Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A year had passed since Soma had to use his powers… Well for a fight that is. Thanks to Arikado’s protection and Julius’ guardianship, Soma didn’t have any issues with demons, cultists or death for that matter, although he had overheard that the vampires around Japan were increasing in population. But according to Arikado there was nothing to worry about and things were under control. Well besides that, Soma was now 21 and living with an agent of all people, responsibilities piled up, he couldn’t just let Arikado pay for everything in an apartment. Sure the dhampir was kind enough to let Soma stay with him and furthermore bond with the boy, but Soma always felt a nagging voice telling him to at least lend a hand… Which was usually a very bad idea since even the simplest of tasks became a handful once Soma Cruz was involved.

He would usually find himself trying to mop, wash dishes, do laundry, or even cook; those attempts ended up with Arikado slipping and breaking an ankle due to how much floor varnish Soma had applied, Arikado needed to go to a home supply store to buy new plates because most of them cracked or broke due to how much pressure Soma had applied, Arikado had to buy several new carpets because the washing machine overflowed and leaked all over the living room, and for the finale he also had to call the fire department for a house fire because Soma had forgotten the oven on even after the food was done. To sum it up, Soma felt like he always caused Arikado more trouble than help, so he had decided now that his school responsibilities ended, to get a job and at least help with the bills; the bills he at least thought they had… He didn’t know for sure but the money from his work would go to at least SOMETHING useful around the house!

For a week he started searching for obscure jobs to do around the area, but most of them needed experience in a similar position or a driving license, which truth be told Soma never “bothered getting since he could walk everywhere he needed. But something interesting caught his eye one day as he visited Mina in the shrine his childhood friend lived and helped her parents with.

“Mina I never knew you were looking for a helper around the shrine!” Soma exclaimed, taking a sip from the warm green tea in his cup, looking over at Mina across from him.

“Huh?” Mina blinked and then looked at the entrance of the shrine and did a nod of recognition. “Oh that! My father had a doctor’s appointment two days ago and according to his check up he should get more rest. So my mother thought that looking for a part timer to help us set up the shrine during visiting hours, serving tea with us and cleaning up after would be a huge help.”

“Hmm…” Placing his cup down, Soma crossed his arms and sighed. “Hey, Mina?”

“Yes Soma?” The girl focused on her friend, tilting her head in curiosity.

“You know how I have been living with Arikado after… You know…” Soma trailed off, looking away since he didn’t really want to remember the encounter with Menace.

“Since him telling you to not go into a replica of Dracula’s castle full of cultists wanting to kill you and resurrect the Dark Lord, and you gladly ignoring his instructions?” Mina smirked, not planning letting her friend live that down any time soon. “That was two whole years ago, I do clearly remember. Go on~”

“You people will never let me forget that huh?” With a groan, Soma fell back against some floor pillows and stared at Mina from there. “Okay okay, I was at fault, he was right all along! But that isn’t the point!” Soma exclaimed, waving his hands around for emphasis. “Ever since I have been living with Arikado, I have been nothing but a troublemaker!”

“That is… Nothing new Soma. I think you were a troublemaker to his eyes ever since he had to deal with you during that eclipse.” With a small chuckle, Mina refilled hers and her friend’s cups with freshly brewed green tea. “But I do not think he minds~ He seems to be more relaxed ever since you live with him. Maybe because he doesn’t have to chase you around to make sure you do not hang out with demons but hey, it works!”

“I wouldn’t really call it relaxing coming home from working an 8 to 7, preparing for dinner, but instead having to call the fire department because your oven is on fire and so is your entire kitchen…” Soma lifted himself up, grabbing the cup and taking a sip from it again, deciding to add a sugar cube to sweeten his bitterness.

“Well um…” Mina rubbed the back of her head with an awkward chuckle. “When you first start living with someone, accidents happen!”

“That happened last week…” Soma admitted, looking away sheepishly when his friend stared at him wide eyed.

“Last… Week?! Soma! You have lived alone for so long! How can you screw up so much?!” The shrine maiden sighed, frowning at her friend’s failed attempt at relaxing Arikado even a little bit after work. “I mean, your apartment was never caught on fire.”

“Yes, but that is because I was alone! I lived alone, only looked after myself, I didn’t have to worry about anyone else. With Arikado, I feel like if I do just basic stuff it won’t be enough considering how much he has done for all of us…” Supporting his cheeks on his palms, Soma looked at Mina through pleading eyes. “So I thought to start helping with the bills, is there any chance of asking your mother if I could fill in the position, or at least do so until someone more capable applies for it?”

“Wait, wait, wait! You want to get a job? This is where all that was leading up to?!” Surprised but pleasantly so, Mina nodded. “Sure, I will talk with my mom, but I doubt she will have any objections! I will let you know the minute she answers me, okay Soma?”

Even just that possibility made Soma grin and nod in excitement. Mina was a life saver, and honestly the best friend he could ask for. Sure he had Arikado and he could have requested a job at the Agency… But he didn’t want to trouble the man more than he already was. Soma could find himself a job, or at least he would try very damn hard to do so!

Once back at his and Arikado’s apartment, for once he saw the Agent home before his usual time. According to Arikado they didn’t have a lot of work, so he returned home early. They had lasagna for dinner that night, and even if Soma wanted to keep quiet about the job thing he was way too giddy and was grinning from ear to ear all night; so much in fact that Arikado just had to ask once they lied down and Soma was still hyperactive.

“Soma, haven’t I told you multiple times to drink decaf coffee if you have coffee after 5pm?” Arikado asked, opening his golden eyes slightly to look at Soma while laying on his side. “For you to be so wide eyed, I am guessing you did not follow my request.”

“I didn’t even have coffee today!” Soma exclaimed, bouncing to his other side to face Arikado, face half pressed against the fluffy pillow under it. “And to be honest, I am very sleepy, but I am also very excited! Ah, also for the record, I only had two cups of green tea at Mina’s today, so you cannot blame this on any drink or food, sir agent.”

“...” For a second Arikado remained quiet, combing back his raven hair with his free hand, letting out a sigh in the process. “Fine then Soma, I will bite the bait you have thrown. Why are you so excited today?”

“Geez Arikado, can you not sound so interested?” Soma rolled his eyes, turning to face the window instead of his guardian with a pout.

“Soma…” With a heavy sigh leaving his lips, Arikado scooted himself closer to the boy and gave him a hug, rubbing his nose in a puff of white hair. “I am interested, I am just also tired. Not a lot of work doesn’t mean that my day wasn’t full, even when I came home I had some files to fill out. But I am interested to know what got you so hyperactive tonight, share it with me.”

Arikado always has his way with words, actions not that much, and social cues were definitely not his thing. There had been many arguments and misunderstandings in the beginning, just because Soma believed that Arikado was being an apathetic asshole, all that while the agent was just tired and wanted a good night’s rest. But now all that has merely been watered down to Soma pouting for two seconds and then dropping it, much like it happened then, having the boy turn once again to face the agent of his time and enjoying the hug properly.

“I found a job.” The news fell out of Soma’s lips with a prideful smile, which faltered once he noticed Arikado’s suspicious look. “What? I didn’t pull any tricks or anything! I promise! I didn’t use my powers either! Mina’s mother was looking for someone to assist them at the shrine and I asked if I could have the job until someone more capable applies, that is all!”

“I see… Well in that case…” Interrupting himself, Arikado leaned in and gave Soma a forehead kiss with a small smile. “Congratulations Soma, I am very proud of you.”

