Ferne's Thoughts: So I would like to apologize in advance; I will be going to school for the next three weeks, and possibly during the summer. This means that I will have less time to work on both Unchained and AHNBFH. I'm super sorry, but I guarantee, I will be trying my hardest to put out chapters frequently. I will be working when I can . As most of my readers know, us fic authors work on our stories when we can. We're not story generating machines, and it does take time. I apologize for any delays. Thanks for understanding!
*** I don't own Hellsing and now I'm going to own even less since I'll have less time to write. FML ***
Seras pushed her face into the comfortable body next to her. She was completely unaware of her surroundings, slowly coming to as she woke. The wind had died down, and now, the soothing sound of rain hitting glass surrounded her. She yawned, opening her eyes. She found herself wrapped in Vlad's arms, him still sound asleep. He's not even breathing. Is… Is that normal? Does that normally happen at night? When he sleeps?
She tried to crawl from his arms, but his grip was too tight. He growled in protest at Seras' attempts and she sighed. "Can you please let go?" He grunted, arms not moving. "Don't you need to go and check on your friend in the neighboring village?" Grunt. "Well you're going to need to get dressed if you intend on going." Grunt. "Vlad! If you don't let go, I'll scream!" He chuckled.
"Go ahead. The sounds of women screaming in my room isn't completely out of place." Oh, that's disgusting. I certainly hope he means they were screaming from pain, not… She moved her hand up and slapped him, hard.
"Let go of me, you pig!" He let go and rubbed his face, turning and growling at Seras. "Oh, don't try and intimidate me, you animal! If a giant wolf didn't frighten me, why would you?" He narrowed his eyes. "Besides. The wolf had sharper teeth." He turned his face away, rolling around in bed.
Seras stood up from the bed, moving over to one of the dressers. Maya had placed several sets of clothing for her in the dresser, since Seras had moved into Vlad's room. "If you don't get up, I'm going to undress right in front of you." She looked in the mirror to see Vlad turn around towards her, grinning after a moment.
"Oh, who says I haven't already seen you nude?" She paled and her eyes widened. She turned to him, outfit for the day picked out in her hand.
"I think I'm starting to see why people dislike you." He laughed as she walked into the bathing room, slamming the door shut. She quickly changed into her new clothes, watching herself in the floor-length mirror. Her bruises were pale, turning green with healing. Her body was filling out to a nice shape once again, and she tied her bodice flatteringly.
She pushed her hair behind her ears and made sure she looked decent before walking back out into the room. Vlad was standing in the middle of the room, stretching his long body out. Seras watched, his back turned to her. He's so tall. I don't think I will ever be able to get used to that height. She closed the door and Vlad turned around, his face bright and younger looking. He doesn't look… as old. Maybe that's what happens when he drinks blood?
"We're leaving after I'm dressed." She nodded, walking past him to look out the window. It was dark, but still bright. Grey. Just how I like it. She turned, leaning on the desk. Vlad ran his fingers through his wavy hair, and Seras noticed for the first time that he was wearing jewelry. He wore several rings, as well as a necklace. The rings were made of fine jewels, sapphire and ruby. She couldn't see the necklace, only the chain. Well, he is a King. She watched as shadows came over his body, darkness enveloping him. They soon disappeared, leaving behind Vlad in a suit of armor. Seras' mouth dropping a bit.
"How…?" Vlad looked to her and smiled. He raised a hand.
"Vampire."
"Right…" She walked up to him and touched the armor. It's real… I swear, my brain is going to turn to mush the more I spend time with him.
"You're ready, I presume?" She nodded. He walked to the door in response and Seras followed.
As Seras followed Vlad, they bumped into Wren. Well, Seras did, running into the boy and falling to the floor. She landed on her injured leg and groaned in pain.
"I am so sorry! I didn't see you there!" Seras looked up as Vlad pushed Wren out of the way with a stern snarl and knelt down to her.
"Are you all right?" He placed a hand on her leg, the cold armor sending chills over her flesh. Seras nodded quickly and he helped her up. He turned to Wren once again and said something to him quietly. Wren nodded and walked away, looking back once. Seras rubbed her head, one of her hands still in Vlad's.
