#swap!dracula

Okay so, the majority of Monstrous Yet Divine takes place in Transylvania, Dracula’s castle specifically. However since the story takes place during the end of the 19th century, there’s tensions rising in the area which will eventually erupt in WWI. So the boys will have to flee to stay safe (especially considering that Drac is an aristocrat)… and as luck would have it, Lawrence our resident Dutchie lives in a country that stayed neutral during WWI! So, they’ll travel across Europe to start life at Lawrence’s old family home.

(Note: I know it’s not canon per se that Lawrence is Dutch, but in my personal hc and in this AU he is. In Brides of Dracula it is stated that he studied in Leiden so he at least lived in the Netherlands for a while, and also since book!Van Helsing is Dutch and there is no concrete proof that Lawrence’s nationality is any different I’m sticking with it. Is this also because I myself am Dutch and I find it entertaining to sprinkle bits of my native language in? Absolutely.)

But, well, I’m sure you can see the problems that can come with returning to the home you used to live in as a human after turning into a vampire… loads of angst with Lawrence having to cope with the traces of his old life. And also the reaction of his neighbours to his sudden declined health… how will Lawrence explain his sudden physical changes?

(Side note, but I think it will be a super fun comparison with Transylvanian customs because like. Dutch people are among the least superstitious people ever. It’s gonna be fun to see how Lawrence will explain his symptoms away XD)

But! There’s also happiness to be found as in this AU Lawrence doesn’t pass away before Lorrimer is born so he gets to be a grandpa! 🥹🥹 But then tying things in with WWI, the international tensions will cause Leyland and his partner to not be able to properly take care of Lorri anymore and so they will ask Lawrence and Drac to take care of him… and both cozy family shenanigans and intense angst ensues. Lawrence will have to handle his vampirism, trauma, and a young child at the same time, while Dracula is going to have to deal with his fears of turning out like his own abusive parents and wanting to be a good father figure, but not knowing how to.

Now onto just some random facts I wanted to throw in!

- Lawrence is a chronic nail biter, both because of his biting compulsions and the fact that his sharp nails frighten him so he wants to keep them short at all costs.

- Lawrence’s bat shape is the Common Pipistrelle, as it is one of the most common bats in the Netherlands.

- Lawrence has flower-related nicknames for all the loved ones in his life: Snowdrop for Dracula, Tulip for Leyland, and Forget-me-not for his late wife. I just need to think up a flower for Lorri… 🤔

- Dracula does actually have a first name, he just prefers not to go by it… the reason why will have to remain a mystery for now.