"Alucard."
Alucard shifted his position to look at her. He laid on the sofa, his head resting on her lap, and feeling comfortable while she read her book.
"Hmm?" He asked lazily.
She smiled– a small one, putting her book down on the table, looking down on him. "Do you trust me?"
Alucard frowned as he looked at her in the eyes. He realized that her eyes weren't as similar to his… the vertical slit pupils he once saw in them were gone. It was probably because she didn't drink as much blood as she needed to. But going back to her question…
"What kind of question is that?" He remarked back in a slightly annoyed tone.
Integra chuckled. "I'm just asking..." It was weird how slightly playful she was…
Alucard looked at her quizzically, raising an eyebrow. "Why? Is it your turn to break my trust in you? Integra, what are you planning? You've left me in sheer confusion for decades now. When are you going to tell me your what's and whys?"
Integra rolled her eyes and apologetically smiled. "Just answer my question, Count."
Alucard sighed and got her hand, massaging small circles on the back of it with his thumb...
"I'm forever your servant. It wouldn't be a matter of trust but of my servitude. I'll do whatever you say no matter what..."
Integra took her hand and put it to hold his face. She gently pushed his face for him to look straight at her. "Putting that aside, my dear Count, if you weren't my servant, would you still trust me? How much? What if I break it? What will you do then?"
Alucard was left frozen...
"You... I hate you."
"Does that mean you don't trust me?" The way she looked at him showed signs of sincerity and curiosity mixed together.
"You are a queen of mischief... but... in all honesty, even if you 'break' my trust, I'd still follow you... You're a woman of authority and you have your reasons... and you have your justifications... I just... I just don't know what you're up to... It would depend on what you're going to do, my beloved Countess..."
He turned his face to kiss her gloved palm.
"Like I said before, I won't be anyone else's dog. And you're still holding my leash. I'm forever in your hands; forever in your command."
Integra smiled wider.
"What do you say I find myself a red coat like yours?"
Alucard grinned.
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Chapter 14 – Telepathic
~2135~
"Master Integra, it's time we head home." Seras said worriedly.
Integra had been out of the manor ever since she got her red hooded military trench coat. Every other night, she'd patrol on her own, scanning various areas outside the manor to hunt rogue vampires. When she found trouble, she'd immediately help out –kill the vampire and leave no traces of her doing.
Integra's quest was fulfilling for her; and making her feel secured of the path she chose. Everytime she saved a human being from the hands of a vampire, her regrets were being washed away and she was being filled with hope. After witnessing the various conundrums of the humans she's protecting, she felt absolutely content.
Of all the efforts she did to protect the people, she didn't realize how much time she spent outside the manor, worrying Seras the most. Seras was aware of her dates outside the manor and was getting worried that she might press the local eyes. She'd find her, eventually, and remind her that it's time to return. Everytime she escorted her back, Integra wore a satisfied smile hidden in the dark shadows of her red hood.
Without a word, Seras understood the satisfaction that Integra felt. All through her life and un-death, all Integra thought about was her duty and the human race– the country and the ones she swore to protect.
As they started their way back, Seras caught up to walk next to her.
"How was your hunt, Master Integra?" She said with her ever cheerful smile, pushing her worries back.
Integra wanted to protect that smile because the smile she wore gave her hope in the midst of her despairs.
"It was alright. I'd hate to say it but I'd always want to see the sunrise." She chuckled. "The irony…"
Seras chuckled back. "Is that the reason why you always come home late?" Another irony.
"It's peculiar to admit but yes." They both chuckled.
Seras had a lot of questions she wanted to ask Integra but she knew that the older woman didn't like being pressed with questions. Integra noticed her sudden silence and paused.
"Anything you'd like to ask, Seras?" Seras fidgeted and stuttered her first words.
"U-uhmm… No… But, well, I thought you don't like me asking a lot of questions…" Integra gave her a warm smile.
"If it's your master, of course, I'd hate it. But if it's you, it's alright." She stroked her soft blonde hair.
Seras smiled warmly, a faint blush on her cheeks. She liked it when either one of her masters stroked her head.
"W-well… Are you sure this is alright? You've been busy and keeping our people safe. And I'm sure there'll be a report about you… And Sir Henry might get in trouble with this… And… I've noticed how content you are with this but I also felt a bit of regret from you… Not that I'm nosing in your affairs but…" Seras bowed her head.
