Good evening,
I've been incredibly busy as of lately, so I'm unsure if I will have Part 10 (which will technically be the last chapter) out on time for next Friday. I'll do my best to finish it by then. Regarding the next chapter, the reason I say "technically" is because I may or may not add a small bonus chapter afterwards. It really depends on the length of the next/final chapter.
I hope you enjoy.
Oxford Not Brogues
Haunted
Part Nine
One Year Later
Seras had no idea where the time went. It felt like it was only yesterday she had gone out drinking with her friends, came home to play with an ouija board, and ended up meeting monsters that stole her heart. It certainly felt like she was still that smitten girl who blushed when either of them looked in her direction. No, she was still very much bashful when in Alucard and Sebastian's presence. Will that ever wear off? She had to wonder.
Five months after they first started dating, Seras moved in with Alucard and Sebastian. She thought that things would start to change. That perhaps their relationship would get tougher or perhaps they would regret it. Maybe even that they would crave time away from her more. But that was hardly the case. If anything, their relationship strengthened within those last nine months of living together. They started talking more, they were able to spend more time together, even if it was in silence, and they were able to learn more about one another. While they still haven't had sex, their sexual relationship was also stronger and far more frequent, much to her delight. Before, when she first started dating them, she rarely thought about their future. But now, after living with them for nearly a year, she thought about their future every single day. Seras had always gone through her life second guessing every decision or choice that came into her path. There were only two things in her life she was absolutely certain about: becoming a cop and being with Alucard and Sebastian. Not once had she ever regretted or second guessed being with them. And Seras was absolutely certain that she wanted to remain with them forever, rather it was as a human or a vampire. But if she truly wanted to be with them forever, she only had one choice and that thought did not scare her whatsoever.
At five o'clock in the morning, Seras stood over her dresser in nothing but her bra and panties. She was getting ready for work, but temporarily paused to study the nude photos Alucard and Sebastian gifted her a year ago. She had woke up in a sour mood, but the second she looked at those photos, her spirits were lifted and she was smiling ever so widely. Even after seeing them naked countless times, no matter how many times she looked at those photos, they never failed to make her blush.
"What are you giggling about?" Alucard whispered before he wrapped his arms around her from behind. Seras didn't so much as flinch or gasp when he appeared out of nowhere. After being with stealthy monsters for a year, she adapted quite fast and gained a sharper sense, knowing when they had entered the room or were behind her. The vampire tiredly rested his chin on her shoulder as he looked at what she was staring at.
"Was I giggling?" Seras asked, unaware that she had done such a thing. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize. I'm guessing I woke you."
"You did, but don't worry about it." He muttered before he placed a kiss in the crook of her neck. "I had retired to my coffin only a few minutes ago, so I wasn't in a deep sleep."
"I'm sorry," Seras repeated and she placed the photos back in the top drawer of the dresser. Alucard was forced to take a step back when Seras turned to face him. Balancing on her tiptoes, she placed her hands on his shoulders and lightly rubbed them to further soothe him. "Why don't you head back to bed? I have to get ready for work anyway." His sweet girl then leaned in to kiss his cheek.
"I hardly see you in the mornings before you go off to work." Alucard commented as he watched his mate cross the room to stand in front of the closet. Pulling it open, she grabbed a simple top and pair of jeans since her uniform was in her locker at work. "I'll see you off, unless you would like the company and I can walk you to work?"
"I would feel terrible though." Seras replied as she pulled on her jeans.
"Why is that?" Alucard asked with furrowed brows.
"Because that will interfere with your sleep time." She answered. She then pulled the shirt on over her head. "You can see me off, but then I want you to go back to bed. Alright?" His mate smiled at him while she combed her fingers through her tousled hair. Walking back over to him, the little human interlaced her fingers with the vampire's. "Come on," She practically purred before she led him out of their bedroom. He gave her a warm, genuine smile as he willingly followed her. Sebastian was sitting on the couch, but when the two came out, he got up to greet her. As he always did every morning, the demon placed his hands on her hips and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Good morning," He whispered. "I hope you slept well." His eyes then peered over her head to look at the No Life King. "I see that you have something latched to you. Do you need assistance getting it off?"
"I accidentally woke him up." Seras admitted bashfully with a sheepish smile.
"I found her giggling at our nude photos." Alucard spoke up, causing her face to redden in embarrassment.
"Uh!" She exclaimed but didn't get a chance to explain.
