Disclaimer: I no own Hellsing, only Nathan!
When Worlds Collide
Chapter Two: Number
The coffee cup was already nearly empty as Integra raised it to her lips for what would be the last sip. In front of her, Nathan continued to argue his views on another character and his motives, and Integra listened with rapt attention. This was a far cry from the dull reports she often had to sit through in her office, or the complaints of the Round Table members. She felt completely relaxed as her mind flexed itself for another mental sparring session. She had the brains to rebuke his every sentence, but he had the silver tongue to make her look stupid as well.
Four Saturdays had passed since she met him on that fateful rainy morning, and Integra had so enjoyed every minute of their discussions. She was used to trading sharp barbs with Alucard, but with Nathan it was different. She could let her guard down completely, knowing that he had no power to read her thoughts or emotions. She basked in his attention, reveling in the human warmth of another. Most importantly, her meetings with Nathan came to symbolize the normal life she had always wondered about. Something that the weight of her duty had denied her. The carefree life of her childhood had ended the very minute she had accepted her father's sword to become the next Hellsing Director.
A few minutes later, she glanced at her watch and gasped at the time. It was already late. She still had two reports to finish before overseeing her army's training exercise. Getting up abruptly, she gathered her coat and the book she had bought just today. She slipped it into her bag, zipping it up before throwing it over her shoulder.
"I'm really sorry, Nathan. I would love to chat but I have to run. Duty calls," she smiled slightly. It was a joke between them that she always rushed off like a soldier late for battle. How right he was.
"Wait, give me a minute."
Integra looked down at the hand he had placed in her arm. She glanced at his face and glimpsed the same apologetic smile she had seen on the first day that he met him. There was something in his eyes as well. He actually seemed to be embarrassed, which was a first for her. They stared at each other for a moment, before he removed his arm from her elbow.
"I… er… I hope you don't mind. I was wondering if I could have your number."
Integra tensed, and something unreadable flashed through her eyes. Curiosity overcame Nathan again as he watched the strange girl's face. She seemed to struggle with something within herself. He had always wondered about her icy demeanour, her calm and collectedness whenever he faced her. In all the short time he had known her, never once did she laugh. All he could coax from her was the occasional smile. However, it was a sharp contrast to the passion with which she pursued her love of Literature and her razor-sharp wit.
She was to him like a flame within a lamp, the seamless and cold exterior of the glass masking the warmth just beneath. It did not help that she was attractive as well.
Integra was at a loss for words. The Hellsing number was definitely off limits to civilians, and to leak it out was considered a top-level security breach. She tried to think of a way to turn him down, but from her talks with him she knew he was about as stubborn as Alucard sometimes. Suddenly, a thought hit her.
"92367542. It's my handphone number."
With that, she hurriedly turned to leave. She did not even look back as she fled out the door. Walking faster, she reached into her bag and pressed a button on her handphone. She glanced back to look out for anyone following her, particularly Nathan. The street behind her looked ordinary as usual, dotted with people as cars swept past on the road.
"Yes, Sir Hellsing." Walter's voice answered, crisp and clear.
"Pick me up at the usual place, Walter," she spoke into the receiver, before ending the call with another push of the button.