As the wine glasses emptied, the hours dissipated into the night, and moods faded to gloom the long awaited departure of Lydia came to its beautiful blue blossom. She and Alucard were still seated at the table and had just ordered their fifth glass when she sensed the time was ripe. With a bitter smile on her lips, Lydia stood with her new glass abruptly. She raised her glass high. It was not until now that Alucard realized all dancing had come to a cease, and that the music had gone from its active state to a more somber symphony of instruments and sounds.
"My dear friends, both of young and old, those I have raised, and those that I have grown with. Your somber faces tell me that my departure will not see you well. Therefore, I must remind you, I will always be within reach, my mind only a mere thought away. Next, let me remind you there is nothing to be permanent about this arrangement. I know my home, and my place. However, I must agree with Athena for her name speaks the universe for her. I believe that she is correct in this dismissal from duties. A vacation shall help me revive and become the leader you all follow into missions. In conclusion, I ask you to tip your glasses down your throat and be happy for me, and take this as your vacation from me. Cheers my friends," Lydia spoke in boldness and eloquence that only fit her.
She smiled solemnly at everyone and tipped her glass to her lips parting them to let the liquid flow in a straight current through her system. The wine and blood stained her lips in a satin rose tone. Alucard watched her from the edge of his own glass. He quickly scanned the room. He had missed the dispersion of the people from the dance floor to their seats. Alucard took note of all the other solemn smiles, and crystal drops. He felt the gloom and the bitter happiness floating about the room.
Slowly each member of the Ambrose organization bayed Lydia his or her own goodbye. Some choose a respectful bow, some hugs, some salutes. They streamed one by one out of the room until all that remained were those that Alucard officially met and the Hellsing organization. He could sense the reluctance of Athena to let Lydia go. He sensed the extreme worry of something in the back of her mind. Alucard also sensed the conversing in thoughts amongst the group. He moved to the side with the other members of Hellsing. In a moments time strong hugs where shared and they escorted Hellsing and Lydia to the limo, which would transport them back to the airport.
Inside the car, Lydia seated herself parallel to the window. She had one elbow lightly propped on the car and her chin relaxing into her fingers. Lydia's eyes glazed as her mind wandered. Alucard watched from the opposite side of the car. At this point, he had waved Seras off several times. He had no interest in her useless chatter. He was more interested in what thoughts were passing through Lydia's head. Unfortunately, any slight hint was drowned out by Seras's annoying persistent questions.
"Seras for the last time, off with you," Alucard finally snapped at her aloud.
She shied away from him, scooting closer to Pip. He smiled at her and the two started up a quiet conversation.
"Lydia" Integra softly.
Walter and Alucard watched, as there was no response from Lydia.
"Lydia, I was wondering if there was anything you would need upon arrival to my estate," Integra said a little louder.
Still Lydia's eyes continued to stare out with an unchanging glazed look. Integra looked to Alucard for answers, but he had none to offer. He was afraid of applying any pressure to her mind not knowing her state. So instead, he decided on a safer method of simply calling out to her mind. At first, he when he called her name there was no response, and then an image. It was too quick for him to catch, so he made another attempt, creating louder thoughts. This time he managed to startle Lydia, who instantly readjusted her seated position. Her response came back polite and clear. She asked him what he needed, to which he told her that Integra had asked a question.
"Oh, my apologies Integra, my mind had wandered elsewhere I am afraid. Did you have a request," she asked civilly.
"Not a request per say, more of a question. Will you need anything upon our arrival?"
"Just a drink will suffice until my room is ready," Lydia replied as she returned to her staring.
As the pulled up the drive to the airport, Walter made the call back to headquarters.
When they had pulled up in front of the airport, the driver came and opened their door. Walter had been hesitant at first, not being used to this end of the status. Slowly everyone exited except for Lydia. Cautiously Alucard called out for her attention, again startling her to reality. In response Lydia removed herself from the vehicle. It was clear that she was rather reluctant about her trip.
"Everything alright Miss Lydia," Walter asked quietly from her right shoulder.
"Just a little tired I suppose," she replied with a smile.
"We'll ready your bed as soon as possible Lydia," Integra said turning to face her.
Lydia smiled but shook her head.
"Do not trouble yourself, take your time Integra. You all have traveled so far in such a small amount of time. I will only cover half the distance."
Integra smiled slightly but then frowned.
"Walter where are we going to place her? None of the rooms are in suitable condition yet, mine is to bright, and Seras's too small," Integra said facing Walter.
