Susume: Cute, huh? I'm happy you loved it and since you wanted more...here it is.
LordFluffy'sDemoness: Hiya back girl! You made me smile so big regarding the chapters getting better and better. As for the poll, everyone will just have to read to find out what's going to happen. I know, I'm evil:) jk
aska19: You rock too! "That was a kick ass chapter"...woot! Thanx for that cuz I never get enough of hearing things like that...And also, thanx for contributing your idea...I'll have to see if it'll come into play. :)
Alucardina: You have made my head swell also! I'm so thrilled to see you thought chapter 6 was an amazing chapter! I wonder if you loved it? ;) jk... The compliment you passed on regarding the mood of the settings and painting pictures in the reader's mind...well, to me, there's no higher compliment than that one right there! That's what we're after anyway. :)
Alucardgal: You wanna know what happens next? Really? Well, then my dear girl read on to find out:) I hope I haven't kept you waiting long. ;)
Demmie: Hey girl! You loved it! Yay! Sometimes when I try to be funny, it doesn't come out that way. So I was glad to hear you liked the comment Alucard aimed at Integra and her countenance. I'll try to come up with some more quotes to add to your class of brilliance. :) Anyway, thanx a lot girl! You always bolster my confidence along with everyone else that reviews:)
Lady Azura: Since you thought this was an interesting fic, here's an update for you. :)
KittyHelsing: Hello back to you! I'm exited cuz you and everyone else has loved this chapter! As for the poll, I'm not saying yet so you'll have to keep reading to find out the answer. :)
capitanhans: The answer to the poll ultimately lies buried in the story writing itself in my mind. Glad you loved this chapter! I'm still so happily astounded that a guy likes my story! Thank you so much for reading and then reviewing! And I really do appreciate your enjoyment of my story and I'll do my best to keep it up!
Hear Me
Chapter 7: Everything She Wants
Seras awoke from a pleasant dream, happily stretching, refreshed from her sleep. Glancing around, small alarms went off in her head. At first she didn't recognize her surroundings, but she quickly calmed when the blond realized she was sleeping in a big, fluffy four poster bed. Oh, she'd wanted one of those ever since she was a little girl!
Smiling mischievously, Seras sat up on her knees and then leaped to her feet. Giggling girlishly, she jumped up and down on the mattress several times before allowing her legs to collapse underneath her letting her fall on her back. That was so much fun! A moment later she became mortified at the clearing of a male throat from her doorway. Her head snapped in the direction of her door, spotting Walter and sheepishly grinning.
"Are you alright Seras?" The older man's left side of his mouth was turned up in a small smirk. Inwardly he was laughing at the younger girl's antics. It'd been so long since there'd been unrestrained laughter such as hers in the mansion. Intuitively, he knew she'd fit in well here.
"Sorry, Walter. I just couldn't seem to control myself. You see, I'd always wanted a bed like this and never got one. So...I just had to take it for a test jump and live out my girlhood dream." Bowing her head, trying to appear shamed, "I'll try not to do it again." The petite girl viewed him from underneath her lowered lashes to see if he bought her story and apology. It didn't look like it though. Crap.
"I didn't see a thing if it makes you feel any better." Walter gave the blond a warm smile to quell her nervousness. "I just came to inform you that breakfast is ready and served. Unless you'd rather take you're meal in here."
Shaking her head, "No thanks, Walter. Give me about ten minutes and I'll be down to the kitchen." Pushing her small body from the bed, Seras ran to her closet to get her clothes from last night. Astonishment crossed her features as she threw the doors wide open. There was a whole wardrobe in here. In fact, it looked like her very own clothes!
"Miss Hellsing had me move your clothes from your apartment to here since you'll be staying a while. I also took the liberty of getting other things that you'd need as well." The retainer smirked as a blush stole over her small face. He knew she was thinking about feminine products and such. Truth being, it never bothered him as he'd been buying things of all sorts for Sir Integra for years. "It's alright, Seras. I purchase things for Sir Integra all the time. No need for embarrassment."
