A/N: Here it is, the last flashback chapter I've wanted to make. Mind you, it's only set a few months before he was told of his heritage, so bear with me. After this one, everything goes back on track and then I'll make the Russian family known to Hellsing and Co. There's lots of saving and fighting and conflicts within both families and all that jazz. You'll see, k? Good!
Enjoy! :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Hellsing. I own Nicholas, Priscilla, the Russian family, bla bla bla and the plot to this fic, so sue someone else.
P.S.- this is a REALLY long chapter!!
The night was peaceful enough, with trees silently moving with the breeze and all of the day creatures went to sleep and the nocturnal creatures took there place to rule the night. It was the natural balance of nature that hadn't been disturbed for centuries.
But that did not stop the two men from fighting on Hellsing grounds, behind the manor where the soldiers usually trained. All the soldiers, employees and employers had come to witness this battle and watched from safe distances as the fight grew more and more intense by the second.
The two men were battling fiercely, seeming evenly matched but none of the spectators thought that the younger one would win.
It was winter and the grounds were heavy with white, pristine snow, now muddied by the boots of soldiers and others. Pip was amongst the audience and he already knew the outcome of this brawl. He just couldn't believe the young boy would be tricked into this torture just for a silly dagger.
Alucard had made him train tirelessly for years since he was 10. As far as the gossip went, The old vampire had presented an expensive, hand-made dagger on his 8th birthday and only agreed to give the thing to him if the little child beat him at sword-fighting. The mercenary didn't think Alucard could go this far, then again he had been wrong many times before.
It wasn't a normal battle, it was sword-fighting, an old type of style used many, many centuries ago. Sword-fighting had been present in many eras but it has been modified to fit modern man's fighting.
The two men were Alucard and Nicholas. They jumped all over the grounds and dodged each other's attacks. Nick was starting to sweat and he didn't like his father's idea of 'training'. Nick deflected all the vampire's blow with speed and tried to strike back but didn't really succeed. Alucard suddenly lunged, his sword aimed straight for Nicholas's stomach.
The blond panicked and spun nimbly out of the way, the wide blade of the broadsword barely missing Nick's side. He tried to attack Alucard again, thinking that he had left his defenses open long enough for that fatal blow but he miscalculated.
Nick had slashed the sword at Alucard's arm, but the vampire anticipated his move and merely stepped aside. Although he knew his father would do this, Nicholas decided to surprise him, that is, if he could. So while he stumbled forwards after missing his target, Nick spun around and only managed to cut a small wound on the tall vampire's left shoulder. Alucard paused to look at his shoulder, amused by the tear in his coat and the small blood stain forming around it.
"This is new." He said with a large grin.
"I had to do something. I always get my ass kicked anyway." Nick explained with a drawl, swaying from foot to foot as he watched his father examine the little damage the 17 year-old had managed to inflict.
He gave Alucard a rivaling grin. "It was the only way to go down in a little bit of glory, don't you agree, Father?"
"Hmm." Alucard hummed and began to circle his opponent, smiling at the wound thoughtfully. He could feel the young blond tense up and prepare himself if the vampire would happen to strike. This amused him greatly, The boy had improved immensely since their previous and painful battles. Alucard felt a strange swelling in his chest and an over-whelming sensation course through his veins.
He was repulsed when he figured that it was pride humming through his body. Pride for this little snivelling idiot who refused to give up. The old immortal decided to wait a few more moments and almost smirked when he felt Nick's guard going down slightly. That was all he needed. Alucard leaped at him and attacked
The elder vampire grinned triumphantly as theirs swords clashed together, making a few sparks fly. Nick grit his teeth and pushed forwards as much as he could, managing to move the red-clad immortal an inch or two.
He finally thought he could beat him and this was his chance. But the sly Nosferatu flashed him an arrogant smirk that sent the blond man's blood boiling. He just hated it when Father did that!
Using the unnatural vampire strength he had kept back till now, Alucard easilyshoved back his foster-son and sent the young man tumbling into the muddy ground. Then, Alucard walked up to Nick lying on his back and placed the tip of his broadsword at his white throat.
"You lose again, boy" The raven-haired vampire laughed and watched with glee as Nick gulped, his Adam's apple gliding up and down on his exposed throat. He knew the little nitwit hated it when he called him 'boy'. It was so pleasing to watch him seethe from the inside.
