None of the charas of the Castlevania series belongs to me, ok?? So DO NOT sue me!!! ^__^

I will furthermore only accept the flames of love, and no other flames, you hear?! ~___^

WARNING!!!!: This fic contains (or *will* at least) SHONEN AI, and a bit of YAOI, eg. BOYS WITH BOYS, and as in all of my fics, a lot of ANGST... ^__^;;

... don’t ask me why I put in so much angst...^^;;

   If you have a problem with any of the contents that I have promised will be part of this fic (look above: ‘bold letters’), don’t read!! It is your own choice whether to read, or not. I’m not forcing anyone to read my fics, and I am sure no one else is, so don’t come crying to me about your damaged psyche after you’ve read this fic....           

   Remember: I WARNED YOU!!!! ~_____^

OH! ^_____^  This chapter is especially dedicated to Seiya-samaaaah! ~____^

Thanks a million! You know your advice mean a thousand stars to me, and if I could have one wish, I’d give you back your inspiration! ^_^ Keep on writing, and I’m sure your muses will return...^__^ ...or else(!!) I’ll have to send Gackt to cheer you up. *grins wickedly* You know what I mean...

Send your thoughts to: [email protected]

Harigatou Gozaimaaasu, minna-san!!

         ~Nocturne in the Moonlight ~ The Cup of Eternal Love

                                    ~Chapter Three~

Maria wandered the house aimlessly. It was now two days since her beloved friend had flown away in search of the blond dhampire. She huffed, feeling foolish for already getting so concerned about her precious familiar.

For all she knew, Richter had stayed indoors since his drunken confession to her, and she had a nagging feeling that he was not only ashamed of his behaviour; getting drunk, and unloading all of his misery on her shoulders, but she also suspected it was because he didn’t have the courage to look people in the eye anymore. Perhaps, he feared that it was written all over him. He was foolishly in love with a dhampire; the very being he should be fighting, hunting even! Looking out the window on the second floor of the house she shared with her family, she shook her head at the bright winter sun.

“If only there wouldn’t be so much snow.... So cold...” she whispered, watching as her breath on the window turned into the ghostly image of mist, quickly vanishing. A small smile formed on her lips. Perhaps what Richter needed was  someone like Alucard to hold him. Someone he could make warm in the cold of the winter... Although she couldn’t really understand what a man could see in another, she could very plainly see just how much Alucard meant to Richter. It was so painfully obvious.

She turned away from the window and went downstairs, in order to fetch something to eat. As she stopped in front of the bowl of dried apples on the kitchen table, she couldn’t help but wonder how Richter was doing. She already knew he had not been eating properly for quite some time now. But, still she hesitated; should she bring him some food, even thought she knew he was more than capable of taking care of himself, being one of the few men in this village who could actually cook a meal? Her face took on a frown, and, fetching a small basket, she gathered together a piece of bread, a bit of cheese, some dried meat, and a small bundle of dried apples, which she neatly tied up in a small piece of cloth. With an approving smile at the basket before her, she called out for her mother:

“Mother! I’m going over to Mr. Belmont with some food. I thought he might need some help, after all he’s been through.”

Her mother called back some mumbled things in reply; it was widely known what Mrs. Renard thought of Richter Belmont after no explanation had been given her after her daughter had left him so abruptly. Nothing could have been so awful, that she had to be kept in the dark about it, she believed, and none of the Renard family members thought it wise to challenge her view. Though being a kind and loving mother, she was firm in her ways, and wanted nothing but the best for her daughters. And when she had been proven wrong about how Richter would be the perfect husband for Anette, she had been slightly put aback, mildly put.

Maria smiled a small, hesitant smile, pulled on her warmest coat, and headed out the door, her basket gripped tightly.

The Belmont household was not far from her own home, and soon, she reached the small stairs leading up to the front door. She knocked once, twice on the door, and when no sound was heard from inside, she carefully laid her fingers on the doorknob. As she had come to accustom to, the door was unlocked, and open to anyone who might want to intrude. But her intention was not to intrude on Richter’s private space. She only wanted to see to his health, and bringing a basket full of a nice meal, couldn’t be harmful, could it?

She entered the small house, calling out to the silence.

“Richter? ...Are you there? ....I..... I brought you some food...” she said, her voice disappearing when she saw the hunched shape of Richter, sitting on the floor in front of the fire, staring into the flames. The curtains to the windows were pulled shut, and the only light in the livingroom was a small  oil lamp, and the warm glow of the fireplace.

“Richter..?” she tentatively asked him, her voice so silent in the ghostly room, “Richter...are you not feeling well? ..should I perhaps call for the doctor?”

“Go ...away, Maria...please...I...” Richter whispered, then took a deep sigh, “I can’t handle any guests today... And you have already gone through enough trouble for me.... You shouldn’t be here.”

“But, I... I brought you some food, Richter.... I just wanted to...” she said, but shut her mouth. She went up to sit beside Richter on the cold floor, and put her basket in front of herself.

“It may not be much...but it is all in good faith. I don’t want you to do this to yourself, Richter. You’re my friend, and I care about you. You’re scaring me.”

Richter stayed silent, but turned to face Maria. He took her hands in his, and kissed the back of them. He looked up at her worried face, and mustered a smile for her.

“I’m sorry, Maria. Forgive my foolishness.... But, I’m afriad I cannot find the will to eat anything. I cannot sleep, and I cannot stay awake.” he gave up a tired laughter, and looked away from her burning blue eyes.

“It’s sad, isn’t it?” he whispered.

“What is?”

“I can only imagine what I have become. Surely you must think me pathetic.”

“No...  feel sorry for you, Richter. But I surely don’t pity you.” Maria said, laying her hand on Richter’s trembling shoulder.

“You...you’re shivering! Richter, I really think you should lay down for a while, rest some, if you may....”

“No, my sweet. I cannot rest......I don’t know what’s wrong wih me, to be quite frank. Surely, no man had ever been this devastated because of his dreams..?”

“I don’t know...”

Richter stood up slowly, telling Maria that he would retire to his study, and that she might as well go back home, before her mother started worrying for her.

“No... I might as well stay here... I’ll prepare some food for you, and then I’ll call... Even if you don’t feel like eating now, perhaps...”

Richter recognized the plea in her young voice, and so, he nodded. Smiling weakly at her caring heart, he turned and walked down the stairs to his underground study.

*****

Seeing the silhouette of the small town in the far horizon, the pale dhampire sped up to an even faster pace.

I have to get there..... How could I have left him in the first place?... Oh, I am such a fool!! the dhampire cursed himself, hurrying forward even as his legs were screaming in pain. Unable to keep his pace up, he stumbled to a stop in the untouched white snow. Sitting on his knees, with his arms stretched out in front of himself for leverage, Alucard struggled to get enouh air down his lungs. The day of running faster than he ever thought possible, and constantly being assaulted by the rays of the sun reflecting on the snow had taken its toll on his strength. Countless times he had taken on the shape of the wolf, only to be forced back into his more human form.

“If only I... could...just... once more...” he grunted, pain making its way through his whole body. Even though the cold of the snow and winds didn’t become him when he had started his journey early the morning before, he was starting to feel a pricking pain on his feet and hands. How wonderful it is, to be a dhampire...here I am, too weak to just go on, run forward as the wolf... Frostbitten, and tired... How could I, with the powers I hold, be so weak and weary now? he thought, gruffing to himself as he once more stood. Ready to give his all in one last burst of power, he shifted into the shape of the wolf, knowing that it would carry him much faster across the endless dunes of pure, white snow.

