abraxaslogs | [March Catch-All]

Good. I've done the same. When I'm not in Aqualia I'll be in the office. It's comfortable enough, and I've reinforced the windows there already. Do you want me to drop off anything prepared?

[Alucard doesn't doubt that between the three of them, they can cook. The offer is simply there if they all need a break.

Sensing a potentially silly fight, Alucard braces himself.]

I did, but these storms are more intense than anything I've seen in my time here, and I can test options with reasonable certainty. It's an advantage, all things considered.

[Not that the next topic is any better.]

Apparently there may be an exact god it is related to. Someone in Solvunn was able to find out a name - Umbvagher, Herald of Abberations. Apparently he [Alucard is shameless in his air quotes] "indicates a coming turbulence" and "has a capricious nature." If the ability of the latchkeys really can cut through time and space, I think the giant rock is just having a hissyfit that it's not special anymore.

[He exhales, venom finally leaving his voice.] It was such a nice evening too.

[ In any other circumstance she would have jumped at the chance to have anything home cooked by Alucard. There's no shortage of good food in her life now, but she's always wanted more.

But with an impending storm and a lingering worry of what could potentially come, she doesn't want to take more than what she needs - particularly from someone important to her. ]

No, it's okay. We don't know what's going to happen.

[ Alucard's offer seems enough to staunch any further outburst from her. At least for now. Her brow furrows worriedly at the mention of abberations and turbulence, and of course by the mention of his exhaled thought. ]

Why can't gods ever just leave us alone? It's not like we're doing anything wrong. We didn't steal the latchkeys or even ask to be here! [ Complaint aside - ] How do you feel after...everything that happened?

If you insist.

[This is a lie, he'll be dropping something off anyway. She can yell at him over delicious food, that's just fine.]

Truth be told, I already had strong feelings about religion before I arrived here. These incidents are genuinely not helping those feelings, and they're crossing from disliking clergy to disliking the divine more generally. [Alucard pauses, wondering if he should mention Jaskier's theory about how the gods may simply be former summoned who stayed long enough. No. That's the bard's theory to share.

A very apologetic smile crosses Alucard's face instead.] Well, I may have kissed Jaskier.

[ She sighs. ]

Before someone even brought up the gods, I didn't even think it could have had anything to do with them. Or maybe it would be better to say that I hoped it didn't have anything to do with them.

[ Talk of religion and the divine is quickly derailed. There's a moment where she scrutinizes him, trying to interpret if he's trying to pull a fast one on her. When it dawns on her that he isn't – and that he's the one who initiated it – her eyes go wide like saucers.

Quickly she takes several steps up towards him closing the space, uncertain of how she feels about this news. Right now the only thing that matters are the details. ]

How? What? Tell me all the details you can't just say that and not accompany it without anything else!

I'm just glad someone in Solvunn was able to track down which god it might be. Not that I take comfort in the deity itself, but it is much better than going in blind.

[Alucard is not surprises that Hilda wants details. He considers maybe sitting down on her office sofa, but Hilda's desk is closer. So that's where he sits, eye level and extending a hand if Hilda wants to take it and join him.]

First of all, Jaskier started it. And insulted my bat form which is very rude, as we were discussing the various masks and I said that the wolf one for myself was obvious. But a bat one-- [He pauses, realizing Hilda hasn't unlocked this piece of Jaskier lore.] I've surprised him as bats few times and apparently he doesn't care for it at all. So this has developed into an endless back and forth.

[It will never stop, it will never improve. Hardly the point. Alucard waves a hand.] He gave me a fox mask instead, and there was banter about how the transformation differed from my usual wolf form. Mostly it ended with Jaskier having fun petting the hair on my chest, which I expect would have been done even if he hadn't been eating those sour candies. Those are no particular excuse for kissing twice, but that's all that happened.

[More honestly, and to the point, Alucard feels a little color rush to his cheeks as he admits:] The small spark of emotion I have with you wasn't there. I can say that much with certainty.

[ She might have very well misinterpreted what he meant by "going in blind", but a part of her hopes that he won't get himself tangled up in the business of Solvunn's gods. While she hadn't gone to Jocelyn's execution, she had heard enough accounts to know that they were very real in Abraxas and that they had no problem reminding them all of that.

But scolding and warnings can wait.

Alucard's silent invitation is accepted by slipping her hand into his as she comes to perch on her desk beside him. She snorts in amusement at his recount of Jaskier touching the fur on Alucard's chest - but pauses at his rushed admission that seemingly wraps up the story of his kisses with the bard.

There's a beat as she shuffles some of the things on her desk aside so she can sit cross-legged atop her desk to face him properly. She still doesn't know exactly how she feels about this news. It's layered, that much she knows for certain. And at the top of that is...pride that he's taking back his own autonomy when it comes to physical affection. As for the rest well - this isn't really about her right now, is it?

All the same his sheepishness is endearing and her lips can't help but curl a little too. In hesitation? Relief? Amusement? ]

That's a good thing, right?

