Headcanons Of Madara Being A Sensei

hypothetical dad! madara w/ a little daughter is so funny to me cause i can so see him watching a little konoha kid giving his daughter like a flower they plucked and immediately falling to his knees: crying sobbing throwing up the whole performance. takes him 2 weeks to recover, god forbid it’s like hashirama’s kid or a senju in general

Madara with a little girl would certainly be precious, but hmm... no I don't see him falling to his knees and making a spectacle of himself because a boy gave her a flower.

From what we see of him, Madara is an emotional man, but he tends to bottle up his strongest feelings until they boil over. He is prone to emotional outbursts, but whenever he is that open, they tend to be negative displays of emotion. Anger, hatred, vengeance, disdain, and whatnot. It was rare for him to burst out in laughter, and it was only with Hashirama from what we were shown. I'm guessing he did outwardly show if he was happy with his family too, before he lost everyone.

He came from a time where crying/sobbing wasn't really an appropriate response to any hardship a shinobi was facing, no matter what he was feeling. It was weak, and weakness was punished with death in his era. That's why I don't think he'd ever rail to the heavens in joy from a boy courting his daughter, nevermind whether he approved of the suitor to begin with (keep in mind he's probably extremely protective of her and in his mind, no one is good enough)... it'd just be so out of character for him.

Instead, assuming Madara was okay with whoever gifted his daughter with flowers (and is perhaps romantically interested in her while she returns the sentiment), I think he would just be internally elated at the prospects of her finding her own happiness. It would be a quiet, simmering contentment and pride he feels and the faintest hint of a smile is all he'd show the world before he walks away to let the budding couple be.

The Way You Look Tonight

Chapter two • Enemies to lovers

Author’s note: I've re-read this chapter four times while editing, and it still creeps me out a little. Then again, I have a bit of a wild imagination.

Contents: MULTI-CHAPTER, Alucard (Hellsing)xfem!reader, eventual NSFW, written in 2nd person, relatively ambiguous time period but pre-2000s, reader and family members descriptions (other than clothes and personalities) are kept ambiguous for the sake of inclusion, ghost Alucard (kind of?), spooky stuff, Integra is dead and the Hellsing Organization has been dissolved.

3.2k words

—

Within the week, the electricity had been fixed. You don't need to worry about your lamp's batteries corroding anymore when you put new ones in. Neither do you have to squint in the dim light of a single candle to see the dark shadow in the corner of your room. Now, with the small bulb chandelier in your room, there was no corner that light couldn't reach, even in the dead of night. That seemed to give you a newfound sense of confidence, which had previously been killed when your childhood fear of the dark was rekindled one week ago in the dining room. You still couldn't figure out what it was you’d run into. All the dining room chairs had cushions that were made of rough fabric. Not smooth and silky to the touch. Whatever it was… You knew what you felt. It was a person. There was no other excuse. And you weren't crazy. But you had no choice but to let the matter go. All the clues you might have gotten to there being something wrong with this place led you to nowhere. Your strange dream led you to the manor’s layout which led you to a cut-off page with the letter “D,” being your only tie to an answer. There was simply no logical explanation for the corroding batteries. You didn't even know what caused batteries to corrode other than time. Heat? That was impossible. The house had been freezing that night. You stick to your only answer, “D.” Or was it a “B?” The page had been cut off. Then were you right about a basement? If that was true, and there was a basement, then the previous owner really had something to hide if they cut it out of the building’s layout. The only thing left to do was check for a basement entrance. The problem with that plan was… that the only access to the lower level of the manor you had was the kitchen, the dining room, and the entertainment room. The rest was currently undergoing renovations. Water damage, rats, and other pests — that's what your father told you. If you wanted to get a look around without getting into trouble you’d have to go at night. Hell no. That spelled disaster. You’d read enough mystery horror books to know not to do that. So, with a mystery-hungry heart, you continued to help around the house while trying to forget your strange discoveries and just enjoy the place. 

You were currently helping your mother in the garden, which was admittedly beautiful. You couldn't imagine what it used to look like when it had a full team of gardeners. Great big hedges sparkling after being freshly watered in the morning, fountains running, the sound of splashing water adding to the chirping melody of the birds. That’s what you imagined at least. Right now, it was still a work in progress. You were responsible for taking care of the fountain. Which was more satisfying than you thought it would be. Scrubbing the dry algae off the emptied basins was rather therapeutic and took your mind off of the happenings. This was short-lived, however. As you straightened up and wiped a bead of sweat from your brow, you caught movement in one of the upper-story windows. Your window. You paused, setting down the hard-bristled brush for a moment. That couldn't be your brother… he wasn't… well- he wasn't that tall, to be honest. He was a teenager, and you towered a good five inches over your brother still. Whoever that was… 

“Is Dad fixing something in my room?” You turn your head for just a moment. Your mother looks up from the dirt she’d been packing in around some freshly planted flowers and gives you a confused glance. 

“No… why?” Her eyes drag up to your window. 

You turn your head again, about to point up at the figure in the window only to find you’ve been played a fool a second time. This felt similar to the dining room incident — in that it made you look crazy.

"I saw someone up there." You say, feeling uncomfortable. You turn your head again and see your mother's skeptical expression as she continues to look up at your window.

