Individual summary: I am so sorry, but this begged to be written. Ultra fluff warning. Keep insulin shot loaded and ready. Bonus points for anyone who catches my dorky Torchwood reference.

"The Proposal"

"This is for you."

Integra had paused from her paperwork long enough to pull out a ring box and slide it across her desk. Intrigued, I took it up and was not one bit surprised by its content. A wedding band, clear as day, crafted in gold. It was simple, but certainly not cheaply designed. Despite the fact that I knew exactly what this ring signified, I needed to hear it from her lips.

"What's this for?" I asked.

She smirked as she retrieved a cigar from the box at her elbow. When she handed me her zippo, I lit it for her without hesitation. Integra inhaled deeply as she sat back in her chair. Her eyes were intent on me and danced with amusement.

"It's customary for spouses to wear rings that symbolize their bond, is it not?"

I chuckled in astonishment but mostly delight as I began to remove my left hand's glove. Tossing it on top of her desk, I examined the inside of the band and noticed that it was inscribed with her initials. Interesting.

"Was that a marriage proposal, my dear?" I couldn't help but tease her.

"I think we're far past the point of proposing, Alucard," Integra remarked dryly.

"An accurate statement," I replied. The grin on my face felt crooked and was probably quite stupid.

As I slipped the ring over the proper finger, I felt a strange sense of completion. It was silly and absurd to even think we needed such trinkets. I was touched nonetheless and knew that nothing short of forcible amputation would remove this band from my finger.

"May I see your ring?" I asked as I reached for the cigar between her fingers.

I stubbed it out, ignored her scowl, and slipped the glove off her hand. A simple gold band, similar to mine but perhaps a bit thinner, decorated her finger. I smiled fondly as I stroked the precious metal.

"Does yours have an inscription, too?"

"Yes," Integra replied, though she did not elaborate. Well, every marriage has its secrets...

"Why are your initials on mine?" I inquired softly.

She didn't so much as bat an eye. "So you never forget who you belong to."

Integra continued to hold my gaze as I stood and leaned over her desk. I reached for her cravat and stroked it idly. My scrutiny shifted to her mouth.

"As though I'd ever seek to," I purred. "May I kiss the bride?"

She rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. Her gloved hand pressed against the back of my head, drawing me in. Though I'd intended to tease her with a chaste kiss, her mouth was eager under mine. Her lips parted and her tongue teased.

"When's the honeymoon?" I breathed between kisses.

She chuckled and pushed me away. I fell gracefully back into the chair across from her and grinned wickedly. She retrieved her cigar, lit it on her own this time, and eyed me slyly.

"I'll be going to Cardiff for a negotiation on our jurisdiction there. You are, of course, welcome to join me."

Her blue eyes glittered with wicked intent. There was no goddamned meeting in Wales, of that I was sure. They had their own policing agency against Midians that was quite effective despite being rather misinformed on what they were dealing with.

"I'd be delighted, but I do hope you intend to consummate this marriage before then," I entreated softly.

She flushed and her eyelids lowered into what could almost be called a leer. The expression left me knotted up with desire.

"Perhaps I could use a good read in the library," Integra drawled before her tone and demeanor sharpened. "Only after I've finished reading your report on last night's mission."

We fell back into a comfortable silence as she returned to her task and I resumed admiring her. My presence was required to answer any further questions that she may have. I always liked the quiet moment while she carefully read the report. It was among the few instances that I was able to just watch her. Every little gesture was endearing; every subtle movement was positively enchanting.

Neither of us made haste to replace our left gloves.

Finis.