[ oh, it's definitely meant to get her to soften toward him. and when her lips twitch, it's a small victory. a step toward what he wants. he knows it's not wise, that eventually she will go back to where she came from and his--toy, for lack of a better term, will leave him.
but until then, he will court her in a way he hasn't courted in years. ]
I'm fond of stubbornness, myself. Headstrong personalities and I tend to get along. Perhaps we butt heads at times, but I prefer a backbone to someone willing to immediately cow to me.
[ he watches her pride, her defiance, her attitude, and he smiles again. slow, creeping, and with that fondness that was missing before. ]
Oh, ravenous, my lady. At all times. Your offer is very generous, considering. I will keep it in mind. Now, where shall we go? I doubt my accommodations would suit, and though I can't rest without my dirt, I'll be alright without it for a while.
[ she's well aware of how alucard felt about her personality. she's not terribly surprised that it's something left-over from dracula's life. it could present a problem though, because she doesn't know how to be any other way, and she's sure part of what enticed alucard to be so devoted to her was her attitude. she doesn't need that from dracula.
she can only hope that a week isn't long enough to make her all that memorable. of course she'll be memorable, but she wants his memory of her to fade as much as possible. linger just enough to make him cautious. ]
You're going to regret saying that, C-- Dracula. I have a very hard head, and I'm never afraid to face someone down.
[ she falters over his name, almost calling him 'count' and recoiling at the last second. it doesn't help a moment later when he smiles at her, and she has to look away from him, glaring angrily as she feels a faint blush.
she looks back at him with mild interest. ]
What are your accommodations, that they wouldn't work? The room I'm staying in is barely large enough for me. [ her lip curls slightly; she certainly doesn't want to go back there if she doesn't have to. ] We should leave as soon as possible, but Abraham won't be here for another few days. I can secure travel arrangements in the morning while you rest.
[ oh, but his obsessions always start quickly, don't they? his wants, his needs, are swiftly thought of and swiftly followed through on. it's not that he loses interest but that he's used to getting what he wants, when he wants it, so not being able to immediately grasp something, or someone, that he desires is... enticing, in a way.
she's enticing. she's come all the way back to change the past, and for devotion to a man who was her servant and nothing more.
but he can see it in her, the fact that her obsession runs as strong as his do. to another version of him. his smile remains, head canting aside again. ]
You underestimate my dedication to strong humans, my lady.
[ he taps his walking stick on the walkway, thoughtful but oddly compliant. ]
I've been staying in one of my recent aquisitions, but as there's no furniture, I doubt it would be comfortable for you. But that is fine, we will simply have to find new accommodations that are large enough.
[ it isn't like he has a lack of money. ]
Besides, if we have a few days, allow me to enjoy London just a bit longer. It's been so long since I traveled.
[ he gestures to the walkway, bowing slightly. ]
I'm sure we can find a room, it's early enough that they won't have all filled yet.
[ she'd never think of what she feels as obsession (although it's turned into that), because it's heartfelt emotion. as he pointed out, her actions might not be as selfless as she first thought - but they were crafted with only selfless thoughts. dracula didn't go through what alucard did, so she believes she knows him better, at least in some instances, than the prototype count. but the point is, her obsession was in finding out how to fix what happened. but the obsession stemmed from her devotion to and grief over losing alucard.
not that she's even going to try explaining that to the infuriating vampire before her. ]
I hope our two ideas of 'large enough' coincide. I may be from the future where social mores are much more relaxed, but that doesn't mean my own morals are lacking.
[ subtext: I'm not getting in a bed with you, even if it is just to sleep.
she heaves a put-upon sigh, but it's partly for show. she's exasperated at his nonchalance and desire to enjoy london - but she's also not really surprised. ]
Yes, all right. We shouldn't linger, but another night or two shouldn't hurt. Particularly if you can manage to keep certain activities discreet, and I'll need to make traveling plans while you rest.
[ she shakes out her skirt, frowning at the voluminous layers. then she tucks the cross into the reticule secured at her waist. she looks back at dracula, face bland. if he saw her precaution against him, she's not going to apologize or be ashamed by it. ]
At this point in time, you're probably more familiar with London than I am. Please, lead the way.
[ at one point in his life, he was capable of real emotions. he could be, again, but he would have to be broken down first, to be brought low and allowed to claw his way back up. without being captured by van helsing, there will be nothing to cow him, so the future is... up in the air. what will he do with the next century? only time will tell.
he lofts an eyebrow at her statement before he makes a faint noise of mock-offense. ]
I would never presume about your morals, my lady. Do not concern yourself about it, we will definitely find someplace suitable.
[ two beds it is. what a pity, though he understands why. but he smiles, at her acquiescence. ]
I will happily keep my actions private in order to enjoy this lovely city a bit longer.
[ he lofts an eyebrow at the cross before he lets out a low laugh and grants her a toothy grin of genuine amusement. ]
Always prepared, my lady? You are wise beyond your years, I see. Come, we will leave this place.
[ he turns, waiting for her to join him, before starting to walk down the road. there are places nearby that they can check. ]
[ staying alert, but allowing herself to relax marginally, she moves to walk by his side. ]
'Always be prepared' was the first axiom I was ever taught. It kept me alive when I was twelve, and my uncle tried to kill me, in order to gain control of the family business.