“I’m sure we would have noticed if someone we didn't know came into the house. It was probably just a shadow.” She turns back to the dirt and continues packing it around the flowers before moving on to the next. 

You're not as willing as your mother to give up the matter. Now, your job of scrubbing algae can't be over fast enough. When you finish, you don't even bother washing your hands. You take yourself up the stairs, a burn of annoyance giving you a burst of adrenaline that may or may not have been encouraged by it being broad daylight, and push your door open. It's empty. Exactly as you anticipated. But that doesn’t stop you from fixing the window with a glare, checking under your bed, and then fixing your hair before walking back to the door, where you turn, hold out the middle finger, and close the dor. Whatever… ghost… was messing with you... Well, it wasn't funny. Not that you believed in ghosts, of course.

Nonverbally saying “fuck you” to a ghost was clearly a bad idea. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but shortly afterward, the electricity was acting weird. Your brother had come down from his room for once to complain about how “this stupid house is busted”. His computer was apparently shutting off right when he was about to complete a level in his game. You even came up with your dad to watch it happen. Right when he was at the end of his level, the screen went black. Your dad checked the outlet, unplugged it, plugged it back in, and told your brother to give it another try. So with a sigh, your brother would reboot his computer and run the game. Same problem. It ended with your dad scratching his head and muttering about calling the electricity guys again. You, however, with your newfound skepticism, were positive that you’d pissed the house ghost off by giving it the finger. 

“It’s probably a ghost messing with you.” You’d told your bother.

“The ghost can go fuck off.” Was his grumbled response as he turned to his bookcase instead. 

You turned in after dinner, carrying a full glass of water up to your room to set on the bedside table, which had a gross crusty ring left over from the batteries. You’d tried to wipe it off the best you could but… the wood was ruined. The one thing you’d liked about candles or lamps was how easy it was to turn them off or blow them out and shove the covers up and over your head. A light switch? Not so much. Especially when the room felt like it… stretched… in the dark. You took a sip of your water before turning to shut off the light. Climbing into bed amidst the dark, you muttered to the ghost (which you half-believed in) to, “not be weird.”

That night, sleep seemed to escape you. Like standing too far away from the ocean on the shore. When you thought it might reach you… it dragged itself back. You had no memory of falling asleep… but when you woke… it was because a chorus of stringed instruments and deafening piano seemed to be searing into your ears as your world burst into color. Through your eyelids, you saw light and movement, shadows falling over your eyelids like sunspots through a tree. You open them with a gasp and find yourself standing in the middle of a ballroom. Confusion lapses you and you reach down to pinch your hand tightly to wake yourself up — which hurts. It's covered in a long, silk glove. None of the colors you wear seem to keep a constant. The shape of your dress — if you were wearing one, you're not sure —  and even the people around you never stay constant. They change form as they move with the waltz at a gallivanting pace around you. You try to follow them with your eyes — to make out what’s even happening around you — but the task feels impossible. Turning frantically, you catch an opening in the figures and run towards it, hoisting heavy skirts up (so it was a dress?). The space is quickly taken up by red. A deep, blood-red cloak, and a charcoal gray suit tucked beneath it. You’re too slow to stop yourself and crash into the figure. It was that fabric. Warm satin and the dull sound a human chest makes when it's beat against. You back up slower than you had the night you first encountered that feeling… and slowly look up at the only solid shape in this dream. Nothing about him changes or shifts. His colors do not even change in hue or tone. Red, charcoal, and black, black hair. You’re not quite sure if his hair is short or long. It seems to evade your memory somehow. But you know it's dark and unruly and frames his shadowed face in a wicked way as he grins down at you with a mouth full of teeth too sharp to be human. He feels far too real to be a part of your dream. Image stark and crisp compared to the fogginess of the others and even your own body. It feels like he towers over you. Proportions not quite right. You stagger back. Too slow. He surges unnaturally forward and takes up your hand with his gloved one, the other gripping your waist tightly. Too fast to gain footing, you're thrown into a waltz that you cannot keep up with. It's the same pace as the inconstant dancers around you. Spinning, spinning, you grip his shoulder with desperation as your hair whips against your face. As chaos unfolds, your feet clumsily stumble. Seeking solace, you bury your face into his chest, briefly capturing the aroma of copper and perfume. No warmth comes from him, despite how real he feels.

 The music picks up at an impossible pace. A pace no one could ever hope to properly waltz to… and you're spun even faster. Then, the music rises into a quick crescendo, and then the notes seem to… fall… as if they were falling off the very air. The song is ending too fast for your body to register… and all too soon, your dancer lets go of you. Your hand slips off his shoulder and the force of the awful, spinning waltz throws you cruelly to the floor in a flutter of skirts against the hard, hard surface beneath you. 

Your eyes shoot open and the silent dark of your room echoes around you. You’re on the floor, nowhere near your bed, and very, very sore. Laying there, belly-down on the cold wood, you let out a slow and shaky breath before pushing yourself onto your knees. You feel vulnerable in the middle of that huge room. It's too dark to see a thing. The moon is barely visible tonight. But the eerie silence is enough to encourage you to stumble back into bed with a confused and exhausted whimper. The music feels like it rings an echo of itself in your ears, and you still feel your dancer’s bruising grip on your hand and waist. The covers are cold. You’d been sweating in your sleep… and the dampness was not the least bit comforting. 

