Good evening,
I hope you enjoy.
Oxford Not Brogues
Haunted
Part Three
Being in their human forms, Alucard and Sebastian stood in their new flat while movers carried in furniture. The demon swiftly put every piece of furniture in place while the lazy vampire stayed leaning up against a wall with his arms crossed.
"I believe you have fully crossed the line and have become a full fledged stalker." Alucard chuckled while a look of amusement glistened in his sinister red eyes. "Or is it only coincidence that you chose to live in a flat that's right across from our mate's?" He then casually glanced over his shoulder, peering out the doorway to stare at the door that led to Seras' flat.
"Unlike you, I'm thinking ahead." Sebastian answered. The vampire straightened to look back at the busy demon. "This is far more convenient for Seras."
"Oh?" Alucard responded.
"If things go well and we start to date Seras, she won't have to go far to see us. If we continued living in that penthouse, which is a good walk from her place, it would eat up time and be extremely inconvenient, especially if she has work the next morning. But, moving here, Seras can see us anytime she wants and vice versa. Also, she won't have to worry about getting home late or having to walk home in the cold or dark." The demon explained. "We can also protect her more easily." The grin on the No Life King's grin faltered then.
"How incredibly lazy of you." He chuckled. "The reason you decided to move here is so our mate doesn't have to trek all the way over to the penthouse? Why wouldn't we make that trek to her place so she wouldn't have to walk in the cold or dark?"
"It has nothing to do with being lazy." Sebastian corrected him. "I just believe this is the smoothest way of doing this. We're not far from her, so she can see us whenever she likes."
"And if she fears us, Michaelis?" Alucard questioned. His query managed to stop the demon from working. "What happens if she sees our absolute worst side and she wants nothing to do with us?" The vampire assumed that the demon was considering the different possibilities because Sebastian stood there ever so silently and still. After a moment of complete silence, Michaelis clenched his fists as his body began to tremble. Slowly, he shifted his head to peer over his shoulder. That dark red iris flitted to the corner of his eye to stare fiercely at the vampire. "Did I hit a nerve?" Alucard chuckled. "Did you so foolishly forget what we are and what we've been keeping hidden from our dear mate?" The demon gritted his teeth while his eyes became sharp and far more fierce.
"No," Sebastian growled.
"Were you hoping to keep it hidden from her, then?" The No Life King pushed for answers. The demon lowered his head to glower at the floor instead of him.
"Of course not," Michaelis murmured.
"So, what is the plan if she is struck with fear when seeing our most wickedly foul sides?" Alucard asked. Such pain seared in the demon's eyes as all hope started to fade. A frown formed on his lips.
"We'll leave," Sebastian vowed softly. "We'll cease seducing her and let her live out her life as a mortal. She will advance in her career, hopefully find someone who is a worthy gentleman, marry, have children, and die of old age. And she'll never have to lay eyes on us ever again." The demon then glanced back at the vampire. "But that is only if the fear runs deep and she wants absolutely nothing to do with us, Alucard."
"I suppose we'll figure that out tonight." The No Life King responded. Hearing something in the hall, the males instantly glanced that way.
Exiting her flat and closing the door behind her, Seras turned to lock it before leaving. Even though she was still tired after her night of fun, she still had quite a bit of chores to do. She had to drop off the check for her rent, go grocery shopping, and do up a load of laundry. Three simple tasks and then she can relax for the rest of the day before having to get ready for work tomorrow. Seras sighed as she stuffed her keys in her purse and then turned to start heading for the elevator down the hall. She heard footsteps behind her, as if someone was trying to catch up to her, but she didn't bother to turn to look.
"Seras," Someone called out to her. Despite the voice not sounding familiar to her, she got a very familiar feeling when hearing that person speak it. Spontaneously, her body froze, her eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat. Seras spun on her heel to fix her gaze on two gorgeous dark haired males. Both men looked quite familiar to her. The one to the left, a tall man in red and black attire, had short black hair and…His eyes…Those eyes peeking over his orange lensed glasses to stare at her…Those eyes weren't human. Was she seeing things or were those eyes blood red? And why did he look so familiar? The shape of his face, the paleness of his skin, and that look in his eyes. This man…He reminded her of Vlad, but…his hair wasn't long and he was cleanly shaved. Was…this the same man, the same vampire? Why did he look so different?
