[ it's nice to not be rebuffed, really: and that soothes him a little more without even trying, for anderson to just accept it, knowing that alucard needs him and that the depths of his possession, his obsession, are... vast.
logically, to an outside party, it's probably alarming at best that anderson plays into it, by giving in to it, by so much as saying that alucard 'has' him. but it is what it is, and it's not like they're sitting in front of anyone having this conversation. not even the dog is around to potentially judge them. ]
And you're stuck with me.
[ it's idle, almost teasing, and with the usual self-depreciation. that'll never fully go away, but at least anderson's not opposed to being stuck with him.
his hand drops to his shoulder though, at the murmur, and alucard tips his head with a soft sound, eyes lidding almost fully shut. he nods, not to confirm that it's in doubt, but that he's listening, that he's going to keep saying it.
finally, at length, he mumbles: ]
I don't--I'm not used to having things, anymore, much less people.
[ hence why he's intent on sleeping in an empty basement, and why he's so sure that people will get sick of him, or leave him, or toss him away once he's outlived his usefulness. so saying that he needs anderson periodically is just--a reminder, that he wants to keep him. ]
[To an outside party, there are few aspects of their relationship, and their lives overall that wouldn't have been alarming. They're obsessive, possessive men who're warped in irrevocable ways, and it's inevitable that they should be like this, so wholly consumed. But it is abnormal, Anderson knows; it's why he's had little pleasant to say of their capacity for love and romance, but they're both that way so it's not something he's particularly self-conscious about. Not in regard to them being compatible in this way, anyway.
Being stuck with Alucard is perfectly agreeable. Here, in Duplicity; in Hell, on their own world; he never intended to part from Alucard permanently. He would have clawed his way through Armageddon to resume their battle.
He nods lazily in recognition of Alucard's mumble, his cheek brushing Alucard's jaw.]
I- mnmmm... need you too. [A pause while he collects his thoughts.] You're an important figure in my life. You fill something, some need, and you did prior to Duplicity. Needs, now, I suppose. Don't ask me to specify, because I'll just stumble for a straight ten minutes. [Oh, he's not very good at this.] What I'm saying is, it's a mutual, everything, and that's how having someone should be.
[He looks mildly flustered. God, how he tries, and he never gets any better at verbalising these things.]
I don't especially know if that helps, but there it is.
[ 'we're both that way so it's fine' is probably even worse, all things considered, since they act as a positive feedback loop for each other's awful tendencies instead of encouraging each other into something more ... permissible, less all-consuming.
but they manage, even if it means that anyone that comes between them is in for a rude awakening.
he's quiet as anderson speaks, almost owlish, because he honestly didn't expect to hear the sentiment in return. he knows he's needy. he's a difficult man to fluster, but he honestly doesn't know what to say. it doesn't help that his already-questionable brain is a sluggish mire right now, either.
but he smiles, and he urges a kiss to anderson's mouth. it's slow, and lingers-- ]
--It helps. It does.
[ emotion is overwhelming, but it's easier when he's warm, and gentle, and tired, and he's very clearly struggling to keep his eyes open at all at the moment, doubly evidenced when his forehead thunks against anderson's shoulder. he's awake, but barely. ]
[The wide-eyed silence initially has Anderson wondering if he'd misspoken, completely missed the mark on being helpful, and he's trying to think of an amendment he could make when Alucard smiles and kisses him.
Oh.
He returns the kiss, and he would have been happy to maintain it following the words Alucard speaks into his mouth, but-
The man collapses against his shoulder, which clearly indicates he's in no state to be kissing.]
You can't stay much of anything, right now.
[Sliding a hand under Alucard's chin, he lifts it enough to press a few fingers past his lips, grazing briefly over his fangs before pressing down hard enough to send a splash of crimson onto Alucard's tongue. Something to revitalise him, just for a little while. Anderson needs to get that soap off his back.]
[ it's so easy for both of them to take those sorts of silences the wrong way, isn't it? especially because they're both chatty in their own ways. but no, he's pleased, certainly as pleased as he's going to get right now.
he's practically dormant as anderson manhandles him, and it actually takes a moment for him to register the blood, to come back to life thusly. but he does, and the sensation makes him groan, tongue lapping at the punctures before they can close.
his eyes flutter open and he looks at him, muffled when he answers. ]
Mmm--I'm awake.
[ mostly. he gets what blood he can, then nips at the tips of his fingers although he doesn't attempt to break the skin, just pulls back slightly after. he shifts, sitting up a bit, still bleary but at least conscious. ]
I'm not the best bathing companion, I'm well aware.
