#zed.writes

Of course you'd be older than him! You were the One True God! It's only natural you'd take an older form!

You of course, try to tell him that was nonsense. You were just literally in your forties, which isn't even that old, mind you!

But your words simply go in one ear and out the other. Or at the very least, he's unintentionally warping your explanation. You decided to stay in a human form for forty years? Even better!

To him, you are already showing you are more wise than any of the other false gods and legendaries. Nowhere did he find any record of any of them living amongst humans for so long to learn first hand how being human is like! You were one of the firsts!

"...Sure. Believe that all you want, I guess."

It gets to a point you just feel you are talking circles around him.

Though... you do find it a little endearing, at least. Even growing flustered when he starts showing (blatant) interest in you romantically.

You turn him down. Volo was a bit younger than you. Even if he does become immortal, he was still fairly young. He could find someone younger, better, closer in age who would understand him.

Nope.

His eyes are only on you, and every rejection only spurs him to try harder, given your reasoning is because you think he's too young.

Bah.

He worships the ground you walk on. You, the True God, have acknowledged his existence, his efforts. Even if it was just simple conversation, and whacking him over the head for the trouble he caused the 'Hero'.

Yet you weren't cruel. You were kind to him. You even respected him, even after everything he had done!

(Though you had to tell him it was because he at least was making an effort to fix his mistakes, and he had to rebuild more of that respect and trust... You think he got the gist of it)

Was it really a surprise though, that he latched onto you?

Perhaps you feel a bit flattered. It had been a while since anyone had shown such persistent interest. In your own world, since you ended up staying home most of the time, you barely got to go out and socialize, let alone date anyone.

At least the villagers don't talk about it to your face after you express how your world went into the deep end of sorts, though you try to keep it vague. Even if you express you are not a god, you think people would still freak out if you explained all the reasons in detail why it wasn't a good idea to leave your home in your own reality...

Volo takes it with stride. What better thing than to stay here in the mortal plane? He'll take care of you, and show those pesky villagers what a real worshiper is made of.

Adding onto that, there were countless areas for which to find a quiet corner to read and relax, as well as different doorways you assumed went to different parts of said library, no doubt they could be offices or other places to read.

In much simpler words: It was amazing.

"This place even puts my family's library to shame…" you couldn't help but mutter in awe, still twisting your body around to see everything your eyes could catch. Just what knowledge and ancient secrets did these halls keep?

The maid who had guided you here let out a small chuckle, nearly making you jump.

"Master's collection is quite vast. He has been collecting every book he could get his hands on for longer than I have been alive."

She turned to you, and gestured around the large room you were in.

"Master has given you permission to read as you see fit. Anything you aren't allowed to see will be behind a locked door, so I recommend not trying to pick any locks."

She then blinked, before giving you a knowing smile when you couldn't meet her eyes.

In your defense, you wouldn't pick any locks!

…Not out the gate, at any rate. You had some standards, and weren't going to risk angering Dracula over a locked door, no matter how tempting.

Even if you were suddenly very, very curious as to what the 'King of the Night' felt he had to lock up in a library.

The maid then cleared her throat, and your attention was back on her.

"However, if you happen to find a key to a locked door, then it's fair game. Let him know and he'll have a word with the Master Librarian."

You weren't entirely sure what to make of that, but suddenly you felt like you were just issued a challenge for later. That is, if you ever were allowed back in here after today.

Opening your mouth, you didn't even have a chance to respond before she was talking again.

"Also, my master wished to warn you, some books are cursed. If they attack you, you have full permission to destroy them. He wanted me to assure you they aren't fully aware, being cursed objects, and constantly change where they are shelved on their own. My lord did not order them to attack you."

A sputter left your lips.

"I- wait, some cursed books just hang out and attack people?"

The corner of the maid's lips twitched, but you had a feeling it wasn't an amused smile she was hiding.

"Yes. Believe me when I say most of us… dislike them," she spoke, her eyes sharp with untold stories involving said books, "but they always end up back here no matter how often they are destroyed or moved. Only the Master Librarian and Lord Dracula can get them to listen, and they can't be everywhere at once."

Huh. You wondered if it had anything to do with the castle, since it sounded like they were bound here. Wasn't the castle a living being itself, technically?

You decided not to think too hard about it, you didn't need another anxiety episode.

"Finally, feel free to explore as you see fit, though Master wishes you to find a book and get comfortable to help in your recovery. Any monster in here is ordered to leave you be. If you have any questions, or need assistance finding or reaching a book, the Master Librarian should be available down that way."

She then pointed down a very long, winding hall, with more bookcases reaching the ceiling as walls.

Ominous.

You had a feeling finding this 'Master Librarian' might be more trouble than it's worth, if Dracula wanted you to sit down and relax…

"Is there anything else I can assist you with?" She then asked, and you looked at the woman, curious.

"Um… I think I'm good, thank you. Though… do you have a name?" You asked, suddenly curious.

Your question seemed to take her off guard, her eyes widening slightly. However, she quickly straightened herself, and dusted off invisible specks off her apron. The action was almost as if she were flustered, and it was kind of cute.

You knew in your family's journals these maids were often referred to as 'Persephone'. Why they were called that, you had no idea.

Perhaps it was just a name made on the fly that stuck? Or perhaps your ancestors called them that since they always appeared when Dracula revived, like the goddess from the myths returning to the underworld every autumn and winter?

She was silent for a moment, before she spoke, her voice ringing against the shelves of the library.

"You may… call me Edith."

"Edith…" you spoke, testing her name on your tongue. It sounded familiar. Was it foreign?

Regardless, she seemed to almost brighten as you said it, before closing her eyes.

"Yes. Edith." She spoke once more, before clearing her throat, and looking at you again. She then gave you a low bow.

"If you no longer require anything, I shall be on my way."

You could barely even open your mouth before she was stepping out of the massive room, her heels softly padding against the carpet as she walked out the way you both came in.

"…That was odd. Did I do something wrong? I hope not…" you mumbled. At least she didn't seem too upset. You think.

She at least was nice to you, but you imagine that was the bare minimum, especially given what she saw happen with that vampire in the hallway.

Swallowing those anxious thoughts, you turned back to the overbearing lobby of the library. Dracula's Library.

Suddenly, your options seemed near limitless.

Just what hidden knowledge awaited you? What secrets remained concealed behind an average looking cover? What curses and forbidden words lay in wait for you to find?

Your fingers twitched at your side. Suddenly, it became a bit more clear to you why some people made ridiculous deals with devils for a fraction of such knowledge, when such a world was open in front of you.

No wonder people sought Dracula out back in the old days…

Perhaps it was because you barely had any opportunities to look through your own family library, or perhaps it was your own thirst for knowledge you had to set aside outside of monster hunting that was rearing its head, but you felt like you were close to salivating.

Edith said anything you could essentially get your hands on was free game, right?

You looked around the massive area, as if you were a kid about to reach into a cookie jar. This almost felt too good to be true. A part of you expected to hear someone yell at you for even being in such a grand place.

Would Dracula pop out of the shadows and slap you on the head for daring to open his books? Or grab you by the neck, and drag you back to your room?

You shook your head. No, he wouldn't do that… Not with how he's treated you so far.

Still, you found yourself biting your lip as you looked at the shelves in clear curiosity.

You did have permission…

Looking from side to side, you quickly scuttled up to a shelf next to the massive fireplace that seemed to be the centerpiece of the room. Hands hovered over different, random spines of books, and your eyes gleamed as you took in each book.

Some had titles, others were blank. Some looked as if they were printed this century, others looked old and leather bound. You couldn't make heads or tails of how these were sorted, but you imagined with as many books as this library had, it'd be hard to figure out without talking to the librarian. Or Dracula himself.

After a bit of debate, your eyes landed on a book with a blank spine, that seemed rather small, but well worn. Licking your lips, you gently reached forward, plucking the book from its shelf.

It was light in your hands, and you gently opened the cover, leaning back slightly out of fear the book may lash out. When nothing happened, you blinked, before looking at the first page.

At first, you couldn't quite figure out what you were looking at. It wasn't in english, though you recognized Latin, something you had to pick up as a hunter. However, as you flipped through a few pages, you felt your face scrunch up, before you were quickly flipping back to the front.

"Holy- are these glyphs?"

Suddenly, this little worn book may have been the jackpot, and it was just the first book you had actually picked up.

You were no stranger to glyphs and their connections to magic. Your family had taken an interest in it after the fall of Ecclesia, one of the last groups at the time that had worked to stop any potential resurrections from Dracula while your family had stepped away from the whip for the time being.

While the Order was surrounded in mystery, all you knew is both Dracula rose once at the time, and was quickly slain by someone from said Order. It's one reason you took such an interest in glyphs. If someone could use them to kill Dracula, even without your whip, you potentially could too in the worst case scenario.

Granted, you didn't have any use for that at the moment, and hopefully never would. However, being a terrified child, knowing you were being raised as a weapon against 'The Ultimate Evil', you had tried to learn everything you could to give you an advantage.

Through studying what little you could get your hands on at the time, you were at least able to build a base understanding of it, along with old runes and magic. That, and after your mom died, you had to get creative since you had little opportunities to study such things under your step family's watchful eyes.

That led you to developing glyphs to protect your home, your room, your small cabin, among other stuff. Glyphs could be used in near limitless ways, but you found it easiest to build them as a foundation for shields.

Flipping through the pages, you greedily took in every word and diagram you could mentally translate.

"Of all times not to have a pen or paper…"

Lowering the book, your pocket suddenly felt heavy, with your phone idly inside it.

"Would it be alright to…" you began, one hand hovering above said pocket. It would be so easy to take a few pictures and study them later, something you occasionally had to do whenever you had brief opportunities to look through your family's things before Jason was on your ass about it.

Eyes drifting to the side, you sighed, and your arm went limp against your side. No, you wouldn't do it, not without asking first.

Dracula was being kind enough to let you even step foot in this place, alone no less. You wouldn't push that kindness and test that boundary.

Damn you and your morals.

With another sigh, you flipped to a new page, looking over more information.

"Just when was this written? The Order of Ecclesia vanished in the 1800's, not long after the Family went into hiding… But…"

You couldn't help but feel like these glyphs were a bit older. The book being primarily in Latin was a dead giveaway, yet something still felt off in the back of your mind.

Of course, glyph magic existed before the Order. However, you had a vague idea that the Order of Ecclesia took to studying them specifically in order to handle monsters and Dracula.

Did Dracula just happen to have this book after it was researched and written? Or did he have a special interest in it after seemingly losing to someone in the Order who specialized in glyphs and the power they held?

That had to have been at least around the 1800's, hadn't it? Just how old was this thing? Latin died out as a first language before then, right?

"Then again… I have no idea how old Mr. 'I am the Night' is…" you mumbled, flicking through another page. Perhaps it was written in Latin to help build on the glyphs potential power? After all, the older a language, the more powerful whatever you were using it for, was.

The same was true for any old language, Latin just happened to be the easiest and most accessible in very specific European circles, given it partially being the root to so many different languages across Western Europe. That being said, it was far from the only one, and hardly the most powerful.

Flicking through another page, your eyes squinted as you tried to understand a sentence. Okay, maybe your Latin was very rusty. Whatever. You had time, right?

"Something, something, ah, is it electricity based? Wait no, fire based-" you muttered, and found yourself idly turning around, and walking towards the massive couch. You sat down, and you paused when you felt your body finally relax.

Familiar aches and pains crawled up and made themselves known, and you sighed in irritation. Even your bones seemed to ache as your brain suddenly felt full of fluff.

…Ah, you had been wound up this entire time, hadn't you? Oops.

Now you could feel your body screaming at you for pushing yourself so much. Your stomach idly turned, and your head, while not pounding, began to thud. You clicked your tongue in annoyance.

"Figures."

You've worked in worse conditions. At least you can sit and enjoy yourself for a while, maybe even feel better by sitting down to decompress.

However, you did pause when you felt movement under your shirt against your back. It moved upwards towards your neck, and you felt a tiny tongue lick your cheek.

"Oh, hey! Hi little guy." you spoke, reaching over to your shoulder to pat the top of the tiny bat's head with your finger.

The bat let out a tiny squeak, before crawling up your hair and laying flat on your head.

"I had nearly forgotten you were there…"

For some reason, the bat had taken a liking to you, despite the rough introduction you both had. Even when you had set the little guy down on your bed, he always found a way back onto you some how, either in your hood, your shirt, or your shoulders and head.

A part of you was nervous by the lil guy, scared you'd hurt him again. Your body was filled to the brim with old, family magic and holy power. All it would take is you not paying attention in a fight to accidentally kill him.

That, or accidentally sitting on him, or accidentally smacking him off your head.

The bat didn't seem to care about your fears, always back on your shoulder or head, or bundled up somewhere on your person.

Another other part of you… kinda liked the company.

Was this what it was like to have a pet, or a familiar? As a hunter, you couldn't really afford to get a pet, with how often your family had to leave home, let alone the country. And a familiar? It was risky, unless you got one you could revive.

That, and you didn't trust your step father or step brothers around a familiar, let alone an innocent animal for a pet. No need to introduce an animal to the likes of them.

Still… you couldn't help but feel comfort from the tiny bat on your head, which seemed to idly watch as you read through the pages.

Was the bat aware? It seemed to have some level of intelligence, higher than the average bat. Perhaps because it was one of Dracula's?

You'd never know until you asked, but that would have to be for later, the book in your hand taking most of your attention. Your eyes flickered up to the bat just barely visible to you, before settling on a new page to glimpse through.

"Says something about a fire base, but I think this drawing has something to do with ice? Wait-"

You flipped back a page, and then forward again, before lightly smacking your forehead.