"Yeah right. I'm not used to males getting that kind of stuff for me, much less touching them. Taylor and Finn even drew the line for those things."
"Well, I'll wait in the hall for you. We eat in the formal dining room here and that's one of the places I didn't get to show you on our abbreviated tour. Ten minutes, no more, no less." Stepping out of the room, Walter closed the door behind him smirking just like Alucard after a well initiated prank.
Seras thumbed through the clothes eventually deciding on a blue jean mini skirt and a tee shirt with a denim vest. Slipping on her denim Keds, she ran to the bathroom to brush through her hair and then brush her teeth. Finishing she glanced at her watch. Three minutes left. 'Man, I'm good', she thought. Walking to the door, she opened it and spotted the retainer standing right where he stated he'd be waiting. "Okay, I'm ready, Walter. Let's go."
Taking him by the arm, she surprised the butler by her gesture. He smiled and quirked an eyebrow. He'd never seen the likes of her at Hellsing Manor. Integra had never even been as lighthearted and bubbly as the girl at his side. Hopefully, with her around, Hellsing would be a much better place.
The two conversed about many subjects on the way to the dining room. Art, Film, Politics and her personal favorite, music. He was surprised to discover she could sing and had turned her hand to writing her own lyrics and music lately.
"If you don't think it presumptuous of me to ask, but sometime would you grace us with one of your compositions. I'd love to hear you sing and play. I'm somewhat of a musical connoisseur myself." He glanced down at his companion awaiting her reply.
Flashing Walter her most brilliant smile, she nodded. "I'd be happy too. Performing is my life. Bar tending is also apart of that life, but singing comes first. It's kind of like my first love. Besides Alucard." A dream like expression crossed her face. "Speaking of which, where is he?"
"He's down in the basement sleeping. He can come out during daylight hours if he wants. It puts an unwarranted strain on him sometimes. Everything depends on his blood consumption and don't forget that he's the most powerful vampire that ever existed. Also, he's managed to live the longest. Due to his "delicate" condition, he must stay indoors. Too much direct sunlight would kill him."
Seras gasped. She didn't realize it was that serious. "Wow! He's that powerful, huh?"
"My dear girl you have no idea! For one thing, he's the only male who's willing to butt heads with Integra on a daily basis and live to tell the tale. Personally, I think he lives just to annoy her. But that's my opinion."
"Oh."
That's all Seras had time to utter for they had finally arrived at the formal dining room. Plush crimson carpet stretched from the door to every wall. A heavy mahogany table about twelve feet long sat directly in the middle. A gold candelabra with twelve branches occupied the middle of the table perched on top of an ivory lace doily. The walls painted a creme color to bring out the color of the carpeting and accenting the rich hues of the table brought out by the already risen sun.
Awe struck her. "This room is beautiful." Staring at the paintings sparsely adorning the wall she jumped when a female voice acknowledged her compliment.
"Thank you, Seras. I, personally redecorated this a few months back. I'm glad to hear another humans approval. Not that I need it or anything." Ice blue eyes followed Seras's movements as she was directed to sit down by the head chair.
Mentally she ran that slightly insulting tone through her head again. ' "Not that I need it or anything." God she can be such a bitch!"
A voice chuckled sensually in her head. "That's my girl. My little tigress."
Immediately, her insides warmed knowing and feeling Alucard's presence nearby. His voice seduced her in ways others could never hope to achieve. The mighty king of night didn't have to lay a finger on her. Just a look, a sexually charged comment and she was ready to beg. Most mortal men couldn't do it with just a look or comment. But Alucard could do it all without trying. Sometimes she wondered to herself what had she gotten herself into? At least happiness was in her corner for once. She'd take it for as long as she could get it.
