individual summary: Of the things I've imagined doing for this family's head, washing their hair was never one of them. Serving a lovely young woman had not been anything I'd ever expected either, so I suppose it goes with the territory.

a/n: This began as a much smuttier plot bunny, but turned into quite a different animal when I sat down to write it. Writing first person from Alucard's point of view is always an adventure.

"Hair Care and Affairs"

Integra was a strange creature when it came to her hair. She occasionally complained about its bothersome length, yet she steadfastly refused to do more than trim it. Though she's never said as much out loud, Integra views it as a symbol of her femininity. It's an adorably naïve notion. My master could wear a burlap sack and her womanhood would still be gloriously evident.

It was to my surprise, when once I'd leeringly offered to wash it for her, Integra had turned to me with an appreciative expression. 'Would you really?' Of the things I've imagined doing for this family's head, washing their hair was never one of them. Serving a lovely young woman had not been anything I'd ever expected either, so I suppose it goes with the territory.

Unfortunately the chore turned out to be quite a lot less pleasant than I'd envisioned. She insisted on wearing a bathing suit of all fucking things and ordered that I remain clothed. At the time we'd just begun to explore the intimacy of our bond and perhaps I'd hoped it a flimsy excuse to get some uninterrupted private time. However I can't complain. She looks amazing under the water's spray,

On this morning she summoned me much earlier than usual. Integra's turmoil of emotions intrigued me. I found her waiting in her bathroom. She still wore simple pajamas. Even more intriguing. Integra sat on the lip on the tub and stared at her naked feet. She was scowling and I felt my curiosity deepen into concern. When she looked up, Integra's eyes were wide and her expression strange. I tried to recall if she'd had a nightmare.

"Master?" I queried.

She didn't say a word, just rose and crossed to stand in front of me. Her eyes searched my face as she began to slowly untie my cravat. I was rooted to the spot, amazed by what she was doing. She began to unbutton my suit and I was physically incapable of stopping her. I've wanted this for so long. We both have, and even if good sense told me to push her away, there was no chance I'd miss this. I wanted to understand what was happening here.

She made quick work of getting me stripped to the waist. I was too afraid to speak and interrupt her fierce concentration. Her hands were hot against my skin and I shivered. For the first time since I walked through the door, Integra smiled fondly.

"You're beautiful," Integra told me softly. "I knew you would be."

I raised my eyebrows. She was hardly stingy with praise, but it was usually limited to compliments on good behaviour or a mission well completed. Anyway, I was no stranger to her attraction. Integra's eyes have been lingering over me since she'd turned fifteen. Yet it still was strange to hear it aloud.

"Oho, is that what so troubled you? Whether or not my naked body would be pleasing to the eye?" I teased.

Integra shook her head and gave me a rueful half smile. "No. I was anxious that you'd stop me."

I was a bit startled by her insight. Though I've never discouraged or fought her affection, I'd never really pursued Integra either. I am happy to be at her service, no matter what form it comes.

"What right do I have to deny my master any single thing that she pleases?" I shrugged slightly.

Integra scoffed a little as she stepped back from me. She unbuttoned her top and I watched with horror and fascination as she slipped it off. Her body was utterly perfect, radiating with latent power and innocent sensuality. If she would let me, I'd happily map out entire countries on her tawny skin. With lips, tongue, fingertips, whatever she wished for.

My master laughed suddenly, a loud, somewhat harsh sound that echoed with the room's acoustics. "Don't tell me you're waiting for a signed invitation?"

So I kissed her. Long, slow, and quite thoroughly. The heat of Integra's body seemed to burn where our skin touched. A fine way to be immolated. She was soft and sweet and would likely ruin me. I kissed her neck, trailed my tongue down her chest, and claimed a dusky nipple. She moaned when I sucked it, rolled the other one between thumb and forefinger, and if I was destroyed right then and there, I'd die without a single regret. Her skin tasted tangy from sweating faintly in her slumber. Integra's arousal was a heady perfume I dearly hoped to get more familiar with. She clutched my hair and did not tremble but writhed.

Much too soon Integra began to push me away. I sighed regretfully, but was mollified by her small, mischievous smile. She turned away, pulled down her pants, and stepped out of her underwear. The very sight of her laid bare before my eyes left me raw, wanting, and utterly devastated. I knew I was well and truly lost. For a single touch of her flesh, I'd raise armies, for a kiss I'd crawl through hell without a bit of hesitation.

"We still have the business of my hair, you know," Integra chuckled as she looked over her shoulder slyly.

"How unfortunate," I drawled.

"Indeed," Integra replied with mock seriousness. She stepped into the bathtub, pulled the curtain shut, and turned on the taps.

As I waited for her to adjust the water temperature, Integra suddenly popped her head around the curtain. I swear I recognized myself in her wicked grin and leering gaze.

"Oh and Alucard? Do forgo the rest of your clothing."

She held my gaze and arched a playful eyebrow. I laughed and started mentally composing an itemized list of all the ways I could make her sob with pleasure.

Finis.