abraxaslogs | [closed] run fast don't stand in the sun there's too much work to be done

I don't consider that an issue.

[As in, he's more than used to various injections and poking and prodding. Were this an intravenous solution, he'd simply add it to his normal regimen of medications and treatments. He has to admit, however, that a potion taken orally is more convenient.

Speaking of, if he thinks about it any more, he's going to get in his own head about it, so Viktor takes a look at the watch out on the table, and throws back the contents of the vial.]

Record the time, then we'll go for a walk.

I'm more relieved at not having to inject directly into your lungs.

[Alucard would still be willing to do so, if that was what Viktor needed, but for now the matter isn't required. He's likewise accepted that Viktor seemingly takes every experiment in stride in trying to figure this thing out, and it helps to a certain degree. Medicine was not Alucard's forte. Doing something wrong has always been a risk in his mind.

His eyes glance to the watch. There's a note jotted down, and then Alucard pockets the notebook. They can take notes on the way if they must.]

Any place you want to go in particular?

Don't count that out just yet.

[Viktor, too, would be more than willing to do so, and he hasn't written it off as a possibility if an oral potion doesn't do what they need. He might, somewhat reluctantly, send a message to Dr. Strange, if it has to come to that, so for now he's willing to see what they can accomplish on their own, first.

He gathers up his notebook, reaches for his crutch, and stands.

Let's walk to the public hall.

I just would rather not--

[It is a very long needle.]

That's a reasonable distance. [Not too far away, but just far enough to be different. Alucard's eyes consider the crutch for a moment - is it needed now, or just later? - but he won't ask. No need.

Once they're outside, Alucard breathes out, considering the weather.]

It's so much colder by this time of year back home.

I am no stranger to uncomfortable medical procedures. The size of the needle is a non-issue.

[Because there’s very little he won’t do, to accomplish this. The discomfort is more than worth it if it brings them closer and closer to their goal, though the fact that they aren’t there yet is at least a little heartening.

Viktor has to take a moment to put his coat on, because despite their desert locale, he gets cold easily and the nights tend to be much chillier than the days, but the air feels good on his face after being in the workshop for so long. He offers Alucard a little smile as they start to walk.]

Do you miss it?

[Not necessarily home. Maybe just the weather.]

I know. To both ends, even if I wish it otherwise.

[Alucard knows and respects Viktor's determination. It is impossible not to, but Alucard also knows he doesn't need to say anything else in praise of Viktor or to show his esteem for the man. He's willingly given his own blood. What more can be said after that?

The question gets a thoughtful noise, hands going into the dhampir's pockets.]

Home? No. I wouldn't go back if the opportunity to presented itself. The concept of there being four seasons instead of just hot and hot, but also cold at night? Very much so.

I didn’t ask if you wanted to go back.

[Though, perhaps those questions are one in the same, to some. Viktor has complicated feelings himself, to the point where he has no real opinion about whether others want to stay or go, should such a thing become possible. He knows he can’t judge either way, but even those who choose to make a life here might have things about their home they’re giving up.]

Just if you miss it.

[Beyond the weather, obviously—Viktor is not necessarily a fan of a desert clime, either.]

They're together in my mind, admittedly.

[Alucard pauses, looking from right to left, before his eyes settle on Viktor.]

Maybe if I was still in Thorne, or in Solvunn I'd feel differently. I'd miss indoor plumbing and the kitchen being just so, but the Free Cities have all of the technology I grew up with and consider routine. The differences are so small that...no. Outside of the weather, I don't miss home much, if at all.

[He breathes out, slow and considered.] It feels insulting to say, in some capacity, but it is also freeing.

That’s fair.

[He takes a few more steps before he continues, nodding along to Alucard’s rationale. He can’t say he blames him—what little Viktor knows of his situation back home, it seems unpleasant, or fraught, at the very least.]

This place has afforded many of us new opportunities. [Said with a small smile, given what they’re doing right now, though he doesn’t necessarily feel similar to Alucard, when it comes to staying here or returning home. The trade-off is that no matter what kind of second chance they’re given, they are still captives, technically. Political pawns. It may only get worse.] I’m glad you’ve found some sense of belonging, here.

It's not belonging, precisely. It's more...[Alucard pauses, looking for words. He is not Sypha. Words are hard. Action has always come easier.]

I've been allowed to define myself here on my own terms. Building that has more weight, and the only important part of home or my parents has been the usefulness of my blood to your situation. That could have never come to pass in Wallachia.

Yes, I understand.

[A little smile pulls at the corner of Viktor's mouth. He more than understands--he feels very similarly about the lack of expectations. About being able to put his name to his own work, without being dismissed or ignored simply because of where he came from. Alucard might be coming from a different place, but the principle of it is still the same.]

I have ownership of my work here in a way I did not, back home. [that does not, however, mean he has no desire to return, though he doesn't think he needs to say how complicated it is.]

Not that I really want to publicize what we're doing.

[A joke! Maybe!]

It's nice, when your name is on your own terms. I don't think I realized how much that meant until a few months ago.

[Alucard doesn't ask if Viktor has any sentiments towards home. Jayce has made it clear that it is a complicated prospect, and the dhampir will not poke the bear without due cause.

He can't help but grin at Viktor's statement though.]

Well, I don't either. At the very least, I don't have enough blood to give. And if this potion continues to work, then I will consider it fortune on top of fortune. It needs so little.

[Back to science though, just for a moment.] Still feeling good?

Yes, then the problem will become lack of sap, rather than blood.

[It’s unsaid, but implied—Viktor does not want to be reliant on medicines or treatments that might ultimately fail. He’s grateful for the temporary solutions, but he views them as just that: temporary. If he can achieve it, he would rather take drastic measures to fully rid himself of pain and the prospect that one day, his body might start to reject these treatments. He’s sure certain parties might feel differently, but that isn’t a conversation for now.

Not that he isn’t glad for this, in the meantime. Viktor offers a nod.]

Surprisingly, yes.

[Alucard follows the implication. He understands.]

We're merchants for time. What we have for now is a larger purchase than expected. That's room to work without panicking as badly.

[The dhampir smiles slightly. It is soft and fleeting, but the warmth lingers in his voice.]

Just let me know what the steps beyond this are, and I will do what I can.

[closed] run fast don't stand in the sun there's too much work to be done

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