Integra spoke pulling Seras's attention back to the large dining room where trays of traditional breakfast foods had been laid out like a buffet. Eggs, bacon, toast, bagels, English muffins, orange juice and coffee poured for the two women. "Seras, did you sleep well last night?"
"Yes, Sir Integra. It was rather peaceful. And I want to thank you for the room. The bed is my favorite! I'd always wanted a four poster bed and right now I have one, so thank you!" Seras's big blue eyes shined with the gratitude she was expressing. This very moment, a grown woman appeared very much like a little girl. The transformation was rather amusing.
Integra rolled her eyes while smirking."Your welcome." The heiress wasn't about to tell her guest that Walter had informed Integra of her childish antics. Nor would she tell the small blond that Alucard was the reason for her restful sleep, nothing else. The stubborn vampire had refused to leave her side until early dawn. "What plans do you have this morning?" Picking up the newspaper, she unfolded it and waited on Seras's answer.
Shoving a forkful of eggs in her mouth, she chewed carefully and thought hard. "I thought about exploring Hellsing Manor and grounds if that's permissible to you. I'd like to know more about the place I'm staying currently." Swallowing a sip of orange juice, "I have this thing about being in unfamiliar territory. I like to know about where rooms are and where I'm allowed to go and the areas or rooms I'm not to enter. All that sort of information I thrive on knowing. Just want to make sure and head off any possible confrontations about things like that."
"Fair enough. Walter will give you a more detailed tour of the manor and our other facilities after breakfast and his morning duties. Is that agreeable, Walter?"
Bowing his head, he replied, "Yes, Sir Integra. I'd be glad to give her the grand tour."
Excitement lit up her eyes just as a child at Christmas time eyeing presents under the tree. Finishing her breakfast, she asked to be excused and was given permission.
Walter spoke to her before she left the room. "Seras, if you'll meet me outside your room in about two hours we'll begin your tour."
"Sure." Strolling from the room, her excitement still bubbling over, and making her feel a little giddy. Picturing the hallway in her head, she went directly there and stopped short at the door in front of her. Pushing down her nervous feelings, she turned the knob and tugged. The door sprang open with a small creak.
The stairway wasn't very well lit, but she came prepared. Reaching into her skirt, she pulled out a small mini flashlight to help light her way. Breathing in courage and leaving behind her fear, she stepped down into the darkness letting it envelop her petite figure. The slapping sound of her Keds against the stone floor were somewhat comforting to her. Chasing the shadows, her flashlight slowly swung left to right allowing her to take in the bare stone walls. 'Was everything down here made of stone? I wonder.'
She passed several doors on her left and she came to another door that had several markings on it. Recognition sparked inside. This was Alucard's room! She hoped he wouldn't mind her intrusion. She'd missed him already! Talk about co-dependency issues. It all didn't matter anyway. She loved him and that was all that mattered. Taking another breath to fortify her courage, she pulled on the steel door's handle. It too creaked open. 'These people really need to discover what WD-40's all about. Stop all the squeaks and creaks everywhere. Hell, she could probably use it on Integra's mouth. Laughing to herself at that joke, she slapped her hand over her mouth so she wouldn't disturb anyone. What was she talking about? How could she disturb anyone down here? The only resident , here, in this basement was dead.
'I'm really losing it. I really am.' Seras stepped into the room, shutting the heavy metal door behind her. The offensively creaking door squealed as it's hinges closed again. 'Damn door!'
Looking around the room she saw her lover lying in his coffin asleep. He appeared so peaceful and beautiful. She just couldn't help herself. Walking forward, her body slowed as if weighted down by lead. Closing her eyes trying to figure out what was going on, she opened them again. Oh, God, he was gone! Sensing a sudden loss, her heart cried out for him.
Whispering in the low light, she called his name. "Alucard." Tears formed in her eyes waiting for the chance to fall. Where could he have vanished to? Why would she feel such anguish over one of those now you see them now you don't? "What's going on?" Seras's voice quivered. Her question spoken softly echoing the unexpected sadness that coursed in her body, and pulled at her very being. "Alucard? Where are you?"
