petcromancer | Musebox

[See, Alucard, if you say things like that, Hector is going to interpret it as flirting. Wouldn't it be nice to spend more time together?]

I'll try not to move anything around.

[That's something he can't stand when he's working, to have his notes reorganized or shuffled around. He goes down the desk, looking at the papers that are spread out on the table space, but not touching.]

These are good. Have you built any of them?

[Alucard walks back into the room. He settles down at his own drafting table, a version of the crypt room in Gresit in progress there. Most of what's out is for Gresit, save for one drawing that sits at Hector's right.

It's just a small room. One that's...very similar to the one they're in now.]

I'm working on the one by your right hand. Just expanding this room.

[Hector isn't familiar with architectural sketches, and it takes him longer than it should to reconcile the drawing with the room.]

Oh, you did this?

[He looks around at the room around him with a more evaluating eye.]

I did, yes.

[Alucard's little flicker of pride is there, but muted because the work was modest.]

Two years ago. An early attempt to understand how the process works.

It's...good.

[Hector isn't sure how to praise a room. He can't wax poetic about manmade structures the way he can the natural world. The...walls hold up the roof? Hector is curious how soundproof the room is, for completely innocent reasons? Why is he so lame.]

What else have you made in the castle. I want to see all of it.

Thank you.

[The good news is, Alucard can take the compliment even if it's awkwardly given. He then stands, gesturing Hector to come with him.]

One of the smaller libraries and a set of rooms, meant for myself mostly. I've no intention of leaving for good, but it was agreed I should have a smaller cluster of rooms for myself and a library for my own interests, much as my mother has her medical library and labs in a different wing of the castle.

[So your mom and dad agree that you should have your own space and privacy, Alucard?? They encourage you in your pursuits?? Maybe they would understand if you, an adult, were to start dating???

Hector follows Alucard, because he's hopeless.]

You have your own library.

[The opulence of the castle, even after a week of living here, is still staggering. Multiple libraries. Hector considers himself fortunate to own multiple books.]

[WHY DON'T YOU ASK DAD ABOUT IT HECTOR AND WATCH HIM REACT there is no one worthy of his son he is being exactly a dad with a teenage girl]

Yes?

[Alucard then realizes that yes, that is unusual. So he falls silent for a moment, taking a sharp right and then another into the rest of his castle wing.]

Forgive me, I am so used to the matter that I forget how books are a rarity. But yes, I do have my own library. It's really just some of my father's books houses in a separate area of the castle.

[You mean Hector, self-taught necromancer, do something stupid without thinking about the consequences? That would be so unprecedented.]

So you stripped his library of all of the texts you liked best?

[Dracula, whipped by his beloved family. It's hilarious to see the signs of it. The vampire is feared far and wide, but he is so soft for his wife and his son.]

Let me guess. Travelogues and architectural tomes?

Of course not. I asked permission first, and my father gave me copies of several pieces because he couldn't be without some of them.

[Is it being whipped or just being in love? We may never know, but he is a total push over for them. That much is screamingly clear.

...Alucard huffs. How dare you call out his completely obvious taste??]

Along with a few histories and some alchemical texts, yes. Mostly for things like mortar mixing and the like. Did you know you can embed spells into the stuff to ensure certain properties?

[Both Tepes men are equally whipped. Lisa, at least, asserts her will in this household.]

Fascinating.

[Hector cares nothing about bricklaying, but Alucard's interest makes it interesting.]

Have you tried it yet? Enchanting your building materials?

Somewhat. There are spells for muffling sound mostly, and to ensure someone must knock on the door before entering a room.

[....Wait. Is that information Hector should have?]

For a full crypt, it'd be much more complex.

Oh?

[That is the most interesting thing Hector's heard all day. Consider him piqued.]

Did you happen to use those techniques in any of the chambers you built here?

Yes, actually. There's a side room through the door here --

[Yes, Alucard is gesturing to a door that's flanked by the bookcases and almost filled in entirely.] that I used as an experiment. I'm afraid the room might be a bit dusty, as I rarely make use of it.

[Hector peers into the little room curiously. Assessing. It's a tight fit, but that's not too much of an obstacle if the goal is to be close.]

You could make use of it. We could make use of it. You know, if you ever get bored of your studies and need some other way to pass the time.

[Kissing, Alucard. It could be your secret kiss-room.]

[It's just a little sofa, one appointed with a few pillows and a blanket, meant for research naps and precious little more. It isn't dusty, but it's hardly used. There's no sense of personality there, unlike so much else of the castle.]

Hector, is that a request for right now?

It could be.

[Hector tries to get a read on Alucard to determine if Alucard understands what he was implying. So much flirting goes straight over his head.]

Do you need a break from your work?

My drawing hand could use a break, yes.

[He gets the implication. To show it, Alucard holds the door open, eyes resting on Hector. Get in if we're making out.]

Then by all means.

[It's a good thing there's no dust, because if there was, Hector would leave a cloud in it as he shoots into the room, as quick as he can.]

Your hand's tired, huh? [He could make jokes about it, but he opts for taking Alucard's hand in his own and rubbing his thumbs into the palm.]

[Wow okay Hector be less excited? Alucard's a little taken aback at the speed, and he makes sure to actually close the door to put the spell into place. There is a faint shimmer to the walls that lingers for a moment and then...nothing. It's in place.

It is nice, having a warmer hand in his.]

It's been a busy few days. Shall we sit?

[So much better than making out on a boat.]

[Hector grins. He plops down on the couch and gives Alucard's hand a tug to ensure he follows.]

Mmm hmmm. I've barely seen you since we arrived.

[Infinitely better than the boat and that terrible straw mattress. Hector leans back against the cushions so he doesn't start crowding Alucard in his eagerness.]

[Alucard settles down on the sofa beside Hector, well aware that this polite conversation is not going to last.]

You've had a lot to catch up on with my father. Besides. I had over a week with you. It's only fair to extend that same week to him at first.

I hope you don't expect me to extend him every courtesy I've given you.

[Wink. He is honored by the time he gets to spend with Lord Dracula, but he is also infinitely glad of what he and Alucard have between one another.]

He is done with me for the rest of the day, so I'm at your disposal.

[It is nice, both having a more comfortable settings and also not being in a rush. They have time, and thanks to Alucard's magic bricks, they shouldn't be interrupted.]

No, of course not. [That'd be super weird Hector.

At your disposal though. Alucard knows that is a loaded phrase, but so be it. He inches closer, putting one hand on Hector's thigh.]

Go ahead. I'm sure you've been thinking about this for a while.

[Rush right in, buddy.]

[That is why he was teasing you, Alucard. That hand on his thigh is absolutely an invitation, though, so the time for teasing is over.]

Yes, you must know you've been on my mind.

[Subtle and Hector barely exist on the same planet. Hector leans in and presses his lips to Alucard's, starting off slow and gentle.]

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