This is how I die, isn't it? Not at my father's hand. Not from other vampires. It's going to be under a boat, slowly drowning, my last conversation having been about my extremly low levels of experience in life.
[Hector shakes his head. Alucard may not be able to see it, but Hector puts that exasperation into his voice so that he knows.]
We're not letting you die without even kissing someone before. That would be too pathetic to suffer. If we go down, get to the surface, turn into mist, and get out of here. Don't worry about me, I've at least lived during my short, mortal life.
[Because it's obvious to him that if Alucard did have some sort of experience to refute Hector's accusations, he would have presented it to save himself this teasing.]
Didn't the two of you stab one another when you parted ways? Forgive me if I'm skeptical that Daddy's approval was the deciding factor.
[Hey, this is filling the time until they can try to surface the ship, so Hector is happy to keep up the debate. He's not the one being ruthlessly teased. Hector would be tempted to offer to remedy the situation, except Alucard is so besotted with the Speaker and is probably saving himself for their marriage.]
I am serious, though. If it comes down to a situation where only one of us can live, I won't fault you for leaving me behind. It's astonishing that we've made it this far still alive.
[Alucard would give Hector a shove, but he's carrying very precious cargo in the form of Cesar. That's more important than his total lack of dignity. Look Hector he won't say no to that suggestion.]
I will try all routes available to avoid having that happen, Hector. Besides, if I leave you behind, that means Cesar's left behind too. Unacceptable.
Soon, then. Once he and all of his creatures are well away. The bastard is probably rushing straight to your father to show off his prize.
[Not that Hector is bitter about that. Nope, not at all. He has been trying to keep his breathing shallow so they don't waste air, but he has to heave a sigh at that.]
When I start to raise the ship, have the crew position themselves near the holes. They'll need to plug them up as soon as the water drains.
[Undead limbs will work as stoppers until they can do the actual repairs on the ship's walls.]
Keep an eye out, then. As soon I can raise us, the better.
[It would be a hard job any time, but especially when he is running on fumes like he is now. No rest for the wicked.]
It's not tormenting, it's teasing. [The difference being that the source is a friend, not a foe. It's the kind of thing Alucard might not get, with his lack of experience.]
Perhaps just a little more, and then I need to conserve the rest of my energy. Come here and take Cesar for me.
[And when Alucard is drawn close to take the dog, Hector will seize the collar of Alucard's jacket and tug him down to touch their lips together. Just, you know, in case they die, so Alucard's sad deprived ghost doesn't haunt the seas.]
I'll give it about ten more minutes, just to be sure. Or when we run out of air. Whichever seems to come first at this point.
[Alucard's sure that the air can last, although he's looking forward to being less soggy in the near future. He'd kill for his own ship's hair dryer once they're surfaced, warm air drying soaked skin and hair. All that's going to happen in the next few hours is he's going to be a salt encrusted mess.]
It seems to me a very subtle difference. [Yeah, nailed it there.
But you know, taking care of the dog. That's important, and Alucard's hands are out to take the pug when--
--well.
As first kisses go, the circumstances are extraordinary. Very salty, low on air, there's a dog in the middle, and an additional bit of force. Which actually feels about right for the point where Alucard is in his life.
No one should be surprised that while Alucard doesn't quite kiss back, he's let out a soft surprised noise when he pulls away. There's an undercurrent of delight in there too.]
[Hector didn't really think it through before he did it (which is par for the course in terms of his plans), and in the darkness, he can't see Alucard's face to judge his reaction. All he has to go on is the little noise he makes, and the fact that Hector doesn't feel fangs or claws tearing into him in the aftermath.]
There, now you're a man of the world. It's not like your father can want to kill me any more than he already does.
[Back to teasing, so that neither of them dwell on the moment and overthink it. Hector paddles back a little bit and finds a hand-hold so he doesn't have to expend more energy than necessary keeping himself above water.]
[Of all the responses to that, it feels like the only response is to very gently send a splash of water in Hector's direction. It isn't malicious either, just a very soft retaliation that comes with a weak laugh.]
Flawless logic, really.
[Except now Alucard has an armful of pug. And one particular question.]
Was that particularly luke warm in terms of skin contact?