"That's because you don't fight fair, you prick." Nick mumbled as he struggled to get up but the pain in his back was too much and sapped out any remaining strength he had, sending him back into the muddy snow with a soft plop.
"Watch your mouth in my presence, boy." Alucard warned with a hiss. Nick glared at his father's form towering over him like a monstrous giant but he smiled when he saw Alucard's hand suddenly in front of him. Alucard hauled his foster-son up with ease and rolled his eyes at the teenager's messy clothes and ruined hair.
"Seras is going to murder you."
"And Walter too." Nick agreed loftily, thinking about the old butler's expression when he saw the damaged blue vest and the white collared shirt and the nice, expensive grey trousers; all torn and dirty from today's duel. But he knew Walter would understand, he always did. At least, Nick thought worriedly, that he would understand this time.
"Yes, that always is a sight to see."
Nick glared at him and walked away with a huff. It was Father's bloody fault that his clothes were always ruined. It was hard enough blocking all those swipes and slashes that almost sliced and diced him! It was like Father was bent on killing him, like he wanted him to fail. But Nick knew that wasn't true.
A nurse fled towards him from the crowd. She was always present during Nick's sword fights and she always tended to his wounds. Nick smiled when he saw her running towards him, huffing and puffing all the way. Her white uniform gown swished around her ankles and her heavy, woollen pink cardigan rested on her shoulders, the sleeves flapping madly like wings.
"Oh my, oh dear! Nicholas! Are you alright?" She called out when she almost reached him. He didn't answer till she was by his side, leaning on him to catch her breath. Nicholas smiled gently down at the nurse and waited while she wheezed.
She was a terribly old woman, with hair as white as the snow, streaked with cloudy gray, tied up in a tight bun shaped like an 'S' at the nape of her neck. Her eyes were the creepiest green, strict, commanding but motherly and caring.
She was terribly short to Nick, barely coming to his elbow and was round with small, strong legs to support and carry all her weight, when she walked it was more of a waddle. Her skin was an old leathery brown with dark specks dotting her hands and arms, her face was full of worrisome wrinkles.
But her voice matched her spirit; it was a little high, spunky and with a lot of attitude. She was the typical British elderly woman. Elizabeth Cristie was a woman who gives the orders but never takes them. And he loved her very much.
"I'm fine, Liz. I'm alive, that's what's important."
"Poppycock! You're nothin' but cuts an' bruises! How shameful!" She tutted and fretted, tending to his minor scrapes. Elizabeth scolded him the whole time and Nick only replied with laughter.
Later that night, Alucard and Seras got assigned to a mission; the regular search-and-destroy mission. It wasn't far away from the heart of London. Apparently more then 50 freaks and their ghoulies have been terrorizing an industrial city, Dartford, just near Greater London. Integra wanted the job done as quickly as possible.
"And do not destroy the whole city, Alucard." She hissed at the tall vampire. He was obviously ignoring her. Seras politely swallowed her giggles and left the room silently. She still didn't know about all of her vampiric powers and she hadn't mastered them all either. She knew how to phase and teleport perfectly now but her transformation was giving her such a hard time.
But Seras wasn't worried about her well-being too much, she was worried about Nick. He had rushed into the office moments later, dragging her back in and practically begged her and Integra and Alucard to let him actually fight in the mission.
When he was just a small child, he used to accompany Seras on her missions, watching safely from Integra's own car. Even then she was terrified that her little boy would get hurt.
"May I go, Mother? Please?" He had pleaded, using those big, adorable blue eyes on her, knowing she would give in eventually. But she didn't. Then Nicholas had turned to his father whose back was facing the group. He was gazing at the picture behind Integra's desk as always and silent through the whole discussion.
"Father? You would let me go, right?"
"Yes." Alucard sounded pleased while he spoke but still he did not face them. "Maybe I will allow you to go." He could sense Nick's excitement and happiness grow as he spoke those words. The red-clad vampire grinned widely when he finished what he meant to say.
"But I won't let you go." Was the flat answer. The happiness Alucard sensed from him shattered in a million pieces of emotions and disappointment loomed over them all.
Nick's jaw fell open as he stared wide-eyed at his father's back. He was so sure that Father would let him go, to let him prove to him that Nick could fight, be a man. So why didn't he give him permission?
"You are inexperienced, Nicholas. I will not risk a rookie's blundering and constantly getting into trouble." Alucard said again, answering his silent question. His smooth voice flew over them, so serious and calm, it was like silk. It made Seras want to shudder.