Her eyes then drifted to the right to stare at the other man, but she instantly recognized him. Hold up! This guy was at the bar last night! He was sitting in the front row while she sang! And after locking eyes, he nodded to her. What was he doing here and why was he with the man that looked like Vlad?
"You were…at the bar last night." Seras whispered while she stared at the man on the right. Her face heated with a blush when remembering the first time she had ever locked eyes on him. She was overcome with strong feelings of sexual arousal, just like now.
"Yes," Sebastian agreed as a beautiful smirk appeared on his lips. "I enjoyed your singing very much. I hope the bartender passed on that message with your drink."
"That was you?" The small blonde whispered. Afterwards, she gave him a friendly smile. "Thank you for the drink. It was delicious. How did you know I would like the strawberry margarita?" How did he know? The demon practically snickered to himself. It was because of her strawberry scented shampoo that gave him the idea that she likes strawberries. But he hardly wanted to share that information with her considering it could make her feel uneasy that he would notice something so small.
"I noticed you were drinking margaritas with your friends. As for the strawberry flavor, well, I just had an inkling." Sebastian laughed.
"Again, thank you." Seras added as that beautiful smile on her face widened.
"Do you truly not recognize us, my dear?" Alucard snickered with a twisted grin on his face. Her pupils dilated when hearing his familiar voice and her smile shifted to a smirk. A knowing look appeared in the girl's eyes, but she ended up shaking her head.
"I'm not…I'm not sure." She admitted softly. "You know my name. You both obviously know me, but…" Looking uncertain now, Seras gave the men a sheepish smile while she rubbed the back of her head. "I was…a little hammered last night. I did meet an interesting pair of men last night but…it feels like a distant dream now. When I woke up this morning, I wasn't quite sure if what happened was real or not."
"And what if I tell you my name is Alucard?" The vampire asked.
"Alucard?" Seras repeated softly. "Like…Dracula? The first vampire ever? Also known as Vlad Dracul?" The small blonde then snickered in amusement. "Does that mean…you are who I think you are?"
"You're not mistaken, Seras. That was us from last night." Sebastian confirmed with a nod. Gasping, the small blonde lifted her head to look back at the men.
"Vlad and Malphas?!" Seras exclaimed with a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. Ever so quick, Sebastian gently placed a hand over her mouth before bringing a finger to his lips to silently hush her.
"Be sure to never speak my name in public, Seras." The demon warned her in a whisper. "If the wrong person were to find out my true name, each of us could be in great danger. I hate to think of what would happen to you just for knowing me." Carefully, his hand slipped away from her mouth. "Please, only use my name in private."
"Then…what should I call you?" Seras asked as her eyes took him all in. He looked so different.
"Sebastian, my little angel." The demon purred while he gave her a deep bow.
"Sebastian," The small blonde tested his name. She'll have to remember not to use his other name. "So…everything from last night…really happened."
"Correct," Sebastian replied as he straightened to meet her gaze. At this time, a couple of movers were carrying a pristine white couch past them. Showing her curiosity, Seras peeked around Sebastian to watch the movers carry the couch into the flat that was vacant just last night. She then pointed in that direction.
"Are you…moving in across from me?" The small blonde asked as she watched the movers emerge from the flat to go get more furniture.
"Yes, I hope you don't mind." The demon responded while he examined her eyes closely, waiting for the smallest of hints that she was uncomfortable by that. Instead of showing discomfort, a bright smile flashed across her face, shocking the demon. Sebastian's eyes widened as her darling, dark blue eyes shifted to look back up at him.
"I guess we'll get to see more of each other." She practically purred and the smile grew on her face. "I look forward to that."
"I wouldn't get too comfortable just yet, Seras." Alucard spoke, drawing her attention to him. But unlike her, Sebastian knew exactly what the vampire was going to bring up. The demon shifted his head to give him a dark look for ruining this moment.
"Alucard," Sebastian warned him in a low growl, but the No Life King was hardly intimidated.
"Why is that, Alucard?" Seras asked.
"You still have yet to see our absolute worst sides. Remember?" Alucard responded. Instead of looking bothered, Seras looked interested and a little bemused.