The next morning when Arikado woke up at around 5am, Soma was also awake, much to his surprise. The boy had prepared coffee and some french toast, nothing fancy, simple breakfast, but it caught the agent off guard nevertheless. They sat and enjoyed their morning together, they even got out of the apartment together, Soma making sure to double lock the door just in case. Then they both left to their own directions, Arikado did offer to drive Soma to Mina’s family shrine, but Soma declined saying that it would just be impractical for the agent to go out of his way for a 15 minute walk.

Reaching the shrine was indeed minutes for Soma, he even grabbed a coffee on his way there, reached early too! Mina had dragged him in a room and explained to him the rules; her mother had agreed upon Soma helping around as a part time with the part time payment until someone with the qualifications for a full timer came up, he was to help Mina around with visitors and cleaning, and lastly he had to wear a traditional yukata. That last part had Soma a bit confused but he agreed nevertheless.

“Um Mina… Must the belt be so, agh, tight?!” Soma complained, fixing the top folds of the kimono as best as he could, right before Mina decided to take things into her own hands and fix them herself.

“Yes Soma, it must be exactly like this. No more complaining, okay? You look good and very pretty in traditional clothes, but that won’t cut it with the visitors!” Mina took a step back to admire her work, nodding pridefully as she also crossed her arms to make her point. “You must practice serving tea, and the ceremonies! But for now… Let's go outside and swipe.”

After Mina said that she threw Soma a broom and motioned for him to follow her. Obeying his friend, Soma started waddling a bit behind Mina, still getting used to the wooden sandals. He tripped a couple of times on his way to the courtyard, but he managed to help Mina as much as he could by gathering some leaves that had fallen from the trees into a pile, and then stuffing them in a big bag to throw away later. After they were done with the outside, Mina guided him inside and Soma had to mop, broom and dust alongside her… Just when he thought that they would be taking a break, Mina’s mother called them to the entry hall.

“Okay Soma, now we will tend to the visitors. It is easy, just follow my lead.” A whisper came from Mina as they were following her mother, trying to encourage Soma that he was doing a good job.

Cleaning was one thing… But tending to people while wearing a traditional kimono that choked him was another beast on its own. Soma found himself stumbling around, trying to hold up his balance, holding on Mina’s shoulder more often than not to not fall down completely; he even almost spilled tea on the visitors, multiple times. Mina had been there to save his ass every single one, but after they were done she dragged Soma away and helped him out of the kimono, letting him dress up with his own clothes to give his friend some kind of comfort.

“Oh Soma…” Hugging her friend, Mina frowned as he felt his long and deep sigh. “I should have shown you these things first and then talked to my mother… I am so sorry…”

“No, no, no! Mina, do not apologize, please!” Hugging back his childhood friend, Soma ruffled the back of her hair, but made sure to comb it back in place with his fingers as best as he could afterwards. “You were just in a hurry to help me and you did it in a single evening, I am mostly blaming myself… How did I think I could help you here? I am sorry for the trouble you went through, you even helped me serve and I still managed to screw things up.”

“Soma, do not blame yourself! You can still help around! I mean the guests liked you! They laughed and your looks sure do help with their wives~” With a chuckle, Mina started putting things away, going outside of the room once her mother knocked on the door.

As their day ended, Soma did get paid, much to his surprise. Mina returned with him to Arikado’s apartment and told him that her mother enjoyed him there, just told her to not let him close to the visitors to avoid any accidents. Agreeing with the circumstances, Soma kept working there for a month, helping Arikado around with shopping for food and whatnot, but eventually at the end of said month Mina’s mother had found a young woman to help her out that had just moved in the neighborhood. During his final day Soma was extra tired, something that the agent did notice as he was typing on his laptop while Soma exited the shower and plopped himself face first into the mattress next to him.

“Long day at work?” Arikado asked, receiving a hum as a response. “Well when is your day off? I thought we could go out on a nice date to relax you as well, you seem to be extremely tired these days. How about we go out for crepes?”

The invitation made Soma perk up, turning around to face Arikado with a grin, tired but bright as ever.

“I’d like that~ But oh, I won’t be having days off.” Laying on his back now, Soma stretched his body, listening to his back bones crack. “Mina’s mother found a nice lady that needs the job more than I and has more qualifications, but I do have another job in mind I can do~!”

“Well, good to see you are optimistic as usual. As long as said job doesn’t involve running head first into random castles or crypts with cultists, I do not think I will oppose it. But speaking of it…” Arikado turned to look at Soma, arching an eyebrow at his stance. “I thought you liked working at the shrine… Was I wrong?”

“You know… Arikado…” After snuggling his pillow well enough to catch himself twice before yawning, Soma smiled and closed his eyes. “I think the life of a shrine maiden isn’t for me~”

Smiling with a low chuckle, the dhampir agent turned to his work, typing with his left hand while his right one reached to pet Soma’s white hair while he was falling asleep. He could offer Soma a position at the agency, but he did want to see the boy try on his own to find something before he intervene, plus seeing Soma so dedicated and excited about his every day life was something Genya Arikado wouldn’t change for the world; okay maybe not the world, but something very close to it.

Chapter Text

Since his part time with Mina was done and over with, Soma had a goal to find a new job… But all the websites, newspapers and even flyers gave him the same response; ‘We will be in contact with you if anything comes up’. It made Soma agitated, but unable to do something he decided to keep searching. So there he was, laying on his stomach, supported by a single pillow that was Arikado’s most likely, with the bed sheet covering lazily his legs while scrolling down some websites looking for salespeople. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a bat flying in the room and turning back into a human, sending his partner a wave for a greeting since he knew Arikado usually did that when there was too much traffic in the main road from the Agency to their apartment.

“Soma?” Arikado removed his shoes by the balcony door, before approaching the young man and sitting next to him on the bed, leaning a bit to see what he was up to. “You know, Mina let you go only a week ago, you can relax before looking for a job again. We do not need extra money in the house, I appreciate the sentiment but…”

“Arikado…” As his boyfriend trailed off, Soma turned to look at him with a frown. “Do you think I am incompetent?”

“Um… Well…” Holding his chin the agent seemed to be in deep thought, earning a groan from Soma, who hid his face under the bed sheet. “Soma, I was about to say no, I am just messing with you a little bit.”

“Bad time for that!” Uncovering his face with a hurried pull, Soma rolled his eyes and pouted. “Then why can’t I just get a job?! It is just getting increasingly hard and annoying as the days pass.”

“Soma, I understand you are agitated and anxious… But we really are in no need of you to work, you do understand that my job makes more than enough to sustain us, right?” Arching a brow, Arikado leaned forward and brushed some white hair out of Soma’s eyes. “Do not fret, as much as I’d love for you to get a job and be independent and happy with what you do, I can surely say that you do not have to rush it. When it happens, it happens.”

After that talk they didn’t have that conversation for a couple of days, but Alucard could see that Soma was bothered. He had thought of many times to just suggest he work under him, but if that was the case Soma would have asked himself, that meant that a job at the agency in his eyes was more like charity than actual work. So one day, after he was done with his main office responsibilities, he and Julius had visited the shop across the street to restock on supplies for the training room. Hammer was always there to provide reasonable prices for good quality and quantity, right after they escaped the Eclipse they had all helped him set up shop properly across from the Agency… And that exact shop gave the dhampir some ideas.

“Hammer, may I have a word with you?” The head agent said, examining some healing potions while the merchant soldier came towards him.

“What’s up boss?” Hammer tossed a cleaning cloth over his shoulder, holding it with one hand and resting the other at his belt. “Julius said the stuff is fine, hope you’re not finding any issues with it.”

“No, nothing of the sort. I was wondering though…” Arikado paused, holding his chin and leaving down the potion. “Would you happen to be interested in a part timer?”

“I mean, truth be told, these past few months with all your new recruits and shit work has been piling up and I have been behind on some deliveries…” Scratching the back of his head a bit, Hammer looked up at his boss. “You got an idea about anyone interested?”

