Musebox

[petcromancer]

A home for PSLs.

Comments

[cryptsleeper]

[Dogs make hard conversations easier.]

I suppose the question becomes does it help to end it now, before matters intensify further?

[petcromancer]

[Not even the dogs can make this part of the conversation better. He keeps rubbing, though, so Cesar doesn't whine at him.]

It might, if you think it should end.

[Can you hear his reluctance, Alucard?]

[cryptsleeper]

[Yes. Yes he can.]

I'm asking what's best for you.

[petcromancer]

[Hector tickles the puppy-tummy, and Cesar snorts happily. At least somebody is happy with how this is going.]

No, I don't want to stop. But we've established I'm reckless, and I don't want you to get hurt.

[cryptsleeper]

You are reckless.

[Oh no. Those tummy tickles are too much. Alucard's gonna just get in on that.]

But I also don't want you to be hurt. Nor do I want to encourage recklessness once we're off this boat.

[petcromancer]

[Hector moves one of his hands to Antonius' ears so Alucard has some room on Cesar's little stomach.]

You're not, though. So it'll be fine if I do what you tell me.

[Alucard is definitely the more responsible one, so they're probably both better off if Hector's not the ones calling the shots.]

So, I won't push you anymore. But if you want anything, just say it.

[cryptsleeper]

[Very delicate fingers rub at Cesar's belly, the other hand remaining flat on the floor to support some of Alucard's weight.]

Mmm. Would it be easier if I wasn't person shaped for the next few evenings?

[petcromancer]

[Hector snorts.]

I do have some self-control, you know. That won’t be necessary.

...unless you want belly-rubs too.

[cryptsleeper]

It was more about emotional well being rather than self control, but very well.

[Belly rubs later. Spoil the dogs now.]

[petcromancer]

[Hector shakes his head slowly.]

I'll be fine. You don't need to worry about me.

[He would pat Alucard's head, except they're doing the space thing.]

[cryptsleeper]

It's worth asking.

[He smiles, feeling the awkwardness of the situation to begin to well and truly settle in. Alucard's gaze shifts to the floor, and he tries to shift and settle into this.]

...If you had plans, we could do them tonight and then enforce this tomorrow.

[petcromancer]

[Oh, Alucard, this is the path that is going to get both of you hurt.]

There is a long list of lessons I’d like to teach you. But if you’re uncertain, we’re going to let these dogs, eat our baklava, and then we can go over my Latin until you’re ready to sleep so I don’t look like a bumpkin in front of your genius parents.

[Because as much as Hector wants to smooch, he’s not going to push any more unless Alucard is 100% on board.]

[cryptsleeper]

[Yes. But the good news is? Mentioning parents is a sure fire way to bring Alucard back to sensible reality. So he nods, the proposed plan far smarter.]

The second one then. Although you won't look like a bumpkin, of that I can assure you.

[petcromancer]

[Hector rubs Cesar's paw pads, trying not to let any disappointment show. He'd rather be kissing Alucard, of course, but unless Alucard pursues it, rather than just letting himself be worn down by Hector, it can't happen.

And he likes talking with Alucard, as friends. It's preferable even to being able to cuddle the wolf.]

You say that, but you haven't heard my accent when I try to speak it. My only saving grace is that the language is dying.

[cryptsleeper]

Well, then show me.

[Alucard considers this, and he shifts his entire body so it's facing Hector.

His next words are in Latin.]

I doubt it is as bad as you claim.

[petcromancer]

I can muddles through the basic, but to speak about the sciences is harder.

[He’s sure he’s flubbing some of the declensions, and his vocabulary doesn’t get him as technical as he can go in Greek or Romanian. He knows his hosts will be equipped to communicate in his native tongue, but he’s also got thoughts turned to that promised library.]

I may be hopeless.

[cryptsleeper]

The sciences are hard anyway, especially with my father's level. He invents half the vocabulary.

[Alucard's smile is soft. Trying to be reassuring.]

All will go well. At least when it comes to language.

[petcromancer]

[Ominous. Alucard's smile more than his words help reassure Hector.]

I suppose I should stick to Greek, then. That's the only chance I have of keeping up.

[He shouldn't be so nervous. He knows Dracula. But it'll be different when he reaches the castle as a guest. Especially when he is going in knowing he has deflowered his host's son....]

What about etiquette? What do I need to know before we arrive?

[See, they can fill their evening with things other than kissing. They just...need to keep busy, so they aren't tempted. Everything will be fine and not awkward.]

[cryptsleeper]

I...will be honest, I'm not sure about etiquette. It won't surprise you to learn that we rarely have long term visitors in the castle - or that my mother disdains most formalities.

[EXTREMELY HELFUL DHAMPIR RIGHT HERE. Alucard shakes his head.]

What as it like when my father visited you?

[petcromancer]

[SO HELPFUL.]

When you father came to stay with me, I was the host. By mutual agreement, we were loose with the laws of hospitality.

[Mostly, they'd been too busy geeking out having scholarly discussions, and they hadn't wanted to waste time on formalities.]

You truly think your mother won't care? Offending her is the worst thing I could do.

[Both Tepes men think she hung the moon, and getting on her bad side would get him kicked out in a heartbeat.]

[cryptsleeper]

I believe it will be much the same, given that you're coming here to study and take advantage of my father's vast libraries.

[UR GOING TO BE NERDS please chillax.]

My mother is...hm. How shall I put it? She may have derided my father for his lack of hospitality when she first knocked on his door, but in doing so she threw those same laws aside, dressed him down, and...well, I'm here.

[petcromancer]

[How did two kick-ass rebels make this straight edge child?]

You said I'll be the first long-term guest. I... don't want to be the last.

[He doesn't want to embarrass Alucard ruin this scholarship opportunity for future generations of magically-gifted humans.]

[cryptsleeper]

[With Dracula's dick.

And by being very adoring parents and Alucard wanting nothing more than to please them.]

Let them just set the standards when you get there. I can only guess at this point.

[petcromancer]

[Loving parents. No wonder Hector is confused.

He sighs. So much for his plan to keep himself distracted. This is making him even more nervous about reaching their destination.]

If I have nothing to brush up on, what should we do until bed?

[cryptsleeper]

[Well Hector they'll probably adopt you at this point, so.

Crap. They have run out of things, haven't they? Alucard sighs, then shakes his head to admit that he has no idea.]

I could turn into a wolf and you could treat me like one of the dogs.

[BELLY RUBS PLZ.]