And, he was right in his wager; he did reach the small town soon enough, but by the time, his limbs felt so numb, so shaky, that he hardly dared run. But even so he continued. As he approached the gate of the town, he gave up a howl, hoping that Maria would recognize it as being none other than him. Then another howl rose from his throat.

As he entered the town, every woman and man threw themselves out of his way, mothers desperately trying to protect their children from the rampaging wolf, not even noticing that it wasn’t looking for prey. He ran forward, coming to the town square, finding no more strength to pull himself any further. His leaps slowed down into a slow, trembling stumble, his big paws barely leaving ground for every step he took. The voices of the townspeople blurred out, until it all became one voice in unison. The big, silverlined wolf came to a stop, tumbling down in a heap of flesh, bones and almost snow-white fur in the middle of the town square.

That was when some hunters saw their chance, running to fetch their guns and hay-forks, clubs and swords. They were determined that this wolf would never more set foot in their peaceful town.

*****

The howl she heard, standing in Richter’s kitchen, was as unexpected as snow on a summer’s day, and Maria found herself straining her ears to see if she had really heard correctly. As a next howl sounded, she rushed to the door, fetching her coat and hurrying out on the streets. If there was a wolf in town, she had to make sure that there were no children alone. That was the least she could do.

But, as she caught sight of the wolf, rushing forward, but so obviously worn out, she couldn’t help but wonder.  No wolf would travel alone....and surely, no wolf would rush into the midst of humans, howling unless he were calling out to an ally. She ran forward, watching as the wolf tumbled to a stop, giving a last puff of air before it lost all strength and staggered to the icy street. Everywhere there was chaos, women and children screaming, and their husbands and fathers trying to protect them as best they could. No one stopped when the wolf came to its halt, and when Maria saw how there came a group of hunters carrying an array of different weapons, she hurried up to the wolf. Standing only a few paces from it, she put her hand to her mouth. Never had she seen such a pale-furred wolf before. But suddenly, the wolf spoke! The lowest tone of rumbling voice; it formed words that she understood, but couldn’t comprehend.

“Maria... don’t...don’t let them.... I have to....please.....” the wolf grunted, sighed, its eyes falling shut. The masses all gasped in horror; what utter abomination! But Maria’s eyes narrowed, and she went down on her knees, trying to look into the eyes of the huge beast before her. The eyes that met hers so steadily were the palest tone of amber, just slightly darkened by fatigue.

“Alucard!!” she gasped, throwing her arms around the strong neck of the wolf.

“Child!! Get away from that beast! Can’t you see it is dangerous, woman!?” a man called at her from somewhere, but she didn’t pay any notice.

“Maria!!” a woman gasped in shock, clutching her baby close to her chest, staring at the sight before her. How could a girl be so foolish she went to such limits of touching a wolf!? And, worse yet, to embrace a wolf, as if it were a long lost friend?! She must surely be possessed by the demon count.

But, before any of the imposing hunters made any move to remove the young girl from the beast, they were all terrified beyond comprehension, as the wolf shifted into the shape of a man.

“Alucard! It is you! Oh, how glad I am to see you again!”Maria cheered, hugging Alucard closer to her chest. The crowd of townsfolk all hurried away, for the sight of the dhampire was far more unsettling than the sight of any stray wolf.

“Maria...you...your note....your familar... The dove...”

“Yes, Alucard, don’t you worry. Hush now, and I’ll help you on your feet.”

“Richter...where is he? I’m.....I’m not too late, am I?” Alucard asked hesitantly, fear glowing in his eyes as he gazed up into Maria’s blue ones.

“What do you mean, Alucard?”

“He....” Alucard shuddered in spite of himself, “..isn’t....dead, is he..?”

Maria couldn’t help but smile at Alucard’s fearstricken face, and she marveled at how it changed into the face of the bemused. Never had she seen such a range of emotion flare across his features.

“But...your note...it said....” Alucard stammered as he stood up with Maria as his support, “It said...he was..dying....”

“No...No, I never wrote that, Alucard!” Maria laughed merrily as she guided Alucard to Richter’s house, “I wrote, that he was dying to be with his love...and that love was making him ill of worry and despair...” she smiled:

“But he is far from dead, Alucard, I assure you. Though he hasn’t been eating properly for the last few weeks, and he surely hasn’t slept well during the last month and a half....”

“Oh....Oh, thank Gods! He’s alive...” Alucard sighed, laying a gloved hand upon his eyes, “Thank goodness!” he sighed, and beckoned Maria to please hurry her steps. He couldn’t wait to see his love again.

*****

Alucard..... Why can’t I stop thinking of you? Why can’t you be gone from my life?! No matter how hard I try, I can’t banish you from my head... I am such a fool, not being able to see where dreams end and reality begins. I’m such a fool. Not to mention the extent of my stupidity...

Richter sighed heavily, resting his hands on his knees, bringing one of his hands up to wipe his face. Away with the mental numbness, away with the physical pain. But no, the numbness lingered, as did his pain. His chest hurt, and his throat was constantly knitted together, only a tight passage left for his words to flow through. How could I forsake my life as a vampire hunter for this creature? I only met him once, once I say! ...and yet, he haunts my dreams to the extent that I cannot escape them even during daytime...

More moments passed with his silence, as he silently rubbed his temples, hoping to find some release of the tension building there. A headache was the last thing he needed.

I shouldn’t be yearning for you to hold me.... I should be longing for the day I can have you slayed by my own bare hands! I should look forward to the day I hold your head by those....those wonderful locks and curls of pale blond hair....  The day I could look into those amber eyes, seeing nothing but death reflecting in their pools.....

“Nothing but death staring back at me...” he whispered, seeing much too clear images of Alucard’s dead eyes staring back at him, blood everywhere.

I don’t want to kill you! I never wanted to hurt you!! .....Oh, Gods.....why did You have to send him my way? I don’t want to think of him! I don’t want to think of whether or not he would disintegrate before my eyes.....cease to exist in my very arms......or would he remain in his human form? ....would he......sigh as the last breath he were ever to take left his lungs....or would he just close his eyes....?  Would he smile as the light to Heaven opened before him? ...or would he gasp in horror before the gates of Hell? a silent tear rolled down his cheek, and he wiped it away without mercy. He felt so tired, so weary. All he wanted to do, was to disappear; coming across some quiet, peaceful place, and cease to exist.

“Richter...? Where are you?”

Maria... Why’ll she not leave me be? ...can’t she see I’m no good for her? She’s just wasting her time, trying to make me feel better. She could never understand...

The voice came closer for every call, and as the door to his small library swung open, he turned to greet her with a tired look and a smile hardly mustered.

“Ah, here you are!!” she chirped, like the happiest bird during spring, coming to stand beside him. He looked up at her, and waited for her to speak her reason for coming to him once again. Hadn’t she just left him some food, and rushed out again? Why would she return so shortly? ...surely she wanted to make sure he made good use of her hospitality, and didn’t waste the food she had brought.

“Why aren’t you saying anything, Maria? Did you come to observe me gloom in my own house?”

“Richter...there is no need for such a tone of voice... I only came to tell you, that there is a guest waiting for you in the livingroom...”

Richter sighed heavily, trying not to let Maria down too harshly.

“So, you brought a friend... I’m sorry, Maria, but I have neither the strength nor have I the desire to tend to any guests today. Just tell them that I’m not feeling well, and that another time may be better. Please, Maria... I ask this of you most humbly.”