"I'm fine. I wasn't looking where I was going." Vlad looked to her for a moment before sighing and letting go of her hand. He walked through the foyer, and Seras limped along.
Outside, Vlad lead Seras to some stables behind the castle. I didn't even know this was here. Maybe I should come out here more often. In the stables, Seras was introduced to a large black horse.
"What's his name?" She ran her hand over his long snout.
"Alucard." Seras cocked her head, looking at the dark beast.
"That's an odd name, isn't it?" Vlad chuckled, placing a saddle on the horse.
"I suppose. I think it suits him, don't you?" Seras looked into the dark eyes of Alucard, and nodded, deciding that the name did in fact suit him. After Alucard was saddled, Vlad came around to Seras. "Have you ridden before?" She shook her head.
"I was always too short to get on one by myself." Vlad laughed, rustling her hair.
"I will help you." He got on the horse in a swift movement, leaving Seras in awe. As he settled on Alucard's back, he took the reigns in one hand, and held his other out to Seras.
"Take my hand; I'll pull you up." A bit nervous, she placed her small hand in his larger one. She felt her arm being pulled as her body was swung onto the horse, her feet raising off the ground. It was such a quick movement that she didn't even have a chance to scream. She sat on the horse, her legs over the side comfortably. "Are you all right?" He turned around to look at her and she smiled. "You're shaking."
"What if I fall?" He chuckled.
"If you fall, I suppose you'll be free from your servitude to me." Glaring, she pushed his shoulder, her hand slamming the hard armor. She hissed, bringing the hand back to her chest. "You'll want to hold on to me, not hit me." She exhaled hard, not wanting to. He shrugged, chuckling. "If you insist." With the snap of the reigns, they were snapped forward, Seras clutching on to Vlad for dear life as the horse sped forward.
Seras held onto Vlad, watching the scenery change as they neared a village. She saw people walking back and forth, through buildings and homes. They all seemed happy; until they noticed Vlad on his horse, blonde girl in tow. At the sight of the vampire, the villagers paled, all scurrying around to get out of sight. He must have quite the reputation. Alucard came to a stop in front of a tavern and Vlad told Seras to hop down.
She did, her feet hitting the ground with a small cloud of dust. She straightened out, head a bit dizzy from the ride. Vlad tied Alucard's reigns up and started walking towards the large tavern. He motioned to Seras as he walked.
"Come on. And only speak if I give you permission." What am I? A child? I suppose it may help me stay out of trouble.
"All right." Vlad waited for her to walk up to him before entering the tavern. As they entered, the smell of tobacco making her wrinkle her nose and her lungs beg for clean air. The laughter and happy voices died down as men turned from their drinks to see Vlad. Seras could practically feel their fear, and in the silence, Vlad spoke.
"Where is he?" Vlad's voice was cold, unwavering. I've never heard his voice like this. This is nice too. Even if… it's a bit chilling. A man sitting at the bar spoke, his voice shaky.
"W-who do you mean, Sir?"
"You know damn well who I mean." A light murmuring ran through the tavern before the same man spoke once again.
"I suppose that I could strike a deal with you. You give me your pretty little wench right there for a night, and I'll tell you all about where McEllerson is." Seras' eyes shot open wide, her throat begging to unleash the flame dipped words in her mind. How dare he! I am no whore! I show him to respect women. Vlad better not take that deal, if he does…
Seras looked to Vlad and found him to be staring at the man. As Seras looked to the vampire, she saw a flicker of anger in his eyes before he smiled at the man. "Now, you know that I'm going to have to kill you for that, right?" The man chuckled nervously, standing and waving his hands, nearly spilling a pint.
"Oh no, I was merely joking! I wasn't being serious, Sir!" He smiled, eyes filled with fear. "Erm, he's in the back… But don't tell 'im I told you!" The more the man spoke, the more Seras could hear the fear that shook his words. Vlad cocked his head before walking towards the man, and the back of the tavern. He stopped next to the man and drew a sword. Hell! I didn't even notice he had that thing on him! He really does look like a knight now, doesn't he?
