It's really badly wrapped, but the giver has clearly put a lot of effort into making sure it's sealed. Going by the amount of tape involved, anyway. If Alfred successfully fights his way past the layers of tape, inside he'll find a beautiful scarf, a thick red wool clearly given with the chill of the peninsula in mind.
Alfred is surprised to find the gift - but once he gets through the carapace of tape, he is absolutely delighted by what he finds. His eyes light up, and he immediately throws it around his neck.
Where it will remain, every time he leaves his home, a reminder that there are people here who care about him.
[After getting Alfred's gift, Phil immediately feels a pang of guilt for not getting him anything in return. It shouldn't be a big deal. He barely knows the kid, he really shouldn't care, but regardless Phil finds himself scrounging for something Alfred could use.
That evening, Alfred will find a neatly wrapped outside of where he lives. Inside it is a couple of individually wrapped brownies and a note.]
Alfred,
Figured you would want these so you can chill out for once. It'll be like the joint I gave you but it won't give you those coughing fits.
HUGE FUCKING WARNING THOUGH: ONLY TAKE A SINGLE BITE FROM THESE THINGS. THEY TAKE OVER AN HOUR TO KICK IN SO DON'T FUCKING THINK THAT IT'S NOT WORKING AND TAKE THE WHOLE BROWNIE.
I guess you can call me if you have any questions but don't come crying to me if you have a freak out high from eating every single brownie in here.
[Alfred is absolutely touched by the gesture - if a little bit nervous to actually try the edibles, given the note. He does, eventually - on a particularly bad night where he wakes up crying - take his first nibble off of one, and finds that it DOES help him wind back down, at least.
He does make a note to ask Phil at a later date about how you get the cannabis into the brownies, exactly. He is, after all, fond of baking, and perhaps he can return the favor.]
[Though he doesn't know him well, his awareness of Alfred being so new to Ryslig has had Jonathan feel the need to reach out for the holidays. Accompanying a well drawn card- depicting what seems to be a rather cheerful holiday dog, how sweet!- Jonathan has included some packets of tea, and a small tin of biscuits.]
Happy Nattensfest, as they say in this land. While we may have spoken only briefly, with the holiday season so fast approaching, I thought it unkind not to make certain that at least one gift may be received this year; though I hope that you may have been given much more.
It is not much- I did not wish to make assumptions as to preferences- but I hope that wherever you stay, and whatever you do, you keep warm and brave through this cold winter. Should you wish to visit for tea, you need only message as well! I would so greatly love to remain in contact.
[So regaining the memories of his doppelganger was bad enough but eventually he realizes
Fuck Alfred probably saw that night he had with his own doppel huh?
It takes a long time for Phil to post this, but he eventually submits a quick post to the poor kid.]
Hey so, uh, you probably have memories from your weird double right?
I don't know if you recall this but sorry if you saw me fucking your doppelganger. I seriously had no idea that we would gain the memories of our doubles after they blew up on us.
[A pause.]
Also sorry that he tied you up and left you in the alleyway while we were having sex.
[Alfred has, since all of that happened, done what Alfred does best. After being shellshocked and horrified for a while, he pushed it down, and has largely been trying not to acknowledge what happened at all.
So when he checks his laptop and he gets the message, he drops his teacup, cursing softly as it shatters on the floor of his apartment.
After cleaning it up, he sits down...and trying to collect himself, he answers.]
Hallo, Phil.
Yes, I...remember. Thannk you for the apologies. It was a stran ge situation. I have been trying not to think abouut it too much. Some things about the way he was makes me feel sort of
Never mind.
I have never actually done anythinng like that, so I suppose at least it was informative.
[As soon as he's sorted things out with his dancers and gotten Phil comfortably draped over one of his couches, he goes for Alfred. He can't imagine his friend is doing great in the wake of this all, given what he'd told Rev about being treated like nothing more than a meal by his tormentors. He knocks at the door to Alfred's apartment, but when he doesn't get a reply, he sighs and mists under the door, following the sound of running water.
Outside Alfred's bathroom, he reforms. He's not about to burst in.]
...Alfred, sweetheart? Did you see that broadcast?
[On his way in, Reverie will no doubt notice the overwhelming scent of burning. Nothing is actively on fire now, but in the darkened living room, there are scorched handprints on the table, a melted corner on Alfred's laptop, and a smoking trail where his tail had slid along the floor from the couch to the bathroom door.
There is no reply through the door - but with careful listening, stuttered, hoarse sobbing can be heard, interwoven with...humming?
I was wondering if you want to come to my place and watch some movies together. I can make some popcorn and tea and we can watch mostly lighthearted shit
[...]
I'm guessing you don't know what movies are, right. They're basically like plays that have been recorded so you can watch them over and over. I imagine there's a lot out there you'd like
Alfred disappeared from the scene before she had a chance to find him.