⛤

The day after that was dreary. It was as if your strange dream had put a fog over your entire world. Cloud cover. Autumn was approaching, so it was fitting. Your mother said that there would be a thunderstorm tonight. One look at the blackened sky and you believed her. Going for a walk, you’d taken to the road that led away from the manor. It was a much-needed break from the place. The surrounding countryside felt cold and wet despite it not having rained yet. The smell and the chill helped you clear your mind a bit. 

Despite everything — the bizarre dreams, feeling things in the dark, seeing things — you… didn't miss home. No. The manor had way too many things locked away in the dark waiting to be found for you to wish them away and out of your memory so soon. You almost felt like a kid again. Running about trying to solve imaginary mysteries. And that dream you’d had, more so, how you’d found yourself when you’d woken from it. You never used to sleepwalk like that. It was so strange. And your muscles were so sore as if you’d actually been dancing. Maybe the lack of restful sleep was getting to you.

You lost track of time out in the grass and had only just begun walking back to the house when you felt the chill of a drop of rain on your nose. By the time you were through the manor’s gate you were soaked. But the rain and the countryside had brought a strange clarity to your mind. Looking towards the manor in the distance… You swore you saw someone standing there waiting in front of the door, cloaked in red. The body in the dark, the figure in the window, the dancing man. Were they all the same person? A flash of lightning high in the sky and the rolling rumble that followed seemed to wick him away from reality. You never thought to believe in ghosts until now. Now, as you hurry up the steps and open the door, you're sure that there’s a ghost haunting this place. 

You’d taken a shower to get the smell of dampness off of you. By the time you were done, the light of the sun that filtered through the thick clouds had disappeared completely. Something about the rain beating on the roof comforted you as you walked through the dim hallway to your room. It seemed to fill what would usually be an uncomfortable silence. Taking up the empty spots in your mind and lining them with a lulling white noise. Flipping on the light in your room, you take note of the empty glass on your bedside table. A dull dread tickles at the back of your neck. You knew you’d be miserable all night if you woke up thirsty and with nothing to drink. This day would have come eventually, you tell yourself. At least the power works now. Still, you take a flashlight. 

The rain lulls to silence as you descend the stairs to the kitchen. That makes you uneasy. It was as if some protective blanket had been peeled off your back. Your steps on the marble echo as you make your way through the dining room, which is eerie in the light of your flashlight, and onto the tiled floor of the most harrowing room you know of in the manor. The kitchen looks even more worn with age than the rest of the house, even after you and your mother have spent the last week cleaning it up. Slowly, you make your way over to the sink, fitting your flashlight under your armpit while you fill up your glass. Over the sound of the sink, you hear a whisper. You shut the water off and pause, standing perfectly still while you strain your ears. Nothing. You turn the water on full to fill the glass up in a mere second. Some spills over the lip and into the sink, wetting your fingers. You don't care about that though. You turn and make your quick exit from the kitchen, only glancing back when you're in the doorway. That's where you pause, turning your flashlight onto the room one last time… just to be sure. The dull white light spills across the counter and the big fridge, reflecting off of hanging pots and pans and the old tile floor. When the light begins to buzz brighter, you already know what's going to happen. It begins to flicker… slowly at first and then fast like a strobe. You waste no time in turning tail and running up the stairs. There’d be no repeat of the dining room. You swear on it. Your feet thump on the carpet with each hurried step, water spilling from your glass as you reach the top with a gasp of breath and take a sharp turn for the hallway leading to your room. Halfway there… your stomach drops in horror when you hear footsteps running up the stairs after you. It's like someone was mimicking you. Same tempo, same speed. Fast footsteps. Your brain kicks into raw adrenaline, realizing you're being chased. You feel like a wolf chased by something that is not a wolf. Not used to being scared like this… but knowing deep in your gut to run and hide. You can't even think to scream. Your eyes begin to water and your breath comes out in ragged fear-strained rasps. Flinging your door open, you don't bother looking over your shoulder as you slam it closed behind you. The footsteps follow quickly — bare like your own — and come right up to the door where they stop abruptly. Your heart climbs into your throat as you stand there. A slab of wood keeps you and… it… separated. Holding your breath and bracing your forearm on the door… you wait in silence with eyes wider than they’d ever been in your life. Your flashlight had long since gone out and hangs dead in your hand, while your other one struggles not to shake while keeping the glass of water upright. It was still there. Still there. Still there. Waiting. The footsteps had stopped. It was waiting. Waiting there on the other side of the door just as silently as you. When your lungs burn, you realize that you still have yet to take a breath. Slowly, you let it draw out before taking another, quiet breath in and holding it. You couldn't miss a single sound. Not a single sound could escape your ears right now. Something was outside your door, you’d heard it loud and clear, chasing you. So… why were you doubting your own judgment? Perhaps... you were simply imagining things. Maybe it was just your imagination getting the best of you. This couldn't be real. It just couldn't. It couldn't be real it- 

“Hey.” 

You stiffen. You swore you just heard a whisper through the door. Right up against it. It couldn't be a trick of your ears. The sound was so crisp. The voice so unfamiliar: low, raspy, and amused. The thought that there was some… thing… on the other side, pressing its face right up against the crack in the door to whisper- you have to bite your lips to keep yourself from bursting into tears. This is a nightmare. A nightmare. An awful nightmare. 