"Integra, I can put off my sleep a few more days. It is not a huge issue I assure you," Lydia said placing her hand on Integra's shoulder.
"Nonsense, you are on vacation Lydia, we must accommodate to your needs," Walter stated in finality.
Walter quickly looked at his watch.
"We must be moving now," he said as he grabbed the few bags and ushered everyone off toward the terminal.
Lydia kept herself at the back, with Alucard slightly in front of her, Pip and Seras flanked Walter, and Integra at the front of the group. Alucard had thought of a solution to the issue, but he remained unsure of her reaction. He had no intention on starting a fight with Lydia after the prior evening. However, he did have every intention on winning their little game. Therefore, after some careful thought he slowed himself down to Lydia's pace.
"A bit sluggish, yes," he asked softly.
She looked up to him reading the mischief in his eyes.
"Perhaps, or I may possibly just be observing," she said with a slight smile.
"Not too much of interest here for a scholar like yourself Miss. Lydia," Alucard said looking around at the bustling humans.
When Lydia remained quiet and turned her head away from him, Alucard smiled at himself, and his apparent accomplishment. However, it was short lived.
"Fickle," she said pointedly.
He turned his head to her with an inquisitive look.
"The one there, at the counter has a very fickle heart. He's worried his wife will catch him with one of his stewards," she said nodding her head in the general direction.
He smirked; she was showing a lower class of femininity.
"I didn't picture you as one for drama Lydia," he said looking down at her making the smirk clear to her.
Lydia looked up at him. His smile confused her, as did his comment. She had not a clue at what he was getting at. Suddenly, as they approached their departure gate, she heard the thoughts of another man dreaming of his arrival home. A smile crept across her face.
"I suppose they are correct about some," she said ignoring his comment.
His smirk faltered, as he gave her a questioning look.
"Home is where the heart is," she said putting a hand where her heart should be. "Do you still feel at home anywhere Alucard?"
He stopped for a moment. This he hadn't been expecting. Did he feel at home anywhere? Certainly not where he had been imprisoned. Maybe in the Hellsing manor, but unlikely.
"Neither do I," she said picking up the pass a bit so she could catch up with the other's.
Alucard was caught off guard by the comment. He certainly expected questions like that but not this soon. He felt slightly agitated about her making this game too easy. He wanted a mental challenge as well as physical, and since the priest had provided the physical, she would have to be the mental.
He entered the gate just after and took his seat of the plane next to her. While everyone nodded off to sleep, he and Lydia remained awake.
"I didn't mean to offend you," she said suddenly in midflight.
He looked at her.
"What makes you think you could offend me Miss Lydia," he said giving her a toothy grin.
She shifted in her seat. This was certainly uncomfortable for her. She had not intended to say such a thing in his presence yet.
"There is no need to think of it so Miss Lydia," he said slumping down in the chair.
She shook her head but said nothing more. He wished she had started another topic of conversation, but she remained silent. He had so many things he intended to ask about her, but Alucard remained unsure where to start.
"Would you have refused the offer," he asked surprising even himself.
She shifted again. He could not look at her though. Alucard was sure he had delved too far this time.
"Yes," she said solemnly. "I most definitely would have refused had I known. Would you?"
He smiled, and bowed his head. She had given the answer he wanted to hear.
"A thousand times over."
Lydia smiled as well. They felt the same about their positions.
"Lydia, forgive me if this is too bold, but the memory from our dance was it," he stopped unable to complete the sentence.
"Yes. You and he were equals on the dance floor. Yet he had the softer touch. I apologize; it was never your fault Alucard. I should not let myself wander into my memories so freely," she said looking away.
"There is no need to be sorry Miss Lydia," he said softly. " I think I may have a solution to your situation."
She peered up at him.
"Perhaps, if you feel comfortable that is, you could rest in my chambers until yours are ready for you," he said unable to sense her reaction.
"Thank you Alucard," she said smiling.
He cursed himself. She was winning with that. She had caused him to be a gentleman, and to open himself to her. However, he could not honestly tell himself that he was upset at the idea of her staying in his chambers.
The rest of the plane ride went by without incident. Alucard discussed his offer with Walter, who hesitantly ordered Lydia's bed to be moved into his chambers. After they had placed her key furniture, and he had moved his coffin, Lydia instantly laid herself down to rest.
In her sleep, the glow off the candles gave her a god like aura. Alucard enjoyed a glass of blood and wine before settling into his coffin. He made sure to leave two packets and half a bottle for Lydia. He hoped she would find his choice in wine satisfying.