A pair of arms snaked out of the darkness to gently pull her against a tall, muscular and very male body. "I'm right here, Seras. I'm right here."
For an instant, she felt angry and foolish. Those feelings quickly melted away in his heated embrace. Nothing else mattered when she was there. Nothing ever would. She punched his arm. "Don't ever do that to me again! I thought you'd left or something bad had happened. If you ever do that again, I'll hunt you down and splatter you against a wall!"
Alucard spun her around to face him. He was amused by the fiery look in her blue eyes. Those eyes would be even more lovely lit within by a crimson color and blood lusting light. She was one of the few humans who would stand up to him besides Walter or Integra. Teasing her he said, "As long as I'm splattered in the name of passion, I'll willingly grant my permission. That and as long as you're underneath me screaming my name."
Seras's jaw dropped. Attempting to summon her righteous anger, she found it wouldn't come. "Oh really. Well, then , if you ever trick me like that again, you'll splatter alone and I'll be screaming your name in fury because it was over too quick!" Biting her lip, she held back her smile. Playing games with him was just another of the fun things they passed the time with especially since they'd made love for the first time.
Her body was already tingling being this close, but she wanted to take things a little more slowly this time. She wanted him. She wanted to spend endless days and nights learning more about him and his past. She'd been shown small amounts, but she wanted to know it all. The anger in her eyes dissipating to lust, she reached up with her hands and cupped his face. Purposely, she moved her hands to his hair caressing it; enjoying his every groan. Seras smirked when he bit his lip while trying to hold back his moans.
An idea struck her from the blue. Hoping this wouldn't infuriate a certain vampire, she reached up and kissed him gently. Immediately, she tasted the copper from his lip in her mouth. Making the final decision, she sucked on his bottom lip until he pried her from him.
"Seras, no. You, I mean, we can't do this. I'm afraid that too much of my blood would change you." Seeing the expression on her face, he knew she felt rejected and that was the last thing he wanted her to feel ever. "You don't realize what you're gesture means to me, really you don't. Someday it'll happen but not before we're both ready. You don't know much about my life or what it entails. I want you to know it all so you can make the choice freely without so much as a backwards glance or regret. Do you understand?"
His sad voice almost broke her, but she somehow found the strength and the voice to speak to him. "I do understand. I'll never deserve you. Ever. You're so powerful and handsome, you have so many sides to you. You're the type of man who usually goes for the model types who are as brainless as they are clueless. The fact that you chose me...I'm just afraid it's a dream and I'll wake up empty handed." Her blue eyes resembled twin pools of reflected tears, love and confusion. To feel something so strong in a short time, unfortunately, didn't always last. She wanted something to last. She wanted him pure and simple. She wanted Alucard.
Alucard held her tighter. "I assure you this is no dream. You'll wake up and you're hands can be as full as you want. I'll always be right here. You have me. You have your cousins. And now, you have an additional family here at Hellsing. Whatever you want or need all you have to do is ask. If it's withing my power to grant...you'll have it, I swear!"
The blond for some strange reason, one she couldn't even validate, began laughing hysterically. She laughed even harder at Alucard's questioning glance. "I don't know what's wrong with me. Why I'm laughing, I don't have any clue." She spoke between giggles. "It's not you. It's just everything happening right now, I guess catching up with me. I don't really know. Alucard, I can't stop. Help me, please."
One side of his mouth kicked up. "You asked for it, so now you'll get it." Swooping down on her, he fastened his mouth on hers. Kissing her passionately for several minutes, she pulled away to get her breath. But at least her giggling fit had ceased. Alucard released her from his arms.
Turning to walk away from him, Seras was dizzy and found she couldn't walk a straight line. Her mind was fuzzy and she was lightheaded. She felt the equivalent of being high. Wondering to herself, 'If his kisses could do that, I can't wait to see him all out!' She remembered briefly their short night together and that barely scratched the surface. She felt a hand gently take hold of her elbow.