[ it's as close as she'll get to revealing how she met alucard, and the fact that no matter how prepared she was, it still remains that without his intervention, she would've died that day. will die that day, now. ]
Wisdom comes from adversity. And clearly I'm not that wise, or I wouldn't be in this mess.
[ yes, she's still salty about him pointing out that her recent actions wouldn't be what alucard would want. she'll probably stay salty about it until she dies. in about a week or so.
reaching back into her reticule, she draws out a case much like she used at home, but this one contains cigarettes. not precisely what she's craving, but it's unladylike to be seen chomping on even a cigarillo, and she's trying to blend in.
white stick stuck in her mouth, she pulls out a travel pack of matches, strikes one, and lights up, drawing until the paper and tobacco catches. waving the match to extinguish the flame, she takes a draw from the cigarette and releases the smoke in a satisfying exhale, before immediately taking another draw. ]
[ it's not a long walk, but he takes his time. it's a beautiful night, and he wants to enjoy it. he enjoys the conversation too, with someone so enthralling. ]
Preparedness suits you. As does knowing you overcame so much at the age of twelve.
[ does he sound impressed? surely it's just a trick of his tone. he presses his lips into a thin line, then shakes his head. ]
It is not that you are not wise, it is that you have been faced with things no other has, and thus there is no known wisdom to pull from. That sounds more likely, doesn't it?
[ he hums thoughtfully, and pulls open the door to an inn where they can spend some time--he glances to the ornate 'welcome' sign next to the doorway and gives her a wolfish smile. ]
You know, they say those are good for the constitution, but I find that long-time smokers are less hale and hearty than the claims would dictate.
[ he's not chastising her, simply making an observation. and of course he knows this when others don't--he can taste the illness in their blood when he devours them, the sickness in their bodies. ]
[ she slants a speculative look at him; he does sound impressed, and yet she's fairly sure that's not the case. what's so special about cheating death when you're young? of course he doesn't know that she had help; to her, it wasn't her own fortitude and cunning that saved her life, but her father's cryptic words, and a lucky shot from her uncle that missed anything vital, but still got her to bleed and wake up a hungry vampire servant at the most opportune time. ]
...More likely or not, I'll take it. It sounds kinder to my actions.
[ she recognizes a prospective olive branch being held out when she sees it, so she tries to accept it - but once a shortcoming of hers, real or perceived, has been pointed out, she has a hard time letting go herself. still, she does appreciate his words, and tries to take them to heart.
his comment about her cigarettes gets an eyebrow raise and a small, slightly sardonic smirk from her. ]
Yes, I remember. It's actually been proven now that they're really quite bad for your health. But I decided I was allowed one vice, to relieve stress from work and all the arseholes and stupidity I had to deal with on a daily basis, and cigarettes won out. I actually started smoking just before it really came to light just how bad they were, and by then... [ she takes another drag. ] Well, I was already addicted, but also I didn't particularly care. I knew I was going to die sooner rather than later, anyway. The odds of smoking killing me before some freak have always been pretty low.
[ she also glances at the 'welcome' sign, shaking her head...at the human race in general, at this point, really. she follows dracula's lead, staying near his elbow and a bit behind as he approaches the proprietor, trying to assume the role of noblewoman. she hopes he has enough sense to pretend they're a respectable couple. if he insinuates she's his mistress - or worse - she might murder him and pray alucard would understand. ]
[ dracula is not a kind man, and rarely gives praise genuinely: so when he does, it means something. so it is an olive branch of sorts, as they're stuck together for what seems will be a while at least. he aches to know more about her, fascinated with her as he already is, but he knows better than to press overmuch, seeing what little he knows of her already.
he hums noncommittally when she explains about the cigarettes, voice low when he speaks. ]
It isn't pretty, what clouds them. Their lungs, their throats, their mouths, their tongues--a sadness, yes, to be touched by death before it fully finds you, but all the same, to have brought it on themselves more the tragedy. But what do I know? I'm no doctor, I simply find things when the meat is rotted before I get to it.
[ a rough laugh, and he adds: ]
Is that all we are to you, my lady? Freaks? Definitely not one for pretty kindnesses.
[ again: it's not an admonishment. he likes it. and he behaves when he gets them a room in the inn, asking for accommodations for himself and his lovely wife (he shoots her another slip of a grin at that, only for her) and he only deviates when he's questioned why then they need two beds.
he sighs and snaps his fingers in front of the man's eyes, and they briefly cloud over before they clear and he hands over a key.
he turns then, to head up the stairs primly. he waits until they're alone to mutter: ]
As though it's his business how many beds a man and his wife require. Did he even look at how tall I am? It's as though he thinks I would fit on a bed in a place like this with another person.
[ so he's certainly capable of being utterly incensed about the smallest slights, as one should expect. but he has a point: at seven feet tall, it's going to be difficult for him to fit on a bed properly by himself, much less with someone else. ]
[ she shrugs at his laugh and questioning of the term 'freak.' it's what they--everyone in the organization, for as long as she can remember--have always called the various supernatural creatures they might encounter, no matter what flavor or variety. ] I like to call a spade a spade, when I can.