"Hmn?" She hummed and cocked her head to the side, looking so cute and unbelievably precious to them. A shy smile then appeared on her face. "Admittedly, I forgot." She laughed nervously, but ever so sweetly. "Maybe I should be scared or worried, but I'm really not. I'm actually…eager. Is…Is that…weird?"
"A little," Sebastian snickered, refusing to tell her what he truly thought. Weird? It was completely abnormal. Last night, a normal human would have pissed themselves the second they saw them. But Seras had been so…friendly and gentle. She smiled, moved closer, touched them, and…even kissed them. Was it because she had been drinking that she temporarily had no fear or even common sense? How will she react tonight when she sees them in their worst possible state? As if the angel had read his mind, she spoke up.
"It must be extremely weird." Seras laughed as she continued to watch the movers carry in more furniture. "I don't know much about vampires or demons, but I do know that they're not considered good. In fact, they're always viewed as monsters or villains. I feel so foolish not being afraid. These are clearly red flags and I should be more cautious or…more realistically, I should just end this now. But…" The little human trailed off as she glanced back up at Alucard and Sebastian. "But, for some reason, I'm not afraid and I trust you both wholeheartedly."
"Why?" Sebastian whispered while he stared at her in amazement.
"I…I don't know." Seras admitted as she studied his forlorn eyes. "Maybe because you guys were honest and weren't afraid to reveal your true selves. Maybe because I was slightly drunk. I don't know. But…something deep inside of me trusts you and Alucard." It's like she knew them; understood them. Seras thought to herself as her eyes flickered from one male to the other. Could it be possible that they met in another lifetime? Were they truly her soulmates? She had never believed in such things, but…considering how she felt and the way they looked at her as if she was truly valuable to them, she was starting to believe.
"Despite us being monsters?" Alucard asked. "You said it yourself, vampires and demons are normally the villains. They manipulate their prey and do despicable things."
"I don't think you're trying to manipulate me. I don't feel that way at least." The small blonde whispered as her eyes flickered up to look at the vampire. It was silent for a few seconds as she stared deep into his red eyes. "I honestly believe that you guys just want…to be happy and not be so alone anymore." She murmured as the emotions in her eyes mirrored his. His mate frowned while her eyes became misty with tears. Before she could shed a single tear, Seras turned her head and lowered her gaze to stare at the floor. "I feel that way too sometimes." She admitted softly. "But I can't imagine feeling that way for over five hundred years. That sounds like torture."
She was getting teary eyed? Why? And why did that look of pain seem so familiar to them? Was that…empathy? Alucard and Sebastian had every desire to comfort their mate, but…they didn't know how. Comforting people was something they definitely weren't used to doing. In fact, neither male could recall comforting anyone ever. And they did not get that chance to try it since their strong mate pushed through her pain on her own. "Anyway," She proceeded before forcing a smile on her face. "I'm not worried about your 'worst' sides. Everyone has a bad side. All that matters to me is how you handle those sides. If you act irrationally and physically when upset."
"We would never so much as raise a hand to you if that's what you mean." Sebastian assured her.
"It's not how we act but how we look that should concern you." Alucard added.
"How you look?" Seras repeated in disbelief. "But I thought I already saw your true selves last night."
"That was merely a tamed version of ourselves." The demon replied.
"Oh," The little human murmured as her eyes trailed up and down their bodies, envisioning what they could possibly look like 'untamed'. Should she be scared? "I think it'll be fine." Seras' back straightened as a bold look appeared in her eyes. Seeing that look brought a large grin to the No Life King's face. His lips pulled back to show off his sharp teeth and he chuckled to himself in glee.
"I hope you're right." Alucard purred.
"I'm curious," Sebastian spoke up, earning his mate's attention. "Earlier you said that everyone has a bad side. What exactly is your bad side?" Instantly, her smile fell as she grimaced at his question.
"That's a side of me I'm desperately trying to get away from." Seras muttered with a shameful look. "Within the last year, I've adopted a more positive mental attitude and I'm trying so hard to stick with it." The demon frowned when his mate hesitated talking about her bad side. He recalled that earlier she said she understood that Alucard was depressed and lonely because she too felt that way sometimes. What caused such feelings to occur inside of her? And last night, while she was with her friends, she seemed a little out of place; as if she was uncomfortable. Even one of her friends had to go up with her on stage to make her feel more at ease. That small observation suggested to the demon that Seras wasn't used to going out or being social. But she was clearly trying to make an effort and pushing herself out of her comfort zone. But still, what was that other side of her? It couldn't just be depression and loneliness, could it? No, there had to be more to it. Fortunately, he didn't have to push his mate because she was already giving him an answer.