"Seras, are you alright?" It was a good thing the blond couldn't see the self satisfied expression Alucard wore or she might have become angry again and punched him for all his efforts. "Why don't you sit down for a while? We could sit and talk. I'd love to learn all your dirty little secrets." His deep, dark voice teasing her. Taunting her with thoughts of silk sheets and nights deserving of chocolates, roses and wine, he grinned widely as she blushed.
Composing herself, she said, "I'd love to, but soon, I have an appointment with Walter." Noticing the possessive, hardened glare in his eyes, she soothed his male ego. "Don't worry Alucard. He's just giving me a tour of the manor and grounds. Had you been available during daylight hours, I would've asked you instead."
His face relaxing, he hugged her. "I have an idea for tonight."
Cautiously, she surveyed his face for any thoughts of mischief. "And just what would that be, hmm?"
"Meet me in the garden after sundown. I'll take you on a flight around the town. What do you say?" He watched as the little girl inside struggled against the surface of the woman she had become. The two warred with the woman winning out this time.
"I'll take you up on that. The thought of flying around in the air...is exhilarating! I appreciate the offer and I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world!" Hugging him hard, Seras leaned back and planted a grateful smooch on his patiently waiting lips.
Alucard kissed her sweetly one last time and let her go. He watched her slowly walk out his door, her eyes so dazed; her face the face of a woman in love. He smiled as she walked with a light bounce in her step. Standing at his door, he ensured that she made it to the top of the stairs without falling, the starry eyed condition she was exhibiting.
After she stepped through the door at the top of the stairs, Alucard closed his door and lay back down in his coffin. That petite package was such a mystery. One that intrigued him and would keep him so for an eternity. He was certain of this. His eyes drifted shut and he again adopted the dead like appearance for those of his kind.
Seras had just began walking down the long hallway to her room when she heard a voice call out to her.
"Seras, are you alright?" The male voice sounded concerned.
Twisting her head towards the sound of the speaker, she turned and was relieved. "Oh, it's you, Walter! I'm sorry I'm so out of sorts. I didn't see you there. I'll be okay." Confused she glanced around at her surroundings. "We were supposed to meet at my room, weren't we?"
"That we were. I was just on my way when I saw you. It didn't look like you were yourself so I was worried. Naturally, I couldn't just allow you to continue without saying something and assuring myself of your health. Is it still agreeable to go on with the tour?" Walter watched her with vast amusement. He knew what had caused her current predicament and he intended to tease a certain vampire with every tidbit of information he could.
Nodding her head, she took his arm. "Shall we go?"
The retainer returned her smile. "We shall."
They walked along the halls, Walter explaining where the various halls branched off to and what was located down each. "Since none of these halls are of any importance I'm not taking you down those. You obviously know where the basement's located so we'll move on to the library and the downstairs.
During the whole tour, Seras's mind was divided. Stretched between what Walter was saying and then she pondered on Alucard and his heated touches and glances. She'd much rather be with him, but for now she'd have to make do. Snapping herself out of it, she payed strict attention to Walter's words and the places he showed her.
The tour passed quickly and she learned so many things. He'd even taken her by the soldiers quarters and introduced her. Walter even took care as to introduce her as Alucard's guest so the men wouldn't get any funny ideas in their heads.
Eventually Walter brought her back to the manor and excused himself for his evening duties. Seras wondered to the garden which Walter had shown her on the early part of the tour. Sitting down on one of the benches, she watched the sun slip little by little down into it's nightly cradle.
She'd picked this spot because of the delicate pale pink roses that adorned the rolling landscape. These roses were her favorite kind amongst all others. Her skin as fragile as the roses surrounding her. Now the sun was gone. Darkness her welcoming companion. At least until Alucard's arrival.