But you can't sit here all night. So… gathering your strength, you set down your glass and flashlight on the floor. You pause, hand on the doorknob, thinking about what the hell you’d do if there was something there. Scream, you supposed. With that, you yank the door open. 

You're met with nothing. You look in both directions of the hall, left — nothing — and right, towards the staircase — nothing. Breathing a sigh of relief, you shut the door. 

That night… You slept with the lights on. 

This is completely true. This is why I joined Tumblr haha. I'm glad I found your blog

Why Madara fandom is superior to all

(you can't even fight me because it's as factual as a meteor falling from the sky) :

They write the most depressing meta analysis you've ever read about how life sucks.

Then, they write the most thirsty post about a hundred years old senior. Like who does that?

They dissect all Konoha's bullshits and they are so articulate. They never fall for the emotional traps, in particular those coming from the woodman and his minions. Our fav warn us it's a scam since the first Valley of the End, more than sixty years ago. We watch Boruto like : Why are you all crying for the plot and Sasuke's hair? He told you so... 🤷‍♀️

No childish ship battles because he's canonically single. He belongs to the street to us all. A generous endless clone-maker King!

They have a better sense of humour, meaning they don't take criticizes personally because their fav is a villain. He's allowed to any human rights infringements he wants. Actually, we're actively looking for a way to help him improving his massive destruction scale.

They understand sarcasm, second degree, dark jokes. A rare quality in the Naruto fandom.

They have to be smart just in order to follow the big boss machivellian plan. Like grandpa speaks in old riddles and metaphors... We gotta open wikipedia from time to time 🧐

An Oxford study said that belonging to his fandom makes laughs more, makes your hair grows brighter and thicker, enhance your skin's glow, make you live longer and smarter, makes you chose better partner.

Yeah they are all petty pretty, the ugly ones just die of exhaustion watching him.

OK we have a weakness... we don't like aliens... That alien is taboo, ok? We don't know her. Actually Naruto to our knowledge ends here :

"Did you sleep well?"

mermay alucard i accidentally put more effort than intended oh well

yes theres 3 animals in there

A Night for Hunting Ch. 13 -Stargazers in Romania

T/W: Alucard (Ultimate) x F!Reader, sexual harassment, romance, some angst and then fluff, courtship, the 'great outdoors' @alastorhazbin On AO3 Words: 4231

Thank you for your patience while my husband and I went for our LONG-awaited honeymoon! It was everything we needed and more! EXHAUSTED from it and the catching up with life once we got home. Excited to write another ‘dating’ chapter for our favourite comfort vampire! Even he deserves some happiness. Forgive any formatting errors and typos. This chapter was half-written on my phone during our flights and train rides. Partially inspired by the glorious mountain landscapes during hikes on my own honeymoon.

You took your hand from the glass and turned from the pitch black nothingness outside towards your company.

”Did you know, when I said I’d like to see your old homeland one day, I wasn’t asking to be packed onto a plane in the middle of the night again for a vacation to Romania?”

Alucard sat across from you with his legs crossed bearing a face-splitting grin, twirling a glass of wine. You rode together in a luxury SUV, with wide plush seats and a privacy screen separating you from the driver.

Glittering feline eyes roamed your exposed legs and shoulders with an appreciative glint. "Your night clothes suit you well. How would you like to move in with me and be my home chef and meal partner?" The grin got too wide for his face.

You choked on spit with a sputter that sent you into a hacking fit. Bristling with indignity at the chauvinistic comment, you retorted after regaining your wits, "And what kind of 'stay-at-home chef' would I be?" You crossed your arms high over your chest to provide coverage that the lacy nightgown didn't to shield yourself from King 'Leer.' The shameless brute licked his lips as he stared pointedly at your core, hidden behind your crossed legs.

Swine!

He sipped the burgundy drink.

Riling you up was ever the game for the royal arse… although… perhaps you did purchase these clothes hoping to wear them for the vampire one night. Oops...secret's out. You glanced up in horror.

Alucard's eyes were nearly slits with the self-congratulatory smirk as he maintained the lecherous leer.

ARGH! HE REALLY WAS READING YOUR MIND! Why did he have no concept of privacy?! Get out!

He chortled merrily at your plight.

The dog insisted on landing at Bucharest Airport before departing by car to wherever the destination was, but if you had to guess, it’d be somewhere of great sentimental value to him. Why didn’t he simply make some jet pilot take you there directly? Inconveniencing others was well within his usual mode of operation.

You sulked. Would you ever bring this arrogant, irreverent man to heel?

"You would prefer I cradle you while I bring us to our destination at speed instead?” He asked smugly, forcing you to remember the last time he stole you away for a 'date,' and you grit your teeth.

He continued speaking. "This is not a Catholic land, so there was no issue with Integra granting transportation assistance." The legs of the wine trailed sluggishly down the sides of the glass after he took another sip.

What do the Catholics have to do with anything? Denmark was not heavily into Catholicism either, but it wasn't like Alucard's words always needed to make sense. He spoke in riddles, but was correct in assuming you’d rather sit comfortably while you were chauffeured instead of getting tossed around mid-air.