"Before…I decided to…change and become more positive, I was…a very angry and hateful person." Seras admitted. Alucard and Sebastian's eyes widened in bewilderment. Her? Hateful and angry? They could hardly believe that this sweet girl had such wrath inside of her, though a demon's nose never lied. Sebastian was capable of sniffing out any sin a mortal as committed. The moment he laid eyes on Seras, he knew of every sin: envy, a brief moment of lust, and wrath. However, the demon hardly paid attention to any of those sins when first laying eyes on her. All he wanted was to get to know her himself.
"That side of me…I've done awful things, and I felt like I was…in a deep, dark hole that I couldn't pull myself out of. I felt terrible all the time. I just got so tired of feeling angry and hateful. When I finally left that place I decided it was time for a change." That place? Alucard and Sebastian wondered what on earth she was talking about. What place? Was it the cause of her pain? "I still have…those negative feelings, especially when I'm alone, but…I'm definitely better than I was a year ago. I feel better. I'm hoping that neither of you will ever see that awful side of me." Seras tried desperately to hide her pain from them by giving them a small smile. "I won't judge either of you when you're ready to show me your 'bad' sides. We all have demons." The girl then giggled. "No, offense, Sebastian."
"I'm not offended." Sebastian whispered, looking purely mesmerized by her existence. "I am glad that you are doing better mentally now. And I assure you that if we ever do see that side of you, Alucard and I would never judge you."
"Thank you," Seras respectfully nodded her head in his direction.
"Do you have plans for tonight?" The demon asked then. The little angel gave him such a warm, gorgeous smile that melted his heart.
"No," She answered while shaking her head. "And I don't have work in the morning, so I can stay up pretty late." That smile shifted to a smirk while her eyes sparkled with…Was that lust he detected? The demon's nose twitched as he noticed a faint fragrance in the air and that her pupils had dilated once again. "Why?" Was Seras suspecting something more physically intimate? He wondered before frowning. He had no desire to disappoint his mate, but sex wasn't on the table, unfortunately. How can he even explain to her why it wasn't on the table?
"I want to cook you dinner." Sebastian responded. Seras' eyes widened and she audibly gasped. He wanted to cook her dinner? A dark blush spread across the little angel's face, making her look all the more beautiful and innocent. He must protect her at all costs. Alucard reminded himself as he kept his blood red eyes locked on her.
"Really?" The little human whispered bashfully. A grin graced the demon's lips, utterly pleased by his mate's physical response. She was so shy and cute. "This is a little embarrassing to admit, but I've…never been on a date before."
"Is there anything that you're allergic to that I should know about?" He asked.
"No," Seras shook her head.
"You're not allergic to shellfish at all?" The demon asked to be absolutely sure. He didn't want to accidentally poison his mate and kill her on the date.
"No," His angel laughed.
"I was thinking about cooking you lobster risotto." Sebastian spoke as pride emanated strongly from his eyes. "Unless there's something else you would like?"
"No, no! Lobster risotto sounds delicious!" Seras exclaimed excitedly, causing the men to chuckle. "But, wait, do you guys even eat human food?"
"Alucard can't, but I will dine with you if that will make you more comfortable." The demon instantly answered.
"Eating human food won't hurt you?" The little human asked innocently.
"Not at all," Sebastian chuckled while shaking his head, bringing another precious smile to his mate's face.
"Okay then!" She laughed. "But, if you don't mind, I would love to cook with you!"
"I would greatly appreciate the company and a helping hand." The demon bowed his head.
"Great! What time should I come over?" Seras asked, looking as if she would burst with excitement at any moment.
"Why don't you come at five? Will that work?" Sebastian asked.
"Five it is!" The small blonde replied. "In the meantime, I need to get going. I have a few errands and chores I need to get done before tonight."
"I won't keep you for a minute longer." The demon purred. "Alucard and I will see you tonight."
"Bye," Seras waved before walking away.
"She seemed quite eager for a date with monsters." Alucard noted as he turned to head back to the flat.