"Giggling?" Sebastian repeated before he dropped his gaze to look at their mate. "That's concerning."
"What did you find so funny about our nakedness, Seras?" Alucard couldn't help but tease her.
"I wasn't giggling at your expsense!" Seras was quick to explain. "I was just…" Her whole face was now beat red and she had an incredibly wide, shy smile on her pretty, round face. "I just get a little excited when seeing you guys naked." She admitted softly. "I'm just a silly girl with a giant crush is all." She shrugged before rubbing the back of her head.
"I see," The demon grinned at her. Completely smitten, the little human stared up at him for a long few seconds before something flashed in her eyes.
"Oh!" She exclaimed. "I forgot socks! Be right back!" Seras then sprinted back to the bedroom to get socks from the dresser.
"What time do you get off tonight?" Sebastian asked, raising his voice a bit so she could hear him from the other room.
"Six," Seras answered. The vampire lazily sat on the arm of the couch and folded his arms over his chest.
"Are the plans still on for tonight?" The demon asked. The small blonde emerged from the bedroom wearing socks and carrying a pair of her shoes.
"Yeah," She responded. "We're meeting at the bar, right?" Heading for the couch, she sat down so she could put on her shoes. Alucard glanced over his shoulder to watch in disinterest as she tied one of her shoes.
"If that's what you prefer," Sebastian agreed with a nod.
"I may be a few minutes late, but yeah. I think it would be easiest meeting there." Seras added. Once her shoes were tied, she got up and went straight for the table near the door. She unzipped her purse and looked inside to be sure she had her wallet, keys, ID and badge, and flip phone.
"You're leaving already?" Sebastian asked. "What about breakfast?"
"Bethany is bringing a box of donuts and Simon is getting coffee. I'll just eat with my friends at work." Seras assured him. The demon frowned, however. He was glad that his mate had companions at work, but he hated the unhealthy things she ate occasionally.
"Alright," He murmured as he tried desperately to understand why humans preferred risking their health for small happiness they get out of eating unhealthy foods. "I hope you have fun eating breakfast with friends. Do be safe during your shift."
"Thanks," Seras chirped before turning to smile at them. "Alucard will probably be asleep. What do you have planned for the day, Sebastian?" Instantly, the demon's eyes lit up and a beautiful smile graced his lips.
"Since you have no cat allergies, I was thinking about adopting a kitten today." Sebastian purred. Much like how he did, Seras perked right up with a gleam in her eyes.
"We're getting a kitten?!" The excited girl practically squealed. Admittedly, the No Life King had been against getting a feline. But the second he saw that look in his bride's eyes, his mind was changed immediately. He would give her all the kittens and puppies she wanted. Clapping her hands to show her excitement, the joy only grew in her eyes. "Oh! I love that idea!" Alucard and Sebastian couldn't help but chuckle at her adorableness. "We're going to need cat food and dishes, a cat bed," Seras listed off using her hand. "A cat box and litter. Oh, and cat toys! Maybe a cat tower with a scratch post. What else?"
"I have it handled, Seras." Sebastian laughed. "Don't worry. Just go to work and when you get home tonight you'll meet the kitten. Trust me, he or she will be quite spoiled. He'll have everything he needs and more."
"Alright," Seras trusted him and gave a small nod with a smile. "I should get going." She muttered after checking the clock. Slinging her purse over her shoulder, she enclosed the space between her and the dark haired males. As she leaned up to kiss the demon, she muttered. "Please, take pictures of the kitten and bring them with you to dinner. I want to see the little bugger." She then placed a kiss on his lips.
"Have a good day at work and, please, stay safe, darling. I love you." Sebastian whispered as he placed a kiss on her cheek. She then stepped closer towards Alucard.
"If you see a cat that's been there for a long time or is going to be euthanized, adopt him too. Okay?" Seras proposed to the demon.
"Don't suggest such ideas to that fanatic." Alucard warned her as he stood to wrap her in his arms. "With that sort of permission, he'll purchase every feline in that shelter."
"I trust Sebastian to be sensible." The little human giggled before she kissed the vampire on the lips. "Anyway, I hope you sleep well, Alucard. And I hope you have a good day, Sebastian." Heading for the door, she waved goodbye to them. "I'll see you both later."
