Chapter 4: Surprise...?
Location: Hellsing-Barracks-Field.
Date: Present: Thursday June 24th (One day before)
Time: 8:45 pm
"Good Evening Gentlemen." Walter greeted the Wild Geese as he began to walk toward Pip.
"I'm afraid Seras will not be able to join you for your training session tonight. It seems her mission with Alucard is taking longer then expected. So it seems I shall take her place for tonight. I hope you don't mind."
Pip tossed Walter a gun and monotonously answered. "Don't worry about it Walter. It's all good. Alright men, start shooting."
"Yes sir!" The Wild Geese announced, as they began to move a few feet in front of the captain.
It was safe to say that Captain Bernadotte was not in the best of moods.
Apparently after his epiphany, Pip was fully convinced that Seras Victoria was in love with her master, aka the no life king Alucard. He never thought in a million years he would be hurting over a woman, let alone a vampire one.
In addition to his newfound discovery, he thought he would take a nap to sleep off the stingy pain away he was feeling on the inside. Instead, his plan backfired. He was dreaming of nothing but flashbacks of all the private moments he and Seras had. He dreamed of her smile, laugh, and her funny expressions she made anytime she was the subject of some dirty jokes.
"Fuck…" Pip gently mumbled as he began to take off his hat to stroke his hair. "She really screwed me over."
Then for no reason, Pip grew really furious at Seras for many reasons.
She knew she was a vampire and destined for a life of darkness. Yet, rather embracing her fate, she simply refused it. She chose to ignore who she really was and starves herself by not drinking blood. She did however decided to maintain the one thing she lost. Her humanity.
Yet she knew from the start HE was a human man. Maybe that's why she felt so drawn to him. Not because of who he was but because what he was. He was so positive that she enjoyed being his friend. He even believed as time went by, he somehow got the impression she possibly could reciprocate feelings for him as well.
But now, he knew the truth. She was not his friend willingly. They were both brought together in order to fight side by side together. Now that he thought about it, they HAD to get along for the war. She wasn't looking for anything else with him. It was simply kindness she was displaying to him. Perhaps pity too, since she gave him extra attention when he told her the story how he lost his left eye. Other than that, Pip realized that maybe those were the only two things Seras felt about him.
'I'm such a fool.'
Pip scowled as he looked at his glove. The very same one he used to shake Seras's hand when he felt that spark.
He began to close his eyes and desperately to not think about what Seras and Alucard were doing this very moment.
He imagined that the two were walking along the dark streets at an urban side of town, holding hands, and engaging in some sort of flirty conversation. Then the scene evaporated and Pip saw Seras holding on to Alucard's left arm while he stroked her hair along the beach. Suddenly Alucard swiftly and firmly grabbed Seras and kissed her passionately while she moaned in pleasure. The kiss began to grow faster and faster. He heard Alucard's laughter and Seras's gasps as they collapsed in the beach shores in a tight embrac-
"Hey sleeping beauty." John said in an annoyed tone. "We're done. Damn, you really must be tired huh?"
Pip's eyes shot open and he stumbled for a moment. He realized he was no longer standing but sitting and leaning against a tree nearby. His eyes moved above him and his lieutenants' and Walter's faces.
Walter bowed respectfully to him. "So Sorry we had to wake you Captain Bernadotte. But I'm afraid it is time for the rest of the men's break time. I shall go fetch the water. I'll be back in a moment. "
As Pip thanked Walter and saw him leave toward the Hellsing mansion, he scratched his head.
"Of course. How long was I out for?" Pip said snarling a yawn.
"I'd say thirty five minutes. Then again, whose count'n?" John said with a slight chuckle.
"Damn." Pip grumbled. "I was out for that long? Sorry about that. How did practice go? Did I miss anything good?" Pip lightly asked as he began to stretch.
"Nothing much really. Gus almost killed Cyrus. That was about it." John said casually; as if this wasn't the first time one of the wild geese members almost killed their own.
"That's good. Glad to hear it-what? How the hell did Gus almost kill Cyrus?" Pip asked wide-eyed.
John sighed. "Well that dumbass Gus forgot his gun was loaded and that klutz Cyrus tripped in front of him. The gun triggered and Cyrus arm was slightly shot. The bullet didn't shot directly to his arm but it gave him a slight cut. "
"Oh." Pip commented. "Gun shots hurt like a bitch"
John chuckled. "That's not even the worse of it. As the bullet scratched him, Cy panicked since he thought he was shot. Turns out, he was cut but the pain wasn't coming from the wound. When he tripped, he used that same arm to land on the ground. Since his whole body weight crushed his left arm, we all suspected it was broken. Which was Doc confirmed after he looked at it."
Pip shook his head in disapproval. "Ah shit. Those idiots. I sleep for barely half and hour and then one of ya almost dies."
At this point, both men laughed for a moment. Then Pip slowly began to take a deep breath while John pat his best friend's back. "There now. I knew you'd come to your senses."
Pip then narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
John gave him a slightly confused look. " You know, about the whole thing about Seras. I know you didn't mean that whole thing about Seras lying and her going on a date with Alucard. "
"Damn right, I meant everything I said. And I still believe it at this very moment. " Pip snapped back at John as he turned his back on him.
