Their next lesson was carried out as planned except this time Integra arrived in uniform. She was glad Integra had the foresight to do so but slightly hurt that Integra felt it was necessary. Well you did practically molest her!

"Seras today I want you to work solely on defending yourself. Attacking is not an option."

"Yes sir."

Integra drew her sword, waiting for Seras to give her a sign that she was ready. She was thankful she didn't have to attack today, after yesterday's accident she was hesitant to even hold the épée. Had integra done this on purpose?

"We'll start off slow." Seras gave nod of her head and soon Integra was lunging forward. With a twist of her wrist Seras successfully parried the attack.

"Good." Integra recovered and threw a quicker blow hoping to catch her off guard. It worked and the tip of her sword hit her square on as Seras just barely missed.

"Feel free to dodge." Integra replied flatly.

Seras held her tongue, and held up her sword. Integra thrusted forward she dodged it but her foot caught Integra's ankle, causing her too lose her own balance. Before she was aware of what was happening an arm had wrapped around her waist pulling her away from the floor, and the sounds of their swords clattered noisily against the ground. How Integra had managed to catch her was astounding but in the moment was the last thing on her mind. Integra was pulling her close, with both of her arms firmly wrapped around her. When Seras regained her footing the grip only tightened and she leaned in to whisper in her ear.

"I have not forgotten what you did near the end of our last session..." Her voice was uncharacteristically husky, causing Seras to feel that flutter in her stomach. "Infact I can't seem to get it put of my mind." An arm snaked upwards, and Integra was removing Seras' mask. "Tell me why?"

Integra removed her own mask to look her in the eyes. Her gaze seemed to pierce her souls and Seras found herself struggling to voice the words. "Let me rephrase that... The urgency behind that kiss, has me wondering am I the person you desire or is this just a game for you?"

"Not a game, never." She replied breathily. "I want you." Seras face reddened as she admitted it but this didn't stop the dark look of desire from overcoming her features. "Seras I am your superior , a human, and lastly a woman. This desire... Isn't natural. "

She knew this of course and hearing it again did nothing for the shame she felt at feeling this way.

"But I find myself being drawn into this urge as well." Seras swallowed the lump that had been forming in her throat. Had she heard correctly?

"You realize the position I'm in don't you?" She hadn't actually thought what it would mean for Integra she had been only focused on herself. It would be far more of a risk for Integra than her... Was she willing to ruin her reputation for a shot at a love doomed for heartbreak? The hands that had been holding on to her loosened and the warmth of Integra's body was suddenly gone. "Come by my office later. We need to talk..."

Then Integra was gone leaving Seras alone in the fencing room once again.

What Integra wanted to talk about was clear but it was how the conversation was going to end that troubled Seras. She didn't want to hear the rejection, to discover the restrictions Integra would without a doubt put in place. It was going to be painful but a part of her hoped there was that small chance Integra would want to pursue a relationship. She had said she felt the same way.

Taking in a calming breath she knocked on the heavy door.

"Who is it?" Her voice sounded strained. What was she doing?

"Uhh sir it's Seras." There was some shuffling followed by a loud thud. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes come in." Integra retorted.

Seras was slightly taken aback at the sight in front of her. There were multiple boxes full of documents cluttering her usually organized desk.

"Spring cleaning?" She asked lightheartedly.

Integra met her eyes, she looked tired.

"I'm afraid our system of organization is lacking. So I've taken it upon myself to introduce a filing cabinet." She gestured towards the metal cabinet to her left.

"I can come back another time if you're busy."

"No Seras. Take a seat." Integra returned behind the comfort of her desk lighting a cigar as she did so. She looked more at ease now but sadly no more alive.

"I've been thinking, and have only been able to come up with one solution to our current... Dilemma." Her blue eyes languidly moved from her cigar to Seras. She could feel their icy grip but god if they weren't so stunning. "This organization has been my life's work, my fathers legacy. Everything I have done has been in the name of the queen, and God. To stoop so low as to become intimate with a vampire... is unheard of. My reputation, this organizations name would be tarnished. It would be foolish for me to just give in to the urge" she exhaled a stream of smoke.

"In the eyes of the world you are a monster but I know better. I've been monitoring you since that first night... you're different. You're nothing like Alucard." Seras felt her heart swell at the statement she never wanted to be thought of as some monster, it meant the world to her coming from Integra. "Every part of you is desperately holding onto the little humanity you have left, and that intrigues me. I find myself both admiring and resenting you for that." Integra stood from her chair, unable to look at the draculina any longer. "This intrigue has become dangerous for the both of us. I know what you desire Seras but I'm afraid I just can't give it to you as your have to understand that what I'm doing is for your own good. "

Integra snubbed out her cigar but it felt like it was her heart instead.

