Chapter Text
Alucard wept on the lush chair in his father’s old office, destruction surrounding him; nothing but the echoes of his sobs ringing in the loneliness of the room as tears like crystal spilled from his weary eyes and collapsed onto his thighs. Some rolled down from his pale and porcelain-like cheeks and down his muscular arms as his grimace burrowed further. He was left alone in an empty castle, the hollowness and silence maximizing the own spirits within that had been stowed away for so many years. He could finally mourn. So many actions – both engaged by humans and vampires alike, such as his father – had costed so much; had taken away so much. And his mother was an innocent victim between the hatred and fear. Because of love. Love costed so much. The vampires’ silky blond threads curled around his face, hiding his visible grief from the world around him as he continued to sob; his torso bent forward in attempts to weakly bring comfort to himself. He almost wished Belmont would have paid no heed to his existence and desire for rest, offering him the basement of decades of collected knowledge; Alucard was touched by the act, but in a sense, he only longed for a peaceful slumber. What more could await in this life for him? More pain? Challenge? Death and blood?
There was the quietest sound of shuffling before a fair sized rock had racketed loudly just passed the doorframe, having been kicked or stumbled over. Immediately, the Prince of Vampires leaned back in his seat – asserted and proposed stance, ready for anything that might walk in. His posture wasn’t the best, being slightly hunched to the side; and the tear streaked face as well as messy loose curls of yellow made him appear as if he was a mad man. His thin but sharp brows furrowed as the look of an unimpressed man replaced his previously distraught features. “Show yourself.” His words – though spoken with a sensitively soft tone, had left his mouth in the form of a sonorous command.
Shaking, slowly the (s/c) forehead of a woman had begun to appear from behind the frame; following after was (h/l) (h/c) tresses that hung to her side as a pair of worried (e/c) eyes peaked themselves over the stone frame and towards the figure sitting on the seat. (H/c) eyebrows pinched together as the rest of your being slowly came to view – cautiously. She didn’t appear to be a vampire, due to the lack of deathly pale skin, sharp teeth, pointed ears or odd colored eyes. He hadn't caught any vampiric scent either. Was she a witch? A magician? Maybe even a hunter...
“Who are you, and why have you come here?” His head leaned back the slightest as his golden irises carefully observed your meek stature. You didn’t seem threatening, but one always had to be prepared to fight if proved wrong.
Lips parted as words stuttered out awkwardly, (s/c) hands tangling together for better sense of stability. “I-I... I’m a traveler.” You gulped as (e/c) hues quaked, though there was a slight sparkle in them; more so caused by the sun gleaming through the window than from anything else. “I uh... saw this... castle.” Pausing, you observed the lean man seated in the elaborate chair who seemed mentally drained; a lanky finger resting on his temple as his elbow took place on the armrest. “I’ve never seen anything like it before,” a curse spewed mentally. How much longer was your quaky voice going to give way to your unrested nerves? “Though I’ve heard rumors...” Slowly, your clasped hands fell down to the thick forest green dress that adorned your body – the sleeves of the dress designed as bishop sleeves but with a single, thin, coldshoulder slit by the shoulder; teasing the glance of (s/c) skin underneath the fabric. There was a semi-worn beige tied scarf belt that slung around your hips; an unusual combination of color when paired with the dress. You waited for him to speak, but his glare encouraged you to continue. “I’ve journeyed across countries and lands for the sake of treasures.” At this statement, Alucard quirked an unimpressed brow.
“So you intend to steal from my castle?” His voice was low with warning, and causing you to stiffen from the untold threat.
“N-No! I think you misunderstand!” (S/c) hands rose to a defensive position, gently swaying to defuse the tension. “I... I enjoy uhm... sightseeing? If that makes sense...” Slowly, you placed a hand into the brown leather satchel that rested by your hip, pulling out a smallish onyx book. “Here, I could show you...” (E/c) irises shyly lifted themselves to meet the powerful gaze of this strangely beautiful specimen. “If you’d like...”
His sight narrowed in suspicion, but not sensing any sort of threat from this random individual, he stood and walked over; meeting just in front of you. Though, would hardly relent his protruding gaze from your shorter figure. He extended his hand in offer for the book, which you surrendered to him. Pale fingers opened the cover as he gave a small hum, flipping through the pages with mild intrigue. These were all sketches of strange things; either being a jewel, a crest, a gathering of animals or crows on a tree, landscapes, and sceneries with buildings (usually ones in shambles). They weren’t bad at all; very nicely captured.