He turned and stared at Seras while he explained. "It would completely ruin the mission if I had to constantly save you from the nasty little ghoulies and that big mean monster master that created them in the first place. So what help would you be then?"
The young vampire felt herself blush, remembering how many times Alucard had to save her from certain death. She cleared her throat nervously. "Alucard is right. I will not allow you to go with us. I can't guarantee complete safety."
Nicholas fumed, his cheeks turned red from anger. "I am no child. I can fight!"
"No." Alucard repeated, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed on his chest and a smile that promised pranks and murder. "You will not go."
"But--"
"Oh yes! I would love to see you in battle!" Alucard interrupted with a cold barking laugh." It would be quite entertaining to see you struggle. But you wouldn't last long. No, not against their filth." Every gaze was trained onto Alucard's face, watching his reactions while he said these words.
Nick actually started to feel afraid. The way Father talked about them sounded like that these things they fight put up a great deal of resistance and promise a lot of pain.
Seras watched Alucard lick his top lip, like a cat seeing potential dinner and she found that her hands have been twisting the material of her uniform viciously. What unnerved her the most was the area; in between her legs.
Was she being aroused by this small action of his? He only licked his lips, he looked like a downright murdering menace doing that!
"You will fight. Oh and how bravely you'll fight! But foolishly and with no tactics. You have no experience with combating these kind of undead. They have been silent for quiet a long time and now they've started reappearing again, more stronger, faster, more immortal!"
Alucard seemed to get more excited while he spoke, his eyes were wide and crazy, his grin was large, showing off all his sharp teeth. Seras gulped and edged away from the crazed vampire. He looked like a wolf, a wolf hungry for blood and flesh.
"Oh how fun it will be! Maybe I shall find a worthy opponent this time before I destroy the filth!" And cackling like a mad man, Alucard slowly melted through the floor, his black hair flapping and swishing around insanely, growing longer every second until it was sucked down through the tiled floor. Seras, Integra and Nicholas stared at the floor then at each other.
Integra sighed and automatically lit her cigar. She shuffled the papers and fiddled with the rest of the contents on her desk while the silence was still tainted by Alucard's mad laughter.
It had seemed to paralyse Seras and Nicholas to their places, neither moving a muscle. It annoyed and irritated Integra and her patience and nerves were already ice-thin because of the cackling monster who just left. The Hellsing leader broke the silence with a formal cough to clear her throat before speaking. Both Seras and her son turned eyes on her immediately.
"I will give you permission to go on this mission--" Integra began and knew that Seras was bound to jump in and protest. And she did.
"Sir Integra! He could be hurt or killed!"
"Do not interrupt me again, Seras Victoria, if you value your life." Integra said quietly, her voice calm and even. She turned her icy eyes on Seras and the young vampire automatically shivered. She could actually feel her blood turning to ice just from her gaze. Integra was even creepier then she thought. Seras gulped and closed her mouth shut and waited for the scary blonde to continue.
"As I said, I will give permission to accompany your parents on their mission. I need you there." Integra attempted a warm smile but by Nick's sudden flinch, she imagined it must've looked like Alucard's annoying smirk. She would work on that later. "I have a special task for you."
--
It takes about 48 minutes from London to Dartford. Seras got a little uncomfortable when the truck passed over Deptford Bridge but once it was over, she felt alright. Seras had never been this far outside London before. It was the Greater London, sure, but it was different. It was more like the countryside they show on television.
Seras looked nervously outside the window and smiled when she saw Greenwich from far away. The sun was going down slowly, drowning the skies in a sea of bloody red. It looked so creepy, yet so wonderful. Turning away from the small window, she glanced at the soldiers sitting around her, already loading their guns. Her crimson gaze drifted among them till they found the bouncy blonde hair of Nicholas.
He too was loading his specially made guns and looked quite serious. It frightened Seras even more. Nicholas was always carefree and smiling, goofy and childish but still a little mature for his age.
Nick was 17, Seras sighed, he's almost a man. Her little boy was going to be a man and here he was, going on a dangerous mission where most likely half the human soldiers die in the line of duty. When the young vampress sucked in a deep breath, she choked and her eyes began to burn. No, she mustn't cry in front of these men, not in front of Nicholas. But Seras was so afraid. So terrified.
Not a moment later, they arrived to their destination and the back doors of the armoured truck opened. The soldiers fled out in single file, as they were trained and took their places. Nick was the second last person to exit the truck and as he passed Seras, he paused and knelt down before her.
