🦇𝒯he 𝒱isitor (Alucard Tepes x BlackReader) Pt.3
PART 3 SUMMARY:
You’re given a lackluster tour of Dracula’s castle that adds more questions than it answers, yet your quarters are beyond admirable and enough to forget the mysteries for just tonight. His ice is slowly melting, but not enough for you to see anything certain. To help speed things along, you decide to be a friendly guest and cook breakfast for the both of you.
─── Alucard x black female reader
─── imagery + fiction
─── explicit smut
─── Fantasy, vampires, hurt/comfort, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, magic user, cute bats, gardening, cooking, cottagecore MC, castlecore Alucard.
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Your host is as gracious as the circumstances allow, you begin to realize. As immense and as glorious as the few parts of the castle you’ve seen are, your host confides that they were once even grander. He speaks briefly of there being a battle of sorts. He doesn’t say when or why, despite prodding, but it helps to fill in some of the gaps you have.
Spying some of the deeper gouges and gashes in the tough stone, you can’t help but wonder exactly what he was battling.
“You won the battle, then...?” You ask.
“Something like that,” he says simply enough, but it reads rather ominously to your ears.
You pause as you follow him, trying your best not to sound too afraid. You hope no enemies from this past battle still sneak about...
“So it’s just you and I, here…?”
He turns on you slowly, and a familiar dread rises in your gut as you realize you’ve angered him once again. Unfortunately for you, you’re not sure how. His features appear natural and still, but what you are feeling under your skin hints at the truth to his demeanor. You catch a hint of fang as he speaks, and you wonder if it’s intentional.
“Yes. Does that suit your plans?”
You hesitate, unsure.
“I…’plans’? I don’t—“
“—Allow me to assist you. Silver is a trifle. Stakes are laughable. Garlic does nothing, and no holy symbol nor water—no matter what wayward priest you find to bless it—will help your cause. Sunlight is a pleasure to my skin, which heals from fire, knife wounds, and all other maladies in conception, if you even manage to pierce it. If a Belmont had trouble making me bleed, you surely will. The few things that I am susceptible to, are magic, decapitation, and stakes, but then again, who isn’t? I implore you to try though, and wish you luck. Believe me, you will need it.”
Like before, as if you’ve been transported back behind the walls of books, he is upon you, and you cannot help but tremble. The ruby red is back, flickering just behind his sunstorm eyes. You are beside yourself but you do your best to think quickly as to what nonexistent offense he’s percieved.
‘Does he think I mean to kill him? How even could he assume such a thing…? From me, of all people...?’
“I do not wish to make an attempt on your life,” you say slowly, clearly. “My magic is very poor, but not my behavior towards hosts kind enough to allow me in their homes.” You put a heavy emphasis on the ‘host’ portion, hoping to remind him of his promise from before.
“Enlighten me then,” he asks in a tone that seeks anything but enlightenment. “Why do you want to know if we are alone, if not to better plan something that would require isolation?”
You find yourself frowning.
“You…you completely misunderstand me, sir…” you begin, stepping back. “I just…I asked if we were alone because….I…I…”
Something in your face must call out to his reason, because the red drains out from his eyes and he steps away, reeling back. The grieved look returns.
“You’re afraid,” he realizes suddenly, aloud. “You want to ensure nothing else lurks in these walls.”
You nod, happy to be comprehended, for once.
“Yes,” you insist. “The damage from the battle...I see it, and I think that your foes were very strong. I only hope they were all defeated and that it is just you and I here, alone, sir—er, Alucard.”
He nods, looking somewhat embarrassed now.
“It is only us, in these walls.”
You sigh happily, glad to have your fears discarded. The castle was still scary and intimidating of course, as large as it was. It felt as though something had to be tiptoeing somewhere around in the fortress, yet...he would know the place better than you, wouldn’t he...? And if he says its just you two, then hopefully that is so.
“Good,” you sigh.
He makes no move at the sound of his name in your mouth, but he does think on your words before bowing his head ever so lightly.
“I apologize,” he admits. “I keep...jumping to conclusions. I made you fret after giving my word. Forgive me.”
You watch him with pleasant surprise, the corner of your mouth quirking up.
So there were manners somewhere in there.