[ despite wanting him to pretend they're married, integra flushes a little at the grin he gives her; it's more the privacy of it, as if they're sharing an intimate secret, than the charade itself that flusters her a little. particularly when it's that grin, on that face, regardless of who he is at the moment...
the man's question actually has her pause, because she hadn't even thought about that. popular beliefs about the victorian era must have embedded in her thoughts more than she'd realized; she knew people had sex at the time, but she hadn't thought it at all unusual for a husband and wife traveling to ask for separate beds. she's not sure she'd feel comfortable having sex in an inn while traveling, anyway, even if all of their charade were the truth.
she's actually glad he goes the quickest route and clouds the man's mind to stop any further questioning. his subsequent rant once they're alone has her trying to hide an amused smile. although it does bring up an interesting question: ]
Can't you... change your form at all? To one that's smaller? You're right, he certainly wouldn't know that, but...
[ she glances dubiously at the twin beds, which are a bit on the short side, even for her six-foot frame. ]
Fair enough, I suppose. We're hardly a normal sort. It's a virtue to be so forthcoming.
[ or so he feels. it's strange, to him, all of this: moreso than her existence at all, the fact that while he's drawn to her, it's not the same as many of his other obsessions. he's not a man familiar with genuine fondness, so he doesn't recognize it when he feels it.
it settles oddly in his chest, and he's not sure he likes it.
once they're in the room he closes the door and sighs, then looks at her when she questions him, lofting an eyebrow slightly. ]
Of course I can. It is the principle of the thing, that he did not even consider it. But you are correct. I can take any form I like. I am not--bothered, really, with the trappings of appearance, though I am afraid that makes me sound rather more humble about my looks than I actually am.
[ he doesn't change his form though, even when he sits at the foot of one of the beds contemplatively. ]
You are much taller than most women in these times. It's clear enough by the looks of things here. [ she's definitely going to have to scrunch up on the bed. at least he can shrink. ]
[ calling it a virtue makes her side-eye him a bit in speculation. he seems to be sincere, and he's been rather complimentary of her, after they moved away from that disastrous argument about her motives in arriving here in the first place. he's being rather solicitous, which is suspicious on a number of levels, but it's the sincerity that worries her. dracula being obsessed is one thing; alucard's brand of affection is much more dangerous, because she knows he won't ever let something rest. she's almost positive now that spending an entire week or more with him is a bad idea, but she can't think of any other alternative.
his huffiness about the clerk's questioning has her biting her lip, turning toward the bed so her smile won't betray how amusing she finds his attitude.
at the mention of her own height, and their accomodations, integra simply shrugs. ]
I've slept in more cramped spaces than this. I'll survive.
[ dropping onto the bed, her eyebrows raise at the surprising feel of all her skirts. several days in the past and she's still not used to the petticoats. ] If we continue traveling though, I won't want to sleep in my dress, it'll get wrinkled.
[ ...an interesting dilemma, since she has no power over this dracula, so she's not particularly comfortable disrobing in front of him, let alone actually sleeping with so few layers on with him only a meter away. ]
[ oh, it's absolutely a horrible idea. one of the worst ideas anyone has ever had. but it's happening, and things are going to get worse, and dracula is going to have decades of time in which to let his obsession with his unlikely savior kindle.
a pity she thinks she won't survive at all.
he lofts an eyebrow at her claim--he's the one that sleeps in a box, after all--but shrugs, accepting it nonetheless. her commentary on her dress makes him hum contemplatively, though: it's as though he's well-attuned, or perhaps just knows how harrowing undressing in any manner in front of dracula must be to most anyone (though the fact he enjoys the company of men as well as women isn't quite public knowledge). he gives her a look, lofting an eyebrow, then glances away, out the window where the moon shines. ]
You have done me a great service. You have nothing to fear from me. I respect my debts.
[ there's a pause, while she watches him glance away. ]
I appreciate that. Forgive me, I've heard quite a lot about you - some of it from your own mouth, as it were - and it makes it difficult for me to be trusting around you.
[ really though, what's she worried about? she continues to think fatalistically that as soon as she's done in the past, she'll cease to exist because she's changed the future; even if that's not the case, there's not much for her to return to. hellsing as an organization will continue without her, seras will find a carefully-worded note she left beforehand, in the event she didn't return but things continued. it's only her own stubbornness and constant compartmentalization that keeps her wary despite his assurances. ]
I'm being a bit ridiculous, aren't I?
[ it's not as though anything she can do will stop him anyway, no matter how many layers of clothing she has on. she begins tugging at the lacings and catches of her outfit, peeling off the outer garment and revealing her ivory shift and petticoats. she rubs at her arms a little self-consciously; victorian clothing actually suits her rather well, as she's not used to having much skin be revealed. ]
Oh, I'm a horrible, incorrigible beast. Make no mistake about that. But I respect those with strength, and I tend to those I'm indebted to. I suppose... [ he grins faintly, but mostly to himself-- ] We could say that for your duration here, I am at your service.
[ he knows the irony of that, and it's why he said it. perhaps it's cruel, to make a comparison, but he's a cruel man at the best of times. as she fiddles with her dress he shrugs off his coat and tosses it aside, along with his hat, then drops back on the bed to stare at the ceiling with his legs hanging halfway off. he has no intention of shrinking, nor of sleeping. ]
Wariness around me is never unfounded, but if you'd like me to agree that you're being ridiculous, I can. I assure you, your caution isn't about to hurt my feelings.
[ a joke. he doesn't think she's worried about his feelings in the least, and also he doesn't really have feelings, so it's a two-for-one. ]
Tell me. Is there anything you'd like to see, knowing you're here in a time unfamiliar?
