[Alucard's angry - but it's an anger suffused with violation and agitation, and Anderson can hear it clear in his voice, see it clear on his face. His hand drifts up, sliding over his sternum and under his chin, tilting it up. His other hand eases Alcuard's fingers away from the scar. Trying to tear it off isn't going to do any good. He doesn't need to see Alucard heal to know that.]
Then we'll just have to replace it with a scar you do want, or find some means of getting rid of it altogether.
[In response to Alucard's agitation, his voice loses that angry, proprietorial edge, because indulging his anger isn't helping.]
But the seals and this scar- they aren't the same, Alucard. They aren't aren't remotely in the same category as the seals. [He draws Alucard's fingers up, guiding them to touch the rough, jagged scar on his cheek.] It's just a standard scar, like anyone elses. And I'm already concocting ways to get rid of it.
[ he can't help it. he doesn't calm when anderson touches him, but he stills, looking at him quietly as his fingers relax, blood under his nails but not dripping--he hadn't had time to dig that much, thankfully. he considers what anderson is saying, then nods-- ]
--I wonder if it was that it was HUNTR, or if it was his ability, that made it so that it left a scar. It should have healed as soon as my powers came back, which is pretty suspect.
[ and he... tries to listen, to this too, because it's something he needs to hear. he has an awful view of it, an unhealthy view of it, and so he tries to rearrange his thoughts to suit the narrative he's being given. his fingers brush the scar on anderson's face, linger there, and finally his shoulders slump somewhat. ]
It wasn't even a good fight.
[ sullenly. at least he's back to being childish rather than self-destructive. but anderson's next comment makes him tilt his head, curious. ]
[He was right; the anger wasn't helping, but the calm clearly is.]
I don't recall a bullet wound when I've... seen you, so I agree. EROS would be an interesting man to chat to, I suspect.
[It's a shame neither of them has any technological skill, because they've nothing else to go off of but an application and a network post. Their proficiency as hunters can only take them so far in the modern age. Anderson has attempted to adapt, to research the new depths of technology, but frankly, it all means very little to him even after extensive reading.
He lets his hand drop away from Alucard's chin once he's recovered some composure. His other hand lingers over Alucard's knuckles, skin hot against Alucard's chill. The bath ought to drive some of that away.]
Well, at current, I'm trying to think of the most humiliating way to carry him. What do you think: over the shoulder or under the arm?
[Both are going to be very not fun for Alessandro. And the carrying will be accompanied by a black eye- perhaps two, which is even less fun.]
I'd say I want to eat him, but that's pretty much a given. I was going to ignore the app entirely, but now I'm pissed off that I've been targeted despite not participating. Par for the course though, I suppose.
[ alucard would love to find eros, but it's true that neither of them have the tech savvy necessary. they're good at analog hunting, but digital... perhaps someone they know will know what to do. surely there are others just as upset.
he actually--lets out a rough laugh, letting his head thunk to anderson's shoulder. it's ridiculous, but okay, it's helping. ]
Over the shoulder, like a sack. Under the arm would be too dignified, allow him to face forward.
The worst I've experienced, thus far, is the loss of my socks. All of them. I was particularly sour that day, so you might have noticed.
[Every single sock, Alucard. His prickly behaviour was justified.
The corner of his mouth curls at Alucard's laugh and he takes the opportunity to fold an arm over Alucard's back, since he'll be tugging him upright in a moment anyway. The bath won't take long to reach capacity.]
Over the shoulder it is, then. I'll be sure to send you a photo of that, too. You'll have a nice little gallery by the time I'm done.
I don't wear socks, so I'm afraid the gravity of it is still lost to me. Do you have socks now?
[ wry. he did notice that anderson was fussy, though. fair enough, it was still theft, so it was still annoying. fair. a stupid prank, but what prank isn't on some level stupid?
his spine curves a bit as he leans into it, humming--the attention is just as soothing as the reminder to chill out is. he sighs, closing his eyes a moment. ]
Good. I'll make a collage and hang them on the wall. Fine art.
[ okay. right. bath time. he shifts his feet on the floor, like he's making to get up, but hasn't quite gotten there yet. ugh, moving. ]
Okay, okay, I don't want to smell like rotten leftovers anymore.
[He's so often fussy that it's probably hard to tell the source at any given time. But, to be fair, Duplicity is a place that calls for some fussiness.