“You’re forgiven. I’m sure you must have had a rough go of assassins, being who you are and all.”
“I’ve had my share,” he admits, before turning to advance through the corridor. You don’t have time to think about his ‘share’, trying to keep up. You know he can move far faster than he is showing now, and you appreciate the effort he makes to go at a human pace so that you may follow closely behind.
Deep down, you are still worried about what lays in the castle. You do feel safer, knowing something supernatural like him is at your side, and vowed to make sure no harm befalls you.
“Well,” you continue conversationally, trailing after him, “thank you for soothing my concerns. I feel all the safer for it.””
“...Odd,” he comments. “Hm?”
“You, feeling safer alone in Dracula’s castle, with a dhampir.”
You chuckle.
“I suppose it is odd when you put it that way. Just work on that temper of yours, and I’ll really be right as rain!” The jest is funny enough for you, but it doesn’t land so well with your present company.
He scowls, but the real heat is gone. Energized from knowing he is bound by promise and that there are no others here, you feel bold enough to place an assuring hand on his arm.
He feels strong and solid, like stone. He stiffens before pulling away, peering down at you.
You try your best not to look too hurt. You smile assuringly instead.
“Believe me, Alucard. I’m not here to try and do you in. I mean, look at me! You think I’m foolish enough to attempt such a thing on you when I could hardly handle that crowd of ruffians outside?”
You laugh then, slapping a hand on your leg. It is the bare one from the rip in your dress, and the smack is much louder than you anticipate. It’s enough to silence you into meek embarrassment.
Alucard simply watches you before turning around and leading you on.
You follow him silently now, and you quickly find that the tour is rather lacking. He says little about the winding halls you are led through, and you can’t help but wonder the stories of each hallway, of each room. Will you ever learn of them?
The place is monstrous, and so the soles of your feet are a bit sore by the time you reach what Alucard regards as your quarters.
“You will stay here,” he gestures past a large emblemed door into a wide room.
You peer inside, finding a beautifully canopied bed, heavy curtains attached to what you can only assume is a gigantic window. There is a large bookcase, a fireplace, an armchair, a desk, and a small door leading into another room.
“That is your bathing room,” he notes.
When you stare at him curiously, he explains.
“My father possessed immense technological advancements,” he says quickly, as if he’s explained it several times before. Perhaps he has.
‘So his father is Dracula,’ you think. ‘But the stories of Dracula were much more…gruesome and cruel. If this is his son...this man is certainly scary when roused, but…’
His deep voice breaks you out of your reverie.
“The washing room has a basin called a ‘tub’. There is also a bidet with a smaller basin called a toilet. No need for outhouses or bringing up jugs of water here. We have plumbing.”
Now, you’re utterly confused.
Alucard sighs.
“Just…follow me. I’ll show you.”
You do just that and watch, engrossed, as your host thoroughly lays out and points to every faucet, knob, and all of their uses. Before long, you ascend from a common traveling woman to an expert in an alternate world knowledgeable on things such as ‘plumbing’.
You beam at the tub and sink, too giddy with joy to hide it. You bounce a little, your hands drawing to your chest excitedly.
Alucard levels a raised brow at you, pausing.
“...Are you alright?”
You nod happily, twirling in the bathroom to face him.
“This place is incredible! Plumbing! Who would’ve thought? There was almost something like this I saw over the Eastern seas, but the people there called them…acq..acqueducts! They were these large beams that delivered their water…oh, but no matter! My hair! Goodness, it will be leagues easier…”
Alucard glances at your crown of curled, kinky locks before refocusing on you.
“How did you manage, before?”
“Oh, ponds. Streams. Rivers. The seaside. That sort of thing,” you say absently. “The chill of the water did wonders for my mane, but I felt like an icicle the entire time. And you say I can have heated, freshwater through these devices? I can’t lie, I’m ecstatic!”
Alucard nods shortly at that, watching you curiously, but seemingly unable to share your interest in the fixtures. Perhaps you’re more of an interest for him at this point than the plumbing. You eyeball his own healthy mane and assume he’s long been used to such luxuries.
“Oh, but…can I wash my garbs in the tub, too?”
Alucard tilts his head at that before realization sparks in his eyes.