[ eyes downcast as she answers, it's unclear what exactly she's responding to: that he's horrible and incorrigible - or his strange brand of respect and responsibility.
at his words, 'I am at your service,' she has to glance away, trying not to visibly flinch. it's very cruel, possibly more than he's aware even. it's worse because she hears the echo of 'my master' when he doesn't say it. ]
I've made my stance quite clear, and I know you have your particular brand of chivalry. You might prey on those who are unsuspecting, but I don't believe you'd try such on me, anymore. Especially because I know so much about you. [ she turns a speculative eye his way. ] If you did try anything, you'd enjoy the challenge of not using any tricks to deceive me.
[ his question about anything she might want to see has integra moving slowly to undo her petticoats, revealing bloomers underneath, before sliding under the covers of the bed. laying on her side and curling her legs slightly has her fitting snugly in the bed, but not uncomfortably hanging off anywhere. ]
I hadn't thought about it. I've traveled before, but only for work. I've never really thought about going anywhere just to see the sights. [ shifting her head reminiscent of his own head-tilt, hides one of her eyes against the pillow, so she seems to be peering at him shyly. ] Is there anywhere you'd recommend? I can think of a few places on the continent I'd like to see, but I'm not even sure if they're built yet, or would resemble their modern counterparts, if they are.
[ he's bound to be cruel again, in their time together, whether he realizes it or not. it's a lot to be faced with, what she's placed before him, and he's bound, in some ways, to still lash out.
he hums thoughtfully as she speaks, lifting a hand to indicate that he's not ignoring her. ]
Oh, it's so much better when there's no trickery. To know the truth and come willingly is a beautiful thing, my lady, and something I so often covet. But I fear I'd grow too attached and find myself bereft when you leave me. You know of me well enough to know how possessive and wanting I can be.
[ he shifts up enough to rest his head on the pillow, and surprisingly only looks over at her once she's under the covers. he looks curious, and a little thoughtful. ]
I haven't been here long enough to make many suggestions. I wanted, when I came here, to see everything it could offer. Every nook, every cranny, every inch mine to explore. I tire of a sedentary life, I tire of no exploration, I tire of boredom. But now, with my visit to be cut so short, I know not where to go first.
[ he smiles after a moment, quiet and far-off. ]
If you only have a week, and we spend a few days in London, I'll never be able to show you any sights of my home. That is what I would truly like, if I am meant to return there.
[ she knows she's already too attached to him, and fears the same will happen with him, even if he doesn't try to seduce her. she's beginning to wonder how much resistance she'd actually put up if he did try, as well. ]
Don't grow attached to me. As you can see, it only leads to poorly thought-out decisions on the survivor's part.
[ she listens as he talks of wanting to explore, and being tired of so much. she recognizes the sentiments as ones she's familiar with from alucard, and she feels a little guilty for taking even a little of that away from him. ]
I'm not asking you to go back home - it might be best if you don't, for a while, as Harker is aware of your castle in Romania - just... don't stay here, in London.
I'd like to see it. You talked about it, sometimes. The beauty and... old-world grandeur of it. The quaintness of the villages. It's not like that n-- in my time, exactly, but it still sounds nice. You'll just have to tell me stories, while we travel.
[ a combination of tiredness and fondness turns her own expression soft, making her appear more her age for once: a 27 year-old young woman, who's been forced to be far more mature than her age, for most of her life. ]
We'll go to Paris. [ she decides. ] Even if it's not how I would expect it in my time, I'd like to see it, even now.
[ he wants her, and of that he's well aware. but in what capacity, he's unclear. for now he won't try to coil her close against him because he knows she's bound to leave him, that he'll never see her again.
--unless. he considers a moment, but sets the thought aside for now. ]
No home, not here, not there. It has been a long time since I have felt that way. I will tell you stories, during our time together. Of the good times. It's alright to have a romantic view of a place you only intend to visit in dreams, anyway. I would have no other true home. There is no place on Earth like it.
[ a sigh: he watches her, takes in her expression, the youth of it. eventually, he closes his eyes, though he still has no intention of sleeping. it won't do anything for him anyway. ]
Paris it is, then. We will take in the sights together. [ his thought from earlier tugs at him though, and he wonders. ]
For now, would you tell me of where you live? What is it like, in your time? Would I so much as recognize it, had I been there now?
[ if he knows where she lives, even a vague idea of it, perhaps he can find her once a century passes. or so his thought process is. whether she'll actually tell him anything is up to her. ]
I'm sorry. A few years, that's all I ask, before you return home if you want. To me it seems like a long time, but you said yourself, it's not so long for someone who's lived for centuries.
[ 'a romantic view of a place you only intend to visit in dreams.' she smiles at that, enjoying the imagery.
it's that, thinking that if he does ever visit london in her time, he'll have had a century of only her words to dream about, that makes her start talking. she doesn't consider any ulterior motive on his part - it's a natural segue and clever ruse on his part, as well as waiting until she's relaxed in bed, slightly drowsy after the tension earlier, to get her to open up where otherwise she might have been more suspicious. ]
You might. It would be close to the outskirts of London now, but close to the Thames. In my time London is much larger, and has grown around the manor. London itself is... a strange, enchanting mix of old and new. A lot of the streets are still cobblestone or brick, but the newer ones are wider, to accommodate vehicles - motorized cars, erm... horseless carriages, essentially, with motors fueled by petrol. It's also not far from Westminster Abbey, I was baptized there, and attend church there-- as regularly as I can. The nature of my work means I'm awake more in the evening and nights.