"Is it electricity using ice as a conduit? Was I right? Wait, how would this work-" you asked yourself, narrowing your eyes at the book as you struggled to understand a few words.

You'd have to investigate later. Seemed like you had Latin lessons in your future…

Clicking your tongue again with a hum, you continued reading, getting lost in the pages. Even if you struggled to understand a good chunk of what you were reading, it wasn't all lost on you. You could make out what most glyphs might be trying to achieve, given certain words and the way certain glyphs were drawn.

It was easy to lose the time, engrossed in the book. Perhaps you could strike a deal with Dracula to let you take this home? Or at the very least, maybe take some notes to study for later…

"This one looks like an earth base… yet I can't figure out what that's supposed to do? Strength enhancing when using earth magic, maybe?" You mumbled, holding the book up close to try and make out what you were reading.

Here, the page was smeared slightly, and the runes were drawn so small. You could only bite your lip as you mumbled out what runes there were, before suddenly a presence was behind you.

"It's actually a defense glyph, by the looks of it."

The library was suddenly filled with the sound that was totally not you letting out a loud squeal.

Jumping up off the couch, you suddenly had the book in your hand, turning around and ready to throw-

…Only to pause, eyes wide as Dracula simply stood behind the couch. He looked quite amused and pleased with himself.

"Hm? Did I catch you off guard, Little Belmont?" he asked, his lips curled upwards in a small smirk as he looked down towards you from behind the couch. You felt yourself slump, but gave him a look.

"Don't worry about it," you said with a sniff, "Just be lucky my first instinct was to jump away instead of attack." You said with a huff, pointedly looking away.

The bat on your head gave a squeak, and you felt your lip twitch. Even if you had no idea what it said, you couldn't help but feel you were just sold out. Your eyes narrowed as you looked at the bat peeking at you from leaning over your head.

"Traitor."

You couldn't help but jump a bit when you heard Dracula let out a bark of a laugh.

"Apologies…" he spoke, his fangs peeking out as he smiled, "Are you certain you don't speak bat? That was almost a perfect response."

Letting out a huff, you couldn't help but feel yourself smile back, reaching up to pet the lil guy on your head. Said little guy let out what you assumed to be a pleased chirp.

"I'm certain, though I imagine if I could, I would have heard plenty of obscenities from other bat familiars in other covens by now. Even if I tend to leave them alone, they get grumpy when disturbed. Especially at wild life sanctuaries where they accidentally get taken after getting lost."

Walking back towards the couch, you almost didn't notice the tilt in Dracula's head.

"'Wild life sanctuaries?'" He repeated, interested. You were almost surprised, but figured that was probably something somewhat new to him. Even if they had places in the past to protect animals, other than farms, you doubted they were as well known or as thorough as modern ones were. Right?

Or he simply hadn't cared until now if they did exist hundreds of years ago.

That, and modern wild life preservation funding was a lot easier to do than doing everything out of pocket, you imagined.

"Places to protect wild life, especially endangered species, such as bats. Though it doesn't have to be an endangered species to end up in a sanctuary. Often times people will report an injured animal they see, and the sanctuaries will take them in to try and nurse them back to health for release. Or if the injuries are too drastic, but not enough to put down, they keep them in captivity."

You turned back towards Dracula, gesturing a bit to try and explain. For his credit, Dracula seemed actually rather interested, and it filled you with a bit of confidence and excitement to keep explaining.

Perhaps you should put his interest in the back of your mind for places to take him one day. You could only imagine the reactions of wild bats in those sanctuaries when Dracula makes an appearance…

"They often are huge areas for the animals to roam around it, mimicking the wild areas they are used to, unless it's special circumstances, like having to nurse an injury, or an infant animal. Those tend to be more enclosed for protection, though the keepers and volunteers try to make sure even the injured animals get plenty of outside time to keep them happy."

A grimace fell onto your face, and you rubbed the back of your head.

"Well, any sanctuary worth their salt does, anyway. Most of them though have passionate people working at them, often with visitors. And it isn't very often one exists just to be run down and treat the animals poorly. Zoos on the other hand… are a much bigger mixed bag on quality, though that could be an entirely different conversation."

Shrugging, you then leaned back against the couch, just enough to keep Dracula in sight from the corner of your eye. You weren't going to let yourself be so caught off guard again. Something that, admittedly, hurt your pride a little bit.

After all, you don't normally let yourself get so lost in a book, or anything for that matter, anymore. You couldn't usually afford to, not even at home. Lowering your guard so carelessly in Dracula's Castle could easily end up as a lethal mistake, should you not grow more careful.

"Any-who… sorry, I was lost in thought. You said this was a defense glyph?"

Dracula's face didn't change too much, and you tried not to huff. No doubt he noticed your poor attempt at changing the subject so he'd forget he had managed to startle you.

Flipping the book open, you managed to find the page you were on before, and held it up to the vampire where he could see it. Dracula leaned closer, his large form now next to your head as he glanced over the page's contents.

Gently, a clawed finger came up, and tapped a section of the glyph.

"You see this rune here?" He asked you, his crimson eyes, flickering to you. You had to squint, but you nodded.

"Yeah? What about it? That's… a medieval rune, right?"

Dracula almost seemed to light up when you recognized it, and nodded. He then leaned further over the couch, and reached out over your shoulder a bit more, much more close to you now. You tried to ignore how close his face was to your own as he began to speak.

"Yes, somewhat. This, I believe, was the Elder Futhark. A written runic language that ended up evolving into the Younger Futhark, which then was competing with Latin, at the time. That is why it is not unheard of to see some runes with Latin on older glyphs. They occasionally go hand in hand. However-"

His claw tapped the page again, and pointed to another rune.

"This, I believe, is Algiz, or Elk. A rune meaning protection, or defense. Judging by the array of the glyphs magic…"

You watched in fascination as his claw slowly moved across the picture on the page, moving to the center of the glyph as he worked out a calculation in his head.

While you liked experimenting with glyphs, you only knew so much about the real theory of them. To see him easily seem to figure out how a glyph worked at a glance… you could only lick your lips.

Was it weird to find this side of him kind of… attractive?

A thought that nearly had you mentally jumping and smacking yourself. No need for thoughts like that right now with Dracula right next to your face.

"I'm assuming it is a glyph to make it difficult for someone to be thrown around. To be able to take hits that would leave a normal man incapacitated. The Earth base helps strengthen the body to be able to stand it's ground. Pairs rather nicely with the runes, here."

Your eyes flickered from the glyph on the page, to Dracula's face, and you were nearly startled how his eyes seemed to be looking at you.

That… and how you suddenly could see them much more clearly with the fire from the nearby fireplace dancing in the reflection of his piercing gaze. The shadows dancing across his face only doing wonders to show off just how divine he looked. You swallowed, before looking back at the book.

"So… Not a shield glyph… But I do like the idea of a glyph to be able to take hits. Not that I need it so much nowadays, but it never hurts to know such a power in a pinch…" you mumbled, already thinking of practical uses, such as a mission where you can't see your enemy, who could come from any angle. On the off chance you weren't fast enough, you'd have a glyph to be able to take a potentially lethal hit, and shrug it off like it was nothing…

Or… if you needed it at home in a pinch, that could work, too.

Dracula watched you think, eyes never quite leaving your face. Then, you turned to face him.

"May I… take a photo of this glyph? So I may use it?"

Your eyes widened slightly as he looked at you rather curious.

"I-I mean, I'll understand if you say no, it's okay. I- uh- I just-"

Dracula tilted his head slightly, he seemed puzzled… or surprised?

"A photo? You have a camera on you?"

You blinked, before it hit you. Dracula probably was aware of cameras, but probably not modern ones, let alone phone ones. Quickly, you reached into your pocket to fish out your phone.

"Y-Yeah. This is my cellphone. A modern phone that lets you do all sorts of things, including take photos and videos, and store them in the device."

You held up your phone to him, before pulling it back to unlock it. You winced when you noticed a few messages, but chose to ignore them.

The last thing you needed right now was to think of home.

Dracula watched as you then tapped your phone a few times, and turned it towards yourself. A 'click!' came from your phone, and his eyes widened slightly in surprise when you turned the device back towards him.

On the screen was a photo of you, with the little bat still on your head.

"See? It can do a lot more than that, too. Like instantly send messages to someone across the globe in seconds, or play music. Among a lot of other things."

For a moment, a clawed hand reached out, as if to take it, before pausing. After a moment of hesitation, you held it out closer to him.

"Here, you can look, if you want. Just watch the claws, it's a pain in the ass to get the screen replaced. Believe me, I have to more often then I would like from monsters hitting my sides where my pockets are."

Ever so gently, Dracula took the phone from your hands. His eyes flickered across the screen.

"Fascinating. It registers touch?"

You couldn't help but gently smile at how he tapped the screen a few times, ending up in your photos.

"Yes. I think it uses a subtle electric charge to determine if something is touching it, and where that touch is based on the change of electric flow. Or something like that."

Dracula pulled the phone closer, clearly intrigued.

"You know, I bought you a phone for yourself, if you want it."

Head snapping up in a flash, Dracula looked at you in surprised.

"You bought one for me?"

Nodding, you reached up, rubbing the back of your neck.

"Well, yeah," you began, feeling your neck heat up a bit as you avoided looking him in the eye, "I told you I'd be willing to show you some stuff humanity has developed in recent years. Plus, it might be easier for you to have a phone so I don't have to raise a carrier pigeon. Doubt the postal service would be willing to deliver a letter to the giant, ominous floating castle in the middle of the woods."

That, and the last thing you needed was the public or the government knowing of Dracula's return. If they didn't already.

You doubted it, given you likely would have heard something by now from the local government, or the local churches. As the whip's current master, you would be sought out first, so you may as well enjoy your peace for now.

No doubt that wouldn't last forever, though.

Dracula let out something like a snort at the mental imagery as he looked over your phone.

"Postal service… believe me, mail carriers in the past have been… difficult to handle. Even centuries ago, they weren't fond of delivering to and from a vampire." He mumbled. You couldn't help but imagine a comically scared mail man having to cross what could have been hordes of the living dead, or a lawn of corpses just to deliver a post card.

He looked through your phone for a few minutes, and you idly told him of a few apps. It wasn't like you had a lot on it to hide, and anything too personal was behind folders in your phone.

Well, most your personal stuff, anyway.

His face was one of pure curiosity, though he paused, before his brows furrowed.

"…Seth? Is that the message thing you mentioned-"

In a flash, you reached forward, ripping your phone from his hands.

"Y-Yeah. Sorry. He's my… step brother. I…"

You couldn't hold back the sour look on your face.

"Sorry. But yes. That was probably a text message from him." You mumbled, cursing your step brother for ruining the moment. Just as you had been pointedly avoiding them…

Dracula pursed his lips, understanding it must have been a touchy subject. You hoped he'd forgive you for snatching your phone like that, though.

Sighing, you rubbed your eyes. You were growing flustered. The last thing you wanted was for him knowing more than he should. You already blabbed enough when he was a statue, even if you kept things very vague. He didn't need to know anymore than that.

"I… again, I apologize-"

"Enough."

Freezing, your eyes snapped open. He gave you a pointed look, though it was a soft one.

"You have nothing to apologize for. I assume that was a private message, and it was none of my business."

With that, he stood up at his full height, and it hit you how long he must have been leaning over your shoulder. Did his back not hurt? Could his back even hurt from standing at an odd position like that for a long time?

He walked around until he was directly in front of you, and held out a hand, snapping you out of your thoughts.

"Come. You must be hungry."

You blinked, a bit stunned. His eyes then landed on the book, which lay nearly forgotten at your side.

"Don't worry about taking a photo."

Looking back, your eyes flickered to the book. Your heart sank. Of course, you should have known he'd be protective of his books-

"You may take that with you, since you find it so fascinating. I may have to take a look at some older books about glyphs, seeing as that rekindled my interest as well."

You brightened up considerably at his words.

"Wa- really? You mean I can take this?" You asked, grabbing the book. Dracula gave you a curt nod.

"You may. I have a feeling you will have more use for it than myself. Although…" he began, a toothy grin appearing on his face.

"In exchange, I would like you to show me something in return. That phone you mentioned, for example. Though that can be shown at a later date, seeing as you are still recovering."

You furrowed your brow, giving him a confused look.

"…Are you sure? I mean, I already was planning on doing that anyway, showing you like, the phone and stuff…"

Dracula blinked, and then shook his head slightly, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like 'impossible Belmonts…'

He then gave you a critical look. One that had you feeling sheepish.

"Alright then. I want to see you either recreate that glyph from the book, or show me one of your own."

Your eyes widened in surprise, and Dracula simply tilted his head.

"I've seen your spells, rune arrays, and glyphs from your little cabin. Or at least, I caught a glimpse of them. You have a natural talent, regardless of your full understanding of them. I want to see what else you can do, and how you weave them together."

Dracula's words rang in your ear, and you struggled not to grow surprised, ignoring the fact Dracula knew where your cabin was. Right.

While you were very aware the Belmont Clan was able to go toe to toe with Dracula in power and battle, you knew there would always be things he knew better than you and your clan as a whole. Even those magically gifted in your family, such as yourself, only knew so much, and dabbled more in protective and holy magic.

The fact Dracula wanted to see what you knew had your head swimming slightly.

It was one thing to show him things you know he didn't have direct access to, but your own skills in magic and glyphs?

Suddenly, you felt a bit shy.

"I… Okay. I can do that." you spoke, unable to meet his eyes.

Then you worked up some courage, and looked up at him with a fake glare.

"Just don't expect any family secret magic, got it?"