Alucard's so cold at the moment that he's definitely not having any trouble with the 'chill' part. Anderson rises first, since Alucard seems to be experiencing some difficulties, and tugs the man up with him, drawing him tight to his chest.]
Seems like you haven't shaken off the rigor mortis completely. Or that might just be the cold; I'm sure you'd know better than me.
[He pulls him in the direction of the bathroom.]
I'll join you, if you don't mind my taking up most of the space. You're liable to drown if I don't.
[ yeah, the fussiness is pretty usual, so he didn't think too deeply in it. at least it was still over something petty, if annoying.
he stands when anderson does, slowly, one hand gripping at his arm only in part because he needs to. anderson is warm, which is something he doesn't usually notice too much, but right now it's... good.
sighing, he starts off toward the bathroom, kicking off his boots on the way with thankfully little teetering since he's doing it mid-movement. ]
I'm not sure. I've never been dead longer than a split-second before, so that might be it.
[ so yeah, his body is kind of struggling to recuperate, since there's no blood flow or anything to keep him going or kickstart him again. warming him up will definitely help.
he hums, noncommittally, but nods. ]
I'd rather not just sink to the bottom of the tub, so yes.
[ he is, at least, Okay enough to disengage and turn off the tap once they get to the bathroom. then he's fumbling with his belt and trousers, eyeing the bubbles in the tub. okay, he's not generally a bath guy for obvious reasons, but it still looks nice. thankfully, there aren't any other scars hiding on his body: it's just the one that killed him.
he's gonna climb into the tub first, so hurry up, buddy. potential drowning is likely imminent. ]
[No blood flow, and no blood in him in general. It's been three days without food, three days with an empty body, and Anderson should have had the forethought to give him a drink before the bath, but it completely slipped his mind. He's probably not going to be able to keep his head up for more than a few minutes.
With that in mind, he's in a hurry when he undresses, hastily pulling off the cassock coat and everything underneath, piling them atop the sink counter. There's a small, silver knife in his boot that he draws out before approaching the bath.]
Right, and I imagine you spent a fair few hours bleeding out before being found. All things considered, it's no surprise you aren't entirely functional right now.
[He descends into the water after Alucard and folds his legs, slipping them under Alucard's thighs. The bath is, predictably, so hot that it has steam billowing off of it in great clouds- just how Anderson likes it.]
Feeding you three times in a single month. I must be getting soft. In the head and otherwise.
[Clucking his tongue, he slips the blade smoothly into his arm, as easily as one would dig a knife into butter, and only stops when he reaches the basilic vein. It's not exactly the most pleasant sensation, cutting oneself, but his face only twitches minutely as he works. When he draws the knife out, it's fast, abrupt, and he's quick to drag Alucard's mouth open with fingers around his chin and send the rapidly dwindling stream splashing over his tongue.]
[ things definitely cut off abruptly for him, but the nature of his body is that it will continue to leak, apparently, so yeah, he's pretty much running on empty right now. ]
Mmhm.
[ his eyes are actually already closed by the time anderson sinks into the tub with him and he shifts to accommodate him, enjoying the closeness, but he's visibly woozy as his eyes crack open when anderson speaks again. there's a lazy comment on his tongue, inciting, but then anderson is already bleeding and prying his mouth open. he groans and swallows, head tipping forward, closer, and he ends up dragging his tongue over the skin as it heals over.
he's a bit more alert after that, sinking against him, and he grins faintly. ]
I know, I'd almost think you don't mind my company or something.
[He keeps the blade nearby, making sure it doesn't touch the soapy water so to avoid even more a sting when he cuts again. And he will have to, because that clearly wasn't enough of a drink to keep Alucard awake for long.]
An impressive feat, on your part.
[Curling a hand over Alucard's shoulder, he carefully eases him back, seating him properly against the ceramic before tearing into his arm. A bigger cut, this time, so it'll linger long enough for a proper drink.]
No teeth. [An odd thing to specify after last time, but he has his reasons. He holds the limb back over Alucard's mouth.]
Rip was distressed about your absence. And Integra asked after you. If you haven't already, send them a message once we're done here.
[Not that he needs to be reminded, in Integra's case, but Rip, well- he might not think to without a reminder.]