"She doesn't see us as such." Sebastian murmured to himself. Feeling pleased by this, he smiled warmly in her direction before he followed after Alucard. "Seras is truly a remarkable being. She doesn't feel uneasy in our presence. She can look us in the eye and smile warmly. She is not like others, she doesn't fear us. Perhaps one day, she can love us."
"That reminds me," Alucard spoke as he casually sat down on the arm of the sofa. "Am I wrong or does Seras have something completely different in mind than a date? I could have sworn I saw arousal in her eyes. She even wanted to let us know that she could stay up late because she won't have work in the morning. Do you think she has plans of losing her virginity tonight?"
"To two men she hardly knows?" Sebastian snickered in disbelief. "She's a young, healthy girl. I'm sure she is a little frisky, but I don't believe she plans on losing her virginity tonight, Alucard. Besides, even if she is planning that, you and I both know that we can't go that far. She must remain a virgin until she's ready to become a vampire." Alucard scoffed at that response as disappointment simmered in his eyes.
"You will be the one to tell her then." The vampire replied, sounding a little vexed.
"Why are you throwing a fit?" The demon questioned as he threw out his hand in agitation. "Surely you can wait a couple of weeks or months until it's time to turn her!"
"Tell me, will you honestly be able to resist if your mate is seducing you?" Alucard asked. "Will you be able to disappoint her as she's touching you or begging you to touch her in return?" Before the demon could even open his mouth to argue, the vampire proceeded. "I'm not saying to go all the way and take her virginity. But perhaps we could still satisfy our mate's first sexual needs. There are other ways to get her off other than sex, Michaelis. Or are you a one trick pony?" Alucard snickered. "If that's the case, I pity your obvious deeply unsatisfied past lovers." The demon sighed heavily and closed his eyes.
"I suppose there would be no harm in some foreplay as long as it doesn't go anywhere past that." Sebastian responded moments later. "However, I don't know how we will lead Seras astray and explain why we're not having sex with her. Unless we are completely honest with her, though I don't know how she will handle that bit of information." The demon then shook his head. "None of this should matter, especially at a time like this. We've barely developed any type of relationship with Seras. Tonight is our first date with her. Let's just see how this turns out before further discussing her virginity with Seras present. Now, if you don't mind, I have to prepare for tonight. So either help or stay out of my way."
The No Life King snickered under his breath and lightly shook his head. He hated to be at the demon's disposal, but he didn't want to fuck anything up with Seras. It was rare for him to possess romantic feelings for anyone. But, for once, someone was actually reciprocating his feelings. If he wanted to keep Seras, then he had to be a good mate, one that was worthy of her. He had no idea what the demon planned for this date, but Alucard actually wanted to help make it a splendid first date for his mate.
"And in what way can I help?" Alucard asked with a serious look in his eyes, though, a grin of amusement stayed on his face. Sebastian paused to stare at the vampire in surprise. Was Alucard truly being serious? The demon could hardly believe what he was hearing. For as long as he has known Alucard, he has been incredibly self centered and never offered a hand to anyone. The only person who he remotely seemed interested in 'helping' was the late Sir Integra. But even then, that was for his own gain. Whenever he 'helped', it mostly meant he got to kill something. But what did he gain from this? A better relationship with Seras perhaps, but Sebastian still had trouble believing it. Did Alucard care that much about his relationship with Seras?
"I want to make this date as romantic as possible." Sebastian answered after a long few seconds of just staring at him. He continued to blink in a stupefied manner at the vampire, waiting for the punchline. Would Alucard cop out? "I have the food cover since I can just conjure whatever ingredients I will need for the dish. But, if you truly wish to help, I suppose you could get some flowers." The demon arched a brow as he waited patiently for the No Life King's response. Would that task be beneath him? Will he ask for another or take back his offer to help?
"Flowers?" Alucard questioned. "Personally, I don't think that's an original gift to give a woman. However, Seras may appreciate them. I guess we'll see. What kind of flowers?"
"I was thinking of a dozen red roses. Those are the most romantic of flowers. But I would also like it if you got pink pansies for the living room. I think that would make the place look more welcoming to her while also giving it a feminine touch." Sebastian suggested.
"Very well," The vampire muttered as he pushed off the couch and headed for the door. "Be sure the humans don't drop or scuff my coffin, or there will be hell to pay, Michaelis." The No Life King then left to complete his task.
