DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HELLSING OR ANYTHING ASSOSIATED WITH IT

A/N: AAAAND ANOTHER CHAPTER IS UP! This one kind is more of an emotional revelation for one of our characters and the beginning of the next phase of our fic's story. Enjoy!

On Her Majesty's Orders

Chapter 5

The night was now old, a dim blue glow was flooding the sky in the east, heralding the slow march of the dawn. The morning sun would rise in just over an hour, Illuminating the Hellsing manor in all of its brilliance and splendour. For the moment though, it was still draped in shadows, save for the pale luminescent glow erupting from the windows of occupied rooms.

Seras gazed upon the view of the manor lazily as it slowly came into view, he forehead was resting against the glass of the Rolls Royce that was whisking her and Alucard home. Seras tried to breathe on the windows to make condensation, but being a vampire her body did not produce enough heat for her breath to do so. It was another reminder that she truly was a different person, a different being altogether. No longer human...

She pushed away those thoughts though, sitting upright in her seat, reminding herself on how much she had enjoyed this night. This night, this rare night with her master. It had been fun, great, lovely actually; it was the first time she'd felt this... close to him. A smile crept its way across her lips and she felt the tell-tale warning signs of a blush rearing their heads again. Making her best efforts to conceal her emotions Seras turned to look at her master, who was sitting on the other side of the large rear seats of the car. She expected to be met with the familiar set of deep crimson eyes, however none were there; Alucard sat with his head tilted down, his hat covering all of his face. Seras knew he wasn't truly asleep, only resting, but he was still pretty much dead to the world.

Seras allowed the smile to return to her lips, knowing her thoughts were currently not being scrutinised. She was happy that things were slowly improving, no, developing between them. There was nothing broken that needed improving, their bond was simply developing, growing in strength since that night in cheddar village. But was it developing in that way?

Could it really be...

No, it can't be. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of these invading emotions. She was simply fond of her master, it was a vampire thing, that was it! From what Seras had learned from Integra it appeared that vampires form very close bonds with their sires; it was merely a bond similar to father and daughter, right?

Still...

Seras shook her head again, this time putting all of her mental strength into pushing these thoughts away and into some metaphorical vault in the back of her head.

The Rolls Royce pulled up to the mansion, stopping a few feet from the stone steps that lead up to the oak doors. As soon as the vehicle came to a halt Seras felt her master's mind awaken and his eyes snap open, it was an odd feeling, knowing when he was concious and when he was not. Now was not the time to think on these things though, Seras was tired, and she still had her tutoring session with Integra to go to. Honestly she just wanted to crawl into her coffin-bed and sleep!

"A little tired police girl?" She jumped at his dark voice, not noticing that he'd phased out of the car and was now holding the door open on her side. "Time to go inside, dawn will be upon us soon."

"Right master." She said enthusiastically, but with a tone of groginess.

She stepped out into the cool pre-dawn air, giving her master a nod to show her appreciation at his gentlemanly display. His face of course showed no actual emotion in reply, but she was used to that.

"Take the bags from the car and head to the basement," Alucard commanded her coolly, "you'll need to drink blood if you're to stand a chance to stay awake for my master."

"Yes master." She replied, a little crestfallen. Seras had hoped to not have to drink tonight, she didn't want to spoil the good mood she was in.

"You will drink, Seras." He commanded, she could sense frustration in his tone. He rarely Seras by her actual name, and it was usually when he was either displeased with her or teasing her in some cruel way.

"Ok, Ok. You win master, I suppose it's the least I could do for you after tonight." She conceded, trying to convince herself of a good reason to drink for him, apart from the obvious desire to make her master proud.

"Good." He responded neutrally. "I'm going to sleep."

Seras watched gloomily as he faded into mist, she'd hoped for him to at least bid her a 'good night', or maybe a simple 'you weren't as annoying as usual tonight.' But it was not to be, obviously, Seras was almost too tired to care anyway. She retried the many shopping bags from the back of the car and made her way into the mansion, casting a quick glance back to see the orange glow of the sky, sadly accepting that she would never actually get to see a dawn again.

Seras opened the door to her room with a sigh of relief, longing to be rid of the bulking shopping bags that she'd been forced to carry down to the sub-levels. It would have been nice if Alucard had offered to at least take one of them, but that was wishing for the impossible, the last time Seras checked hell was yet to freeze over.

