[This isn't how he'd meant for this to happen. Minato had already expected to be carefully turned down once he'd found the right time to say something, possibly lose being as close to Alucard as he was, but with the addition of his terrible, terrible drunk decision... well. Given how incredibly fucking awkward he knew he'd feel in Alucard's shoes if say, Yukari for example had randomly sent him a picture of her like that, he wouldn't be surprised if he ended up distancing himself even further than anticipated. Not to mention, it forced his timeline up for when he felt like he'd be ready to talk quite considerably, leaving him scrambling to put together the right words to say when they spoke. Depression and anxiety had set down upon his shoulders the moment he'd woken up to see what he'd done, and now he could feel it blanketing him completely.
He waits in his room anxiously once he'd successfully returned Pumpkin, gently stroking his finger along Charlotte's head, face otherwise completely devoid of emotion. If Minato hears a knock on the door he'll call out in a soft voice that it's open, holding his breath and steeling himself for what would surely be an incredibly uncomfortable conversation.]
[Almost immediately upon seeing Alucard, Charlotte takes off and lands on his shoulder, fiercely snuggling him. Faintly, the dhampir smiles, scratching her head and gently tugging an ear affectionately.
Then there is Minato. Alucard takes in a deep breath, and slowly approaches. Instead of joining him in sitting, he sinks down to one knee before Minato, holding out his hand in offering.]
[Minato is surprised, but he doesn't show it — he's reverted back to how he was early on in their relationship, where he was always somewhat carefully guarded, ever so slightly distant. He looks at Alucard's hand though, considering for a moment. Half of him wanted the contact, half of him didn't, so it's with significant hesitation he finally places a hand on the other man's, his fondness for him outweighing the current constant alarm bells ringing in his head by just a tiny fraction.]
...I'm glad to see you again too.
[He says after a short pause, as if he was carefully deciding his words before saying them.]
[Alucard can see it, the signs of Minato putting up walls around himself. It feels like such a shame with how far their friendship had grown. Carefully, Alucard does not demand more from Minato, letting the younger man's hand rest in his own.]
You have my attention. Then I will decide if the apology is necessary.
Ren, Hajime and myself decided to hang out that night. I can't remember whose idea it even was — it just sort of happened, I guess. We were watching movies and eating and drinking, which... I hadn't ever done before. So I was kind of really far gone by the end of the night when Ren found what I had in my drawer. You see, I'd found a handful of clothes in front of my room around the time of your birthday. One of them was... that.
[He vaguely gestures with his free hand. Alucard obviously knew what he meant.]
I didn't know what to do with it, so I kept it. I stuffed it away in there, and hadn't even thought about it again until he found it. Then he wanted to try it on and made Hajime take pictures of him, then one thing lead to another and I was trying it on? A lot of it is kind of a blur at this point. But it fit me perfectly, like it was supposed to be mine, and I felt... nice, wearing it? So I made him take a picture of me with my device, too.
Then I found myself thinking about how much I liked it, and then I thought to myself that... I wanted you to see it, too. That I wanted you to think I looked as nice in it as I thought I did.
[As Minato speaks, Alucard is watching him carefully, patiently, his golden eyes calm and curious.
Because.
Slowly, he turns Minato's hand over so he can lay a tender kiss to his knuckles.]
When I saw the picture, I was not certain of your intent. But when I looked, I thought to myself how lovely you looked. I wished that I had seen it in person.
I do not wish to approach you in a way that will ever make you uncomfortable. [Gently, he rolls his thumb over Minato's knuckles.] You have bore your heart open to me before, told me the deep storm in your mind. And yet, I have enjoyed our days together, with films and music, your warm smile.
I fear to be terribly selfish with you. With everything.
[Minato's breath catches in his throat as he feels Alucard's lips against his knuckles, the facade of his expression cracking as his face softened considerably. His words rush over him like a tidal wave and the feeling of his touch, that soft brush of his thumb over Minato's skin, was suddenly nearly overwhelming, but instead of jerking his hand away, his fingers curl into Alucard's in a moment of courage.