Shortly after the brief reunion with her Master, Seras began to search high and low for Alfred to break the decidedly awkward news that she'd found someone from her world; her Master, Alucard, had arrived with the group of people they'd found in the pit. It was a joyous reunion (at first-- fickle as always, that Alucard) after thirty years of absence prior to her own fog abduction, and she couldn't pretend that she wasn't happy to see him.
Unfortunately, she'd never really had the chance to talk to Alfred at length about her Master, to really explain the sort of person he was or who he could be, or even what she was to him other than His Servant. Alfred had been in such a fragile state since they met, she couldn't bring herself to drop the heavy load that was her life on his shoulders as well... The time didn't feel right, yet. Unfortunately, time has never really been on Seras's side and today it would make it's stance on her known by having her Master appear at the worst possible moment.
She left Alucard at the apartments with food and told him she had some important business to take care of before she could come back home. With that settled, she made her way to the castle as her stomach twisted itself in knots, wondering if perhaps the reason Alfred left was because he, too, had found someone from home... The possibility made her nauseous in a different way, but... she could still come around to be happy for him, if that was the case. She hoped.
Once inside the castle, she begins to call for him, moving as quickly as her legs would carry her through the corridors. As a pooka she was already pretty fast, but the longer she goes without reply, the more hurried she becomes.
"Alfred?"
She skids to a stop down the hall, pieces of what used to be a chair scattered across the stone floor, obstructing her way. Her racing heart stops for what feels like an eternity and before she's even aware she's begun to move again, she's following the trail of splintered wood toward the ballroom. Ah, this is infinitely worse than she thought. She peeks into the darkness, her poor rabbit heart beginning to pound all over again.
Going to help the new arrivals did not go...quite as anticipated.
Preparation had gone well - Seras helping had made it fun, and it felt good knowing that the way they had met got to carry on ahead , expanding and paying it all forward. He felt...good, knowing he had made that difference for her. Knowing that she wanted to turn around and make that difference for someone else in turn. In a rare moment, Alfred was feeling...good. Like he had made a real impact.
Then the day itself happened.
They had split up to help more people. After handing out a few kits, he had headed over to where Seras had been canvassing, his heart leapt a little when he spotted her...and then dropped through his stomach just a moment later as she leapt into the arms of someone tall and dark, happy as anything. Someone she knew.
How... nice.
Chest stinging for reasons he couldn't place, he then wandered back out...looking around at the people emerging. Well, if someone could come for her, why not him? Maybe it would happen. He wandered for a bit, afraid to hope, but needing to.
He even raised his voice in a little lilting tune, once, twice, three times.
Nothing.
No one.
Suddenly, the task wasn't feeling...as good as it had. Leaving the rest of his kits to be handed out by others, he did the only thing he now wanted to. He went back to the castle, eyes burning.
...
Now as Seras enters the darkened ballroom, she finds Alfred sitting on the bottom steps of the spiral staircase, the shrapnel of a broken chair laying in splinters near the doorway. He's leaning on the banister, staring at nothing until Seras falls within his line of sight.
His eyes blaze a vibrant red that they had not earlier in the day. He can hear her heart beating, and he shudders.
Hey, Alfred, I just wanted to let you know that I have someone interested in the head chef position. She's got an interview at 5 today... if you're too busy or it's too early in the day for you to come by, don't worry about it, but I thought you might want to meet her. I'll keep you and Hajime both posted on how things go.
I may be able to stop by, closer to sundown. If you would like me to.
Either way, thank you for letting me know.
[The rest of the reply goes unsaid, but implied - he knows he still isn't his normal self right now. The last thing he wants to do is to scare someone new away.]
It's been a while since she's had a pleasant dream, y'know?
Of course, she doesn't even realize that this romantic gondola ride with Alfred-- with the stereotypical man in a striped shirt, singing unintelligibly with a French accent and everything --even is a dream until something begins to rock the boat. She doesn't think anything of it at first, leaning nestled back against her beloved, giggling as he dangles a cluster of grapes above her head. She tries to sit up, snapping at the bunch with a playful growl, but he teases her, pulling them just out of her reach.
"You're awful! C'mon--" she laughs, wiggling against him. He dangles, she snaps, and again the grapes are yanked from her reach. He cries out, startled, and she realizes that time wasn't on purpose.
The rocking starts to become violent, and they're both nearly tipped from the vessel. Her arm shoots out to one side to steady them, the other gripping onto his leg to keep him secured beneath her. Looking over her shoulder, some giant beast rises from the water, generating waves that threaten-- no, promise --to send them tumbling into the water, and Seras is quick to determine that her options are to dive and escape the worst of it, or get swept away with the tide. Alfred gasps, cries her name. A tidal wave rises above them, stories high. It's going to pull them under whether she's ready or not. She turns to toss her arms around him, his wings envelope them both-- do either of them know how to swim? It doesn't matter.
Seras gasps, eyes snapping open to the midday sun beaming through the cracks in the curtains, grateful to find that she's awoken to dry land, in Alfred's bed. She exhales a sigh that releases all the tension in her body from the disappointing conclusion of that dream, and she turns over onto her back, draping an arm over her eyes.
