Behind Closed Doors
Holidays are a funny time of year. During the 'normal' pace of the calender, celebrations are looked upon as an uplifting change of routine, a chance to rejoice and revel in the moment. However, when the happy time arrives, the amount of stress, planing, and accompanying anxiety can make one crave just another, ordinary day. Father Anderson was beginning to wish that it was December 26th, no offense meant to the Beloved Lord Jesus, nor his sainted Mother and Father, but he was overwhelmed. There were to be two masses, one on Christmas Eve at Midnight and the other on the actual day itself. While that was standard, there was also the sector of Jewish attendees who deserved some resemblance of a Chanukah celebration, ( The holiday had already passed, but a showing of good grace was needed) as well as the children's concert was in preparation for this evening. The priest took a deep breath- the choir still needed one, final rehearsal to polish them off for the audience. Anderson had looked for Sister Yumiko, but she was nowhere to be found; both of them had the stage to set and complete in addition to collecting the presents and cards for the children, so that they could receive them after the performance.
"Where the Hell could she have gone off ta?", he muttered to himself. The Le Chat family and staff still had no sign of the missing Estelle boy- perhaps she was continuing the search for him. With the boy now gone almost a day-and-a-half , the police would have to be called in, though that might cause some problems. Wearily, the man sighed and looked down at the thick folder of paperwork in his hand. A brief note from Maxwell was sandwiched inside asking him to look up some documents on the Rosa Maria Contract, by today, no later. With everything else going on, why in the world did this ancient thing appeal to him so much right now? Deep in the back of his brain, Anderson had a theory, but his common sense squelched it. The Contract permitted marriage, a union between a Catholic Clergyman and a noble woman...
"He can't be that daft to try and pair up with the Protestant Knight... or is he? ! " he thought. The result would end in either one of two ways; castration before death, or death before castration- both were rather unpleasant images, so the good Father quickly banished them out of his mind He turned his attentions to the small list in his pocket of the children's gifts and last minute requests. His heart still ached for a moment when he saw Paul's name and prayed that the lad would indeed be returned safe and sound.
Elsewhere- Hellsing Manor
The training had been rigorous , even by the Wild Geese's standards. From late morning, Captain Ari had been guiding the men on how to immobilize an attacking zombie with minimal damage to either party. By using various techniques borrowed from Ju-Jitsu and re-directing energy from a Reki-like series of pressure points, the adversary could be calmed.
"Jeeze, isn't it easier just to shoot them?," Christophe commented to Seras. She shook her head in disapproval at her friend.
"Remember, we don't want to kill them, they're NOT ghouls." The Indian Captain shot her a quieting look. The vampire silenced herself and nodded-this was not a time for talking amongst comrades.
"So, we will go over the 'Crane-Bending-to-the-Heavens' grasps one more time." Ari boomed. "Captain! Are you ready?" A weak-sounding "noooooo" came up from the corner to his left. Captain Bernadette had offered his services in training, but did not envision himself to become an example. He had been pinched, punched, pummeled and pinned for the past hour or so, feeling like a dishrag.
"Come on, old chap, you can surely go one more round?" the Frenchman shook his head pathetically.
"Here, I'll stand in for him." Seras suggested. Her Captain flashed her a mental warning.
"Go easy on him, girl. Easy!" She shot him a little, knowing glance and continued. The pair sized each other up and prepared to spar.
"Now, young lady, come in and try to put your arms around my neck." The young vampire lunged, and in spite of his round, little body, Captain Ari dodged quickly and continued moving with all the speed of a cricket on a hot grill.
"Come now, you can be quicker! We are fighting, not dancing", he teased. Seras did not like someone getting the better of her with training- she had to put up with enough of it from her Master and even more so from her comrades. She began to get irked; all of the man's bobbing and weaving was starting to aggravate her. As Ari veered to her left, Seras sped up to an inhuman speed and grasped him around the collar, pulling him into her so rapidly, that he did not have time to react. She shot him a look of triumph and bared her little fangs a bit too broadly.
"Got you.," she whispered, half sounding like a cross between a hiss and a purr. Ari's eyes grew wide as saucers and for a moment the mercenary actually looked scared. Seras began to release her hold and backed away a step. For the enlisted Hellsing men and Geese, this display of her vampirc nature was nothing new, but to the Maharajas, it was very unsettling. Ari took a moment to compose himself and made a suggestion to the crowd.
"How about we take a break, gentlemen?," The crowd dispersed and his gaze washed over the girl for a moment before he turned away. Seras shrugged, and made her way over to her Captain who was seated cross-legged in the corner.
"Brava- I think you scared the crap out of him.," Pip commented and she aided in pulling him up.
"Sorry, it's just I needed to stop him from all that jumping around - it was starting to trigger some really intense hunting reflexes." The Captain smirked.