[It's... a little endearing, the drowsiness, and he wouldn't much mind Alucard sleeping on him, but they do need to dry and dress and that'll be rather difficult while Alucard is comatose. He did joke about leaving Alucard on the tiles a while back, but it would be rude to do so after being the one to invite him into the bath (it would also be rude in any other circumstances, Anderson).
After dragging any remaining blood onto the flat Alucard's tongue, Anderson withdraws his hand and retrieves the wash cloth, which he first applies to his face and neck to rid himself of any lingering blood, then to Alucard's back to wipe away the soap there.]
Simply another quirk of yours to get used to.
[He hoists himself a little further up the ceramic and extends an arm for Alucard to steady himself on.]
Come on, bed. Perhaps if I get you there now you'll fall asleep too fast to be cross again.
[A plan that would probably work better if he didn't outright mention it, really.]
[ wow he's not endearing he's dracula!!!! >:E ... okay, he's kind of endearing. that said, he lets anderson manhandle him thusly, and when he's offered a steady way out he nods, gripping at anderson's forearm as a way to hoist himself out of the tub without toppling over.
anderson does shoot himself in the foot a bit though, with that comment, and he gives him a withering look so soon as he's on his own two feet on the bathmat. he's still tired, but it's slowly receding, and the coolness of the air in contrast to the still slightly warm bath isn't a problem, but it's interesting. ]
And it might've worked if you hadn't made a little speech about it. Unfortunately I get pretty alert once I'm out of the water again.
[ still, they've had such a nice moment that there's really no bite to it. ]
Bed is still acceptable, though.
[ he shifts to grab a towel so that he can dry off, scrubbing at his face first. ]
[Anderson appears slightly chastened by that look, clearing his throat and glancing away before rising out of the water. He's hasty in grabbing a towel, much less interested in the experience of leaving warm water to stand in cool, winters air, particularly long after the sun has descended.]
Not one of my best thought out jokes, admittedly.
[Since it involved unveiling his plan and all.
Once he's dry, he's quick to pull on his pyjamas. Nice, thick winter ones with a cross on the front, because he is at that unfortunate level of Christian where he just puts crosses on everything. Case in point: those stupid gloves.
He pads his way for the bedroom, still scrubbing the water out of his hair. He won't stop until they reach the bedroom just to make sure he doesn't make his pillow damp.]
I'd like you to get into bed first.
[So he can slip in after him, into the position he wants, instead of awkwardly mentioning how he'd like them to share the bed (read: cuddle).]
[ he rolls his eyes, but otherwise refrains from being too put out by it. he dries off, and cheats a bit with his hair (being a mass that can suck liquids through your skin/hair/clothing is wild, y'all), making sure it's dry. he pulls on the same lounge pants and shirt as before, since he didn't get them dirty, then unplugs the tub before trailing off down the hall after anderson.
he pauses by the bed, blinking, then says: ]
Am I going to be the little spoon?
[ like, he's not going to complain, he likes being the little spoon, but this seems like a way to get him to be the little spoon without asking him to be the little spoon.
he climbs into bed as requested anyway, stretching a bit and flopping out thusly. the bed is at least big enough for them, thankfully, so he doesn't have to scrunch up in a corner of it. that said, he looks up at him once he's settled, and extends a hand expectantly. ]
[There's absolutely no comprehension on Anderson's face when Alucard asks his question. This guy hasn't exactly watched a lot of romcoms, or interacted with romance in any meaningful way in general.]
I'd think you more of a knife. Perhaps one of those ridged cheese spoons.
[Yeah, so. Clearly there's some communication error here.
When he slips under the covers after Alucard, he doesn't move to spoon Alucard, instead draping his arms around his middle and burying his face into Alucard's chest. A comforting place to be after spending an hour or so being stared at by every vaguely eye-shaped thing in his vicinity.]
[ ah. right. he hadn't thought of that part. but comparing him to a knife is charming, and somehow a compliment, even if the cheese spoon bit makes him huff a laugh.
he settles easily, and when anderson settles it's--nice. one of his arms drapes across anderson's back, while the fingers of his other hand slip through his hair slowly, repeating the gesture thoughtlessly. ]
No. But I still like it. So I'll show you spooning some other time.
[ he tips his head forward, nosing against the crown of his head, and closes his eyes with a sigh. it's comfortable, and easy. getting easier as time passes, too, and while at times he doesn't know what to do with that, for now he's--pleased. ]
Mm. Come here.
[ his hand moves so he can tip anderson's chin up so he can kiss him, pointed but slow. once he's satisfied he lets him go, so he can go back to burrowing if he wants. ]
[It is nice, and Alucard will hear that sentiment in the faint hum Anderson emits as Alucard's hands drift into his hair. It's always pleasant, having ones hair stroked.]