[ teasing. kind of. he's certainly less agitated than he was to start with, probably a combination of being talked down and sinking into the bath. he's pliant when he's moved, though his gaze is hawk-like when anderson tears into his arm.
he hums to indicate he'd heard, and though he's curious why he's not in the mental space to ask after it right now, and especially not when he's still hungry enough to latch onto the wound in a manner almost desperate. so he drinks carefully, not biting down, just gulping down blood until the wound heals. then he just--lingers a moment, eyes lidded, before he sits up a bit. ]
Mm, I--texted Integra while I waited for you to come and get me. [ so he responded to anderson's messages first? his was the most recent, after all. ] I'll... text Rip later.
[ he sighs, using this moment of lucidity to start to wash off the lingering 'morgue' aura. ]
I gave Integra your information when she arrived, in case she needed to contact you. I didn't imagine she'd need to that soon. i was going to tell you she was here when I got home from work, but since I got murdered on the way to work, that kind of ruined my plans for the evening. I'd just found her the night before, and I didn't see you that evening.
[That should be enough blood, for the moment. He sets the knife aside in favour of grabbing a big, oval loofah (obviously his own purchase, because Alucard doesn't shop for bath accompaniments), which he dips into the water to get nice and wet before applying it to Alucard's shoulders. He's not going to get rid of the corpse smell simply by sitting in the water.
The spiel prompts him to arch an eyebrow. He hadn't thought his comment insinuated anything, but maybe it did.]
That's detailed of you. [Almost sounds like he's coming up with an excuse on the fly, since people tend to over-compensate when doing that.] There's no need to be- odd about it; not everything in your life has to be my business.
[Sure, he took it personally, but that's irrational, and he knows that; it's been in the back of his mind that things would change if Integra returned, and certainly would change if they ever returned home, and it was just- foolish, to let himself get so attached. It's his own fault that he's hurting.
He runs the loofah across Alucard's clavicle.]
Do you need more hot water, or does this suffice? [His free hand finds Alucard's knee, pressing it back to test its flexibility.]
[ ah, he's still helping. alucard appreciates that too, though he doesn't exactly appreciate the way the conversation is going: he doesn't think he's being odd at all. he also doesn't understand that anderson might be hurting, or why: it's clear he's always been obsessed with both of them, and that should be enough.
(he really doesn't understand emotions.)
he shakes his head, scowling. ]
I'm not being odd about it. I'm mad being killed ruined my plans. I thought someone from home appearing was pertinent information for you to know.
[ god!!!!
anyway. his knee bends properly, and he watches it, testing out his arms as well and shrugging. ]
I think I'm alright now.
[ eventually he sighs, leaning in to brush his lips along anderson's jaw. it's affectionate, openly so, in contrast to his earlier agitation. ]
[Going into that much detail is odd, Alucard! A 'oh right, I was going to tell you she was here, but I died' would have sufficed.
He snorts, but lets that subject drop, since Alucard clearly isn't pleased with it and he did just die. A little rest and relaxation is required.]
No need to thank me. Being helpful to each other is generally how we function.
[Sorry, that sounds awkward. Thinking about Integra has made him awkward.
Anyway, he continues to clean off Alucard's shoulders, and arms, and chest, steadily scrubbing away the scent of the morgue. He'll smell like banana, once he's out of here (don't judge Anderson's choice of bath scents. He discovered Lush recently, okay).
In response to the lips at his jaw, he drops his head, slipping out from under them. It's discreet enough that it would be easy enough to shrug off as absentmindedness.]
I'll have to find out where Alessandro's residence is. Mr. Sim's ought to know- though the man isn't my biggest fan, at the moment, so I'm not sure how readily he'll give me that information. [His hand descends beneath the water, running the loofah down Alucard's navel.] I may be in for a hunt.
[ it does sound awkward though. he's the one being weird, and alucard doesn't get it. he likes it best when there's an ease between them, and that is--not this. the way anderson avoids his kiss bothers him too, though it shouldn't: clearly he's just not really paying attention.
(which also agitates him slightly, since we all know how alucard feels when he's being ignored, even accidentally. it doesn't occur to him that anderson would actively avoid the affection, especially since they're already in the bath together, you weirdo. )
he pushes past it though, for now, telling himself it certainly wasn't on purpose, and then he nods. at some point during this he's grabbed shampoo to work on his hair, both because there's blood in it and because it smells like death. ]
It'd be easiest if there were a directory, but that's just inviting problems for the innocent. [ surprisingly, he makes no raunchy comment as anderson's hand dips lower. maybe he's too tired. ] A hunt, though--if I thought I'd be any use against his shitty methods, I'd ask to join you for the fun.
