middaeg | [closed] winter pool time

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.

[ Well SOMETHING will happen?? Either way, Trevor just SIGHS and waves a hand as he turns around. ]

Look, just... forget I ever said anything, ok? I don't want to un-bond with you or whatever. So stop acting all sulky abou-

[ But before he can finish his sentence there, he realizes that he's wandered off closer towards the pool without realizing it... and inadvertently glanced within the water. What he sees? Himself, obviously. But through the gentle ripples are Sypha with her head on his one shoulder... and Alucard with his head on the other. Trevor... instantly FREEZES when he sees this. ]

No- shit!

[ And there goes his footing in an attempt to get the fuck away.

Going to fall right on in that pool. ]

I appreciate the clarification. And I'm being genuine when I say that.

[The dhampir has just enough self awareness to know that he can come off as snarky when he doesn't mean to. He's about to say let's just go find Sypha when Trevor's proximity to the pool registers in his head. They weren't moving that much were they?

Trevor's movement means that what Alucard does see is a fleeting thing. He presumes it's still his own image, not Trevor's, and then the Belmont goes right the fuck into the water.

Alucard groans, taking the satchel off and placing it aside before he starts to wade in after Trevor. The depth of the pool is hardly obvious.]

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