A little over twelve hours later, Alucard and Sebastian found themselves sitting across from each other in a booth at the bar. Since their mate really seemed to like the food there, and it was where they had 'met' their mate, they usually made plans to go there once a month. It certainly wasn't fine dining nor was it a scene the monsters cared for, but the place did give them a lot of good memories with their mate. It was pretty busy that night. Every table and booth was occupied, every stool at the bar was packed, and there were several small groups of people standing around and talking while having a drink. There wasn't any karaoke tonight, so music played softly on the overhead speakers.
In front of the demon were several polaroid photos of the kitten he bought earlier that day. He knew that Seras was going to absolutely love the kitten and would gush over the pictures. That brought a smile to Sebastian's face. Speaking of Seras, where was she? Automatically, the demon slipped a pocket watch from his trousers and glanced at the time. It was a little past six-thirty.
"She said she would be a few minutes late." Alucard reminded him. "Assuming she took a taxi, it'll probably take awhile for her to get here since traffic is backed up right outside here." He gestured his head at the entrance to the bar. "And if she was unable to get a taxi or decided to walk, the bar is at least ten blocks from her work." Sebastian frowned when being reminded.
"Perhaps one of us should have volunteered to…" The demon was instantly cut off.
"She's fine, Michaelis." Alucard assured him. "Seras can take care of herself. She is a Police Girl after all, and she's a pretty tough human." A grin graced the No Life King's lips while pride shone in his eyes. "She'll certainly make a fine vampire." He then snickered. "More than fine. She'll conquer." Sebastian sighed as he forced himself to calm down. As he placed his pocket watch away, a waitress approached their table.
"I am terribly sorry for the wait, gentlemen." The waitress spoke, looking a little frazzled and out of breath. "We're a…bit busy tonight." She laughed nervously as she gave them a weak smile. "So, please, bear with me." She then tucked a round tray beneath her arm as she grabbed her notepad and pen from the front pocket of her apron. "What would you gentlemen like to drink?" Before they could speak, she proceeded. "We also have a kitchen if either of you are hungry. The menu is small, but I assure you, it is pretty good food." Again, before they could speak, the waitress reached for a tiny menu on the end of their table. Placing it in the center, she pointed at the meals they offered. "Our burger is the most popular; considered the best in ole London." Her smile grew as her gaze flickered from one male to the other.
"We are still waiting for someone, but we would like to order now." Sebastian responded with a polite smile.
"Okay, what is it that you would like?" The waitress asked as she prepared to write it down.
"A burger, well done, with lettuce and onion, and no tomato, please." The demon recited the order he heard his mate say dozens of times. The waitress subconsciously nodded her head as she wrote that down as quickly as possible.
"No ketchup or mustard on that?" The waitress asked with furrowed brows.
"Both actually. She would also like a side of chips with that, thank you." Sebastian added, earning another nod from the waitress.
"Do you know what she would like to drink with that?" The waitress asked.
"I'm not entirely sure if she wants an alcoholic drink or not." The demon muttered as he looked at Alucard.
"She can order a drink when she arrives." The vampire suggested with a light wave of his hand.
"I can bring a glass of water with her order just so she has something when she arrives. She can then decide what she wants." The waitress also suggested.
"That will be fine, thank you." Sebastian nodded his head in agreement.
"What about you gentlemen?" The waitress asked.
"Top shelf brandy neat," Alucard ordered.
"And you, Sir?" The waitress asked as she glanced at the demon.
"Gin martini with olives, please." Sebastian replied. He didn't care much for drinking, especially since he couldn't get drunk or even taste the alcohol, but it was simply a habit for him to try and fit in with the humans. Ordering a drink at a bar would be considered normal.
"Nothing to eat for either of you?" The waitress asked with furrowed brows and a frown.
"No, thank you." The demon shook his head.
"Alright," She murmured. "I'll get your drinks right away, but the burger will take a while since the kitchen is backed up."
"Not a problem." Sebastian responded. "Thank you," The waitress then zipped away to put in their order and get their drinks. Once again, the demon was pulling out his pocket watch to check the time. It was now reaching six-forty. She was supposed to get off work at six. Where was she? Worriedly, Sebastian glanced over his shoulder to look at the entrance, hoping he would see her walk in. Was she alright? Should he call her cell? Would the bar even let him borrow their phone? He supposed they would if he compelled them to.
"What time is it?" Alucard asked, making it apparent to Sebastian that he was starting to worry as well. That certainly wasn't a good sign if the No Life King was starting to worry.