Several hours later, a giddy Seras was getting ready for her date. Looking into the bathroom mirror, she added a touch of soft pink lipstick to her lips. For the past hour, she had been at war with herself of what to wear and if she should wear makeup. She had no idea if this was a casual date so she should wear casual clothes or if she should dress up. Considering it was her first date, Seras wanted to get all dolled up. So, she eventually decided to wear her cute, light blue dress with short sleeves and a skirt that ended at the knees. However, the small blonde was feeling very self conscious. She's never dressed up to try and impress someone before, and she hardly ever wore makeup. Did she look okay? Did she apply her makeup correctly? Was there something more she could do to look better? Did she smell fine? Seras was nervous like crazy, which made her perspire like crazy. She had already showered, applied deodorant, and spritzed a bit of perfume on. Even though she couldn't smell sweat on herself, it didn't mean that they couldn't.
"Damn their noses!" Seras hissed as she angrily put the cap back on her lipstick. God, was she even remotely attractive? She wondered as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Honestly, what did they see in her? Sighing deeply after putting herself down, Seras flicked off the light and left the bathroom. Glancing at the time, her anxiety increased when realizing it was nearly time for their date. The small blonde frowned in worry. She was super excited, but also deeply scared. She wasn't great at small talk or…talking to people in general. What if she can't hold a conversation with them? What if she makes things awkward? What if they think she's stupid? So many possibilities ran through her head, making her worry more. Should she take something over, like an appetizer? Would it be rude of her to come empty handed? Well, she wasn't coming completely empty handed. She did buy bouquets of flowers to give to Alucard and Sebastian. But she still felt bad that she wasn't bringing anything else. Maybe she should have offered to bring wine? Could they even drink wine? Maybe a dessert then? If they can't drink wine, why would she think that they can eat dessert?! Think, Seras!
Seras started overthinking it all over again. What could she bring that would be enjoyed by all? Blood? The girl gnawed on her bottom lip as she anxiously wrung her hands. What did she even have that she could bring? It was too late to cook anything and everything else was frozen food, which probably didn't appeal to Sebastian in the slightest. Her eyes darted back to the clock to see that it was now five until five. Taking a deep breath in and letting it all out through her mouth, Seras prepared herself for her first date. What was a date with a vampire and demon even like? Should she expect the Gothic aesthetic? Black furniture, black candles, coffins and pentagrams, spooky paintings that draw out people's inner fears and insecurities? Should she have worn black out of respect?
While she tried calming her racing heart, Seras made her way across the room to grab the bouquets of flowers. The one she had chosen for Alucard was a dark purplish flower with a whitish-yellowish center that was known as the lenten rose. The bouquet was mixed with some black prince snapdragons. Sebastian's bouquet was made up of queen of night tulips (a deep maroon flower that nearly looked black) and sooty sweet Williams (small dark red flowers). Has Alucard or Sebastian ever received flowers from anyone? Seras wondered as she inspected the bouquets. Would they like them or feel uncomfortable receiving flowers from a girl? Would this wound their masculinity? Do Alucard and Sebastian even care about such things?
The small blonde's frown deepened while she questioned if she should go through with it. However, her conscience broke through and gave her the courage she needed. She believed it was a nice gesture giving someone flowers; it showed that you cared and were thinking of this person. If someone has a problem receiving flowers and scolds her for it, then maybe she just wasn't with the right person. Nodding her head, the bold girl left her flat with the two bouquets. Heading across the hall, the nervous girl knocked lightly on the door.
"Okay," Seras whispered as she took several more deep breaths to help calm herself. The door then opened to reveal Sebastian. He stood there ever so coolly with a warm look in his dark brown eyes and an unbelievably charming smile that made her stomach tighten. Almost instantly Seras' entire face turned a dark shade of red. Holy fuck! He was gorgeous! She became weak in the knees, but kept her ground.
"Seras," The demon breathed her name, sending pleasant shivers up and down her spine. Acting like an utter spaz, Seras thrusted the bouquets out to present them to him. Sebastian jolted in surprise from the sudden action. Gasping, he blinked at the flowers she held out. Immediately realizing that one of the bouquets wasn't for him, Seras just as spastically pulled one of the bouquets back to hide behind her back. Alucard then walked up behind the demon.
"What's this?" The vampire asked as he gazed at the flowers.
