Alluring Nightmare (Alucard x Reader)

Fresh Start

Today is your first day in London, you moved from a small town called Suffolk. You enjoyed your life there but felt the need to move to a larger, busier city. You managed to move everything yourself into the small yet quaint apartment, the move was easy because you prefer a simple life with as little clutter as possible. The apartment was a one bedroom since you lived alone there wasn't need for anything larger. It was the perfect size for your full-sized bed, five drawer dresser, and a small clothes rack. Boxes were left unpacked and you felt like you couldn't rest until your clothes were hung up and allowed to breathe. You pulled all of your clothes out of a large box by their hangers and you quickly hung them up and spread them so they weren't touching. The smell of clean clothes was something you enjoyed and you wanted to make sure that your first move was going to be as stress free as possible. The evening sun castes a bright like in your bedroom and you couldn't help but look outside through your large bedroom window, it was still early in the day but you felt like you were quickly losing time to unpack. The kitchen, living room, and bathroom were already unpacked but the rush came from deep within because you wanted to explore the large city. You ultimately decided to let the rest of the boxes wait for when you came back, your stomach was growling and your desire to soak in the new sites was driving you to put off what you dreamed necessary.
You had small beads of sweat rolling down your face and you decided that you needed to change and freshen before going out into the crowds. You flicked through your clothes and decided that a thin, light tan turtle neck sweater that hugged your curves was perfect for your venture. You left your skinny jeans on because they were still clean, but you decided to use your favorite perfume and brush your teeth before heading out. You grabbed your purse and keys and left your apartment and ventured down the road to the center of London. The bustle of London captured your thoughts and your eyes widened taking in all of the scenery. The London Eye stretched to the sky and was slowly turning in the distance, the blue lights had started to brighten the sky as the day started to shorten. Making your way to the closest restaurant you couldn't help but notice that they were hiring and decided it was a perfect opportunity to root yourself to your new home. The restaurant was small but it smelled of all the mixed foods. Stopping to gaze at the menu, the man behind the counter started a conversation with you, snapping you out of your thoughts.
"You must be new around here," the robust man smiled from ear to ear and his crows feet etched deep within his gesture. "This is my first time seeing you here, where are you from, Dear?" His questioning brown eyes glowed at you and he didn't break his smile, your emotions were on guard because you weren't sure if he was honest with kindness.
"I'm from Suffolk, I decided that I needed a change in venue", you smiled back at him and swallowed out of nervousness. You wanted to inquire about the job but his voice and friendliness made you nervous.
"What's your name?" He broke the silence with the question as he put his hand towel on the counter and leaned on the counter with his hands. His wide shoulders and large arms seemed to burst through his rather too tight of a shirt. The mans face was clean shaven and his chestnut brown hair was combed back. Your thoughts drifted to an old friend you had made a few years ago.
Shaking your head from your thoughts, you answered, "My name is (y/n)," you beamed at him while swallowing your heart back down into your chest so you could muster the courage to ask him your question. Shakily you asked "I see you're looking for-"
The man cut you off with a booming laugh and leaned on the counter to bring his body closer to you, causing you to turn red. He cockily smiled, "I'd be glad to hire you, when do you think you'll be ready to start? You'd be a perfect fresh face around here." The man put his right hand to his face and rested on his elbow, the back of his hand pressed into his strong jaw.
     Out of nervousness you looked back up at the menu, you already had your answer but there was something about the man that made you uncomfortable. Your thoughts drifted again as you wanted your anxiety to simmer down, the skin in your cheeks were heating up and you weren't sure why. "I'll be able to start working in two days, unless you want an interview," you looked down from the sign and met his eyes with yours. "I just moved into my apartment today, I'd appreciate to have a full day to myself." Recuperating was something that was necessary for your life and your health. It was easy for you to become relaxed, but the problem was being faced with new situations. The man in front of you was new, a new face that you might have to familiarize yourself with.