His hands grow shaky from the well of nervous energy coursing through him, not having ever expected to hear Alucard show any signs of being receptive to what he had to say. He was always so nice to him, yes, but... he was nice to everyone. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever consider that any gentle affection Alucard had ever shown him could be for him alone.
He thought that Minato was lovely. The thought keeps bouncing around his head, almost hard to believe. He... enjoyed his time with him. His smile, given to such a selective few, he found to be warm.]
I...
[He pauses, and seems to start over.]
After a long time thinking, I realized that— that when you feel something, you have to let someone know before it's too late. Things here are so impermanent, fleeting. So is life in general, really. If you wait too long, you might just lose the chance to ever say something entirely. Even if things don't go the way you want, at least you said something, and you won't spend the rest of your time wondering what could've been. Dwelling on it.
I... I hadn't intended on it to go this way. But...
[Rather than sneaking occasional eye contact with Alucard only to avert it once more, Minato holds it this time.]
I'm not really good at... expressing myself, like you are. I don't have the same way with words. But, I... I like you, Alucard. More than just like. If you're asking what it is I want of you, I suppose my answer would have to be... to be with you. By your side. For as long as we may have here.
[Romantic inclination. He'd suspected after the photo, but he wanted to be sure. The thoughts had begun to worm their way into his mind after his quiet birthday celebration with Minato.]
I do not know how long we will have here together. Until we find our paths back to our respective worlds. I...
[Until Minato is back to his fate. A fear rises quickly inside of Alucard, knowing that he is powerless to undo it all for Minato. For a moment, his hand gently squeezes Minato's.]
But I can make every day here easier. Brighter. Then I would do that for you.
I must be sincere with you, however. There is another I would court as well. For me, my way is to cherish the few that touch my soul. It can be more than one person. However, if that makes you uncomfortable, I would not pursue him.
I must know your thought on the matter, then I will know what to do.
Even if circumstances changed around here, I can't promise you anything for real, anything lasting — this is my borrowed time. I have... a duty to fulfill in death, that I must face again eventually. Just like you, if I'm offered a chance to return, I'll... have to take it. Even knowing what it means for me. I'm not going to hold you back from something you want, from someone you want, on my behalf, when I could leave at any time. I don't... want you to lose your chance to say something to someone, just like I didn't want to lose my chance to say something to you. I don't want you to have any regrets because of me.
I'm not familiar with the concept, but... I don't mind it. I want you to be happy.
[Alucard knows, but it's still troubling to hear. His insides churn a moment, knowing the truth. At the end of it all, Minato will stay dead. Alucard will live infinitely unless a vampire hunter gets lucky.
He'd give it up if it could mean Minato's life.]
I could never have any regrets with you.
[That much, he knows. Alucard now stands, gently pulling at Minato's hand, encouraging him to do the same.]
It is your human heart that reminds me of the potential of humanity. When I return to Wallachia, I will fight for them. I will dream of you, knowing I could save even just one person anything like you.
I want you to be happy. I will do everything I can to give you that while we are both here.
[A soft, somewhat shy smile crosses his face, and he allows himself to be brought into a standing position without any resistance.]
Humanity may not always be the best at expressing it, and sometimes the bad voices can drown out the good, but... it's worth saving. I know that. I died for that. I believe in you, Alucard — I know that you'll achieve it, even if sometimes it may seem like it'll take a miracle. Trust in yourself.
[Minato just hopes it ends with a happier conclusion for Alucard than it did for him.
He leans up as his free hand moves to gently cup Alucard's face, thumb brushing across his high cheek bone, fondness welling in his chest. His heart felt full, like it may just burst right out of his chest — he'd never felt so incredibly warm before, from inside to out.]