She dumped the multitude of bags onto her bed, leaving them to be sorted later, and turned to attend to her desk. She'd spotted the ice bucket as soon as she was in the room but had paid no notice until now, annoyingly she found that there were two packets of blood on. Obviously master thought that she needed it. She picked up one of the blood packets to find a small piece of paper stuck to the underside, it had some writing on it and Seras had to squint her eyes to read it as the ice had made the paper soggy. The hand writing was very elegant, and was obviously written by someone who knew their calligraphy. Seras instantly knew who the author of this little note was.

I enjoyed our little trip out, Seras.

Drink the blood.

She thanked whatever god that was watching over her for being alone in the room right now as her face was burning like a furnace. Even though it wasn't much and he didn't say it to her face, she'd take any form of kindness from her master.

Without another thought Seras found herself easily draining the first bag of blood, she didn't even bother to empty it into a bowl like usual, she simply sucked on it like a juice carton, like her master. Immediately the effects of the blood showed, Seras could feel her fatigue drain away, as if having a great weight lifted from her. Energy began to spark within her and Seras reached for the second packet of blood and downed it within seconds, feeling it course through her body, nourishing and revitalisng her, bringing warmth and oh such lovely sensations!

She simply stood there for a few moments, frozen to that spot in her room, unaware of the red orbs that observed her from the shadows. Seras slowly exhaled a deep breath as she felt the last of the blood finish working its magic on her, damn it always felt so good! Seras wished she wouldn't always be so apprehensive about drinking it, not when she knew this bliss was awaiting her when she did.

It still took a few moments for Seras to compose herself after that, having more than one bag of blood in a single hit always had a habit of making her feel, well, a little turned on. It was a little awkward and she didn't think Integra wanted to teach Seras whilst her face was still this red! Eventually though she was calm. Seras walked out of her chambers, gently closing the iron door and made her way back up into the mansion.

Integra was already awake, despite the fact that it was 4AM. She woke up upon hearing the loud thuds of car doors, her two servants had obviously returned. She sat up in her bed, rubbing away the last remnants of tiredness from her eyes, and reached over for her spectacles which rested on a mahogany beside table. Integra liked mahogany; her large ornate bed was carved from it, as were the other furnishings in the bedroom.

Her fuzzy vision immediately sharpened as her eyes adjusted to the large glasses, with a bit of a groan she stretched out in an attempt to wake her body and spur it into movement. Her bare feet touched the carpeted floor; it was lovely and soft having been shampooed only last week, she did not care for dust. Integra walked over to the large, dark green curtains that were draped over one of the bedrooms large windows, she peeked her head through a gap in the fabric, the sun was yet to rise but the sky was already brightening.

She dressed herself silently, choosing to wear a blue suit that matched her eyes in colour; she wore a plain white undershirt with a blue tie to finish the ensemble. She quickly sat down in front of her dresser to brush her hair which had become matted; she was never an easy sleeper and always woke to the same tangled blonde mess.

With that done she made her way out of the bedroom and down the hallway to a small kitchenette, it was a well presented room with two sinks, a kettle and a microwave. The small kitchen bench top was made from a dark marble which had silvery veins running through it. Integra reached into a small overhead cupboard and retrieved a coffee plunger and a bag of ground coffee. Usually Walter would prepare her morning beverages but Integra didn't like to wake the aging butler if it could be avoided; besides he would always protest against her choosing coffee over tea.

Coffee in hand, Integra made her way through the private wing of the mansion, where only she and Walter usually ventured, heading towards her office; Seras would be up soon for their routine sessions. Integra really needed to thank Walter at one point for suggesting the idea to her; the tutoring lessons with Seras had been very beneficial for both parties.

Seras had surprised Integra with how much of her former humanity she'd managed to retain, she was unlike any vampire she had ever known. Sure, Alucard was also a man of emotions, though he'd loath to admit it, but Seras was different, she embraced it. She was almost like a hybrid, a vampire who seemed human on the outside, except for the blood rages; but that came with the territory of being a fledgling, once she became a true Nosferatu her self-control would improve. Integra confessed to herself that the vampire fascinated her greatly. The other positive aspect of their sessions had been that for the first time, ever, Integra finally had another female to talk to. It wasn't always girly-girly talk mind you; she was still the head of this organisation and had to remind Seras of that on more than one occasion. But she still enjoyed their time together and it allowed Integra, if only a little, to feel like a woman and not hate herself for it.

