audio; un: alucard | locked from minato, open to everyone else

[reposing]

I find myself in need of some services.

I am in need of several people to help achieve a personal project of mine. I've recently become acquainted with some of the works in the library that is new to me, but perhaps old to you. The Much Ado About Nothing play from William Shakespeare.

I need fairly convincing actors, and those with an artistic touch to set a stage.

I am open to discussion. I would like to do this fairly soon, perhaps in a week.

Comments

[reposing]

Then I suppose you shall bear witness to it.

We can occupy plenty of space in the Mess Hall, and we have a week.

...What would I even do with that money? Even if people had any here, there's no promise their currency would have any value to me in any case. [what the hell]

[nishizono]

well then barter for it. we're all in a space prison essentially, and no one seems to be taking advantage of that. live some, you know? install - instill? - some danger in this plain life.

[ he just misses stabbing people on the regular, don't take him too seriously. ]

what's the big occasion anyway? is it someone's birthday?

[reposing]

Why would I wish to make it difficult for others when the purpose is not for profit but for the enjoyment of one I care so much about?

It is courtship. A date.

[nishizono]

[ well that... is confusing. ]

...then why not just ask them if they want to bang?

[reposing]

This is a romantic affair, not a passing roll between the sheets.

[nishizono]

but isn't that where all romance is headed? i mean, it's part of the goal, isn't it?

[reposing]

No.

Sex is pleasant, and I do enjoy it very much, but I would never make an expectation out of someone. The goal is to spend time with him, to make him happy.

[nishizono]

so all this effort, it's to try and make them happy, just for the sake of them being happy. and there's nothing in it for you other than that? that's it?

[reposing]

I would be lying if I said it was entirely selfless. After all, I enjoy how Minato makes me feel. I enjoy his company, and I want him to know how much I want it.

I would never take what is not willingly given, and I will only accept what he wishes on his terms.

[nishizono]

[ so this is what a proper courtship looks like. it's sweet, and tetora feels a little allergic to it, for reasons he doesn't want to unpack just yet. ]

he must mean a lot to you if you're going through all this effort just to put a smile to his face.

[reposing]

...He does.

I don't know that I would call it love. Perhaps it is, in a form. But regardless, I would make his experiences here as enjoyable as possible. For the time we have.

[nishizono]

you're worried he's gonna disappear on you.

[ he's inferring from the thread of the conversation, and the conversations he's had with others on this gigantic metal box. people come and go, sometimes when they're dead, sometimes while still alive. it's a reasonable assumption. ]

emotions are a lot of work, huh.

[reposing]

...Something very close to that, in any case.

[His voice becomes very soft. There is more he wants to say on that, but it isn't his place. Minato confided in him, and he will protect that trust.]

They always are. But if I can remember these times well for the rest of my immortal life, then I would rather try than not.

[nishizono]

...i keep forgetting you're like, an actual vampire and shit. speech like that's throwing me off.

what's it like, being a vampire?

[reposing]

I've been told it's atypical.

Difficult. Particularly, I am a dhampir -- half vampire. I don't belong with humans, really. I barely belong with other creatures of the night, either. Neither lives are easy to live; humans live short, scared lives, ready to lash out if it means their own survival. Beasts like vampires can either follow their base instincts or overcome them, and are rewarded for neither.

Then there is someone like me, who walks between the line. I am a monster to a human life, and an abomination to others.

[nishizono]

[ walking the line between human and beast, now doesn't that sound familiar? tetora hums to himself, leaning back against the bed where he's been lounging all throughout the conversation. ]

i can relate to that last part, mostly. balancing between being human and being something else, it's a rough way to live.

do you ever wish it was different? even for just a day?

[reposing]

Do you? I apologize for presuming, but I thought you were human.

...Sometimes. To just be one or the other. Yet, if I were not, I would not know what plagues both sides. The potential to be someone worth remembering, or the potential to be wicked.

[nishizono]

[ good that they're on text, because tetora just made a really derisive noise just now. ]

hardly. i only look human. i'm more of a weapon, if i had to put a word to what i am.

which side of you do you prefer? do you have a preferred side, or is it like... you've found your balance and shit.

[reposing]

...Is that what you were made for?

No balance. [His voice is wry, but tired.] I've seen both at their worst, and at their best. Humans that will murder each other out of fear-induced mobs, but also those who try to learn to be better, to help each other, who love unconditionally. There are beasts who slaughter children for the thrill of it, stealing babies from their cribs to devour their tender flesh.

And there are others who simply want to live their lives, have marvelous cultures, and have made brilliant steps in science.

[nishizono]

what i was designed for, yeah. long story.

i'm only familiar with the latter, so i can't say i fully sympathize with the loving unconditionally part, because that seems a little too out there honestly. but beasts? that's everywhere. that's everyone, if you try hard enough.

your world must be nice to live in, if you're the peaceful type.

[reposing]

[A sharp bitter laugh escapes Alucard before he can compose himself.]

No. I would never suggest anyone to live where I do.

[nishizono]

why not? it's your home, isn't it. what's wrong with it?

[ color him curious, he wants to know. ]

[reposing]

There is plenty wrong with it. I cannot even guarantee it will still be there by the time I return.

If I did not have a duty to perform, I would not be inclined to return to it.