“But...” Maria insisted, sitting down on her knees beside him, “It’s really important for you to see him... If you don’t I don’t know what will happen to you! ....Richter......I can see the way you’re hurting!! It’s not good for you!! Too many have already died of heartache!!”

“Maria, I know you mean only well, but the doctor surely can’t cure me from my ailment.” Richter grunted, worrying about exactly what Maria might have told the good doctor.

“No.....” Maria said, looking down at her clasped hands, wondering for a brief moment if bringing Alucard there had been such a good idea after all. She spoke again, but now her voice was but the tiniest of whispers:

“But...I know someone who could.....”

“Who?” Richter asked, his brow furrowed. He could sense there was something wrong. Maria usually never was this quiet about anything.

“Uhm....I..... Er...don’t be mad at me, please Richter.... I only wanted to help you.”

“Who did you bring here?!”

“....Alucard...”

“What...?” Richter stopped in mid-thought. All of his senses suddenly all tensed up. She couldn’t have. Could she? Why would Alucard come to his house? To fight him...to ...kill him? But why? Would it be the last fight before going back to sleep for the dhampire?

“Why? ... why did he come here? Why...I..I don’t understand...” Richter stood up, reaching out for the bookshelves for support, leaning his forehead against the tidy row of books. Inside his chest, his heart was speeding up, and he could feel a cold sweat working its way all over his back and neck.

“..I sent for him, Richter...” Maria stood up, laying a small hand on Richter’s arm, “I...I told him...”

Richter’s head turned to watch her, his dark brown eyes blazing with a mix of such anger and... fear? Was there really fear in his eyes?

“You......told him?!” Richter breathed, his eyes widening, “You told him!?! Why in all of the nine Hells did you have to tell him!!!” he yelled, so overthrown by his own emotions he didn’t know what to do.

“Why?....how could you DO THIS TO ME!!!” Richter roared, acting on instinct only, letting his feelings rule over him, rather than rational thought.

“Get out... GET OUT!! Get out of my house!! And tell him that I don’t want anything to do with him!! Not anything, you hear! You just tell him it was all some of your childish games...” Richter breathed evenly, raggedly, his whole body trembling, “Tell him I don’t know why he came here.... Tell him.... he has no reason to be here...” he sobbed, turning away from the pained expression on Maria’s face.

“I’m sorry.... I’m so sorry, Maria....” he whispered, and the door to his study slammed shut.

   Her face tightly frowned, she angrily wiped at the tears running down her face, and hurried to the livingroom. When she was certain she wasn’t showing any signs of her tears, she entered the livingroom, wincing as Alucard turned around when he could sense her presence.

“Maria? Is there something wrong? ...your eyes are red.”

Of course he would notice...of course he would know! What else would you expect?! Maria thought angrily, and prepared herself to tell Alucard what Richter had told her.

“Is there something wrong...with Richter?.... Doesn’t he want to see me? Tell me Maria, I beg of you.” the dhampire pleaded, watching with a rising fear in his gut as Maria’s face changed. She almost seemed to shrink back.

“Er.... Alucard... I...I’m sorry, but..there seems to have been some misunderstanding here. I’m so sorry if I had you go through unnecessary trouble to get here, but...Richter isn’t feeling well today. I’m afraid he can’t tend to any guests today...” she whispered, unable to find her voice. What was there to say? She didn’t want to lie to her friend, but she couldn’t disrespect Richter’s wishes. After all she had done to make Richter feel better... after all the encouragement she had given him, he still wouldn’t accept this. Why couldn’t he be happy? Why was he so afraid, that he couldn’t welcome Alucard with open arms? She knew he needed Alucard. She knew it! So why would he turn away now? After all the suffering? All the sleepless nights and endless days of just staring into the walls of his study?

She looked up at Alucard, not surprised when she saw the look of utter shock on his face. Surprise is perhaps a better word. Yes, there was surprise in his eyes, and maybe even fear making its way into his pale features. But then the fear flared in those eyes, changing into anger, disappointment, confusion.

“What? What the..! What do you mean, ‘he’s not feeling well today’? ‘He can’t tend to any guest...’? I’m not some bloody guest! I’m...I’m...!!!” Alucard huffed, baring his fangs with every stabbing word, spiked by disbelief,

“Where is he?! That bastard! Where is he goddammit!!” he growled, roared, his eyes glaring at the hall Maria had come from. He set up a pace, running through the halls, tearing open every door, every room he looked into.

“Where is he?!” he roared, “I will not accept this!! I shall not let him turn me away like this! I’m not some trash he can just throw away!! Richter!!!”

“Alucard! Wait! Please, wait! Listen to me!!” Maria begged, running after the dhampire, watching in awe at his speed going through every room.

“There is neither the time, nor the place to act like this!”

Alucard turned around sharply, his eyes stabbing into hers.

“What did you just say? There is no need to act like this? Like the way I’m acting? Do you see anything wrong in acting the way I am? Now, you will tell me where he is!!!”

“Alucard, please! ...he told me he doesn’t want to see you... I told him the guest was you, and he yelled at me that he didn’t want to see you....that you had no reason for coming here...” Maria sobbed silently, seeing how all of her attempts of making Richter and Alucard happy again had failed.

“I’m sorry, Alucard... I’m sorry for sending after you in vain...”

“No...” Alucard sighed, his face losing its look of pure anger and hatred, “Don’t be... please forgive me...I shouldn’t have spoken to you in such a manner...”

“.....it’s okay... Really...I’m fine...” Maria said, as she wiped her tears, “I’ll show you to his study. Follow me, please...”

Alucard followed reluctantly in Maria’s footsteps, not able to feel much of anything. How could Richter turn away from him? And why? He didn’t want to know, for the answers he feared more than anything.

They came to a stop by the lonely door at the end of the hallway, and Maria opened it carefully, showing for Alucard to enter before she did. He nodded, and began descending the short staircase. When he finally came down, he saw Richter’s slumped form sitting on the cold stone floor, hugging himself tightly. He seemed unaware of his and Maria’s presence, and for one moment, Alucard hesitated before speaking.

“Richter...” he said, wondering at how soft his voice sounded in the silence. But Richter did not look at him and throw himself into his arms, as he had hoped he would. Richter scrambled to his feet, backing away a couple of steps before stopping, staring at the dhampire before him.

“Why..? What are you doing here?! I told you...”

“You told me nothing!” Alucard stated calmly, but adding some malice to his voice. He wouldn’t be weak in front of this mortal. How could he have allowed himself to fall so gravely for a simple mortal? He was no better than his father.

“But...but...”

“Why did you send this girl to tell me you don’t want me here? Telling her I have no business being here!! Why, you...Belmont! Why!!”

“I don’t know why you’re here, Alucard...but please...I beg of you...I do not wish to fight you... I do not wish to hurt you. I don’t know why you came here... Please....disregard whatever Maria wrote to you... It doesn’t mean anything...”

“...doesn’t..mean anything....?” Alucard interrupted him, only a whisper of disbelief coming forth from his lips. Suddenly, without warning, he felt like a dagger had just been stabbed into his chest. He found it hard to breathe, hard to look at Richter any more. All the anger he had felt rose once again, but now it was pain fuelling it, not confusion. His whole body shaking with fury and anger, Alucard stood his ground, clenching and unclenching his fists in an attempt to make the pain go away.

“Why...would she send for me, if you didn’t want her to?” he asked between gritted teeth, hissing at the floor before him.

“I didn’t know... She never told me she sent for you...”  Richter whispered, his breath caught in his throat.