Eventually Integra reached her office and entered the dark room; she flicked on the lights which bathed it in a warm light. Walking over to her desk she frowned when she noticed it was still covered in several tall stacks of paperwork.

Great, three days left before I leave and there's still this much left to do.

Integra rubbed the bridge of her nose as she sat down into her comfy office chair, sipping away at her mug of coffee, praying that the caffeine kicked in soon otherwise she'll be drooping off to sleep in no time.

*Knock Knock!* "Sir Integra, it's me, Seras." Came the vampires usual happy voice. It gave Integra a bit of a jump, which thankfully helped wake her up a little.

"Come in." She said, sipping a bit more on the coffee, thanking herself for taking it black with double strength.

The door opened and Seras walked into the room, Integra noticed a definite spring in her step. She sighed to herself in relief; the night must have gone well with Alucard. Seras walked up to the desk and gave her a little bow before sitting down onto one of the ornate chairs facing Integra.

"Seras, judging by the lack of news channels reporting massacres across London and the fact that the city's not on fire, I'm to assume things went well tonight?"

"Yes sir!" She beamed; her blue eyes were flickering with excitement.

Integra grinned back at her, showing her pride in the little draculina for controlling Alucard so well. She put her now empty coffee cup down on the desk and retrieved one of her cigars from the desk drawer. She flicked open her gold cigarette lighter and inhaled her much loved first morning puff, feeling the nicotine instantly work in conjunction with the coffee to fully wake her up. After another puff she looked back at Seras, who was still smiling at her, waiting patiently for Integra to speak.

"Well?" Integra asked her. "Give me your report."

Integra listened carefully, allowing a smug smile to form across her face, as Seras gave her report of the evening. It was amazing, Alucard actually behaved himself; sure she had ordered him to but the annoying prick always found some sort of loophole to squirm out of doing her bidding. Seras began explaining her master's curiosity at all of the shops, especially the video game store; Integra couldn't stop a snort of amusement escaping at the mental image that was forming in her head. Alucard, the great and mighty No-Life-King, glued to a video game, he was still full of surprises.

Integra was pleased to hear that Seras and Alucard had successfully selected and purchases appropriate clothing for their 'holiday' in Kumaju. By the sound of it Alucard actually enjoyed doing it, Integra knew why as soon as Seras mentioned she'd bought half a dozen miniskirts.

The perv.

It was then that Integra suddenly noticed something that she'd very, very rarely seen before.

Seras was, without a shadow of a doubt, slowly but surely growing redder and redder in the face as she gave her report. It sparked a fire of curiosity in Integra's mind, and worry. Was the police girl developing feelings for Alucard? Surely not, he was always so cold, so harsh towards his fledgling. She'd seen Seras blush at him before but it was always when he'd embarrassed her in front of the men… or in front of anyone for that matter. This was different though, not only was Alucard not in the room but Seras was actually smiling! What sort of strange, twisted thoughts was going on in that little naive head of hers?

"Stop blushing police girl." She found herself saying automatically, not knowing what else to say to her. It worked though, Seras let out a small squeak, obviously realising what had happened, and the colour drained away from her face.

"S-sorry sir, I didn't realise I was doing that!" She half laughed, trying to conceal her awkwardness.

"It's alright... but do you mind if I ask a personal question?" Integra already knew the answer but was just trying to fool herself otherwise. Seras didn't answer she simply nodded, obviously dreading the question.

"Do you... how do I put it delicately... do you like Alucard?" She almost whispered the last few words, like a teenager would if gossiping.

"Of course I like Alucard, he's my master!" Seras chirped. Integra simply raised an eyebrow.

"Shall we try that again?" She asked, this time in her usual down to business voice.

"Um..eeh...oh...well, the thing is..." Seras fumbled, her face turning red again.

Oh my god, she does! It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion.

"I guess...I...do?" Seras finally answered, giving Integra an unsure look.

"I see." Integra said as she took a another drag from her cigar, exhaling little smoke rings. She couldn't help but grin at the situation, it was liking dealing with a girl and her first crush.

"Does Alucard know?"

"No!" Seras exclaimed, "... ahem, I mean no. He doesn't, thank god."