"Mom, don't worry."
"Don't make me hit you, Nicholas, for saying such a daft thing!" Seras tried to threaten but her voice cracked and it was hard to breathe again. Nicholas laughed. "Mother, you've never abused me, I don't think you'll start now."
"Oh, shut up."
"No, Mother." He chuckled and placed his index finger under her chin and lifted her face up so that she could look at him. "I won't shut up. Don't worry about me, I'll try and stay out of your way and certainly out of Father's way. I won't get hurt, I won't die."
Seras snorted and pushed his hand away from her face and stood up with her large cannon slung around her back. "I know. You're too stubborn to die. You're too stubborn for everything! Now stop being mushy and get your ass out there before I kick it out myself!" She ordered with a small angry pout. "Am I clear?"
Nicholas smiled at the petite vampire as his reply and jumped out of the truck and saluted his mother mockingly. "Crystal clear."
Seras jumped out of the truck as well and placed both hands on her hips, a scowl on her face. There were traces of tears being wiped away. But she had that stubborn look on her face and even if someone saw her tear stained cheeks, they never said a thing.
The whole squad made their way toward an old factory. Nick thought it was totally cliche that the vampire picked this place. Well, that's the first bit of info he got just from the scene. This scumbag had no imagination or creativity whatsoever, but that's a good thing anyway. Right?
The factory was obviously a meat factory, how ironic. They entered the building into one of the packaging rooms where the dusty machines and huge, old conveyor belts loomed over the soldiers like giant monsters and the hooks hanging from the ceiling were caked with blood, the fluid dripping steadily onto the floor in an eerie rhythm. Drip drop drip drop.
Seras signalled one group to search the overhead offices and the other to look around this area. Nicholas hugged his guns like toys, glancing at the hooks up above him. He shivered, they were recently used. That must mean the asshole who did this was still here, Or his victims were. He guessed right for just when the group separated, a hoard of massacred ghouls appeared behind the large machines and some even came from behind the conveyor belts. there was screaming and gunfire, blood was everywhere. It was horrible. Nick backed away from the fight, eyes wide and a hand over his mouth.
When he was little, he would always watch the battles from Aunt Integra's car. He always watched the gunfire, the ghouls being demolished by Seras's cannon or Alucard's Jackal. He never found it so disgusting as he should have, he thought it was similar to a video game.
Now, he watched the soldiers of their squad, fight for their lives and some of them even lost their battle and were ripped mercilessly to shred as the ghouls fed on them. Nick couldn't believe he was cowering away from the fight. He should be helping them, helping them win! What was he doing!? No, he decided, he wasn't a coward and he is going to help.
Nicholas barely took a step forwards when two hands wrapped around his neck and waist. The grip was so strong, Nick found himself without breath quickly. Not to mention he held his breath mostly because of that horrid smell of rotting flesh and bad meat.
"Is the little wanker scared? Hehehe, I never expected cowardice from a Hellsing." A voice behind Nicholas cackled, its breath cold and disgusting as was its hands.
It was obviously an elderly man, his voice was low and raspy, just like an old man would have after years of smoking. Nick struggled but the grip tightened and that awful person spoke again. "Tsk tsk, can't have my noble lunch runnin' away from me now eh?"
The young blonde said nothing and continued to struggle. Nicholas wasn't stupid, nor was he a coward. Or food either. Honestly, being a blonde made everyone think that you're dumb. Sooo not true.
"What makes you think I'll run away, you stinker?" He managed to gasp before sucking in his breath again. God this creature smelt horrible!
"Well for your information, your insults are the ones that stink. I wash monthly." The captor said with a hint of pride.
"Still doesn't do you any good. Do you honestly think I didn't know you were behind me?"
He could feel the old vampire's hesitation when he asked the question. Nick smirked and spoke again. "Why do you think it was so easy to catch me?"
"You should keep your mouth shut, you little twerp!"
"Or what? I know you're not a real a vampire and I know you're in fact just an imitation. Not even close to the real deal. So if you kill me now, who's going to be your bargaining chip out of here?"
When Nick felt the freak's hesitation grow even more, he quickly jammed his elbow into the scum's gut and wrenched out of his hold. The scumbag recovered a little too quickly and caught Nicholas by surprise with a strong punch to his jaw. The young man stumbled backwards and rubbed his aching jaw. Again, the old man attacked Nick and threw him to the ground, smashing the blonde's head into the cold floor. Nick groaned from the pain and he could barely see straight. He could hear Alucard laughing then the disgusting sound of flesh being ripped apart.