[Alucard wishes that he could be as good as Minato. That, despite everything, he could believe that humans are worthy of saving. Truthfully, he feels like a terrible Messiah, but he will do it. He will do it for his mother -- and for Minato. Both who love humanity.
He closes his eyes, loving the warm hand on his cheek. How long it's been, he feels, since he's last had such wonderful affection.]
There is one last thing.
[Golden eyes open, and Alucard gently combs through Minato's hair.]
[Minato loved his eyes. What a beautiful shade of gold, so intense, such long eyelashes... he liked being looked at by those eyes. He leans into the touch, eyes closing for just a moment, before opening them again so he could continue to look at Alucard.]
Adrian Ţepeş...
[He repeats, as if he was testing the name on his tongue. It seems to occur to him, with a small jolt of his eyes widening a fraction for a moment, what Alucard was trusting him with. He smiles, a little bit wider than usual.]
[Minato's chin instinctively tilts upward as Alucard's fingers move down, closing his eyes to relish in the feeling of the other man's soft lips pressing against his skin. He'd done it a couple times now since they'd met, but given the circumstances of this particular occasion, it felt much more special, and he can feel butterflies swirling in his stomach.]
[Gently, he guides Minato toward the bed. Nothing terribly intimate, but he wants to pull Minato into his arms and hold him, to comb his fingers through his hair.
Such a sweet man. He will do what he can to cherish this.]
I don't know what means of courting you have in your time, but I will try to accommodate.
[Minato has no objections whatsoever. In fact, he curls up comfortably against Alucard, eyes closed as a soft and serene look remains across his face, cheek pressed against his chest. Minato vaguely wonders whether or not Alucard has a heartbeat, so he listens for it — it's such a soothing sound, after all.
Really, it's probably for the best they aren't jumping to anything too incredibly intimate right off the bat, given how incredibly unfamiliar and vaguely nervous Minato was about the whole thing. This position is comfortable and familiar, and the sensation of Alucard combing through his hair is nice.]
I don't think things have changed all too incredibly much. It's called dating instead of courting... and we'd be considered "boyfriends", I guess.
[It felt really weird calling Alucard his boyfriend, given how regal he was, but he had no better word for it.]
I imagine it'd be kind of hard to go on any dates here, though. Unless you want to count music and movies, in which case we're ahead of the game already.
[Alucard's body temperature is cooler than most humans, but certainly warmer than any vampire would be. In addition, his pulse is slower, much calmer, his heartbeat slow and easy. As Minato gets comfortable, Alucard is draping an arm around his shoulders, the other hand brushing back his hair.]
Boyfriends.
[It seems such a simple term to him, one that does not necessarily implied any romance at all. It sounds more to him like friends who happen to be boys, but he won't argue. Minato knows better than he, after all.]
I suppose so. But you did well to gift and impress me before. I will have to do the same for you.
[If he had a better term than boyfriend, he would 100% be offering it to Alucard, but unfortunately he did not. There was also quite a slim chance he was going to go around asking anyone for their ideas either, so it'd have to do for now.
Alucard's heartbeat is pleasing, the slow and steady rhythm calming him as he feels his breathing adjust to match. The coolness meanwhile is equally no bother to him, perhaps was even a bit refreshing compared to the usual temperature of the station if he were to think about it. The feeling of being embraced against Alucard, his arm draped around him, made Minato feel incredibly comfortable and secure, and one hand moves to shyly place itself over top the hand that wasn't busy running through his hair, fingers curling around his hand to hold it gently against himself.]
I promise you that I'll be happy no matter what it is you come up with. But, I'll be looking forward to it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action;
He waits in his room anxiously once he'd successfully returned Pumpkin, gently stroking his finger along Charlotte's head, face otherwise completely devoid of emotion. If Minato hears a knock on the door he'll call out in a soft voice that it's open, holding his breath and steeling himself for what would surely be an incredibly uncomfortable conversation.]