"Alucard will be busy these next couple of days. I need you to go out on the field. You'll be staying with the Wild Geese. Walter has all your necessary belongings and Pip will fill you in on the details."

Of all the possible outcomes she had thought of relocation had never even crossed her mind. She didn't want that. She couldn't. Not with the Wild Geese! However, she couldn't bring herself to protest. Integra's word was law.

"How long am I expected to stay?"

"It depends." That was all Integra said before Walter came into the room. He must have been waiting.

"Miss Victoria." Walter chimed in. "If you ll follow me."

He bowed slightly and started to make his leave. She couldn't make her feet move this felt like a final good bye. Integra was sending her away on purpose to drive a wedge between the relationship that almost was. She looked to Integra desperately trying to read anything on her face. There was nothing and it pained her. Integra was done with her. It was over before it had even started.

"Goodbye sir." A brief flash of sadness made it into Integra's eyes but it wouldn't stop her from sending Seras away. Having her in the manor would be just as painful.

"Goodbye Seras."

Their eyes met and she felt like her heart had suddenly been put into a vice. Every single emotion could be seen clearly in the depths of her blue orbs. Integra didn't want to do this. She could see it.

"Miss?" Walter was patiently waiting by the door. She swallowed the lump in her throat and left, not once daring to look back at the heartbroken look of her fearless leader.

"Ah so good to see you my mignonette." She fought the urge to roll her eyes though if she had she doubted he would have understood the meaning behind it.

"Sir Integra has told us to keep an eye on zis group of vampires moving around the area. Chipped freaks I believe is what she called them. " He pointed to the map and showed where they were located. "With your help we can watch over them better and devise a plan to make our attack."

"Just how many are there?"

"Ah not to worry my amore nothing the Wild Geese can't handle!" She curled her hand into a fist at the new nickname he gave her. But she wouldn't hit him for Integra's sake, she had a mission to fulfill.

"Tonight you shall accompany moi on our first stake out."

Of course he'd put himself with her alone.

"Yes sir." She hated addressing him like that. He didn't deserve it, not like Integra.

"Please just call me Pip."

"All right Pip. Would you be so kind as to show me my tent?"

"Oui it's right next to mine in case you ever need anything."

He gave her a grin that she supposed any other woman might deem attractive but she just didn't see it.

The next couple of days were made miserable by Pip's multiple attempts to win her over. She also missed integra, even though they weren't on the best of terms when she left just knowing she was several floors up gave her a feeling of comfort. Being away from the manor made her worry for Integra's safety. Walter could protect her but she would be safer with the two of them present .

Today Pip decided to join her for her breakfast.
"Seras my mignonette, lovely weather we are having today no?"

"Yes, pip it is a very beautiful evening." But you are ruining it she thought. He slid onto the bench beside her and pulled out his dinner from the brown bag in his hand.

"I want you to know that I am completely okay with you being a vampire. I do not see you as I see our enemy." He took a bite of his sandwhich. "Infact you are as human as I."

"Thank you pip."

For some reason his words actually made her feel better about her situation. However he quickly ruined it by sliding an arm around her shoulder.
"Your welcome." She attempted to wiggle free from his grip but he pulled her closer. "I enjoy your company Seras. It's a nice change from the Wild Geese. "

She smiled nervously at him calculating exactly how to let him down without making the rest of her stay very unpleasant. Suddenly he had his hand underneath her chin and took the liberty of drawing her face towards his. "Much better to look at too." he said.

She brushed his hand away hoping he would get the message but he moved it elsewhere. Uncomfortably drawing it down the length of her thigh. "I have always wanted to kiss a vampire," he cooed. "Will you do me the honors?"

Really? That was his pick up line. He puckered his lips and was inching closer. Before she could push him away the familiar voice of Sir Integra cut into the air. Pip Immediately recoiled.

"I see you two are getting familiar."

If words could cut Pip would have been reduced to mere limbs.

"Oui Sir Integra I see it necessary to develop a rapport with all of my comrades."

Seras hoped she hadn't gotten the wrong idea. Pip was the last thing she desired and having her believe they were together would completely ruin any possibility of Integra changing her mind. Integra continued to glare at Pip. Was Integra jealous?

He stood to properly address her.

"Might I ask what you are doing here sir?" he tipped his hat as he said this.

"I attempted to make contact with your camp several times already. It failed to get through. My patience has grown thin and I have decided to come down here for a firsthand report of any progress being made." Integra didn't look pleased.

"Very well Sir Integra. Seras and I will gladly get you up to date if you'll just follow me." He turned and headed for his tent.

