CCCXXXII.

[dark_butler]

A bit heavy on the garlic, deities. Not that garlic bothers me overmuch, but the smell of marinara is overpowering.

I suppose a trip to the underground is right out. I shall just have to stay in.

Also, I am looking for a contractor to remodel my bathroom. Does anyone have the proper skills?

Comments

[tinyvampiregod]

[Steps through the front door- literally through- and moves to alight on the couch, but pauses at the occupant already taking up space en mass, tipping his head back to sniff delicately]

The apartment reeks and Pup is quite large.

Angel?

Action

[dark_butler]

[Comes out of the bathroom where he has been scrubbing the last stink of Rorschach off his hands.]

Ah. Yes.

We should talk.

Action

[tinyvampiregod]

[Expression goes serious, loses the whimsy of his previous mood and the smaller vampire leans back in one of the leather wing-back chairs]

I don't like the sound of that, Angel. What happened and how will we fix it?

Action

[dark_butler]

[Fix it? Walter shakes his head and takes a seat across from him.]

My hunting habits have been found out. I expect that the authorities will want... words with me.

Action

[tinyvampiregod]

Don't be foolish. There are no consequences for actions here, aside from the retribution of Arthur, perhaps.

[Leans back in his chair, eyes glowing with an inner red light]

If anyone does try to ... have words ... with you, I won't allow it. You are mine.

Action

[dark_butler]

No consequences?

[Frowns to realize that Alucard actually believe that.]

No, Alucard. There may be no consequences when no one notices, but I have been... untidy and people have noticed.

[Leans forward, expression grim and determined.]

I will be held accountable.

[The grimness breaks to a smile.]

But this is not our home. I cannot be executed and I have seen other crimes punished with what is ultimately a slap on the wrist.

I will take my punishment, I will act contrite, and our lives will resume.

Action

[tinyvampiregod]

[Rises and moves to catch Walter's cheeks between his palms, shifting forms as he walks]

No. You don't deserve punishment. There is no precedent. They cannot pick and choose.

[Leans in to brush his lips against Walter's mouth]

You are mine. If they want an apology you will give it and be chastened. Things will go on.

Action

[dark_butler]

[Leans up to kiss Alucard before drawing back, not wanting to forget himself. Why did now have to be one of the rare times he could wear that form?]

Why do you think the City requires precedent? Ophelia has been imprisoned. That fool, Rorschach, was imprisoned.

I have... [shakes his head] ... I will be accused as a serial killer.

Action

[tinyvampiregod]

[Chuckles low at that]

I am very disappointed in your carelessness.

[Leans back, upper lip curling]

This City punishes those they qualify as monsters. You wear a self proclaimed veneer of civility. And I won't allow them to take you from me.

Action

[dark_butler]

[Sighs and leans back in his seat, pulling out his .]

They will qualify me as a monster, regardless of my appearance of civility.

You will allow what Arthur allows, and we will not make a bloodbath.

Action

[tinyvampiregod]

[Eyes narrow and his expression is quite serious]

This goes beyond Arthur, Walter. He, himself, acknowledges the his time here is more limited than mine or yours could be. This matter does not concern him because you are not his.

I will not allow these pathetic transients in our territory to pass judgment over you.

[Anger in his tone with the underlying note of history repeating itself, of loss]

Action

[dark_butler]

Alucard.

[Stands up and puts his hand on Alucard's arm]

You are not going to lose me.

Re: Action

[tinyvampiregod]

I know I won't. At any cost.

[Leans in and nips at Walter's earlobe]

Never again.

[Closes his hands on Walter's hips]

Action

[dark_butler]

No. Not at any cost.

[Slides his hand down Alucard's arm to rest over his hand.]

But you will not lose me. The precedent that I have seen here tells me that you will not.

I have reason to believe that the authorities will come soon. For now, we will play along.

Action

[tinyvampiregod]

Hn. I won't be separated from you, either.

[Quite serious, but edging on a sulk, after all, Ophelia spent some time in jail and Alucard was quite used to getting his rocks off]

Action

[dark_butler]

If it helps my case, you will.

[Leans up to nuzzle his neck just under his jaw]

You will be in our home, with all its amenities. With Arthur and Rayne and our friends. Do not take to a sulk.