Vlad swung the long blade, stopping gently on the man's neck. He leaned back to look into the man's eyes and spoke, the words dripping acid. "If you disrespect her again, I won't stop." The man quivered, his boots shaking slightly. Vlad pulled his sword along the man's throat slowly, leaving behind a faint cut, beading with blood. Seras stood in the same place, unsure of what to do with herself. Vlad looked to her as he placed the blade back in its sheath. "Stay. Do not speak to anyone." She nodded, head moving quickly. He nodded once before turning his back and walking through a door.
Seras stood, looking around. There were drunkards and prostitutes littering the tavern. Several patrons looked to her with raised eyebrows or sly grins. She cleared her throat and looked away, eyes towards the wooden floorboards. She stood there, several feet in front of the large door for several seconds, the bar slowly coming back to life from its interruption. Chuckles and laughter filled the room once more and Seras felt a bit more comfortable. That is, until she heard a voice.
"Why don't you come have a seat, child? I'm sure your master won't mind at all." Her head shot up, cheeks turning red. She sputtered her words as she spoke, flustered.
"He is not my master!" She looked to the source of the voice to find that it came from a rather attractive man at the bar. His face was blank for several seconds before a grin spread across his features.
"Then he shouldn't mind at all." Seras blinked and looked down before complying. I don't quite feel like standing the whole day away. Besides, he never said I couldn't sit by anybody. She walked to the bar stool the man patted beside him, and sat. A portly man behind the counter tried to ask her what she wanted, but she waved him off. The man she sat next to introduced himself. "Father Alexander Anderson." Seras took note of the large cross that hung around his neck. "What is your name, child?" Just my name won't hurt.
"Seras." The man nodded, grin softened now to a smile. Seras was captivated by his eyes; a bright emerald, almost false looking. He looks gentle enough, surely this will be fine. She smiled in return, marveling in the contrast of his tanned skin and pale hair. A large scar ran across his face, somehow adding in his looks. "If you're a priest, why are you in a bar?" He laughed, the sound deep and husky.
"Aye, I suppose you're right to question it. I'm here not to drink; but to preach. Many of the men that claim to worship our lord and savior come here to sin. To become intoxicated, to sleep with godless harlots. So I took it upon myself to come straight into the devil's den. I come here, sit with my good book, and speak the word of god to any soul who wants saving." He pat a large, leather bound book on the counter. He cocked his head playfully. "You'd be surprised what one might confess to while drunk." Seras laughed at his joke, his voice and pleasant demeanor a calm amongst chaos.
"Does that actually work? Just sitting here, waiting around for people to speak with you?"
"It works well enough. How about you?"
"Hm?"
"You were with that… monster. Why? Surely a fine young lady such as yourself hasn't denounced god?" Oh lord, please do not make me have a conversation with a priest.
"No, he saved my life. I would have died if he hadn't shown me kindness. I owe him my life. That's why." She gave him a small smile, and his eyes showed that he didn't believe her.
"That's odd. I didn't think that demons could show kindness." He paused a moment, tapping his bible. "That's it, he must want something from you. He probably saved your life just so he could take it himself." That's rude. You're a man of god- have more tact.
"Do you know him?"
"Intimately? No. But I know what he is, who he is. That thing, that beast is not human, and don't you forget it. He is the sinner of all sinners, he may even rival Lucifer himself. Be wary, little Seras." Well, he's right. Vlad isn't human. But I knew that. I don't have to worry about anything, Father. "He's a heathen through and through. He feasts on greed and lusts for power. Nearly every man in this village has made a deal with him- and not all still live to tell the tale. If I thought it possible to save his soul, I'd try. But alas, that creature has one no more."
"Well that seems a bit dramatic, doesn't it?" Father Anderson looked to the girl, confused. "You say he has no soul because you don't agree with choices he's made. He may be cruel, and he may live by his own particular set of rules, but he has a soul. Even if it's small. At least I think so." The priest laughed, the sound not malicious, but genuinely amused.
"You can certainly hope."
"You said many of the residents have made deals with him?" He nodded. "Have you, Father?"
