[He catches himself on his hands when he's knocked off-balance, contented mostly with the satisfaction of having felt Star Platinum's fist connect in a solid hit even though he'd been felled himself in order to do it. By the time he can get himself back to his feet, Alucard is already moving in, and he's braced for it —

But then he's circling, and yes, that's good, he likes that. The wariness, the anticipation, the silent escalation until battle breaks out again. He wants his heart to beat faster. He wants more of that.]

You're feeling me out.

[He rumbles softly, ears pricking up as, despite himself, he bares his teeth a little — almost like a reflex, like they don't quite fit in his mouth, moreso than anything overtly vicious.]

Tell you the truth, I'd like it better if I didn't have to use him so much.

[He flexes his fingers, watching Alucard with that same predator's look in his eyes again.]

He's not the only one who can throw a punch, you know.