That last statement came down on Alucard like a stone on his shoulders. He fought against the tears welling up in his eyes, knowing they would terrify and confuse the two humans.

“You never asked her..? You didn’t want me to...?”

“Alucard... Please....don’t hate me!! I never meant to tell you! I never intended to tell anyone!! I swear I did not! No one was supposed to know!! ...And now you know... and you are confused, angry...and you hate me...just like I knew you would...” Richter’s voice trembled, and he put up a hand to wipe his cold sweaty brow, “I can see it in your eyes....the loathing....the disgust.... I never wanted you to look at me like that! ...I swear I...” he clamped a hand over his mouth, the other one soon to follow.

“Richter... What did I do wrong?... What did I do, to make you feel this?”

“No!” Richter sobbed, fighting to keep his voice steady, “It is not your fault... It is I, you should blame...”

“Why...why won’t you..?” Alucard whispered, feeling how a warm, sticky trail rolled down his cheek, “Why won’t you ...Oh Gods, Richter!!” he put a hand to his forehead, “Is it because I..?” he hesitated, looking up into Richter’s eyes, seeing the fear and morbid fascination at the dark red trail dripping from his cheek and chin. Richter jumped; stepping back another step, and then another.

“No... this isn’t happening... this isn’t...” he whimpered, cowering under the dark red tears flowing from Alucard’s pale eyes.

“Richter!!” Alucard cried, rushing forward and enveloping him in his arms, holding him tighter than he ever thought he would dare, “I’m so sorry, Richter!! I did not mean to leave you alone at the hospital!! I never meant to leave you!! I swear, I didn’t want to!! But...I was so scared, seeing you so pale, so...lifeless!!  I couldn’t help but wonder if it was all my fault... If I hadn’t tended to you properly... I couldn’t stand it!! The pain, the agony of holding you’re cold hand in mine. If you had died, it surely would have killed me!! Surely, Richter!!” he hugged the mortal closer to his chest, nuzzling the soft dark hair.

But Richer couldn’t speak, he could only stare at the small young woman standing still on the staircase, looking at him with such love in her eyes. He felt how his own face was warm, and wet with silent tears. Maria smiled at him for a brief moment, and then nodded, turning to go up the staircase again. He was left all alone with the dhampire, and he couldn’t understand a thing he was being told.

“....I was so afraid, Richter! I thought you’d die!! I couldn’t keep you there with me! I had to take you to the village again... You were so hot..so burning....and you never ceased your whimpers of pain. Your wounds they...” Alucard sobbed, “The wounds...”

Full realization hit Richter like a snowball during winter, and he found himself crying, unable to stop, clinging closer to the embrace.

“Why did you leave me?!!” he cried, “You promised you would never leave me!! You told me...!! But you did!! You left me all alone again... I woke up in that godforsakened cottage hospital, feeling so lost I could hardly think! ....you weren’t there.. and they told me I’d been there for days!! Days!! And you never came to see me! You didn’t even leave me a message! You just ran away!!”

“I’m so sorry.... I can’t even begin to describe... I’m so sorry! I’m lost without you, Richter... I didn’t know what to do... I didn’t dare come visit you during daytime, because I feared what people might think... But I came every night!... but then...one night....you were so still, lying there as if you were in a coffin...” Alucard’s lips trembled, and he fought not to break down completely.

“You were so cold... so motionless... I could hardly hear your heart beat! I thought I had killed you for sure, when I didn’t bring you to the village in the first place... Please forgive me, Richter... I love you... I love you so much it hurts!”

“Alucard..... did.....did we....did that really happen? All those things in the forest cottage? Did it really happen? God, please tell me it happened!! If this is another dream it will kill me..” Richter all but whimpered against Alucard’s chest, clutching at his black cape.

“You......thought it was all a dream...?!” Alucard asked, unable to believe it.

“Oh, please tell me I’m not dreaming, Alucard! Please tell me you’re not going to disappear when I wake up in the morning!! I couldn’t take it! Another dream... I couldn’t! ...I....I could not.....” he sighed, resting his face in the soft folds of the cape, feeling so weak, so helpless, “I’m so tired of this... I’m so tired... I just want to sleep. Just for one night...please...don’t let me wake up if this is a dream!..” he begged, turning his eyes to look into Alucard’s red, tear-stained eyes.

“Richter!!” was all he could say, holding onto his trembling body as if he would never hold him again, “Richter... I am most certainly not a dream! I shalln’t leave you. I swear it on my own grave!!” he cried, feeling so weak, so worthless in the presence of this pure mortal. How could he have thought so ill of him, only for being scared senseless? Only for loving him, believeing it was all in vain...how could he ever deserve this beautiful mortal’s forgiveness?

“I’m so sorry, Richter... I cannot even begin to tell you...” he sobbed, feeling how his legs gave out from under him, pulling Richter down on the floor with him. As moment after endless moment slowly passed, Alucard found that Richter’s body had stilled. No longer was he trembling, and no more was he spilling his tears. As the dhampire continued stroking his back, he nuzzled the soft hair with his cheek, soon burying his whole face in the wonderful locks and curls.

“....Adrian... Adrian...!” Richter gasped, repeating that name as if it was the sweetest word ever to cross his lips. “Adrian.... I love you Adrian..!” he huffed, finding it difficult to breathe against the thick folds of the black cape, but not wanting to break his hold on the dhampire, too afraid he would disappear into nothingness. Without him knowing it, Alucard was wrenched with pain, deep in his being, he never thought joy could hurt so much. Joy should not be painful, should it? But still, this joy was undescribable, and it hurt him beyond comparison. In silence, he cried tears of joy, spilling his blood red tears into Richter’s beautiful hair.

“I love you too, my beautiful mortal... I love you more than words can describe! I shalln’t leave you...”

“Adrian..!”

*****

Morning came once again, and when Richter opened his eyes, he felt better than he had in years. His bed was warm, and he had slept through the night, in the arms of the man he loved. He could remember just how tenderly Adrian had carried him from his study, believing he was asleep, to his bedroom, setting him down so gently on the sheets. There had been some rustling of clothes, that much he had heard, but he did not dare open his eyes, in fear his love would see he was awake. There lay a certain thrill in being barely awake without the dhampire’s knowing. To know exactly what he was doing, and to be able to remember. To relish in the memory years afterwards. And now, that he fully opened his eyes in the sun filled room, he reached out for his love.

The peace of mind he had felt was rapidly replaced by growing fear. He turned his eyes to his side and gasped in horror. No! ...No, no, no!! there was no one beside him. No trace left of someone sleeping by his side. His mind screamed, hurting his head, going straight to his chest. His breath hitched deep in his throat, and soon, he found himself screaming in pain. Crying out all of his fears and confusion and pain into the sheets where the creation of his dreams had slept. He clawed at the thin sheets, tearing at them, not caring who might hear him cry his pain. It could not be! He could not take it, as he had told himself so many times. He could not take another dream. Not another... He was certain he was dying. Nothing could hurt like this. Nothing could possibly give such excrutiating pain.

The door to his bedroom swung open with a loud bang, going straight into the wall, and he heard swift footsteps stopping at the bed. Why couldn’t Maria understand that he didn’t want her to be there? He didn’t want her pity, or her care. He just wanted to be left alone with his grief. Before he had the chance to clear his throat and speak, he was embraced by strong arms, holding him close to a soft body covered by a shirt made of cotton.