"You know…it's funny. I never thought someone like me would ever fall for a girl. I admit, I was a womanizing ass ever since I was young lad. You know why, Johnny?" Pip rhetorically asked.
John glanced at his captain for a moment without answering as his captain continued.
"Because deep in my heart, I knew no decent normal nice girl would accept me. Tch. My family has been tainted with the mercenary name for six generations. Do you think, any of my great grandfathers got nice girls? Hmm. I don't even know the answer myself. I'll tell you one who did for sure. My old man."
"Your father, Deon?" John muttered.
"Yeah. Deon Bernadotte was a gentle fella. At least that's what my grandfather told me. He was too soft and didn't want any part of family trade since he was also teased coming from a family full of greedy killers. My grandfather often gave him a hard time for not accepting his fate. According to my grandfather, Deon had no friends since everyone feared him. He was so alone in the world; he sank into a deep depression at an early age of seven."
Pip took out a cigarette from his jacket pocket and continued.
"That all changed however when he met my mother, Lina Hildegard. She was a fragile and beautiful girl who came from a very poor and large Swedish family. They met when my father saved her life when a car almost hit her. My grandfather claimed it was love in first sight, for the two. The immediately became fast friends and from then on, they were inseparable. When they became teenagers they became a couple and never felt happier. The minute they graduated high school they got married."
Pip began to lite his cigarette. "To this day, I don't know how he got a nice girl like my mom. Perhaps it was because unlike my grandfather and I, my dad was a nice guy. As for my mother, I have very few memories of her but I do remember her being such a warm hearted woman."
John stared with sympathy. He knew the captain never grew up with either of his parents and was destined to this life of greed.
"My old man found the love of his life, a nice girl who looked passed the family trade. She loved my dad for who he was. I call that hitting the jackpot. I guess I wasn't and never will be lucky as my old man. "
Pip laughed bitterly now. "That's why I only settle for hookers. Not only because that's all I can ever come close too, but because they share a common interest that mercenaries do. Our one and true love…Money. That's the only closet thing I'll ever come to love I guess."
John could do nothing but look at his captain. He couldn't believe his best friend since High School was emotionally falling into a pit of despair. He expected Pip to say things like that if he was drunk or something. The fact that he had no alcohol in his system and that he was dead serious about this, made him feel terrible.
"I do apologize that I am late. " Walter exclaimed as he began to push a crate filled with ice-cold water beside the captain. "I thought the men especially Cyrus could use the ice after tonight's little episode."
Pip changed his somber expression into a overly peppy one. "Ah! Walter, you are way too formal! Loosen up a bit. "
Walter chuckled. "I'm afraid I am not young enough to loosen up. I might break a hip if I do and Sir Integra demands I stand in one piece until my assistance is needed. "
John stood there awestruck for a moment at the Captain's deep thoughts and then sighed. "I'll rally up the men."
As Walter and Pip began arguing about youth, John left wondering how to help his friend.
Location: Hellsing-Sera's room
Date: Present: Thursday June 24th (One day before)
Time: 10:45 pm
Seras entered her room with about dropping seven heavy bags to the room. She began to lie on top of her coffin.
"What a day! But I can't rest for too long. I gotta start working on Pip's present!" Seras secretly and quietly squealed in delight.
Shopping with Alucard was…an interesting experience. Even though he did carry own a different disguise, Seras wished he had a different attitude. Her master treated her in the parent scolding at his child kind of way.
Only since he was in a much younger looking disguise and was calling her these names to the public, it looked as if the older brother was stuck baby sitting his younger sister unwillingly. All in all it wasn't the ideal shopping experience Seras imagined, yet despite that she had a lot of fun. She wasn't sure but she was certain Alucard was enjoying himself deep down. Deep, DEEP down.
Alucard choose the destination as to where to shop. According to him, it was the less annoying place were humans went to shop at. It was an interesting urban area near the beach far beyond the Hellsing Headquarters. Seras was amazed at what all the stores had to offer and began to take it all in. Alucard occasionally wandered on his own to see certain stores he was interested in, leaving her on her own to go to shopping at girlier stores. After about four to five hours of shopping, Seras found every item in her list and even buying a few things that wasn't on her list.
After they reached the Hellsing grounds, Seras thanked her master quickly since he was now heading towards his new destination, which was to meet Integra in the hotel she was staying at for her conference.
Seras smiled as she reviewed every item in every bag again. She took five of the bags and tossed them to her closet since they all contained clothes and even a special outfit she planned on wearing in Pip's party tomorrow.
She grabbed the other five bags and began to scatter them all in the floor and began to rearrange them.
"Alright Seras girl. We got a whole night and morning ahead of me. And it's about time we used my considerable vampire powers into good use. I think I'll do start with the scarf first."
She then began to grab a pair of knitting needles and a ball of cyan green yarn and began knitting in a matter of minutes. She knew she had a very long day ahead of her since she had things to create and fix her other gifts she bought for Bernadotte.
Location: Hellsing-Hallway (west wing near Sera's Room)
Date: Present: Thursday June 25th (The Day)
Time: 9:45 am
"So. Tell me again why we are going to sneak into Sera's room? " Cyrus asked as John smacked his own face.