“Did you draw these?” During his captivated state, wary (e/c) jewels studied the slender yet tall (seemingly) gentleman before you, after you hummed in confirmation; he seemed very... distraught. Messy. It looked as if he was in pieces – crying. You could see it in his stunning eyes. After all, you didn’t want to mention it with how tense he seemed with your presence, but, you did hear him – or someone – sobbing... There was almost no doubt it was probably him. It stopped as soon as you were caught snooping.
Bringing a gentle gaze back down to the book – relishing all the memories you’ve had and recollecting the places you’ve been, words slipped from your mouth with a tranquil ease when he studied the page with his father’s castle. “I’ve never seen something so beautiful.” Alucard stopped his scrolling, releasing the paper he was about to turn; his head snapped up and those eyes like medallions shifted over to you, who still remained distracted with the image.
He snapped the book shut, earning a slight jump from you unsuspecting form before he returned the hardcover. (E/c) eyes met his curiously. “So you wander onto people’s territory because you think it’s pretty?” No, he wasn’t trying to be an ass, but he was genuinely curious what your excuse was. After all, you caught him at fairly bad timing. He had to cut his coping and discharging of sting short; it was semi-frustrating.
(H/c) threads bounced as you reeled back, once more in a defensive posture. “No no! I- mean, yes- but- no! I-I didn’t realize this place was occupied! I mean...” The vampire watched your eyes fall to the floor as you shied away. “I should have known better considering it was a castle... But-” She looked back up. “I was leaving the land by steed; when I first arrived, there was nothing of the sort here. And then – after being miles away – I looked back one last time and I saw this castle from atop a hill! I don’t know how I missed it!” As you continued to speak, Alucard’s memory played back to the great and fateful fight from mere hours ago. “I decided to return and after taking the image from outside, I wanted to see what the inside looked like. I mean,”
‘How many times is she going to say that?’ His thought was snappy though he remained silent, listening to you with his left arm crossed over his muscular chest and the fingertips of his right hand resting just under his chin.
“The front door was opened! And this entire place was in disaster. I couldn’t help but think it had been abandoned for a while now.” A guilty expression painted the once lively look. “I am very sorry if I intruded in your home; it was not my intention to be so rude.” Politely, you folded your hands by your front and gave a polite bow, closing your eyes momentarily.
Alucard studied you for a moment more before finally killing any suspense that was lingering; he shifted his posture so one leg stood out more than the other, a hand on his hip. Though one could describe his expression as casual, to you it seemed like a frown was present. “Well, Ms...”
“Ah-! (Y/n).”
The flawless blond gave a nod in response. “Ms. (Y/n); I applaud your hand skills and passion for the arts, however, I shall courteously encourage you to leave.” Mid-sentence, he turned his back towards you and began to walk back towards the chair, placing a hand on the backrest.
With humiliation suddenly surging over your being, the stutter train begun once more as you bowed repetitively in respect; you were afraid you possibly offended someone. “A-Ah! S-Sure! Once again I’m very very sorry.” The stunning, gorgeous and tall male looked over his shoulder as he watched you walk backwards towards the hall, his somber gaze capturing your untamed one. As you turned to leave – skirt of the dress swaying – you looked back, studying the male who was busy looking outside the stained glass window; the sun shone on him in a majestic, awing way. An arm propped against the wall so he could lean forward – other hand still on his hip, while relaxing into the position without resting his head. An uncertain hybrid of a frowned pout warped the movements of your lips, and you couldn’t help but wonder why someone so elegant as himself was living in a shabby, beaten down, and abandoned castle. It couldn’t be his. There was no way. Who would live in a place like this? Not like it wasn’t beautiful! It’s just... well, broken. Too large of a place for a single person, wouldn’t it be? Brushing fallen strands of (h/c) hair behind your ear, you mustered up some courage and turned to face him; standing at the room’s entrance. “Are you... okay?”
Alucard quietly turned his attention to you, though refused to communicate. Was this another hint to leave, or was he willing to hear your words? A thick swallow was made as you felt your throat go dry. You should just leave, this was intrusive. But... wasn’t he...