Why does it still feel like she's on that gondola? Something is still moving--
Seras glances to Alfred's side of the bed, peeking out from under her arm. His normally peaceful expression is... different, this afternoon; his brows are knit, lips parted, breathing heavy in his sleep. He groans, mumbles something she can't quite understand, and then something that sounds a bit like... her name? It takes a moment for her barely conscious brain to catch up, but it seems he's the reason for that rocking sensation.
She sits up on her elbows to get a better look at him, noting how they've both managed to kick their blankets down to the foot of the bed-- it does get rather warm when you sleep with a demon --but realizing quickly that she kind of wishes they hadn't. This feels like something she shouldn't witness-- Alfred is... well, sleep-walking, in a sense. His tail has snaked up and around his thigh, between his legs and over his undergarments, and seems to be quite insistently working at providing some... stimulation during his slumber. Seras stares, near frozen despite the warmth emanating from him, watching his hips roll and grind into the touch of his tail...
Suddenly, it clicks what exactly she's witnessing, and it shakes her from the paralysis of her curiosity. She gasps and falls onto her back again, covering her face with her hands. Is he dreaming about her?! He'd said her name!
Well, at least his dream seems to be heading towards a happy ending...
The late summer breeze whips around them, a little stronger here atop Castle Krolock than it would be below, but making for a pleasant evening nevertheless. The roof is the perfect place to get a breath of fresh air and a few moments of rest between training sessions, and with a lovely view to boot. She could stay up here all night watching the stars, but sadly, they cannot allow themselves to get distracted for long! They came up here to work, after all.
Seras leans in to steal a kiss before taking Alfred's hand to guide him toward the edge of the roof. There's a mischievous quirk to her brow, her smile almost teasing as she turns her back to the edge and faces him.
"Let's raise the stakes, yeah? How d'you feel about a little game of catch?"
It's a nice night, Alfred thinks. The summer wind tousling his hair, the stolen kiss, Seras's smile - even though they are working to harness their powers for potential (and likely) future hardship, this moment is a good one.
It's with ease that he lets himself be led to the edge, fond expression creasing a little at the edges with confusion. He knows that look. She's up to something, but he can never quite be sure what.
"...What do you mean by 'catch,' Schatzi? Like - throwing something off the castle?"
[Whenever Alfred checks his messages next, there will be... a number of them from Seras, a few minutes apart from each other. She knows he's at work and isn't expecting a response anytime soon, but over the past few months she's gone from mumbling her thoughts to nobody in particular to sending him her stream of consciousness ramblings when they hit. Sorry, Alfred, this is what you signed up for.]
< schatzi >: i love my dogs < schatzi >: i love my dogs < schatzi >: i love them very much < schatzi >: i love them very very very much
[Six minutes later.]
< schatzi >: Sascha got out again, she's... somewhere in the castle.
[Ten minutes later.]
< schatzi >: i can hear her lil tippy taps down the hall but when i turn the corner she's gone < schatzi >: did you teach her how to teleport? :p
[He certainly does know this is what he signed up for - and so when he gets on his lunch break and sits down with his laptop, he chuckles fondly at the array of messages.
Cute. It feels good, getting back to some kind of normal after-
[Alfred's nattensfest secret santa gift is left beneath his tree without any suspicion, thanks to the efforts of a certain blonde delivery dog.
The gift itself is wrapped with care in furoshiki style using a broad satin cloth; pomegranate red with a golden swirl patterning. Tucked in the folds of the fabric on the outside of the gift are a nice pair of pens in red and black ink as well as a graphite holder— all clearly picked to match the fish-leather journal inside. The leather is dyed black, the blank, sketch-ready pages all saddlestitched and block-bound, with a strap held in place by a claw-shaped fastener shining with abalone nacre.
On the very last page of the journal a holiday greeting declares;
Happy Nattensfest, Alfred! Hope your holiday is full of cheer! From,
Your Secret Santa
underneath which is doodled a charming little illustration of a dolphin in a santa hat.]
[A very small wrapped gift has arrived for Alfred at Castle von Krolock! Inside the sort of box that would usually hold a ring, an old brooch is settled safely on a tiny cushion. There's also a card included:]
Hi Alfred,
Happy Nattensfest! I saw this in a thrift shop a while back, and for some reason it reminded me of you. It's the aesthetic, I reckon.
I hope you'll throw more parties next year. They're a blast!
[The small box is wrapped in dark blue wrapping paper, with Alfred's name on it. Inside is a small snowglobe, with little drifting snowflakes around a small, miniature castle scene. It's a bit smaller than modern snowglobes, and doesn't play music, but it is pretty to look at, isn't it?]
Hey Alfred, I got some news for you: I can finally go out in the sunlight without it feeling like hell ;) I was wondering if you wanted to go out and enjoy this nice weather to celebrate. We deserve a nice soak in the sun if you ask me!