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Then there is Minato. Alucard takes in a deep breath, and slowly approaches. Instead of joining him in sitting, he sinks down to one knee before Minato, holding out his hand in offering.]
I'm glad to see you again.
Please. Speak to me.
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...I'm glad to see you again too.
[He says after a short pause, as if he was carefully deciding his words before saying them.]
I owe you an explanation. And an apology.
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You have my attention. Then I will decide if the apology is necessary.
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Ren, Hajime and myself decided to hang out that night. I can't remember whose idea it even was — it just sort of happened, I guess. We were watching movies and eating and drinking, which... I hadn't ever done before. So I was kind of really far gone by the end of the night when Ren found what I had in my drawer. You see, I'd found a handful of clothes in front of my room around the time of your birthday. One of them was... that.
[He vaguely gestures with his free hand. Alucard obviously knew what he meant.]
I didn't know what to do with it, so I kept it. I stuffed it away in there, and hadn't even thought about it again until he found it. Then he wanted to try it on and made Hajime take pictures of him, then one thing lead to another and I was trying it on? A lot of it is kind of a blur at this point. But it fit me perfectly, like it was supposed to be mine, and I felt... nice, wearing it? So I made him take a picture of me with my device, too.
Then I found myself thinking about how much I liked it, and then I thought to myself that... I wanted you to see it, too. That I wanted you to think I looked as nice in it as I thought I did.
Because...
[He trails off.]
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Because.
Slowly, he turns Minato's hand over so he can lay a tender kiss to his knuckles.]
When I saw the picture, I was not certain of your intent. But when I looked, I thought to myself how lovely you looked. I wished that I had seen it in person.
I do not wish to approach you in a way that will ever make you uncomfortable. [Gently, he rolls his thumb over Minato's knuckles.] You have bore your heart open to me before, told me the deep storm in your mind. And yet, I have enjoyed our days together, with films and music, your warm smile.
I fear to be terribly selfish with you. With everything.
Tell me, Minato. What it is you want of me.
no subject
His hands grow shaky from the well of nervous energy coursing through him, not having ever expected to hear Alucard show any signs of being receptive to what he had to say. He was always so nice to him, yes, but... he was nice to everyone. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever consider that any gentle affection Alucard had ever shown him could be for him alone.
He thought that Minato was lovely. The thought keeps bouncing around his head, almost hard to believe. He... enjoyed his time with him. His smile, given to such a selective few, he found to be warm.]
I...
[He pauses, and seems to start over.]
After a long time thinking, I realized that— that when you feel something, you have to let someone know before it's too late. Things here are so impermanent, fleeting. So is life in general, really. If you wait too long, you might just lose the chance to ever say something entirely. Even if things don't go the way you want, at least you said something, and you won't spend the rest of your time wondering what could've been. Dwelling on it.
I... I hadn't intended on it to go this way. But...
[Rather than sneaking occasional eye contact with Alucard only to avert it once more, Minato holds it this time.]
I'm not really good at... expressing myself, like you are. I don't have the same way with words. But, I... I like you, Alucard. More than just like. If you're asking what it is I want of you, I suppose my answer would have to be... to be with you. By your side. For as long as we may have here.
[It felt corny to say, but it was the truth.]
no subject
I do not know how long we will have here together. Until we find our paths back to our respective worlds. I...
[Until Minato is back to his fate. A fear rises quickly inside of Alucard, knowing that he is powerless to undo it all for Minato. For a moment, his hand gently squeezes Minato's.]
But I can make every day here easier. Brighter. Then I would do that for you.
I must be sincere with you, however. There is another I would court as well. For me, my way is to cherish the few that touch my soul. It can be more than one person. However, if that makes you uncomfortable, I would not pursue him.
I must know your thought on the matter, then I will know what to do.
no subject
[It's said softly.]