“Soma is looking for a job, so I thought I could recommend him to you, of course under one condition…” With a cold glare, Arikado looked down at Hammer, giving the message crystal clear. “Do not mention me, at all, if he knew he’d never accept.”

“Oh! Damn, yeah sure! I never expected for the kiddo to be looking for a job! After all he is quite settled with ya, isn’t he?” With a grin and a chuckle Hammer grabbed a box and started moving it to a pallet while Arikado leaned against a wall to watch him work. “I do not see the reason he’d want to just get tired and waste his day in a part time job while the boss himself is his flatmate, but I guess it’s something like a need for independence?”

“I am guessing so…” Crossing his arms, Adrian looked at where Julius was checking their own order. “That is why I do not want him to know about my involvement in this. If I didn’t care, I would just suggest he comes work at my office, but alas things are not that simple. I am guessing I can depend on you to call him without ratting me out?”

“Of course! You can always depend on ol’Hammer to have your back!” As Hammer noticed Arikado walking away, he cleared his throat, earning the agent’s attention. “Hey boss, can I ask ya something?” After a nod, he continued. “You and Soma, you have had a very good relationship so far right? So why not just let him know? I am not gonna say shit, I’m just saying, if you two are well enough I doubt he will react in a bad way.”

“He won’t… But knowing Soma he will think this is out of pity or charity from my part. I simply want to help him out a bit, from the sidelines of course…” Arikado trailed off, nodded at Hammer, and then approached Julius to return to the Agency.

Later that evening, Arikado was already back at his apartment, serving some roast with potatoes that he had grabbed on his way home. Soma had also joined him, this time at the couch, comfortable and cozy while watching an old movie. But Arikado could tell that his partner was stressed, from Soma’s slumped shoulders to his hindering frown on his lips. With a sigh leaving his lips, Soma noticed that his phone was buzzing, quietly since he had set it on ‘do not disturb’. Lazily he stretched to pick it up, while having Arikado pause their movie to not lose anything of importance.

“Soma speaking…” Soma’s eyes blinked a couple of times, his twirling of a white strand between his fingers stopping momentarily. “Yeah? Yeah I am free! … Right away honestly! Okay, sure, see you Monday!”

After hanging up the phone, Soma turned to Arikado and gave him a big squeezing hug, grinning from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat. The agent tried to not knowingly smirk, so he just hugged back Soma and patted his back, waiting for the younger boy to pull back and look at him; and oh when he did… Soma’s eyes were wide and shining like pure silver, pure enough to kill a vampire with its shine alone. Arikado couldn’t hold back a slight smile at the sight, relief washing over him by not seeing Soma sulking anymore.

“For you to be that excited, something good happened, correct?” Arching a raven brow, Arikado chuckled when Soma nodded repeatedly and hugged him even tighter. “Okay, okay now Soma. I am an old man according to you, do not break my bones now.”

“You will regenerate anyways!” Came Soma’s muffled voice from where he had shoved his head against Alucard’s black pajamas. “You will be fine! But!” Soma perked up, looking at Arikado again with a grin that never left. “On Monday you will have to drive me to the Agency! You can do that can’t you?”

“I can… But… The Agency?” As if he was suspicious, Arikado crossed his arms and hummed under his breath, putting a small distance between him and Soma. “Why is that?”

“Weeeeell, your lovely boyfriend-” Soma preemptively placed a finger on Arikado’s lips before he could say; ‘And who is that?’, before continuing. “Got a call from Hammer! Apparently orders have been really piling up these past few weeks and he could use another pair of hands to help him with delivering things to the agency, restocking the shelves and checking in on orders. So he said that I can go help him out because he prefers contacting someone he knows than a random person! Isn’t that cool?”

“Well then I’d be damned, okay then Soma.” Grabbing Soma’s wrist, Arikado lowered his flatmate’s finger from his lips and instead kissed the inside of Soma’s palm. “Congratulations, how about we finish this movie to celebrate without waking up the whole block of neighbors from your excitement hm?”

With Soma copying what he said, Arikado had the movie playing soon after the excitement had died down a bit. Soma was still beaming, eating with appetite and commenting on the movie like he did every other Friday night. The night was a bit harsh on the boy, spinning around the bed from nervousness, it became so much that Arikado made him tea with relaxing herbs to get him to sleep… Meanwhile the agent decided to not sleep. He had work in the morning of course, but sleep wasn’t something necessary for a dhampir after all. His gaze was moving between Soma’s sleeping figure in the bed and the night sky… And he just sighed, thinking of how far Soma had managed to come after all those tribulations.

The morning wasn’t particularly hard, although Soma did notice that his flatmate hadn’t slept one bit. Knowing how Adrian reacted whenever he brought it up out of worry, Soma kept his mouth shut and accepted the morning coffee and french toast. He ate in silence, accompanied by Arikado’s typing on his keyboard, probably settling some last minute papers for the Agency. Truth be told the more he thought about it, the more Soma wanted to work there. He hadn’t been in the building much, but from the reports he had noticed Arikado and Julius were in charge of a secret facility that posed as a Human Security and Resources Agency, while also specializing in the protection of the world from the supernatural. Soma was practically made for that type of job… But he couldn’t ask Arikado for it… He would be just leeching even more from the man.

“Soma, it is time for us to go. You do not want Hammer to berate you for being late on your first day now, do you?” Arikado’s voice is what made Soma’s head snap, finishing up his coffee and rushing to put on his shoes and coat before they left.

The drive to the Agency was calming, minus the parts where Arikado told Soma what to be careful when it comes to Hammer and his shop; as if Soma hadn’t met Hammer before. Nevertheless, even beyond his annoyed look and rolling eyes, Soma appreciated how caring Arikado was towards him… They had surely started off badly a handful of years back, so it was a very welcoming change of pace the fact that they had reached where they have. Once the car stopped at the parking lot, Arikado exited first, followed by Soma, soon they both reached the entrance of the Agency and the head of the building pointed across the street.

“This is where we part for now. I will come pick you up once I am done. If you end up finishing earlier…” Crossing his arms, Arikado sighed and smiled at Soma’s excited face. “Come and hang around my office until it is time for us to leave, alright Soma?”

“Yes! You mean it right?!” Soma asked excitedly, making Arikado sigh and walk towards the door, where a receptionist bowed and escorted him inside. “You better mean it! I will hold you to that!”

Shouting that of course did nothing, but to Soma it was at least pleasing. He started going towards Hammer’s shop, a bit nervous as he hid close to his fur collar of the coat he had on. As the door opened, the man behind the counter stood up, his bald head and fuzzy beard outshined only by his huge grin upon noticing Soma. Hammer clapped his hands and approached the boy, smacking him on the back as a friendly greeting, which somewhat made Soma wheeze and forget how to breathe for a second.

“Hey, Soma! Good morning! How was the ride with the boss? How is he treating ya?” Hammer asked, energetic as always and in high spirits.

“He is fine as usual, Hammer. Thanks for asking though!” With a somewhat awkward chuckle, Soma rubbed the back of his head as he replied. “The ride was neat though, I always enjoy calming rides to the Agency. Arikado even told me to stop by his office once you close shop~”

“Ah that is good news! I close up very late though, but worry not kiddo! I will be letting you go after 6 hours, here is the deal…” Hammer then pointed at a paper on the counter as he stood across from Soma.

Hammer explained to him his hours, early morning until afternoon, 7 to 1. He mainly needed him there for order deliveries across to the Agency and restocking, but he would also have to keep track of inventory and report to Hammer for anything necessary. Understanding the responsibilities, Soma got to working right away, helping restock some shelves and put some boxes of orders aside. During the first month the job went by fine, Hammer was paying him weekly and Soma had taken Alucard out for dates more often than before… But at the midpoint of the second month, Hammer looked confused and came up to Soma with some invoices in hand.