You didn't really expect him to want to know your family magics. In fact, you figured he could probably care less about the majority of it, given a lot of the older spells and what not were holy in origin. What would his plan even be? Learn your defenses and raid your house? Please.

Dracula simply rolled his eyes, almost playfully, before snapping his fingers, which drew your attention back at his hand. It still was out in front of you.

"Of course, of course. Now come. I hunger, so you must be as well, no?"

He ignored your bewildered look, simply gesturing for you to take his hand once again. Not wanting to be rude, you grabbed it with your free hand, and grabbed the book with your other tightly as he helped you up from the couch.

Steadying yourself, you expected to follow close behind him wherever he chose to lead you. However, you looked at him almost puzzled as he held out an arm towards you to grab onto.

"Shall we, Little Belmont? Dinner awaits."

Swallowing thickly, you looked at his massive form, and how he was gently offering his arm. How could someone so… bloodthirsty… be such a gentleman?

Carefully, you reached forward, linking your arm with his own.

'Soft…' you thought, his clothes gentle against your skin. Idly, you felt your bat friend scramble down your head, and into your coat's hood, and Dracula gave you a nod before beginning to walk you towards the door.

You felt like you were in a dream.

And perhaps… if it was a dream, you didn't exactly wish to wake up.

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First: Here

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However, despite his amassed knowledge from over the years, there were few things he still could not initially figure out.

One, being you.

A measly little human his twin let linger in that shop of his.

You didn’t look like much in his eyes, not at first. He wondered how you even were involved with demons and demon hunting when you looked like every other human out there.

Dante of course, gave him a chilling smile, saying you were perfectly fine the way you were. If Vergil had a problem, he’d take it up with him.

Vergil of course, huffed, and kept his mouth shut about it. Forgive him for wondering what it was a random human brought to the table.

After that, however, Vergil decided to observe.

You were a kind little thing, is one of the first things he noticed.

No doubt you had an idea of who he was, and all he had done. Even if Dante or the others had kept certain things from you, it wasn’t hard to know he had done a few… questionable things.

If he were being generous.

Yet, you were still kind to him.

You greeted him every time you saw him at Dante’s shop, and made a point to make sure he was included in conversations or activities.

In fact, he was surprised when you invited him out to do things, such as shopping for supplies, or going out to eat lunch.

At first, he was wary and hesitant. Was hard not to be with how he grew up around others who only used him for his power and their own gain. What did you have to gain by being friendly to him, let alone his brother and his brother’s friends?

Yet, at most, you simply asked him to help you carry things when shopping. Never did you ask him for anything specific or selfishly.

He relaxed a bit after a while, especially seeing Dante so carefree around you, but Vergil still kept his guard up.

Now though, he decided to indulge his curiosity about you a bit more.

Instead of giving small, near one word answers to things you asked, he actively tried to engage in the conversations with you a bit more. Even if he was still more interested in hearing you talk than doing the talking himself.

All while ignoring the painfully smug and mischievous look he could feel Dante giving him nearly every time he did so.

He had made sure his twin saw the rude gesture he threw in his direction when you weren’t paying attention.

You were confused when Dante barked out a laugh out of nowhere, but he told you not to worry about it while Vergil gave him an icy glare just begging his twin to say anything, promising painful consequences.

After that, he’d admit, he was growing… attached.

Vergil hadn’t noticed it, not at first. Not until Nero saw him next to you almost every time he came for a weekly visit. Naturally, Nero eventually had to say something.

“What, are you their body guard now, or somethin’?"

The comment had taken him aback.

“Pardon?”

Nero gestured with his head over to where you were nearby, cheering as you won something on a game on your phone, while Lady slumped in her seat after seemingly losing.

“You like, never leave their side anytime I see you two together. If you aren’t glued to their hip, you are typically in the same room 90% of the time.”

Vergil felt as if he had been struck, his twin’s snort barely even reaching his ears from across the room.

Had he really been sticking to you like a lost duckling?

Before he can even make a retort or comment, you are running up to both of them.

“I won! Lady owes us dinner. What do you want?” you said with a wide smile, handing them a phone with a menu on the screen.

Nero took the phone, seemingly deciding to drop the subject, while Vergil’s mind struggled to snap out of the sudden realizations he was having.

You were nice to him, even after all this time. Should he really be surprised he somewhat latched onto you?

That, and you didn’t seem to mind one bit that he hovered nearby when you were around. A part of him almost prayed Dante or his son didn’t say anything to you about it, though you appeared none the wiser, or did not seem to care if they did.

All you did was smile at him, handing him the phone after Nero finished putting in his order, all as if everything was normal.

Vergil had a lot to think about after that.

It was a little bit overwhelming for him, he’d admit only to himself.

He wasn’t an idiot, Vergil had a gnawing suspicion what that ever growing feeling in his gut could be. However, it was taking a lot coming to terms with what it could actually be.

Plus, the last thing he needed was his family pestering him about feeling affectionate towards you. At least while he figured things out.

Meanwhile, you seemed as happy as ever to drag him along with you outside of the shop whenever you left to go do something.

Another small thing that made him mentally sigh. Not in annoyance, but rather a slow acceptance with what that pesky feeling was.

So imagine what he thought would be a regular day out with you turned out to be rather eventful.

...And a bit more eye opening.

You had happily been chatting away to him about something or another over a show you liked. Something about the themes from one episode painted another earlier episode in a whole different light.

Not that he cared for it, or was paying attention. (He was.)

He was mainly content to let you speak, and you didn’t seem to mind doing most of the talking since he always listened.

However, the peace was short-lived when someone walked out of a nearby store in a rush, and started cursing after you accidentally bumped into them.

It was an older looking man, who let out a few more curses as he lost his footing briefly, spinning to catch himself, but spilling his hot drink on himself in the process.

“Damn. It. All.” He mumbled, looking down at his ruined shirt.

You rushed to his side, apologies spilling from your mouth despite not having done anything wrong. Vergil was about to sigh, and prepare to wait as you checked over the guy-

Until you let out a strangled sound of surprise. Vergil’s eyes snapped over to you, and the man was gripping the front of your shirt and holding you uncomfortably close.

“You little pipsqueak! Do you know how much this shirt fuckin’ cost, huh? Why I outta-“

The man’s words were caught in his throat when a hand was suddenly on his shoulder. He turned his head around, and the fear that was in his eyes was as clear as day.

Vergil had felt his whole body go cold when he saw you in the man’s grip, and didn’t even realize he had stepped behind the man to pull him away.

“Let them go.”

Nor did he realize how his voice was… being overlapped by his more demonic one. Or how his eyes had flashed red, looking more eerie near the entrance to the dark alley behind him.

Vergil’s grip tightened, and he blatantly ignored the ‘pop’ from the man’s shoulder, and his scream of pain.

“Now.”

The man let you go immediately, ripping himself away from the ‘demon’, and tripping over his feet to back away as you stumbled to the ground from a shove.

Vergil simply rolled his shoulders in mild annoyance, ignoring how the man hoarsely muttered something about monsters before scurrying off down the road.

Meanwhile, you looked a bit stunned at what had happened, and Vergil simply walked over, and held out a hand for you.

“Are you alright?”

You looked at him for a moment, and then looked at his hand. Another moment passed, before you smiled brightly at him, and took his hand.

“Thanks for that!”

Before Vergil could roll his eyes and tell you it was nothing, you reached forward, giving him a hug.

It was quick, but Vergil found himself slightly frozen, briefly returning your hug before you let go.

“Come on, let me buy you an ice cream or something for helping me out before we go home.”

Vergil didn’t even have time to tell you not to worry about it as you grabbed his hand, and gently dragged him to a nearby ice cream parlor you all liked to frequent.

Still, Vergil was barely able to register you ordering one of his favorite sundaes as he replayed all that had happened.

On one hand, his week had definitely improved seeing you in person. As much as he refused to admit it (out loud at least), seeing you brought excitement to his life. Even if it was under… less than fortunate circumstances.

But you were here. You were in his castle, arguably far safer than wherever you were taking residence. He could keep a close eye on you and your recovery, while slowly approaching you from time to time to talk.

He was careful. Dracula knew you were still skittish, even if you were starting to trust him. However, he had been in lighter spirits. He was making progress in slowly cracking you open, seeing what was behind your walls.

It was kind of exciting, if he were to be honest with himself. Sure, he loved the excitement of battle, even if having to battle after being awoken was always tiresome. However, this was new territory for him.

Dracula had the chance to learn more about you, how your life is lived, how the Belmont clan has fared these past few years.

And- Okay, sure, he didn't care for 95% of the clan. However, he couldn't deny he was at the very least, curious.

He didn't expect you to spill any special arcane secrets or what not, but at the very least, he was interested to see how the clan has evolved in the past thousand or so years.

To be quite honest with himself, he couldn't remember the last time he had felt this giddy, at least since he declared humanity his enemy.

It was hard for anything to catch his interest nowadays. When you were alive as long as he had been, it was easy to become bored.

What would you share with him? You mentioned some modern technology of some sort, and if he were being honest with himself, he was eager to tinker with whatever you handed him.

If it had been any other human, he wouldn't have been as interested. However, a Belmont of all humans would know things that would most likely hold his interest.

He just… hated seeing you injured like this. He was patient, he could wait for all the things he could discuss with you, but…

It would be hard to do that if you were constantly being injured.

Of course, he half expected it, if he were being honest with himself. You weren't telling him everything that had to do with your life away from the castle, but he could gleam enough from what you have told him.

Something wasn't right. Even though it was expected a hunter would receive injuries from time to time, he just couldn't figure out what was causing you to get these frequent injuries. Though he had suspicions.

Dracula sighed, rubbing his head as he walked through his castle towards the throne room.

Oh yes, he was excited you were here, but he hated it had to be while you were hurt.

Although…

He wouldn't lie, he liked being able to take care of you.

Dracula of course didn't want you hurt at all, and he knew you were capable of handling yourself.

Most likely.

Even if you didn't take your health as seriously as he'd like, anyway.

He'd have to figure something out. You'd run yourself into an early grave at this rate, and then there would be no more fun to be had.

A snort almost left him at the thought. You were more to him than a simple game, he'd admit to himself.

Rubbing his temple, Dracula let out a sigh. Here he was, stuck being able to think of nothing but you once again. Had he really gone insane while stuck as a statue for all those years, entranced by a Belmont? And fretting on how to keep said reckless Belmont alive?

Though he thought back to how… adorable you were with one of his bats. You had a nasty habit of finding yourself into odd situations, he had a feeling. But this…

…Was dare he say, cute.

A part of him was absolutely delighted that one of his bats took to you so well, even of the initial circumstances weren't so great.

Even then, the fact you were so concerned over the well being of one of his bats warmed his cold, dead heart in a way he wasn't quite sure how to articulate.

You didn't have to do that. In fact, most of your ilk wouldn't have even spared a glance at killing one of his familiars and animals in his castle.

Yet, you still wanted to help.

Still, he had wished you had waited before nearly making yourself sick.

Eyes narrowing, he caught a glimpse of the weather outside of this hall of the castle. Lightning flashed, and thunder rumbled across the valley from the view he had. It did little to clear his head.

Seems that would have to be a habit he would have to help you rectify, if possible. Belmonts and their self sacrificing nature, which of course now becomes an inconvenience.

But… he heard what the young one said after you had healed him, how it was clearly an accident. Dracula didn't think any of his bats had been so happy around another person, other than-

Dracula shook his head, ignore the dull ache in his chest. Not that, not now.

Heaving a sigh from his chest, Dracula pondered on his next move.

While thinking of you with one of his bats had admittedly helped improve his mood, there where still pricks of irritation bubbling under his skin.

Such as the vampire he was hosting while in talks with a different coven.

Admittedly, while many creatures of the night feared him and followed him without question, vampires were prideful creatures. It was becoming increasingly obvious after his 'talk' today, that the other covens were looking down on him.

Dracula, while annoyed, couldn't entirely blame them. He doubted any of those fools knew the power of a Belmont, personally. Over and over again. For centuries.

Yes, he was still a tad bit bitter.

While he didn't doubt his own power, the Belmont clan was quite literally a work of God, or whatever being up there that found humor in his constant downfall at this point. If a vampire doubted his prowess, he had a feeling it was a coven that hadn't encountered your clan.

Or at the very least, like mentioned before, not personally.

Even if they had, however, Dracula had his doubts they would show it. In many's eyes, it seemed they all saw themselves stronger than him in numbers. Many were only showing interest for pure curiosity, rather than clambering at his feet when he first declared humanity nothing more than sheep for slaughter.

At the very least, some vampires seemed interested and respectful, but that number was nothing like it used to be.

Flexing his fingers into claws, Dracula grabbed his left wrist in irritation as he adjusted the cuff on his sleeve, his claws slowly receding.

He'd show them, should they choose to cross him or disobey.

Even if he didn't plan on ruling every coven across the globe, he wouldn't let them make a mockery of him.

For a moment, the hallway darkened, and a flash of lightning lit up the hall, followed by a clap of thunder.

Then, after a tense moment, he sighed. The hall lit up again, and the tension in the air lessened.

Politics. Bah. What a nuisance.

Continuing down the hall, Dracula thought back to the pathetic little welp a coven up north sent to talk to with him.

A younger vampire, Damon, one with no sense of authority, yet all full of entitlement. Did the lad really think Dracula wouldn't smite him off this planet for his attitude, all because he was a messenger for a more 'powerful' clan?

He shook his head, a snarl nearly on his lips.

Perhaps he should kill the cretin and be done with it. He could care less of the coven took offense when their little messenger boy had the audacity to insult him in his own home.

"This place is rather… old fashioned, wouldn't you say? Still living in your glory days? I suppose it still is eye catching."

