Epilogue 2
It seemed as if the snow would never thaw; thick blankets covered the grounds coating the entire manor in a rich layering of white. Spring crept in like a nervous cat, edging in on its new territory. Skeletal branches began to green and colour the scene once more while dense patches of dark brown earth emerged. The longs months and nights of winter began to warm. Through the comfort of her family, Sir Hellsing's mind began to ease. The every-day living with her vampire changed little, perhaps for the exception of the two finding more and more little reasons to touch, to kiss, and to hold each other close. The great chill between them began to fade. The imps that racked her brain were slowly dwindling, but still, the boundaries had not yet been released to bring back to those long, passionate nights of Italy.
"What's wrong with me?," the woman grumbled to her hair brush. The Hellsing heir took out her frustrations on brushing through a few knots, cursing her inhibitions and tangles. He had been a lamb, a darling, doing everything in his power to make her comfortable-even his seductions had been on a level of that of a virgin schoolboy's. She was still very much herself, not broken nor altered by the bridle of bridal , yet found herself yearning, craving their physical relationship like a silly, romantic fool. For a moment, Integra glanced at her bed- the sheets were the same pressed, sensible paisley bedclothes that had adorned her boudoir for the past five years. Perhaps if she changed the room around a bit, brought in some candles, coloured satin sheets, incense…..
"Lord, I sound like Maxwell…", she chided herself. But, the little voice of seduction did have a point- for years she had slept alone, but now she had opened up her life and bed to Alucard, the least she could do would be to welcome him into it…
The past few days had been remarkably warm for early April; the hibernating animals had come burrowing out of their winter hiding-places and the snow had given way to buds and blooms. By some miracle, a few, rare Irises began to burst into colour, a vivid pattern of indigo, violet, and brilliant yellow. According to Walter, such an occurrence had not happened in close to twenty years. The entire household took it as a sign of good luck and fortune coming its way upon the manor.
"May this bring happiness to Integra and Alucard." Walter prayed.
"Let spring bring joy to Miss Integra and Master." Seras hoped.
"Bloody Hell, it's about time they shag again and get the production over with.", Andrew sighed.
"Please- let them get it on, so I don't lose more fucking cigarettes! " Pip cursed.
Ah, good intentions- everyone has them , and even the vampire was not beyond such hopes- the past few months had been a trial. While he would never dream of forcing his emotions upon his mate, their period of abstinence was nearly unbearable. A night or so ago, in the midst of all the spring awakenings, she had still refused his amorous gestures. So, Alucard did what any man in love would do; smoke and complain about his station to whom -ever would listen. He rarely did such humane acts, but wasn't everyone allowed a moment of weakness? He had chain- smoked in the gardens with Captain Bernadette * and the two men had spoken through nicotine clouds about how awful and wonderful it was to love someone. It amused the vampire greatly to still feel the underlying uneasiness of the mercenary peeking through, even with his veneer of worldliness. He imagined that with his ward's current turn in their relationship, it was only going to get more awkward.
Elsewhere -
Sienna ,Italy
She felt like an awkward teenager meeting a date as she sat down at the bistro's table. While her morning sickness had been under control for the past month, Marianna felt her stomach twitch as five minutes, then ten passed the appointed time she was going to meet her guest. Perhaps he wouldn't come after all. She ordered a cup of mild, black tea with milk and took off her denim jacket as she spotted a familiar figure making his way through the café. He wore civilian clothes and dark glasses, but the look on his face was at least amicable.
"Um, hello there- sorry I'm late, the traffic was horrible." Enrico stated as he sat down. "This is for you." A single yellow rose was presented on the table. Marianna picked up the bloom and studied it. It was a perfect, butter-yellow rose void of any thorns.
"Is this a peace offering?", she asked good naturedly. Maxwell nodded. For a moment, his eyes swept over her soft face; her hair had grown longer from the time he'd last seen her and her belly was just starting to round with maternity, it's presence making itself known through the light fabric of her blouse.