Hellsing estate is... vast. In a city full of tenements thrown up to accommodate a fast-growing population, converted brownstones and victorian houses converted into duplexes with hardly any space between them, the manor has lush grounds and a large garden and training ground in the back. Three wings, with three floors each, not counting any of the basement space. I used to play hide-and-seek with Walter... [ she falters, more at how easily his name falls from her lips, the pause growing longer only after as she remembers what happened with him afterward. ] Our butler at the time. Sometimes I'd get lost, and he'd end up finding me because I got scared I'd never be found and would start yelling for him. That's how I learned a lot of the manor's layout.
No, it is not so long. Perhaps I will linger places I might have overlooked otherwise.
[ he's quiet, and still, and listens to everything that she says. he files it all away, because of course he does, because he's going to use it later to find her. but he does enjoy the way she weaves it all and he smiles, opening his eyes halfway to observe her.
he's aware that she falters over the butler's name, but as he doesn't know why, nor does he know said butler, he's not going to press her about it. instead he just continues to watch her, interested to say the least. ]
You grew up well there. I should have liked to see it, so long as it was under pleasant circumstances.
[ you know, not as a servant, yikes. ]
Perhaps, in many years, I will visit London again and see how it's changed. That would be a fun trip, I think. To see it all is--mm, difficult to explain, the feeling one gets when seeing how years and years have changed a place. My own home has changed so much since I was alive. It's less brutal now, but the places of beauty still exist. It's softened. Perhaps it will continue to.
[ there's really no appropriate response to him saying he'd like to see it, no matter what the circumstances. to even suggest that she approved of the idea would only cause trouble, she's sure. she simply listens to him, allowing herself for just a moment to see his face and not remind herself this isn't the man she knows, has missed for years.
at his thanks, she closes her eyes on a rather gentle smile. ]
You're welcome. Thank you for doing what I'm asking, even though you have no reason to. I just...
...I miss you so much...
[ it's barely a murmur, as she finally drops into sleep, and will have only the haziest of memories of even saying it when she wakes up, wondering if it actually made it out of her mouth at all. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
goneforawalk) wrote2019-05-11 10:26 pm
no subject
but until then, he will court her in a way he hasn't courted in years. ]
I'm fond of stubbornness, myself. Headstrong personalities and I tend to get along. Perhaps we butt heads at times, but I prefer a backbone to someone willing to immediately cow to me.
[ he watches her pride, her defiance, her attitude, and he smiles again. slow, creeping, and with that fondness that was missing before. ]
Oh, ravenous, my lady. At all times. Your offer is very generous, considering. I will keep it in mind. Now, where shall we go? I doubt my accommodations would suit, and though I can't rest without my dirt, I'll be alright without it for a while.
no subject
she can only hope that a week isn't long enough to make her all that memorable. of course she'll be memorable, but she wants his memory of her to fade as much as possible. linger just enough to make him cautious. ]
You're going to regret saying that, C-- Dracula. I have a very hard head, and I'm never afraid to face someone down.
[ she falters over his name, almost calling him 'count' and recoiling at the last second. it doesn't help a moment later when he smiles at her, and she has to look away from him, glaring angrily as she feels a faint blush.
she looks back at him with mild interest. ]
What are your accommodations, that they wouldn't work? The room I'm staying in is barely large enough for me. [ her lip curls slightly; she certainly doesn't want to go back there if she doesn't have to. ] We should leave as soon as possible, but Abraham won't be here for another few days. I can secure travel arrangements in the morning while you rest.
no subject
she's enticing. she's come all the way back to change the past, and for devotion to a man who was her servant and nothing more.
but he can see it in her, the fact that her obsession runs as strong as his do. to another version of him. his smile remains, head canting aside again. ]
You underestimate my dedication to strong humans, my lady.
[ he taps his walking stick on the walkway, thoughtful but oddly compliant. ]
I've been staying in one of my recent aquisitions, but as there's no furniture, I doubt it would be comfortable for you. But that is fine, we will simply have to find new accommodations that are large enough.
[ it isn't like he has a lack of money. ]
Besides, if we have a few days, allow me to enjoy London just a bit longer. It's been so long since I traveled.
[ he gestures to the walkway, bowing slightly. ]
I'm sure we can find a room, it's early enough that they won't have all filled yet.
no subject
not that she's even going to try explaining that to the infuriating vampire before her. ]
I hope our two ideas of 'large enough' coincide. I may be from the future where social mores are much more relaxed, but that doesn't mean my own morals are lacking.
[ subtext: I'm not getting in a bed with you, even if it is just to sleep.
she heaves a put-upon sigh, but it's partly for show. she's exasperated at his nonchalance and desire to enjoy london - but she's also not really surprised. ]
Yes, all right. We shouldn't linger, but another night or two shouldn't hurt. Particularly if you can manage to keep certain activities discreet, and I'll need to make traveling plans while you rest.
[ she shakes out her skirt, frowning at the voluminous layers. then she tucks the cross into the reticule secured at her waist. she looks back at dracula, face bland. if he saw her precaution against him, she's not going to apologize or be ashamed by it. ]
At this point in time, you're probably more familiar with London than I am. Please, lead the way.
no subject
he lofts an eyebrow at her statement before he makes a faint noise of mock-offense. ]
I would never presume about your morals, my lady. Do not concern yourself about it, we will definitely find someplace suitable.