[Alucard isn't sure how sitting with legs crossed like that is comfortable, but he isn't going to question it. What he is sure of is this:]

I think it's value neutral. Just what it is and what I'm feeling, and I am capable of articulating it, like I was able of enjoying myself on that overly comfortable sofa with you. And saying that Jaskier liked my fangs perhaps a bit too much.

[He does pause though, aware that Hilda's own entanglements are further reaching than his own. It feels...correct to acknowledge that.]

This isn't me asking for any deeper reciprocation either. I don't want it to come off as anything of the sort.

[ Hilda is quick to reassure him, heat rising to her cheeks realizing how that must have sounded. Despite Alucard's own reassurance that he hadn't been pressing her for an answer or expected anything, it's enough to bring about a wash of self-awareness mingled with guilt. It only ever rose its head after she hadn't thought about what it was exactly they were doing while she was still untangling her other feelings for Sylvain and Claude.

Which of course happened to be right now. ]

It isn't. You aren't. I just - I still don't have an answer for you.

[ Her eyes dart down towards their hands for a moment as she lets out a huff. ]

I'm glad that you're able to talk about things like kissing Jaskier and what we did in that tent without combusting. [ Her lips quirk slightly. ] I might even be a little proud - that was my first thought after you told me.

[ Her expression then falls as she bites the inside of her cheek lightly in thought. ]

But I think I was also a little jealous to hear you say that you kissed him. Which is so silly of me to think that considering my...situation because I don't have any claim on you.

[It's very cute when Hilda's cheeks match her hair. Which is something Alucard does not say only because he suspects Hilda has heard it plenty of times before. He simply gives her hand a gentle squeeze, the gesture meant as an anchor.]

You don't need t-- proud? [He lets out a very soft laugh, a little unsure but mostly amused. He gets it, actually. Hilda is aware of what his various issues are and can see all of this as milestone of growth. She's also a part of the milestone.]

Well, with confidence I can say I wouldn't object to doing what we did in that tent again.

[Alucard nods softly to the last part, pausing. Considering. Because that feels like it means something, but he's not sure what.]

You're allowed. We're all still figuring this out. It'd be weirder if there weren't pangs of jealousy.

[ He'd be correct in assuming that and probably wouldn't be the least bit surprised to hear that it only flusters her more to hear something like that even if it's the truth.

The way laughter softens his expression serves to make her laugh a little too. While it surprises her to hear that he wouldn't hate a repeat performance of their make out session in the tent, she can't say that she's terribly opposed to the idea either.

While she knows his permission to feel jealous isn't something she needs, it doesn't feel right to some degree even if he's right. ]

You think? [ It's a genuine question too. ] It just feels selfish of me to feel like that.

[ And perhaps odd for her to think of anyone caring strongly enough for her to feel that in return. ]

Hilda, just two people can cause jealousy in a relationship. The more people you add...well.

[There's a shrug. Alucard trusts that she can figure out the rest herself.

As if to help undercut the moment of seriousness, a more mischievous smile flashes across the dhampir's face.]

We may not have a tent anymore, but I suppose your office sofa also works for further adventures?

[ Her unhappy silence is clear that she knows but she's hardly pleased about it - not that it's anything Alucard, or anyone can really do for that matter. It's all up to her. Sadly.

Thankfully Alucard's play at mischief manages to draw her abruptly from her thoughts. Her lips quirk as she leans a little closer, fencing him in with her hands on either side of him on the desk. The expression on her face is the picture of innocence but the way her voice lilts alludes otherwise. ]

That depends. Are you ruling out all other future semi-public tent adventures?

[Alucard can feel heat creep into his cheeks as Hilda fences him in. Why, he doesn't know. Nor is he going to sit and contemplate why it gives him a little rush of excitement either. She's taken the bait to be mischievous rather than dwell on serious matters. That's the most important part.]

Where did I say "no future semi-public tent adventures" in any of that?

[Not a single place, thank you! Alucard may be fenced in, but he does lean forward. Presses a single kiss to the tip of her nose. Then leans back far too casually for what they're discussing.]

I suppose if you don't want to use your sofa though, we'll have to settle for the desk. It won't be as comfortable, and we'd need to get creative with the use of space. I don't think I could easily fit under it either...

[There's a shrug. Has he thought about the implications being made? Who's to say.]

[ She really does appreciate his willingness to be on the receiving end of teasing - even if it's momentarily drawing her away from things that she probably should be thinking more about. At least, that's what it feels like. ]

You didn't have to say it. Sometimes things are implied.

[ The gentle kiss to the tip of her nose makes the little mischievous picture of innocence soften just enough. ]

I mean we could just sit on top of it. Like we are now. I could just move some things.

[ There's a pause as she looks at quite literally all the things on her desk. She hadn't had a chance to clean it yet with the incoming storm preparations. Her gaze turns back towards him, leaning in just that much more as if to kiss him before stopping short. ]

Or you could carry me to the couch and test it out. It'll be more private - unless you want me to call one of the other committee members up to maybe catch us in the act and confirm those rumours that are still floating around.

Very well. I will amend my statement to make explicit the fact that I am fine with any semi-public tent adventures, and tent-like spaces.