"In a way, yes. I have let you know what I can and cannot have with you in our relationship , but I do want to be there for you and my child." The girl nodded.
"I understand. " She extended an open palm on the table. Her fairytale dreams had been completely altered, but right now, she had a much more real matter at hand, rather than a happily-ever-after. "I do forgive you." She whispered. He lowered her glasses and peered into her orbs.
"I have no idea why- quite frankly, I wouldn't forgive me." Her small hand closed over his and she looked deep into his eyes.
"Well, I did and now we have to get on with our lives and concern ourselves with the life of our son." Maxwell's eyebrow rose.
"It's a boy? When did you find out?"
"A few days ago . The doctor says he's doing just fine and the due date's sometime in mid August."
"August-that's lucky. They say emperors are born in August."
"How about we let him be a little boy first ." Marianna countered. Her hand his held fast, and the Bishop felt a strange feeling creep over him- it felt almost like friendship…..
She felt strange, as if she was playing a part in a romance novel. The lights had been dimmed, candles lit, and the light aroma of Burgundy and type B filtered with the scent of lavender and vanilla. Integra had faced down generals in warfare, un-dead legions, and took audience with the Queen, yet orchestrating the role of 'wife' was positively nerve-racking. She adjusted the collar of her blouse and left her cravat on the dresser. Though not in satin or lace, or even the eggplant silk dress her spouse seemed to favour so much, she felt comfortable and confidant in a pair of simple, black trousers and a deep crimson shirt. Sir Hellsing took a deep breath and looked at the clock. He was only a few minutes late, but this was unusual for Alucard. Tick, tick, tick- right now her heart pounded drowning out the clock until a slight rap came from the door. Slowly, she opened it slightly, and smiled invitingly at her mate.
"You appear to be taking up more and more mortal traits." She teased. Her vampire stood before her eying the blouse. While she wasn't in a floor length gown or spaghetti straps, the shock of seeing her in an altered palette intrigued him.
"That colour suits you- it looks like a hemorrhage." Sir Hellsing rolled her eyes
"Very romantic. Would you like to come in?" Alucard nodded and entered. The room felt warmer than it had before and the scent of fresh blood and fine wine was delicious. The best aroma however, rolled off his wife's neck and lingered in her hair. She was softer than he had seen her in months, confidant, and the last few edges of her angst had disappeared. They talked and sat next to each other, sipping their drinks , inching closer and closer to one another, until Sir Hellsing paused and settled her glass down.
"May I?", she asked, indicating his lap. The vampire paused, bemused by her nervousness; after all, they had been intimate before, and yet this endearing action made her blush and fidget. Slowly, the woman cuddled into his lap and brought her lips against his throat, bringing shivers down his spine.
"I'll have you know that I've put Captain Bernadette on duty tonight so that there will be no interruptions…", she whispered.
"Really, and what would we be doing for hours and hours that would require my full, undivided attention?" A wicked grin parted her lips as her hands secured his shoulders and her mouth captured his in a passionate kiss. Their actions progressed until the creature scooped his wife up and they piled upon the bed, which Alucard noticed had been very smartly dressed in chocolate-hued satin sheets.
"I thought black would be too morbid and red too tartly." Integra snickered. "Like them?" the vampire nodded and prepared to slide over her form, when she rolled on top of him, pinning him down. Her nimble hands popped open buttons and caressed bare, white flesh, a single nail tracing the pentacle on his belly before burrowing lower. Her eyes never left his, watching the pleasure play over his face. The Cheshire King was speechless- his master was now as fearless in the bedroom as she was on the battlefield. A trail of burning kisses edged down his chest and torso , before pausing over his stomach.
"Close your eyes and think of England*…" Integra breathed before continuing, as his ragged gasps ripped through the air.
Meanwhile-
"I can't believe this…", the fledgling whined. "Of all the nights he had to be sent off!," Seras had pain-takingly laid out an entire supper spread she had cooked herself. It had taken all week to go over her book on French Cuisine and Walter had even helped her go over the recipes for the batter of the dessert crepes.