"And you also didn't have to scare my friend off again like that to get me on the plane earlier," you complained, referring to the neighbour who had a crush on you. Alucard was with you in shadow when he appeared and invited you over for a movie. The vampire silently turned to murky sludge and hovered behind you to stare the mortal down from his solidified spectral-state, which you only realized after the man ran away screaming.

"Insolent boy. Your brave young suitor had already forgotten so quickly and required a reminder." His voice was butter, but 'brave' sounded more like he was referring to the guy’s stupid audacity when Alucard spat out the word. “He was fortunate I did not end him.”

You huffed at the needless territorial display as if Alucard was a beast in rut. At least the ‘insolent boy’ was human, and any human relationship would make more sense than what you and the vampire have. Being with Alucard will not be easy. You were stuck on how to present your relationship to the world. Alucard did not expect you to cut your ties to the human world to be with him, so you kept up with visiting with family. He was not someone you should introduce to them (neither had he pushed for this), even if they kept pestering you about who's making you smile. You were different species and thoughts about the future were fraught with obstacles.

The heat in his gaze was different from earlier. The vampire stared unblinkingly, still as a statue. He was far too bold to only steal glances in your direction and it was at times difficult to keep looking at him. That otherworldly gaze was too knowing, his unnatural beauty so striking. You observed the perfect facial symmetry, the angular cut of his jaw and the unblemished skin that was smoother than white marble and just as cold.

Gulping, you looked away first, as always. He was equally stunning in his other forms. You never managed to figure out what Alucard said to you back then. Romanian was such a foreign tongue and the phrases he uttered were so short, they were over before you knew it. You didn't even have the first idea of what words to put through a translator.

He had been silent for the last while, gazing out the window with a wistful expression. You turned your attention to the darkness outside and wondered what he saw. Only the occasional flash of light from buildings raced by to illuminate the scenery, which was also punctuated by periodic street lights. You flipped your gaze back at the soft, forlorn look on his face and frowned.

Then you were passing through a sparsely populated city. Barely even a town by your standards. From time to time, antique structures came into view that were prettily lit, but they were mostly spaced out by homes, open roads, and what you assumed to be countryside. Quaint. You could feel the passage of time as you drove by. 

You took the opportunity to scrutinize Alucard further while he wasn't paying attention. His face was propped up on a fist, dimpling his cheek around the lip like it would with humans. Despite the luminescent crimson eyes and the hint of fangs behind his lips, the resemblance was startling. At first glance, the vampire's appearance really was breathtaking. It was almost enough to make you believe in Lucifer, the most beautiful fallen angel. When coupled with his unsettling demeanour and haunting aura, everything about him was just wrong and it set you off.

You were entering the city proper now, into a residential area littered with small street shops. Bright red roofs adorned pale buildings. The additional light allowed you to see him better.

The longer you spent with him, the more apparent it became that the vampire wasn't wholly terrifying. Neither was he an empty beauty without substance. Time and again, he proved his merits –he was well-read and open to delving into the more modern series that you enjoyed, then held engaging conversations regarding those works. He was interested in your opinions about happenings around the world, whether those were political or not, and partial to discussion, frequently providing well-rounded and thoughtful old man insight.

His charisma was such that you were unable to remain angry with him despite his frequent indecorous words and outrageous actions. Nope, you weren't only interested in Alucard for his good looks, you told yourself.

"Studying me?" His eyes curled with levity as his gaze found yours again. "I was human."

"I know that," you muttered. "You're just… unlike anyone I'd ever imagined myself involved with."

"Hn. There is no one else quite like myself." He returned to his surveillance of his former home.

Again with the ego.

The vehicle made a slight right turn to leave the boulevard behind and a sea of lights flooded your vision. You whirled to see what the source was. History was before you. A series of partially crumbled stone walls lined the path, culminating in a massive tower sitting atop a squat, square base.

“What are those buildings?” You asked with excitement as you twisted in the seat to see the vampire smiling lightly at you.

“You are looking at the old Royal Court and Turnul Chindiei (Sunset Tower),” he stopped, lost in thought.

He lifted a lock of your hair and let his fingers run down its length before he finally kept speaking. You weren’t ready. 

"I was in Somerset recently on an assignment. Little one, I created a new fledgling... a police girl." Vermilion pinned you intently, making you squirm, but nothing hit harder than the shock as the meaning of his words settled in. You gasped.

The mood shifted abruptly.

There was another woman, a virgin whom he drank from. You sat silently with disbelief, at a loss for words, but should you have felt that way? Who did you think you were? As if you were the only one he'd ever have? Or even special? The jealousy that spilled into your mind and tainted your thoughts was instinctive and uncontrollable. Rage at his betrayal battled with unspeakable hurt. Why were you surprised at this confession when your partner was basically a Demon God, who could have anyone he wanted for himself? Tears came to your eyes. It was only mere months ago that he offered you a place by his side, and now he gave it so easily to another?!

"Little human, nothing has changed between us."

LIES. You couldn't even speak as your mind spiralled somewhere darker with your pain. Every cheater made excuses. How could he do this? Why was he telling you this now as he took you somewhere out of the country, where you'd be reliant on him? That was the intent.

Your companion was quiet with the guilt of his admission. No...you brushed away the stray tears that fell with the back of your hand and looked again. He was wearing the face he made whenever he was being affectionate with you. It was so tender.