“I’m not entirely certain...but, was there... someone crying here?” (S/c) fingers toyed with the strap of your satchel, (e/c) discs scattering to and fro between the floor and the lavish stranger. At your question, the prince straightened his back, returning his courtesy to you. Though, as what seemed usual for the day, he was rather quiet. “I... I’m sorry, I know this must be so rude. I think I’m positive I saw you crying. Are you alright?” Instead of the usual nervousness that would poison your demeanor, there was a firm stance of certainty that replaced your physique. “Do you need help?”
At this strange offer of kindness Alucard felt the urge of a fluttering smile, though hid it well. He continued his façade. “Though you may have witnessed that truth, I acquire no assistance. Your kindness is endearing, however not needed.” His accent was lovely, and in a way you felt terrible for doting over such little things about him when there was clearly someone in distress. But it wasn’t very often you’d see someone close to the very definition of perfection, or sophistication. Was he even real? Closing his delicate and gentle eyes, he sighed. “Although, I wish to tell you, feel free to roam the castle. I don’t mind. I just hope you don’t plan to take anything. Draw at your hearts leisure.” A blush – both from excitement and embarrassment – had doused over your (s/c) cheeks, (s/c) hands balling up by your chest with hesitancy. Was this really okay? First he wanted you to leave, and now you were encouraged to stay and explore the unknown. What should you do? Alucard took notice of your hesitance, and dropped his appendages by his side, neglecting whatever entertainment the window brought him. “Will you not venture?”
“Well, um, are you really okay with that? Just earlier you said...” Your own hands mirrored his position, falling by your side.
The vampire closed his eyes and sighed. “I am well aware; however, I think it would be fit to share the knowledge within these walls and chambers with another. Stay or leave; do as you wish.” His voice was kind and sincere, earning a twinkle of admiration in those (e/c) eyes of yours.
“T-Thank you very much.” A smile crept its way onto your features and you found yourself being able to relax in stature. Spinning on the heels of your boots, you went to explore; but not before forcing a cease in your adventure and half-turning to face him. “Excuse me, what’s your name?”
“My name is Adrian Fahrenheit Tepes. But you can call me Alucard.”
“What an eccentric name. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alucard.”
...
The two of you shared soft smiles before you bounced away into the depths of the mysterious castle you’ve only known from horrific rumors, finding the mansion to be a rather stunning and harmless place. There were always rumors during your expeditions; from demons rampaging and gutting innocent civilians – even children – from nearby towns, to an uprising of vampires slaughtering – feasting on humans, all the while planning genocide. All the more, a mere trio consisting of a vampire, a nomad, and a vampire hunter – so typical – who were destined to defeat the great Dracula. He was a myth however, wasn’t he? A lie told from generation to generation to keep fear enlisted to the hearts of the children and spun off of a combination of stories. It was difficult for you to believe, considering you’ve only kept to yourself and never saw such horrors. It was always just you. Maybe occasionally a steed; but mostly just you and your art book. And you couldn’t really see it any other way. It had been like this for years, and honestly, life was peaceful. You were occasionally hired to paint portraits of rich folk or their pets, or even happened to sell landscape paintings you created. It wasn’t anything special, but it made you happy. Not to mention the nice coin you’d earn which allowed for the infrequent lavish living, when you wanted a break from the travels. You’ve had your fears and faced many more, and this stupid story wasn’t something you were afraid of. You’d only heard it from a group of wacko’s who called themselves the Speakers. They consistently spewed about nonsense like these end-of-time vampires and the great trio who were destined to save humanity and defeat Dracula. They were kind people, but damn, were they delirious. You only encountered them during a low point when you needed a ride to the next city – wherever, really. The Speakers offered the helping hand and you all got chatty while in the wagon, but it was comical. Good people, but they seemed annoyed and some – almost infuriated – when you refused to believe their ridiculous tales. You weren’t a child.
But alas, all that lead to some interesting memories. You had sketched a few of them in your book to pass time but it wasn’t something you were inspired by. Thankfully however, all of those little obnoxious blocks in the road lead to a treasure like this. A true find. Maybe even two birds with one stone... Perhaps, if you asked kindly, this Adrian or Alucard guy, would allow you to draw him. He was quite the stunning figure and in this way you could be sneaky and: 1) You could stare at his beauty for longer in real time. 2) This would be a sly way to keep the memory of someone beautiful. And 3), a fine addition to your collection of treasures. He was sort of a hidden gem, wasn’t he? Hiding in a place like this. Who would’ve thought?