"Six-forty," The demon told him before placing the watch back in his pocket. "Where is she?" Sebastian didn't pay any attention to the waitress as she set a glass of brandy down in front of Alucard, a gin martini in front of him, and a glass of water in the empty spot beside Sebastian.
"Is there anything else I can get you gentlemen?" The waitress asked as the demon kept his eyes glued to the entrance.
"No, thank you." Sebastian murmured.
"Well, just wave me over if you do." The waitress then flitted over to another table. Facing forward, the demon glanced down at his drink. Two green olives were impaled on a pink toothpick as they soaked at the bottom of his gin. The first time he ever ordered this drink, Seras had stolen the olives right from his glass. Since then, he only ever orders a gin martini just so his mate had the olives to eat. Perhaps he should start ordering extra olives with the drink. Sebastian frowned at his drink as his paranoia set in and he started thinking irrationally. What if something happened to Seras? What if he can never share his olives with her again? Was she lying dead somewhere? Was she hurt during her shift? The hospital wouldn't have their contact information, so they wouldn't know if she was lying in a hospital somewhere. Which hospital was she in? Maybe he should…His panicking stopped abruptly when Alucard spoke.
"She's here," The vampire announced before he took a drink of his brandy. Gasping, the demon swung his head around to find Seras standing in the entrance of the bar.
"I'm glad to see that she's alright." Sebastian sighed in relief. Since the place was so packed, she had difficulty finding them. Her eyes flew around, looking over every face and table, searching hard for them. She even tried standing up on her tiptoes to better scan the room. Smiling widely, Sebastian bolted out of the booth and raised his hand, hoping to capture her attention. He was successful. Seras instantly glanced in his direction. When their eyes met and she realized it was him, she smiled brightly at him and waved back to confirm that she saw him.
"She looks tired," Alucard noted. Sebastian's smile faltered slightly when noticing that his mate did indeed look absolutely exhausted. It appeared to have been a very long and hard day for her. Seras was only able to take one step forward before someone stopped her. Simultaneously, Sebastian and Seras' smiles disappeared at the stranger who intercepted her path.
"Who is that?" The demon muttered as he slowly lowered himself back into the booth. The stranger was an older woman who was at least in her forties. Alucard and Sebastian both kept an eye on the stranger and listened ever so intently to the conversation across the room.
Seras was slightly taken back when someone so rudely stepped in her pathway to prevent her from going anywhere.
"Um…Excuse me," The small blonde murmured politely, but was a little vexed by this person's rudeness. She was going to scoot past the woman who openly stared at her with a look clear of fear in her eyes, but before Seras could move past her, the woman spoke.
"Dear God," The forty year old woman whispered as her eyes swept up and down Seras. "You let it grow and fester."
"Excuse me?" The small blonde responded offensively.
"You don't remember me?" The woman asked as she glanced up to stare her in the eye.
"Uh…" Seras mumbled before looking the woman over. The woman looked a little familiar to her, but she couldn't figure out where they met and how this woman knew her. Was the woman simply confused? "I'm sorry, but I have no idea who you are, and I just got off of work. I'm really hungry and I'm supposed to be meeting with my…" The woman cut her off.
"We met here about a year ago." The woman tried to help jog Seras' memory. "I'm Melinda, the Medium." Instantly, Victoria's eyes widened in recognition.
"Oh, yeah!" She exclaimed, but then immediately became uncomfortable. She really didn't want to stand around chatting with someone who was barely an acquaintance. She really just wanted to be on her fun, little date with Alucard and Sebastian. Not to mention, she knew what Melinda wanted to talk about. "It's…nice to see you." Seras remained friendly.
"I can see that you never took my advice and got yourself cleansed." Melinda murmured before her eyes once again raked down Seras' body. Instead of looking and sounding angry or disappointed, she just looked incredibly sad for what Seras had decided. "It's worse. Much worse. That thing that's attached itself to you, it's grown. This dark entity has its claws so deep into you, I'm afraid you're oppressed or…maybe even in the final stage of being possessed." Melinda was stunned when Seras actually laughed. Looking back up, she found the girl blushing while she bashfully rubbed the back of her head.
"Possessed, huh? You have no idea." Seras snickered.
"Pardon?" Melinda replied, looking highly concerned by her behavior and response. "I don't think you realize how serious this attachment is."