"Oh no. As I am, I live by the word of god. I am a man of the cloth, dispersed from earthly desires or greed. At least, I try." He gave Seras a light-hearted smile and she returned it. She turned her attention to the door that Vlad had gone through. It's been a while, certainly everything is running smoothly…
She was about to get up to venture after him when he walked through the door, this time with a man being dragged at his side. He spoke to the man in gruff snarls, shirt in his fist.
"Pick up your damn feet, I don't have all day!" She opened her eyes wide, as did Father Anderson as he turned to the scene. Vlad looked to Seras as she sat by the man and glared. "Get up." She did, and he motioned for her to approach him. When she was less than a foot away, he spoke. "Come along and stop speaking to that damn priest." Seras narrowed her eyes at him.
"I wasn't speaking to him."
"You're a horrid liar." He pushed the man forward. "If you try to run, I'm killing you." The man nodded his head fearfully quick and Seras stood by Vlad's side.
"What are we doing?"
"Slippery bastard said he had my payment at his home. So we're seeing to the validity of that statement."
"I swear it!" the man spoke, turning to Vlad as he started to walk through the tavern, Seras and vampire in tow. Vlad merely glared at the man, and Seras thought of trying to cheer him up. That will have to wait for later, I suppose. Can't go and ruin his horrible reputation, can I?
Seras followed as they made their way through the village, passing all sorts of shops and businesses. She saw a few women whispering to each other as they pointed in her direction and brushed it away. When they made it to the man's home, Seras noticed that he seemed more shaken than he had as he walked. He stopped in front of the door and Vlad came up behind him, roughly shoving him forward.
"Get in." The man complied, opening the door with his shaky hand and walking in. Vlad entered after him and Seras after him. Upon entering, Seras noticed how cluttered the home was, as if somebody had been searching for something throughout it. Vlad walked up to the man and pulled him up by his collar to look into his eyes. "Now go get it," he snarled. He dropped the man and he scrambled to his feet, quickly turning around and scuttling off out of view.
Seras moved to be close to Vlad's side and rubbed his hand with hers, the feel of his armor cold against her skin. He looked down to her hand and rubbed her fingertips with his. She smiled. "You know, that priest called you the devil." He chuckled happily.
"Good! I'm glad he holds me with such high regard." Rolling her eyes, she heard the scuffle of the man searching through things. The man came back into view with a bag of what Seras assumed was money. The man handed it to Vlad and the vampire raised an eyebrow. "This feels light."
"No, it's all there! I assure you."
"And what about interest?"
"I… I'm sorry?"
"I gave you an extension on your payment. My patience isn't free." The man paled and Seras thought of laughing before remembering that this man might die if he doesn't come up with the rest of the payment. The man blinked for a few seconds before speaking once more, his tone urgent and pleading.
"But I… I don't have anything more." Vlad smiled, leaning close to the man.
"Then I guess you'll just have to die, won't you?" Paling, the man opened his mouth to speak, but Vlad interrupted. "I don't want to hear anything except for 'yes Sir, I have your money right here.' Anything else is going to get you killed."
"Please, I have a wife, a daughter!"
"Yes, I daughter you offered me as payment. As you can see, I've a much better woman of my own. I'm sure you won't be missed by either wife nor child." Seras looked at the vampire. He's enjoying this. He's tormenting this man for nothing more than sheer entertainment. He is a bit off, isn't he? I do have to say, though, that smile is dashing. She fiddled with her hands, now placed behind her back. Vlad's grin was stretched across his face, a finger under the human's chin. "Now, I'll give you ten seconds to find the rest of the money you owe me." His finger flicked away from the man's flesh. "Ten… Nine…. Eight…"
Seras could feel the man's fear radiating through the house as the tall vampire walked around the room, sliding his finger over furniture as he counted down. He was slow at first, then quickened his counting as he reached lower numbers. The man, McEllerson, was it?, ran back into the room, another, smaller bag of coins in his hands.
"Here! It's all I've got left." Vlad took the bag with a scowl, cocking his head as he weighed it. He sighed before speaking.