"I told you. We gotta find out for ourselves if she really was on a date with Alucard." John whispered.
Cyrus gave him a dirty look. "You honestly believe she was? Damn, Am I the only one who believes she's innocent? I mean all the guys, even the Doc, are now beginning to suspect she really was on a date with him."
John closed his eyes. "I know, I do feel bad for not trusting Seras but think about it. I mean, she did get dressed up, something she doesn't do. And for what? A mission? That does sound pretty odd don't you think? "
Cyrus considered his statement for a moment but then shook his head. "Okay, sure. It does sound odd. But still, I don't think it automatically means she WAS on a date."
"Let's not forget that Alucard was dressed up too and going with her. DURING THE DAY! If my two-week stay at Hellsing taught me anything, it's that Alucard hates daylight and daytime. Why would he go with Seras during the day on a mission?" John argued.
"Oh I don't know." Cyrus snapped in sarcasm. "On the top of my head. Sir Integra aka ALUCARD'S master, ordered him to go on a mission with Seras that very moment? You do remember they are a secret organization that protects the innocent from monsters and stuff? That's their job. That job also consists of going undercover and not alarming the citizens. If they dressed in their Hellsing outfits, you know people will start talking. "
"True. You have a point." John reasoned. " But I saw something yesterday that convinced me that maybe that captain was right about his suspicions."
Cyrus raised an eyebrow. "And what may that be?"
"Well..." John started feeling a little guilty. "After practice yesterday, I began to head off into Hellsing mansion because Doc claimed he needed more bandages for your wound. I was trying to find Walter until I heard voices that scared the living hell out of me. So I hid in some corner. I recognized the voices and recognized them as Seras and Alucard's voices. I heard Seras's thanking him for everything and how she had so much fun? "
Cyrus stared at John in disbelief as he continued. "Who has fun in those kind of missions? You know how Seras gets nervous and stuff before she goes on a mission and when she talks to her master? Why then, would she thank her master for taking her out in a happy go lucky attitude? "
At this point, Cyrus couldn't think of a response and was for a moment considering the possibility that Seras was on a date.
"See? Rather odd thing to say after a mission huh?" John said. "I'm telling you. If we just go to her room and find anything-"
Cyrus then snapped back to reality. "Are you nuts? This is crazy. This whole thing is crazy. I can't believe for a second I almost considered that theory! Listen, as strong as the evidence might seem, we gotta let Seras have the benefit of the doubt. She's our friend! Do you honestly think going in her room is gonna solve anything? "
John rubbed his beck. "Ah. Hell I just don't know anymore. It's just I hate seeing the captain trying to put it on a brave face when he's clearly hurt."
"I know, mate. I know he's your best friend and you care for him like a brother and hate seeing him this way. We all do too. But I think the best thing we can do, is await until Seras wakes up to straighten out this mess." Cyrus pointed out.
Suddenly a door slammed open wide surprising the two men and as a reflex, they both covered each other's mouths. Coming out of the room was Walter and Seras was standing in the door way.
"Thank you so much Walter! I would be lost without you. " Seras warmly exclaimed.
Walter bowed at Seras. "No need to thank me Miss Victoria. It is an honor to help you."
Seras blushed and laughed. "Oh, Walter! You have been nothing but very kind to me! I really do owe you one!"
As Walter was shaking his head, Seras extended her hand out to him before he could respond. "I mean it. If there's anything I can do for you let me know alright?"
Walter's cheeks began to glow pink and he gave a light chuckle. "Ah, Seras. Has anyone ever told you, that you are truly a one of kind vampire?"
Seras nodded. "Yes. I'm afraid my master has expressed it to me already…Of course he didn't say it kindly as you just did.
Both began to laugh at this since they knew Alucard all too well.
"Oh before I forget." Walter started. "I have been asked by The Wild Geese's Vice Captain John, if I could make Captain Bernadotte's cake and was wondering if you knew what was his favorite cake flavor? I'm afraid he didn't tell me and I do not want to risk choosing the wrong flavor."
Cyrus then began to punch John with his good arm and whispered. "The hell man? You forgot to tell him the flavor? And you call me an idiot. Fuckin Moron."
In response, John poked Cyrus's broken arm with one hand. Then with his other hand, he covered his mouth as Cyrus whimpered. They began to hear Seras infamous giggle cheers.
"That's exciting!" Seras exclaimed. "I know for a fact that the Captain LOVES chocolate. It may not look it, but he has a HUGE sweet tooth when it comes to chocolate treats."
Walter nodded. "I see. Very well. I shall go start in the cake right away! I shall leave you alone now."
Seras waved goodbye and thanked Walter again as he left. Before she left, she turned to her left and saw a white string on the corner of the hallway?
As she began to walk forward toward the bandage, John and Cyrus froze as they heard footsteps. Quickly they panicked and then got up as John told Cyrus to act natural.
Seras then noticed the string left and as she ran toward it, she crashed into someone's body.
"Oooff." Seras looked up at noticed it was John and beside him was Cyrus. She blushed and took three steps away from them as she stumbled in apologies. "Whoops. I'm s-s-so sorry! I thought I saw something and-"
"Don't worry about it." Cyrus replied kindly.
