"Eternity" - By: Smarky.

Rating: PG-13

Fiction Type: Dark Fic.

Integra's POV/Alucard x Integra pairing.

I always told him that eternity was too long to spend with him. I believed it for so long. I had to in order to control the temptations that coursed through my body every time he presented me with the offer of his blood. It was so alluring ... but I managed to resist each and every instance where he would try to lead me astray into a life at his side. But, I was always so sure that he knew that I wanted to accept ...

It's funny the things that will go through your mind when you find out you're about to die. I suppose for most people, they would think of their family members and loved ones --- what they'd do without them. But, you see, my thoughts were focused solely upon my Organization. It's kind of sad to admit that, but it's the truth. What would Hellsing do without a leader? Would it crumble? Or am I just a figurehead behind a desk? I would like to think I'm that important that the first option would be true, but I'd rather the second be the one to transpire.

I remember the first time I hung on the edge of death. He was there with me the whole time. When I awoke, he was gone from the room, but he still rang within my mind. He had shown me so many things ... occurrences that had drifted to the recesses of my mind over the years, but had never been forgotten. He made he want to continue on, and it seemed as if I had overcame these injuries.

Then, came the infection. During my imprisonment within the Tower of London, I received less than satisfactory medical care. It started out with small aches within the festering wound, but when it turned in an array of colors along the incision and putrid discharge, I knew something was wrong. At last, it got to the point where I could barely breathe and the guards sought out medical attention for me. And there he was again ... nothing more than a shadow in the corner that only I could pick out.

It's humiliating what's happening to me. I can survive a stab wound, yet it will be nothing more than an infection that kills me. Then again, Hellsings don't tend to live long. I just ... I just wish I could have had more than twenty-three years. Even now I can feel my breathing growing shallow. My head aches ... I don't know how much longer I can hold out. I don't want to die.

I feel a pressure on my hand. It's cold ... freezing, even. I wonder for a moment if it's the grim reaper coming to whisk me off into oblivion. But then I see those fiery embers burning at me like beacons in the darkness of the room. I give his hand a tight squeeze. I'm so fearful now ... more so than I've ever been, but his presence makes everything better.

I can feel the chill beginning to take over to me as my vision fades into a shade as red as his coat. I'm ... I'm leaving. If only I could tell him! If only I had another minute to confess ... that made eternity isn't too long. Maybe it's just long eno-