You didn’t want to look at him anymore.

The tension was thick as the vehicle continued towards your destination without you replying to his previous words. You sobbed and scrubbed away more liquid salt. He gave you space. You let him into your home and fed him! You looked forward to his visits even without him doing those things to you because you enjoyed his company! You hiccuped while thinking back to all that transpired between you.

You were a grown woman and not some freshly pubescent teen. 

Neither did you fall into romantic relationships easily. Despite his many shortcomings, you chose your vampire for a reason and Alucard had not yet given you one to regret your decision. You two were stronger than this.

Why...? You nearly asked him. But as you recalled his behaviour earlier, the answer was right in front of you. You’ve known for a very long time. You thought back to his longing expression as he stared out at the Romanian countryside and how he lost his human life an eternity ago. Alucard was immortal and you did not agree to stay by his side forever. This time it was your turn to see through him. Your ancient vampire was lonely beyond words.

Your chest ached as you snivelled.

"Even now, you weep for me?" He whispered, pulling you into his lap to hold. How was it possible for the pure-hearted like yourself to exist in this disgusting world? To remain untainted despite everything, including being with him.

“What does this mean for us?”

“I have a duty to my fledgling until she matures into a full vampire, but I will continue to visit albeit with less frequency. You are my darling little one and nothing will ever change that, no matter what the future may bring.”

It was impossible to shake the feeling of uncertainty about yourself, but you were the one Alucard came back to for years. You pressed a soft kiss to cool lips and relaxed into your lover's embrace before twining your arms around his torso. Again you accepted him as he was. Vampire and human sat quietly together, providing tranquil comfort to each other in their mutual pain.

“Unless you want to come with me.”

You glanced up through wet eyes at the sudden comment with a confused look.

“Sweet, I meant it, come live with me at Hellsing.”

--------------------

Centuries had passed and though his city had modernized, the land itself was unchanged. Those were the same peaks and cliffs, the same game trails and twists in the river. The landmarks he used in his last life to mark the way remained as they were.

His human was wondering where the two of you were headed as you stumbled after him before bouncing off his back when he came to a stop. He steadied you with a gloved hand. “We will camp here. I will bring you sustenance and you will rest the night.”

“We are only going to be eating and sleeping tonight?” 

“Is there more you would prefer?” The teasing was obvious in his tone.

Extracurricular activities were not what you were insinuating. Of course a vampire would take any opening to veer the conversation towards sex. Seduction was in his nature and this vampire would gladly accept any opportunity to lay between your legs.

As with the first time he abducted you for an overseas date, Alucard had provided clothes appropriate for the autumn weather. You were too glad to cover yourself from his lustful gaze.

“Tomorrow we will make for Poenari. It will not be an easy walk for you.”

You perked up at last and fixed a saucy Cheshire grin his way. “Oh? You’re bringing me to your old castle for a date and you’re letting me hike during the day? You’re almost being romantic and sweet.” 

The vampire was flippant. "Your feeble human eyes cannot see any of the land's splendor in the night." 

Your smirk turned sour. "Gee thanks." 

--------------------

Something was approaching, dragging across the ground with a steady, rhythmic murmur that made the foliage rustle. It sounded similar to… your heart stopped. Could it be a ghoul?! 

You rushed to your feet and tottered backwards as you seeked your vampire’s presence for protection immediately. No twin scarlets were to be seen. You were alone in the middle of nowhere in Romania with barely any moonlight. Nothing except blackness and the symphony of nature after dark for company. 

Alucard?! 

A million thoughts raced through your mind. This mountainous place was inhospitable to a city dweller such as yourself. It was frigid at night. The insects surviving in this weather wanted to gorge themselves on you along with other predators that were certainly present in land this wild. The surroundings were teeming with cliffs and a single misstep could lead to your demise, though there was water all the way down there. If you somehow made it through the night, the sun would likely scorch you too. Hell, even with GPS, you could still find yourself lost at times in London.

But nevermind any of that right now! What if a ghoul was stalking you?! There was no way you’d survive by yourself. 

Alucard?! You threw the thought out there again in panic with a head full of doom. Where was he? You trusted the vampire enough to accompany him to his homeland. How could he abandon you in the woods like this, even if his absence was probably intended to be brief?

“I recall you enjoy venison.” The Shadow King cleared the vegetation hauling a dead deer by a leg. Glowing orbs watched the tension dissipate from your posture. You let out a sigh of relief at the sight of your scary vampire.

When did he leave to hunt a deer? Mere seconds had passed. How quickly could he kill something…

“Did you truly believe I would leave you to be devoured by lesser predators? You are mine.” 

Your lips flapped.

He took a seat and began to butcher the animal, staring into your eyes as he skinned it. Blood pooled under the vampire. You cringed as he flayed it open, then expertly cleaved and dismantled the body into neat quarters –legs and ribs. He let the innards drop from the body cavity into their own pile. A campfire assembled itself. The knife passed through the carcass with practiced hands repeatedly, turning it into proper cuts which he cooked over fire before offering you the best strips. 

You accepted his offerings with thanks, but stayed hyper-aware of the surroundings. You believed yourself unafraid of the dark, but outdoors, everything set you off –the sounds of nature abounded with rustling branches, even the howling wind was more sinister. Your eyes darted around and you peeked behind with worry as he continued grilling your meal. 