[It feels like the kind of thing one should be aware of in general for the future.]
[He can't see anything anyways, so he lets his eyes close. It relieves a little of the tension of his brain struggling to map the darkness.]
'Lukewarm'? I was trying to make sure you didn't fall into a maidenly swoon from the shock. There's practically a language of kissing. That was 'hello', not 'take me now.' If you want a real lesson, you'll need to ask nicely.
[Hector frowns a little into the darkness, hoping that Alucard doesn't presume that that was his best effort.]
I don't know, Alucard. We're soaking wet. We probably both feel like ice blocks. I'll take your temperature once we've dried off if you're worried about it.
[It's an accidentally ambigious statement about actually repeating this. But never mind that. There's communication from the mer-creatures that Isaac is safely gone, and the ship? The ship can be raised again.]
We're good to go. But we should get ourselves clear by a few feet so that everyone else can do their work. Then climb aboard.
Will you be able to support yourself, or should I offer to hang onto you?
[Alucard does so, and soon enough, the next part of this awful night gets under way. The barrels are removed first, and then two of the creatures ferry the forgemaster and the dhampir to the surface. The moon and stars are the only source of light available, and through them, Alucard sees only a clear horizon.
If Isaac is waiting for them, then he has distance to contend with.
But the task is only partially completed, and Alucard moves so that he is behind Hector, capable of supporting the man the moment he requires it. He's asked one of the mercreatures to hang around just in case, and it's probably for the best.]
Whenever you're ready. Once we're on deck, you need to rest.
[Hector looks around, straining through the darkness until he gets eyes on Cesar, floating safely nearby. Ok. Time to begin.
He's too hopelessly soaked to create a spark, so he begins the channeling by flicking the water, sending droplets splashing down with a pale blue glow. It's a symbolic gesture, not a hard action and reaction, to bridge the immaterial and the material worlds.
He reaches out and down to the kracken. She's as tired as he is, though she's been wonderfully loyal in spite of the pains.]
Come. It's time to stretch now. [He whispers, too tired to project the thoughts solely with his power.] You've been brilliant. One last task, then down to the cool, dark depths to rest and feed yourself on little glowing fish.
[It makes it easier for both master and creation if their goals align. She wants to retreat, and knowing that he wants that too, she doesn't fight his suggestion.
She untangles her tentacles from around the ship and slips her body beneath it. She sucks in water and sends it jetting out, propelling her forward. Hector does not direct, other than reminding her of the goal; the water is her domain, and she knows her strengths better than he. She pushes, and the ship rises, then begins to sink, and she pushes again. It's a slow, draining process.
Finally, the water bubbles and churns, and the ship begins to emerge from the waves. Hector thinks to the ship is rocking strangely, until he realizes that no, his vision has gone fuzzy. Water streams out of the holes Alucard punched into the sides. Hector's last exhausted thought is, 'the crew better damned well be ready', and then he slumps against the barrel.]
[Alucard watches in silence, one eye on Hector, the other on Cesar. What he should be doing is paying attention to the horizon, but that? That's not as important as just making sure that the next few minutes are survived by everyone.
Seeing the ship rise again is a little miracle. Alucard directs the crew to plug up all of the holes as quickly as they're able and--
--shit. Hector.
Alucard rushes forward, and there's a little too much time supporting Hector's weight in the middle of the water, the dhampir playing the all too important balancing game until there's the all clear to return to the deck.
When Hector does come back into the realm of consciousness, he'll find the little pug next to him, and Alucard's very soggy coat and shirt acting as the worst possible pillow under his head. Alucard's laid him up on the deck beside the ship's wheel, and he's continuing to direct the crew through the first rays of the morning sun.
It's Cesar's sharp bark of joy that draws Alucard's attention, and while he doesn't move from his post, he does give acknowledgement.]
[Hector wakes, wet and salt-encrusted, and resists the urge to curl up in the fetal position. Never again, gods, his head feels like it is splitting. It's like the worst hangover he's ever had, without the benefits of having been drunk beforehand.
Cesar pounces on his face and licks him, so there's that. Hector shoos him away and rubs the tips of his fingers in circles against his temples.]
...morning. Is the shirtlessness for my benefit, or are you expecting your Speaker to come early?