Spooning. Sounds like there's options. [Or you know, two... but there are a lot of spoon types and sizes out there and frankly two is just unimaginative.
He's quick to become drowsy once lying down, so the kiss he returns is a rather sloppy slide of his lips, and the tip of his nose bumps against Alucard's throat on his way back down to Alucard's chest. It's a little warmer after bathing in borderline-scorching water. He's retained enough of the heat for Anderson to find it comfortable.]
Mhmm.
[No desire to argue there. It doesn't take long: perhaps six or so minutes, then his breathing evens out and he's out.]
[ sorry, it is definitely only the two options. that doesn't mean he's not going to enforce practicing of spooning, once it happens, because that's just how he is.
it seems like anderson is halfway asleep already, so he just hums pleasantly and draws him a little closer. he doesn't say anything else, just lets his fingertips trace over his back, his spine, and also go back to toying with his hair. he left the door open a crack, just in case, and eventually, not long after anderson has fallen asleep, baskerville trots in to join them, hopping up onto the bed and curling up against their sides.
this is fine too.
sleeping like this isn't going to do alucard any good, since he's not in a coffin, but he doesn't mind it: he settles in for the long haul, closing his eyes and just trying to relax. the cuddling makes up for it, and eventually he dozes off anyway too. ]
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logically, to an outside party, it's probably alarming at best that anderson plays into it, by giving in to it, by so much as saying that alucard 'has' him. but it is what it is, and it's not like they're sitting in front of anyone having this conversation. not even the dog is around to potentially judge them. ]
And you're stuck with me.
[ it's idle, almost teasing, and with the usual self-depreciation. that'll never fully go away, but at least anderson's not opposed to being stuck with him.
his hand drops to his shoulder though, at the murmur, and alucard tips his head with a soft sound, eyes lidding almost fully shut. he nods, not to confirm that it's in doubt, but that he's listening, that he's going to keep saying it.
finally, at length, he mumbles: ]
I don't--I'm not used to having things, anymore, much less people.
[ hence why he's intent on sleeping in an empty basement, and why he's so sure that people will get sick of him, or leave him, or toss him away once he's outlived his usefulness. so saying that he needs anderson periodically is just--a reminder, that he wants to keep him. ]
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Being stuck with Alucard is perfectly agreeable. Here, in Duplicity; in Hell, on their own world; he never intended to part from Alucard permanently. He would have clawed his way through Armageddon to resume their battle.
He nods lazily in recognition of Alucard's mumble, his cheek brushing Alucard's jaw.]
I- mnmmm... need you too. [A pause while he collects his thoughts.] You're an important figure in my life. You fill something, some need, and you did prior to Duplicity. Needs, now, I suppose. Don't ask me to specify, because I'll just stumble for a straight ten minutes. [Oh, he's not very good at this.] What I'm saying is, it's a mutual, everything, and that's how having someone should be.
[He looks mildly flustered. God, how he tries, and he never gets any better at verbalising these things.]
I don't especially know if that helps, but there it is.
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but they manage, even if it means that anyone that comes between them is in for a rude awakening.
he's quiet as anderson speaks, almost owlish, because he honestly didn't expect to hear the sentiment in return. he knows he's needy. he's a difficult man to fluster, but he honestly doesn't know what to say. it doesn't help that his already-questionable brain is a sluggish mire right now, either.
but he smiles, and he urges a kiss to anderson's mouth. it's slow, and lingers-- ]
--It helps. It does.
[ emotion is overwhelming, but it's easier when he's warm, and gentle, and tired, and he's very clearly struggling to keep his eyes open at all at the moment, doubly evidenced when his forehead thunks against anderson's shoulder. he's awake, but barely. ]
Now I'm mad I can't stay mad.
[ he's not, actually, it's just a rumbled joke. ]
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Oh.
He returns the kiss, and he would have been happy to maintain it following the words Alucard speaks into his mouth, but-
The man collapses against his shoulder, which clearly indicates he's in no state to be kissing.]
You can't stay much of anything, right now.
[Sliding a hand under Alucard's chin, he lifts it enough to press a few fingers past his lips, grazing briefly over his fangs before pressing down hard enough to send a splash of crimson onto Alucard's tongue. Something to revitalise him, just for a little while. Anderson needs to get that soap off his back.]
Better?
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he's practically dormant as anderson manhandles him, and it actually takes a moment for him to register the blood, to come back to life thusly. but he does, and the sensation makes him groan, tongue lapping at the punctures before they can close.
his eyes flutter open and he looks at him, muffled when he answers. ]
Mmm--I'm awake.