Integra sighed. She grew more than patient with Seras. "First of all, Seras, it's always been my duty to protect this country; that's what my father taught and left me. What happens next would inevitably happen. I'll deal with that when it comes. Henry is very different, comparing him to Sherwin… but perhaps you're right. I fear that Henry would be the cause of something terrible." Seras looked at her, nodding.
They already had a hunch that there was something wrong going on.
"And Seras…" Integra looked at her.
"Hmm?" Seras looks back.
The sun started to rise behind her master's master. Her eyes were like the rising sun behind her…
"Shall we continue what we do best?" She said with a small smile.
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Henry was scheduled for a meeting with the round table that weekend. He felt incredibly tired after a week of work. Shifting between the communication headquarters and the Hellsing manor was not a joking matter. It was long decided that the Hellsing manor would the place where the knights would have a council. The meeting took place in which they discussed the issue of an auxiliary vampire aiding local citizens in London. He reviewed the reports and knew that it was Integra who was doing her patrol every other evening. He was given the task to locate and capture the vampire-in-red. In his situation though, he had to talk to Integra about her ministries. He thought that that maybe the reason she was usually out of the mansion. He feigned ignorance regarding all the matter in front of the council. He called Alucard for an act to make it look like he didn't know anything–– doing his best to be ignorant of Integra's existence and all that she unveiled to his ancestors. He was quite successful in the act but something arose from it…
The meeting ended, the knights rose from their seats and left, except for Howard Islands who remained in his seat at the other end of the table, staring intently at Henry. Henry sat and stared back, not giving any kind of emotion. Howard Islands started to talk.
"Henry, is there something you want to tell me? Alucard's behavior seems so out of character. According to the reports I have regarding some incidents decades ago, that vampire you're holding is dangerous in any sort of matter. Moreover, it's unbelievable for him to follow orders from you even if his original master's order to him is to submit to your lineage. If he decides to disobey his original master's command… How are we going to deal with the situation? You understand my concerns, don't you?"
Henry looked at him, stern, though he fought himself not to falter before his assumptions. He sighed to release his nervousness. He took a few beats before he responded.
"He won't. Like I said earlier, he followed my grandfather and my father. If he wanted to disobey his former master, he would've done that after she passed away."
Howard looked at him sharply. "Even so, he is a monster in our world. It's my duty to prevent any kind of rebellion that would wreck our king, our people, and our country as much as possible. We all have." He adjusted his glasses, covering his face. He thought about the possibilities. "We can never tell what could and can happen, Henry. Please. Integra Hellsing died as a human because it was her duty to do so; to fulfill her role as a human who would best a monster. You too, Henry. I pray you and your descendants would never give in to temptation… I'm sorry. But, please consider."
Henry nodded. "I will. For now, our main problem is the vampire who's aiding our citizens. Of course, I will do my duty. That, I promise to fulfill."
Howard stood. "I trust matters here with you then, Henry. Till the next meeting, Sir Henry."
"Howard, wait." Henry said and Howard paused.
"What is it?" He asked, eyeing the man seated at the other end of the table.
"Howard, may I leave my son and daughter to you, or maybe to your son if anything ever happens?" He asked, unable to fathom what possibilities will happen.
"What do you mean? If you are not sure about the situation, then I will. You and your ancestors have been holding not only one but two vampires in this place. If anything perilous was about to happen, then I'd gladly help you. Our families have been good friends ever since so I wouldn't mind. What can I help you with?"
Henry gulped. "My duty is much exhausting, such that my father also fulfilled… but I don't want my son to feel indebted by it nor would I want him to feel pressured by what he needs to do. I don't know what will happen in the future and I'm saying this to you now because I want my children to be secured. I want to be prepared if anything shall happen. I want you to secure things for me; to protect my son, to protect my daughter."
Howard smiled. He completely understood. He knew that ever since Henry had Sheldon, he would do anything to protect him. And given their situation, having two vampires was not an easy matter.
"Of course, Henry. And if you may, if anything were to happen to me, I'd like to leave my son to you." They made an agreement.
But little did Howard know what lied beneath Henry's façade.
That afternoon, Section XIII visited him. He was introduced by a new member of their group: Dante Del Nero. It had been a while ever since the Section XIII visited and Henry was too tired to deal with them. They sat and talked, catching up with what had been happening. Due to Henry's exhaustion, he gave his guests a quick recap of the latest news about the vampire-in-red and how the vampires were fairing. But what troubled Makube and Heinkel was the fact that they weren't informed of Alucard's return for almost a century that had passed. Their small meeting finished and that same evening, Henry went to the sublevels to ask Integra some questions…
He went but found no vampire in the vast chamber. Everything was clean and organized. He took a seat on one of the grey Chesterfield sofas and waited. Seras was the first to come.