[The sass hasn't gone anywhere, which should be a sign unto Alucard that Hector's still alive and kicking...or at least alive and limping along.]
Your benefit, if only to prevent your neck from hurting the moment you woke up.
[Alucard whistles for a member of the crew to come over and take control of the wheel. It allows Alucard to walk over and crouch down beside Hector, that way he's not shouting in the other man's direction.]
I have all the bedding, blankets, and such drying right now. It should be done soon.
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[That's all the answer you're getting Hector!
he's never kissed anyone]no subject
We're not letting you die without even kissing someone before. That would be too pathetic to suffer. If we go down, get to the surface, turn into mist, and get out of here. Don't worry about me, I've at least lived during my short, mortal life.
[Because it's obvious to him that if Alucard did have some sort of experience to refute Hector's accusations, he would have presented it to save himself this teasing.]
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[Alucard's own tone is just as exasperated, just in the different direction.]
Also frankly Hector, do you believe my father would view anyone as good enough for me to kiss, never mind enter an actual relationship with?
[Is he trying to defend himself here? Oh yes.]
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[Hey, this is filling the time until they can try to surface the ship, so Hector is happy to keep up the debate. He's not the one being ruthlessly teased. Hector would be tempted to offer to remedy the situation, except Alucard is so besotted with the Speaker and is probably saving himself for their marriage.]
I am serious, though. If it comes down to a situation where only one of us can live, I won't fault you for leaving me behind. It's astonishing that we've made it this far still alive.
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[Alucard would give Hector a shove, but he's carrying very precious cargo in the form of Cesar. That's more important than his total lack of dignity.
Look Hector he won't say no to that suggestion.]I will try all routes available to avoid having that happen, Hector. Besides, if I leave you behind, that means Cesar's left behind too. Unacceptable.
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[Hector's not a noble man, but he's not so selfish he'd drag his dog down with him.
He turns his head to listen for an ambient noises, but he can't catch anything.]
Have Isaac's creatures gone? Are we safe to move?
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[The dog is important than most people.]
Let me check.
[Alucard is quiet for a moment, reaching out and--]
He's turned his boat around and is departing as we speak.
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[Not that Hector is bitter about that. Nope, not at all. He has been trying to keep his breathing shallow so they don't waste air, but he has to heave a sigh at that.]
When I start to raise the ship, have the crew position themselves near the holes. They'll need to plug them up as soon as the water drains.
[Undead limbs will work as stoppers until they can do the actual repairs on the ship's walls.]
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[Is that being over-paranoid? Sure is! Does Alucard care right now? Nope!]
But understood. Do you wish to continue tormenting me?
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[It would be a hard job any time, but especially when he is running on fumes like he is now. No rest for the wicked.]
It's not tormenting, it's teasing. [The difference being that the source is a friend, not a foe. It's the kind of thing Alucard might not get, with his lack of experience.]
Perhaps just a little more, and then I need to conserve the rest of my energy. Come here and take Cesar for me.
[And when Alucard is drawn close to take the dog, Hector will seize the collar of Alucard's jacket and tug him down to touch their lips together. Just, you know, in case they die, so Alucard's sad deprived ghost doesn't haunt the seas.]
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[Alucard's sure that the air can last, although he's looking forward to being less soggy in the near future. He'd kill for his own ship's hair dryer once they're surfaced, warm air drying soaked skin and hair. All that's going to happen in the next few hours is he's going to be a salt encrusted mess.]
It seems to me a very subtle difference. [Yeah, nailed it there.
But you know, taking care of the dog. That's important, and Alucard's hands are out to take the pug when--
--well.
As first kisses go, the circumstances are extraordinary. Very salty, low on air, there's a dog in the middle, and an additional bit of force. Which actually feels about right for the point where Alucard is in his life.
No one should be surprised that while Alucard doesn't quite kiss back, he's let out a soft surprised noise when he pulls away. There's an undercurrent of delight in there too.]
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There, now you're a man of the world. It's not like your father can want to kill me any more than he already does.
[Back to teasing, so that neither of them dwell on the moment and overthink it. Hector paddles back a little bit and finds a hand-hold so he doesn't have to expend more energy than necessary keeping himself above water.]
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Flawless logic, really.