[This is affection enough on its own, isn't it? There's the steady swipe of his hand, the proximity. He knows Alucard wants and needs closeness right now and he is providing that, if in a controlled manner. And, to be honest, he wants it too, after being afraid that Alucard was gone for three days straight. But if he indulges himself, he'll just end up being frustrated later.
The loofah moves up his thigh next, over his knee, and then down the length of his leg, with Anderson shuffling back to scrub at the hard to reach crevices.]
Are you really that helpless as a man? You were a war lord, once, and he wouldn't have the jump on you this time.
[Not that he's going to invite Alucard along, because he's not entirely sure what being turned human again would do to Alucard after he was in the morgue for three days.]
Or do I need to start taking you to the gym? I could tie him to your back while you have a go on the treadmills. Double the exercise.
[Don't go to the gym with Anderson. Clearly it wouldn't end well.]
[ it is affection, sure, but he always wants more, craves more: everything is never enough, for alucard, who endured so long without any affection at all. it's left him starved, and once someone grants it to him, he doesn't exactly understand why it would be recinded unless he did something wrong.
he rolls his eyes and doesn't answer at first, briefly dunking himself under the water to rinse his hair. sure, it makes him tired again, but it's a necessary evil. ]
I'm not helpless. Look, it just makes me uncomfortable. Being human. I don't deserve humanity, and I don't like it being forced on me, either, even if it's temporary during a fight.
[ ooh, now he's grumpy again. his eyes narrow, but then he just says, childishly: ]
[Seeing the droop of Alucard's body as he rises out of the water, Anderson sighs, retrieves the knife, and sets it against his forearm again. Just once more should be enough.]
That's fair enough. But you might benefit from brushing up, all the same. You've been relying on your endowments for too long. If we ever got depowered in the middle of a battle, for whatever reason, I'd like you to be able to hold your own.
[Once again, he draws the knife deep into his forearm and presents the wound.]
It might be a better idea to spar on the beach. I'll remind you how to fight like a man.
[Maybe a tiny bit of teasing in there, since Alucard's childishness invites it.]
[ he does appreciate being fed so dutifully. it's--intimate in its own way, even if anderson is using a knife now and not letting him bite (which reminds him of integra, because of course it does). ]
Mm. You have a good point. I suppose I should work on it.
[ with a sigh, he sets his mouth to the wound again, urging out as much blood as he can get before the skin closes up again. his lips brush in another casual affection, even if he is a bit hilariously pressed about being made fun of. ]
You know I'm always ready to spar on the beach, man or monster.
[ he looks at him, running his tongue over his teeth, and smiles sharply. ]
[If Anderson knew he was thinking of Integra while feeding off him, it sure would sting. As it is, he drops his arm away once Alucard has finished, stifling any reaction to that brush of lips.
To Alucard's sharp smile, he offers one of his own.]
None of those bells or whistles of yours. Just your fists and that sword. I'm curious to see how you'll do.
[He resumes washing Alucard, making quick work of the rest of him, scrubbing his legs and stomach and hands, taking care to reach every inch. The banana scented soap is doing its work: he smells much better.]
Though you do have a hard punch. That, I'm well aware of. Last time we fought with fists, I haemorrhaged internally and spat blood for the following thirty minutes.
[ not like that!!! it's just--an interesting, and confusing, change, to go back to the carefully less intimate means that integra used to use, instead of letting alucard just mouth at him hungrily.
the thought of a fight is exciting though, and cants his head to look at him properly, eyes just as sharp as his smile. ]
We'll do that, then. I assure you, I'll hold my own.
[ he barks a laugh at that last comment, shaking his head. ]
I put a lot of power into those punches, you know.
[ he puts a lot of power into everything he does. once he's all clean he does feel much better, even if he does smell like bananas now. it's not a bad scent, just, you know, fruity. he rinses off, considering just--lingering in the tub, flopping down against anderson, but some tiny part of his brain tells him no, and instead of going through with it, he listens.
the water is cooling down and he's pleasantly room-temperature at least, and eventually, eventually, he starts to claw his way out of the tub. mostly because he wants a nap. ]
I know very well how much power you put behind them.