"It would completley ruin the mission if I had to constantly save you from the nasty little ghoulies and that big mean monster master that created them in the first place. So what help would you be then?"
Alucard's cold voice echoed in his head. Nick groaned again and tried to get up but the fake vampire just cackled at the young Hellsing's efforts. "You're a stubborn one, eh? Too bad, I'm startin' to get pretty hungry so your energy will come in handy now, eh? Hahaha!"
"Yeah, I am stubborn." He replied, managing to get up. His legs were still shaky and Nick felt extremely weak but he still had the strength to give his would-be killer a cocky smile. "I am most definitely too stubborn to die."The old freak gave Nick a blank expression, obviously not following the young man's statement. But Nicholas needed that small distraction. Gathering what strength he had left, he charged at the vampire, crashing his elbow into his gut.
The fake vampire doubled over from the surprise attack but rebounded quickly and sent a right hook to connect with Nicholas's jaw. It sent the young man stumbling backwards then the FREAK tackled him, sending them both crashing into a nearby machine. Nick heard a few cracks and guessed those were his ribs. He groaned but had to struggle with the fake vampire.
They tumbled and rolled on the dirty, cold floor like madmen until Nicholas managed to knock his attacker off of him. The old FREAK smashed into a conveyer belt, it gave Nick some time to get up but the old fake vampire launched himself at Nick again, snapping his teeth at his face. Nick barely kept him away from his neck with his hands.
Nick dodged a punch from the attacker and kneed him in the gut again, as hard as he could. When the man went down, Nicholas punched him in the head again and again until his fists were covered in blood and the fluid gushed freely from the freak's head wound. While he was down and before he could counter back, Nicholas pulled out his pistol 'Bloody Mary' and shot him in the head without any hesitation.
But when the whole thing was over, Nicholas found his hand was shaking terribly and that his whole body was trembling. With that frightening experiance being finally over, Nick quickly searched for a staircase and once he located them, the young man ran up them like mad, reaching the top floor in mere seconds.
Integra had told him that this vampire scum was no better than a freak. She was informed by her sources that the vampire was the owner of the meat factory and had sucked all his employees dry, turning them into ghouls.
"But," She had said with a small knowing smirk. "He has kept some alive, probably for snacks later. And, search his office. He might've left a clue to how he came across the freak chip, or his supplier."
So Nicholas searched and overturned the whole office but came up with nothing. The soldiers found the hostages, still alive, breathing and very much human, so the mission was accomplished. And feeling rather horrible that Nick failed somehow, he and the soldiers made their solemn way back to the Hellsing Manor.
Nick gave his report and apologized for failing but Integra only said that he wasn't a failure, he accomplished more than expected. Which was a lot coming from the Dragon lady.
--
The two vampires, Nick, Integra and Walter were silent through the whole drive there. Nick fiddled with the cuff of his tuxedo, Alucard was looking out the window with a smile on his face that predicted entertaining disaster.
Integra sat stiffly and straight, like someone had stuffed a broom handle in the back of her elegant blue dress and Walter was doing his own Walter thing; just observing everyone and how nervous some were and laughing mentally the whole time.
The vampires and Nick were called to the office earlier that evening and had been informed about a Christmas Ball at Her Majesty's palace and the Queen would be present herself. Nick noticed that Integra wasn't very pleased going to the ball and very irritated that it was a tux-and-dress kind of thing. And oh how Integra despised dresses.
Nicholas was kind of excited. The Queen was going to be there!? Not to mention a lot of pretty girls without dates! Heaven indeed! So he briskly tore his room apart for that tuxedo Walter had given him on his 13th birthday. He didn't quite understand why Walter would give him a large tux that wouldn't fit him then, but Nick guessed that the old butler knew this day would come eventually.
"Aha! Found you, you little black and white penguin suit, you!" He exclaimed happily and put the tuxedo on in haste.
Seras, on the other hand and in the other room, was panicking. All her formal dresses were gone with the rest of her belonging when her apartment was burned down. She was beyond desperate now. She had asked Integra if she could go shopping for the needed dress but Integra just shook her head. "You can use one of my dresses. I never wore them."