“Richter.....hush now, my loved one.. I’m here....I’m here!” the soft voice told him, but he couldn’t stop. He couldn’t stop crying his heart out, no matter how warm he felt in that embrace. He was so scared; so afraid that it would only be his imagination. He was rocked back and forth, to and fro in the arms of his dhampire, but when he still would not calm, Alucard wrapped the comforter around his thin frame.

“Come. I’ll show you why I was absent. I never meant to scare you... I only wanted to start paying back for the hurt I caused... Come here.” he said, mumbling against Richter’s ear, gently tugging at him to stand up and come along. Richter numbly followed, trying futilly to wipe away his tears. They descended the stairs, Alucard’s arm wrapped securely around his love’s shoulders, and the other one tightly holding onto his hands.

“Come now...” he said, leading Richter into the kitchen and sitting him down by the table. He sat down beside him and showed him what lay hidden underneath the tray seemingly laid in mid-air. Two bowls of steaming soup, and two pieces of bread.

“Maria helped me with the soup.....and when I almost burned the bread, she came to the rescue once again.”

“Once ...again?” Richter interrupted, unsure as to what Alucard was hinting at.

“Well,” Alucard spoke, “If she had not sent me her message with her fastest dove, how could I have come here? I probably would still be roaming the lands, trying to find some peace of mind.” he smiled softly at Richter, “And if I had not come here by her doing, you would probably have starved to death.”

Richter did nothing but stare at the dhampire, for he could neither believe his eyes, nor his ears.

“You ...” he said, but stopped.

“Yes ..?”

“You.....smiled..!” Richter said, his voice so small, “You smiled!” he stated, a smile of his own starting to twitch at the corners of his mouth.

“I did?” Alucard asked him, his pale eyebrows raised, “I couldn’t have smiled?” he asked, but Richter didn’t budge. A big smile crept into his eyes, and his lips went to Alucard’s. Once more tasting the softness, feeling the smooth skin moving against his own, Richter sighed. But as Alucard’s snaking tongue moved along, asking for access, that sigh turned into a moan. Before either had the chance to breathe, their tongues were dancing along with each other in a playful fight for dominance. Richter soon broke away for air, gasping at the sensations stirring in his body.

“Adrian...”

“...I agree.... But, there will be time for this later. Now, we have to make sure you regain strength. You felt so small in my arms Richter, your heartbeat no more than a whisper of the way you were those nights at the cottage.”

Richter paid no attention it seemed, to Alucard’s words, and he repeated, persisted in his tries to prove the impossible.

“...You did smile, Adrian... There’s no denying it. You did smile!”

At those sweet, unyielding words, Alucard couldn’t help but smile again, and his smile soon turned into laughter, glittering and sparkling its way into Richter’s ears.

“...are you sure? I never thought vampires could smile...” he said, touching Richter’s cheeks with his gloveless hands.

“You’re not a vampire, Adrian. You’re a man...” Richter whispered, feeling lost in the dhampire’s meaningful stares.

“Are you sure?...How do you know, I’m not a beast? I could very well be my father’s son...”

“I know you aren’t! I would never doubt you...” his voice felt so alien, so unlike the way he was used to hearing it. He felt so weak, sitting there, the hands of this man before him burning his cheeks, and rubbing at his hairline.

“Well,” Alucard said, reaching forward to set his lips just barely touching Richter’s ear, “There’s only one way to find out...” he breathed, gladly noticing how it made Richter tremble for a brief moment. With that much said, he went up to take his seat across from Richter, pushing one of the bowls forward so it was directly in front of him.

“Now, eat. You’ll need it.”

It was a casual statement, easily adapted to many things about Richter’s current condition. He was weak, after so many weeks of not eating properly, and even more nights of not sleeping..., he had to regain his strength so he could start training again, being a vampire hunter... Surely that must have been what the cryptically smiling man before him was talking about. But, then why was there a stirring feeling in his gut? Why did his heart start to race at the mere thought of those words? ‘You’ll need it.’ He swallowed tightly, staring at the impossibly pale man silently blowing at the surface of the soup on his spoon, and then engufling the whole spoon and obviously cherishing the taste of the warm fluid going down his throat. That particular image went straight to his groin, for some reason. And he couldn’t shake it off of him, the feeling he got from watching the procedure being repeated, over and over again. When he hadn’t moved for several moments, the blond looked up at him, eyeing him, his head cocked to one side.

“You don’t like it?” he asked, his voice sounded mildly disappointed in Richter’s ears.

“Uh....no! Yes! I mean....” Richter fumbled for the right words, realizing he must have looked like a fool. Alucard gave a sly grin, and the sight of that grin made Richter’s cheeks flush a deep red.

“Eat up, now. As I said, you’ll need it. I assure you.”

Richter gulped, and tore his eyes away from the pale ones staring into his. With renewed vigour, he started eating, a nagging feeling of anticipation growing in his chest. Or, was it excitement? He hadn’t felt this edgy since... He couldn’t remember. This feeling of being so aware of the movements of another living thing, that he could hardly sit still. It felt good to actually dine with someone; to share the company with someone over a warm meal. And the feeling of his belly being filled again, after so long made him feel utterly, and deliciously alive.

“Easy now. There’s no need to rush. The food will not go away. And neither shall I...” Alucard smiled, putting away his bowl on the side of the stove, and returning with a glass of water.

“Drink some, why don’t you?”

Richter looked at the glass of water, nodding after a brief moment, taking the glass and taking great gulps. The glass was left empty after only a few seconds.

“Thirsty, aren’t we?” Alucard grinned, baring his small fangs just so tauntingly. He bent down, so his eyes were at level with Richter’s, watching as one drop of water had escaped those wonderfully rose lips. He snaked his tongue out, lapping at the trail from Richter’s chin, up to the corner of his mouth in one, tantalizingly slow movement. The reward he received was a shudder, and a sudden gasp of surprise. He grinned, very pleased at the response. He straightened his back again, and sat down on the side of the table, eyeing Richter with pale eyes, hooded by long, almost white eyelashes.

“Did you like it?” he asked innocently, batting his eyelashes, relishing the sudden blast of desire that was fired at him. Sometimes being hypersensitive to others wasn’t such a bad thing. He could not only sense Richter’s confusion at the feelings his actions caused in him, but he could also smell it. And that smell, oh how desirable it made Richter to him. Not only was the mortal more than desirable in his ususal calm state, but smelling that human arousal he could so clearly remember from that cold night, made him glad he was seated on the table.

Richter was at a loss for words. If he answered a simple ‘yes’, he would either be answering the question of ‘Did you like the soup?’ or, ‘Did you like my tongue licking at your skin?’. If he denied it, he would only be lying, and he knew that the dhampire would know that too. Alucard kept eyeing him, and he decided there was no need to go on fooling himself. He nodded slightly, feeling how his blush spread down his neck and further below his collarbone.

“I thought so...” Alucard stated, absently swinging his foot from left to right, the other one propped up against his chest on the table, leaving Richter with a nice view of his crotch. He supported himself with a hand just slightly behind his back, and the other one seemingly without any important reason fingering his calf down to his ankle and up again.

“You see, Richter... I have a very heightened sense of things. Not just physical matters, but emotional as well. Last night I could feel your anger and frustration, your fear and your tiredness. I could sense all of those things and more, but I could not even begin to understand. And this morning, I could feel you wake up. I sensed it, as if I was situated in the very same room. And then a blast of emotion came straight at me. So forceful, it was, that I reeled from it. The pain and fear you felt, the exhaustion and angst... It hit me like a sledge hammer. I could almost smell your tears, and I most certainly heard your cries. But I couldn’t understand. Not until I came up there and saw you, clutching at the place I slept beside you. Only when you told me, did I fully understand.” he reached out to touch Richter’s cheek, and ran a smooth tumb over the sensitive skin just under his eyes.