Dracula felt his eye twitch, and the feeling of an oncoming headache beginning to worsen. Rings of the backhanded compliments were still on top of his mind.

Yes, he was half tempted to smite the little freak. Perhaps he'd do so for his own amusement to reinstate some fear.

But that left another issue. While he was perfectly used to using fear to rule, he had to keep in mind he wasn't relying on being followed as eagerly if he intended to drop destroying all- or at least most- of humanity.

After centuries of being destroyed, and dropping that main goal? For a Belmont no less, he couldn't wait to hear the gossip when that tidbit got out-

Perhaps he didn't need to deal with all of the covens? While trying to destroy humanity, it was a necessary annoyance. But now? He'd only have to deal with them like he initially was, only if they sought him out first.

Although… it ticked at his pride like an ice pick to just let some of them go after what he had heard some allegedly say while he was imprisoned in stone, if some of his current minions were telling the truth. Many came from different corners of the earth, and heard plenty of tales.

With how the day was going, he was becoming more inclined to scorch the annoying pests, and leave the others be.

Then, there was you. The Little Belmont who could not leave his thoughts.

There was no doubt different vampire clans would find out about you. Surely, many would think he lost his mind. Again.

Dracula also suspected many would either cut all communication, or would show a… unique interest just to get close to you. Either to meet you, or try to have a taste, he couldn't say. Either of the two options were high possibilities, and he had a gnawing suspicion he'd get contacted from clans across the globe because of you.

It also… put you in danger.

Now Dracula was no fool. He had seen the fire in your eyes a few times, and knew you would be able to take care of yourself just fine.

But… he hated the idea of putting you further at risk. You already were a hot topic at his castle alone, and already had one attempt by a few foolish witches to kill you.

So for powerful vampires around the world to suddenly contact him, perhaps even aligning themselves just to have a chance to hold your decapitated head in their hands?

The very thought made even his own skin crawl with distaste.

Not only would that be a mess to deal with, pissing off the wrong clan would mean he'd have to deal with attacks from different paranormal groups. Hell, he suspected his castle would be attacked within the next few months once word finally spread about you properly.

He'd like to see them try and get far.

Absentmindedly, Dracula ran his tongue over his fangs, face twitching ever so slightly as a snarl threatened to break across his face.

"What a pain." he mumbled, flicking his cloak back behind him with a bit more force than necessary as he walked.

It didn't matter now if he found it annoying or not. The pieces were placed on the board, and now he had to play them.

Now, how to move forward…?

He was so caught up in his brooding, he nearly missed the sounds of footsteps approaching. Dracula didn't need to look behind him to know it was one of the maids he personally selected to attend to you, even if they barely were to show themselves.

"Master."

Turning back, Dracula steeled his gaze as he looked at the maid, who was giving him a curtsy. Dracula gave her a nod, letting her stand at ease.

"What is it?" he asked, his voice low. Internally, he wondered if something was wrong, though he liked to hope the maid would let him know it was urgent first thing instead of taking her time.

Especially when he specifically picker her to watch over your well being. He'd hate to have to kill her for potentially trying to harm you through inaction. There weren't many maids he trusted with your well-being in the first place…

"The Belmont is restless, and refuses to give me their filthy clothes for cleaning. Shall I go ahead and give them fresh sets of clothes like last time?"

Dracula held back a sigh. He supposed he couldn't blame you for not wanting to give up your clothes, you had no idea the inner workings of his castle, and if your clothes would return in tact.

"Yes, give them a fresh set of clothes and leave their used ones behind. They'll open up eventually, I am sure," he began, though eyed the maid as she gave him a bow.

"Now, what was that about them being restless?"

Being that you were a Belmont, he wasn't entirely surprised. No doubt your family was often restless as hunters when you had nothing to do.

Almost like sheep dogs, ha.

The maid sighed.

"They don't leave their room, but I have caught them out of bed a few times pacing when you said they should be resting. I caught them doing pushups this time with a bat on their head."

Dracula reached up, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

Sheep dogs indeed.

While he doubted you were doing this on purpose to worry him, a part of him wondered if you truly cared about your health as much as he did.

Perhaps this was a stress response? No doubt Belmonts had to always be on their feet. So if you were stressed, you probably were exercising as an outlet.

He wouldn't be surprised if you didn't feel comfortable leaving your room. While things were… stable between you both, you probably didn't regard the rest of the castle with the same ease.

Dracula was also internally glad you hadn't decided to poke your nose around, even though he had told you upfront you were always welcome to seek him out or leave if need be.

If there were vampire delegates on the way, and one here in the castle, he didn't want you… coming across them by accident. He trusted you not to start anything, at least not on purpose. However, he knew it would be a mess if you had to defend yourself before he had things settled.

And given you were still recovering… he couldn't entirely blame other vampires for trying to take out a weakened enemy.

At least, before they knew he would kill them for laying a hand on you, should they be the aggressor.

…Maybe even if you were the aggressor, he'd let it slide. He'd have an excuse to get rid of some pests if they were bold enough to bother you.

"Let them be, I'll talk to them. It seems I should perhaps show them the library or give them something to do so they don't worsen their condition."

The maid opened her mouth to speak, though was cut off at the sound of a yell.

"Master! MASTER!"

Both himself and the maid straightened as they turned back down the hall. From the darkness, a skeleton came sprinting, only to trip as he approached the duo.

Comedically, the skeleton's head came launching forward, pathetically rolling to a stop at Dracula's feet. The maid scrunched her face up in disgust, while Dracula held back another sigh.

"Master! Oh thank the gods!" The head spoke, and Dracula wondered if it was too early for a glass of wine. He had a feeling whatever he was about to hear would only make his growing headache worse.

"Yes, yes. What is it, Yorick?" Dracula asked, watching with little interest as the skeleton's body crawled helplessly on the floor.

"Master, the Belmont! The Belmont!"

The change was almost immediate as a crack of lightning hit outside the castle. The maid winced, flinching back from him as he felt his fangs bare and claws form.

"What of them, Yorick? Out with it."

His heart raced as he tried to hold himself from reacting too harshly. It could be anything. Another bat incident, you could have slipped and fell, or simply wanted some dinner.

Or… something worse. He hoped it was at least one of the former. Even if you had a small injury from a fall, he could heal you.

"The Belmont! The vampire found them in the halls!"

Dracula froze.

The maid next to him quickly took several steps backwards, a look of sheer terror on her face as the air around them all grew heavy, and the torches on the walls briefly erupted in hot blue flames. All the while, Yorick let out a yelp as Dracula stepped past him, kicking his skull back past the skeleton without a care.

"Then let us go see them before blood is shed."

His steps echoed loud in the hallway as he made his way quickly towards your room. As luck would have it, he could sense you hadn't gotten far from it.

Still, his heart raced, and his senses were going haywire.

What had happened? Why had you left your room?

And blast it all, why was that little worm of a convoy in your guest tower?

Dracula bared his fangs in a sneer, the shadows reaching out towards him as he walked. It was as if reality was warping around him, encouraging him to go faster.

The castle blurred around him as the shadows licked at his heels. He could barely make out the sounds of footsteps behind him, trying desperately to keep up as reality began to warp.

It was only a few moments, but it felt like hours by the time he reached the hall which your room was kept.

The shadows seemed to recede as he stepped forward, his footsteps echoing loudly in the hall, before coming to a stop as he caught sight of you.

There you were, pinning his vampire 'guest' to the wall, holding part of your whip to the man's throat. Even from here, he could see it lightly sizzling the other man's flesh.

It didn't take long for you to notice him, and the way your eyes widened and you flinched away from the vampire would have been comical if not given the circumstances.

"Dracula! I-he- it's not-" you began, looking between himself and the other vampire with a look of pure panic. You tugged your whip nervously, before running a hand through your hair.

"Ah fuck… I… Oh no…"

The vampire, Damon, stepped away from the wall where you previously had him pinned, and dusted off his clothes. The look of fear on his eyes from before was completely replaced with a look of smug arrogance.

"My, seems word was right about there being a cute little hunter haunting your castle. A Belmont, no less. Didn't expect it to bite so quickly." He drawled, a cruel grin on his face as he looked between himself and his Little Belmont. You turned and gave him a nasty look.

Dracula stepped forward, and even you took a step back. Internally, Dracula felt his heart sink at the look of dread and fear on your face. He hated seeing you look at him like that.

However, he couldn't stop the cold rage attempting to brew inside of him.

"What. Happened."

His words were short, and clipped, and you winced. Just as you opened your mouth to speak, the other man stepped forward, pushing past you with little regard for you or himself.

"'Twas awful, milord. How reckless can you be, allowing one of their kind to wander around?" He spoke, head gesturing to you. For all intents and purposes, you looked rightly offended.

"Hey-" you tried to cut him off, but Damon continued.

"This thing-" he started, gesturing to you, ignoring the squawk you let out, "-was wandering about, and attacked me the moment they saw me. Here I thought your castle was a place for vampires and creatures with nowhere else to go, with protections should they be here for another coven, or swear their loyalty to you?"

He then turned, clawed hand pointing at you almost viciously.

"My neck is now most likely scarred. If you hadn't appeared when you did, milord, I-"

"Jesus, you really like listening to yourself talk. Do you always kiss ass like this, or is Dracula a special case?" You snarked back. Seems even Damon managed to piss you off more than Dracula frightened you. Dracula had to hold back a snort at how ticked off you looked, and how gobsmacked the other man appeared.

"You dare-"

"You think kissing ass is going to get you out of this? Huh?"

"For the record, you were the one trying to kill me, wretched little hunter-"

"Because you were looking for me, attacking me and threatening me, asshole. You think I'm just gonna sit there and take it?"

At this point, the maid and skeleton caught up, and all three of them could only watch as you and Damon spat back and forth insults, cutting the other off.

"Wow. They really are squabbling like children, aren't they?" She whispered, leaning towards Dracula slightly, while keeping her cautious gaze on the Belmont and vampire. Yorick stumbled forward, his head in his shaky hands.

"Oh! Good, the Belmont is okay. I-" he began, only to stumble forward at the rumble of thunder, dropping his skull to the floor below with a 'thunk!' and a yelp as he stumbled after it.

Dracula gave the maid a thoughtful look.

"I'd liken them more to spitting cats." he mumbled, his nerves not near as shot now that he saw you were alive and okay. Despite being so ill, it was as if you were completely fine. If he hadn't seen you near death's door multiple times with his own eyes, he'd wonder if you were faking earlier.

He was sure if he should be pleased that you could act so… fine when he knew you were still healing.

Despite how well you looked, Dracula couldn't quell the pricks of irritation that were prodding under his skin. This was the absolute last thing he wanted happening today.

Stepping forward, you and Damon stopped talking, both of you stuttering as he hovered over you both. Even if he couldn't see himself, he could feel his power etching forward out of him slightly, and lightning flashed through the windows, followed by a crack of thunder.

"I would like to hear both sides, one at a time. Though, I am curious why you were wandering around these halls."

Damon almost seemed to puff up.

"Yeah, it was dangerous for us citizens of the night for a Belmont to be-"

Dracula sneered, and cut him off.

"I was talking to you, Damon. You were strictly told to stay in the guest tower on the other side of the castle. Curious, how you ended up sniffing around this one without permission."

The man looked like a deer caught in a torchlight, his dark blond hair puffing up slightly as Dracula bared his fangs. Regardless how old or powerful Damon was, it was clear he still saw Dracula as the stronger one in the room, even if he didn't want to admit it.

Meanwhile, you were as still as stone, eyes flickering awkwardly between Dracula and the other vampire.

"Um… if it matters… I was following the bat?"

Dracula turned his attention to you, and for your credit, you didn't flinch back this time. Almost as if called, the bat from earlier almost cutely crawled from your back, up onto your shoulder, and then onto your head.

"'Following the bat'?" Dracula asked, trying to at least keep his voice low and soft with you. He promised he would hear you out before making any rash decisions, and he'd hold himself to that.

That, and he was already annoyed with Damon, who wasn't on his good side.

Slowly, he stepped over to you, and hovered over you curiously.

"And pray tell, why?"

Damon sputtered behind him, saying something along the lines not to believe a filthy vampire hunter, though let out a choked noise when Dracula summoned a hot flame in his hand. Dracula didn't even have to look at the other man to know he flinched backwards at the silent threat.

Nervously, your eyes flickered to the flames in Dracula's outstretched hand behind him, before looking back at him.

"I was in my room, unable to rest-"

Dracula held back a snort, remembering the maid's words.

"-And suddenly this little guy," you gestured to the bat lounging on your head, "started squeaking oddly, and flying around the door."

Said bat gave him a big eyed look, one that screamed it was innocent. Dracula narrowed his eyes, knowing how bats could be troublemakers.

The bat gave a small squeak.

"I was confused, and wondered if the little guy wanted out. So I went to open the door, before he suddenly crawled out under it. I figured I'd leave him, before he crawled back under and squeaked at me again, and crawled back out. He did it a few times, so… I assumed he was trying to show me something?" You said, almost unsure of yourself, giving him a unsure smile with a shrug.

Damon scoffed.

"Figures a Belmont can't even follow basic directions, such as 'stay'."

You gave the vampire a look, eyes almost… flaring with what seemed like… electricity?

Dracula could suddenly feel the raw power radiating off you as you grew irritated, and he fought back the urge to let out a sudden purr, pleased at your display of power. Oh, how he'd love to see more of it, but now wasn't the time.

Though he'd definitely would be thinking about it later.

"Enough. Let them finish." Dracula murmured, and Damon let out a 'hmph'. You gave him a grateful look, gripping your whip tightly.

"Well, I opened the door, and the bat flew around my head a few times, squeaking in a direction down the hall. I figured since he was your bat… it was important. So I started following it, worried something was wrong."