“Soma… Can I ask you something?” With a tilt of his head, Hammer pointed at some of the invoices that were sent to Julius’ office. “Why is the price on these lower than any other invoice before that? Some other departments had ordered the same thing as Julius did, but their price remained unchanged. Do you have an explanation for what happened here?”

“Well um… Hammer according to pricing laws, when selling to your employers you should not be including taxing and-” Soma flinched once Hammer slammed the invoices down the counter with his palms flat open.

“Soma, you didn’t! Laws or no laws, we need to make a buck here! Julius ain’t gonna miss an extra 24% taxing on his potions and holy waters!” Sighing and groaning, Hammer scratched the back of his head while looking over at Soma, noticing his defeated look and slumped shoulders. “Um… Hey, kiddo… Listen I am sorry, it is just that-”

“No, no need to apologize… I am the one who is truly sorry Hammer, I thought if I went by the book you’d be pleased with my performance… Is… Is it okay if I take a break?” Soma walked around the counter and after Hammer gave him a pat on the back and a nod he exited the shop to take in a very deep breath.

Silently, Soma walked across the street, stopped by a vending machine near the Agency’s entrance and got an iced coffee from it. He contemplated going upstairs, but it was early, and Arikado probably had work to do… He couldn’t just bother the man every time after work, especially not when he looked like a kicked puppy. With his white sleeve, Soma wiped his eyes clean and took a swig from his coffee, wanting at least something to shock him up.

“Soma… Are you okay?” A woman’s voice made itself known, making Soma look up and meet the caring eyes of Yoko Belnades. “What is wrong? Did boss say something to you?”

“No… No Yoko… Plus he is busy, so I wouldn't want to bother him…” Leaning against a wall, Soma sniffled a bit and sighed. “I have been trying to get a job… But so far I have achieved nothing… I worked for Mina until her mother found someone more capable as we agreed, but now that I worked for Hammer I screwed up and I am left empty handed… What am I supposed to do?”

“Hmm…” Yoko crossed her arms under her chest, tapping her cheek with her index finger before exclaiming with a grin. “Go home Soma~ I will make an application for you~ I was in search of someone to help me around teaching some newcomers magic for the next four months, and who will be better than the reincarnation of Dracula himself? What do you say?”

“Will Arikado- Mffm!” Soma got interrupted by Yoko shoving her finger against his lips with a wink.

“Alucard will agree, do not worry~ I will make him agree!” With a clap, Yoko started heading inside, humming under her breath.

Soma on the other hand smiled a bit and looked at his iced coffee, he texted Arikado that he was going to go home early and order dinner, receiving a reply almost instantly. Truth be told, Soma was going home, crying first and then ordering… But at least he would order for him and Arikado to enjoy a nice dinner after today’s disaster.

Chapter Text

After his mess up, Hammer had explained to Soma that it was okay and they could retry for another month, but Soma felt way too responsible and denied. Of course that came with telling Arikado his decision, so Soma had decided to do so over dinner. He had ordered some indian curry, serving it with a nice brand of sparkling water he found to keep it on the low, noticing the special occasion Arikado paused in the middle of eating.

“Soma… If I may ask… What is the occasion? I do not understand. Not only did you come home early but you also ordered us takeout, did something happen?” Arikado ate a spoonful, watching Soma play with his food instead of eating it. “Soma?”

“I…” Looking down at his plate, Soma just sighed and decided to rip off the bandaid. “I screwed up my job at Hammer’s place…”

A small moment of silence fell in the apartment. Soma was scared that Arikado was going to yell at him and with every right to do so, his nervousness was obvious by how much he tightened his grip around his spoon. After a minute or two, the agent reached over to grab Soma’s hand in his, stroking it over the knuckles with his thumb.

“Soma, it’s fine. Yoko talked to me about it. She hired you for the new recruits, hm?” Closing his golden eyes, Arikado chuckled. “She probably wants you for company as well, Yoko’s classes pay well too for their assistants, so either way you are in a way more fitting environment for your abilities.”

“I think so too… But-” Looking up at Arikado, Soma sniffled a bit and frowned. “I am always screwing up, how do I know that I won’t do so again now?”

“Because it is Yoko, she knows you Soma, she is like a sister to you. Plus-” Cutting himself off to take a sip from his water, Arikado smiled at Soma from where his lips rested at the rim of the glass. “Who else better to be your magical assistant than Soma Cruz himself? Everyone in the Agency knows of your doings, well on a surface level at least. I am pretty convinced they are dying to meet you.”

With an encouraging smile, Arikado ruffled Soma’s hair, earning a giggle from the young man. The rest of the night was spent smoothly, with no more pouting or a grumpy Soma Cruz. Alucard went to bed later than his partner did, as he used to on most occasions after all, but he made sure to text Yoko a short text; ‘Thank you’.

After a couple of days, Soma was called by Yoko at a nearby coffee shop, a local brewery near the Agency where Julius, Yoko and Arikado often hosted meetings between the four of them. He arrived early, since Alucard dropped him off before heading to his office, so when Yoko came Soma had already ordered their drinks, knowing what his ‘older sis’ liked.

“Awww Soma! Thank you for ordering for me, this was meant for me to treat you to a coffee not the other way around though…” With a pout, pink lips pressed together, Yoko took a sip from the straw decorating the plastic cup. “How can I make it up to- Wait… How did you come so early?!”

“Um…” Chuckling under his breath, Soma looked aside and scratched his cheek.

“Oh the boss drove you huh?” Yoko winked, making Soma choke on his own spit as he looked at her; wide eyed and filled with surprise. “Hit the nail right in the coffin~ Get it? Because of Dracula, vampires, it makes the joke funnier doesn’t it?”

“Y-Yeah… Ehem… It does!” Trying to brush off the first question, Soma nodded and laughed away, swirling the straw around his own coffee while trying to avoid eye contact with Yoko.

“You didn’t tell me though, did Alucard get you here?” Seeing Soma cough awkwardly was enough to make Yoko smirk and lean in. “Ooooh, I am right! Now tell me Soma, the boss and you, what is up?”

“Huh?! Nothing! Flatmates! Roommates! Legal guardian and… Stuff!” Soma managed to look at Yoko for a second, a singular split second right before he averted his gaze again and rubbed the back of his neck. “Mhm, yeap, stuff, nothing more!”

“Aha, what kind of stuff?~” With an even bigger smirk, Yoko leaned in further, enjoying seeing the cute pink color dusting over Soma’s cheeks. “Don’t be shy Soma! I am here for you, you know it! So spill the beans to your friend Yoko here, I want to know. Alucard doesn’t tell us anything personal, rarely he references something from his past, so please let me in on something!”

Clapping her hands together, Yoko peeked from the top of them and looked into Soma’s silver eyes. She smiled and charmingly tilted her head, looking at the younger boy with hope in her eyes. Truly curious Yoko wanted to know about her boss’ personal life, after all Alucard was also her friend, but sadly he was also incredibly secretive about anything involving himself in any more than working environment.

“I…” Leaning back in his chair, Soma crossed his legs and sighed; how could he say no to Yoko when he was also dying to share the joys of living with Arikado with someone other than Mina? “Fine fine, I will tell you, but after I do we will talk about my responsibilities in your class okay?”