[And Anderson's gives back just as hard. He probably lost a few souls through that fight alone.
The scent of bananas is strong enough that it lingers on both of them when they vacate the tub. Alucard more so than him, obviously. He hands Alucard a towel before he grabs one for himself, making a thorough job of drying since he doesn't much enjoy walking around while damp.]
Oh damn- I forgot clothes.
[Ugh, he hates walking out of the bathroom naked, but he'll just have to endure it since the alternative is putting on underwear he's already worn (he's a little unnecessarily finicky about these things, at times). Alucard would probably appreciate some sweats to lounge in, anyway; compelling forth clothes might take energy he simply doesn't have.
He ties the towel around his waist, stepping out to first retrieve underwear from his room, then grab some sweatpants and a shirt to toss in Alucard's general direction- which is to say, they land directly on Alucard's face.]
Are you going to lie down, or have you done enough lying down recently? I can bring some bags to your room, if need be. Just try to aim for the bin I've put in there when you're finished with them.
[ alucard takes a while to dry off. it's an effort he doesn't really feel like putting forth, but if he stays wet he's just going to get everything damp and gross and cold.
he does watch anderson trail out of the bathroom though, and he's in the hall in a towel when the clothes get thrown at him. he scowls but doesn't complain, dragging the fabric down and changing into them quickly. for a guy as exhibitionistic as him, he likes being covered up--doubly so now, with the ugly scar in his chest.
at the question he sighs, shrugging and scrubbing at his hair with the towel just in case. ]
You'd think being dead would be restful, but I'm exhausted. I'll probably try to sleep some. That--would help, thanks.
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Then we'll just have to replace it with a scar you do want, or find some means of getting rid of it altogether.
[In response to Alucard's agitation, his voice loses that angry, proprietorial edge, because indulging his anger isn't helping.]
But the seals and this scar- they aren't the same, Alucard. They aren't aren't remotely in the same category as the seals. [He draws Alucard's fingers up, guiding them to touch the rough, jagged scar on his cheek.] It's just a standard scar, like anyone elses. And I'm already concocting ways to get rid of it.
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--I wonder if it was that it was HUNTR, or if it was his ability, that made it so that it left a scar. It should have healed as soon as my powers came back, which is pretty suspect.
[ and he... tries to listen, to this too, because it's something he needs to hear. he has an awful view of it, an unhealthy view of it, and so he tries to rearrange his thoughts to suit the narrative he's being given. his fingers brush the scar on anderson's face, linger there, and finally his shoulders slump somewhat. ]
It wasn't even a good fight.
[ sullenly. at least he's back to being childish rather than self-destructive. but anderson's next comment makes him tilt his head, curious. ]
Anything good?
[ yeah, okay, he's interested. ]
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I don't recall a bullet wound when I've... seen you, so I agree. EROS would be an interesting man to chat to, I suspect.
[It's a shame neither of them has any technological skill, because they've nothing else to go off of but an application and a network post. Their proficiency as hunters can only take them so far in the modern age. Anderson has attempted to adapt, to research the new depths of technology, but frankly, it all means very little to him even after extensive reading.
He lets his hand drop away from Alucard's chin once he's recovered some composure. His other hand lingers over Alucard's knuckles, skin hot against Alucard's chill. The bath ought to drive some of that away.]
Well, at current, I'm trying to think of the most humiliating way to carry him. What do you think: over the shoulder or under the arm?
[Both are going to be very not fun for Alessandro. And the carrying will be accompanied by a black eye- perhaps two, which is even less fun.]
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[ alucard would love to find eros, but it's true that neither of them have the tech savvy necessary. they're good at analog hunting, but digital... perhaps someone they know will know what to do. surely there are others just as upset.
he actually--lets out a rough laugh, letting his head thunk to anderson's shoulder. it's ridiculous, but okay, it's helping. ]
Over the shoulder, like a sack. Under the arm would be too dignified, allow him to face forward.
no subject
[Every single sock, Alucard. His prickly behaviour was justified.
The corner of his mouth curls at Alucard's laugh and he takes the opportunity to fold an arm over Alucard's back, since he'll be tugging him upright in a moment anyway. The bath won't take long to reach capacity.]