Scuttering closer to the vampire, you whispered, "What was that? Did you hear that?" 

"Only animals humping in the undergrowth." His expression was full of amusement as his hands stopped for a moment. "Night is my domain. I will provide for you, little one, so that you may relax and enjoy yourself. I told you before that you are safe when you walk the night with me." 

Licking your lips, you looked at Alucard with wide, worried eyes, even when you knew it to be true. So you stayed in close proximity to your protector. Strange. Normally, you were a feast for nasty critters and mosquitoes once the sun set. Up against him like this, there was nothing. It seemed even the most insignificant lifeforms knew to steer clear of this creature, even more so than with the fire. 

It crackled and dancing shadows flickered through the clearing, the resulting light throwing those regal features into sharp contrast. Fragrant aromas of meat cooking mingled with the sounds of snapping and sizzling. You watched one another eat. The inky pool –blood from the deer– was trailing towards Alucard and disappeared into him. Somehow it was natural to you, even mesmerizingly intimate to watch him drink.

Crack!

You launched into his arms with a terrified squeak as he once again laughed at your jumpiness. You scrambled to sit upright against him, not leaving his side only because you didn’t feel like feeding biting insects anymore. It wasn’t because you needed his proximity in this frightening gloomy forest.

Alucard was warm. He felt most alive when he was with you, almost like a normal person. He tilted your chin and leaned in. “You scaredy cat. I suppose you will have to follow me into the dark,” he noted with a faint grin.

“For this trip only!” you quipped. Picking up a piece of cooked venison, you shoved it between his lips. “Now shush.” Then you settled in on your side next to Alucard with your head on his thigh.

The melody of rushing water far below soothed away your fears and the clarity of the night sky allowed the stars to peer through. A billion pinpricks of light witnessed a pair of Stargazers alone in the world, one red and one white. 

You sighed with contentment as your eyelids grew heavy. Drooping, you caught yourself and tried to ward off the sleep. 

“I am watching. Sleep.” The rumbling baritone left you in a daze.

“But what about you? I’ll be okay…” your head lolled the other way.

Cool fingers took your chin. "I do not require sleep. Much less would I do so at night. Prideful little human, rest." 

The flames licked at the chill air. Warmth and security suffused you as you drifted unconscious on a belly filled with the food your lover prepared, your head cradled by his lap. Your vampire remained by your side the entire night to watch over you.

--------------------

You woke to soft petting massaging your scalp and weaving through your locks.  Lifting your head from its comfortable pillow, bleary eyes found the first signs of dawn on the horizon and you were grateful for some visibility at last. The twinkling stars faded into hiding for the day once again.

After washing up with the water Alucard brought, his palm landed once more on the crown of your head. 

"My little human,” he crooned. 

You looked away shyly and smiled to yourself at his sweet nickname of habit for you, making quick work of tying the scarf around your neck. 

“Come.” He led you uphill through the dark until the row of giant conifers broke apart.

The scent of fresh pine filled your nose and you gasped as the subtle rays of sun revealed the misty splendor below. You two were perched by the edge of a cliff that plunged to unseen depths. Fortunately the heights and narrow ledge did not cower you –there was no way Alucard brought you all the way here only to let you tumble to your death. What took your breath away was the formidable castle ruins below nestled in a blanket of rolling peaks and valleys that were fed by a winding river. Wisps of mist floated by, shrouding tracts of the dramatic slopes in mystery, a living painting of epic proportions. 

Wow. 

“Your country is beautiful, Alucard. It's so magical I almost don't want to hike down and lose this view.”

“Isn't it splendid?” He grinned. Was that pride in his face? He stood there glowing in the ambient light like a seraph, quietly staring out at the ravine before he turned to you with a gleam behind orange lenses. “I suppose daybreak too possesses its own charms much like twilight,” he added. 

You smiled fondly at his words, mentally somersaulting with happiness from this concession, before turning your attention to this banquet for the senses that demanded to be committed to memory.

As the sun climbed the horizon, the veil of mist gradually receded and the shadows were beaten back, casting the land in dreamy golds and pastel beauty. Boundless nature surrounded you from each direction, backlit by pink and orange skies. 

The heavens slowly brightened and the fiery mirage of the spectacular autumn foliage came into sharp focus. A pair of falcons soared the rosy sea above and screamed their shrill cries to each other. You pondered the hike through such extravagance, immediately deciding it would be worth the brutal terrain.

You got as close to the ledge as you dared, as if being mere inches closer would help with absorbing the experience better. Yet how often did a mere mortal get to be this close to divinity? Your eyes sparkled with glee as you unknowingly clutched his sleeve with one hand while you edged over. Alucard sensed your awe as you took in the grandeur of heaven and earth –your parted lips and wide eyes were a testament to your wonder. His gaze skimmed your delicate features, pausing to narrow his eyes as they focused upon your lips, so soft and luscious they begged his attention.

He was aware you were self-conscious when with him in public. Thus you enjoyed his company most when you were alone out in nature together, far from civilization with no one else present to stare at you as a couple. No prying eyes or uninvited whispers. Such trivial matters, but the King preferred for you to savour your time with him, as he with you, without your unwarranted concerns detracting.