[In 2029, Pride is a regular occasion, and gay people existing is as normal as the sky is blue in the world Seras comes from. In the late 1800s, though... not so much. So she completely understands Alfred's hesitance to participate in this event, but with Phil's assistance, she's helped encourage her beloved demon to have fun and celebrate his newfound identity and acceptance by displaying his talents at the drag show. He has so much to offer, it would be a shame to let this opportunity go to waste~
Which is why she's spent a good portion of the last few days trying to battle his worries telling him things like "It's all in good fun," and "Literally everyone present is there celebrating gayness," "No one is going to judge you for wearing a dress," and the like, ad nauseum. Now that they're actually here, she's doubling down on her stance, emboldened by the positively electric energy in the city during this celebration. It's been so long since she's seen this many people enjoying themselves; the whole city needed this. Especially Alfred. The beginning of this month was hard on him, and this time last year was hard on the both of them, so she at least is looking forward to making happier memories. Please and Thank You.]
Alright aaand last one~
[Finishing up the last clasp on his garter, she rests her hands upon his hips, careful not to get her claws caught up in the fishnet (again). Seras grins up at him from her place on the bed, tail swaying behind her as she takes in this most pleasant view. She can already tell this is gonna make one hell of a memory for her.]
So, ah... What next? Corset or skirt? Or... wait, should we do makeup before or after we get you dressed all the way?
When he first arrived, he was a timid thing. He hid himself. He stuffed feelings down deep, just as he had always been taught. A man. Be a man. Strong, and tough, and don't cry and don't be too feminine. Just like his Father had been. Be less of a disappointment.
And he would have never believed it, back then, the position he has found himself in now. Looking down at a woman who he loves very, very much, getting ready for an event started by a MAN he loves very, very much...standing capably on a pair of stiletto heels.
Still, he fidgets a little, his smile sheepish and his cheeks reddening and his heart hammering in his chest.]
Danke.
[His tail lashes behind him a moment before circling his ankles - a tell that Seras would no doubt know by now. He's feeling shy.]
Ah...s-skirt, maybe? The corset should sit over it, and...and I might as well get acclimated to that before makeup. I think. Oh...I don't know, Seras. Do you really think it'll look all right?
Seras claps her hands over her mouth to stifle a yelp, scooting back towards the edge of the bed as quickly as possible and praying that she's not going to disturb him. The last thing she needs is for him to wake up and realize this mistake too. It's one thing for her to see all this and take this moment to her grave, it's another for him to wake up in a panic (or worse, disgust) and have a come-apart about it.
Of all people to wake up face-to-face with, why did it have to be Alfred?
It's not like this is the first time she's shared a bed with him! She was practically his living security blanket when she first moved into the castle, but... it's been a pretty long time since they've occupied each others space like this, and NEVER have they done it in the buff before!
Buff is right-- NO, Seras, heel! OhJesusChristIgottagetouttahere--
Where are her clothes? Where are HIS clothes? That one little sliver of satin across his hips is the only thing saving her from getting a real eyeful and the longer she sits here and stares at him, the less she is convinced her self-control will keep her from taking a peek anyway--
But no! No. She can't. It isn't right. They're not even at work! That's pretty much the only place she has permission to glance at his bits and bobs, but even then she doesn't remember even doing a show with him last night, much less following him to his room when they got home?
What did she do when she got home, though? Why can't she remember? What the hell is going on?!
There are so many pieces missing to this puzzle, and Seras doesn't seem to realize that as she's spending all this time wracking her brain to put the previous night together, she hasn't even moved from her huddled, satin-wrapped ball at the edge of the bed. She's still staring, wide-eyed and starstruck, having yet to really take in any of the other odd details of this situation yet... she's much too fixated on this veritable sculpture of perfection stretched out and languishing gracefully before her.
How is she supposed to think under these conditions!]
When Alfred stirs, he rolls his head lazily from one side to the other, hair much longer than it has been when he had gone to sleep falling in soft waves around his shoulders. He is, of course, completely oblivious to the panic Seras is experiencing - things are just as they have always been, in his mind. He's just had a good night of sleep beside his lovely girlfriend. Contentment.
So when he slits his eyes open to smile lazily at the werewolf...he is a little thrown off by the way she's scooted so far back, staring at him in. What is that, horror?]
Mnh......Schatzi? What's wrong?
[Too sleepy for real panic to set in, he sits up.
The strip of satin falls away.]
Edited (Hit enter too soon lmfao) 2023-09-29 02:27 (UTC)
Ho ho ho! Your Secret Santa recipient is Chiaki Nanami!
Get Nanami a present by December 26, and if you can't figure out how to deliver it, you can drop it off (clearly labelled, please!) at Crowe Clinic up until the 24th.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NANAMI: - Goes by "galagamer" on the network; - Seems to change what gender they are a lot, and also what monster they are, so I can't help you there; - Likes video games; - Teenager, I think?
Merry Christmas, Happy Nattensfest, etc, etc, etc.