Over the shoulder it is, then. I'll be sure to send you a photo of that, too. You'll have a nice little gallery by the time I'm done.
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[ wry. he did notice that anderson was fussy, though. fair enough, it was still theft, so it was still annoying. fair. a stupid prank, but what prank isn't on some level stupid?
his spine curves a bit as he leans into it, humming--the attention is just as soothing as the reminder to chill out is. he sighs, closing his eyes a moment. ]
Good. I'll make a collage and hang them on the wall. Fine art.
[ okay. right. bath time. he shifts his feet on the floor, like he's making to get up, but hasn't quite gotten there yet. ugh, moving. ]
Okay, okay, I don't want to smell like rotten leftovers anymore.
no subject
[He's so often fussy that it's probably hard to tell the source at any given time. But, to be fair, Duplicity is a place that calls for some fussiness.
Alucard's so cold at the moment that he's definitely not having any trouble with the 'chill' part. Anderson rises first, since Alucard seems to be experiencing some difficulties, and tugs the man up with him, drawing him tight to his chest.]
Seems like you haven't shaken off the rigor mortis completely. Or that might just be the cold; I'm sure you'd know better than me.
[He pulls him in the direction of the bathroom.]
I'll join you, if you don't mind my taking up most of the space. You're liable to drown if I don't.
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he stands when anderson does, slowly, one hand gripping at his arm only in part because he needs to. anderson is warm, which is something he doesn't usually notice too much, but right now it's... good.
sighing, he starts off toward the bathroom, kicking off his boots on the way with thankfully little teetering since he's doing it mid-movement. ]
I'm not sure. I've never been dead longer than a split-second before, so that might be it.
[ so yeah, his body is kind of struggling to recuperate, since there's no blood flow or anything to keep him going or kickstart him again. warming him up will definitely help.
he hums, noncommittally, but nods. ]
I'd rather not just sink to the bottom of the tub, so yes.
[ he is, at least, Okay enough to disengage and turn off the tap once they get to the bathroom. then he's fumbling with his belt and trousers, eyeing the bubbles in the tub. okay, he's not generally a bath guy for obvious reasons, but it still looks nice. thankfully, there aren't any other scars hiding on his body: it's just the one that killed him.
he's gonna climb into the tub first, so hurry up, buddy. potential drowning is likely imminent. ]
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With that in mind, he's in a hurry when he undresses, hastily pulling off the cassock coat and everything underneath, piling them atop the sink counter. There's a small, silver knife in his boot that he draws out before approaching the bath.]
Right, and I imagine you spent a fair few hours bleeding out before being found. All things considered, it's no surprise you aren't entirely functional right now.
[He descends into the water after Alucard and folds his legs, slipping them under Alucard's thighs. The bath is, predictably, so hot that it has steam billowing off of it in great clouds- just how Anderson likes it.]
Feeding you three times in a single month. I must be getting soft. In the head and otherwise.
[Clucking his tongue, he slips the blade smoothly into his arm, as easily as one would dig a knife into butter, and only stops when he reaches the basilic vein. It's not exactly the most pleasant sensation, cutting oneself, but his face only twitches minutely as he works. When he draws the knife out, it's fast, abrupt, and he's quick to drag Alucard's mouth open with fingers around his chin and send the rapidly dwindling stream splashing over his tongue.]
no subject
Mmhm.
[ his eyes are actually already closed by the time anderson sinks into the tub with him and he shifts to accommodate him, enjoying the closeness, but he's visibly woozy as his eyes crack open when anderson speaks again. there's a lazy comment on his tongue, inciting, but then anderson is already bleeding and prying his mouth open. he groans and swallows, head tipping forward, closer, and he ends up dragging his tongue over the skin as it heals over.
he's a bit more alert after that, sinking against him, and he grins faintly. ]
I know, I'd almost think you don't mind my company or something.
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An impressive feat, on your part.
[Curling a hand over Alucard's shoulder, he carefully eases him back, seating him properly against the ceramic before tearing into his arm. A bigger cut, this time, so it'll linger long enough for a proper drink.]
No teeth. [An odd thing to specify after last time, but he has his reasons. He holds the limb back over Alucard's mouth.]
Rip was distressed about your absence. And Integra asked after you. If you haven't already, send them a message once we're done here.