Your eyes narrowed, and you pointed with the hand that held your whip at the other vampire.

"I then found him sniffing around. He was looking through one of the guest rooms, and I assume it wasn't his."

Damon sneered at you.

"And what do you know? A hunter that can't even take care of themselves? Even now, something must be wrong with your brain, since-"

The bat on your head let out a few squeaks, and Damon let out a strangled sound.

"Traitor. Why are you defending someone that kills your kind as a job?!" Damon sneered at the bat on your head, though let out a startled yelp when Dracula's long, boney fingers gripped the top of his head, and turned the younger man to face him. Seems the flames from a moment ago weren't getting the point across.

"Because the Belmont is my guest, and the bat is one of my familiars watching over them." Dracula spoke, his voice low and quiet, yet a growl lingered in his throat that only the creatures in the hall could hear.

The claws tightened around him, and Damon let out a yelp. Blood dripped down the vampire's head as Dracula's claws dug in ever so slightly.

A small injury, for a vampire. One that would heal over night.

However, it was enough force to get the point across. It wouldn't be hard for someone such as himself to clench his fist and end the pathetic welp's life.

Damon's red eyes looked at him fearfully as his body began to tremor, and he was clearly holding himself back from grasping Dracula's hand and trying to pull the other off of him.

"Now. Why were you here? You never got around to that, did you?"

Damon truly looked afraid, his eyes flickering across everyone in the hall.

"I-I…"

Dracula raised a brow, unimpressed.

"Surely, you weren't looking for the Belmont, were you? No, only a fool would do that, right?" Dracula mused out loud, though it was clear he was mocking the other man, who winced as Dracula tightened his grip ever so slightly.

"M-Milord… I-" the vampire whimpered out, letting out a gasp of pain as Dracula gripped him tighter. There was a cracking sound, and blood began to drip freely from the man's head. Damon couldn't help himself, and instinctively reached up to try to push him back.

Dracula could care less at this point. It was becoming clear that the weak worm in his grip was most likely looking for a fight, regardless if you instigated or after find him in the halls. The very thought of the vampire hurting you and seeking you out only made pure rage bubble up in his chest.

It would be easy, to kill him. But did he deserve it?

"Dracula, wait."

Your voice brought Dracula out of his head and blood-lust, and his grip lessened immediately. The other vampire went slack immediately in relief from the pain, though Dracula didn't remove his hand.

You looked unsure now, the power in the air receding just slightly as you gripped your whip. You looked at the other man with a look of… pity? Confusion?

Dracula tilted his head. Did you not want him dead?

"You… You don't have to kill him for my sake." you spoke softly. Where had your irritation gone?

Biting your lip, you didn't meet his eyes.

"I… I don't want to mess anything up. Please don't kill him if it will cause you trouble!"

Eyes flickering between you and the other vampire, Dracula couldn't help but look at you, curious.

"And were you not about to kill him with your whip at his throat moments before?"

His tone wasn't scalding, in fact, it was rather teasing. Despite that, you winced.

"Okay, I wasn't going to kill him. I was simply… uh…" you began, and brought your whip closer to your chest. You still found it hard to look him in the eye.

"Okay, so I was sorta inflicting bodily harm because he wouldn't shut up and was being an asshole, and he threatened to tell his coven about me and ruin things for you if I didn't back off. That was before I pinned him to the wall."

Blinking for a moment, Dracula simply stared at you, long enough for you to start squirming slightly while Damon lay limp in his grip.

"You… attacked him for threatening… me?" He asked, making sure he had this right, his voice growing softer with slight surprise. You blushed.

"Um… well to be fair he threatened me a little bit too, swiped at me as a goading joke, and insulted me a lot, but that was the final straw, yeah. I'm sorry. I- I promise I didn't intend to kill him. Mostly wanted to burn his vocal cords to shut him up for a little bit."

A moment passed as Dracula processed what you had said and done, before he heard a squeak. The bat on your head let out a few more squeaks, explaining things a bit further, and Dracula's eyes narrowed to the man in his grip.

He should kill him, it would be so easy. However, he looked back to you. You watched him carefully as he held Damon's head.

After a few moments, Dracula let out a long sigh.

"Say your thanks, Damon. You live on this day, thanks to a Belmont."

He crudely turned the vampire by the skull to face you, and much to Dracula's amusement, you gave him an exasperated look.

The man wiggled in his grip, before presumably giving you a glare. However, when Dracula temporarily tightened his grip, the vampire let out a welp.

"Tha-Thank you, Belmont." He spat out, though it ended more in a whimper. At that, Dracula simply dropped him to the floor, where Damon crumbled like a sheet of paper.

He then snapped his fingers, gesturing for the maid behind him, who had silently been watching. She stepped up next to him wordlessly, awaiting orders.

"Take our Belmont to the Library, and make sure they are safe and comfortable. I'll be behind you shortly."

With that, she gave a bow to him, then a bow to you, before walking past you. You gave him a questioning look, and he gestured for you to follow her.

"I'll see to you shortly. I won't kill him, if that is what you are worried about."

You looked unsure, glancing at the crumpled up man on the floor, before wordlessly following your new guide down the hall. Dracula tried not to look too pleased with himself that you were showing more trust in him.

After your form disappeared down the hall, Dracula eyed the man on the ground, before speaking out.

"Yorick?"

There was the sound of a skull bouncing down the hall as the skeleton scrambled to his side.

"Yes, Master?"

Dracula leaning down, gripping Damon by the hair, surprising the younger vampire. Damon let out a startled yelp, grabbing at Dracula's hand.

"Go tell the maids to gather some healing remedies for our guest here, would you?"

Yorick gave him a salute.

"Right away, Master!"

He barely paid attention as the skeleton stumbled off, turning the vampire to face him.

"After all, I promised the Belmont I wouldn't kill you. I said nothing about punishing you.."

Damon's red eyes widened, and Dracula brought the other man's face close to his own.

"Now, what was that about telling your coven about the Belmont to, as you said, 'ruin things for me'?"

---o0o---

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First: Here

Last: Here

Your morning, or whatever time it was, had already been disorienting, so this happening on top of it? Horrible start to the day.

While your sleep itself had been surprisingly sound, you found you had some sort of strange dreams. 

You don’t remember much, just some flashes of light, and someone talking. However, it wasn't peaceful. You woke up to your chest aching, and your blood pumping. 

Fists gripping the silky soft sheets, you had tried to steady your nerves. Your eyes darted across the room, the occasional flicker of lightning illuminating the area. 

Blearily, you were able to slowly realize that you were safe, for the most part. Still in Dracula’s castle. 

Your mouth was dry, and your throat felt prickly. 

That’s right, you were still sick, weren’t you?

Even if you were safe, your heart still pounded in your chest in odd intervals, and you swallowed thickly. A bit out of it, you sat up, and you subconsciously reached for your whip. Its familiar weight helped settle your nerves, just slightly. However, you still couldn’t really settle.

This happens sometimes. Dreams haunted you as much as the monsters in your day to day life. Add that while still feeling rather unwell, and it was a recipe for a day in the fog mentally. 

You decided to get up for some fresh air. Despite this being Dracula’s castle, even you couldn’t deny the beauty of it, and how fresh the air was in the wildlife surrounding it.

Carefully, you stumbled out of bed, your balance off a bit as you struggled to keep your steps steady as you approached familiar glass.

It was an older window, and you sighed as you tried to fiddle with the latch keeping the damn thing closed. It took a moment, but you finally were able to release the latch, and push open the window-

Only to jump when a swarm of bats flew by at the exact moment you did so, and one hit the glass from the window you just opened head on with a 'thwack'. 

“Oh shit-”

You were quick, your heart hammering in your chest for a whole different reason as you quickly reached for the little guy before he fell. Thankfully your reflexes were as sharp as ever, and you gently grabbed the bat before it could fall down below. 

Your face fell in slight despair as you held the small creature in your hand. It let out a pitiful squeak, and tried to fly out of your hands. Unfortunately, it seems the poor thing injured one of its wings, and nearly fumbled to the ground. Thankfully, you managed to catch it, and rushed to the bed.

Despite your head pounding, you were able to reach your bed without tripping over your own feet, even as the bat kept scrambling to get away from you.

“Oh no…” you mumbled to yourself, the words repeating in your head as you gently sat the small animal on your pillow.

The poor thing let out another pained noise, and you felt your heart break into a million pieces. 

“Shh, it’s okay! Oh god, I hope it’s okay….” you mumbled, more to soothe yourself as you delicately tried looking over the small animal.

Looking at you with big wet eyes, you tried not to let your heart break further as you tried to figure out what to do.

“I’m so sorry… Oh… Fuck, I think the wing is broken…” You mumbled, trying not to agitate the bat’s injury. You had really fucked up this time, it seems.

The bat clearly didn’t want you touching it, and you didn’t blame the poor fella. You essentially rendered it immobile, even if it had been a complete and total accident. 

You didn’t have any healing potions on you. Everything was in your cabin, including regular medical supplies. What would you do?

Letting out another pained noise, the bat struggled slightly as you hovered around it, clearly wanting to get away. 

Tears pricked at your eyes.

Bats, while typically associated with vampires, weren’t all evil in and of themselves. You were quite fond of them, even if you were wary of every one you came across. It wasn’t fair to the animal itself that they had such a bad reputation. 

It was like snakes, or goats, or black cats in your eyes. The animals didn’t have great reputations due to religion, superstition, or mythology, but were still innocent all the same. 

You’d even go as far as to say animals that naturally took residence in a vampire’s territory were innocent as well, for the most part. 

Was it really a bad thing if they attacked you, if they were defending their home?

Not to mention, it wasn’t always bats. Whenever vampires took different forms, animals of those forms tended to be drawn to the den if they were in the vicinity. 

You had seen vampire dens with wolves, bats, and even snakes. Hell, you’d even seen them with bears, rats, and frogs.

Though your least favorite was the spider ones, for obvious reasons. You’d find spiders in places they had no business being days after the hunt. 

Bats however, were like second nature for vampires. They went hand in hand, and from what you gathered, typically were the easiest and most convenient to transform into. 

So it was natural for bats to be wherever a vampire was, especially since many could end up as familiars. 

Which, of course, made you feel even worse. 

Thoughts swarmed your mind as you gently tried to calm the poor bat. However, an idea came to your mind, a whisper in your head.

You could use your healing magic…

While you were great at magic, healing magic, however…

It wasn’t difficult to cast, per say. In fact, technically, you should be able to do it with ease.

The problem was that, while healing magic was strong, and it could heal nearly any wound…

…Something didn’t come from nothing.

Typically, healing magic took magic power and energy. 

As a Belmont, that wasn’t normally an issue. It was no secret your bloodline had excessive magic, arguably more than the generation before each Belmont. 

In all sense of the word, you were a magic powerhouse, regardless if you used it often or not.

At least… that was the idea.

It was hard for you to have energy, given how little you ate, and how often you were sick. Not to mention how little sleep you got, and how you were recovering from injuries all the time…

Sure, you could use magic in a pinch… but if you had no energy to give… 

Magic had to take something else. 

Still, the poor pained squeaks tugged at your heart strings, and your vision grew blurry. 

With a careful tenderness, you picked up the struggling bat, and focused.

“Shh… I’ll fix you, I promise.” You mumbled, and you felt a familiar tug in your gut as your hands began glowing. 

The bat struggled in your grip for a few more moments, before relaxing. All while you felt that tug in your gut grow warm, before you felt it.

The drain.

You barely had any energy, even if you woke up a bit more rested than normal. It was taking all you had. 

First was the exhaustion.

Then was the searing pain.

You expected it, of course. Pain was normal for you, as was having to use healing spells while running on fumes. 

Still, you couldn’t help but feel your eye twitch, and then several muscles in your body tighten against your will. 

Gritting your teeth, you held firm, ignoring how your stomach felt like it was tearing itself up inside. 

Then, finally, after a few moments, the pain went from searing hot, to a dull throb.

Your hands stopped glowing, and you did everything in your power to avoid crumbling into a ball.

“T-There. All better.” you spoke, tears now falling freely. Despite this, you felt better. Lighter than before.

You gently adjusted the bat in your hands, which was now looking at you almost curiously, rather than in fear like it had moments before. Moving it to one hand, you gently pet its head with a finger from your other hand.

The bat moved under you, though it didn't move itself from your pets. It looked as if it were lightly testing its wing. 

It let out a small squeak, one that sounded free of pain, and you smiled.

“Quite impressive. Healing magic is an advanced art, even for me.”

Head snapping up, your heart thudded in your chest as you noticed Dracula standing at the foot of the bed, his arms crossed as he looked down at you and the bat.

"Granted, I never needed healing magic, given what I am." he continued, his eyes looking at you both curiously.

It took a moment for it to register that Dracula was in your room. When did he even get here?

Mouth falling open, you felt the tears still falling down your cheeks.

“I… It was an a-accident- I-”

Dracula’s face almost seemed to soften as he looked at you. He took a few steps forward, and carefully reached for your hands.

The bat instantly flew to his own outstretched hands, landing on his open palm and giving a few licks.

"It's alright. You healed whatever injury had befell them."

He then gently stretched out the wing you assumed to be injured, the bat not seemingly not caring.

"See? You did well to heal them, though…"

Dracula gave you a pointed look.

"I question your decision to do so when you are so ill. "

You felt yourself wilt slightly at his look.

"I… It was hurt so badly. I felt terrible I had hurt the poor thing. I… I had some energy-"

Dracula sighed, the action making you clam up and stop speaking.

"I suppose I can't blame you, however, don't be afraid to ask for help and explain something to me first. I will be willing to hear you out."