“It is the same way now... I can feel what my actions do to you. And I most certainly can smell it.” a small grin quirked his lips, “But, I still need you to tell me if I do something wrong. Or, if you don’t feel ready for what I had in mind. The last thing I want to smell, is your fear, Richter. Too many have already feared me in my lifetime to kill a man’s spirit. I don’t want you to fear me again, my loved one. Never...”

“Adrian...!” Richter gasped, “You mean you...you can...s-smell me?”

Alucard smiled at his mortal’s shocked expression.

“Yes, Richter... I can smell you....your sweat, your tears, your blood pumping. Amongst other things...” he added, making a point of raking his eyes down to below Richter’s waist and up again. Richter blushed furiously, his eyes as wide as saucers.

“But, I would also like to see what lies under all those folds and clothes you’re wearing. Not only smell it...” he grinned ferally, “...but, maybe...taste it...”

A small groan escaped Richter’s lips without his consent, and he quickly clamped a hand over his mouth. Alucard’s grin turned into a true smile, and he put his hand on Richter’s shoulder, silently stroking it assuringly.

“But, all in due time. Let’s start slow, shall we?” he whispered, glad when he saw Richter nod his consent, “Come. This is no place for such things.”

He took Richter’s hand in his own, leading him up the stairs, back to his bedroom. He could feel Richter’s nervousness, but he could sense no real fear behind it, so he continued leading him into the room, and closing the door behind them.

“There.” he stated, and turned around to face his loved one. Richter’s eyes were glued to the floor and he was nervously running trembling fingers through his disheveled hair, slightly tugging at it. His nervousness throbbed in the room, and needless to say, Alucard softened. Though he had first imagined this night to be rough, and deliciously hot, he knew that it weren’t to be that way. But, he only smiled, watching how Richter twitched at his move forward, and he put his hands on his cheeks, pulling his face close and bringing their lips together. There was nothing rough about that kiss. Instead, it was soft, sweet, and slow; moist lips moving against each other in a slow dance of lust and desire. He moved closer as Richter’s arms slowly wrapped themselves around his back, a hand going up to run through his hair.

“So soft.....and silky....” Richter sighed, rubbing at the dhampire’s neck, loving the feeling of skin beneath his fingers. Alucard unwrapped the comforter from around Richter, and threw it back on the bed where it belonged.

“So beautiful, Richter. You’re so beautiful... so wonderful...” he said, whispering against Richter’s ear, running his hands up and down his back, feeling the muscles flex beyond Richter’s control. Richter whimpered against his touch, loving the feel of those hands caressing him so gently.

“Adrian... I...”

“Yes...?”

“...I want to see you... all of you...”

“All of me?” Alucard smiled, turning his head to look straight into Richter’s dark chocolate eyes.

“Yes.” Richter breathed, thankful he was being held up by the strong arms of his dhampire. Otherwise, he was sure he would have crumbled to the floor. 

“Then....why don’t you see to it?”

“What? ...I don’t understand.....”

“Undress me, if you will.”

“Un-.... undress you?....But I...I couldn’t....” Richter faltered, searching for words to describe what he felt. All he was, were a bundle of nerves. It had been one thing to undress his wife, because there were not this certain tension between him and her. But now. How could he possibly dare do anything like undressing the dhampire before his eyes? His hands were trembling so. Just as he thought the thought, Alucard released his hold on him, and took his hands, putting them on the bindings of his shirt.

“Untie these....” he looked into Richter’s eyes, unaware, yet so utterly aware, that it was hypnotizing him. As if driven by a will of its own, Richter’s body set to work. His hands moved of their own volition, grasping at the silky bindings, untieing them one after another. Pushing and pulling aside the shirt enough to see new skin, yet to be touched. Pulling the white fabric over the dhampire’s head, and throwing it aside before laying eyes on the beautiful reward, Richter was overcome by lust. His hands reached out hesitantly; dare he touch such flawless skin? Dare he even think of marring it with his human touch? Humans were, after all, burdened by the sins of their fathers. What if that sin would be transferred onto that pure miracle before him... Would his touch stain the dhampire’s flesh? Before coming close enough to lay his hands upon that pale flesh, those muscles, the flat chest; Richter stopped. His hands hanging in mid-air. He found he couldn’t breathe, all of the emotions and impressions swirling through his head like a malestrom. The silent plea that reached his ears, was what made him lose control completely.

“Touch me...” Alucard breathed, only a whisper in the silent room, but Richter went wild. Throwing himself at the dhampire, touching and kissing, feeling and tasting all of the skin he could reach. Every hard plane, every crevice, every fold, everything he could find, he touched, and everything he tasted with lips and tongue, mouth and teeth.

Alucard groaned at the sudden attention, feeling both how good it felt for him, having Richter licking and biting him, but also just how good it felt for Richter. The mix of sensations were exquisit, turning his arousal so deliciosuly rigid. Oh, the things he planned to do to Richter. But only if Richter would let him.

He moaned, running his hands along Richter’s spine, up to rest in the nest of his thick dark locks of soft hair. The shiver he felt through Richter was more than he had ever hoped for. But, if he had his way, Richter would not merely be shivering under his touch.

“Richter.” he said, his low voice dark, and utterly earthy. Seductive, in the least, to Richter’s ears. But, the voice stopped him, right in the middle of kissing and biting Alucard’s chest. Now, he froze, believing he had done something wrong, but not daring to speak the words. He was so afraid of rejection, he could already feel burning tears sting at the corners of his eyes.

“I think you should also get rid of those clothes. I’m starting to feel a bit... bare.” Alucard whispered into Richter’s ears, “Wait,” he said, as Richter started to undo the few bindings of his shirt, “...let me.”

Every single touch of those cold fingers ignited a growing flame within Richter’s chest and belly. Every flare going straight to between his legs. He could swear his back was soaked in sweat. So nervous, and yet so wanton. He had never felt such a feeling in his entire life. Not even when kissing the boy; his best friend, in his early youth had he felt like this. This was so different. Because now he knew what to expect. He knew what it meant to be with another in bed, to open up so completely; to be truly naked with someone, not only in body, but in mind and soul as well.

The suspense, as the dhampire took the time to be patient with him, he was sure would be his death. All he wanted for, was to get it over with, fast and furious, not slow and gentle. The only experience he had with lovemaking was being slow and gentle. He didn’t want that anymore. But he didn’t know how to tell that to his beloved dhampire, so intent on being patient. The shirt was thrown away into the corner of the room, joining the other discarded shirt, and so, both men were left shirtless. Another kiss was lingering in the air, and Alucard was the one to seize it, roughly mashing his mouth into Richter’s. No longer a slow dance of lust, the kiss turned into a ravaging fire of emotions and desire. The instinct to be with his love, was slowly driving Alucard out of his mind with lust, and he found Richter’s scent more and more enticing. He knew there wouldn’t be long before he would not be able to stop himself from going down on the mortal. The mere thought of tasting Richter’s seed made his mouth water, the mere scent of sweat, blood and arousal almost undoing him on the spot. He did not have the mind to speak anymore, he only acted, his primal side driving him further. He tore at the clasps of Richter’s pants, and tore them off his legs, making no ceremony over going slow in his courting anymore. The lust vibrating off of Richter was enough to tell Alucard he had been going about this the wrong way. Everything about Richter’s moves, the small gasps and whimpers, touches and kisses told the dhampire that there were no longer any need to go slow.