Joyous with the result, Yoko clapped her hands together and took a sip from her coffee in delight. She sat there and listened to Soma talk about his relationship with Alucard, and honestly she didn’t expect the conversation to go into such a wholesome turn of events. Yoko didn’t know what she truly believed was happening between the agent and the recent reincarnation of Count Dracula, but it was surely not a perfectly healthy relationship. Soma seemed excited, happy, once his guard was down he was talking like a lovestruck teenager. Apparently Arikado and Soma had been together for the couple of years that they were living together, the younger man taking the obvious first step, and the relationship has been going great; dates, movie nights, just silent nights that they spent together in comfort. Yoko was happy for her friend, and her boss, not hiding it with a big glowing smile on her face.

“So mister Alucard is actually a dreamy boyfriend, huh? Who would have thought! Wait until Julius hears about this~” Finishing her drink, Yoko giggled under her breath.

“No! No! No, Yoko! You are to tell no one about this! If Julius learns, Arikado learns, and Soma-” the white-haired boy paused to point at himself with emphasis. “Soma dies!”

“Alucard won’t kill you over disclosing personal private inform- Scratch that, he definitely will.” Tapping her own cheek with one of her dark pink painted nails Yoko sighed and frowned. “Fine, I will hold my tongue and won’t talk to Julius, just know that it will kill me on the inside!”

With a sympathetic smile, Soma leaned back in his chair, relief washing over him since he was at least 80% sure that Arikado wouldn’t learn about him spilling every single gossip to Yoko; especially when their talk is supposed to be work related. Thankfully it became just that soon after the small pause of relief, with Yoko explaining to Soma exactly what he had to do, which was surprisingly not that hard. So the next day he was brought straight to the Agency by Arikado, went past the lobby and during their elevator ride Soma noticed that his partner was looking kind of uneasy.

“Arikado, is everything okay?” The young man asked, reaching over and stroking the agent’s forearm gently. “You look troubled, did I do something?”

“No… But are you sure you do not want me to escort you till the classroom Yoko is located in?” That question was asked again before they even reached the Agency. Arikado knew very well that Soma wanted to be independent, but he had a nagging voice at the back of his head telling him to persist on asking.

“Arikado we talked about this…” Soma trailed off, smiling as he tiptoed to give Arikado’s cheek a small peck. “I will do fine~ See you after Yoko’s class, I will invade your office~!”

After letting Soma go on his own, Arikado went up to his office on the top floor. He swiftly greeted Julius and sat down, occupying himself with paperwork that had to be done. Thankfully, much to his surprise, Soma came up after around 5 hours, perfectly fine and intact. He had a small talk with Julius about how the lesson went; apparently Soma had enjoyed it, he was showing warps to the new recruits and he got to go to Yokohama and back in seconds. Soon they were back home, followed by the next morning back at the Agency. That back and forth continued for a couple of months and Julius always noticed how tense Arikado was during at least the first hour of each day.

“Arikado?”

No response.

“Alucard? Hello?”

Julius still got no response from his coworker.

“Adrian?!” That did make the agent turn to face him, and made the Belmont sigh. “For crying out loud, where is your mind traveling off to now?”

“Do you think Soma is doing okay?” His question was genuine, a frown dancing upon his pale lips. “I mean, he has been with Yoko and her class for two months now, I am just…” Arikado trailed off, lips pressed together in a thin line.

“You are worried, I get it…” Julius sighed, pinched the bridge of his nose and walked closer to Alucard’s desk, leaning against it and patting his shoulder. “But you shouldn’t be. Soma is a capable young man, I am sure he will be just fine.”

As soon as Julius said that a big bang echoed throughout the Agency. The two heads looked at one another, rushing downstairs with their weapons in hand. Julius cracked his whip and Alucard readied his sword, although they ended up not needing them. When they reached the floor where the sound came from they came into view with Yoko’s classroom; the students were all safe but with some ash marks on their clothes, Yoko herself was closing the smoking door and coughing, while Soma was standing next to her looking like a wet cat.

“What the hell happened here?!” Julius tried to hold back his shock, but it slipped out in his question, meanwhile Arikado walked towards the recruits.

“Are you all okay?” The head agent asked, earning nods until he turned to Soma, placing both of his hands on the young man’s shoulders. “Soma, are you alright? Shaken up? Are you hurt?”

“Slightly shaken up… But I am okay, Arikado… I am sorry…” Soma looked downwards, frowning as Yoko walked up to the two. “I am sorry to you too Yoko… I shouldn’t have-”

“Oh Soma… It’s okay. Do not apologize, everyone is safe and well, accidents happen!” Yoko was ever so cheerful, hugged Soma and ruffled his white hair. “I suggest you go with Alucard to the infirmary, okay? Just to get you checked up, you were in the middle of an explosion after all.”

The second Arikado heard that he grabbed Soma’s hand and rushed off to the infirmary. He got many whining and complaining comments from the boy he was dragging, but the dhampir paid no attention to it and in fact started treating him the moment they entered the infirmary. He didn’t even let Soma protest, glaring upwards whenever Soma tried to talk him out of it; Alucard was too focused checking his burns out to care about what Soma wanted at that point and time.

“Arikado I am fine, I promise…” Soma mumbled around an hour after they arrived at the infirmary, fully patched up by his partner. “Plus all the wounds I have I also deserved. I caused the whole ruckus in the first place.”

“No matter what ruckus you caused, I will not allow you to have burn marks all over your body from whatever explosion. Soma, tell me, what happened?” Looking up at his flatmate, Alucard cradled Soma’s cheeks in his hands, stroking them with his thumbs as if he was touching glass that was about to break.

“Yoko… Mentioned the whole Dracula thing to the recruits, off handedly, not with too many details.” Soma paused, wearing his turtleneck and finding it as a moment to collect his thoughts in one place. “They started asking questions and I answered, and they were curious about what spells Dracula knew, and then I remember you showed me one before so-”

“Oh Soma… No… You didn’t…” Almost like a disappointed parent, Alucard sighed and combed back his raven hair. “You did, didn’t you?”

“I wanted to impress them… And when you showed me it looked easy and so flawless. So I thought that if I showed them the hellfire spell like you showed me, they would think I was cool and all… But it backfired… Badly…” After Soma sighed he looked at Arikado who had an arched brow towards him. “Pun not intended…”

“Soma…” With a frown, Arikado placed a last bandage sticker on Soma’s cheek and shook his head. But soon his frown turned into a small sympathetic smile. “I get it.”

“You… You do?!” Surprised, the young adult blinked rapidly up at the dhampir, not knowing how Arikado should know how that felt like.

“When I was younger and saw my father cast his spells for the first time, I had tried multiple times to copy him, more often than not burning down things myself.” Helping Soma on his feet, Alucard started heading for the outside, eventually reaching his car and settling both of them for a safe ride home. “Do not worry about it, I will personally send an email to everyone with a formal apology. No one looked too offended or scared, in fact most people were shocked but kind of thinking ‘wow’ as well~”

“Huh? You mean it?” Soma’s silver eyes shone from the passenger seat, turning to look at Arikado as he started driving, noticing the smile on his lips. “Do you think that means that Yoko will keep me around even after this accident?”

“Out of all the things to worry about…” With a low chuckle, Arikado just nodded.

When he returned home he did in fact email everyone, apologizing for the accident and making sure to let them know that the Agency would cover any necessary costs if any of their possessions got damaged or if they needed any medical attention. All of them responded in kind, none were hurt and the things that got destroyed in the explosion were minimal; mostly notebooks that were replaced with ease. In fact all of them emailed him to let Soma know that he was, in their words, pretty cool and awesome in the presentation, even if he blew everything up. That night Arikado didn’t tell Soma, he wanted the boy to rest and cool off in his arms, tomorrow was a new day and he could just let him know then.