"So what are you now, a cat?' He began to scratch behind her right ear. She good- naturedly pushed him away.
"If I start bringing you and Master home birds, then yes, I'm a kitty." Pip smiled. Ah , she was such a cute, little thing- potentially deadly, but cute.
"Right now, all I need is a spot of water," he flipped his tangled, matted braid over his shoulder." Can you help wash it?"
"Sure." He flashed her a hopeful grin.
"In the shower, please ?" Her crimson eyes narrowed.
"Okay, kitchen sink it is, then..."
Elsewhere-
As the water splashed down his back, the Bishop took a deep breath and inhaled the fragrant steam. The essence of sandalwood and amber drifted off the soap and lingered on his skin and hair, while the heat eased his tense shoulders and strained neck. The expensive shampoo filtered up orange blossom and cloves, a mouth-watering scent that he had favoured for years, but it left him empty. He would have preferred lavender and her right now. It would be lovely to have her slender fingers working a smooth lather through his hair and soft palms running down his back and thighs. Nothing like being squeaky clean before getting slick and heated... Enrico balled up his fist and pounded it against the tile in frustration.
He was trying, Lord how he was trying to patient with her, but tonight, perhaps he could lure her in, finally shedding off her virgin's veil for an evening of lace, or silk or even just a coating of warm water and frothy bubbles. A bath would be a heavenly idea; soft, sensual, and the tub was certainly big enough for two...The scenario played out in his head;a few glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon, candle light making her flesh glow gold, the water splashing over her breasts, and spilling over the tub's sides from their actions. She would gasp and cry out for him, professing love and want and desire. He would be tender, gentle, taking her in fully and slowly, until all he could feel was the heat of the steam and beat of her heart. Thoughts twisted and churned in his head and his blood pulsed fiercely. Everything was going so well, almost too well, but he still had the upper hand. The contents of the chemicals were still concealed on the premises and her cousin was secured for good measure.
The only thing that was not under his thumb was that cursed vampire. The unholy beast had not made an appearance for a few days now, but his presence was still there, like a hidden infestation of vermin in the walls. Perhaps, his master had told him of the situation and warned him not to interfere. A simple, realistic idea, but he knew this monster; he burned for her, desired her, and would stop at nothing to obtain what he wanted-they shared a similar philosophy. No matter, he held the reins and would be roping in the English mare. A smile spread over his features as he wondered just how hot Integra liked her bath.
Elsewhere-
The cool compress over her eyes was extremely soothing as the calm bath surrounded Sir Hellsing, quelling her mood. Lavender and rose oil made the tub an English Garden in the middle of winter. Her hair fanned out in the water like exotic fins on a tropical fish, the last bits of soap wrung out of it. A thick layer of creamy bubbles floated over her body, clinging to every crevice; she was beginning to feel like sponge cake with vanilla frosting.
"You know I prefer chocolate.," a smooth voice teased.
"Don't even think about coming in here right now...the scrub-brush could be easily turned into a steak " Integra countered. She pulled the damp cloth away from one eye to check and see if her servant had crept into the bathroom.
"Wouldn't dare dream of it, especially with the mood you're in. However, I can give you a back rub when you get out."
"Thank you." The woman settled back into her bath, content for the moment. Later on, she rinsed , rose, and re-dressed in a cotton tank top and cozy pyjama pants. She wrapped her hair in a thick towel and proceeded out to be greeted by a hot cup of tea, a plate of wafers, and her vampire sitting on the bed with a small bottle of lotion. Silently, she sat, back turned to him and allowed him to dab a bit of the fragrant salve on her shoulders and upper back; it smelled light and green, like ivy or clover. Long, even strokes brushed over her arms, kneading into biceps and forearms. A soft, subtle sigh of pleasure escaped from her as Alucard thoroughly massaged her palms; this creature could be so considerate when he wanted to be. He paused for a moment and held her hand up to the light. The ring glittered, fragmenting rainbows across her cheek.
"It is a beautiful piece, I can sense that it has a rich history behind it. ' he said.
"It's a symbol of bloody ownership.," Integra flatly replied. Slowly, her vampire raised her right hand, his finger-nail brushing along the signet ring.
"What of this? Is this a symbol of ownership, too?"
"That was given to me as an heirloom, a reminder of who I am, and my duty to my family, faith, and country. My Father gave this to me in love. " Sir Hellsing retracted her left hand and tapped the enormous ruby. "The poor ring is innocent enough, it's just the thought of its current benefactor makes me ill." The creature leaned down and whispered into her ear.
"And what shall I give to you as a token of my affections? Something gold, silver, or platinum? " Integra stretched out long fingers and caressed his temple.
"Loyalty. " she replied,"and you can finish my neck if you wish." Alucard bared his canines in an eager grin. The woman tapped a reprimanding pointer on his lips.