"Good evening, Sir Henry." She greeted in her ever polite tone. "Master and Master Integra will be arriving shortly if you're looking for them." She smiled.
"What have they been doing? I have concerns regarding their activities." He said, looking at her sternly.
"They usually go out… somewhere. I don't know where but they return early. What's the matter?" She cocked her head to one side, concerned.
"Seras, please remind Integra that she has to return here before dawn."
Seras didn't need to know why. Instead, she bowed slightly. "As you wish."
When Alucard and Integra returned, appearing out of nowhere, Seras took her leave. The two vampires sat across Henry.
"Good evening, Sir Henry." Integra greeted.
Henry tossed an open folder containing reports about her activities on the coffee table.
"Integra, what's the meaning of this? Why didn't you tell me that you've been aiding citizens? What you have done caused an issue. It's sarcastic… The round table wants to find and interrogate you, wanting to know your intensions." He said in a slightly raised tone.
"I'm sorry, Sir Henry. But it's still my duty to do what I need to do. It's my fault for not telling you. But rest assured that it's not my intention to cause a ruckus. Simply put, I'm still fulfilling my obligations."
Alucard stayed quiet, eyeing Integra.
"What do you plan on doing now? How are we going to make the round table believe that you're an ally?" Henry asked.
"We don't have to." Integra answered.
"What? Are you implying that I should lie in the round table conference?" Henry glared at her.
"Isn't that what you've been doing, Sir Henry? Moreover, a simple way to handle this is to let Seras patrol on a nightly basis. From now on, I'll stay here to lower the incident reports." Integra humbled herself.
"Make sure you do something about this to stop the round table's curiosity. If you excuse me…" Henry stood and left, seeking rest.
Alucard took his time, rolling questions in his mind, and Integra stayed still. He shifted and looked at Integra.
"You're a very complicated creature, Integra. You're proud and yet you humble yourself. You don't know where you should place yourself. You still pique my curiosity. Why do you do this?"
Integra involuntarily grinned. If it was of mischief or any sort, he couldn't tell. "I'm flattered to hear that from you, Count. We worry when we get there and prepare for anything now."
"But Henry Penwood is vastly different from his ancestors. Shouldn't you be worried about this?" He leaned his head to his hand.
"Let it be. We can't do anything about it. I never gave him a choice before so let him act on his own. What's more is that it's already been a century since the Section XIII declared their 10th crusade. I believe that they're not stupid enough to ignore the possibilities of our existence. We should greet them when the time comes." Integra smiled but this time, it was of mischief and Alucard grinned, quite satisfied by her devilry.
Seras was then ordered to patrol every night. But instead of keeping a look out, she let herself relax and enjoy the evening atmosphere. She would be informed if there was trouble so in the meantime, she allowed Pip and herself to spend time together after all their hard work…
They laid themselves on the grass on top of a hill, watching the stars as they twinkled in the dark night sky. Seras reminisced.
"Captain, I still feel sad." She said as she moved closer to him. Pip sighed.
"Ah, Ma Cherie… You still haven't changed. You've become brave but not enough. I always tell you that it was for the best. And the best, it is. I'm still here. Not as a human but something much more. If I was still human, I'd probably be dead a century ago." He chuckled. "You wouldn't want that, right?"
"I guess so." Seras hid a wide smile.
"What do you mean you guess so? You want me dead?" Pip snapped which made Seras giggle and lay her head on his chest.
"I may be brave but there's still a limit to that, my dear Captain…"
She couldn't hear anything– no heartbeat, no pulse, no sounds of movement, nothing. She never drank anyone else's blood because no one else was allowed to be inside her but Pip. Everytime she remembered his sacrifice for her, all the pain returned to haunt her. Sometimes, she would think that it was unfair for him to suffer almost the same fate as hers but again and again, he would always remind her why he did that.
Pip didn't need a presage to know what she's doing.
"Ma Cherie, we always talk about this. One day, you have to drink more blood other than the donated ones."
"But I want no one else. I don't need anything else. I promised I'd protect you."
"And you will if you think about it. What's more is that you're not keeping your promise. I asked for a date, not an argument." He pouted.
Seras hugged his form tight enough for him to feel her grief. He allowed her and he put an arm on her back, stroking her.