You caught him staring. The brazen vampire did not pretend to be doing anything but. He was taken by your curious, trusting expression, your foot right at the rim of the cliff with no more room for folly. Another step and you would fall to your proverbial death. But you came here with Alucard. He was your safety net. You leaned into him and met his lips gently. Cupping his face with both hands, your thumb trailed down that nose which always pokes your cheek as you kiss. He nuzzled you with it and exhaled with a faint rumble. If anyone told you a few years ago that you’d be watching the sunrise at Dracula’s castle with the accursed demon himself, you’d have laughed in their faces.

The remnants of the fabled castle loomed over a narrow ravine, imposing and severe. You studied the buses rolling in from a much higher vantage point. There were many more people than you expected milling about. Probably tourists. They were tiny and distant enough to resemble ants. So distant, they might as well not exist. 

You smiled and curled into a king's embrace with a million subjects at your feet, composed of ancient evergreens and the flaming kaleidoscope of deciduous reds, oranges, and yellows. The breeze rustled the royal mantle that was his duster and it swayed gently. His tresses framed his features with silk as the light of day hit his eyes. 

Everything was perfect whenever this vampire swept you away. Alucard had a way of making it seem as though you were the only ones in the world and it belonged solely to you and him. Your problems were just as far away and non-existent as the people below.

The warmth of the blazing palette inspired a giddy optimism and it blossomed in your gut. What would the future with Alucard bring? You weren't sure either, but you knew as long as you were together, it felt as though nothing could come between you.

~To Be Continued~

Next Chapter: Interlude II

Notes: Yes, Alucard takes her down there and they hike to the castle together with a magnificent autumn backdrop. He shows her around the ruins of his castle and lets drop a few memorable snippets of his old life. The parts of the trip through the past (passing through Targoviste and the castle) are partially for himself and not her. A reminder to himself of how he failed (his perspective) his people. But I didn’t feel up to (or want to) getting into all that and felt this was a good place to end the chapter.

The chapter is my little attempt at symbolism. Alucard is revisiting his old life's transgressions and failures and putting them aside to watch the sunrise with his Reader. He is a creature of the night, but even if he detests the sun and believes himself beyond redemption, the light he found in her was beautiful and he has hope for a new beginning with her as they grow ever closer. And in floral language, red is for romance and white is for innocence. You may cringe now.

Alucard is lonely AF in his immortality and Seras was a spur of the moment turn for him when the opportunity arose during an assignment. He didn’t expect her to refuse his blood to become free of servitude. Reader however, is the one who he truly wants at his side, even if it isn't for eternity. He wants her to come to the decision to turn willingly.

Ahem, what the vampire king finds romantic can be different from a ‘normal’ person, but he wanted to take care of her. That was what I was trying to get across. Yup he sliced and diced a dead animal into pieces while looking into her eyes, telling her she’s his, getting massively bled on, and then slurped up the blood that was soaked into the earth. #LetHimCook (not dropping Sukuna references here, nope!)

A Night for Hunting Poll

I was staring at a pic of Vladcard and then BOOM! Horny! The mind started running with a potential Interlude 3, I'm thinking for Ch.18. If people aren't interested, I'll just keep my fantasy to myself and let it run wild.

You can't look at Madara and tell me he isn't a cat person. What a pussy magnet mmm

My boy... I... I’m... killing my boy. Lisa, I’m killing our boy. We painted these walls... we made these toys... It’s our boy, Lisa. Your greatest gift to me... and I’m... killing him. I must already be dead.

Closeups and bg info below 👇

—

Ivan the Terrible was the first Tsar of all of Russia with his reign lasting from 1533-1584. While he greatly expanded Russia’s territory during his life, he was also a tyrant who ruled with an iron fist. His life is complex and filled with many tragic and traumatizing events which likely led to his fits of paranoia, rage, and mental instability, though they by no means excuse his heinous actions, one of which, was the death of his son by his own hand.

When I first saw the original painting I was struck by the sheer emotion within it. Grief, regret, shame, terror, all of it is clearly expressed in Ivan’s expression. The once powerful ruler now small and powerless to stop the events that he set in motion. I like to think that Dracula felt similar emotions at the end of S2 of Castlevania and wanted to explore an alternate ending where, instead of our heroes emerging battered and triumphant, things went horribly wrong. It was also a fun way to bring back the family portrait I did as an Easter egg in the bg.

Castlevania never ceases to be a source of inspiration for me and I hope to create more art based off of it in the future. ❤️

Light, pure light penetrated me. The contrast put me into haze. I didn’t recover my past sight, I increased it to a point close to enchantment. I saw the rays of light, in millions different shades of gold caressing her face in shock. When she moved her hands to cover her mouth, it was the most delicate movement I ever witnessed in my life. With a fluidity and a detail the Mangekyou Sharingan could never reached, I saw her gaze watching my previous eye in the sink, the second one on the floor, then coming back to my face. She repeated the same path two times and then she picked up what had happened. Still mesmerizing, I saw her face changing in horror and fainted. I could have catch her before her fall. But the new clarity of my sight left me absolutely stun. Everything was beyond wonder. Why did it never strike me before? Right now, in the bathroom floor she was so beautiful, so beautiful…

Madara Golden Age, Chapter 1 : Prologue