[Not that he needs to be reminded, in Integra's case, but Rip, well- he might not think to without a reminder.]
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[ teasing. kind of. he's certainly less agitated than he was to start with, probably a combination of being talked down and sinking into the bath. he's pliant when he's moved, though his gaze is hawk-like when anderson tears into his arm.
he hums to indicate he'd heard, and though he's curious why he's not in the mental space to ask after it right now, and especially not when he's still hungry enough to latch onto the wound in a manner almost desperate. so he drinks carefully, not biting down, just gulping down blood until the wound heals. then he just--lingers a moment, eyes lidded, before he sits up a bit. ]
Mm, I--texted Integra while I waited for you to come and get me. [ so he responded to anderson's messages first? his was the most recent, after all. ] I'll... text Rip later.
[ he sighs, using this moment of lucidity to start to wash off the lingering 'morgue' aura. ]
I gave Integra your information when she arrived, in case she needed to contact you. I didn't imagine she'd need to that soon. i was going to tell you she was here when I got home from work, but since I got murdered on the way to work, that kind of ruined my plans for the evening. I'd just found her the night before, and I didn't see you that evening.
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The spiel prompts him to arch an eyebrow. He hadn't thought his comment insinuated anything, but maybe it did.]
That's detailed of you. [Almost sounds like he's coming up with an excuse on the fly, since people tend to over-compensate when doing that.] There's no need to be- odd about it; not everything in your life has to be my business.
[Sure, he took it personally, but that's irrational, and he knows that; it's been in the back of his mind that things would change if Integra returned, and certainly would change if they ever returned home, and it was just- foolish, to let himself get so attached. It's his own fault that he's hurting.
He runs the loofah across Alucard's clavicle.]
Do you need more hot water, or does this suffice? [His free hand finds Alucard's knee, pressing it back to test its flexibility.]
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(he really doesn't understand emotions.)
he shakes his head, scowling. ]
I'm not being odd about it. I'm mad being killed ruined my plans. I thought someone from home appearing was pertinent information for you to know.
[ god!!!!
anyway. his knee bends properly, and he watches it, testing out his arms as well and shrugging. ]
I think I'm alright now.
[ eventually he sighs, leaning in to brush his lips along anderson's jaw. it's affectionate, openly so, in contrast to his earlier agitation. ]
Thanks. For helping me out.
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He snorts, but lets that subject drop, since Alucard clearly isn't pleased with it and he did just die. A little rest and relaxation is required.]
No need to thank me. Being helpful to each other is generally how we function.
[Sorry, that sounds awkward. Thinking about Integra has made him awkward.
Anyway, he continues to clean off Alucard's shoulders, and arms, and chest, steadily scrubbing away the scent of the morgue. He'll smell like banana, once he's out of here (don't judge Anderson's choice of bath scents. He discovered Lush recently, okay).
In response to the lips at his jaw, he drops his head, slipping out from under them. It's discreet enough that it would be easy enough to shrug off as absentmindedness.]
I'll have to find out where Alessandro's residence is. Mr. Sim's ought to know- though the man isn't my biggest fan, at the moment, so I'm not sure how readily he'll give me that information. [His hand descends beneath the water, running the loofah down Alucard's navel.] I may be in for a hunt.
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[ it does sound awkward though. he's the one being weird, and alucard doesn't get it. he likes it best when there's an ease between them, and that is--not this. the way anderson avoids his kiss bothers him too, though it shouldn't: clearly he's just not really paying attention.
(which also agitates him slightly, since we all know how alucard feels when he's being ignored, even accidentally. it doesn't occur to him that anderson would actively avoid the affection, especially since they're already in the bath together, you weirdo. )
he pushes past it though, for now, telling himself it certainly wasn't on purpose, and then he nods. at some point during this he's grabbed shampoo to work on his hair, both because there's blood in it and because it smells like death. ]
It'd be easiest if there were a directory, but that's just inviting problems for the innocent. [ surprisingly, he makes no raunchy comment as anderson's hand dips lower. maybe he's too tired. ] A hunt, though--if I thought I'd be any use against his shitty methods, I'd ask to join you for the fun.
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The loofah moves up his thigh next, over his knee, and then down the length of his leg, with Anderson shuffling back to scrub at the hard to reach crevices.]