Even if circumstances changed around here, I can't promise you anything for real, anything lasting — this is my borrowed time. I have... a duty to fulfill in death, that I must face again eventually. Just like you, if I'm offered a chance to return, I'll... have to take it. Even knowing what it means for me. I'm not going to hold you back from something you want, from someone you want, on my behalf, when I could leave at any time. I don't... want you to lose your chance to say something to someone, just like I didn't want to lose my chance to say something to you. I don't want you to have any regrets because of me.
I'm not familiar with the concept, but... I don't mind it. I want you to be happy.
no subject
He'd give it up if it could mean Minato's life.]
I could never have any regrets with you.
[That much, he knows. Alucard now stands, gently pulling at Minato's hand, encouraging him to do the same.]
It is your human heart that reminds me of the potential of humanity. When I return to Wallachia, I will fight for them. I will dream of you, knowing I could save even just one person anything like you.
I want you to be happy. I will do everything I can to give you that while we are both here.
no subject
Humanity may not always be the best at expressing it, and sometimes the bad voices can drown out the good, but... it's worth saving. I know that. I died for that. I believe in you, Alucard — I know that you'll achieve it, even if sometimes it may seem like it'll take a miracle. Trust in yourself.
[Minato just hopes it ends with a happier conclusion for Alucard than it did for him.
He leans up as his free hand moves to gently cup Alucard's face, thumb brushing across his high cheek bone, fondness welling in his chest. His heart felt full, like it may just burst right out of his chest — he'd never felt so incredibly warm before, from inside to out.]
Just being here with you makes me happy.
no subject
He closes his eyes, loving the warm hand on his cheek. How long it's been, he feels, since he's last had such wonderful affection.]
There is one last thing.
[Golden eyes open, and Alucard gently combs through Minato's hair.]
My name is Adrian. Adrian Ţepeş.
no subject
Adrian Ţepeş...
[He repeats, as if he was testing the name on his tongue. It seems to occur to him, with a small jolt of his eyes widening a fraction for a moment, what Alucard was trusting him with. He smiles, a little bit wider than usual.]
It's a beautiful name. I like it.
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[Long fingers trail from Minato's hair down to his chin. Alucard leans down, pressing his lips to the younger man's forehead.]
The name itself is no secret, but I would not hear it from a stranger. You are far, far from such.
I would like to stay here, for awhile. Will you allow it?
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I would like that, Adrian.
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Such a sweet man. He will do what he can to cherish this.]
I don't know what means of courting you have in your time, but I will try to accommodate.
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Really, it's probably for the best they aren't jumping to anything too incredibly intimate right off the bat, given how incredibly unfamiliar and vaguely nervous Minato was about the whole thing. This position is comfortable and familiar, and the sensation of Alucard combing through his hair is nice.]
I don't think things have changed all too incredibly much. It's called dating instead of courting... and we'd be considered "boyfriends", I guess.
[It felt really weird calling Alucard his boyfriend, given how regal he was, but he had no better word for it.]
I imagine it'd be kind of hard to go on any dates here, though. Unless you want to count music and movies, in which case we're ahead of the game already.
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Boyfriends.
[It seems such a simple term to him, one that does not necessarily implied any romance at all. It sounds more to him like friends who happen to be boys, but he won't argue. Minato knows better than he, after all.]
I suppose so. But you did well to gift and impress me before. I will have to do the same for you.
no subject
Alucard's heartbeat is pleasing, the slow and steady rhythm calming him as he feels his breathing adjust to match. The coolness meanwhile is equally no bother to him, perhaps was even a bit refreshing compared to the usual temperature of the station if he were to think about it. The feeling of being embraced against Alucard, his arm draped around him, made Minato feel incredibly comfortable and secure, and one hand moves to shyly place itself over top the hand that wasn't busy running through his hair, fingers curling around his hand to hold it gently against himself.]
I promise you that I'll be happy no matter what it is you come up with. But, I'll be looking forward to it.