[Except now Alucard has an armful of pug. And one particular question.]
Was that particularly luke warm in terms of skin contact?
[It feels like the kind of thing one should be aware of in general for the future.]
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'Lukewarm'? I was trying to make sure you didn't fall into a maidenly swoon from the shock. There's practically a language of kissing. That was 'hello', not 'take me now.' If you want a real lesson, you'll need to ask nicely.
[Hector frowns a little into the darkness, hoping that Alucard doesn't presume that that was his best effort.]
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[It's an accidentally ambigious statement about actually repeating this. But never mind that. There's communication from the mer-creatures that Isaac is safely gone, and the ship? The ship can be raised again.]
We're good to go. But we should get ourselves clear by a few feet so that everyone else can do their work. Then climb aboard.
Will you be able to support yourself, or should I offer to hang onto you?
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I'll...need some support when I start to raise the ship.
[He hates it, but admitting it is slightly less mortifying than passing out and drowning when the ship is back above water.]
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I'm going to request they find us all some driftwood to take advantage of as well, since i can't balance you and Cesar very well.
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Have them fetch a couple of barrels from the hold. That's easier to find than driftwood this far off from shore.
[Well, unless Isaac's creatures really made a mess of their work, but he's trying to be optimistic until he can assess the damage firsthand.]
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If Isaac is waiting for them, then he has distance to contend with.
But the task is only partially completed, and Alucard moves so that he is behind Hector, capable of supporting the man the moment he requires it. He's asked one of the mercreatures to hang around just in case, and it's probably for the best.]
Whenever you're ready. Once we're on deck, you need to rest.
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He's too hopelessly soaked to create a spark, so he begins the channeling by flicking the water, sending droplets splashing down with a pale blue glow. It's a symbolic gesture, not a hard action and reaction, to bridge the immaterial and the material worlds.
He reaches out and down to the kracken. She's as tired as he is, though she's been wonderfully loyal in spite of the pains.]
Come. It's time to stretch now. [He whispers, too tired to project the thoughts solely with his power.] You've been brilliant. One last task, then down to the cool, dark depths to rest and feed yourself on little glowing fish.
[It makes it easier for both master and creation if their goals align. She wants to retreat, and knowing that he wants that too, she doesn't fight his suggestion.
She untangles her tentacles from around the ship and slips her body beneath it. She sucks in water and sends it jetting out, propelling her forward. Hector does not direct, other than reminding her of the goal; the water is her domain, and she knows her strengths better than he. She pushes, and the ship rises, then begins to sink, and she pushes again. It's a slow, draining process.
Finally, the water bubbles and churns, and the ship begins to emerge from the waves. Hector thinks to the ship is rocking strangely, until he realizes that no, his vision has gone fuzzy. Water streams out of the holes Alucard punched into the sides. Hector's last exhausted thought is, 'the crew better damned well be ready', and then he slumps against the barrel.]
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Seeing the ship rise again is a little miracle. Alucard directs the crew to plug up all of the holes as quickly as they're able and--
--shit. Hector.
Alucard rushes forward, and there's a little too much time supporting Hector's weight in the middle of the water, the dhampir playing the all too important balancing game until there's the all clear to return to the deck.
When Hector does come back into the realm of consciousness, he'll find the little pug next to him, and Alucard's very soggy coat and shirt acting as the worst possible pillow under his head. Alucard's laid him up on the deck beside the ship's wheel, and he's continuing to direct the crew through the first rays of the morning sun.
It's Cesar's sharp bark of joy that draws Alucard's attention, and while he doesn't move from his post, he does give acknowledgement.]
Good morning. We've survived.
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Cesar pounces on his face and licks him, so there's that. Hector shoos him away and rubs the tips of his fingers in circles against his temples.]
...morning. Is the shirtlessness for my benefit, or are you expecting your Speaker to come early?
[The sass hasn't gone anywhere, which should be a sign unto Alucard that Hector's still alive and kicking...or at least alive and limping along.]
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[Alucard whistles for a member of the crew to come over and take control of the wheel. It allows Alucard to walk over and crouch down beside Hector, that way he's not shouting in the other man's direction.]
I have all the bedding, blankets, and such drying right now. It should be done soon.
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