     The man relaxed his face and gently said "I understand, I'm sorry for getting away with myself. I'm used to dealing with customers and having to be a good voice and an attractive face. I'll do my best to help you feel at home here, just make sure to leave your name and number on this," he reached out to you a slip of paper and a pen. Taking the pen and paper, you scribble your information down and slide the items back to him. "I'm sure an interview won't be necessary, but if you don't mind showing up a little early I'll be glad to show you around the back here. My name is William, a mundane name but easy to find on those key chains," he said while chuckling.
     William stretched his hand out to greet you and you shake his warm hand. "Thank you William for this chance." Being so close to this man you could smell the flour that clung to his clothes, you questioned what sorts of food he would have you make, or if you would talk to customers. You looked back up at the menu remembering that you wanted to order something and noticed that one of your favorite foods was listed. Breaking the hand you glance back down to notice that his eyes were searching your body, yet you didn't feel alarmed. "I also came here to order food, I'd like the (favorite dish). It's something I would often make for myself back at home and I'd like to see how you make it," you say smiling at him.
     William coughs and straightens himself up, his tall frame makes you feel fragile. "I'll be more than happy to. I must add, I think you'll be perfect to greet the customers. A good face like yours and a gentle voice...you might just be better at it than me." William turned around and walked back to prepare your food. You exhaled and felt a sense of relief, his presence was too much for you to handle right now. Taking the opportunity to finally take in the restaurant, you sat down in a booth and searched your surroundings. The walls were adorned with abstract prints, there were booths lined against two of the walls and smaller tables filled the middle of the floor with matching chairs. The smaller chairs didn't clutter the walkway from the entrance to the counter where you were just talking to William. There were two large windows on both sides of the entrance door, each had a sign advertising the restaurant. There was a soda machine that was at the end of the counter that offered various drinks, including water and alcoholic beverages. There were four small, simple chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, and a large floor fan next to the door that pushed circulated the air around the sitting area.
    Feeling a stab of discomfort in your chest, you now thought about how perfect this place would be for you to work at because it'd allow you to meet new people and become accustomed to the area. The restaurant seemed to be popular, with a handful of customers coming in during your wait. William used the same charm he first used on you, with the customers. His smiled beamed and his smooth words seemed to work with the customers, your anxiety towards the man seemed to dissipate yet there was an emotion revealed that you didn't quite understand. A bell dinged which drew his attention and moments later he walked to where you were seated and gently slid your plate in front of you.
"Be careful, dear, the plate is hot. If there is anything that you want, don't be scared to ask." He stood there for a few moments in case you had something to say, his gentle smile never lessening.
"Thank you, but I have everything that I need, I haven't eaten all day and this looks amazing." You smile back to the man as he gives you a slight bow and walks back to the counter to wait on more customers. The time spent there while you ate your meal seemed to slip past you quickly. The sun sank in the sky, giving way to the moon. Customers seemed to enter the building in droves, multiple families ordering large amounts of food. Secretly you enjoyed seeing the bustle and the smiles on everyone's faces, it helped you feel more at ease. It was something you rarely experienced back in your home town, the feeling of belonging with somebody and fitting like a puzzle piece was fleeting and perfect for your little world. Children held onto their parents, looked up to them, cherishing their individual carefree lives. After some time of sitting with your meal eaten, you decide to return your dish and pay for your meal.
William was already at the counter, waiting. He straightened himself up when he saw your approach and stretched his hand out to take your dish. "How was the meal, dear? I hope it compared to how you make it yourself."
Giving a small you chuckle you say "I always say that nothing can beat home cooking, but I think I was outdone. It definitely won't be my last meal here." Reaching into your purse you pull out your wallet and open it, "how much are the damages?"
At this, William laughed, "the meal is on me. All I hope is to hear from you, please consider working here, you'll be treated like family." His face was still lit up from your joke, you couldn't help but agree with his statement. After spending time in the restaurant you realized that it was something you desired.