Chapter Text

After the explosion fiasco, Soma had a long talk with Yoko, this time with no side tracking of love lives and gossip. They spoke about work and just about work, no intermissions, no breaks, no nothing. Soma was pretty serious and apologized to his friend and, technically, boss, explaining that he didn’t believe the spell would be that strong, that big in range and also that potent in magical energy. He further explained that when Arikado did it once or twice, he thought it would be easy to do, considering his reincarnated powers, but alas that wasn’t the case. Thankfully due to the students actually being impressed and excited to continue, Yoko told him the good news.

“Alucard also apologized to me… But he also forwarded me all the emails of the other students. Most of them want to keep seeing you as my assistant so I do not have to just let you go because of this… Which, let me tell you, relieved me more than you think!” Exclaimed the young witch, exhaling a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

“So you are not pissed at me?” Soma asked, sheepishly, his shoulders rising to push the fluff around the collar of his coat up to his cheeks.

“Oh no, I am extremely pissed at you!” Crossing her arms under her chest, Yoko shook her head with a slight frown. “But me being annoyed at you as a friend is a different thing from being dissatisfied with your performance as an employer.”

With relief once again coating all of his features, Soma nodded along Yoko’s next rant about safety, making mental notes to never, ever do that again; unless Arikado was willing to teach him first and foremost, which would not happen in the next decade after the recent ‘kaboom’. After that Soma resumed his work schedule normally, minus the whole ‘picked up by the boss after classes were done’ part, because both Julius and Alucard were too paranoid for their own good that the event would repeat itself.

Two months in and with no more accidents transpiring, Julius went to accompany Soma upstairs after his shift was off. The Belmont was quiet at first, especially during the first couple of floors, but soon he cleared his throat with a rough cough, making Soma focus on him instead of the changing numbers on the digital screen.

“Is everything okay Julius?” The young boy tilted his head, white hair tickling his chin a bit as his lips pressed together into a fine line.

“So… Soma… I heard from Yoko that the recruits are moving to field work next month huh?” Julius looked at the boy, who simply nodded with a smile, but as a good uncle would do, the Belmont could tell that Soma was troubled. “Well aren’t you in luck?”

“In… Luck?” More confused than concerned now, Soma shrugged. “I guess I get a small break from working but Yoko said-”

“Not for that!” Julius interrupted, rubbing his temples and trying to find the words to explain to Soma what he wanted to say. “Didn’t Alucard inform you? From your reaction I am guessing not…”

As the elevator did its stop the two started walking towards the head office, Julius taking the time to place his hands in the pockets of his jeans while eyeing Soma placing his own hands behind his back as he walked. Without questioning how it was comfortable to walk like that, out loud that is, Julius just closed his eyes for a second before focusing on the hallway ahead of them that they were walking through.

“The recruits will be moved to field work under my troops, so I thought, if your guardian agrees, that you could move your employment from Yoko to me. As long as you also agree of course, I would not want to drag you into the field if you feel uncomfortable using your powers, or tired from working all the time.” Julius finally managed to explain, gesturing his hands around in small waves to compliment his speech.

Soma looked at him with awe in his silver blue eyes, excited to answer right away, but the logical part of his brain striked before he could part his lips to do so. If Arikado learned that he agreed, on field missions, without his knowledge; Soma would instantly be homeless. Okay maybe not to that extreme, but he would be upset and worried, and Julius would surely get a handful of comments thrown his way about how he is a reckless old man, even if Arikado is actually the old man between the two when it comes to just age.

“Julius, personally, I would love to… But-” As they stopped outside the door, Soma pointed at the door and did a killing motion across his neck.

“Alucard will be fine with it! In fact I think he is not busy, let's ask him!” With one swift movement, Julius opened the door of the office, not really minding Soma’s mumblings of; ‘no’, ‘don’t’ and ‘we’re doomed’. “Hey Adrian, are you busy?”

“I am… Yes. So if you could-” Alucard didn’t even have time to finish since Julius sat across from him, grinned and took the file he was holding in his own hands, obviously not allowing him to do his work. “You won’t do as I ask anyways, so… I guess no, I am not busy now, what can I help you with Julius?”

“Great! Me and Soma were wondering if you would ever so kindly allow him to join me and the recruits during field practice. I promise to take good care of him and bring him back with minimal wear!” With his grin still evident, Julius crossed his legs and leaned back, confident and comfortable. “What do you say?”

Soma was still standing in the doorway, too scared to walk in the office; not scared of Arikado, but scared of how fast he would have to run for his life, and judging by his flatmate’s smile towards the vampire hunter… The answer was: very fast. Because Soma knew that smile on Arikado’s face, that calm facade smile, the one he used with everyone, it was the polite smile that hid every single annoyance and murder impulses that the dhampir had. Soma was sure that if the person offering that obscene idea wasn’t Julius they might have been drained from any drop of blood in their body, with their corpse nicely decorating the dark marble floor of the head office.

“Julius…” Uncrossing his legs, the vampire hunter also prepared himself to run, noticing from the tone hindering his voice that Alucard was not happy with his suggestion. “Why would you even think to suggest this in the first place? Believe me, because it is you suggesting it, I am being as calm as I possibly can right now.”

“Well think about it! The recruits are going from Yoko to me for the next few months, and Soma has already taught them alongside Yoko. They already know him, they already feel comfortable around him. So why not just shift him to me?” Julius leaned towards Alucard, giving him back the file he was previously working on. “That way Soma keeps working and the recruits aren’t instantly intimidated by the field and me.”

Silence fell in the office, so heavy that Soma could swear that the papers were making shuffling sounds and the dust was whispering from the top shelves. But eventually the silence was broken by Arikado’s heavy sigh, and the sound of his chair slightly squeaking as he leaned back on it. The agent’s hand was on his head, supporting it against the chair’s armrest, Soma could spot a small frown on those pale lips, which made him take a step forward but stop once he noticed Arikado had shut his eyes.

“I understand… And I see where you are coming from…” Adrian paused, looking at Julius from between his fingers as he used his other hand to cover his eyes. “Fine… Just promise me you will take care of him, and please do not let him run off to another castle of cultists.”

With a victory laugh, Julius stood up, shook Arikado’s hand and grabbed Soma by the shoulders in order to guide him out to the practice fields; after all he planned on making Soma accustomed to the area and how he worked with the previous recruits before making him his assistant in a month. Shooting one last glance at the agent behind his shoulder, Soma saw his troubled look, so he decided to have a talk with Arikado back home. But before he could do that, he had to practice with Julius and the others, which funnily enough went alright; at least better than what Soma had expected.

When Julius allowed Soma to go home it was already late in the evening, normally Arikado would drive him back, but because it was the first time they practiced the lesson went until very late; late to the point that Arikado would have gone back home under normal circumstances. Much to his surprise though, when Soma exited the Agency, Arikado was there proudly waiting next to his black car. With a small smile, tired but grateful, Soma slipped his body comfortably in the passenger’s seat, put on his seat belt and allowed his partner to drive off with calming instrumental music playing.

“...” Alucard kept quiet for most of the ride, seeing Soma doze off more than a handful of times as they passed the lit up signs and buildings. He wanted to say so many things, convey to Soma how scared he was, how worried and concerned he had been when Julius took him and ran off to the practice grounds… But his heart didn’t have the courage to disturb him, especially seeing how tired he was.

“Arikado?” Soma’s voice came out groggy from his lips, his eyes opening only slightly from where he had supported his head, which was simply the connecting point between the door and the window of the car. “Is everything alright? When I left your office with Julius… You were frowning…”

“You… Saw that?” The question got out almost like an automated response, catching Alucard off guard and making him go on the defensive right away. “It was nothing, I was just stressed from work, pay no mind to it.”

“Arikado…” Looking over at the agent, Soma could tell he was tense; his shoulders were broadened, stiff, even his knuckles were paler than usual from how tight he was holding the steering wheel. “I know when you lie you know… Or to put it better, I can tell when you are keeping things from me.”