Walter chuckled and added "She never opened some either." And earned a cold glare from his boss. The old butler smiled again and left the room. He was the only human in the Manor that Integra's ice glare had no effect on. Cheers to you Walter, for accomplishing the impossible!
Back to the point. Seras was in her room and thinking. It would feel strange wearing one of Integra's dresses, wouldn't it? Besides, she didn't like this kind of charity too much, it made her feel like a leech. But, putting that aside, Seras decided to go and see the dresses. What choice did she have anyway?
Walter led her to Integra's room. The petite vampire had never entered her boss's room before and she was kind of scared. But there was no need to be scared, Integra's room was grand and very lovely and when Walter threw back the closet doors, Seras just sat on the bed from shock.
There were so many dresses! And so beautifully stitched and so artistically made! Seras knew Integra hated dresses but wasn't she tempted in the least to try just one of them on?
While she spaced out, Walter rummaged through the closet and pulled out a few lovely dresses. One was the colour of the ocean, the blues and greens clashed perfectly together. The next one was a lovely light green, a sunny kind of green with a white hemline on the bottom of the skirt.
The other was a beautiful black and silver dress with elbow-length sleeves and falling ruffles at the ends. The dress was zig-zagged with sequin-sliver lines going across the whole dress. Walter knew when he saw this dress that it was just right for that little blond vampire spacing out on Integra's bed.
"Here Seras, try this one." He said and without warning, shoved Seras into the bathroom along with the dress and waited.
Alucard on the other hand was sitting in his usual chair, calmly sipping the blood from his glass. He had no need to prepare himself for some stupid party and he thought it was just plain daft that humans (including his silly blond fledging) would fuss about what they should wear or what shoes looked better with the dress or what coat matches the tuxedo.
In the elder vampire's opinion, you get dressed, you put on the shoes you like and grab whatever coat is closest and walk out that bloody door without a care in the world. But that's just Alucard.
When the necessary preparations were done, the two vampires and Nick met outside the Hellsing's front door on the driveway. Alucard was out first, wearing his usual outfit, Nick came crashing through the doors with his bow tie askew and his hair in a mess again. He saw Father, and grinned while straightening himself up.
"Father, why aren't you dressed?" Nick asked while trying to fix his bow tie. Alucard watched as Nick tugged at the bow tie in frustration, causing it to get even more tangled and look more like a large knot then what it was supposed to look like. Knocking the young man's hand away, Alucard stepped closer to Nick and undid the mess. Then the elder-vampire re-did it, making a perfect bow tie. Alucard patted the tie and glared at his 'son'.
"I am dressed."
"But that's the same thing you wear everyday. What's different about it?"
"The suit that's under it." Answered a different voice instead of Alucard. Both men turned around and only Nicholas showed his wide-eyed surprise and shock. Alucard hid it well.
Seras walked out in that black and silver dress with a matching handbag and a black bolero to cover her shoulders. Her hair was pinned up with a lovely, large pin with three big diamonds on it. The rest of the jewelery, sparkling necklace and matching earrings, were Seras's. She had just refused to wear anyhtingelse that was Integra's, despite Walter's protests.
"It's the suit he usually wears under it. This time it's a little bit more formal than his other one is." She repeated her reply again, fidgeting with pale fingers. Alucard grinned from ear to ear in that disturbing way and chuckled.
"See? I told you I changed."
"Wow, Mom. Talk about being Cinderella for one night!" Nick exclaimed, ignoring his father's smug reply. Seras smiled sheepishly and rose a sceptic eyebrow at her son's choice of words.
"I think I'll Take that as a compliment."
She turned to Alucard and their eyes locked gazes for a moment. She couldn't bear looking at him any longer so she glanced at the floor instead and broke the gazing.
"Father! Say something!" Nicholas murmured from the corner of his mouth and nudged him with an elbow in the vampire's ribs. He immediately regretted it when he heard Alucard growl. But the old vampire admitted, Nick was right, in a strange-never-will-he-be-right-again way.
"That dress looks horrible." Alucard suddenly said with a normal grin. Seras's her big eyes got bigger at his sudden and very open statement. Again he looked at her and they locked gazes. "But you make it look beautiful, Police Girl."
Seras let out a breath of relief and gave a short, nervous laugh. A tear had slid down her cheek, unnoticed by Seras but not by Alucard. He stepped closer and furrowed his eyebrows together. The closeness between them made it difficult for Seras to breathe again.