Seras nervously laughed but stopped immediately when she saw Cyrus's arm. "Cyrus! You're hurt! What one earth happened to you?"
Cyrus blinked for a moment and began laughing how completely freaked out Seras was. "Ah this? Well, just an accident during practice. It wasn't intentional and I ain't dying so no need to worry my dear. Plus it doesn't even hurt! "
"You are certain that you alright?" Seras asked not fully convinced that Cyrus was telling the truth about the pain. He nodded and Seras could do nothing but drop the subject.
"If you say so. Come to think of it, what are you doing here in the Hellsing Mansion? Not that I'm complaining of course, I just hardly ever see you guys in here. It's nice actually. You guys should come in here more often." Seras said gently.
John scratched his head. "Actually we were here to see you."
"Oh, really?" Seras answered with a tone of curiosity. "Is something wrong?"
Before John could reveal everything that's been going on, Cyrus cut in. "We just wanted to see if you were for sure going to the party tonight."
"Huh? Of course I am! I thought the captain would have told you since I said I was to him." Seras replied with a pout. "I'm pretty sure I said yes to him."
Cyrus dramatically laughed. "Err. Yeah, but we are just rechecking with everyone. Right John?"
"Right…" John responded resisting the urge to punch Cyrus for making up a lie. He wanted to know what Cyrus was planning.
Seras scratched her right arm while smiling. "Well, if that was it. I should go back to-er…sleep. I'm afraid I am going to need all the sleep I can get for tonight."
Cyrus waved his hand toward the vampire. "We'll be off now then! We gotta a lot of planning to do! See you later!"
John then followed Cyrus behind rapidly as they were now outside the Hellsing Mansion.
"Do you mind explaining why we just lied to her now?" John asked with a menacing look. "The hell man? Weren't you the one scolding me earlier for doubting her and now you-"
"I did that on purpose for a good reason John." Cyrus seriously stated. "I realized that Pip and would be angry at us if we told her everything that's been happening. Also don't you think Seras would be mad if we began prying into her personal life and accuse her of being a liar? Even if it was true or not, that she went on a date with her master, who are we to question her actions? "
There was no point of arguing. John knew what Cyrus said made sense. Sure Seras was their friend and all but that didn't mean she was their property.
John sighed. "I guess you're right."
"I know am. Which is why I got a new plan as to finding out what really happened yesterday." Cyrus declared as he began to give a devious grin.
John's face shot up at his. "What? I thought you said, "who were we to accuse her of being a liar?" You said it was wrong to get into her personal life and -"
"I know what I said. But I never said who were we to prove her innocence." Cyrus countered back.
John shrugged. "How do you know she IS innocent?"
Cyrus simply smiled. "I don't know for sure. Yet something tells me she is. Which is why I came up with a plan. Tonight, before the party starts, I will make sure to visit Seras and talk to her a little bit. Then I'll slyly ask her of the details of what she did yesterday. While she talks, I'll be recording the conversation through my tape recorder. After, I'll go ahead and play it to the captain, he'll take care of Candy, and all will be good. "
John gave him an impressed. "Damn. That's the best idea you ever came up with."
"Thanks. Brans AND Brains." Cyrus proudly replied as he began to kiss the biceps of his good arm.
Then both men began to leave, as they were confident that nothing could go wrong in Cyrus's plan.
Location: Hellsing- Sera's Room
Date: Present: Thursday June 25th (The Day)
Time: 6:45 pm
Seras began to look at herself in the mirror as she began to put the finishing touches on her hair.
"There, done!" Seras said as she looked in the mirror. "I never thought I'd say this but being girly is quite fun but it is time consuming."
She then began to fix herself again and adding a bit of perfume in her neck and palms. She then turned to her full-length mirror and for a second she couldn't recognize herself.
'Is that really me?'
It was easy to say Seras was indeed surprised at the sight she was looking. She was simply a breathless sight to behold.
She was wearing a stunning, short black lace long sleeved dress that complimented her curves. She was wearing some matching black-laced ballet shoes that came with black ribbons that were tired in the ankles.
Apart from the dress, it was her face that outshined her dress. With black eyeliner she decided to go for a cat eye look and added some shimmering gray eye shadow to create a Smokey eye look. Then she painted her lips into a slightly blush pink lip-gloss. It was slightly darker then her usual bubble gum pink lips but she thought it somehow complimented her make up fine. As for foundation she didn't need any. One of the perks of being a vampire is that, they all had flawless skin.
Finally her hair was what was really the challenge. Her spikes keep getting in the way of every hairstyle she attempted. Luckily Seras thought ahead and bought a hair straightener. She straightened her spikes a little so that they would be able to be easier to manage when she attempted her hairstyle. After about an hour, Seras hair went from adorable spikey, to an up do, that had several spikes coming out the bun. As for her bangs, she combed out all the messy spikes and finally made them neat and straight.
'I look…like a woman instead of a girl. ' Seras thought to herself smiling a little.