"I suppose this will do. If you ever," he pointed a finger down into the man's chest, "choose to ask my assistance with anything hereafter, I will make sure you don't get the leniency I've shown you this time. Do you understand me?" The now pale McEllerson nodded vigorously, chanting a mantra of 'I understand you' towards the vampire. "Good." Turning around, Vlad walked Seras out of the house. As the exited, Seras heard the distinct sound of cursing, followed by the sound of things breaking and hitting the floor.
Seras thought they were going to walk back to Alucard as they neared the horse, but Vlad kept walking on into the tavern. Seras followed him curiously, asking him questions that he ignored. "What are we doing? What are you doing?" He entered the dark tavern, the cheerful sounds turning into silence once more. His loud voice filled the room.
"Priest!" Seras felt her heart drop as he called to Father Anderson. The blonde man turned with a smile.
"What ever could you want, you filthy heathen?" Seras flinched at the priest's words. Vlad narrowed his eyes.
"Have you gotten any better with a real blade?"
"What are you doing?!" Seras grabbed at his hand, only to have it ripped away roughly and point at Anderson. Vlad walked forward as he spoke.
"You spoke to my Seras." Your Seras? I don't belong to you! Seras felt anger rise up in her chest at his claim to her being. She stood in place, not wanting to fuel the fire in the room. She ground her teeth as his words played over in her mind. Just let it go, Seras. Don't think about it.
"Now, now! I simply spoke to her about the Divine Truth! You know, 'Father' isn't actually my name." Vlad growled and Anderson stood, grabbing at a blade he had under his coat. Priests aren't supposed to have weapons! What the bloody hell? Seras forgot her anger and moved closer to the scene to see that he indeed was running his fingers along the silver handle of a shiny blade. "Careful, demon. I already have half a mind to slay you and free that poor girl there."
At Anderson's words, she stepped forward. "I don't need freeing. I am not being held against my will. I am not some poor girl. I am perfectly capable of defending myself and I don't need a man to do it for me. Let alone, one as rude as you." Anderson laughed at her display, fueling her anger towards the man further.
"I should have known! You're a heathen too," the priest chuckled. Seras narrowed her eyes and walked forward, coming to Vlad's side.
"I suppose I am. And guess what? I even share a room with this demon." She smirked at Anderson's wide eyes. "We share a bed."
"You're the devil's whore." Seras lifted a hand to her chest.
"Me? But I thought I was a poor girl in need of saving! I suppose 'whore' isn't too bad of a title compared to that." She looked to Vlad to see that he was looking to the ground, smiling. He looked up and sighed.
"Well, Seras, how about we go home. I don't quite feel like ripping anybody apart today." Seras turned swiftly, walking away. Vlad followed, his heavy steps bringing a smile to Seras' face.
"I'll kill you both." Anderson's low voice followed the two as they exited.
"I'm going to kill you first, Father," Seras called over her shoulder bitterly.
Seras and Vlad didn't speak the whole journey home, so she just watched as their surroundings changed and they neared the castle. She held on tight to him, his armor still cold, despite her body heat. She felt awkward, as if some thick tension filled the space between them, but she didn't want to talk about it until later that evening. Perhaps I can get him to talk to me when we lay in bed. Perhaps, with some clever coercing, he may even speak of his feelings! That would be a first. Maybe all men are like this: quiet and emotional, withdrawn and separated.
They came to the castle, and Seras kept the thought in her mind, adding an afterthought. He always says he is a monster though. Perhaps that makes something different in the way he acts. I'm not sure, though. She hopped off of Alucard, in the stable, landing her feet on soft hay. Vlad came off after her, taking one small step down to solid ground.
She turned to him, his back to her. He walked on, not turning to her. Seras walked up to him, her feet moving fast to keep up with his long strides. "So," she started cautiously, in case he was in a mood, "where's your dog?"
"Oh, he should be here somewhere. Most likely where ever Wren is, Baskerville will follow." She nodded, taking note of his light tone. So he doesn't seem very angry.
"I love dogs. How big is he?" He looked down to her, raising his eyebrows.
"Bigger than you." She furrowed her brow, hand on hip as she walked.
"Was that a jest at my height? I'll have you know, I'm of average height." Vlad chuckled, mumbling under his breath.