She grabbed the doorknob behind her so that she wouldn't fall, her knees were shaking and her legs felt weak and she hated Alucard for having this kind of effect on her whenever he got close to her, it was irritating.
Her Master lifted his gloved hand and slowly wiped the tear away from her cheek, staining his white glove with a little red blotch on it. He continued to stroke her cheek, for what reason neither did Seras or Alucard know, until Seras could take it no more. Her hand gently grabbed Alucard's and moved it away from her face, her eyes downcast and the shake of her head said it all. "Don't" She whispered and pushed past him on her way to the limo waiting outside the gates.
"Are you and Mom in a fight?"
"I do think that is none of your business. Now follow your mother and," Alucard grabbed Nicholas by the collar of his dress-shirt. "Get in the car." He bared his teeth at Nick and lifted him off the ground just a bit.
The young man didn't need to be told twice. He struggled in Alucard's hold and when the tall vampire set him down again, Nick made a straight beeline for the limo.
after a few minutes, Integra and Walter arrived. Integra was forced to wear a light, electric blue dress with lowered sleeves to show off her shoulders and since it was a chilly night, a matching shawl was wrapped around her shoulders and held together by that silver cross pin she always wore.
"You don't think there will be a vampire or two at this ball do you Master?" Alucard teased when he saw the cross. Integra glared at him and walked briskly to the car.
"There are alwaysa few vampires at these bloody balls! Especially when I am there, it's like a bloody Hellsing buffet night!" She fumed and got into the car without another word. Alucard laughed "It's not their fault you're so tasty, Master."
"Alucard!"
The ball had already started when the Hellsing party arrived. When they were announced and escorted in, the merry laughter and loud talking paused for a moment so that the guests could see who had arrived so late. The ballroom was quiet and the crowd parted to make a path for the Hellsing party. silent whispers rustled through the crowd. Some ladies pointed at Seras and some rather elderly ladies giggled and batted their heavily make-upped eyes at Nick.
The crowd finally parted to reveal the Queen sitting proudly on her throne. Alucard grinned and went straight to the foot of the throne and gave the old Queen a graceful bow on on knee. She smiled, the loose skin wrinkled all the way up to her eyes, and leaned down to pat his shoulder.
"Good evening Alucard."
"Good evening, Princess."
The Queen smiled at her old nickname and chuckled. "I am too old to be a princess, Alucard."
"But you are still the young beautiful princess to me."
"Nonsense. I see you haven't aged a bit. I envy your immortality, Alucard but I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it as much as you do if I had it."
"Wisely put, Princess." Alucard replied with a large sneaky grin. Integra just rolled her eyes at their conversation and Seras fidgeted with her fingers.
The old Queen chuckled again and shook her head. "Stop teasing Alucard and enjoy the ball." She said this loud enough for everyone to here. Alucard got up and the music continued to play, everything went back to normal as if nothing had ever happened. The Hellsing group made their way to one of the tables near the dance floor. Each ordered a glass of wine, even Nicholas, until Seras saw what he was drinking and ordered some juice from him instead.
"Mom!" He quietly whined when she took away his glass and gulped the contents in one swig. Seras glared at him and slammed the glass in front of him. "No alcohol for you."
"But!"
"And no buts." She growled. Alucard snickered at Nick's bad fortune. For a while they didn't do anything except sip their drinks until Nick was finally fed up with doing nothing at a party/ball. He stood up and offered his hand to Seras. "Well, it is a ball. Wanna dance, Mom?"
"On two conditions; one, you think of a more charming invitation next time and two, don't call me mom here."
"As you wish." Nick snickered and led her away to the dance floor as the other couples swirled and trotted before the last two occupants of the table. The music was amazing and lovely, the large room was wonderfully decorated and the three colossal crystal chandeliers gave off a magical glow to make the whole ball look like it came from a fairytale.
"Why did your foster son have to ask yourfledging to dance?" Integra asked coldly after another small sip from her glass. Alucard continued to watch the dancers twirl past their tables. He spotted Nicholas and Seras dancing, the Police Girl was smiling and laughing and having fun. But he could hear her thoughts even through the loud music.
"I was kind of hoping Master would---No Seras, do not wish for such things."
Why did she wish such things? She looked like she was having fun. Alucard drew his eyes back to his empty wine glass. How could a fledging like her confuse him so? He did not like the feeling at all.
"Alucard, please tell me why your foster son is dancing with your fledging and not you?"