'I wonder what Pip will think of me? I do hope he at least makes a comment. '
She then began to go look at Pip's huge present. The box was wrapped in baby pink paper, and tired with a magenta colored ribbon. She walked towards it and then began to carry it.
"I wonder if The Geese men are still setting up. I heard the party started at around eight. I guess I'll drop the present off before the party starts. "
Seras then began heading towards the door and walked in the long silent hallway. She grew nervous with every step she took because she was debating whether or not if tonight she should reveal her feelings to the captain.
Lately, her feelings for Pip bean to grow deeper with each passing day and she felt if she told him how she felt, she would feel a little better about everything. Yet, knowing she was going to tell Pip she loved him didn't stop the butterflies in her stomach.
As she made her way past the kitchen and outside the garden she was then noticed someone dressed in a casually waiting by the doorway. "Huh? Cyrus? Is that you? You look nice! What are you-Cyrus? Hello?"
Without hearing a response, Seras then began to whisper as she looked at Cyrus closely. "Hello? Are you heart? Cy-"
"AHHH!" Cyrus shrieked as he stumbled hard on the floor. He began to scratch his head. "Eh. Sorry. I guess I fell asleep. May I have a hand?"
He then looked up and was flabbergasted at the sight before him. Seras kneeled and helped him up. He continued to stare at her in disbelief.
"Looks like you had quite a fall there huh Cy? " Seras said giggling. "You gotta –Eh? Umm Cyrus? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Cyrus shook his head and then blushed. "Seras…I-I-I. You look…WOW!"
Seras turned scarlet and looked down while smiling. "Oh well. Haha I just wanted to you know. Get dressed up a little. It isn't everyday I get invited to parties. Thank you. "
Cyrus gawked at her for a few seconds then shook his head. He had to stay focus at his plan.
"I was wondering if you could spare a few moments of your time?" Cyrus asked, scolding at himself for sounding so demanding.
"Sure!"
"Great." He responded. "Let's go sit by the garden."
He then gestured for her to walk ahead. "Ladies first."
Seras laughed. "I think you are taking this too far but okay."
As she began walking ahead, Cyrus immediately turned on his tape recorder and then shoved it in his hoodie pocket. They both sat in the a little bench that faced the Hellsing Barracks.
"So what's this about?" Seras innocently asked which made Cyrus more nervous.
"You see…" He gulped. "I heard that you went off yesterday with your master on a mission. "
Seras nodded and grinned. "Yes. I did. But we didn't go on a mission. I just made that up. "
Cyrus eyes widened. He couldn't believe it. He truly thought Seras was innocent. Out of all the Wild Geese he was the one who stuck up for Seras and even convinced John she was possibly innocent. He looked away from Seras trying to not get angry.
"Yeah. Haha I made that up because well…You know I think I can tell you since the party will be starting soon." Seras continued. "Yesterday my master and I –"
"-Went on a date…" Cyrus finished for her, as he stood up.
Seras looked at him with confusion. "Excuse me? A date? What the heck why would I go on a date with my master? "
Cyrus then looked over at Seras with a glint of hope in his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"What I was going to say before you answered, was yesterday my master and I went to the other side of town yesterday. He accompanied me because I was planning on buying Captain Bernadotte's gift." Seras replied as she stood up.
Cyrus at this point he was so filled with happiness jumped up while raising his hands in victory. "I knew it!"
Seras raised her eyebrows. "Knew what? What's going on? Why did you think I was on a date with my master? "
He then stopped cheering and froze. "Oh, that. Well I saw you from far away yesterday when I was walking by. I saw you and Alucard dressed nicely and went off together yesterday. I just assumed it was a date."
Rather then expecting Seras boiling into anger, she began to go into hysterics. "I can't believe you thought I was on a date with Master Alucard! OH I can't breathe! This is too funny!"
After catching her breathe, Seras continued. "I don't like my master in that kind of way. Ewww. I mean I love him but like a strict father kind of way."
Cyrus then laughed along in joy. "Sorry. I guess I got carried away."
"But. I guess I can tell you this." Seras started as she glanced at the setting at the night sky. "I do care for someone as more than just a friend. "
Seras began to rub her arm and blushed pink. "Tonight I've decided to tell your captain that I have feelings for him."
Cyrus jaw dropped and held in the tears that wanted to come out. "So you love Bernadotte huh?"
Seras covered her face and nodded as she began to burst into giggles. "I do. I really do."
She then shot her head back at him. "Oh! But Cyrus, you have to promise me you won't say anything about this! I want to tell him on my own and when we are alone."
He nodded in excitement. "Of course! No problem Seras! My lips are sealed."
"Thank you! Hey can we go to the barracks? I want to leave my present…" But before Seras could finish, she realized she was no longer carrying her captain's present.
"Oh no! I am such a bonehead. I think I left my present near the kitchen door way before I helped you up when you fell! " Seras panicked as she began to look towards the kitchen direction. "Cyrus! Go on ahead without me, I gotta get my present. I'll be there in a few minutes!"
Cyrus sighed in relief since in that amount of time, he was gonna tell John everything and make his captain hear the tape. "Alright! See you are there!"
She nodded and then the two of them left.
