for. Don't dwell on it.

Well, what if you were sulking or something and then suddenly were bombarded with that through this bond thing?

[ Or something. ]

But are you... ok with it?

Then that's simply a part and parcel of the bond.

[There's nothing he can do about it, ultimately. Alucard's not going to protest something that seems to make the Belmont content.

To the second question, the response is thoughtful and measured.]

If it makes you happy, then I get no say.

[ Alright, so. Trevor might not be the GREATEST??? with feelings and all that but he can definitely tell when there's bullshit afoot and so he comes to stand in front of Alucard and look to him a little more... seriously. ]

No. I'm asking you about it so you should tell me. If I didn't care, I wouldn't have asked. Or even brought it up in the first place.

[ Isn't this how communicating works??? ]

I know that. It means a lot that you're asking. [He's trying!!! He really is.

Alucard pauses, trying to find the right words. When the silence lingers for what feels like impossibly too long, then he knows there are no right words. Their previous conversation does echo in his head, and that's all the more reason to encourage Trevor to go forward, isn't it?]

But I mean it. You're less reckless than when we first met. If you want this, then you should.

[ At least this isn't... turning bad or anything?? A positive. ]

If you're sure... and not just saying that.

I'm not. And based on the last time we talked about bonds, it sounds like it'd be good for you.

[ And there it is. ]

What's that supposed to mean?

[Y e p.]

That...[to hell with it, if the name of the game is honestly.] It sounded as if you wanted to withdraw from me entirely last we discussed this. That's all.

[ It'll be fine. Sypha... can break them up... right? ]

Is that why you were touching my hand?

No? [Alucard shakes his head along with the word.] I just wanted to do that.

[ Still suspicious. ]

Why the hell would you think I meant that? Did I say I wanted to break it off?

The way you were speaking of me not needing to focus or worry about things.

[It just sounded really concerning. Alucard folds his arms over his chest.]

It just felt as if you were starting to lean that way.

[ They didn't really resolve anything the last time, did they? So it's no wonder this comes back up. ]

If you go and do that, then you'll be without a bond yourself and explode or something.

[At least the wording gets a fragile, tired laugh out of the dhampir.]

Probably not explode.

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