[ two beds it is. what a pity, though he understands why. but he smiles, at her acquiescence. ]
I will happily keep my actions private in order to enjoy this lovely city a bit longer.
[ he lofts an eyebrow at the cross before he lets out a low laugh and grants her a toothy grin of genuine amusement. ]
Always prepared, my lady? You are wise beyond your years, I see. Come, we will leave this place.
[ he turns, waiting for her to join him, before starting to walk down the road. there are places nearby that they can check. ]
no subject
'Always be prepared' was the first axiom I was ever taught. It kept me alive when I was twelve, and my uncle tried to kill me, in order to gain control of the family business.
[ it's as close as she'll get to revealing how she met alucard, and the fact that no matter how prepared she was, it still remains that without his intervention, she would've died that day. will die that day, now. ]
Wisdom comes from adversity. And clearly I'm not that wise, or I wouldn't be in this mess.
[ yes, she's still salty about him pointing out that her recent actions wouldn't be what alucard would want. she'll probably stay salty about it until she dies. in about a week or so.
reaching back into her reticule, she draws out a case much like she used at home, but this one contains cigarettes. not precisely what she's craving, but it's unladylike to be seen chomping on even a cigarillo, and she's trying to blend in.
white stick stuck in her mouth, she pulls out a travel pack of matches, strikes one, and lights up, drawing until the paper and tobacco catches. waving the match to extinguish the flame, she takes a draw from the cigarette and releases the smoke in a satisfying exhale, before immediately taking another draw. ]
no subject
Preparedness suits you. As does knowing you overcame so much at the age of twelve.
[ does he sound impressed? surely it's just a trick of his tone. he presses his lips into a thin line, then shakes his head. ]
It is not that you are not wise, it is that you have been faced with things no other has, and thus there is no known wisdom to pull from. That sounds more likely, doesn't it?
[ he hums thoughtfully, and pulls open the door to an inn where they can spend some time--he glances to the ornate 'welcome' sign next to the doorway and gives her a wolfish smile. ]
You know, they say those are good for the constitution, but I find that long-time smokers are less hale and hearty than the claims would dictate.
[ he's not chastising her, simply making an observation. and of course he knows this when others don't--he can taste the illness in their blood when he devours them, the sickness in their bodies. ]
no subject
...More likely or not, I'll take it. It sounds kinder to my actions.
[ she recognizes a prospective olive branch being held out when she sees it, so she tries to accept it - but once a shortcoming of hers, real or perceived, has been pointed out, she has a hard time letting go herself. still, she does appreciate his words, and tries to take them to heart.
his comment about her cigarettes gets an eyebrow raise and a small, slightly sardonic smirk from her. ]
Yes, I remember. It's actually been proven now that they're really quite bad for your health. But I decided I was allowed one vice, to relieve stress from work and all the arseholes and stupidity I had to deal with on a daily basis, and cigarettes won out. I actually started smoking just before it really came to light just how bad they were, and by then... [ she takes another drag. ] Well, I was already addicted, but also I didn't particularly care. I knew I was going to die sooner rather than later, anyway. The odds of smoking killing me before some freak have always been pretty low.
[ she also glances at the 'welcome' sign, shaking her head...at the human race in general, at this point, really. she follows dracula's lead, staying near his elbow and a bit behind as he approaches the proprietor, trying to assume the role of noblewoman. she hopes he has enough sense to pretend they're a respectable couple. if he insinuates she's his mistress - or worse - she might murder him and pray alucard would understand. ]
no subject
he hums noncommittally when she explains about the cigarettes, voice low when he speaks. ]
It isn't pretty, what clouds them. Their lungs, their throats, their mouths, their tongues--a sadness, yes, to be touched by death before it fully finds you, but all the same, to have brought it on themselves more the tragedy. But what do I know? I'm no doctor, I simply find things when the meat is rotted before I get to it.
[ a rough laugh, and he adds: ]
Is that all we are to you, my lady? Freaks? Definitely not one for pretty kindnesses.
[ again: it's not an admonishment. he likes it. and he behaves when he gets them a room in the inn, asking for accommodations for himself and his lovely wife (he shoots her another slip of a grin at that, only for her) and he only deviates when he's questioned why then they need two beds.
he sighs and snaps his fingers in front of the man's eyes, and they briefly cloud over before they clear and he hands over a key.
he turns then, to head up the stairs primly. he waits until they're alone to mutter: ]
As though it's his business how many beds a man and his wife require. Did he even look at how tall I am? It's as though he thinks I would fit on a bed in a place like this with another person.
[ so he's certainly capable of being utterly incensed about the smallest slights, as one should expect. but he has a point: at seven feet tall, it's going to be difficult for him to fit on a bed properly by himself, much less with someone else. ]
no subject
[ despite wanting him to pretend they're married, integra flushes a little at the grin he gives her; it's more the privacy of it, as if they're sharing an intimate secret, than the charade itself that flusters her a little. particularly when it's that grin, on that face, regardless of who he is at the moment...
the man's question actually has her pause, because she hadn't even thought about that. popular beliefs about the victorian era must have embedded in her thoughts more than she'd realized; she knew people had sex at the time, but she hadn't thought it at all unusual for a husband and wife traveling to ask for separate beds. she's not sure she'd feel comfortable having sex in an inn while traveling, anyway, even if all of their charade were the truth.
she's actually glad he goes the quickest route and clouds the man's mind to stop any further questioning. his subsequent rant once they're alone has her trying to hide an amused smile. although it does bring up an interesting question: ]
Can't you... change your form at all? To one that's smaller? You're right, he certainly wouldn't know that, but...