"I'm sorry… I'm never in peace with myself especially when it comes to you… I want the best for you… I want to return the favor of everything you did for me. It pains me but in the same time, I feel so happy to be able to be with you even in this total damnation. I just…" Pip shushed her.
"Ah, you're still so very foolish, Seras. Have you inherited both of your masters' characteristics?" He chuckled before continuing. "You're regretting everything, I assume?"
Seras shook her head. "Just sometimes… I wonder about the possibilities of a better life or afterlife for you, at least. And I can't imagine you leaving me now… I'm still afraid... but I keep it inside."
"I know, Seras. I know. That's why I'm still trying to convince you. But that's for another time. Is there anything else you want me to know?" He patted her head.
"No. I'm feeling better now. Just stay like this."
Pip smiled. "That's good. I almost forgot…"
Seras put a finger on his lips. "Don't worry. I didn't." She kissed his cheek and made him laugh.
"Now, that's what I wanted. And remember this as well…" Pip looked at the deep dark sky which made Seras do the same.
"I will stay with you and never let you go, Ma Cherie."
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Pip and Seras continued their 'patrol' for almost a year now, and their routine would always be the same. They would first survey around a specific region that was in the schedule of their list. Sometimes, the location would differ but it wouldn't be too far from London. Once they finish patrolling for a few hours, they would spend time together and engage themselves in deep conversations though sometimes, they would fight over small little things and make up afterwards. Pip's request to spend time with Seras was, indeed, granted.
There was one night when Pip decided that he didn't want to have a date with Seras. Instead, he dragged Seras to sneak up on their Masters. Of course, Seras protested but since she couldn't resist Pip's persuasion, telling her that they didn't know what their masters were doing while they were away, Seras felt her resolve shatter and they went into the chamber of their masters…
Pip obscured both his and Seras's presences by enveloping the whole chamber first then altering the senses of their masters. They watched from a dark corner of the chamber, Seras phased through the wall… only her head, that is… she didn't want to let her masters know that she'd been snooping on them. Pip told her that there must be something going on between Integra and Alucard that they're always together. Seras countered him, telling him that they didn't have a choice since Alucard didn't like facing weak opponents, and preferred to pester Integra. Moreover, the missions and orders were assigned to them; not to Alucard, nor to Integra. It was always Seras and Pip. She also added that he should be thankful because they got to spend a lot of time together. But she faltered when Pip asked her if she wasn't curious about what her masters do when they're alone.
And so, there they were, watching the two great vampires go with their nightlife.
Integra was just reading her book and Alucard was just sitting across her, staring at her. Alucard wondered what's in Integra's mind but as much as he wanted to, he couldn't. Integra had mastered her own mental ability of keeping him from entering her thoughts. But Alucard took it as a challenge and he'd been trying to get through her mental barrier.
The two snoopers watched and watched but the show was like a picture on the wall– it didn't move…
Stop it, Pip! They're not doing anything out of the ordinary. They're just in their mundane vampire night.
You'll never know what they do after they get bored of their current ministries, Ma Cherie. And hasn't it occurred to you how long they've been together and yet we don't know if they're in a relationship or not?!
Seras inwardly and heavily sighed. Sometimes, she couldn't do anything about Pip being… Pip. He's French. He's romantic… Well, somewhat.
If we get caught, it's your fault. You hear me, Captain?
Oui. Oui, Ma Cherie. Shh! Look.
Pip turned her attention back to the scene. Alucard stood and went to Integra to sit next to her. Integra didn't mind him and continued to read her book. That was when he laid on the soft sofa, his head on her lap.
I knew it.
Pip stated telepathically. For once, Seras was relieved by a shenanigan plotted by her Captain. She kept silent as they continued to watch…
Alucard untied Integra's cravat, took her book, and used the cravat as a bookmark before putting the book on the table. Integra just looked at him, raising an eyebrow, but didn't stop him from doing anything else.
"Would you like to do something else, Master? I'm bored staring at you the whole night." He smirked.
"Is there anything new?" Integra sighed as she pushed her fingers to her forehead, knowing that she'll have a headache after what's about to happen.
"Nothing's new. I just thought we could have some fun while Police Girl and the Frenchman are away. Besides, I've been wanting to do this with you for quite some time now." He rose from his position and sat next to her.
Pip, I think we should leave.
Non! This is the moment we've been waiting for! Let's see them kiss and we leave.
Pip! This is NOT the time for that! Let's give them some privacy! If Master finds out about this, he'll definitely pry into our privacy when we have our time together!