"You know what? I agree," you said as you nodded your head and looked around. "This does feel like...family. I'll be here, that's a promise. I'll see you then, William." You shook his hand, his grip was firm yet gentle. There was something about this man that you liked.
"I'll see you then," his voice deepened, "dear." He cocked his smile, yet it was genuine because it reached eyes. Captivating. You broke the hand shake and turned to leave for the exit. Once you opened the door, cool air rushed past you. It was exhilarating and you caught yourself taking in a deep breathe to relish in the moment, a moment of freedom and a new life. The walk home in the dark made you feel a little uncomfortable, but you were confident that nothing would happen to you. Thoughts about the events today rushed around your mind and you became so lost in them that you came to your apartment without realizing it. After coming to your door, you stopped and turned around to take one last look at your surroundings and to revel in them. The scent of the crisp fresh air was something different than what was at your old home. The blue haze created by The London Eye captivated you, it made you feel like a child in a candy shop. All these little treats that seemed mundane to someone living here, was new to your eyes. You wanted to soak in every last detail of everything you saw, no matter it's importance.
Trailing your eyes down a line of trees that followed along the sidewalk, you noticed a man leaning against one. His outfit seemed a little unusual to you, but you decided that it could be normal for the people in the area. His red overcoat seemed to float in the breeze, hiding most of his body from your eyes. His raven black hair flowed around him in an unkept mess, giving him the appearance of a dark lion. His eyes were hidden from his orange circular sunglasses that glinted in the moonlight. Everything about this man was odd and captivating, even with the wide smile that seemed to reach his ears. Deer caught in the headlights. He turned his head towards you, allowing his head to tilt down so you could see his bright red eyes. Instantaneously you inhaled deeply after realizing you hadn't been breathing, it seemed that he reacted to your thoughts. The mans lips curled over his teeth as he tilted his back in laughter, revealing a row of stunningly sharp teeth.
Is this a freak, or stuff of legends? Considering what this man could be, you felt like the best thing to do was ask him. Just as you snapped out of your thoughts, he was gone. Definitely a freak. Digging into your purse for your keys, you decided the best action now was to get inside where you can be safe. You unlock the door and shed yourself of the weight on your shoulders and briskly walk to your bedroom and finish unboxing. The desire to get undressed and into bed far outweighed taking a warm bath, per usual. The night needed to end, and quickly. After having rushed around, you put on your favorite night clothes and crawl into bed, you couldn't help but notice your heart was racing. Your first day was filled with events that your mind didn't know how to decipher before you fell asleep. Trying to focus on your time spent at the restaurant proved worthless.
Every thought went back to that man. Was he real? His laugh, his laugh was very real. That laugh replayed in your mind, it chilled you to the bones, yet you felt a drive to get to know him. Perplexed. He interested you in ways nobody else had. Driving the thoughts from your mind you settled on catching some sleep before you wasted it. He might have been a figment of your imagination, it was dark outside in a place you've never been to. His eyes, though. They were sharp, and full of emotion, twisted and full of knowledge and power. His thick hair, perfect for your fingers to run through, so perfect you could almost smell his musk. His tall frame leaned against that tree so calmly, like he was made to lean there. Stop. Shaking your head and pulling your blankets over your head, you scrunched your body into a tight warm ball and exhaled, trying to focus on your heartbeat and forcing all thoughts out of your head. Tomorrow will be a new day, you thought to yourself as you quietly drifted to sleep.

Author's note: thank you readers. I must say, I recently got into the show. I've always been fascinated by Dracula, really anything fantasy. The show brought this character to me in a way I didn't expect, and I couldn't help but want to write a fanfic. I'm new to writing these sorts of things. Also, as we all know, yet don't want to admit, it's very unlikely for Alucard to really fall in love. Not impossible, so I will try to keep him as close to character as possible. I'm not sure where this journey will take me, if anybody wants to add input, it'll be perfect. Even message me. I'm always up for a chat. Well, hope you guys enjoy this.