Location: Hellsing- Barracks
Date: Present: Thursday June 25th (The Day)
Time: 7:10 pm
Pip smiled widely at the how early his men finished "decorating" his party. Sure there were the obligatory colorful balloons, embarrassing paper party hats and of course confetti all around. But there what made the captain grin the way he did was the amount of booze and presents that were located on the front of the room.
"Men. I don't remember being happier in my life. This shall be the best party ever." Pip stated as his men cheered.
All the Wild Geese members were all not in uniforms. Instead they were wearing their normal human clothes pertaining to their certain style. Pip however was wearing a dashing black suit with a white colored shirt and a brand new matching chow boy hat that also had the left flap folded up which Pip bought for himself earlier that day.
SLAM
Cyrus kicked open the door as he began gasp for air. John immediately ran to his side and asked. "Well?"
He smiled which John took as a very good sign. "You mean-?"
"Yeah. It wasn't one at all. I got it all on here." As Cyrus collapsed to his knees while John grabbed the tape player from his jacket pocket.
"The hell are you guys talking about?" Gus asked while the rest of the Wild Geese stared at Cyrus with another odd expression.
Pip laughed. "Alright. What's going on? Is this part of the Bernadotte Birthday Surprise?"
"You can say that." Cyrus said now regaining his breath. "John, it's already re-winded. Turn the volume up and play it."
But before Pip asked, John pushed him into a nearby chair and began playing the tape. Pip began was confused but then heard the familiar gentle sigh and his stomach churned. It was Seras's voice.
Seras: So what's this about?
Cyrus: You see…I heard that you went off yesterday with your master on a mission.
"What the-I don't need to listen to this." Pip angrily got up from his chair but was only pushed down by John again with more force.
"Yes. You do. Now shut the hell up." John snapped which surprised Pip since he hardly ever disrespected him and his orders.
Seras: Yes. I did. But we didn't go on a mission. I just made that up. Yeah. Haha I made that up because well…You know I think I can tell you since the party will be starting soon. Yesterday my master and I –
Cyrus: -Went on a date…"
Pip once again tried to get up but failed as now Cyrus, grabbed Bernadotte from the mouth and held his hands down.
John and Cyrus yelled. "Listen!"
Seras: Excuse me? A date? What the heck why would I go on a date with my master?
Cyrus: What do you mean?
Seras: What I was going to say before you answered, was yesterday my master and I went to the other side of town yesterday. He accompanied me because I was planning on buying Captain Bernadotte's gift.
The expression on Pip's face now changed from pissed off to wide eyed one. Even the rest of the Wild Geese men sighed in relief and now had guilty expressions their faces.
Pip whispered. "Gift? She went shopping to buy me a gift?"
"Shhh There's more!" Cyrus nodded as he and John both let go of their captain. Pip then grabbed the recorder and continued listening.
Cyrus: I knew it!
Seras: Knew what? What's going on? Why did you think I was on a date with my master?
Cyrus: Oh, that. Well I saw you from far away yesterday when I was walking by. I saw you and Alucard dressed nicely and went off together yesterday. I just assumed it was a date.
"More like my Captain and his idiot Geese men suspected she was on a date while I was the only one who believed in her innocence." Cyrus smugly pointed out.
"SHHHHH." Pip responded.
Seras: I can't believe you thought I was on a date with Master Alucard! OH I can't breathe! This is too funny! I don't like my master in that kind of way. Ewww. I mean I love him but like a strict father kind of way."
Cyrus: Sorry. I guess I got carried away…
Pip stopped the tape and began shaking his head. "I am an-an-"
"Idiot" The Wild Geese responded now smiling.
"No. I'm worse then an idiot. I'm an asshole." Pip said as he began to smile. " But I never felt so relieved in my damn life. "
John nodded. "See? She only lied to you because she wanted to surprise you with a gift. That was it."
Doc scratched his head and added. "Come to think of it, it makes a lot more sense then the whole date thing. "
Pip began grinning like an idiot. "Ah shit. I really jumped into a hell of a conclusion huh? "
Cyrus rolled his eyes. "No shit Captain. Well anyway, now that you know, she's coming in a few minutes so go work on that Bernadotte charm. "
The rest of the Wild Geese began to holler with laughter. As Pip joined them laughing, the tape recorder fell onto the floor, as he began to pick it up, his finger touched the "Play" button by mistake.
Cyrus: I got carried away.
Seras: But. I guess I can tell you this. I do care for someone as more than just a friend.
Everyone in the room grew quiet and began to stare at the tape. Cyrus then realized he recorded the whole conversation he and Seras both had about Pip. Cyrus ran and attempted to grab the type, but Pip dodged him away from him.
Pip simply stared at the tape. "What the hell?"
Seras: Tonight I've decided to tell your captain that I have feelings for him.
Cyrus: So you love Bernadotte huh?"
Seras: haha I do. I really do.
Pip dropped the tape and began to feel his soul coming out of his body. His whole face was glowing red and those last words repeated in his head. The whole Wild Geese Men's jaws dropped and stood there dumbfounded at this new piece of information while Cyrus began to hit and cuss at himself for breaking his promise to Seras.
"She…Seras?...She…loves…me?" Pip stuttered looking like if he was going to explode.