"For a child." Seras gasped and hit him with her closed fist, her soft knuckles meeting solid armor. She whimpered and pulled her hand back to her chest, quickly. He laughed. "You really are an idiot, aren't you!?" He smiled down at her and she narrowed her eyes.
"I'm smarter than you."
"How so?"
"I don't go around threatening priests. Who does that? Only idiots." She flourished her words with a smooth flick of her finger, her eyes closed as she walked along side Vlad. He hummed.
"Perhaps you're right. I hate that man, though, so I believe my reasoning is a bit more sound than a common fool's."
"Why did you-"
"I do not wish to speak about the day's events right now."
"Oh… Well, perhaps later?" He mumbled something too low for Seras to hear and she huffed. "I'm taking that as a yes." He looked at her with narrowed eyes and they walked up the steps to the front door. He pushed it open effortlessly, the large wooden slabs moving smoothly. They entered and Seras sighed at the warmth of the castle. She hadn't realized how chilly she had been outside, but now being inside, she felt her whole body relax a bit more at the heat.
"Go find some way to occupy yourself; I've got to have a word with Sebastian." He didn't give her a chance to argue as he took off quickly, his long strides moving his thick body swiftly. His armor fell with a splash of black, whispy shadows and Seras wondered for a brief instant just what exactly those would feel like on my body. He took off down a hallway, going somewhere Seras didn't know. He's capable of getting somewhere. This is his home, anyway.
She cleared her throat in the empty foyer, looking back and forth between the possible paths she could take. Only one led to a place she was familiar with, and she didn't feel like getting lost and testing Vlad's patience with her presence. So, she took off up the velvet-carpeted stairs, reaching up to the upper levels. She would go to the kitchen, one of the only rooms she knew the position of. Walking slowly, enjoying the time she was wasting, she made it to the dining room, the long table illuminated by candle light that never seemed to dim. Must be magic. Hell, if vampires exist, what doesn't? She heard scuffling in the kitchen, and she moved her slightly achy body into the separated room.
In it, she found Maya, handing Wren spoonfuls of something. She announced herself cheerily, the two turning. Wren waved, his mouth full, and Maya gave Seras salutations. "What are you doing in here?" Wren swallowed his food.
"Maya is using me as a tester for her food."
"Why?" Seras walked up to them, inhaling the savory smells of the food the woman was cooking.
"Because, I can't eat. Sadly…" She looked sad for a moment, before shaking her head and stirring carrots into the large pot she was working at. She appeared to be making a stew of some sort, and Seras was thankful she didn't see any meat anywhere, only vegetables and bread.
"Why can't you eat?" Maya stopped stirring, turning to the young girl. She blinked for a moment before speaking.
"I'm a vampire. Vampires don't get to enjoy traditional food." She turned away wistfully. "Only blood." Wren nodded, lifting a finger.
"And raw flesh." Seras felt her face wrinkle in disgust involuntarily, quickly replacing the distaste evident on her face with false cheeriness. Maya narrowed her eyes at the boy.
"Luckily I've never enjoyed blood enough to enjoy that as well."
"Master does." Maya nodded at Wren's statement. He spoke so calmly, as if his words were the most normal, their topic the most typical of conversations. Seras made a note not to kiss the King vampire anytime soon, if he truly did eat raw human flesh. And enjoy it…
Seras sighed and Maya placed the large wooden spoon held in her hand up to Seras' mouth instead of Wren's. "'Ere. What do you think?" Seras took the spoon in her mouth, chunks of carrot and warm broth filling her senses. She chewed and swallowed, the taste remaining in her mouth and Seras realized how hungry she was.
"That tastes amazing." Maya beamed at Seras' words.
"Of course it does! I'm an amazing cook." Wren laughed, turning away from the two women. "What is it? Have something to say, boy?" She prodded Wren with the spoon and he yelped. Seras laughed. "Seras, how did things go today?" She shrugged.
"Vlad nearly killed a priest. I nearly let him." Maya raised her eyebrows and Wren turned around.
"Do you mean Alexander Anderson? Is that the priest?" Seras straightened, confused.