"Bloody Hell.", she cursed to herself as she sealed up and plastic wrapped the meal. At least they would have left- overs, but of all the nights! The manor was just settling down to a softer pace- Midian activity was lighter in the spring with the elongated hours of sunlight and the dwindling numbers of Indian mercenaries made the place much quieter.(Though she did hate to admit, she was beginning to miss Captain Ari's jokes and stories.) With the dishes cleared, the little vamp began to trudge upstairs; perhaps Christophe or a few of the Geese were up for a game of Checkers or cards- the night was still young and maybe she could enjoy a few hours of time minus the firearms with her comrades. A funny sensation did prick up in the back of her mind.
"It's nothing,"she thought,"I'm just still upset…" However, the strange feeling began to grow and spread. As she neared the main floor, her head felt light, as if she had drunk strong liquor. Her breathing became laboured and her chest felt tight. The girl paused for a moment and put a hand over her middle. If she had a heartbeat, it would be racing. Her cheeks flushed and pulsed with an electric heat. A flush of warmth spread through her stomach and started to pool into lower areas. Startled, the fledgling attempted to clear her head and steady herself, but instead a rush of emotions spun through her; bliss, pure, lovely bliss, a delicious consumption of being and body…. Her legs began to give way, and much to her embarrassment, her thighs were slick. As the feelings continued, a clear realization came into her head.
"Oh, I'm so happy for them…" she managed to think; her masters were contented , whole, and apparently rutting like two cats in heat….. which brought Seras back into her own uncomfortable state of being. As she attempted to calm herself, the fire grew
"Oh God, what if I do run into Chris, or Pip-CRAP! Room- I've got to get back to my room before I , do something….." Her voice of reason began to trail off as her bloodlust and desire for other fleshy releases began to pulse like a neon light. She thought of her chastity, her fine moral character, and the bar of chocolate waiting by the side of her coffin , but her resolve melted under a sentence of five little words spoken behind her.
"Are you alright Miss Victoria?" a kindly voice asked. Walter stood just a few feet behind her, a quizzical look on his face. He might have well as said," Take me now." Seras turned , and breathed hard- oh Lord, no, no , no -she couldn't! This was Walter, dear, sweet old Walter who made her breakfast, told her war stories, and served her tea, but in this light, Lord, he was amazing. Even in spite of his age, his face was handsome, and hair thick, his body was trim and lanky and no normal man should be able to move the way he did- like a damn panther. And his smell, his blood smelled like vintage cognac aged to perfection mixed with tea leaves and sugar. It was mouth-watering. Slowly, like a predatory animal, the girl maneuvered in. Her hips swung ever so- slightly and her lips were parted in a come-hither bow.
At first, Mr. Dorneaz thought she was drunk. Seras was still young, and in spite of her attempts to keep up with the boys, she still couldn't hold her liquor was well as she wanted others to believe. He was a bit shocked to see her not at supper with her Captain, but after the last minute requests of Sir Integra, perhaps she was upset at her canceled dinner plans and had downed a few to cool off. Yes, that's what he told himself as she sauntered over with a gleam in her eye that reminded him of how another vampire used to look at him in 1946….
"Are you alright Miss? Can I help you with anything?" he repeated . The girl's eyes were glazed over and the way her body shifted in her blue, dinner dress made Walter uncomfortably aware of her curves. As she stepped into his personal space, her smelled no liquor on her breath, and certainly didn't taste any as she pressed her mouth to his in a kiss worthy of a motion picture ending. The poor man was shocked- he moved his hands in protest, but the poor girl just merely flowed into his arms as if she was made of vapours. So, the retainer did what any decent, red-blooded English man of fine standing and manners would do; he kissed her back.
*Read "My Bloody Valentine" where Pip and Alucard have a little chat to understand that reference.
"Close your eyes and think of England"-When Queen Victoria the first was nervous and curious about her wedding night, this was the only piece of advice her mother could give the jitery, virginal queen. It just seems appropriate that Inrtegra would find a way to mix business with pleasure. :)