Seras: "Oh! But Cyrus, you have to promise me you won't say anything about this! I want to tell him on my own and when we are alone."
Cyrus: Of course! No problem Seras! My lips are sealed.
"Like hell they were!" Cyrus groaned in horror as the men began to snicker.
Seras: Thank you! Hey can we go to the barracks? I want to leave my present...
"My mignonette…" Pip mumbled as he stopped the tape.
Pip began to stumble backwards and leaned against the wall. Mixtures of emotions went through his mind. He regretted for thinking of Seras as a liar and for doubting their friendship. He felt guilty for getting angry at her and jumping into conclusions without gathering up the courage himself to confront her about his feelings. Although, right now the pure joy that was ruining through his entire body and soul was overpowering his guilty feelings.
Mike then began to elbow Pip. "Men. I think we lost him. He seems to riding on cloud nine."
"She's coming." Cyrus added. "She went to go get your gift and will be here in a couple of minutes."
Pip closed his eyes as he blushed again. He held covered his face with one hand slightly panicking a little. "Fuck. I am nervous as hell. Wh-What the hell do I say? The hell am I going to do? Why the hell do I feel thirteen again? How humiliating that I am acting this way in front of you snickering bastards. "
John chuckled. "Ah Captain. It's your birthday. You can act however the hell you want. Plus we value our lives way more than risking it to make fun of ya. I think you know all the questions to that Captain. You know what you gotta do."
Pip glanced over at his men and they all nodded.
He then smirked, as he knew that this was not the time to act like a wuss. He was going to be a real man and tell Seras how he really felt about her. He also wanted to apologize for doubting her and that he only did because he wanted to tell her that the thought with her with another man, makes his blood boil and also brought a lot of emotional pain.
As he headed towards Seras, the door swung open, he was met with a familiar set of gray eyes, red lips, and a seductive smile that could knock a man out.
"Pip Darling!" Candy squealed as she jumped toward him knocking him down on the ground.
Then it hit him. Pip forgot all about Candy's expected appearance when Cyrus came through the door with his recorder. Throughout the whole day, however he's been eagerly awaiting her visit. He was planning to have a lot of fun with her and do a lot more then they did that night two weeks ago. His intention was he wanted to get Seras out of his mind, even if it meant sleeping with this woman. But now as he knew the truth behind everything, he had to figure out a way for Candy to get out of here gently. He may have been a womanizer but at least he let woman do gently.
"Candy. Hey…err..How are you? " Pip muttered as he tried to get off the floor but was defeated since Candy began to hug him more. She was wearing a beige coat that was open. Under it, she was wearing a flashy red bar, super short shorts (that were basically denim underwear), and knee high black boots. Her hair long dark chocolate hair was covered huge thick curls. She had an brown eye shadow and wore a blood colored lipstick.
"Oh to be honest, love. I am afraid I have been feeling rather lonely." Candy whispered as she began to draw invisible circles in his chest. "I don't normally day this but you were my best costumer I had in a long time. Bloody Hell, I think you were my best costumer EVER!"
At this point the Wild Geese men turned on by her for a moment and then panicked. They had to get the girl out before Seras would arrive. As they began to speak, John was the first to speak.
"Er, Candy and Bernadotte! Why don't you two freshen up? " John suggested nervously.
"Sounds like a plan!" Bernadotte agreed as he laughed along with him.
Candy nodded. "Excellent idea! I must freshen up since I'm sure my make up must be a tad smudged. "
Mike eagerly responded. "I think you look great!"
All the men in the room shot him a dirty look for a moment while Candy laughed.
"Oh that's so sweet! I'm glad your friends are here! They are so kind and very fun! Where can I go freshen up? She asked as she finally got off Pip.
"Go straight into the halls and on your third door on the right there are the restrooms." Pip said trying to remain calm.
Candy blew a kiss at him. " Thank you! I'll be back in a few moments okay!"
All the men waved and smiled at her until she left the room. They immediately began to huddle together to think of a plan on how to get her out of here.
Location: Hellsing- Kitchen
Date: Present: Thursday June 25th (The Day)
Time: 7:10 pm (Meanwhile)
Seras was near outside the door that led to the Hellsing kitchen and to her horror her present wasn't where she left it.
"Uh oh. This is bad. Very bad." She said as she looked around the bushes and the area around her. "Calm down. Don't panic. I'm sure it's- "
Before she could answer, she noticed the kitchen lights were on. Her instincts now told her to go inside which she did. There in the middle of the kitchen island was her huge pink present.
"Oh thank goodness." Seras whispered as a wave of relief swept through her.
Before she turned, she heard food steps heading towards her. "Miss Victoria? "
She slowly turned and gave Walter a huge friendly beam. "Hello Walter! Were you the one that put the gift here? "
Her question didn't get through to Walter since he was in a state of amazement and bewilderment. Walter did not act like most men when it came to women since he was not one to openly gape at attractive women. But right now, he could not help himself but absorb Seras appearance. She no longer looked like a sweet pretty young girl but rather she looked like a charming lady. Now more then ever, Walter craved to be twenty-one again.