[A gift's been left at the castle. It's been wrapped in red and green paper, and feels like something soft's inside. Indeed, there is! It's a pair of blue socks, with white snowflake print. It also comes with a card, which reads:
"Happy Nattensfest, Alfred!
Can't believe it's that time of the year again, eh? Here's to another year of fancy dress parties and good fortune.
[On the eve of midwinter, Alfred will find a package on his doorstep – or even inside it, should the lock be one an ex-spy could reasonable pick. Wrapped in a bit of rough cloth, tied up with elaborated sailor knots, he'll find a set of knitted items:
A hat, mittens and socks. All very colorful, in intricate patterns. Extra holes for horns and too-long nails will have been included. The scrap of paper with it reads “For the long nights. Happy Midwinter. S” in the attempt of a legible font.
Does someone with the skill of fire need warm accessories? Perhaps not. But Sigrud firmly believes they ought to keep something of the human alive in them too and it's been a long time since he got to use such harmless skills, such vivid colors.]
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forward dated - 24th
Alfred
Happy Nattensfest/Winter's End/Christmas
-Reverie
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Where it will remain, every time he leaves his home, a reminder that there are people here who care about him.
Backdated to December 26th
That evening, Alfred will find a neatly wrapped outside of where he lives. Inside it is a couple of individually wrapped brownies and a note.]
Alfred,
Figured you would want these so you can chill out for once. It'll be like the joint I gave you but it won't give you those coughing fits.
HUGE FUCKING WARNING THOUGH: ONLY TAKE A SINGLE BITE FROM THESE THINGS. THEY TAKE OVER AN HOUR TO KICK IN SO DON'T FUCKING THINK THAT IT'S NOT WORKING AND TAKE THE WHOLE BROWNIE.
I guess you can call me if you have any questions but don't come crying to me if you have a freak out high from eating every single brownie in here.
Phil Connors
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He does make a note to ask Phil at a later date about how you get the cannabis into the brownies, exactly. He is, after all, fond of baking, and perhaps he can return the favor.]
DEC 25 - HAPPY NATTENSFEST
Happy Nattensfest, as they say in this land. While we may have spoken only briefly, with the holiday season so fast approaching, I thought it unkind not to make certain that at least one gift may be received this year; though I hope that you may have been given much more.
It is not much- I did not wish to make assumptions as to preferences- but I hope that wherever you stay, and whatever you do, you keep warm and brave through this cold winter. Should you wish to visit for tea, you need only message as well! I would so greatly love to remain in contact.
- Jonathan Joestar
[Oh! His laptop address is in the card.]
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He intends to make plans to catch up for tea sometime, in order to get to know Jonathan a bit better.]
<goodweather> Post Doppelganger Event
Fuck Alfred probably saw that night he had with his own doppel huh?
It takes a long time for Phil to post this, but he eventually submits a quick post to the poor kid.]
Hey so, uh, you probably have memories from your weird double right?
I don't know if you recall this but sorry if you saw me fucking your doppelganger. I seriously had no idea that we would gain the memories of our doubles after they blew up on us.
[A pause.]
Also sorry that he tied you up and left you in the alleyway while we were having sex.
< ausername >
So when he checks his laptop and he gets the message, he drops his teacup, cursing softly as it shatters on the floor of his apartment.
After cleaning it up, he sits down...and trying to collect himself, he answers.]
Hallo, Phil.
Yes, I...remember. Thannk you for the apologies. It was a stran
ge situation. I have been trying not to think abouut it too much. Some things about the way he was makes me feel sort of
Never mind.
I have never actually done anythinng like that, so I suppose at least it was informative.
[He...may not be doing so hot, actually.]
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action, shortly after the network announcement
Outside Alfred's bathroom, he reforms. He's not about to burst in.]
...Alfred, sweetheart? Did you see that broadcast?
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There is no reply through the door - but with careful listening, stuttered, hoarse sobbing can be heard, interwoven with...humming?
Probably answers the question, really.]
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<goodweather> Few days after the fog post
I was wondering if you want to come to my place and watch some movies together. I can make some popcorn and tea and we can watch mostly lighthearted shit
[...]
I'm guessing you don't know what movies are, right. They're basically like plays that have been recorded so you can watch them over and over. I imagine there's a lot out there you'd like
< ausername >
That
sounds very nice, actual ly. I am...better, than I was, but I have sti
ll been having some nightmares. Mayybe this would help.
May 13th, text
I expect to spend several days in Bavan next week.
Jiang Wanyin
[ Out of the nowhere demand? Check. Heavens forbid he actually uses the manners he very well has to ask for socializing. ]
text - < ausername >
Of course! You are mo
re than welcome. I have an entire castle on the outsk
irts of the city now, in fact.
Let me know when you want to be here and I would be glaad to meet!
--Alfred Schreiber
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June 4th - Evening after arrivals
Shortly after the brief reunion with her Master, Seras began to search high and low for Alfred to break the decidedly awkward news that she'd found someone from her world; her Master, Alucard, had arrived with the group of people they'd found in the pit. It was a joyous reunion (at first-- fickle as always, that Alucard) after thirty years of absence prior to her own fog abduction, and she couldn't pretend that she wasn't happy to see him.