"Oh, I…I feel bad for boys because they never get flowers, and…I saw these today and…thought of you guys. This one is Sebastian's." Seras murmured shyly before she held out the second bouquet. "And this one is yours, Alucard. I know it might seem a little silly, but I hope you like them." To her bewilderment, the demon started chuckling. The timid girl stared up at him, looking heartbroken that he was actually laughing. What was so amusing? "Why…Why are you laughing, Sebastian?"
"I deeply appreciate the flowers you got me." Sebastian assured her as he took his bouquet from her. "They are lovely."
"But…you're laughing." Seras replied, barely acknowledging the vampire as he took the other bouquet from her. Alucard examined the flowers his mate bought him. It seemed like she took great care in getting flowers that resembled him the most, which he honestly found quite touching. The No Life King smiled at the first gift his mate ever gave to him. A shame these flowers will wilt and die. If only there was a way to prolong their lifespan. "Why?" Seras asked again. But the demon didn't immediately answer her. Instead, he shifted to the side to allow her in.
"Please, come in." Sebastian purred. The little human didn't move an inch though. She stood out in the hall, still looking so bothered that he had laughed. The demon had to wonder if his mate was about to cry. It certainly looked that way. As Sebastian opened his mouth to fully reassure his mate that he absolutely loved her flowers, Alucard was acting. The No Life King stepped forward, bent a little at the hip, and held out a hand to his mate. His deep red eyes bored into her gorgeous blue ones while he gave her a tender smile to help ease her.
"Thank you for the beautiful bouquets. Michaelis and I truly love them. I know you weren't expecting him to laugh, but I promise you, he wasn't laughing at your flowers." Alucard whispered to his mate, hoping that he was able to convince her that he was telling the truth. "And might I add that you look absolutely stunning?" Giving him a small, sheepish smile, the girl slipped her hand into his.
"Thank you," She whispered with a faint blush on her cheeks. Alucard leaned down further to place a kiss on the back of her hand.
"Thank you for the flowers." The No Life King purred before flashing his mate a toothy grin. "Please, come in so we can start our date."
"I am sorry, Seras." Sebastian apologized as his little angel finally stepped into the flat. "The only reason why I laughed is because it seems you and I think alike."
"What do you mean?" Seras asked as he closed the door behind her. Smiling softly at her, the demon lightly gestured his head to her right. Glancing over her shoulder, Seras found a small table with two vases of flowers on top of it. One vase contained gorgeously vibrant red flowers. The other vase held cute, white daisies. The little human's eyes widened and the blush on her cheeks darkened. Were those flowers for her? She had never received flowers from anyone before. "Are…those…for me?"
"The roses are from me and there are exactly twelve of them, darling." Sebastian promised.
"Twelve?" Seras repeated as she approached the flowers. Ever so gently she traced one of the roses. "Why does that matter?" She would have been just happy with one, but he got her a whole bouquet of them. Her eyes sparkled with adoration and bashfulness while the smile on her face widened.
"You don't know what a dozen red roses means?" The demon asked, sounding surprised.
"No," She muttered and shook her head.
"There is meaning behind the amount of roses you receive. A single rose is love at first sight. Ten roses mean that you are perfect the way you are. Eleven means that you are everything I want and more. Receiving twelve roses, however, means that I'm asking you to be mine." Sebastian responded, causing his mate's eyes to widen.
"As for the daises, those would be from me." Alucard added. Admittedly, he had no intentions of getting her flowers, except for the roses Michaelis had requested. But while he was at the florist, he saw that lovely bouquet of playful white daisies. Immediately upon seeing them, he thought of Seras and had to get them for her. Turning, their male smiled up at them.
"Thank you so much! I love the flowers; they're beautiful!" Seras exclaimed happily. It felt like her heart was about to burst out of her chest at any moment. She was utterly thrilled that she got flowers for the very first time in her life. The act was so small, but it nearly made her want to cry. "I have never been given flowers before."
"Well, this is a first for all of us." Sebastian responded as he inspected the bouquet she had given him. "Let me put this in water and then we'll start on dinner."
End of Part Three
As expected, Part Four will come next week. I'm currently working on Part Eight for "Haunted". I was not expecting this particular story to be so long, but I have really enjoyed working on it. I hope you guys enjoy reading it.
Oxford Not Brogues