"Are these... serious emotions?" Integra found herself asking, letting the curiosity bite a little bit more.

"Oh gods, I have no idea!" Seras sighed in despair as she dropped her head into her palms, "He's my master, I shouldn't be feeling this way. Should I?"

Integra thought on her question a little. It was well known that vampires chose to mate for life, and it was a pairing based on a deeply emotional level. Could Seras be feeling these instincts? Could Alucard? She supposed it wasn't entirely impossible, Alucard did turn Seras after all, and that was a decision that he would never take lightly. Perhaps he'd already made his choice, and was simply waiting for Seras to feel the same! Could Integra allow them to be mates? Could vampires...breed?

"Sir?"

"What? Oh, sorry Seras." Integra didn't realise she'd drifted off into her thoughts that deeply. "I was thinking on your question."

"And what do you think? Is this natural for me?" Oh lord she was looking at her with those baby blue eyes again, Integra bet even Alucard couldn't say no to those. Damn those eyes.

"I think it could definitely be natural..." Integra began, watching as elation spread across Seras's face, "...but it could also just be something to do with your bond with him."

"I suppose you're right Sir, better not get my hopes up, hey?" Seras slumped a little in her chair, visibly deflated.

Integra was worrying now, this is the last thing she wanted developing, right when they were about to all go away and she was trying to make sure everyone kept the peace. What if something happened? What if Alucard rejects Seras? It wasn't likely, but still possible; what sort of chaos would that cause, the thought of Seras in a vampire mood swing was frighteningly terrifying to consider.

Then again...

A light bulb went on in her head.

Perhaps this could work to my advantage... if those two are busy... doing whatever it is that courting vampires do... then I won't have them in my hair to worry about as much. Also if they do form a bond I would be the first human to actually be able to stud two vampire mates up close! And should they even have the luck of breeding...lord I hope this works otherwise I'm in some very deep shi-

"Seras, I've... had a thought, so to speak." Integra said quickly, a rare level of uncertainty in her voice.

"Yes sir?" Seras nodded, waiting for her too speak.

"We're flying out to Kumaju in three days right?", The vampired nodded.

"To a nice, isolated, tropical island resort?", Seras nodded again.

"Why not use your time there to see if anything... arises between you an Alucard." Integra suggested. Seras blushed even harder now. "I'm not saying you should tell him anything, or make any suggestions of it. Simply wait and see what happens."

"Are you sure sir?" Seras asked timidly, those damn blue eyes were back. "What if everything gets thrown back in my face?"

"I'll be honest Seras. I do have an ulterior motive too." I should probably tell her the truth, in case it does turn out for the worse.

"Whats that, Sir?"

Integra took another drag from her cigar, stubbed it out and the proceeded to light a seconds. She sat there for a few moments, smoking, considering what she should say so as to not cause offence. Then again why should she care? She was the vampires master! Curse those petty emotions, Seras was making her soft.

"Seras. I want to study you and Alucard. If you two do end up... bonding in that way I will be the first human ever to actively study it. It could mean a breakthrough in half a dozen different fields of vampiric research." She tried her best to make it sound logical and not selfish, maybe Seras would understand better. "... I could just order you to do it. But you've earned my trust, so I'll let you make any and all decisions on this."

Those last words seemed to relax the vampire, and she was able to supress the redness from her face. "You know, that's the first time you told me that you trusted me, sir." She smiled.

"It's been a long time coming I confess" Integra forced a small laugh. "I have problems with emotions, and dealing with vampires. You must remember I was brought up to despise your kind, so I'm still adjusting to having another domesticated vampire in the house."

Seras laughed at that, "Domesticated? Master maybe, but not me. There's nothing to domesticate, I'm the same as I was when I was human. Save for the fangs and bloodlust... hehe."

"I think that's why we've gotten on so well Seras. You are a one of a kind vampire."

"Thank you sir."

"You're welcome, now you don't have to answer me immediately about Alucard. Just let me know before we leave. For now, lets focus on today's lesson?"

Seras nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, sir!"

"Good. We'll continue where we left off then, the history of the twelve knights..."

A/N: Isn't Integra such a scheming woman? Hehe. That's it for this chapter. I hope this fic isn't dragging out too much, it will definitely pick up pace now as we begin the main plot arch at Kumaju Island. Oh its going to be fun! :3

R&R As always!