Unfortunately, she'd never really had the chance to talk to Alfred at length about her Master, to really explain the sort of person he was or who he could be, or even what she was to him other than His Servant. Alfred had been in such a fragile state since they met, she couldn't bring herself to drop the heavy load that was her life on his shoulders as well... The time didn't feel right, yet. Unfortunately, time has never really been on Seras's side and today it would make it's stance on her known by having her Master appear at the worst possible moment.
She left Alucard at the apartments with food and told him she had some important business to take care of before she could come back home. With that settled, she made her way to the castle as her stomach twisted itself in knots, wondering if perhaps the reason Alfred left was because he, too, had found someone from home... The possibility made her nauseous in a different way, but... she could still come around to be happy for him, if that was the case.
She hoped.Once inside the castle, she begins to call for him, moving as quickly as her legs would carry her through the corridors. As a pooka she was already pretty fast, but the longer she goes without reply, the more hurried she becomes.
"Alfred?"
She skids to a stop down the hall, pieces of what used to be a chair scattered across the stone floor, obstructing her way. Her racing heart stops for what feels like an eternity and before she's even aware she's begun to move again, she's following the trail of splintered wood toward the ballroom. Ah, this is infinitely worse than she thought. She peeks into the darkness, her poor rabbit heart beginning to pound all over again.
"...A-Alfred? Darling...? A-are you in here...?"
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Preparation had gone well - Seras helping had made it fun, and it felt good knowing that the way they had met got to carry on ahead , expanding and paying it all forward. He felt...good, knowing he had made that difference for her. Knowing that she wanted to turn around and make that difference for someone else in turn. In a rare moment, Alfred was feeling...good. Like he had made a real impact.
Then the day itself happened.
They had split up to help more people. After handing out a few kits, he had headed over to where Seras had been canvassing, his heart leapt a little when he spotted her...and then dropped through his stomach just a moment later as she leapt into the arms of someone tall and dark, happy as anything. Someone she knew.
How... nice.
Chest stinging for reasons he couldn't place, he then wandered back out...looking around at the people emerging. Well, if someone could come for her, why not him? Maybe it would happen. He wandered for a bit, afraid to hope, but needing to.
He even raised his voice in a little lilting tune, once, twice, three times.
Nothing.
No one.
Suddenly, the task wasn't feeling...as good as it had. Leaving the rest of his kits to be handed out by others, he did the only thing he now wanted to. He went back to the castle, eyes burning.
...
Now as Seras enters the darkened ballroom, she finds Alfred sitting on the bottom steps of the spiral staircase, the shrapnel of a broken chair laying in splinters near the doorway. He's leaning on the banister, staring at nothing until Seras falls within his line of sight.
His eyes blaze a vibrant red that they had not earlier in the day. He can hear her heart beating, and he shudders.
"...Seras.
Guten Abend."
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CW: dissociation, depersonalization, intrusive thoughts
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Cw: mind control/hypnosis
cw: under mind control, dissociation
Cw: mind control/hypnosis
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< mignonette > june 7-10
< mignonette >: i'm really sorry, i didn't mean to put you on the spot like that
< mignonette >: i was just excited to see you around :)
---08/06/XXXX 02:35:42---
< mignonette >: im looking forward to the party, please please pleeeaase let me know if I can do anything to help! :)
---09/06/XXXX 01:36:37---
< mignonette >: im sorry i keep bothering you.
< mignonette >: im just worried about you is all
< mignonette >: but i understand
---10/06/XXXX 00:17:56---
< mignonette >: i miss you
< CarpeNoctem > June 10th
Everything is fine.
Look after your Master.
Please don't worry about me.
< mignonette >
< CarpeNoctem >
<5ofDiamonds> Backdated to the 13th
< CarpeNoctem >
Either way, thank you for letting me know.
[The rest of the reply goes unsaid, but implied - he knows he still isn't his normal self right now. The last thing he wants to do is to scare someone new away.]
<5ofDiamonds>
[1/2] July 8th | Castle | [[cw: SMUT, consensual somnophilia, more added when necessary]]
Of course, she doesn't even realize that this romantic gondola ride with Alfred-- with the stereotypical man in a striped shirt, singing unintelligibly with a French accent and everything --even is a dream until something begins to rock the boat. She doesn't think anything of it at first, leaning nestled back against her beloved, giggling as he dangles a cluster of grapes above her head. She tries to sit up, snapping at the bunch with a playful growl, but he teases her, pulling them just out of her reach.
"You're awful! C'mon--" she laughs, wiggling against him. He dangles, she snaps, and again the grapes are yanked from her reach. He cries out, startled, and she realizes that time wasn't on purpose.