"Yes. How did you know that?"
"He's a hunter," Wren said.
"A hunter…?" Maya sighed.
"A vampire hunter. Well, he also kills other supernatural beings, such as lycanthropes, ghouls, etcetera."
"What are 'ghouls'? And what exactly is the 'etcetera'?" Both of Vlad's servants looked amongst each other before one of them sighed, the other laughed.
"You're so clueless. It's refreshing." Seras furrowed her brow.
"I'm not clueless."
"Did you know that my Master sleeps in a coffin?"
"No, he doesn't."
"He does. He just hasn't since you've been here." That's an odd place to sleep, even for a vampire. Or is it?
"Is that normal? For vampires?" Wren nodded. "What about you, Maya? Do you?"
"Sometimes. Other times I just sleep in the bed."
"What other things do I not know?" Both Wren and Maya shrugged.
"Why don't you two go get a seat. This is nearly done now." Maya turned towards the two humans, pushing them out of the kitchen. "Go, now!"
Seras and Wren stood outside the closed kitchen doors, slowly turning to each other. "What other things do I not know?" she asked, this time more persistent.
Seras was full, having eaten multiple bowls of the stew Maya made. It really was delicious. I don't think I've had a bad meal here. I think I can enjoy staying here forever.
"So, you never said why Master confronted Anderson. He usually ignores the man."
"Oh," she put down her spoon. "He was upset that I spoke to him. Or that he spoke to me. Something."
"That sounds like jealousy." Does it? Jealous of what? Certainly he doesn't feel anything towards me… Right?
"How so?" Wren shrugged, still eating his supper.
"Just seems like it. You know, my Master likes you. A lot. More than I think he's liked anything. It's odd." He seemed to ponder something before speaking again. "He's definitely taken a shine to you. Whenever I see him speaking with you, he almost seems… happy."
"I'd hope so. He has such a lovely smile, I'd love to see it more often." Wren raised an eyebrow, clearing his throat. Seras could tell he was both confused and uncomfortable by her statement. "What? It's lovely." He shook his head.
"You're not normal."
"I happen to think I'm the only normal person here." She played with the spoon in her bowl. "Do you know how much longer Sebastian will be staying?"
"No idea," he mumbled, his mouth full. He swallowed. "Why?"
"Well, it's just that… I," she sighed, shifting in her seat, "I feel as if he doesn't like me very much. Now that he knows that I know he's a vampire."
"He pretends to be charismatic and charming, but he's really just an arse. It's probably better if he doesn't pretend to like you. You'd think that a noble would act like an adult, not like a child." He took a drink. "Don't worry though. Master won't let him do anything to you." I suppose that's good. But I don't need to rely on him to protect me. I can take care of myself. Seras yawned, ready for sleep. She took a final sip of the water she'd been drinking during supper and pushed herself up from the chair.
"I'm going to bed. Have a nice night, Wren." He smiled at her and waved and Seras walked out of the dining room.
God, is my leg ever going to heal? I mean, my bruises are almost all gone, and I'm filling out nicely. Even my shoulder is feeling better. The ache is dulling and I can move it better now. What time is it, I wonder? I wonder if Vlad is in his… our room. I still want to talk to him. So everybody knows Anderson? She walked slowly through the hallway, their room coming into view.
He's a hunter… Like a monster hunter? That explains the blade he kept on him… Has he tried to kill Vlad? Obviously they're acquainted. She opened the door, entering the room. Vlad was sitting in a chair, his eyes closed. Seras smiled sly, closing the door behind her quietly. She slipped her shoes off and walked to the bathing room, undressing into a slip. She walked back out and tip toed over to him. He appeared to be asleep so Seras leaned down, wrapping her arms around his neck. She pressed her lips to his cheek as he woke up with a start. She giggled in his ear and he turned to look into her eyes.
"What are you doing, Seras?" His crimson eyes were open wide and she smiled wider.
"Waking you up! You can't sleep without me, you know." She let go of him and walked around the chair, grabbing one of his hands and pulling. "Come on, I want to sleep." He sighed but got up, following her to the bed. Seras jumped into it, laying on top of the blankets. Vlad kicked his boots off and joined her, laying by her side. Seras sighed, enjoying the simple feeling of his body next to hers.