[ she glances dubiously at the twin beds, which are a bit on the short side, even for her six-foot frame. ]
no subject
[ or so he feels. it's strange, to him, all of this: moreso than her existence at all, the fact that while he's drawn to her, it's not the same as many of his other obsessions. he's not a man familiar with genuine fondness, so he doesn't recognize it when he feels it.
it settles oddly in his chest, and he's not sure he likes it.
once they're in the room he closes the door and sighs, then looks at her when she questions him, lofting an eyebrow slightly. ]
Of course I can. It is the principle of the thing, that he did not even consider it. But you are correct. I can take any form I like. I am not--bothered, really, with the trappings of appearance, though I am afraid that makes me sound rather more humble about my looks than I actually am.
[ he doesn't change his form though, even when he sits at the foot of one of the beds contemplatively. ]
You are much taller than most women in these times. It's clear enough by the looks of things here. [ she's definitely going to have to scrunch up on the bed. at least he can shrink. ]
no subject
his huffiness about the clerk's questioning has her biting her lip, turning toward the bed so her smile won't betray how amusing she finds his attitude.
at the mention of her own height, and their accomodations, integra simply shrugs. ]
I've slept in more cramped spaces than this. I'll survive.
[ dropping onto the bed, her eyebrows raise at the surprising feel of all her skirts. several days in the past and she's still not used to the petticoats. ] If we continue traveling though, I won't want to sleep in my dress, it'll get wrinkled.
[ ...an interesting dilemma, since she has no power over this dracula, so she's not particularly comfortable disrobing in front of him, let alone actually sleeping with so few layers on with him only a meter away. ]
no subject
a pity she thinks she won't survive at all.
he lofts an eyebrow at her claim--he's the one that sleeps in a box, after all--but shrugs, accepting it nonetheless. her commentary on her dress makes him hum contemplatively, though: it's as though he's well-attuned, or perhaps just knows how harrowing undressing in any manner in front of dracula must be to most anyone (though the fact he enjoys the company of men as well as women isn't quite public knowledge). he gives her a look, lofting an eyebrow, then glances away, out the window where the moon shines. ]
You have done me a great service. You have nothing to fear from me. I respect my debts.
[ perceptive, in any case. ]
no subject
I appreciate that. Forgive me, I've heard quite a lot about you - some of it from your own mouth, as it were - and it makes it difficult for me to be trusting around you.
[ really though, what's she worried about? she continues to think fatalistically that as soon as she's done in the past, she'll cease to exist because she's changed the future; even if that's not the case, there's not much for her to return to. hellsing as an organization will continue without her, seras will find a carefully-worded note she left beforehand, in the event she didn't return but things continued. it's only her own stubbornness and constant compartmentalization that keeps her wary despite his assurances. ]
I'm being a bit ridiculous, aren't I?
[ it's not as though anything she can do will stop him anyway, no matter how many layers of clothing she has on. she begins tugging at the lacings and catches of her outfit, peeling off the outer garment and revealing her ivory shift and petticoats. she rubs at her arms a little self-consciously; victorian clothing actually suits her rather well, as she's not used to having much skin be revealed. ]
no subject
[ he knows the irony of that, and it's why he said it. perhaps it's cruel, to make a comparison, but he's a cruel man at the best of times. as she fiddles with her dress he shrugs off his coat and tosses it aside, along with his hat, then drops back on the bed to stare at the ceiling with his legs hanging halfway off. he has no intention of shrinking, nor of sleeping. ]
Wariness around me is never unfounded, but if you'd like me to agree that you're being ridiculous, I can. I assure you, your caution isn't about to hurt my feelings.
[ a joke. he doesn't think she's worried about his feelings in the least, and also he doesn't really have feelings, so it's a two-for-one. ]
Tell me. Is there anything you'd like to see, knowing you're here in a time unfamiliar?
no subject
[ eyes downcast as she answers, it's unclear what exactly she's responding to: that he's horrible and incorrigible - or his strange brand of respect and responsibility.
at his words, 'I am at your service,' she has to glance away, trying not to visibly flinch. it's very cruel, possibly more than he's aware even. it's worse because she hears the echo of 'my master' when he doesn't say it. ]
I've made my stance quite clear, and I know you have your particular brand of chivalry. You might prey on those who are unsuspecting, but I don't believe you'd try such on me, anymore. Especially because I know so much about you. [ she turns a speculative eye his way. ] If you did try anything, you'd enjoy the challenge of not using any tricks to deceive me.
[ his question about anything she might want to see has integra moving slowly to undo her petticoats, revealing bloomers underneath, before sliding under the covers of the bed. laying on her side and curling her legs slightly has her fitting snugly in the bed, but not uncomfortably hanging off anywhere. ]
I hadn't thought about it. I've traveled before, but only for work. I've never really thought about going anywhere just to see the sights. [ shifting her head reminiscent of his own head-tilt, hides one of her eyes against the pillow, so she seems to be peering at him shyly. ] Is there anywhere you'd recommend? I can think of a few places on the continent I'd like to see, but I'm not even sure if they're built yet, or would resemble their modern counterparts, if they are.
no subject
he hums thoughtfully as she speaks, lifting a hand to indicate that he's not ignoring her. ]
Oh, it's so much better when there's no trickery. To know the truth and come willingly is a beautiful thing, my lady, and something I so often covet. But I fear I'd grow too attached and find myself bereft when you leave me. You know of me well enough to know how possessive and wanting I can be.