The rocking starts to become violent, and they're both nearly tipped from the vessel. Her arm shoots out to one side to steady them, the other gripping onto his leg to keep him secured beneath her. Looking over her shoulder, some giant beast rises from the water, generating waves that threaten-- no, promise --to send them tumbling into the water, and Seras is quick to determine that her options are to dive and escape the worst of it, or get swept away with the tide. Alfred gasps, cries her name. A tidal wave rises above them, stories high. It's going to pull them under whether she's ready or not. She turns to toss her arms around him, his wings envelope them both-- do either of them know how to swim? It doesn't matter.
She has to hold on, for both of their sakes.
2/2
Why does it still feel like she's on that gondola? Something is still moving--
Seras glances to Alfred's side of the bed, peeking out from under her arm. His normally peaceful expression is... different, this afternoon; his brows are knit, lips parted, breathing heavy in his sleep. He groans, mumbles something she can't quite understand, and then something that sounds a bit like... her name? It takes a moment for her barely conscious brain to catch up, but it seems he's the reason for that rocking sensation.
She sits up on her elbows to get a better look at him, noting how they've both managed to kick their blankets down to the foot of the bed-- it does get rather warm when you sleep with a demon --but realizing quickly that she kind of wishes they hadn't. This feels like something she shouldn't witness-- Alfred is... well, sleep-walking, in a sense. His tail has snaked up and around his thigh, between his legs and over his undergarments, and seems to be quite insistently working at providing some... stimulation during his slumber. Seras stares, near frozen despite the warmth emanating from him, watching his hips roll and grind into the touch of his tail...
Suddenly, it clicks what exactly she's witnessing, and it shakes her from the paralysis of her curiosity. She gasps and falls onto her back again, covering her face with her hands. Is he dreaming about her?! He'd said her name!
Well, at least his dream seems to be heading towards a happy ending...
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[Action] backdated to late August
The late summer breeze whips around them, a little stronger here atop Castle Krolock than it would be below, but making for a pleasant evening nevertheless. The roof is the perfect place to get a breath of fresh air and a few moments of rest between training sessions, and with a lovely view to boot. She could stay up here all night watching the stars, but sadly, they cannot allow themselves to get distracted for long! They came up here to work, after all.
Seras leans in to steal a kiss before taking Alfred's hand to guide him toward the edge of the roof. There's a mischievous quirk to her brow, her smile almost teasing as she turns her back to the edge and faces him.
"Let's raise the stakes, yeah? How d'you feel about a little game of catch?"
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It's a nice night, Alfred thinks. The summer wind tousling his hair, the stolen kiss, Seras's smile - even though they are working to harness their powers for potential (and likely) future hardship, this moment is a good one.
It's with ease that he lets himself be led to the edge, fond expression creasing a little at the edges with confusion. He knows that look. She's up to something, but he can never quite be sure what.
"...What do you mean by 'catch,' Schatzi? Like - throwing something off the castle?"
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cw: nausea mention
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[Oct 30] < schatzi >
< schatzi >: i love my dogs
< schatzi >: i love my dogs
< schatzi >: i love them very much
< schatzi >: i love them very very very much
[Six minutes later.]
< schatzi >: Sascha got out again, she's... somewhere in the castle.
[Ten minutes later.]
< schatzi >: i can hear her lil tippy taps down the hall but when i turn the corner she's gone
< schatzi >: did you teach her how to teleport? :p
< Darling >
Cute. It feels good, getting back to some kind of normal after-
Anyway.]
Guten tag, schatzi !
Telepo rt? No, I did not, I promise.
At least,, I don't thinnk I can?
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< Darling >
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< Darling >
<KrisKringle>
Buy or make Altair a gift by December 26, or Santa will come down your chimney and box your ears.
If you need more information, contact me C/O Hawkeye Pierce at Crowe Clinic, and I'll delegate him to tell you to do your own research.
Hope you've got that new computer lined up!
Dec 23ish or whenever Alfred'd like to open it
The gift itself is wrapped with care in furoshiki style using a broad satin cloth; pomegranate red with a golden swirl patterning. Tucked in the folds of the fabric on the outside of the gift are a nice pair of pens in red and black ink as well as a graphite holder— all clearly picked to match the fish-leather journal inside. The leather is dyed black, the blank, sketch-ready pages all saddlestitched and block-bound, with a strap held in place by a claw-shaped fastener shining with abalone nacre.
On the very last page of the journal a holiday greeting declares;
Happy Nattensfest, Alfred!
Hope your holiday is full of cheer!
From,
Your Secret Santa
underneath which is doodled a charming little illustration of a dolphin in a santa hat.]
Nattensfest Time
Hi Alfred,
Happy Nattensfest! I saw this in a thrift shop a while back, and for some reason it reminded me of you. It's the aesthetic, I reckon.
I hope you'll throw more parties next year. They're a blast!
Cheers,
Steven
Nattensfest
<mr_sunset>
alfred
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What is it?
<mr_sunset>
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<mr_sunset>
Pre fourth wall <goodweather>
< ausername >
I would l ove to - did you have anyth
ing specific in mind?