"Seras, are you feeling alright?" Turning to him, she moved her hand to his own and played with his fingers.
"Yes. Why?" He arched an eyebrow.
"You're being very… physical." Am I? I don't think so.
"I've been thinking about some things that I want to speak with you about." He turned on his side, taking his hand away from hers. She followed his movement.
"Oh? Like what?"
"Like… how do you know Father Anderson?" His face took on a distasteful look at the mention of the man.
"Paladin Alexander Anderson, renown vampire hunter. Kills in the name of god, and turns vampires to dust for fun. He's rather insane, if you listen to the prattle he spouts off."
"I'd say he's more fanatical than insane." Vlad smirked.
"Oh, he's insane. And you threatened him. That makes you his enemy as well. You turned on him rather quickly!"
"He threatened you." His eyes narrowed playfully and he cocked his head.
"So you would take my side in a fight? How dumb of you." Seras smiled.
"How so? I doubt anybody could beat you. You could win any fight." Vlad smiled at her, his handsome face glowing.
"I'm amazed by your faith in my abilities! You haven't even seen me do battle. What if I've never won a thing in my life?"
"Obviously you have, otherwise people wouldn't fear you so much. And you wouldn't be a king. Kings win." He inched closer to her face.
"If people fear me so much, why do you not?" Why indeed? She moved in, their lips now centimeters away.
"I see something much more than 'evil' in you. You intrigue me. Everything about you. I… want something with you." What am I saying? "I want to be with you." As she looked into his eyes, she saw them fill with something. They softened, after widening.
"What are you saying, Seras?" His lips tickled hers as spoke, leaning in closer.
"I wish I knew." That was when she did it. She pushed her mouth into his, lips meeting for the first time in a warm embrace. Her body shivered as he pushed into her act, his own lips molding against hers in a gentle kiss. He brought his hand to rest on her waist, pulling her body against his own. She could feel his body vibrating, sure her own was doing the same.
His lips were soft and warm against hers, his touches and kisses gentle and passionate. They kissed over and over, growing more heated and hungry for each other. Soon, Seras' heart was beating fast, a hard drum in her chest, the sound echoing through her head. Vlad moaned lightly against her lips and she pressed harder against him, bringing her hands up around his neck, fingers tangling in his long hair. She returned the moan with her own, her chest pushing against his, the fabric of their clothing sliding against each other and Seras' brain screamed at her to take it off.
She didn't though, instead just draping a leg over his waist, her womanhood against his manhood. He was hard, she noticed, and she kissed him harder, harder, harder. Her whole body was hot, her blood on fire it seemed. Every cell in her body begged for Vlad to take her, though she didn't know why the feelings were so intense. She'd never even kissed a man before tonight, but she needed to kiss him.
She moaned in protest as he pulled away from their kiss, letting out a small 'oh' as he placed his hot mouth on her neck. He used his other hand to pull her head back in a comfortable position as he kissed and licked at her throat. In a swift motion, he was atop her, his face buried in her neck. She could feel nothing but bliss, even as he nipped at her flesh. She spread her legs for him and he pushed into her, grinding lightly against her core. She dug her nails into his back, poking small holes in his shirt.
Her eyes were half open and blurry from ecstasy, her head rolling lazily on the pillow. She was panting, small sounds escaping her mouth every so often. She dug her nails harder into his back as a sharp pressure met her neck. Her body seemed to freeze for a moment before she felt pleasure once more. Only, this pleasure was different, pouring throughout her veins. It was as if a stream of intensity was pushed throughout her being, her skin on fire. She writhed beneath him, her nails scratching him as her eyes closed tight now. She felt hot, unbearably so. She moaned, the sound loud and heavy with lust and desire. She felt a dull, pounding pain pulsating from where Vlad was kissing her. She felt herself falling, falling. Falling into what? What's happening? I'm so tired… Her heart slowed down, her head heavy with something other than pleasure now.
It was as she began to die, she realized what had happened.
He bit me.