"It was his wish to dance with her, not mine, Master." He replied indifferently, pretending to be interested in his glass. Alucard could hear Integra give an angry growl at his indifference and it made him smirk inside.
"He did it because you are too stubborn to ask her yourself."
"And why should I ask her to dance?"
Integra merely gave him a sneaky smile. She leaned forwards and let out a low, husky chuckle. "Because I order you to." Suddenly she grabbed his red tie and pulled him so close to her face that their noses touched. Integra glared dangerously into those deep red eyes and snarled "Get over there, cut in and dance the whole night with your fledging. That is a real order and I expect you to obey, servant." She let go and thrust him away from her. Alucard stared at his master with a wild grin and began to laugh. "As you wish, my Master."
He got up from his chair in one smooth movement and headed towards the dance floor like a panther stalking its prey. The music changed into a slow foxtrot and Nick, despite all his dancing lessons, did not know the steps to it. He was about to tell Seras when he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see the menacing eyes of his father.
"Integra calls for you, boy."
Thankful for the unintentional save, Nicholas nodded and tried not to run towards the Hellsing table. Seras watched Nick go, half walking, half running towards Integra's table. With a sigh, she glared at Alucard. "Gee, thanks Master, Who do I dance with now?"
"Well, I am your master, therefore you dance with me." He said with a grin and placed his hand around her waist and grasped her hand with his other "No questions asked". Seras snorted. "Not like I would get any answers." She grumbled. As the music grew louder, Alucard pulled her closer to him and led her across the whole dance floor, as swift and as graceful as he was efficient in missions. He chuckled at her grumbling. "True. Even if you asked a question, I would not answer." Here he paused as he twirled her and dipped her over his arm. "It really depends on the question you ask." Alucard lifted her up and the music changed into something more slow, like a waltz. Seras even recognized the music piece. "This is one of Chopin's interludes."
Alucard said nothing as they slowed down their dancing pace and swayed gently to the soft tunes of the piano. The vampire couple danced and circled the dance floor until the other occupants deserted the floor and stood in a circle to watch them. Alucard's hand around her waist gripped her tighter to him, Seras noticed that he couldn't stop staring at her. She wanted to smile but she didn't want to ruin this perfect teasing opportunity.
"See something you like, Master?" Seras inquired in a low husy voice and a smirk that rivaled his. Alucard chuckled an tilted his head, very amused at her teasing.
"As a matter of fact, yes I do. You." he answered her confused glance with a mirror smile
"Master, do you like making me hate you?"
"Ah, my sweet little fledging, I got the impression that you loved me."
Seras glared at him and tried to keep her mouth shut. He just makes her furious with his taunting! Soon the other couples joined them on the dance floor again and it was crowded like in the beginning. Seras was so furious, a tear had slid down her cheek from the anger she felt towards her Master. Again, she felt it being wiped away by Alucard's gloved hand and this time she didn't move the hand way. No matter how much she didn't want to admit it, she enjoyed his touch.
Alucard had wiped away a stray tear from her cheek again, his body was not listening to his mind. Whatever was controlling his body made him so mad. Alucard started to get crazy ideas, like maybe Integra built in a microchip into his body and controlled it as she wished. Yes, that seemed most likely for her! But even Alucard understood this to be a bit too extreme even for Integra. His hand was still stroking her cheek and now his head moved towards hers until their lips met for a soft kiss.
When they broke apart, Alucard said something he never thought he'd say. "Seras look up." The blond police girl, as confused as she usually was, glanced up at the ceiling. While they were dancing they obviously got to an archway decorated from top to bottom in mistletoe. She looked back at Alucard with a raised sceptical brow. Alucard smiled evily and leaned down to kiss her. And kiss her he did. There had to be a thousand or more mistle toe in that archway and Alucard and Seras kissed that many times. Hey, you can't really turn your back on tradition, right?
Integra, Walter and Nicholas watched the vampires with wide grins on their faces. So the plan finally worked.
"Merry Christmas Aunt Integra and Ucle Walter.
"Merry Christmas Nicholas." The two said at the same time and raised their glasses and gulped down whatever contents were in it. even Nicholas got his alcoholic drink at last.
What a wonderful Christmas.
A/N: Y'know, I haven't actually thought about the next chapters yet so I can't give you a preview or anything, cuz I didn't think of the chapter's plot this time. Ooops? Getting a laptop Sunday, you'll see a lot more updates (hopefully??)soon! Isn't that great!?
Nagini