His face softened once again, and his lips twitched upwards when the bat suddenly flew from his hands, back over to you.

Your face lit up in surprise as the bat landed on your shirt, cutely crawling upwards to your shoulder. The lil guy licked your shoulder, before letting out a squeak, and flying up to the top of your head.

Dracula watched you for a moment, and you couldn't help but squirm under his gaze. You couldn't tell what he was feeling as he watched his bat suddenly stick to your head. All the while, you could feel your eyes drying from the sheer surprise and confusion at the action of the small creature.

"I think he likes you."

A laugh nearly left your lips from shock, though you forced the action back so you didn't disturb the little guy on your head, who was now playing with your hair.

"H-Huh? But… I- I accidentally…"

Dracula now looked at you curiously, and walked over to the bed. Sitting next to you, he reached into a pocket in his cloak, pulling out a handkerchief.

"He speaks for himself. If he was afraid, he wouldn't be anywhere near you now that he can move on his own. Now-"

With a weirdly gentle look, he gently wiped away the remainder of your tears with the clothe. You tried not to look at him in disbelief. Dracula being gentle, while you had seen it a handful of times now, was still something you had to get used to.

A part of you wondered if anyone had seen him this gentle in centuries. A smaller part of you wondered if he had ever seen your ancestors shed tears during their encounters with him, and if he mocked them instead.

That voice though, the one that used to warn you to be wary about him, was quieter than it used to be.

"Can you tell me what happened? I'd at least like an explanation, if you would." Dracula's voice spoke, snapping you out of your thoughts as he finished wiping your tears. You tried not to feel pathetic about it. Or weird, with how your stomach was turning in knots.

No doubt your ancestors in the afterlife were just as gobsmacked as you at the very thought of this side of Dracula. You hoped they weren't too disappointed by your small mental breakdown over a bat.

Rubbing your eyes, you tried not to wince at how swollen they felt. No doubt you looked a bit… pathetic. At least Dracula was being nice and not commenting about it.

So much for not looking like a cry baby, though. You aren't even a huge crier, but… it was hard not to be upset, thinking you may have just doomed the world over accidentally harming an innocent animal. Not to mention your emotions were all over the place with how your life was going in general…

Biting your lip, you looked back at Dracula, before looking over at the window.

"I-I woke up, from a nightmare. I think. My heart was pounding, and my nerves they- they were shot. I…"

Dracula followed your gaze as you lifted your hand to point at the window, the wind howling lightly from outside while the window itself clacked slightly from the breeze.

"I was still sluggish from sleep. I think I slept harder than I meant to… So I thought some fresh air would-would ground me."

You didn't notice how Dracula's eyes flickered to you at that comment, and how he looked away at the wall before looking back at the window.

"-The latch was stuck. I didn't- I-…" the words attempted to leave your mouth, and you sighed.

"I managed to unlatch it, and shoved it open. I swear, I didn't know a group of bats was flying by… But…"

The bat on your head let out a chirp like noise, and you could feel it nibbling a strand of hair. Your heart slowed a bit.

"Well… I hit the little guy." You spoke, carefully reaching up and rubbing the head of the bat on your head.

"Thankfully, I was able to grab him before he fell, and well, you saw the rest, I assume."

Truth be told, you weren't sure just what Dracula saw, but you figured it was enough. No need for him to know just how much you freaked out before deciding to heal the lil guy with your magic.

You decided not to ask.

It was quiet for a moment, a type of quiet you were slowly growing accustomed to in this castle. Despite neither of you talking, the wind and occasional roll of thunder was becoming a comfort, rather than a silence that brought you anxiety.

Finally, Dracula spoke.

"I see no permanent harm done. I am not upset." he spoke, he voice deep. You couldn't help but look at him in slight surprise, even if it wasn't a huge shock.

However, you practically froze when Dracula reached over and grabbed your chin, making you face him. Your eyes were wide, and your heart raced as his gaze met yours-

Until he turned your head from side to side, and let out a 'hm' sound.

"I just ask you to wait to do something that would cause a setback for your recovery, if possible. Even if you are feeling better, you have essentially robbed your body of energy it could use to heal yourself."

You swallowed.

"But-" you tried to intervene, it wasn't just about you, after all.

Suddenly Dracula tugged your chin forward again, making you look at him. There was a stern gleam in his eye, one that had you force yourself to keep from squirming as he held you still with such a small grip. You weren't sure you liked the way your body heated up at the action.

"No excuses. While I… admire your desire to help others, even one of my own, this could have made you seriously unwell. I imagine it's only because you are a Belmont that you didn't pass out or begin emptying the contents of your stomach. Or even worse, choking up blood."

You opened your mouth to speak, but he continued before you could.

"Do not forget, you are a guest in my home. I refuse to leave a guest with subpar care, and to let them bring harm to themselves."

Mouth going dry, you found it hard to speak. Hard to think. All you could hear was your heartbeat as his ruby eyes stared almost right into your soul.

"Of course, I understand your situation is… unique. But I suggest you keep that in mind next time you feel… pressured to act." He then mumbled, his grip on you loosening slightly.

It was silent for a moment, before you spoke up.

"…What if I need to speak to you immediately? Something urgent, before making such a decision?" You asked. No doubt a situation could arise where you wouldn't have time to wait for him to show up when checking on you. How could you reliably count on him to help?

"Then call for me. My castle will understand you need me, and will tell me as such, if it is important."

You weren't entirely sure how that worked, and the idea of calling out randomly for Dracula seemed a little silly… But you wondered if it was better than cracking open the bedroom door and asking a Haunted Armor if it could get Dracula for you, like a little kid asking a teacher for assistance.

That being said, it made sense. Dracula was always written to be connected to his castle, no doubt in a symbiotic way. The castle always 'died' with its master, after all.

Though you didn't really like to think too much about it being alive, and sleeping in it.

Still, Dracula's words warmed you. The idea you sort of had Dracula at your beck and call was… you didn't even know how to describe it. An honor? A privilege?

It… made you feel a bit special. Even if it was only 'for important things', you had a feeling he would come to you, regardless.

"…Thank you." you finally mumbled out, face growing hot the more you thought about it. You hoped your face wasn't red.

Dracula held your face for a moment, before he let go of your chin, only to cup your face. His long, boney fingers were cool against your flesh, which no doubt was already warmer than you'd like it to be.

"I'll get you more medicine and some breakfast to eat. You'll need more rest to make up for what you have lost."

You didn't even have time to open your mouth and tell him it was fine, because he was already standing up and heading towards the door to your room. You could only watch him in a daze.

Feeling the bat on your head fidget, you were snapped back to attention.

"W-Wait!"

He paused, instantly turning back to face you.

"I- Uh-" you began, a little unsure how to vocalize your question. Finally, you pointed to the little guy on your head.

"Um…" you began, unsure how to phrase what you should do with the little guy.

It was for only a moment, but you saw Dracula's face soften again, a smile tugging on the corner of his lips as his eyes flickered to the bat on your head.

"Why, how about you let it keep you company? Seems like he likes you."

The bat let out a squeak at his words, and your face flushed. One of Dracula's bats wanted to stay with you? After you accidentally hurt the poor guy?

Before you could even make an argument or ask about it, the bat let out a squeak once more-

-And flopped right onto your face.

"Ack-!"

You heard chuckling, assuming it must have been Dracula, following the sound of a door opening and closing.

Carefully, you reached up and grabbed the bat. It squirmed in your hands, before turning around and looking at you with an adorable look on its face.

"Squeak!"

You felt your heart melt, and gave the little guy a gentle smile. Your body slowly relaxed, and you felt your heartbeat finally slow.

Things might finally turn out okay.

---o0o---

Tugging at his collar, he watched as you leaned further into one of the many machines in the deeper parts of the subway station. A hub that connected to different servers, and helped to keep track of different rails.

"Are you certain you heard cackling coming from here? Nothing looks out of order..."

Your voice was distant, and Emmet could barely hear you, his eyes on something completely different.

How was it you had such muscles? Was it a perk of being an engineer?

Did you work out often outside of work? Did you lift weights, or was it all from engineering?

Emmet felt himself swallow, his mouth weirdly dry.

Your muscles flexed in the tank top you wore, your jumpsuit top wrapped around your waist. He was so transfixed on your figure, Emmet nearly choked when you lifted yourself up.

"Hey- are you even listening to me?" you asked, your eyes narrowing at the Subway Boss.

Emmet smiled wide, almost too wide.

"Sorry, could you repeat that? You were a bit muffled in there. Verrry muffled."

He stood straight, his arms clamped behind his back. Your eyes narrowed, and you let out a sigh before using your arm to wipe away some sweat on your forehead.

Emmet tried not to shudder.

"Right. Look, are you certain you heard cackling or sparking back here? I'm not finding anything, so if you are sure, I'll need to shut this down for the day. I'm just hoping nothing is wrong with the train this is connected to..."

Emmet's face twitched, and he felt one of his hands form into a fist behind him. Ingo would definitely kill him later.

"Yes, better safe than sorry. Even if it is nothing, safety is our top priority."

Yes, Ingo was so going to kill him for halting a line. Oh well, he'd deal with the extra paperwork later.

You gave Emmet a unsure look, before shrugging your shoulders.

"Whatever you say, you're the boss-man."

With that, you leaned back into the console, and Emmet craned his neck to watch with barely hidden interest.

"Now, lemme just turn these off and pull out a few of these fuses. I don't trust them not to blow on the off chance they are part of the problem, say we shut down this thing for testing..."

Emmet licked his lips as your muscles flexed again as you stretched to reach further in the machine. Emmet felt his face heat up.

"Yes, take your time."

You genuinely wanted to see him as a friend, only for him to betray you. It clearly upset you the first time you played this 'game'.

Afterwards, you were interestingly distant with Volo in any other run of the game. But many people didn't think too hard about it. It was natural you would keep him at a distance.

Besides, many of them were too busy focusing on breaking free from the code that held them all as pseudo prisoners.

It wasn't until you were on a playthrough dedicated to getting every pokemon and every shiny, as well as completing the pokedex to its fullest extent that they were able to show you they were aware.

It wasn't much longer from that when they were able to pull you in freely.

You were naturally startled, but quickly adapted, happy to meet so many characters and pokemon dear to your heart.

(Even if you were a bit weirded out how some seemed to see you as a deity of some sort sometimes.)

Everyone wanted to meet you with your sudden arrival (even if you didn't exactly plan to be pulled into a video game).

Even Volo of course was curious, but he didn't directly approach you. He stayed almost out of sight from you in the village. Just close enough to see you and maybe hear you.

After all, why would you want to see him? After all he had done to you? Betraying you again and again, even if he wasn't in control after that first time?

You had made it painfully clear the first time how upset his betrayal had made you.

And yet...

The first time you caught him watching you, you not only approached him, but told him hello. You even politely introduced yourself, not showing an ounce of fear or disdain.

Volo was shocked, and nearly couldn't speak. It was clear he was taken off guard.

The villagers were also surprised. Didn't you hate him? Dislike him at the very least?

Perhaps you were just being polite for the first greeting, being in a new environment, or were afraid of angering him?

Volo knew that wasn't true though, you showed no fear when greeting him. Even your eyes held no terror when meeting his gaze.

Instead, your eyes met his head on, and you simply smiled at him.

That wasn't even the last time you did so either.

Any time you came across him, (or caught him watching you from a distance), you acknowledged his presence, even trying to include him half the time so he didn't feel left out.

It was... confusing, to say the least.

Perhaps you had gotten over it? Or if you were some sort of deity, you were a benevolent and forgiving one?

Of course, many people questioned your decision, and you stood firm over it.

"He hurt me, yes, but is he not trying to earn forgiveness? Shunning someone who genuinely wants to learn and grow from their past actions will only push them away. There are of course, some things that are unforgivable, however..."

You looked at Volo almost fondly.

"I like to think he can redeem himself if he works for it. He just needs a gentle push."

It's baffling, even to Volo, who questions if he is even worthy of such kindness after all he has done to you. Yet here you are, standing up for him and trying to protect him.

You simply smile to him, and grab his hands so gently in your own.

"I like to believe in the best of people, even when they have done bad things. You made a mistake, and no one was ultimately hurt. But..."

Your eyes get an almost cold gleam to them. One that has a cold shiver run down Volo's spine.

"You are going to be good, right? No more surprises, no more attempts at becoming a god?"

The hold on his hands were gentle and soft, and your voice was as sweet and gentle as ever.

But your eyes...

Your eyes held a look that wasn't a threat. They held a silent promise.

Volo nodded, his mouth becoming dry as he caught a glimpse of just what you were capable of.

"Yes. I'll... I'll behave."

The look in your eyes vanished as you reached up and cupped his face. You gave him a tender smile.

Yet, he didn’t hurt you, or push you away.

In fact, he had his arms open when you fell, a clear invitation, even if no words had been spoken when you sluggishly ran towards him.

He had lowered himself to catch you, and you could feel his arms wrapping around you to hold you close.

Close against his chest.

Maybe you were sicker than you thought, and your brain was making a giant hallucination, but you weren’t entirely sure you wanted to consider the implications of your brain creating a scenario in which Dracula held you to bring you comfort while ill.

However… you found you didn’t mind the idea, especially as his scent flooded your senses, grounding you as you struggled to keep from getting sick in his arms.

“You are unwell?” You suddenly heard Dracula say, his voice as deep and familiar as you remember it, despite the last time you heard him being weeks ago.

His question though came out more of a statement. You wondered if it was either that obvious, or if Death blabbed.

Or stars forbid, he could smell the illness in your body.