Getting more comfortable, Soma pulled his legs up and curled his body just perfectly against the passenger seat, turning to look at Arikado and resting his head this time properly against one of the back pillows. His eyes were half lidded and although with a sleepy expression, Soma made sure to smile at his boyfriend, to make him understand that it was okay to open up to him; even if he was tired and his brain was working with only half a brain cell at that moment. Alucard couldn’t ignore how much Soma wanted for him to speak up, so he pulled over at a nearby parking spot, turned on the alarm just in case and leaned backwards, hands running down his black hair to rub his scalp a bit in order to relieve him from an upcoming headache.

“You… Going out with Julius on field missions… Even as just his assistant…” Peeking over at Soma, Alucard frowned and let out another sigh. “You know it is dangerous, right? Since you do not have full control of your powers outside of the castle, combat with them could be extremely risky, you understand that much correct?”

“Mhm” Soma just nodded, knowing very well that what Arikado was saying was true.

“Then… You also get that I will be worried… It is only natural…” With a small smile, Arikado focused on the road again and prepared to start driving again. “But what I am trying to get to is… You also know that you do not have to do all this, right?”

“I know… But I like working around the Agency… As you said when I was under Yoko, I am more in my element. Things come naturally to me there and I don’t have to pretend I am… Well… Normal.” Closing his eyes, Soma chuckled a bit. Normally that little laugh would be layered with bitterness, but the more time passed, the more Soma found out that not being normal was actually way better, it did wonders for his life. “So don’t worry, I promise to not go waltzing in a castle of cultists again as you told Julius, or any crypts with devil worshipers.”

Soma’s reply earned a laugh out of the dhampir, who calmly started driving towards their apartment again. Upon arriving, Alucard felt the need to show Soma that he actually cares, that he doesn’t want to restrict him, so he did the best thing that he could think of; after Soma changed into his night wear, Alucard got close to him and gave him a gentle hug. Soma returned it, snuggling into it and even sleeping like that for the night; he knew what that hug meant, just by the way it was delivered, and he didn’t plan on getting out of it any time soon, not until Arikado let him go.

The next month went by with Soma going to Yoko’s class and then to Julius’ training, nevertheless it passed without any issues, soon reaching to the point that Soma had joined Julius and the recruits for field missions properly. Of course with the missions came intermissions of training in the back practice fields, where Alucard had full view at. More often than not he found himself peeking from the window behind his desk, pushing the chair just enough to have a good look at the practice for a few handful of minutes right before returning to work. Normally everything was okay, Soma rarely used his powers during practice, mainly focusing on Julius teaching him hand to hand combat alongside the rest of the recruits… At least that was the case for the first few months.

During around the third month, Julius came rushing in the office, looking for some supplies, not saying anything to Alucard as he ran off again. Feeling a bit weird from that encounter, the head of the Agency looked behind his shoulder, and what he saw made his stomach turn. Soma was laying down against his own coat, clutching his sides as hard as he could and clenching his teeth hard enough to make his brow furrow. The second he registered what he was seeing, Alucard didn’t even run down the stairs, he transformed into mist and appeared next to Soma downstairs, kneeling and pushing away some white strands of hair from his forehead.

“Soma! Soma take some breaths and tell me what happened.” The agent asked, frowning upon seeing just how much Soma was in pain. “Soma…”

“I…” Wincing from just trying to talk, Soma closed his eyes and bit his bottom lip, giving it his all to try and explain to Arikado what was going on; only to fail in the process.

“Adrian I can explain!” Julius’ voice came from right behind him, hoarse from the running, breathing heavy in a panting state. “I promise, I can explain!”

“Then… Explain.” The two words came out of Alucard’s lips venomous, with a ton of anger hiding underneath them. Julius understood that much, so he excused the recruits back inside and started treating Soma, feeling Alucard’s burning golden gaze in the back of his head. “Go on Julius… Explain.”

“We were practicing… And I was showing them some whip maneuvers. I asked Soma if I could show some with him being my showcase, but I didn’t think my whip would hurt him that badly…” With a frown but finally done patching up Soma, Julius sighed from the back of his throat, in a gruff and disappointed tone. “I apologize Adrian…”

“It's a whip Julius! Moreover it is a whip to be used against creatures of the night, and although Soma isn’t one, he-” Alucard got interrupted by Soma groaning a bit, trying to sit up, but finding himself unable to leave the dhampir’s lap.

“Arikado…” Soma’s eyes fluttered open slowly, only half way, but enough to have a view of what was happening around him. “We didn’t think it would backfire like that, it’s okay… I will be fine…”

“You didn’t think it would backfire?! What part of being hit with a whip called the Vampire Killer while being the reincarnation of Dracula himself didn’t spell out the fact that this idea would backfire?!” Alucard looked at Soma as if he had just spilled the most stupid joke imaginable, but even after that he picked the boy up in his arms and shook his head, eyeing his Belmont friend with a frown. “Julius… I apologize… I-”

“Do not apologize. Hell, if anyone has to apologize to anyone, that is me to you Adrian. I am very damn sorry about this whole thing…” Julius tightened his ponytail and rubbed the back of his neck with a furrowed brow, deep in thought. “Take Soma home… Make sure he gets plenty of rest, we have more days of practice so do not let him worry about that.”

“I cannot simply just go home Julius, I have paperwork and…” The agent trailed off, looking at the boy in his arms, still in pain, visibly so. “Could I… Could I bother you by asking you to do my paperwork? You can email me the finalized documents for me to sign if you need to.”

The vampire hunter smiled, glad that his dhampir friend and boss was seeing eye to eye with him, even on such an occasion. Calmly he nodded, patting one of his shoulders and watching him walk away with Soma still cradled in his arms. Julius felt a knot in his stomach, growing there from guilt… He was careless and truly didn’t think about what effects the whip might have on Soma, so now that he had done the deed, he would have to pay back the kid extra. Maybe a raise, but that wouldn’t be enough. No, Julius wanted something more personal; so he decided to ask Arikado for his permission to take him and Soma out for dinner, considering he worried his friend equally as much as he hurt the boy.

Back at their apartment, once they had arrived, Alucard had removed the glamor spell from himself in order to be more comfortable while handling Soma, who had long fallen asleep on their way there. He gave the boy a lukewarm bath, took care of the wounds left by the enhanced weapon, and then proceeded to tuck him in bed under two blankets to keep his body warm seeing that Soma was already shivering. When Soma opened his eyes, he was greeted with a head of blonde hair, hiding only half of Arikado’s face, his golden eyes still visible if he tilted his head. There were not many chances that Soma got to see the dhampir like that, after all the agent preferred to keep a low profile, and a tall, blonde, handsome (in Soma’s words) and charming (in Mina’s words) agent wouldn’t really be able to do that.

“I like your hair like that…” Reaching out, Soma took a small handful and slipped it through his palm, right before twirling it around his index finger. “I generally like you nevertheless, so I do not know if my opinion counts that much… Why don’t you work like this?”

“You wake up after this whole incident and the first thing you ask is about my glamor…” Shaking his head in disbelief, Alucard placed his laptop on the nightstand, changing its position from his lap so he could turn around and face Soma. “Have I never told you?”

Soma just shook his head quietly, curling his body around the warm blankets while he focused on the agent, whispering just a low and soft; “No, not really.”

“Glamor helps me blend in, especially in an agency like ours… I would stick out like, how does Julius put it, a sore thumb; if I ended up walking around like this…” With a sigh, the dhampir placed a small kiss on Soma’s forehead. “Rest, once you have healed, I want to talk to you about something… Something important regarding your employment.”