[ he shifts up enough to rest his head on the pillow, and surprisingly only looks over at her once she's under the covers. he looks curious, and a little thoughtful. ]
I haven't been here long enough to make many suggestions. I wanted, when I came here, to see everything it could offer. Every nook, every cranny, every inch mine to explore. I tire of a sedentary life, I tire of no exploration, I tire of boredom. But now, with my visit to be cut so short, I know not where to go first.
[ he smiles after a moment, quiet and far-off. ]
If you only have a week, and we spend a few days in London, I'll never be able to show you any sights of my home. That is what I would truly like, if I am meant to return there.
no subject
Don't grow attached to me. As you can see, it only leads to poorly thought-out decisions on the survivor's part.
[ she listens as he talks of wanting to explore, and being tired of so much. she recognizes the sentiments as ones she's familiar with from alucard, and she feels a little guilty for taking even a little of that away from him. ]
I'm not asking you to go back home - it might be best if you don't, for a while, as Harker is aware of your castle in Romania - just... don't stay here, in London.
I'd like to see it. You talked about it, sometimes. The beauty and... old-world grandeur of it. The quaintness of the villages. It's not like that n-- in my time, exactly, but it still sounds nice. You'll just have to tell me stories, while we travel.
[ a combination of tiredness and fondness turns her own expression soft, making her appear more her age for once: a 27 year-old young woman, who's been forced to be far more mature than her age, for most of her life. ]
We'll go to Paris. [ she decides. ] Even if it's not how I would expect it in my time, I'd like to see it, even now.
no subject
--unless. he considers a moment, but sets the thought aside for now. ]
No home, not here, not there. It has been a long time since I have felt that way. I will tell you stories, during our time together. Of the good times. It's alright to have a romantic view of a place you only intend to visit in dreams, anyway. I would have no other true home. There is no place on Earth like it.
[ a sigh: he watches her, takes in her expression, the youth of it. eventually, he closes his eyes, though he still has no intention of sleeping. it won't do anything for him anyway. ]
Paris it is, then. We will take in the sights together. [ his thought from earlier tugs at him though, and he wonders. ]
For now, would you tell me of where you live? What is it like, in your time? Would I so much as recognize it, had I been there now?
[ if he knows where she lives, even a vague idea of it, perhaps he can find her once a century passes. or so his thought process is. whether she'll actually tell him anything is up to her. ]
no subject
[ 'a romantic view of a place you only intend to visit in dreams.' she smiles at that, enjoying the imagery.
it's that, thinking that if he does ever visit london in her time, he'll have had a century of only her words to dream about, that makes her start talking. she doesn't consider any ulterior motive on his part - it's a natural segue and clever ruse on his part, as well as waiting until she's relaxed in bed, slightly drowsy after the tension earlier, to get her to open up where otherwise she might have been more suspicious. ]
You might. It would be close to the outskirts of London now, but close to the Thames. In my time London is much larger, and has grown around the manor. London itself is... a strange, enchanting mix of old and new. A lot of the streets are still cobblestone or brick, but the newer ones are wider, to accommodate vehicles - motorized cars, erm... horseless carriages, essentially, with motors fueled by petrol. It's also not far from Westminster Abbey, I was baptized there, and attend church there-- as regularly as I can. The nature of my work means I'm awake more in the evening and nights.
Hellsing estate is... vast. In a city full of tenements thrown up to accommodate a fast-growing population, converted brownstones and victorian houses converted into duplexes with hardly any space between them, the manor has lush grounds and a large garden and training ground in the back. Three wings, with three floors each, not counting any of the basement space. I used to play hide-and-seek with Walter... [ she falters, more at how easily his name falls from her lips, the pause growing longer only after as she remembers what happened with him afterward. ] Our butler at the time. Sometimes I'd get lost, and he'd end up finding me because I got scared I'd never be found and would start yelling for him. That's how I learned a lot of the manor's layout.
no subject
[ he's quiet, and still, and listens to everything that she says. he files it all away, because of course he does, because he's going to use it later to find her. but he does enjoy the way she weaves it all and he smiles, opening his eyes halfway to observe her.
he's aware that she falters over the butler's name, but as he doesn't know why, nor does he know said butler, he's not going to press her about it. instead he just continues to watch her, interested to say the least. ]
You grew up well there. I should have liked to see it, so long as it was under pleasant circumstances.
[ you know, not as a servant, yikes. ]
Perhaps, in many years, I will visit London again and see how it's changed. That would be a fun trip, I think. To see it all is--mm, difficult to explain, the feeling one gets when seeing how years and years have changed a place. My own home has changed so much since I was alive. It's less brutal now, but the places of beauty still exist. It's softened. Perhaps it will continue to.
[ a sigh. it almost sounds content. ]
Thank you, for humoring an old man.
no subject
at his thanks, she closes her eyes on a rather gentle smile. ]
You're welcome. Thank you for doing what I'm asking, even though you have no reason to. I just...
...I miss you so much...
[ it's barely a murmur, as she finally drops into sleep, and will have only the haziest of memories of even saying it when she wakes up, wondering if it actually made it out of her mouth at all. ]