[ alucard isn't just saying so. trevor belmont saved him with kindness. a generosity that can never be matched. none of that had anything to do with his fighting capabilities. ]
Do not measure such things with combat and blood. You measure it in smiles. In joy.
[Neil knows better than to take genuine words as platitudes, but it still doesn't feel enough to simply make someone smile. If someone strong - physically, mentally - like Alucard hadn't swept in, Neil would either be dead by now, or something else entirely. He can only fight with his hands, and a schoolboy's punch can only do so much damage.
[He tries to accept what Alucard says. He really does try, but...
[Well, he nods, at any rate.]
You're right. I...I get what you're saying.
[But does he believe it?
[He can see he and Charlie's manor approaching over the hillside, a welcome interruption. With his hand still shaking, he points it out to Alucard.]
Just up there. I...won't wander off again like that. Best to stay inside, measuring things that way...
[ alucard is no fool. hearts and minds don't change in a day. but he said what he said. perhaps eventually, it'll sink in. for now, neil is rattled and upset. rightfully so. alucard will see to it. ]
A charming place. Reminds me of England, a little.
[For reasons Neil is either too old or too young to understand, Alucard's parting words bring tears to his eyes again. He finds he has to bite his lip to keep from sobbing, but he manages. A lump remains lodged in his throat. He just can't seem to swallow it down.]
Thank you. Alucard. [His voice is quiet, almost a whisper, as if afraid someone or something else might hear.]
[Despite it all, Neil manages a smile, but it's a terrible, terrified thing. Brown eyes still glisten, and he glances back at the manor once more. There's nothing more to say, and he only wants to apologize. He thinks Alucard would ask him not to.]
Alright. I will.
[A nod. A nod, and...]
Goodbye. Alucard.
[...a walk, then a run to the manor's front door.]
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no subject
Just like any hero, but with...[He tries to think of how to word this.]...extraordinary abilities.
They're only fictional where I come from. Really, I just meant...someone who saves others like that. It's noble...
no subject
There are many ways to save others. Humans have saved me many times as well.
no subject
I'm glad. I'd like to help people somehow. I try to. When I can...
no subject
[ alucard isn't just saying so. trevor belmont saved him with kindness. a generosity that can never be matched. none of that had anything to do with his fighting capabilities. ]
Do not measure such things with combat and blood. You measure it in smiles. In joy.
no subject
[He tries to accept what Alucard says. He really does try, but...
[Well, he nods, at any rate.]
You're right. I...I get what you're saying.
[But does he believe it?
[He can see he and Charlie's manor approaching over the hillside, a welcome interruption. With his hand still shaking, he points it out to Alucard.]
Just up there. I...won't wander off again like that. Best to stay inside, measuring things that way...
[A weak laugh. He doesn't mean to be sardonic.]
no subject
A charming place. Reminds me of England, a little.
Stay safe. The dark never lasts forever.
no subject
Thank you. Alucard. [His voice is quiet, almost a whisper, as if afraid someone or something else might hear.]
I'll see you later. I hope? I'd like to.
no subject
Of course. You may reach out to me at any time.
ough...wrapped...
Alright. I will.
[A nod. A nod, and...]
Goodbye. Alucard.
[...a walk, then a run to the manor's front door.]