“Richter,” he breathed, staring for a brief moment at the beauty before him. Standing with not a single thread to cover his body, Richter was flushed in a rosy sheen going from his bright red cheeks to just below his collarbone. His neck almost as bright read as his face, gave such a nice image of blood pumping through his veins.

“You are so beautiful.” the dhampire spoke, breathless from desire spreading; building in his body.

Richter had no idea as what to do, so he just stood; his face to the floor, and his hands to his sides, giving a perfect view of his body. There were already drops of clear fluid forming at the tip of his erection, and Alucard guessed there would not take much to send him off the edge and beyond. So, he kneeled before his mortal love, looking up into his eyes to see that what he was offering was really wanted. Richter gave a hesitant nod, barely noticeable, but Alucard smiled only, before putting his hands on each hip, rubbing gently to really feel flesh under his touch. The first swipe of his tongue was nothing much; it was only a small flick of the tongue to see if the taste was as delicious as the scent.  But Richter nearly choked, so unprepared for the actual feeling. Though the outside of Alucard was cold as an autumn’s wind, his mouth was hot and moist like a cavern of fire and water merging. Another swipe, tracing every vein and marking every patch of skin with the hot tongue of a demon. Richter moaned, gripping the sides of Alucard’s head, not knowing what else to do. There was nothing else to hold on to, if he wanted to keep standing up. At the third swipe, every rational thought had escaped Richter’s mind. And the few thoughts left behind were roughly pushed away.

Soon, both were lost in the sensations of giving and receiving such pleasure. Both ready to do whatever it took to please the other.

“Adrian...” Richter gasped, feeling how his legs were giving way from under him, “Please... Adrian...”

He was gently lifted, kissed by the dhampire carrying him to lay on the bed, his legs dangling off the edge. The dhampire lay on top of him, silently kissing his face, conveying words that no mere voice could carry. His hands were travelling all over Richter’s pale skin, all over his trembling muscles. It seemed he could not stop shivering. Whether he shivered in fear, anticipation, or pure lust, he could not say. He only knew, that with those lips and hands marking every inch of his body, he could do nothing but clench and unclench his fists in the sheets. He was reduced to a mass of quivering limbs and flesh as Alucard traced searing patterns of fire down his chest, attacking his nipples, one after another. The tongue circling them, closing in, and as they finally made contact, there were the hottest surge of fire going straight to between Richter’s legs. Applying pressure, the dhampire started toying and tasting the pink nubs of flesh, enjoying the noises and grunts that rose from Richter’s throat. Further down, those burning lips travelled, only to stop at the bush of hair nestling at his groin. Richter’s gasp as Alucard nuzzled that bush of hair, was more than enough to send pulsing waves of pleasure all through Alucard’s every limb.

“You smell so good, Richter...” Alucard groaned, breathing deeply through his nose, shuddering at the sweet fire going straight to his erection. “So....so good....” he breathed, taking in the sight of the glistening arousal so close to his face. He could have sworn he saw Richter twitch in anticipation. His mouth began watering again. But this time, time was not wasted, as he took the tip into his mouth, grunting at the overwhelming taste. Richter cried out, the sound only heightening Alucard’s arousal. His tight trousers were becoming quite uncomfortable.

He took in more of the pulsing limb, and put a hand around the base, touching and stroking in time with his licks. By this time, Richter lay panting on the bed, squirming and making such inane noises, Alucard almost thought he was speaking a different language. He noted with glee how one of Richter’s legs twitched in involuntary muscle spasms. He took that leg, and made it his goal to stroke and rub that revolting muscle into relaxation again.

Richter’s panting became rough moans, and in a futile attempt to perhaps ease the growing, mind-numbing pleasure, he closed his eyes tightly. His head tilted to one side, and he found he could hardly even find the strength to speak. He opened his eyes, looking at the source of light from under hooded eyelids. But his eyes soon snapped wide open, and he found his voice again.

“The .....the window!....close....c-close....!!!” he panted, a sense of panic stabbing at his mind. But before he need worry, the windows were thrown shut with a bang. And Alucard had not so much as moved his head to look. Only a flick of the wrist towards the window had closed it. Richter sagged back into the pillows, finally allowing himself to truly feel what mysterious pleasure he was given by the beauty before him. Just one look. he thought, How could one look do any harm? he mustered all of his remaining strength to lift his head from the pillows, and gaze down at the dhampire making such animal grunts between his legs, every huff and every groan vibrating through his whole body.

Long hair of the palest blond he could ever have imagined, frail-looking hands with long, graceful fingers encircling his most private parts. And those lush lips; those soft lips, they were slightly pinker than normal from kissing with such force. He could see his own flesh disappear deeper into that cavern of liquid fire. And the feeling of a soft, cool hand rubbing at his sac, was what had him thrown off the edge. With a loud cry of pleasure so intense it resembled pain, he felt how his balls pulled upwards, and his whole body was drained from strength. Wave after wave of insane pleasure rocked his body into the most forceful orgasm he had ever experienced. His whole body tensed to the unbareable, then as the last waves of pleasure started to ebb, he collasped on the sheets like nothing more than a bag of mindless mortal.

“Adrian.... Oh......Adrian.......” he sighed, unable to even think. A cool hand touched his cheek, and he forced his eyes open. He looked straight into the warmest pair of angel’s eyes, and he couldn’t help but smile a tired smile.

“Adrian...” he sighed, bringing his love to question him.

“Richter ... Are you strong enough to...”

“Make love to me.” there was no question in his voice. He was certain of his will, and the words came out as more of a demand than anything else.

“Are you sure, that is what you want?”

“Make love to me Adrian. Don’t make me beg you..... I’m afraid, I am spent beyond begging.” he smiled, taking Alucard’s face in his hands and kissing him sweetly; softly he tasted those wonderful lips, sensing a taste of himself on them. He moaned into that wonderful mouth, wanting nothing more than for Alucard to know what he felt. All of the emotions that floated through his head, he wanted Alucard to feel. And he would stop at nothing to make sure he accomplished that urge to drive him out of his mind.

“How could I ever deny you ...” Alucard smiled, still stroking Richter’s heated face, running his cool hand over his forehead and cheeks, tracing a finger along his nose and running his thumb over his chin. He sat back on the bed, undoing his unusually plain trousers, a gleeful look in his eyes.

“I hope you don’t mind me borrowing these from you. They felt much more suitable for cooking, nevertheless. Much more comfortable as well...”

Richter could only smile at his beloved dhampire, watching as he stood up to let the gray trousers fall to the floor. Standing with his back to the bed, Alucard undid his hair and let if fall freely over his shoulders. Richter looked on, never losing track of what the beautiful creature did. As he turned around to face his love, Richter choked. Standing before him was the most wonderful man in existence. How could anyone fear such splendour? But as his eyes inadvertedly travelled lower, he found himself gasping in what resembled fear. All of a sudden, he didn’t feel as up to lovemaking, as he had just moments ago. Having never seen another man like this, Richter’s mind reeled. He could very well imagine just how these things were done, but now that he knew just how Alucard was endowed, he did not think it possible. He felt his heart start to race, and it was once again hard to breathe. His eyes darted up to Alucard’s face, into his eyes and back down again. But, he had no time to voice his feelings, before the dhampire was beside him, holding him close, and breathing kisses of comfort all over his face again.