“No. No, you’ll wear something else. That’s fairly ruined.”
You silently leave out the part that it is partially his fault, but he seems to catch on anyway.
“I…” he tries stiffly. “I apologize again. For before.”
“Oh?” You respond innocently. “For what? Scaring me? Yelling at me? Threatening my life? Tripping me?”
He sinks a little lower with each act.
“All of it.”
“Oh! Well, then you’re forgiven. As much as I appreciate the apology, I have a feeling that this ‘tub’ will more than make up for it.”
Alucard seems to relax at that, showing you the cabinets with everything you’ll need.
“I’ll…” he trails off. “I’ll find you some clothing.”
He turns to leave, but you reach out to gently grip the tuft of white blouse peeking out from his sleeve. He turns, watching you sharply.
He does not pull away, though. You call it progress.
“Alucard,” you say. “Thank you for your hospitality. Sincerely.”
He looks to the floor instead of your eyes—as if he’s afraid of what he’ll find there—before gently pulling away and wordlessly leaving the room.
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You are lucky enough to find interesting soaps and good-smelling candles before working the bath. With some maneuvering and much delight, you are able to conjure bubbles through use of items you’ve scavenged from the cabinets. You find washcloths, sponges, brushes, and an assortment of other things.
You want to wait for your host to return first, but as the minutes continue to pass you realize you need to take advantage of the hot water before it cools.
You shed your clothes, undo your hair, and step into the water-filled basin.
“God…” you whisper, goosebumps rising on your skin.
It feels incredible.
You sink into the water, a smile on your face. You haven’t felt something this good since traveling to hot springs in your more daring adventures. Back then, you had to evade the cultist locals for a hint of heated water. This was so different, as it was your own personal hot spring whenever you desired!
You sink deeper into the water for a bit before beginning to scrub and lather your journey off of you. You decide to empty and fill the tub once more, just because you can, and bathe a little more before feeling pristine to your liking.
Stepping out, you massage in some leftover body oil from your pack. You clean the basin before peeking out into your room.
There is no one present, but a new, soft nightdress lays comfortably on the chair. Your fireplace is even lit.
You smile to yourself as you step out and lift the nightdress, assessing it.
“So his bark is louder than his bite,” you decide aloud.
You change swiftly, and despite being in such an strange situation, once in the massive bed, you find sleep has come right on your heels. Your eyes almost slide shut until you hear a knock at your door.
You open your eyes and slip out of bed. You push open your door—which has a heavy lock, you now realize—to see Alucard, in low lantern light, gazing back at you.
“I trust you found everything,” he says, rather than asks. You hear the question for what it is.
“Yes,” you smile. “Thank you.”
He considers your expression for a long moment before nodding his affirmation.
“Hm. Very well. There is a lock on the door of your room…if that’s any consolation to any fears you may have. Feel free to use it. Good night then,” he says, turning to leave.
“Alucard?” You call.
When he waits for you without turning to face you, you speak.
“Where will you be staying?”
‘If I need you,’ you think.
You soon realize that this may become a situation where Alucard hears something in your speech that is not really there. With a solemn look, and the absence of an anger just as disturbing as its presence, he points to a door just down the hall from you. You would be pleased if not for the expression on his face.
“Just there,” he says.
You realize that due to the two misunderstandings being him assuming you want to kill him, that this is likely what this third time revolves around.
“Alucard,” you try, “I don’t intend to condescend, but you must know, I only ask for my own concern. I’m happier to know that my host is nearby. I meant no ill will by it. I’d be a poor assassin, remember?”
“Yes,” he answers quietly, as if he really is just recalling it. “I remember.”
“You’d hear me before I even entered, I bet!”
“I would.”
“So there is nothing to worry about…right…?”
His stiff shoulders finally seem to relax an inch.
“I suppose. In any case…You are not to enter my domain, under any circumstances, outside of imminent danger. It would be…unwise of you.”
You nod, unsure of what exactly he means but positive he that he does mean what he says.
“I will see you in the morning...?”
He pauses at that, looking somewhat bewildered.
“I…yes, you will.”
“Alright!” You nod, pleased. “Good night then.”
Closing the door, you turn to the large, firelit room and beam.