Are you really that helpless as a man? You were a war lord, once, and he wouldn't have the jump on you this time.
[Not that he's going to invite Alucard along, because he's not entirely sure what being turned human again would do to Alucard after he was in the morgue for three days.]
Or do I need to start taking you to the gym? I could tie him to your back while you have a go on the treadmills. Double the exercise.
[Don't go to the gym with Anderson. Clearly it wouldn't end well.]
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he rolls his eyes and doesn't answer at first, briefly dunking himself under the water to rinse his hair. sure, it makes him tired again, but it's a necessary evil. ]
I'm not helpless. Look, it just makes me uncomfortable. Being human. I don't deserve humanity, and I don't like it being forced on me, either, even if it's temporary during a fight.
[ ooh, now he's grumpy again. his eyes narrow, but then he just says, childishly: ]
I don't need to go to the gym. That's ridiculous.
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That's fair enough. But you might benefit from brushing up, all the same. You've been relying on your endowments for too long. If we ever got depowered in the middle of a battle, for whatever reason, I'd like you to be able to hold your own.
[Once again, he draws the knife deep into his forearm and presents the wound.]
It might be a better idea to spar on the beach. I'll remind you how to fight like a man.
[Maybe a tiny bit of teasing in there, since Alucard's childishness invites it.]
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Mm. You have a good point. I suppose I should work on it.
[ with a sigh, he sets his mouth to the wound again, urging out as much blood as he can get before the skin closes up again. his lips brush in another casual affection, even if he is a bit hilariously pressed about being made fun of. ]
You know I'm always ready to spar on the beach, man or monster.
[ he looks at him, running his tongue over his teeth, and smiles sharply. ]
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To Alucard's sharp smile, he offers one of his own.]
None of those bells or whistles of yours. Just your fists and that sword. I'm curious to see how you'll do.
[He resumes washing Alucard, making quick work of the rest of him, scrubbing his legs and stomach and hands, taking care to reach every inch. The banana scented soap is doing its work: he smells much better.]
Though you do have a hard punch. That, I'm well aware of. Last time we fought with fists, I haemorrhaged internally and spat blood for the following thirty minutes.
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the thought of a fight is exciting though, and cants his head to look at him properly, eyes just as sharp as his smile. ]
We'll do that, then. I assure you, I'll hold my own.
[ he barks a laugh at that last comment, shaking his head. ]
I put a lot of power into those punches, you know.
[ he puts a lot of power into everything he does. once he's all clean he does feel much better, even if he does smell like bananas now. it's not a bad scent, just, you know, fruity. he rinses off, considering just--lingering in the tub, flopping down against anderson, but some tiny part of his brain tells him no, and instead of going through with it, he listens.
the water is cooling down and he's pleasantly room-temperature at least, and eventually, eventually, he starts to claw his way out of the tub. mostly because he wants a nap. ]
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[And Anderson's gives back just as hard. He probably lost a few souls through that fight alone.
The scent of bananas is strong enough that it lingers on both of them when they vacate the tub. Alucard more so than him, obviously. He hands Alucard a towel before he grabs one for himself, making a thorough job of drying since he doesn't much enjoy walking around while damp.]
Oh damn- I forgot clothes.
[Ugh, he hates walking out of the bathroom naked, but he'll just have to endure it since the alternative is putting on underwear he's already worn (he's a little unnecessarily finicky about these things, at times). Alucard would probably appreciate some sweats to lounge in, anyway; compelling forth clothes might take energy he simply doesn't have.
He ties the towel around his waist, stepping out to first retrieve underwear from his room, then grab some sweatpants and a shirt to toss in Alucard's general direction- which is to say, they land directly on Alucard's face.]
Are you going to lie down, or have you done enough lying down recently? I can bring some bags to your room, if need be. Just try to aim for the bin I've put in there when you're finished with them.
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he does watch anderson trail out of the bathroom though, and he's in the hall in a towel when the clothes get thrown at him. he scowls but doesn't complain, dragging the fabric down and changing into them quickly. for a guy as exhibitionistic as him, he likes being covered up--doubly so now, with the ugly scar in his chest.
at the question he sighs, shrugging and scrubbing at his hair with the towel just in case. ]
You'd think being dead would be restful, but I'm exhausted. I'll probably try to sleep some. That--would help, thanks.
[ he'll aim for the bin, but no promises. ]