You tried not to think too hard, and attempted to stabilize yourself in his grip just enough to stand. However, all you managed to accomplish was loosely gripping one of his sleeves, and a part of his cloak.

All while your face was still pressed against his chest, your head spinning as you tried to come up with a response that wasn’t just random babbling.

“I…”

Despite being able to snark a bit at Death not too long ago, you found your words escaping you before you could speak.

How pathetic of you. You have defeated legions of demons and monsters with a flick of your wrist, but you can’t even respond to Dracula? Can’t even pull yourself up and not cling to him?

…Yet… you found yourself not wanting to let go, either. Was it really the illness, or were you doing this to yourself?

Dracula shifted slightly, and you felt a hand carefully place itself on your back. The action caused you to unintentionally tense, not used to contact when you couldn’t see it. However, you didn’t rip yourself away.

It did shock you out of your stupor just enough to pull back, all so you could meet Dracula’s eyes.

His face was… worried, you think. Despite being a man with such a dark and scary past and reputation, especially with your own family, it seems it wasn’t too hard to read his face. At least in this moment.

Or maybe you were just lucky, and he was lowering his guard around you. Maybe.

His eyes looked over your smaller form, and he brought a hand up to your forehead. You held back another flinch, before relaxing into his hand. The coolness of his skin felt nice against your own inflamed flesh.

“You are warm… A fever. And injured…” You heard him murmur, and you felt your face scrunch up.

“I’m fine-”

“You are not.”

His words cut off your own, and you opened your mouth to argue, though your words were choked when he cupped your face.

“Let me take you home. You are too sick to be alone right now.”

…Did you really look that bad?

To be fair, you felt awful. You at least hoped you were able to hide it better… But, would you really be able to hide anything like this from a man nearly 1000 years old to begin with?

You wanted to tell him no, to leave you alone. You could handle this yourself. The last thing you needed was owing Dracula a debt. Not to mention how you already felt like you owed him one after he took care of you after you accidentally released him.

Would this, or that last time count as a life debt? You hoped not.

That being said-

How were you supposed to say no when Dracula, one of the only people to seemingly care about you, was holding you so tenderly and asking to take care of you?

Was it so wrong that you wanted to say yes?

Your brain felt like mush, it was hard to concentrate. Your nausea was already hard enough to push back while Dracula held you, but Dracula himself was causing you to have a small mental crisis with the fog already in your head.

Despite your inner conflict, Dracula didn’t rush you. He simply held you while you tried to think.

Eventually, you seemed to make a decision. Sort of.

“But, my stuff. I- I brought some stuff-”

Dracula held back a sigh. He couldn’t pass by your small cabin’s barriers. Not without actually injuring himself. He’d give you plenty of credit, you knew how to use your magic, it seemed.

“We can come back for it when you aren’t burning up.”

You scowled, though it looked more like a confused, frustrated look instead.

“But…”

Before you could try and argue again, you let out a yelp as Dracula quite literally gently swept you off your feet.

He held you in one of his arms, adjusting you slightly to be more comfortable.

“I can’t pass these barriers, and you are in no position to be walking. Just when you walked over to meet me, you could barely keep yourself standing as you moved across that path. We shall return when you no longer have a fever.”

You still wished to protest, but it seemed Dracula was having none of it. With a flick of his cloak, your vision blurred, and it felt like a rock dropped in your stomach, and static was in your ears.

Just as quickly, you felt as if you were dropped from a great height, and your vision cleared. One of your hands gripped Dracula’s chest, and the other went up to your mouth as you tried to hold back your nausea.

You were in a room similar to the one you had stayed in last time, though you were unsure if it was the same or not. It was hard to focus.

Dracula seemed to sweep across the room, muttering apologies as he gently laid you down on the soft, expensive looking bed.

Briefly, he let out a hiss, and you nearly recoiled out of reflex at the noise. Dracula held up an arm, showing your whip had caught on his hand. The flesh sizzled, red and raw looking as your whip slid off it and onto the bed next to you. You winced, about to apologize-

“Apologies. I didn’t mean to frighten you, Belmont.”

Despite your whip literally attempting to destroy his flesh, he was apologizing to you.

You scrambled slightly to remove the whip, setting it down on the other side of the bed. Your face felt hot for a different reason than your fever, and you felt guilt creep up your throat.

“No- I’m sorry, I-”

He held up his non-burned hand, and you paused.

“Don’t worry about it. You are ill and I know you had no intention to use it. Relax.”

His voice was low, and surprisingly gentle as he attempted to reassure you. You hesitantly listened, laying back against the bed.

Your head was spinning, and your heartbeat was in your ears while you felt like your stomach was doing summersaults.

But you forced yourself to breathe, eyes never quite leaving Dracula as he looked over you. This was beginning to feel like a dream.

“Do you know what has caused this?” He murmured, and you lightly shook your head as he reached over to feel your forehead again. You briefly noticed his hand was already mostly healed.

You tried to relax against said cool hand, the cool skin once again welcome against your own feverish forehead. Closing your eyes for a moment, you attempted to enjoy the small relief his cool hand gave. Though out of instinct, you couldn’t keep your eyes shut for long.

“I… I think it’s food poisoning…” you eventually find the strength to mumble.

Dracula’s eyes narrowed in thought, though his face softened when he noticed you watching him closely. Was he worried about appearing too menacing around you?

“Food poisoning? Do you know what you ate?”

It took a moment for you to think, and you felt like mentally shaking yourself by the neck for taking up so much time trying to remember such a simple answer.

“A… A sandwich? Made from some leftovers?” you spoke, trying to remember everything you put on said sandwich.

Dracula took his free hand, and with a snap of his fingers, summoned a thermometer. You blinked, slightly surprised at the display of casual magic.

Sure, you could also use magic, but it wasn’t like you had the option to see it much outside of battle or layering protection spells. You didn’t get to see it used so casually that often.

And, okay. You were a little jealous he could just summon stuff like that with the flick of a wrist. You could summon giant storms made from holy water, sure, but it’d be nice to be able to summon a bottle of wine every once in a while.

“Do you remember what you put on it?” He asked, lowering the thermometer to your mouth. Your eyes flickered to it, and back to his face.

“Uhh…”

You attempted to list out the little bit of ingredients you remember slapping on the meal, while Dracula seemed to listen.

“Say ah…” He then spoke after you finished listing what you recalled.

You blinked, looking at the thermometer in his hand, and you felt your lip twitch upward for a moment. Dracula, if he noticed, chose not to react as he waited for you to open your mouth.

That was such a human expression to use, it took you off guard for a moment.

Also it was a little funny.

Though, as you opened your mouth, letting him put the small stick under your tongue, you figured it perhaps wasn’t as out of place as it could be.

He was a father, at least at one point, right?

As odd as it was to think about, you imagined he probably had to do this once or twice with his own son.

Another part of you wondered how much of that self he had locked away centuries ago, and that small expression had simply slipped out.

You fumbled with the thermometer when Dracula suddenly took an interest in your face. It was hard to fight back a wince, especially when you felt his thumb gently caress your cheek as he looked over the nasty looking bruise.

“Is this the only injury you have?” he asked, his voice surprisingly lower, quieter. Your face scrunched up slightly at his sudden tone and question. Did you really have to answer that?

“It jut a bwuse-” you mumbled out, mentally cursing the stick in your mouth. However, Dracula cut you off.

“That is not what I asked. I asked if you had any other injuries?”

His eyes narrowed onto you, and suddenly you felt a bit smaller than you already were. Was he about to pull out his dad voice on you?

Your eyes flickered nervously from his mouth to his eyes. When had his face gotten so close to your own?

You were silent for a moment, debating how you should answer. A part of you got the sinking suspicion he’d know if you lied.

“Um…”

Dracula, for his credit, waited patiently. You scrunched your face for a moment, and took the stick out of your mouth, ignoring the look Dracula gave you.

“Just a few bumps and bruises. This is the worst, I think. I promise.”

With that, you plopped the thermometer back under your tongue, nervously waiting for Dracula's reaction.

Thankfully, all he did was sigh, before letting out a hum. You wondered if he did that often when he was in deep thought.

Gently, he moved your head to the side to get a better look at your face, his cool thumb gently rubbing over your cheek.

You tried not to think too hard on that, he was probably just looking at the bruised flesh, right?

Of course, you dreaded the next words out of his mouth, expecting him to ask how you got it-

“And pray tell, how have you not healed it yet? Have you not been able to properly stock up on supplies? Do you not know any healing magic?”

The question took the wind out of your sails.

However, your eyes narrowed.

It was an innocent set of questions, ones that may even come off as a bit condescending if you weren’t paying attention, but you couldn’t help but find it odd he asked those first.

Before you could answer, you squeezed your eyes shut in a groan, your stomach fighting your very existence, it seemed.

As you struggled to hold back the stinging pain, you thought about his questions.

Was it really that surprising you had an injury? You were a hunter, after all. Dracula probably was under the assumption you got the bruise on your face in a battle.

Dracula meanwhile took the thermometer out of your mouth, (finally!), and looked at it as you finally forced yourself to speak.

“Haven’t… had an opportunity to do much shopping this past month. I have been busy.” you mumbled.

You didn’t offer any other explanation, and Dracula watched you in silence for a moment. Your eyes met his, daring him to try and push further.

The last thing you needed was Dracula knowing just how pathetic your home life was. More so than he probably already figured out, at least. You didn’t need the vampire who was supposed to be your family’s enemy knowing all those personal details.

Dracula kept your gaze for a moment, clearly debating on challenging you, before letting out a reserved sigh.

Seems he figured this was not a battle worth fighting. He reached up, his now free hand covering the top of his face, almost exasperated.

Still, he didn’t comment, moving his hand to look at the thermometer again, before shaking it out.

“Regardless, you have a fever. One that is dangerously close to being too high for a human to handle.”

You blinked.

“As in, I need to get some medicine in your system immediately. If it gets much higher, the average human brain begins to cook itself.”

Your mouth dropped, forming an ‘o’ shape.

“...Ah.”

He gave you a brisk nod, and quickly turned away with a flick of his cloak, his large frame easily making it to the door in a few steps.

Confusion bubbled in your chest as he turned away, only for your eyebrows to rise as he opened the door, and snapped his fingers. He closed the door partially behind him, but you heard him start talking to someone.

Or something.

That’s right. He was also a king. Something you should probably do your best to remember.

After a few moments of what seemed like an irritable discussion, (at least on Dracula’s end), he was closing the door, and walking back towards you.

In his arm was a potion bottle, a large one.

“Here, I wish for you to drink this.” he spoke, his voice soft again, the irritation you managed to pick up from whatever he was talking to was long gone.

Just as you opened your mouth to protest, he held out a hand. Your mouth snapped shut, and he began to speak.

“Yes, I am aware, it won’t ‘cure’ you. However, it will heal any damage done, and will give your immune system a break trying to heal the battered parts of your body. It will be able to focus on fighting your ‘food poisoning.’”

It was hard to argue with that thinking.

Eyes glancing at the large bottle he was offering you, you slowly sat up to take it. You couldn’t help but think he looked pleased when you did.

Perhaps you shouldn’t drink a potion from him, but that familiar voice spoke up in the back of your mind before you could dwell on it.

After all, if he wanted you dead, he would have killed you by now.

Still a harrowing thought, you think as you decide to down the potion as fast as possible.

Your face scrunched up at the taste, but you finished it in seconds. Dracula sighed, an odd look on his face as he watched you drink the potion in earnest.

“Perhaps it… would have been wise of me to warn you not to drink it all at once if your stomach is giving you issues. Let me know if you feel nauseous.”

His words hit you, and you gave him a pained, sheepish smile as your stomach churned. However, you managed to hold back the nausea as you laid back down on the soft bed.

At the very least, you could feel the lingering migraine in your head lessen a bit, and your body seemed to relax. Perhaps you had been a little more battered than you thought…

With the look he gave you, you wondered if you genuinely were worrying him.

Granted, logically, he had to be to some degree. Right?

Still, it was hard to wrap your head around, even now. Especially with how anxious you have been about meeting him again.

…And it made your heart skip a beat again. Once more, you were being taken care of by the King of the Night.

Your eyes met with his as he took the glass bottle from you, and he paused. Both of you stood like that for a moment, the only noise being the wind and occasional thunder outside the castle.

Another beat passed, and you found yourself opening your mouth to speak, though you were unsure what you were going to say.

However, before any words could come out, there was a knock at the door.

Dracula stood up abruptly, as if taken by surprise.

“Ah- pardon me. One moment.” he spoke, and you could almost rub your eyes in disbelief at his odd reaction.

Maybe it was your imagination, but… what was that? Was he actually flustered?

Not to mention the tension… Yes, you must be imagining things.

Wringing your hands anxiously, it helped distract you from the nerves and the churning in your gut. Even if you didn’t feel as bad as before, you worried one wrong move would have you hurling the potion on the nice, shiny wood floors.

At least your vision wasn’t spinning anymore… just the thought of it nearly made your stomach sour with nausea. Ugh.

Dracula meanwhile answered the door, though you weren’t able to hear much this time. Not that it mattered, since nearly as quickly as the conversation with some unseen figure started, it was over.

Turning back to you, your eyes widened as you saw Dracula carrying a large tray, like a server in a restaurant.

You had a feeling such a sight was a rare treat that only a handful got to see, given all the servants he had. He must be serious about attending to you personally.

That, and given that someone literally tried to kill you with a potion last time you were here, you weren’t completely surprised on that front.

Gently, he sat the tray down on the end table near you, and you caught a glimpse of what was on it.

Much to your surprise, it was some sort of soup, as well as a… drink? Some sort of pink drink that had some sort of orange sparkly bits swirling in it. On the other side was a simple glass of water with it.