“Richter... I told you fear was the last thing I wanted to sense from you. I will not hurt you. I shall not hurt you, Richter.” he spoke, kissing and caressing Richter’s heated face. The soft touch was so cool, so good, and in spite of all his worries, Richter found himself harden.

“Adrain.... I.... We...... I couldn’t...!” his words were cut short as his lips were taken by the soft ones of the dhampire. Framing his face and body was the softest hair any man could ever have dreamt of, and it caressed Richter’s body with such sinful accuracy it made his insides boil.

“Adrian.....” he sighed, bringing the blond’s cheek to his lips, “I love you. I’ve wanted this for so long, but ...”

“But..?” Alucard whispered against his ear, soft puffs of air tickling his earlobe.

“I’m.... I’m scared... I’m afraid I can’t handle it..what if I can’t..?!”

The dhampire lying in his arms smiled, and presented a small bottle containing a golden liquid in his hands.

“This should make it easier...” and, with a grin, he added, “I fetched this when you were....‘recovering’...”

“..what...” Richter stared at the vial, “What is that?.... a potion..?”

“No. Oil is what it is...” Alucard smiled, “It will make things easier, as I said, and... more pleasurable for both of us.....”

“Oh?” Richter asked, only a silent whisper in the silence. Alucard lifted his legs up and spread them wide. He coated three of his digits in the oil, and continued with running slick fingers across the pink ring of muscle.

“Oh!” Richter gasped, clawing at the sheets when one of Alucard’s fingers slipped inside. A mindnumbing fear spread across his body from his mind at the obvious outcome of all this. It already hurt, and still it was no more than a finger probing him. The mere thought of having Alucard’s whole erection where his finger was now, made Richter tremble in a rising fear. Numbly, he was aware of the dhampire mumbling sweet reassurances into his ear as another finger was inserted, but he couldn’t make out the words, he was too lost in worry and anguish-filled anticipation. But then, one of the probing fingers brushed against something that sent him grunting like an animal in heat. All of the fear he had felt just a moment ago melted away like ice on a sunny day. His inside burned against those cool fingers pushing and spreading him, never stopping in their assault on that spot that made him want to cry, moan and scream all at the same time.

“Adrian... Adrian..!” he groaned, writhing on the warm sheets, clutching at the pillows and moving his hips in a way he never thought possible.

“My sweet Richter... I told you not to fear me... I promised I won’t hurt you, love. This doesn’t hurt, does it?”

“NO!” Richter gasped, shutting his eyes so hard it almost hurt.

“I did not think so...” Alucard smiled, kissing away the tears of shock from Richter’s cheeks, laying kisses all over his face and neck, going back up to claim his quivering lips. He slowly withdrew his finger, draping Richter with his body, holding him tight as he could, bringing their arousals together.

“I want you to be more than ready, Richter... I want you to be so wrapped up in pleasure, all thoughts escape you. I want you to abandon every thought, all coherent meanings... Feel only, my loved one. Feel what it is like to make love. But waste no thoughts on it.” Alucard smiled, rocking back and forth, making sure to bring Richter to full arousal before he made another move. Grinding his hips in slow circles, he brought Richter’s member to full arousal in only a moment, the small whimpers and blank stares up at the roof showing the dhampire that it was time to take this further.

“Richter..?”

“Oh, Adrian! Never stop!! Never stop, never stop, please, oh please..!” Richter whimpered, trying to pull his Adrian close again. But the dhampire only smiled, hushing his love with silent kisses, while he rested the mortal’s legs on his shoulders. Richter gasped, as he felt the dhampire’s erection brushing against his backside, but made no move to back away. He felt no fear, no hesitation. All he knew was that he wanted to be one with the dhampire. No matter what pain may come with it.

The dhampire spread a thick layer of oil on his manhood, and gently pushed at the tight ring of muscle.

“Adrian!” Richter cried out as the dhampire slipped pass the initial resistance, “Adrian!!”

“Hush, hush, Richter. The pain is only momentary. Relax... relax my love...” the blond whispered, mumbling sweet words of love, pushing deeper slowly. Gently, as he slipped in to the hilt of his erection, he stopped, and took Richter’s shivering body into his arms.

“Just relax, Richter. Calm down and relax...” he murmured, kissing away the beads of sweat running down Richter’s face, kissing away his fears if there were any left in his mind.

“Just...” Richter huffed hoarsely, “Do something!!!”

The dhampire nodded, and started rocking his hips back and forth, slowly building a rhythm. He raised himself up, so he could take in the sight of his love writhing beneath him. When Richter’s arms sprawled across the bed and above that mass of dark brown locks of hair, he put his hands on Richter’s chest, gently rubbing and stroking his muscles and nipples.

“Oh... Adrian... A-Adrian!” Richter groaned. There it was again, that bolt of lightning searing through his veins at every stab of wondeful heat inside him. His nipples were reduced to small beads of throbbing flesh, and every stroke, every caress that Alucard put him under, made him gasp.

“You’re so tight.” the dhampire grunted, his voice dropping at least an octave in Richter’s ears.

Such a sultry voice... Richter thought dazedly, Such a.... wonderful... sensual...

The thrusts sped up, as Alucard saw the change in Richter’s expression. His eyes went wide open, and his breaths came in shallow, raspy gasps of air. In a matter of seconds, Richter’s gasps had become rough moans, going louder by every thrust at his prostate.

“Adrian!!” he moaned, on the verge of screaming, “Adrian! I-I’m gonna..I think I’m...!!!”

Alucard sat up, pulling Richter into his lap, and reaching down to stroke him in time with their now mutual thrusts.

“Then come for me, love... Come for me!”

That was all it took, and so, Richter was mercilessly thrown off the edge, into the abyss of sinful pleasure. Screaming from the top of his lungs, he was shaken by the most powerful orgasm he had ever dreamed of. Numbly, he could hear his dhampire grunt loudly into his ear, but he couldn’t make out the words, couldn’t understand them in his haze of mindless pleasure. When Alucard laid them both down on the sweaty sheets, Richter had no strength left to do anything but fall limply onto the softness beneath him. And when the dhampire pulled him close, he didn’t have a mind enough to do anything but snuggle closer.

“Adrian...” he whispered, after regaining composure enough to speak.

“Hmm?” Alucard murmured, threading his hands through Richter’s hair, nuzzling his temple.

“That was... That... Oh, Gods...” he sighed, breathing heavily, feeling his eyelids drooping down at the tender caresses he was given, “Oh, Adrian...”

Alucard huffed slightly, smiling against Richter’s temple, feeling everything the mortal wanted to say, but was too tired to.

“I know, Richter...” he sighed, “It was wonderful... You were wonderful.” he smiled, and turned to kiss Richter’s lips. Softly, gently, he kissed him, then kissing his cheeks, and then his eyelids.

“Now, go to sleep. You still need to rest.” he said softly, pulling the comforter over them both.

“I...I love you Adrian.” Richter sighed, trying to make his voice heard in the quiet room, “I love you!”

“Oh...” Alucard smiled, sensing the slight panic in Richter, “I love you too, Richter! Never doubt it.”

“I...... I....” Richter sighed, loving the sight of his love smiling at him. He truly felt lucky, to see what so many were never to see. And, after only a few more strokes through his hair, Richter’s eyelids fell down heavily, and he nuzzled closer to his love, falling asleep more peacefully than he had in months.

I love you.... my Adrian....

The End?....nah......more shonen ai-y goodness to be awaited in the next chapter.......or..the epilogue......^^;;;  

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