Seras couldn't stop staring at her. She hadn't seen Integra in days but it felt like it had been weeks. She didn't look her usual strong self and she feared Integra wasn't well, that she wasn't taking care of herself like she should. The woman had a habit of overworking. Why wasn't Walter doing anything about it?

They crowded around one another in the small tent, Integra holding herself rigid as she stood beside Seras. Pip was oblivious to their discomfort but a quick glance at their body language would have easily given it away.

"They centralize in this area." He pointed to the same spot he had the first day he addressed Seras." Their numbers aren't as large as we had first suspected and with the addition of Seras we have been able to monitor them more accurately and stealthily."

His eyes moved to Seras as he said this and they lingered longer than Integra liked. Integra quickly cut in.

"Have you been able to get an exact number?" It worked to get his attention off her.

"Yes. Seras might be able to explain better than I." Pip gestured for Seras to explain. Their eyes were on her but Integra's gaze seemed to weigh even heavier than Pip's.

"I've counted an average a total of 8. The number varies on certain days but its never less than this. The most I've encountered was 14."

"Have you recognized a pattern? Which days seem to bring the most numbers?"

"It seems that they always meet as a whole on Friday nights."

"The Wild Geese are planning to take them by surprise next week after we can verify this as a fact." Pip replied. "Our mignonette has given us more then we could hope for."

He forgot his place for a second and at hearing the nickname Integra grew angry. She made no attempt at hiding her discontent either.

"I expect their complete annihilation."

Without so much as a backward glance she stormed out of the tent. She needed to get out of there before she did something she would regret. Pip was getting far too cozy with Seras and she didn't want to be around to see his affection.

"We'll she's a ray of sunshine isn't she?" Pip said as the tent flaps closed behind her.

"Shut up." She growled running after her. Pip's jaw dropped and he stood back in confusion.

Seras didn't want Integra to leave. She couldn't they had to talk but she had no idea what she was going to say.

"Sir Integra!" She yelled. Integra stopped in her angry tracks and turned towards her.

"Yes Seras?" Her voice softened along with her eyes. It felt easier to reply now, and her gaze wasn't nearly as intimidating as it used to be. What had changed?

"I know it isn't proper for me to ask this of you but… I want to go back to the manor with you. Tonight."

Integra didn't even blink.

"No." That wasn't the answer she had been expecting.

"Please sir I'm begging you. The wild geese are worse than a pack of dogs. "

Integra considered her words for a moment, and her stiff posture relaxed just a little.

"If you came home then a loss here is guaranteed. Convince me other wise and I will allow you to accompany Walter and I back to the manor."

"They have all the information they need. Plenty of ammunition and the man power to back it up! If I am to fight I can make my way down here on the day they plan to attack. I'm not needed here!"

She knew she sounded desperate but she couldn't stay here another day with Pip. Having Integra pay them a visit really had her missing her company. Seconds passed and Integra still hadn't replied. Pip suddenly joined them and she was quick to voice a reply directed towards him.

"Pip I am withdrawing Seras from your site. Be sure to contact me before the attack and I will send her to aid in the fight." His eyes widened in surprise and he was quick to try and persuade her otherwise.

"Sir Integra Seras is a valuable asset to the operation. Please allow her to stay until –"

Integra had had enough of him today.

"I've made up my mind now return to your tent and we will be on our way."

He nodded and turned to Seras.

"Adieu amour." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and fled. Seras froze. That was the worst thing Pip could have done to her in that moment. Integra spun on her heels pretending she hadn't seen or heard the endearing act. Seras knew what was going through Integra's mind. It was obvious by the way she was reacting. As she followed closely behind her she had to say something to let her know that wasn't the case.

"Intgera." She purposefully forgot the title. It worked at having the woman stop completely. "I don't like Pip. He's a creep."

"Seras." She sighed. "There are some things better off left un said."

She started moving once more, but to Seras it felt like she had a little more life in her now.

Walter was waiting for them by the car. He was surprised to see Seras but one look from Integra told him not to even bother asking.
Inside the car Seras finally was able to relax. She was heading home. Away from the chipped vampires, the wild geese, and Pip. Walter and Sir Integra shared a conversation while she sat silently in the back. It didn't bother her that she wasn't included. She was actually thankful for that since she wasn't really paying much attention to their words. She was focusing too much on Integra. Something Walter said caused Integra to laugh and Seras had never seen her look so beautiful, so young and relaxed. This woman was becoming an obsession of hers, too captivating to let slip through the cracks. She wanted to get to know her better, to have her and call her her own. She couldn't forget that moment they shared in the fencing room. Every time she laid down in her coffin it was the first thing that came to mind, even away from her going to sleep in the tent it's all she could think about. She didn't want to pretend it hadn't happened anymore. She just had to try again.