"Walter?" Seras asked with concern. "Is everything alright? "
Walter snapped back to reality. He blushed immediately while scolding at himself for looking at her in such a manner. " No. I'm so sorry Miss Victoria. I hardly recognized you there for a moment. Forgive me for staring. "
Seras blinked. "Oh? It's alright Walter! I do kind of look a little different. Do I look a little too different? Maybe I should just change and-"
Suddenly Seras felt a pair of finger lifting her head up. Walter was gazing her with such tenderness. "Seras, you are a sight to behold. You look incredibly lovely."
"Gah! Walter! Stop it! I don't deserve such words! Really! I think sometimes you compliment me to tease me!" She exclaimed while waving her hands as she felt the blood rushing into her cheeks.
'I have to give him the present I got him later. Walter's such a kind man.'
Walter chuckled and gave her a sad look. "Perhaps. Or maybe I just really think you truly look beautiful now and every other day. You should not get embarrassed at the fact you are so attractive."
Seras now laughed. "That's very sweet but I just don't see myself as that. But thank you for your gentleness towards me. "
He could only sigh.
'She's is too naïve.'
There was not point of reasoning with Seras since he knew she would keep denying all his compliments. "Very well."
Seras was heading towards the door and until she remembered.
"Say Walter, Thank you so much for leaving my present for Captain Bernadotte inside the kitchen. You are truly my life savoir! Aren't you coming?"
Walter chuckled. "You're welcome. I'm afraid not. I already dropped off the cake about two hours ago. Although Captain Bernadotte insisted, I'm afraid I have some paper work to do here while Sir Integra and Alucard are away. Also, I am a boring old geezer who doesn't want to end up babysitting a bunch of young mercenaries. Have fun at the party Seras."
"Aw, that's too bad…" Seras waved and then smiled. "Well, I'll be heading off then! Oh and for the record Walter, I don't think you're a boring old geezer!"
After Seras left, Walter sighed sadly. "That Bernadotte Man is a really lucky fellow."
Seras was now practically prancing from excitement as she headed toward the barracks.
Location: Hellsing- Barracks
Date: Present: Thursday June 25th (The Day)
Time: 7:20 pm (10 minutes later)
"Damn it! What do we tell her?" Pip asked desperately at his men who were now thinking of ideas but had no success.
Cyrus then whispered. "I say we lock her in there for the entire night."
John elbowed Cyrus's good arm. "You stupid or something? That will never work. Even if we did, she would start screaming and banging the door for help."
"Not unless we tie her up to chair and cover her mouth in duck tape?" Cyrus grinned as he took out rope and duck tape.
The men all looked at him and praised Cyrus's plan but was only met with fast punches by their captain. "Idiots! She will call the police if we did that! Plus that's super wrong you creepy assholes. "
They all sulked again while Gus added. "Well what the hell are we supposed to do? "
"Do about what?" Candy said popping out in the middle of the guys circle which scared them.
"Errr…The traditional three cheers. You know. Hip, Hip, Horray! Since you know we are all "drunk" and we have to give him the customary corny humiliating fifteen seconds of shame and glory! " Cyrus nervously replied as he threw the duck tape and rope away.
"Yeah! Three cheers for Pip!" The men began to say.
"Hip Hip-HORRAY!" They boomed.
"Get ready Captain." Candy said pulling Pip towards her.
"HIP-HIP. HORRAY!"
"For what?" Pip asked trying to push away from her firm grasp.
"HIP-HIP. HORRAY!"
Candy smirked. "This."
As the men began hollering and howling in excitement, Candy pulled him for a full wet kiss. Pip eyes widened and closed his eyes not wanting to let Candy see him panic.
'Damn it. The hell. This isn't happening. This can't be fuckin happening. I gotta go and-'
SLAM
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY PIP! Sorry I was late. I left your…"
At that very moment, Seras's warm smile was replaced with wide eyes and a slightly opened mouth. The Geese Mens's "drunken" cheers died down as they turned to see Seras by the door.
Pip immediately took notice of his men's silent voices and turned to see Seras and her expressionless face. He saw her in her dressed up. Her appearance made his heart skip a beat and made him feel dazed. She was gorgeous but that wasn't what struck him. It was the fact he knew she dressed up for him.
Candy stopped immediately to turn toward the girl her eyes slight narrowing since she didn't like all the attention being pulled away from her.
Seras lip slightly quivered and slowly blinked at the unidentified woman, who was all over Pip.
'Pip…Woman…Who is she? I have never seen her. They were-were…kissing. On the lips'
Seras eyes widened and stood outside the door asking herself if the scene she saw just now was real. Deep down she knew and attempted not to cry.
Note: FINALLY! LOL LONGEST CHAPTER EVER! (around 8,540 words XD)
Uh oh! Cliffhanger. Sorta since you read the first intro you got a brief summary of what happened next. So the next chapter will lead up to the present and from there we shall the story unfold!
Tehehe Sorry for the more Walter liking Seras moment again. Let's just say Walter will appear again in the next chapter. (Don't worry, he won't kiss her XD)
Oh Pip. Poor Seras.
OH Note: As for making his mother swedish, apparently I read in hellsing wiki Pip comes is from a swedish descent. So I wanted to add that in there.