You blinked, though before you could ask about it, Dracula was already gently reaching towards you. However, he hesitated.

“May I help you adjust?”

Your mouth opened and closed for a moment, before you were meekly nodding. You tried not to let your thoughts wander as he reached forward to help you sit up.

One of his large hands slid down your back to help steady you, while he held out his other one for you to grip to try and lean forward.

You could feel your brain short circuiting. There was doubt in your mind that you would ever grow used to the size of his hands, or feeling them anywhere on your body-

Mentally, you kicked yourself.

Here Dracula is, genuinely trying to help you out, and you could feel those less than pure thoughts lingering around the corner of your mind. As if hiding in the shadows of your thoughts, eager to make themselves known at the most inconvenient time.

Not to mention, you don’t think you have the stomach to even consider where those thoughts could go.

Not what you needed right now, especially since your stomach was already sour as is. You didn’t need butterflies fluttering around in it to make everything worse.

Before you could mentally grab your brain and shake it to dispel those thoughts, Dracula was already putting the tray in your lap.

“You need to eat, even if your stomach is upset. You will only grow dehydrated if you go too long without food or drink.”

You hated how he was right, but the thought of eating only made your head hurt and stomach turn.

Seems you must have made a face, because Dracula lightly shook his head.

“The soup is mostly broth, so it should be easy on your stomach, and easy on you as well if it… comes back up.”

He then pointed to the odd glass of orange-ish pink liquid.

“A medicine of my own creation, it should help soothe your stomach, as well as help your fever. I suggest you drink that as soon as possible to get your fever down.”

Taking a deep breath, you looked at the tray, before reluctantly grabbing a spoon to eat.

“Fine. But if I puke it’s not my fault.”

Though, the corner of your lip quirked upward, despite the pounding in your temple as you looked at him from the corner of your eye.

“A shame, you don't get fried Belmont brain tonight, it seems.”

Much to your surprise, Dracula let out a snort, before putting a hand to his face and looking away while clearing his throat.

“If you are making jokes, Belmont, you have the strength to eat.”

Despite that, you could see the faintest smile on his face as he refused to meet your gaze.

You felt your heart flutter in your chest, and looked back at your meal. You’d be riding that high for a week, but it didn’t help the fact you still had to eat.

With a grimace, you dug in. Sooner you get this over with, the sooner your vision would stop occasionally swimming, and your stomach would stop threatening to empty itself on the soft bed sheets.

And if you were being honest, you did not want to make a mess, thank you very much. That was the last thing you needed on top of being taken care of.

It took some effort, but thankfully Dracula didn’t give you a lot to eat. However, it was the ‘medicine’ you had been watching out of the corner of your eye that had you nervous.

You somewhat trusted Dracula at this point. No doubt it really was some sort of actual medicine.

But… you weren’t entirely sure about trying something so… unknown to you.

Still, with every spoonful, you were more and more convinced to at least try it. Especially as you felt your stomach lurch a few times.

That, and you were growing hot sitting up for so long. Were you sweating?

And you were so… tired.

Now that you were comfortable, perhaps it was really hitting you how sick you were all over again?

Sure, the potion helped, but it sure as shit didn’t cure anything.

You looked back towards Dracula, who was now sitting in a chair next to you. Was he making sure you actually ate? When had he pulled up a chair?

If you were missing something as simple as Dracula sitting next to the bed, you really must not be well. Yikes.

Your eyes flickered between him, and the meal that you were forcing yourself to continue eating.

As funny as the thought was of him making sure you ate like you were an 8 year old throwing a fuss, you had a feeling he was more concerned than he was showing.

Once again, the medicine Dracula made innocently sat on the edge of your vision, and you held back a sigh.

It was already getting hard to finish your meal, may as well take it now.

And hey, if he kills you, he kills you.

Reaching for it, you gave it a sniff, though were oddly surprised that it had no scent.

Odd.

With a shrug, you downed it, letting out a cough as it hit your throat.

Dracula sat up straighter, and reached forward, taking the cup from you and setting it down somewhere nearby. When he reached towards you, you waved a hand with another cough.

“Chalky. And weirdly spicy.” you spoke, your face scrunched up as your stomach did somersaults.

Dracula paused, before you heard what you thought was a chuckle.

“First time I’ve heard it called spicy.”

His voice seemed a bit distant, and suddenly you were hit with a wave of exhaustion. How long has it been since you woke up today?

“Easy.”

You blearily blinked your eyes, looking over at Dracula, who was now at your side. You could feel one of his hands at your back, and the other holding the tray steady in your lap.

“You should rest.”

“But-”

You immediately wanted to argue. After all, you had so much to say, to talk about. At the very least, you could apologize for being sick again when you were supposed to meet with him.

However…

Exhaustion settled in your gut, next to the pangs of nausea, and the migraine that was slowly lessening in your head.

Would it really hurt to have a nap?

It seems like you didn’t have much of a choice, because before you knew it, Dracula was laying you back down, while taking the tray from your lap.

“Rest, Little Belmont. Rest.”

His voice seemed so far gone, and the pillows were so soft…

“...M’kay…”

You’d fight him about it later when you woke up.

With that, you closed your eyes, and fell back asleep.

…

A beat passed.

And another.

Then, Dracula let out a sigh of relief.

It had been a gamble, getting you to drink the medicine, but it had been worth it. Seems you trusted him more than he thought.

Something that greatly pleased him, might he add.

Though, he felt a pang of guilt.

He hadn’t been lying, per say, when he said that pinkish drink had been medicine. It truly was something he had made for medicinal purposes.

…However, he purposely left out the bit where it would knock you out into a deep sleep for a few hours.

Dracula truly disliked using such an underhanded tactic, especially when you proved to him just now, in multiple ways, that you trusted him.

That was valuable to him, in many ways. A Belmont’s trust? The things he could do with it…

And not just any Belmont, but you. The one Belmont in particular he actually finds himself liking.

Still, Dracula couldn’t help but frown as you entered a blissful sleep. He had taken such a delicate thing, and used it.

In this case though, it had to be done. You needed rest immediately.

He had managed to hide just how worried he was after taking your temperature. Even if you were a Belmont, your fever was dangerously high.

You could slay monsters of godly degrees, fight armies of the undead, go toe to toe with someone like him, he was sure.

But you were human. So delicately human.

Death had understated just how bad things were. He was sure if he had stayed at the castle, you would have ended up taking permanent damage in some sort of way.

You may be one of the most powerful humans in existence, but no doubt a fever such as this, untreated, would kill you.

Or at the very least, injure you in some way. Even he had heard of Belmonts losing their edge over such human illnesses and untreated injuries.

Say even if you had a potion on you, and some medicine, he doubted it would do as much as his own. If anything, you probably would be worse in that small cabin of yours.

His lips formed a tight line as he had the tray disappear in a puff of smoke.

It was a calculated risk, going to you, but it was one that proved rewarding.

He knew if you had been well, you very much could have been angry, or upset. You very well could have attacked him. A part of him wouldn’t even have blamed you.

But he wasn’t willing to risk this. Risk your life.

Dracula wasn’t sure what the future held, especially since he somewhat swore to hold back destroying humanity. For now.

He was too interested in you. For once, you were something so different than the usual tango he had with your clan.

Dracula would not lose you, not now. You were his.

He just hoped you could forgive him for taking advantage of your trust like that. It was for your own good.

Which, of its own, was another worrying dilemma.

How had you gotten this ill? How had it gotten this bad in the first place?

He mostly had stuck to his castle this past month, going over everything with his servants, and getting into contact with a few clans. Dracula was mostly unsure how much or how little human medicine had progressed, but surely, as a Belmont, you would have access to the best medicine?

And yet…

Looking over your sleeping self, he found he couldn’t look away.

Your body was relaxed in a way he imagined was a rarity. No doubt a hunter never relaxed that often, even when sleeping. Especially if you didn’t have a great life, wherever you currently lived.

What exactly was happening to you? He a sneaking suspicion it was more than just food poisoning, but he had no proof.

Just the fact his medicine seemed to be working.

Taking a step towards the bed, Dracula observed you for a while more, watching as your chest slowly rose and fell.

He could hear your heart beating, a slow, peaceful and steady beat. So human.

Slowly, he found himself reaching out towards you, his clawed hands hesitating as they reached for your face.

Dracula could kill you right now, if he desired. End the Belmont Lineage, and seal your blasted whip away for good in the Chaotic Realm.

It would be so easy too. You let your guard down around him. Trusted him. He could kill you dead in the blink of an eye, and you’d be none the wiser until it was too late, and he’d already be devouring your soul.

This feud would be over with, for good.

Yet…

He couldn’t do it. It was nothing more than a passing thought in the back of his mind, if even that.

In fact, the very thought of doing that, at this very moment… upset him.

You were too special, too unique. Dracula was drawn to you in a way he couldn’t accurately describe. At least, not with a singular word or thought.

Curiosity. Amusement. Worry. Yearning. Possession.

All because you wanted something different than your predecessors.

Carefully, Dracula’s hand reached forward again, before he was gently touching your face.

Your skin was still unsettlingly warm, even for human standards, but he could already tell a difference. The fever was already lessening.

Gently, his hand went from touching your forehead, to cupping your face.

No doubt you were a force of nature. He only caught a glimpse of the hunter part of you when you once approached his castle when he was still cursed. How that day, you declared you would rather talk.

But he saw it, that look in your eyes. Despite the fear and anxiety in them, he could see that same look of a warrior.

So how had a warrior who could meet him in power end up so sick? So injured?

As he was lost in thought, he pulled his hand back just enough to tenderly brush a bit of hair out from the front of your face.

Ha. No doubt Leon was rolling in his grave, laughing at him. Or yelling threats. Even your other ancestors must be cursing his very existence with increased fervor from the pearly gates of heaven, or wherever they ended up.

One of those things, surely.

How far the King of the Night has fallen, desperately caring for a Belmont.

No doubt his past self would be enraged. He could easily see his past selves thinking it was a sick joke of some sort.

Him, growing so fond of a Belmont. Nearly letting go of his goal just for his supposed enemy. How poetic.

But… he was so tired. So so tired. How many times had he played this game, and lost? Even with Chaos’ enticing magic at his side.

Dracula always heeded the call when revived, his mind whirling with newfound bloodlust and a desire for vengeance. How many times was that his own feelings from losing Lisa, and how many times was it fate playing with his mind?

Though at this point, he was growing weary of being a plaything rather than a player in this game of fate.

He’d never stop hating humanity for what it has taken from him.

But as he looked over you, threads of hair between his fingers, that hate wasn’t as strong as it used to be. Humanity did have a few gems in the mess of beasts it produced.

Perhaps, he could tolerate them once again. For you. For something new.

For himself.

Of course, his tolerance will only go so far. Just don’t expect him to be nice. Or engage with any of them unless he has to. The majority were still nothing but cluttering insects for all he cared.

Insects that occasionally bore someone who was extraordinary.

Dracula stood still there for a moment as he watched over you, lost in thought, before finally speaking.

“If you are going to stand there in the shadows, I expect a report.”

His voice was quiet, to be sure not to wake you. Though he doubted it would have been easy, knowing how heavy his medicine could make a human sleep.

The room grew a familiar chill, and Dracula could see Death emerge from the shadows behind him from the reflection of a mirror.

“Forgive me, my Lord, but some of the clans have responded. One has even sent an envoy to speak with you, and I imagine others will do the same soon. Your revival and presence lasting as long as it has is beginning to make waves.”

Dracula narrowed his eyes.

If he were being honest with himself, he hated vampire and night creature politics as much as he loved power. Alas, he set himself up for this after trying to rule the world so many times.

A tired sigh escaped his lips.

He dug himself in this hole, and now he had to be the one to deal with it.

Still, a frown formed on his face as he looked over you. He had to keep you safe.

Not too hard of a problem on paper. His castle was huge, and this was simply one guestwing, and one of the best guestrooms. He could section this part of the castle off.

However, he knew bad luck followed Belmonts everywhere. He would have to prepare for potential fallout.

“Have them escorted to the main hall, and have a room prepared in the other guesthouse of the castle, should they be inclined to stay overnight.” he ordered.

Death bowed, before its eyes lingered on you.

“...They are recovering. Will they be staying long?”

Dracula wanted to ignore the question, but decided to answer regardless.

“For a few days, I imagine. Behave yourself, and tell the others that are aware of our guest to behave as well, lest they want a personal visit from me.”

Death looked at him, and then you for a moment, before dipping its head in a bow.

“As you wish, my Lord.”

Dracula wasn’t sure he trusted Death not to take things into his own hands, but he at least hoped the deity would hold back from acting on his own should no problems arise.

His eyes then flickered back to you, who was still sleeping soundly on the bed, hair still between his fingers.

He’d take care of you for now, at least to see how far this shaky truce could go.

Gently, Dracula let go of your hair, before reaching for you completely.

He was careful, lifting you up with one arm, while pulling the covers of the bed back with his other hand.

You never woke up once, not even as he laid you back down, and placed the covers back over you.

Dracula tried to ignore the voices in the back of his head, asking how long it had been since he had deliberately taken care of another being to this degree.

Just a few months ago, he would have tried ripping your head off, rather than tuck you in bed with such gentle care.

It was simply to keep you from getting worse, a part of him reasoned. After all, It was already a bit chilly in this part of the castle, and the last thing you needed was to be left out in the cold when fighting a fever.

Still, as he stood back up, he couldn’t help but sigh, placing a hand over his eyes. This was prime potential for a disaster.

Yet, he felt the corners of his mouth twitch upwards slightly when he moved his hand down to look at you one last time before leaving.

He’d admit it quietly to himself, at least.

“I like you.”

---o0o---

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