Then let him! It's not like we're doing something out of the ordinary, right?
"Alucard, what are you planning?"
Their attentions were brought back to them again when they heard Integra speak, looking at Alucard with her usual façade.
"Hmm…" Alucard hummed as he leaned closer to her, gently holding her chin, and stroking her lips with his thumb. "You know what I'm planning… And you know what I want."
"If it means that I can go back to reading my book, then be quick about it." Integra stated with a hint of laziness in her tone.
But Alucard didn't do it quick. In fact, he relished the moment as he slowly and gently pulled Integra for a kiss that lasted for more than a few seconds. That's when Pip retract his shadow back in pure victory.
What did I tell you, Ma Cherie? I told you there was something between your masters!
"Uhhh… Pip…" Seras said.
Pip didn't notice it but Alucard was already there beside them, holding Seras's back collar like a kitten, and Integra was standing behind him. It took him moments before he realized that he wasn't a shadow but his solid form, willed by Seras herself as they got caught.
"I told you that we should've given them privacy!" Pip nervously stated as if it was Seras who led his mischievous plot.
Alucard chuckled. "So you like watching live, huh?"
Pip nervously laughed. "B-but! You can't undo it! We already saw the two of you kiss!" He stood proud.
"As if I'd let Alucard kiss me." Integra scoffed.
"B-but how?! We saw it!" Pip exclaimed. Seras stared at him blankly.
"Do you think that we didn't feel you return? What's more is the both of you were loud enough for us to hear." Integra said, crossing her arms.
"Too… loud… to hear?" Pip thought out loud. Where could they had gone wrong?
…
…
…
It dawned on him.
They completely forgot their mental link.
"But… the kiss…! How?! Was it an illusion? You can't possibly–" He was interrupted by a thumb on his lips.
"That was called a 'theatre kiss' Mr. Bernadotte. Alucard kissed his own thumb." Integra said with a deathly tone as she pressed Pip's lips hard enough for it to hurt.
Alucard boomed, laughing at the dumbfounded expression that the Frenchman had, then reacted to the pain rather late. "Next time you try to snoop, make sure we don't know, and you don't get caught."
Alucard put Seras down. "Good timing though. We found something. Integra." He nodded.
"Section XIII was on the move. They already got the bones from my 'grave'. It would take them time to confirm it wasn't mine but we better be prepared. Take these and fake a vampire's death." Integra shoved a red hooded military trench coat exactly like hers, black slacks, jacket, and a silver cross to Pip's chest hard enough for him to step backwards. She explained what she found out. "It seemed that an intruder miraculously got past security. Someone took my hairbrush, my toothbrush, and my closet was clearly rummaged."
"How could someone even pass Pip's security?" Seras asked.
"It was Section XIII. They always have something under their sleeves." Alucard said and nodded to Integra.
Integra nodded back, noting his warning.
"Make sure you don't plan any mischief while setting my second false death, alright, Captain Bernadotte? Because if you do, I'll make sure you'll be punished. Am I understood?" Integra added, giving him a long death glare.
As dead as he already is, Pip still paled to the threat that Integra's eyes laid upon him.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Pip pleaded. He bowed again and again in a 45-degree angle towards her.
"You've learned your lesson today, Frenchman. Don't do it again." Alucard said as he returned to his seat across Integra's.
Integra followed suit, picking the book she was reading, and tying her cravat to where it belonged.
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"I told you we shouldn't have done that! That was soooo embarrassing!" Seras's face was still flushed, remembering the scene, and Pip was laughing.
They were on their way home after setting a vampire's fake death. He wasn't too ashamed because of the expression that Seras was wearing. Seras turned to him with her cheeks puffed and pink as she blamed him for everything. Pip found it too cute which made him laugh more. He still felt triumphant even after he embarrassed himself.
"Ahh, Seras… Maybe you want a kiss from me too?" He said with a wide smirk that made Seras even redder.
"THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO–"
Pip kissed her mouth shut then pulled away.
"There's more from where that came from." Pip said as he nuzzled her nose.
Seras stood immobilized, stunned… staring blankly after what he did.
"Idiot…" She shyly said.
It was clear who won the game that day and the both of them retired from work.
A/N: I might be writing shorter chapters in the future updates maybe because I want to finish this fic fast. Or I may put this on hiatus. The title came from Starset's song: "Telepathic" which is a cool song. I've been listening to rock music and I'm loving it.
Thanks for reading. Do PM if you have questions.
Tschüß und Auf Wiedersehen!