Tenderly, she cradled one of the beautiful blooms in her hands cupping it to smell it's sweet fragrance. A rose's smell was always the sweetest and the best. Tracing her fingers around the edges of the blooms, she patiently awaited her lover in a garden of roses. Turning from them to watch the moon make it's ascent, Seras closed her eyes and listened to the music created by the night. The night had always been her favorite time. It's beauty unsurpassed even by harsh day.
Seras was so overtaken by the gift this night offered her that she never heard anyone approaching. A male voice spoke to her bringing her back to attention.
"Seras, so you love the night as much as I."
Turning, she blessed Alucard with her most beautiful smile. He pulled something out from behind his back and presented it to her. It just to happened to be one of the pink blossoms that she'd enjoyed earlier.
Seras in the moonlight was more gorgeous than she was in the light. She adored the night. She even took the time to listen to the music it made through various sounds and creatures. Her pale skin glowed ethereally under the light of the moon. He thought to himself that this woman was worthy of becoming his queen. She was the first in many lifetimes that he'd considered bestowing such a gift to.
Meeting her halfway, he held her small form snugly against him. "Are you ready for the night of your life?"
"Yes", she whispered.
Tilting her chin up he gently kissed her slightly parted lips. As he kissed her, they lifted off the ground. The wind blew around them, stirring and blowing their hair and moving against their clothes. Alucard stopped the kiss and said, "Seras, look around you."
Hesitatingly, she opened them and her mouth opened wide in surprise. All the houses, trees and people looked so tiny from this height. He continued to fly her around for several minutes and finally he told her, "Seras, hold on we're going higher."
"Higher? Is that possible?"
"With me, anything will be possible. It is possible. If you want it or wish it...it's yours. As long as I can grant it, otherwise, nothing will be impossible." The ebony haired No Life King spoke with confidence and none if it was exaggerated. He'd lived so long that there wasn't much he couldn't do.
Holding her tighter, he increased his speed and incline. When he stopped, they were surrounded by clouds. Giggling, Seras was amazed at this sight! The moon, itself, seemed to be withing her grasp. Alucard cut the atmospheric visit short. "We have to go back now. You won't be able to breathe much longer due to our distance from the ground and we're hanging out in the atmosphere. I just wanted to show you one thing that was definitely not impossible."
Alucard picked her up in the bridal position and headed back down towards the earth with an angel in his arms. His angel. That's what she was to him. She'd rescued him from a solitary existence so cold that he hadn't cared about anything. Now all that had changed. But was he more dangerous now since her appearance? He'd kill anyone or anything that touched or harmed her!
Moments later, he landed back on the Hellsing grounds and placed Seras back on solid ground. He held onto her because she still seemed a little wobbly from their flight.
"Alucard that was the most wonderful thing I've ever experienced. Thank you so much! When can we do it again?"
He smiled at the little girl popping out to ask that question. It was inevitable that it would be asked. "Whenever we have time and whenever you want."
"Really? Wow! That was so awesome! Alucard?"
Her curiosity nabbed his attention. "Yes, Seras?"
"Could we just sit out here and talk for a while? I don't want to go in yet and it's so perfect out here. Everything's so perfect. I just want to hold onto it for a little while longer." Her hope filled eyes watched him so intently.
How could he deny her anything. Whatever she wanted, everything she wants, he'd give to her regardless. She'd given him so much already, it was now time for him to reciprocate everything given. "Yes. Let's sit here and enjoy each other. Let's enjoy nature and the beauty of my natural environment. This is where I'm most at home. Here, in the night, is where I'm most at my element. What you see is what you get."
Seras nodded. The two of them talked into the night. Laughs and giggles echoed throughout the night enlivening it with the couple who shared pieces of each other and payed homage to all that was night.
A/N: That's it for chapter 7...next chap will liven up and the violence will be back...promise! Hope you guys enjoyed! Just read/review...to help my motivation and such! Love all you guys! Ya'll rock! L8r