Sick
Arthur was surprised to see the vampire in his study. He'd come in to work, and found the vampire seated by the fire, book in his lap. Ignoring Alucard, he simply went to work, and shortly forgot about his unwanted and unwelcome guest. However, when he'd finished, he looked up and found the vampire still in the study, still reading.
"Alucard." Emotionless red eyes looked up at him. "Why are you here?" Arthur had long since ceased using basic pleasantries with the monster, and now that Alucard had betrayed him to bond to Beatrice, he was even less inclined to do so.
What he had not expected was the clear pause, as Alucard obviously debated whether or not to even answer him. Beatrice had given the vampire orders to obey Arthur, but as the moments dragged on, Arthur realized with a sinking feeling that she'd given the vampire no orders to cooperate...
But to his relief, Alucard answered him, though managing to convey that Arthur's lack of manners was a disappointment. It wasn't so much cooperation as a subtle demonstration of how to display good manners, as though Arthur were a wayward child, and Hellsing found his teeth clenching at the irritation he refused to show.
"Beatrice and Walter are both ill and need their rest. I wish to be close enough to them to hear if they should need me, but not so close that I will disturb their sleep or that they will feel they need to interact." Red eyes blinked at him, implying that Arthur had been negligent. "I have gotten them water to drink, soup near at hand should they need it, handkerchiefs and aspirins. They have clean sheets and warm blankets, syrup for their throats, and a small selection of books and a phonograph if they need distraction. As the other household members are asleep, I intend to stay nearby throughout the night." At this, Alucard ended the conversation by returning to his book, clearly ignoring Arthur again.
Arthur fumed; he had never gathered how the vampire could deliver such a reprimand for selfishness and rudeness without saying a single thing about it. But Beatrice was ill; Alucard had argued fiercely with her before the last hunt, convincing both her and Walter to stay home and nurse their colds. They were in no danger, it was simply a winter cold but more virulent and worse than most, and the two of them and much of the household had been coughing, sneezing, and feverish for the last week. Yesterday, they'd both finally succumbed to the fatigued state, and kept to their beds.
And Arthur, healthy as ever, had not even bothered to check on them. Chastised, he made a mental note to visit with the two of them the next day before returning to his own room for sleep.
x x x x x x x
Arthur hacked, his throat raw and producing flecks of blood from the constant, racking cough. His throat was parched, but the water pitcher by the bed was entirely empty and he was simply too exhausted to go and get more. He'd brought a magazine to bed for a distraction, but he'd long since read it, and he was bored. His sheets stank of sour sweat after a day and most of the night spent feverish in the bed. His head ached miserably, and he had a pair of aspirin waiting for him, but no water to take them with. Even dried out as he was, his nose still ran constantly, and all he had was a handful of already-soggy handkerchiefs.
And at 4 in the morning, the only one awake would be Alucard.
And, Arthur had to miserably admit to himself, Alucard would not bother with caring for Arthur any more than Arthur would have cared for Alucard. This would not kill him, he was simply uncomfortable. He would deal with uncomfortable, and with a stoic expression, he attempted to relax into the sheets and sleep again.
And jerked back upright, coughing and hacking, nose running mercilessly and head spiking with pain at each cough and gasp. He had no idea the illness was this bad, and once again, guilt added to the physical misery. He had completely forgotten to check on Beatrice and Walter. But Alucard, the emotionless, selfish, unfeeling monster...had nursed both of them through their illness. Beatrice was his Master, but he'd been just as attentive and concerned for Walter.
The lack of sleep and distraction and the cold hard facts of Alucard's behavior were forcing Arthur to consider a few possibilities he'd managed to ignore before. Perhaps the vampire wasn't as ultimately selfish as he'd thought? But it was hard to maintain a coherent train of thought, and he went back to staring at the ceiling, awake and miserable.
A black form swirled on the far wall, and Alucard stalked through. He said nothing, but placed a stack of handkerchiefs, pitcher of cold water, and a bottle of cough syrup by the bed. Amazed, and speechless himself, Arthur watched him set the items down, an unmistakeable scowl on the vampire's face.
The vampire turned to leave, as swift and uncommunicative as when he had entered moments before, and Arthur finally found his voice. Cracked and wheezing, he asked simply, "Why?"
The head turned slightly, the edge of a cold red eye watching Arthur impassively. "Not by choice. I promised Abraham I would take care of his family. I keep MY promises." A single step took the vampire from the room, gone through the wall before Arthur could say anything more.
Stunned, the Hellsing watched the wall where the vampire had gone. Abraham was dead, gone for many years.
Why had he asked the vampire to care for his family? Why had the vampire agreed?
And why, so long afterwards, did the vampire feel the need to still keep that promise?
Those questions would have to wait until he had a clearer head. Cough medicine soothing his throat, aspirin finally taken, cold water slowly restoring moisture to his body, and a new pair of soggy handkerchiefs added to the pile, Arthur slept again, recuperating.