[ mostly. he gets what blood he can, then nips at the tips of his fingers although he doesn't attempt to break the skin, just pulls back slightly after. he shifts, sitting up a bit, still bleary but at least conscious. ]
I'm not the best bathing companion, I'm well aware.
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After dragging any remaining blood onto the flat Alucard's tongue, Anderson withdraws his hand and retrieves the wash cloth, which he first applies to his face and neck to rid himself of any lingering blood, then to Alucard's back to wipe away the soap there.]
Simply another quirk of yours to get used to.
[He hoists himself a little further up the ceramic and extends an arm for Alucard to steady himself on.]
Come on, bed. Perhaps if I get you there now you'll fall asleep too fast to be cross again.
[A plan that would probably work better if he didn't outright mention it, really.]
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anderson does shoot himself in the foot a bit though, with that comment, and he gives him a withering look so soon as he's on his own two feet on the bathmat. he's still tired, but it's slowly receding, and the coolness of the air in contrast to the still slightly warm bath isn't a problem, but it's interesting. ]
And it might've worked if you hadn't made a little speech about it. Unfortunately I get pretty alert once I'm out of the water again.
[ still, they've had such a nice moment that there's really no bite to it. ]
Bed is still acceptable, though.
[ he shifts to grab a towel so that he can dry off, scrubbing at his face first. ]
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Not one of my best thought out jokes, admittedly.
[Since it involved unveiling his plan and all.
Once he's dry, he's quick to pull on his pyjamas. Nice, thick winter ones with a cross on the front, because he is at that unfortunate level of Christian where he just puts crosses on everything. Case in point: those stupid gloves.
He pads his way for the bedroom, still scrubbing the water out of his hair. He won't stop until they reach the bedroom just to make sure he doesn't make his pillow damp.]
I'd like you to get into bed first.
[So he can slip in after him, into the position he wants, instead of awkwardly mentioning how he'd like them to share the bed (read: cuddle).]
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he pauses by the bed, blinking, then says: ]
Am I going to be the little spoon?
[ like, he's not going to complain, he likes being the little spoon, but this seems like a way to get him to be the little spoon without asking him to be the little spoon.
he climbs into bed as requested anyway, stretching a bit and flopping out thusly. the bed is at least big enough for them, thankfully, so he doesn't have to scrunch up in a corner of it. that said, he looks up at him once he's settled, and extends a hand expectantly. ]
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I'd think you more of a knife. Perhaps one of those ridged cheese spoons.
[Yeah, so. Clearly there's some communication error here.
When he slips under the covers after Alucard, he doesn't move to spoon Alucard, instead draping his arms around his middle and burying his face into Alucard's chest. A comforting place to be after spending an hour or so being stared at by every vaguely eye-shaped thing in his vicinity.]
Well, are you being the little spoon?
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he settles easily, and when anderson settles it's--nice. one of his arms drapes across anderson's back, while the fingers of his other hand slip through his hair slowly, repeating the gesture thoughtlessly. ]
No. But I still like it. So I'll show you spooning some other time.
[ he tips his head forward, nosing against the crown of his head, and closes his eyes with a sigh. it's comfortable, and easy. getting easier as time passes, too, and while at times he doesn't know what to do with that, for now he's--pleased. ]
Mm. Come here.
[ his hand moves so he can tip anderson's chin up so he can kiss him, pointed but slow. once he's satisfied he lets him go, so he can go back to burrowing if he wants. ]
Go to sleep.
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Spooning. Sounds like there's options. [Or you know, two... but there are a lot of spoon types and sizes out there and frankly two is just unimaginative.
He's quick to become drowsy once lying down, so the kiss he returns is a rather sloppy slide of his lips, and the tip of his nose bumps against Alucard's throat on his way back down to Alucard's chest. It's a little warmer after bathing in borderline-scorching water. He's retained enough of the heat for Anderson to find it comfortable.]
Mhmm.
[No desire to argue there. It doesn't take long: perhaps six or so minutes, then his breathing evens out and he's out.]
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[ sorry, it is definitely only the two options. that doesn't mean he's not going to enforce practicing of spooning, once it happens, because that's just how he is.
it seems like anderson is halfway asleep already, so he just hums pleasantly and draws him a little closer. he doesn't say anything else, just lets his fingertips trace over his back, his spine, and also go back to toying with his hair. he left the door open a crack, just in case, and eventually, not long after anderson has fallen asleep, baskerville trots in to join them, hopping up onto the bed and curling up against their sides.
this is fine too.
sleeping like this isn't going to do alucard any good, since he's not in a coffin, but he doesn't mind it: he settles in for the long haul, closing his eyes and just trying to relax. the cuddling makes up for it, and eventually he dozes off anyway too. ]