Disclaimer: I still don't own Hellsing, even after 5 chapters of fanfic.
Of Hellsing Blood
Chapter Six: On My Terms
Alucard watched as his Master continued to doze in her own bed, her face framed by her fair hair. Her eyes were closed peacefully, and for once all sternness was gone. Integra was a woman who cared too much for appearances, constantly keeping a stiff face for all the world to see. In fact she was just another person, one who deserved a little happiness in her life. He recalled her eyes on that faithful night, brimming with emotion. He knew she had lost control for once, and all because he had tested the boundaries of their professional relationship by touching her. He had guessed long ago that her respect for him stemmed from more than the fact that he was a vampire…
The dawn was breaking, and pale, weak light filtered through the translucent window curtains of Integra's room. Faint birdsong could be heard from outside as the earth woke up from its nightly slumber. In the darkest corner of the room, where the sunlight never touched, Alucard yawned. It had been a long night.
Finally, she stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Almost at once, she sat straight up, her hands probing her neck. She looked wildly around the room, before her eyes landed on Alucard. All at once, she visibly relaxed. The anger and confusion melted from her face and was replaced by her calm demeanour. She reached out and plucked her glasses off the side table, then crossed her arms. Without skipping a beat, she spoke, aware that she was trying to look authoritative in her nightdress.
"What happened?"
Alucard chuckled, amused by her ability to regain her composure despite cheating death by a hair's breadth. He rose from the armchair in the corner and sidled over to her bedside. Without a word, he lowered himself unto the side of her bed. A look of irritation crossed her features, but she said nothing, waiting for him to explain.
"Your husband, or ex-husband, was not human. He had been implanted with the latest FREAK chip, one which allowed him to control his vampiric features at will. It seems that Millenium is intent on creations that can blend in with normal humans, which will allow them the maximum advantage of getting close to their prey. Naturally, I took care of that piece of Millenium scum."
"And so Millenium sent him to kill me, knowing that I would be in a compromising position," she said without even batting an eyelid.
Alucard smiled enigmatically. "Unlike Enrico Maxwell of Iscariot, you are the one who needs an heir by marriage."
Integra visibly bristled. It was like a slap in the face. She cursed herself for being subjected to such an order. It was beneath her. Why did she even agree to it? Vowing never to go through this again, she angrily threw the blanket off herself. Getting up, she turned to Alucard and ordered him to leave. Her command might as well have fallen on deaf ears.
He just sat there, staring up at her. She realized she was showing more than usual in her current attire, and reasoned that he had probably helped remove her dressing gown as well. Despite that fact, she remained his Master. Brushing all embarrassed thoughts from her mind, she crossed her arms in her usual brisk manner. She repeated the request once more.
"Did you hear me? Please leave, Alucard. I'll call you when I have an assignment." He stood up to leave, and was walking towards the bedroom wall when Integra muttered under her breath, "And thank you."
He melted into the wall, but Integra knew he had heard it. She was walking towards her closet when a voice rang in her head.
"No need to thank me. To see you in that outfit was thanks enough."
She smiled, every so slightly, as she rummaged through her drawers and closet. Taking out the familiar items of clothing that had become almost her uniform, she sighed as she remembered the luggage she had left at the Kingsley Mansion. She could retrieve it later, once she made a report to the Queen about her supposed husband's untimely disappearance. Alucard would leave no evidence behind. She could think of some story that would fit.
On a moment's whimsy, she walked towards the window and looked out. Her eyes took in the immense Hellsing grounds, its gardens, barracks and training areas. Gunshots could already be heard from the firing range, and the sounds of marching floated towards her in the still morning air. She took it all in, the whole of Hellsing Organization, born from a distant ancestor's noble ambition to eliminate evil in the world.
Hellsing was where she belonged, and where she would die if need be. No one had the right to decide its future except her. She would not allow others to decree how to live her life. By being Hellsing Director, she had already broken the stereotype of aristocracy by being the only female in power apart from the Queen. She had always upheld her duty to her country, and she would continue to do so on her terms alone.
As for her relationship with Alucard…
When the time came, she would know what to do.
THE END
Thank you for reading. Please rate! I can't feel my fingers anymore after all that typing…