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<goodweather> < Action
> Action
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During Pridefest 2023
Which is why she's spent a good portion of the last few days trying to battle his worries telling him things like "It's all in good fun," and "Literally everyone present is there celebrating gayness," "No one is going to judge you for wearing a dress," and the like, ad nauseum. Now that they're actually here, she's doubling down on her stance, emboldened by the positively electric energy in the city during this celebration. It's been so long since she's seen this many people enjoying themselves; the whole city needed this. Especially Alfred. The beginning of this month was hard on him, and this time last year was hard on the both of them, so she at least is looking forward to making happier memories. Please and Thank You.]
Alright aaand last one~
[Finishing up the last clasp on his garter, she rests her hands upon his hips, careful not to get her claws caught up in the fishnet (again). Seras grins up at him from her place on the bed, tail swaying behind her as she takes in this most pleasant view. She can already tell this is gonna make one hell of a memory for her.]
So, ah... What next? Corset or skirt? Or... wait, should we do makeup before or after we get you dressed all the way?
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When he first arrived, he was a timid thing. He hid himself. He stuffed feelings down deep, just as he had always been taught. A man. Be a man. Strong, and tough, and don't cry and don't be too feminine. Just like his Father had been. Be less of a disappointment.
And he would have never believed it, back then, the position he has found himself in now. Looking down at a woman who he loves very, very much, getting ready for an event started by a MAN he loves very, very much...standing capably on a pair of stiletto heels.
Still, he fidgets a little, his smile sheepish and his cheeks reddening and his heart hammering in his chest.]
Danke.
[His tail lashes behind him a moment before circling his ankles - a tell that Seras would no doubt know by now. He's feeling shy.]
Ah...s-skirt, maybe? The corset should sit over it, and...and I might as well get acclimated to that before makeup. I think. Oh...I don't know, Seras. Do you really think it'll look all right?
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[Early Evening September 14th - During Paths Not Traveled Event]
Seras claps her hands over her mouth to stifle a yelp, scooting back towards the edge of the bed as quickly as possible and praying that she's not going to disturb him. The last thing she needs is for him to wake up and realize this mistake too. It's one thing for her to see all this and take this moment to her grave, it's another for him to wake up in a panic (or worse, disgust) and have a come-apart about it.
Of all people to wake up face-to-face with, why did it have to be Alfred?
It's not like this is the first time she's shared a bed with him! She was practically his living security blanket when she first moved into the castle, but... it's been a pretty long time since they've occupied each others space like this, and NEVER have they done it in the buff before!
Buff is right-- NO, Seras, heel! OhJesusChristIgottagetouttahere--
Where are her clothes? Where are HIS clothes? That one little sliver of satin across his hips is the only thing saving her from getting a real eyeful and the longer she sits here and stares at him, the less she is convinced her self-control will keep her from taking a peek anyway--
But no! No. She can't. It isn't right. They're not even at work! That's pretty much the only place she has permission to glance at his bits and bobs, but even then she doesn't remember even doing a show with him last night, much less following him to his room when they got home?
What did she do when she got home, though? Why can't she remember? What the hell is going on?!
There are so many pieces missing to this puzzle, and Seras doesn't seem to realize that as she's spending all this time wracking her brain to put the previous night together, she hasn't even moved from her huddled, satin-wrapped ball at the edge of the bed. She's still staring, wide-eyed and starstruck, having yet to really take in any of the other odd details of this situation yet... she's much too fixated on this veritable sculpture of perfection stretched out and languishing gracefully before her.
How is she supposed to think under these conditions!]
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So when he slits his eyes open to smile lazily at the werewolf...he is a little thrown off by the way she's scooted so far back, staring at him in. What is that, horror?]
Mnh......Schatzi? What's wrong?
[Too sleepy for real panic to set in, he sits up.
The strip of satin falls away.]
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<ambrosius>
hi
are you there?
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yes.
What is it? =)
<ambrosius>
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<ambrosius>
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<KrisKringle>
Get Nanami a present by December 26, and if you can't figure out how to deliver it, you can drop it off (clearly labelled, please!) at Crowe Clinic up until the 24th.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NANAMI:
- Goes by "galagamer" on the network;
- Seems to change what gender they are a lot, and also what monster they are, so I can't help you there;
- Likes video games;
- Teenager, I think?
Merry Christmas, Happy Nattensfest, etc, etc, etc.
Nattensfest time
"Happy Nattensfest, Alfred!
Can't believe it's that time of the year again, eh? Here's to another year of fancy dress parties and good fortune.
Cheers, Steven"]
Backdated - 21st December
A hat, mittens and socks. All very colorful, in intricate patterns. Extra holes for horns and too-long nails will have been included.
The scrap of paper with it reads “For the long nights. Happy Midwinter. S” in the attempt of a legible font.
Does someone with the skill of fire need warm accessories? Perhaps not. But Sigrud firmly believes they ought to keep something of the human alive in them too and it's been a long time since he got to use such harmless skills, such vivid colors.]