"I meant with the massage." Alucard pouted, but returned to his dutiful actions. Controlled pressure trailed down the tense sections of neck and upper back., the gesture taking on a rhythmic quality smoothing the strained muscles. The towel was plucked away allowing her hair to flow freely over she shoulders and down her back. A bit of the cream was rubbed through, light fingers dancing along her scalp and the back of her neck. For a moment, the woman felt herself go limp.
"Keep this up and I'll fall asleep...," she murmured. The length of the day was catching up with her as Integra realized just how much walking she had done in Florence. Images of all of the awe-inspiring works channeled from her inner thoughts to her servant's mind; the intricate jewelry, majestic paintings, and finely-chiseled sculptures.
"I wish that you could have been with me." she thought. Darker worries still filtered in and out of her skull and despite a more relaxed demeanor, her anxiety was firmly present. What if the ruse was blown tonight or during the Christmas party? What if they were already too late to do anything about the zombie contamination? The vampire eased his master down to the bed, brushing her cheeks with light kisses.
"There will be plenty of time for that in the future- hush, your mind is racing." Another feeling stirred up in the pit of Alucard's stomach; the presence of another member of the family was closing in. He was not sure if Lord Andrew had been sent over, or if he was taken by force to the villa, but his distinct aura was picking up his skin and making the seals on his stomach and hands itch. Immediately, he blocked that discovery out of his thoughts- he did not need Integra to be further upset. As her mental curiosity began to probe the swirl of thoughts and images, he clamped his mouth down on hers and she responded with adore. Her hands pulled at the collar of his shirt and her mouth latched on to the skein of his throat, the pale skin pulsing with surprised arousal.
"Make me forget today,"she demanded. Like any good servant, he obliged his master fully until their actions left her breathless. Gently, he placed her left ring finger in his mouth and pricked the tip of it with a saber-sharp fang. Her blood, as light and sweet as plum wine beaded against his tongue.
"You are so greedy.," she chided as he lapped up the spill from her digit. The tone turned from playful to the harsh, as the edge of hunger settled in . Alucard sealed the small cut and continued to press his mouth along the smooth, lined flesh of her palm and licked the delicate structure of her wrist. A desire flashed into his mind, one that he had never dare request before. With the upcoming confrontation, he was going to need as much strength as possible.
"Master," he asked, a more than just a little nervous.
"Yes?," He began to rub the tip of his nose against the rich copper of her skin. The scent of ivy and virgin's blood was intoxicating, making his head and heart toss and swirl against reason. Her neck would be too much to ask for, but perhaps...
"Please, can I take just a little from here?," His voice trailed off into a hush of heat and velvet, lips brushing against the intricate pattern of veins, like bright blue branches against a sunburnt sky. Integra flushed.
"Go easy, I may not be able to wear gloves for a day. Make the cut a little one." A kiss alighted her palm.
"I want to use my mouth..." he mentally purred."I'll be gentle," he promised."The first time always hurts, just a little, but I'll make sure to compensate you, my master." Sir Hellsing's heart fluttered and her body began to shake as he lapped his curled tongue over the predetermined spot. The last time a vampire had punctured her flesh with its fangs, it had all the appeal of a brutal assault, but this was completely different; it felt like an invitation to love-making. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath Her response was a passing gasp against her lips.
"Yes." Tenderly, the vampire's mouth wrapped around the sensitive flesh, sinking his teeth in on an angle with the precision of a surgeon and the grace of a feline. She released a small cry of pain, but it soon eased into a sigh as his warmth seemed to flow into her own being , igniting her blood The surrounding world seemed to intensify; she could feel the beating of his heart like a wild drum, smell his hair, deep and rich as ancient incense, and the tension between his hips was overwhelming. His passions were being held back by a fine thread, and as the feeding progressed, so were hers. His fingertips traced over the tissue-thin cloth of her shirt, teasing and caressing her breasts, before slipping under and making the master moan. She longed for his mouth to be other places than her wrist ; her hair was now not the only thing damp at this point. Alucard's grip on her wrist became tighter and the teeth felt like ivory razors in her skin.
"Ease up.," she commanded as she felt herself go a bit light-headed and the pleasure began to enter into an uneasy pain. "Please, stop." Fear lit those words incandescent. Gently, the servant retracted his teeth and closed the wound with a few, fluttering licks. He pressed the throbbing palm to his lips and sighed, the flush of climax in his cheeks.
"Thank you."The entire scene was spinning through Integra's head- she could not focus on the room swirling around her, nor rise up from her reclining position. Her vampire merely shifted his weight firmly on top of her and asked very sweetly what she wanted in return for her kindness- sanguine, sex, or sleep. She chose the later and Alucard pecked her quickly, relieved that her exhaustion would leave her safely in her room-or so he thought...