The boy didn’t talk, he simply bobbed his head in a ‘yes’ manner and closed his eyes, allowing himself to fall into a deep sleep. Normally, he would worry about what Arikado would want to talk about, for what was going to be said… But his day was long and tiresome, his body ached and still felt sore from the burn marks left behind by the holy whip of the Belmonts. So Soma didn’t bother himself with worrying that night, he simply allowed this to be and to happen, and if tomorrow was to stress him out so be it.

Chapter Text

For a couple of days Soma stayed at home, recovering from the wounds with his body slowly but surely closing the wounds and reshaping the flesh over the burns. But Alucard wanted to have a talk with him, it was important and they both knew, so when Soma was healthy enough to eat with him in the kitchen, Alucard promptly cleared his throat to earn the young man’s attention. Soma’s silver eyes darted over to the agent, swallowing the bite he was munching from his scrambled eggs and bacon, focusing fully on what Arikado wanted for him to hear.

“Soma…” There it was, the serious tone alongside the sigh, Soma wished Arikado wasn’t disappointed. “I have made a decision about your job situation… You will stop working under Julius, I will not allow you to get hurt again.”

“But, Arikado! You cannot do that!” Soma protested, interrupting the agent from saying anything else, wincing just from slightly raising his voice. “I am telling you it was an accident! It will not happen again, I promise!”

“You making a promise won’t change the fact that I trust neither of you to keep doing field missions together…” Standing up, Arikado slipped on his suit’s jacket, looking over at Soma from the corner of his golden eyes. “When you feel better, we will go together to my office, and we will find a compromise… For now, just rest, alright?”

Alucard didn’t wait for Soma to respond to his question, he tied up his dress shoes and left the apartment. The drive towards the Agency was torturous, normally silence wouldn’t bother him, but this time not even the subtle classic music from the player helped. Alucard felt uneasy, for one reason or the other, he couldn’t fight back the nervousness that had settled in the back of his mind. He didn’t want to upset Soma, he truly didn’t, but the fact that he had to be strict with him didn’t change; Soma was a stubborn young man, someone who didn’t listen to reason except if forced on him. Now when it comes to Julius…

“You just left him like that?! In the middle of your breakfast?!” The Belmont shouted behind the closed door of their shared office. Arikado had shared with him the brief talk they had with Soma, and Julius was shocked to say the least. “Adrian!”

“Don’t scold me as if you are my father Julius, I am trusting you enough to talk to you about it because you are my friend. I understand that I didn’t go along the best route of action, I might have said something better, but no matter what I said if I hadn’t said it in such a way Soma wouldn’t listen…” Alucard crossed his legs, combing back his black hair which soon turned blonde.

“Damn, you really are stressed for you to break your glamor inside the Agency…Thankfully we are inside our office in private, or else I do not want to know how you would cover this up…” Julius frowned and crossed his arms, sighing and shaking his head in disapproval. “Listen… You are not wrong, but what do you plan on telling him when he shows up here in the upcoming days? How are you going to solve his whole issue with finding a job?”

“...” Keeping quiet at first, Alucard intertwined his fingers and pressed them against his lips, looking over at Julius. “I have an idea about that… I wouldn’t call Soma to my office without a reason after all..”

“You have an idea, a plan…” Scratching his beard, Julius furrowed his brow, but then his face lit up as he stared at his coworker. “You will hire him under you, won’t you?!” Just a nod from the dhampir was enough to make Julius chuckle from the back of his throat and clap his hands loudly. “I cannot wait to see that! Well hear it to be precise, I bet you want to be alone for the conversation and the offer!”

Alucard quietly agreed, putting on his regular work face and returning his glamor to normal. He fixed his tie and worked the day through as usual, but when he returned home he was welcomed with complete silence. Soma didn’t talk to him at all. He ate dinner alone, did paperwork alone, Soma even went to sleep on the couch instead of the bed they shared. It made Alucard feel empty, but he didn’t bring it up, he knew Soma needed time.

It took Soma an extra whole day to break his silence, as they drove towards the Agency. He was feeling fine, physically at least, because mentally he was a mess. He didn’t know if Arikado had truly a compromise for them or a way to persuade him to just stop working… But he had hopes, he had small hopes that his partner wouldn’t simply disregard his wishes like that. So when they reached the top office of the building, Soma closed the door behind him, sat on one of the comfortable chairs across Arikado, and he finally broke his silence.

“I hope you truly have a compromise, Arikado. Because I really do not want to just stop working… I am not doing it because we need the cash, I know we don’t, I am just doing it because-” Soma got interrupted by Arikado pointing his index finger up, hushing him silently as he went through some papers. “Arikado… Don’t ignore me…”

“I am not ignoring you…” The agent mumbled, finally finding the paperwork he wanted, filling it in properly. “This is going to be a compromise, I assure you. I also know why you are doing all this.”

“You… You do?” Surprised, Soma leaned forward on the desk to hear Arikado’s reasoning.

“Of course I do. I am not dumb Soma, thankfully so… You are doing all this to make me feel comfortable, to not seem like a leech, to not simply look like you are taking advantage of me. I never saw it like that, but me simply telling you that doesn’t solve much if anything at all…” Passing the papers to Soma, Alucard tapped the bottom of the page with one of his sharp nails. “Sign here.”

Surprised, Soma lifted his pen, but then shook his head and started reading the paper.

“This is… A contract? Under YOU?!” With wide eyes, the young man looked at the agent, his mouth agape. “Arikado, that is no compromise! I cannot accept this! This will just be me bringing your own money in the house, it changes nothing!”

As he heard that, Alucard blinked several times, rubbed the bridge of his nose to calm an upcoming headache, and then looked at Soma as if he had grown a second head. Did Soma truly think like that? Is that why he didn’t ask him to work under him from the start? Arikado thought that it was because he didn’t want to take the easy way out, but hell, it might be a mixture of that and stupidity.

“Soma…” Arikado finally broke the awkward and sudden silence. “You understand that I do not pay my employees from my own wallet right?”

“You… Don’t?” Arching his white brow, Soma tilted his head like a lost puppy.

“Of course I do not! Soma, we are a government approved Agency with our own independent freedom. We are funded by the government itself, everyone is paid from that money including me, nothing comes out of my own pocket…” Trailing at the end of his sentence, the agent tapped the end of the paper again. “So just sign up here, alright?”

Without a second thought, even if the shock was still fresh and the information still registered in his brain, Soma picked up the pen again and signed his name at the appropriate space. He grinned, looking at Arikado who with a pleased small smile was placing the papers away, probably filing them properly like he always did.

“So, so, so!” He started excitedly. “What will I be doing first?”

“Well at the beginning you will be my personal assistant for indoors only… In due time you will work with me outside on the field as my field partner, I never worked with someone like that except with Julius… And that didn’t end up very well. So that part might be a bit more demanding, but I believe in you Soma.” Smiling, Arikado stood up and walked around his office, leaning in and pecking Soma’s lips. “So stop pouting, you being quiet for the past two days felt as if I had a different man in my house.”

“Okay, gotcha!” With a laugh, Soma jumped up and hugged the dhampir, but soon something else registered in his brain. “Wait… Isn’t there a rule about not dating your boss in workplaces such as this one?”

Alucard rolled his eyes at that. Soma just figured that out? He worried about that now of all times? His boss didn’t reply, he simply sighed heavily, ruffled his white hair, and grabbed his hand to get them both to work. Upon opening the door they bumped into Julius who was hiding Yoko’s figure behind him, obviously eavesdropping their conversation from behind the closed door. A roll from his golden eyes is the only thing that Arikado gave them, paying Yoko’s giddy chuckles and Julius’ heartfelt laughter no mind. Opposed to Soma, who grinned at them and waved, allowing their now common boss to drag him wherever he pleased.