It is a princess’s quarters…no, a queen’s! You will live lavish while you’re here, it seems.
You lay on the soft mattress under the thick covers, knowing pleasure you’ve never felt before until sleep takes you gently into the night.
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When you wake, it is before the sun has fully broken into the sky. Pretty blues and pinks spill across the sky outside your window, so different from the cold colors of the day before. Rising in your nightgown, you spy a dress on the chair of your room. Alucard must have entered in your sleep. Had you locked the door...? You cannot recall. Under normal circumstances, traveling on the road, you would have never forgotten such a thing as utilizing a lock. For some reason, perhaps last night you felt you didn’t need to.
You absently palm your neck for pinpricks of the vampiric sort, and find nothing.
‘Good enough for me, then.’
The dress lays before you, waiting
It is different, without any tears, and deep in its color. You pause before adorning it, turning this way and that in the looking glass before attempting to do something with your hair.
‘I look rather stunning in this. Why does he have such nice women's clothing lying about, I wonder...?’
Once complete, you decide to do something as equally nice for your host as this dress was for you.
“Breakfast! I’ll make us breakfast. Dhampirs can eat food, right…? Now, if only I could find the kitchen…”
You spy your basket by the door. Another gift from your late-night visitor.
You pick up your newly returned basket from the room’s entrance, flipping over the blanket to spy your stolen vegetables still intact.
You leave your rooms with a smile that slowly falls.
‘He said not to disturb him…perhaps I can find the kitchens myself? They must be on the first level, maybe the underground chambers, if anything. That’s how all castles are. I’d better start now if I hope to finish in time.’
You’re certain you will get lost, but you have a feeling that your host can easily find you again.
You pause, realizing something.
‘I hope I don’t find bottles of blood or something lying around…or something else’
On that sobering thought, you strap your dagger’s hilt tighter to your thigh. Alucard said you were both alone, but it couldn’t hurt to be vigilant.
You venture out and do your best to recreate the inverse of Alucard’s path to the great hall. After several turns and rerouting, you finally begin to recognize the way back to the grand hall. It takes far longer than you anticipated, and your soles begin to complain a little once you find the grand staircase.
With some exploration on the main floor, you finally come across a door leading into what appears to be a small kitchen. The floors are clean as are the pots and pans hanging from their hooks on the walls. You spy plenty of utensils, knives, and what appears to be another basin...plumbing. You will ask Alucard the name later.
You set down the basket, pleased to have reached your goal, and get to work.
“Can’t have just a vegetable scramble. He’s a literal dhampir, and I could use some protein.”
You can't find any aprons about, and so you wrap what looks to be a tablecloth around your pretty dress. No reason to ruin it with the trials of breakfast.
You hunt for eggs, meat, nuts, and anything of the protein type. After some pillaging, you are able to find all three and get to work. The eggs are small, and the meat is fox, rabbit, and fish instead of the typical villager fare of cows and pigs, but you make it work. You wash your hands and begin to carve out fillets, prep vegetables from your basket, and luck upon some spices. You search for oil, but can only find butter, and so you do your best with it.
Soon enough, the kitchen begins to fill with the scents and fumes of a bountiful breakfast. You plate the spiced eggs, the braised meat, the sautéed vegetables, and fill a pitcher with water. You think about finding the secret garden nearby once more to perhaps make juice from berries and fruits, or even preserve. Turning to the wood table, you set everything down before finding your final item.
The loaf of bread is well hidden, but not well enough. It is a little stale, but not enough to discourage. You claim it and cut it before setting it out on the table as well.
Turning to wash your hands one final time, you are unsurprised to find Alucard stalking in the doorway of the kitchen when you turn back around.
“What are you doing...?” he grouses, clearly just having recently awoken.
“Cooking us breakfast,” you sass, “you’re welcome, by the way. Oh, uh...you can eat food, right...?”
Alucard’s sleepy demeanor slowly fades as he nods, his interest growing as the smells of food clearly begin to assault him and cause wonders for his mood.
“Well?” You say, undoing the tablecloth-apron and taking a seat for yourself. “What are you waiting for? Sit with me, let’s eat!”
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AN: Do not under any circumstances copy, repost, or edit any of my work. If you see someone do so, please let me know.
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