[Alucard can feel that lean as much as he sees it. And so when Hilda stops short, what else can he do but grin back. In all of this seriousness and misery, there is real joy to be had in this. What they have between them and how gently silly it can be become.]

I think everyone already has confirmed those rumors. We're not subtle, and we're not quiet. [They've been making out in here enough. But that's not the point right now.

The point right now is Alucard hopping off the desk and proceeding to scoop Hilda up like a princess and doing it as if it is the easiest thing in the world. For Alucard, it's like carrying a light coat, and he heads right over to the sofa. Rather than place Hilda down first, he sits and then releases her into his lap. His face flirts with being smug, but it never quite get there.]

You were saying about testing the sofa? Unless you'd prefer me on your lap.

[ The curve of his lips brings makes her bite down on her slightly in teasing anticipation but she's quick to dissolve into a somewhat aghast laugh at what he says. ]

We're quiet! I don't know what you're doing about.

[ It's not like they kiss loudly. And Alucard's moans are usually pressed and muffled into something - but yes, that's besides the point. As he picks her up she loops her arms loosely around his neck more for a place to put them than to steady herself. She knows that she's safe in his arms.

As soon as he's seated she makes quick work of adjusting herself. Namely by straddling him, thighs keeping him close. Immediately her fingers begin to wind gently through his hair, gently combing through it. ]

Mmm, no this is good. Looking up at you all the time is really starting to give me a neck cramp.

You are. I'm not, and I suspect I never will be.

[Alucard is chronically terrible at the concept of subtle and that's just What It Is at this point. Just like how he seems always destined to be a comfy Hilda perch, and that's also What It Is in the best way possible.

There's a soft laugh as Alucard leans forward, aware he's looking up and pretending the motion is about letting Hilda have better access to his hair.]

Well, I suppose the other option is sitting with my back to you and letting you get creative in styling my hair. But I like this much more right now.

[ She's not sure it's worth much in the grand scheme of things but she doesn't think that he's that loud. He's just louder because it's typically in her ear. ]

Ohh, so you're why they're starting to think the rumours are true.

[ A saccharine wicked little grin begins to spread to her face. Her fingers loop a little further into his hair to bring him a little bit closer to her as her voice lowers. ]

I prefer this too. But I could style your hair as long as you don't muffle your moans. I like hearing them.

--At this rate, probably. No one in my family's ever been good at the concept of subtle.

[There's a little bit more of a self defacing smile on Alucard's face, happy to admit that the fault is his. It's share, in reality, but it's funnier if he says it. Dracula was not a creature given to subtle, and while his mother would protest otherwise, she could sometimes be just as bad.

Alucard lets himself be guided, coming to rest his chin on Hilda's shoulder.]

Maybe this for now. And then my hair later, if we ever get around to it.

No, neither is mine. If you can believe it. But what that means for you is that I'm very used to it.

[ The Goneril's, as upstanding as they were, were still loud and boisterous in their joy and battle skills. They were larger than life on the battlefield, and just as much of the life of the party during their celebrations.

Despite it having been a large factor in Hilda being grateful for time away from her family at the Academy, she had quietly missed the ridiculous antics that she'd sometimes hear from the other end of the castle. It's enough to bring a fondness to her features at the thought before she wipes it away with a look of begrudging acceptance (which is to say it's the farthest thing from it). ]

I think when I'm done we'll definitely have to fix your hair. [ Her hands move his hair aside revealing the long line of his neck and her lips begin to softly leave a trail down it. ] Otherwise the rumours really will become true.

I think we need to compare notes at some point soon. I think yours might be able to give me a run for it.

[Alucard can't remember how much he's told Hilda of his parent's courtship. His mother stabbing a bat into the castle door when first meeting his father and then dressing him down for the total lack of hospitality. Literally everything about his father. Their loss has gotten a little bit better with time, but he had time to mourn before arriving in Abraxas too. They're gone. For good. Hilda...who's to say what she might find when she goes home?

It's the least appropriate thought for the moment, all wrapped up in each other and teasing like this. A soft, warm laugh escapes the dhampir as he leans his head further to the side, ensuring there's more neck to kiss.]

You can fix it elaborately then, and we'll see how long the design lasts.

[A little exhale follows the warm lips pressing against his neck. Turns out, vampires like neck stuff being done to them too.]

I won't mind if they are.

Maybe only when it comes to embarrassing me.

[ As much as she complains about them, they really aren't that bad and she knows it. After all, she doesn't certainly think she could get to a point where she could see herself killing her own father.

His little exhale doesn't go unnoticed and the smile on her lips grows wider against his cool skin. Her tongue languidly laps against a spot. ]

Who are you and what have you done with Adrian?

You think mine didn't? Discussion for another day, of course, but it's there.

[Parents are not for making out on your situationship's couch, Alucard knows tat much. What he does know is that Hilda's tongue feels absolutely wonderful against his neck, and there is no controlling the little shiver of delight that responds to it. The arms around her squeeze gently, confirming that the movement is no fluke.]

I'm still Adrian, promise.

Edited 2024-04-17 01:04 (UTC)

[March Catch-All] | Open

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aim to wrap in another tag or two?

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aaand thread.