"I am very aware of how serious it is." The girl responded with a warm smile. "I am just as attached to them as they are to me. In fact, I am in love with them." From across the bar, Alucard and Sebastian both froze when they heard what their mate said for the first time ever. She just openly admitted to loving them! Their eyes widened and their mouths fell open in complete shock.
"Them?" Melinda repeated. "You've welcomed these demons?" One of her hands shot up to cover her mouth in horror. "Dear God, this is far worse than I thought. You may already be fully possessed."
"They can be quite possessive," Seras laughed while a smirk replaced her smile. "But…I can be possessive too."
"This is not a joke!" Melinda blurted angrily. Why was this girl not taking this more seriously?! "Your soul is at risk of eternal damnation! How can you be so nonchalant about it?! Whatever sweet words they used to trick you should ignore! They should not be taken lightly!" Seras' smile faltered as annoyance seeped into her gaze. "You can still be saved! You just need a few exorcisms and your place should be cleansed! The demons can be cast away! It's not too late!"
"No," Seras replied instantly. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm not interested. Now please, leave me alone. I just want to have a meal with my 'demonic', 'evil' boyfriends." Before Melinda could say anything else, Seras brushed past her and continued on her way.
"They're here?" The Medium whispered. She had felt unease since entering the establishment, but she had never imagined that the demonic beasts were casually sitting somewhere. She desperately started looking for these demons. They must be disguised as humans. Upon seeing two strange men that stared at her intently, the Medium knew instantly that they were the demons. From across the room, she could feel the pure dark negativity that wafted off of them. She could physically see the black miasma that surrounded them that no other average human could see. She immediately started crossing herself while mumbling something to herself. "My Lord, protect thyself and this unfortunate girl from the evils that lurk nearby. Help us cast these beasts away, back to the pits of hell where they belong." When hearing what Melinda muttered under her breath, Seras stopped and the look darkened in her eyes. Glancing over her shoulder, she glared daggers at the Medium.
"If you interrupt our date to harass my mates, you'll have me to deal with. I don't care what you say about me! I don't care what you think of me! But say or do anything to them and I will make your life a living hell! Stay the fuck away from us!" Seras warned her. She then turned swiftly and walked away. As she approached Alucard and Sebastian, she noticed that they were both in extremely good moods. While the vampire was grinning from ear to ear, the demon was smirking as if he had some dirty little secret he wouldn't be able to contain for a second longer. Upon seeing them this way, Seras couldn't help smiling warmly at them. When she arrived at the table, she just stood there and admired them for a few seconds longer.
"I'm ready," Seras told them directly. Their grins widened when realizing what she was talking about. "I'm ready to become a vampire and, if you guys are ready, to mate."
"I know," Sebastian whispered as he proceeded to smirk up at her. Her smile widened when he didn't disagree with her this time.
"There's something else I would like to say." Seras continued before she nervously wrung the strap of her purse. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she said what she wanted to say. "Sebastian, I'm sorry I haven't verbally returned your feelings, but I'm ready now. I love you. I'm sorry it took me so long to say it." Her eyes then flickered to Alucard. "Alucard, I don't expect you to say it back, especially after what happened last time you told a girl you loved her. I can wait until you're ready. But I want you to know that I love you too." A blush tainted her cheeks as she timidly lowered her gaze. "I love you both so much that…it's stunning how strong these feelings are. It feels like it should be impossible to love someone this much." Such warmth and happiness emanated from their eyes as they grinned so widely they looked like men who just won the lottery.
Their mate then gave them a flirtatious look. "Oh, I forgot to greet you guys the way I normally do." Cupping Sebastian's chin, Seras leaned down to connect her lips with his. She gave him such a deep, loving kiss that the demon naturally closed his eyes as he lost himself. Melting away into that hot kiss, he moaned before her lips left his. "Twelve hours is too long." Seras grumbled. The demon cracked open his eyes to stare deep into hers. Smiling at him, her fingers slipped away from his chin as she turned towards the vampire. She cupped Alucard's face in her hands. "God, I missed you guys." She then leaned in to kiss him on the lips. Alucard was quick to shift his head to deepen their kiss and invade her mouth with his tongue. His mate trembled and gave such a delicious moan that it made his cock throb for her. Giving another sweet moan, Seras quickly ended the kiss before it could escalate any further. "Tempting, Alucard, but let's wait until we get home." She whispered as she stroked over his cheek slowly and gently as if he was a withering flower.
"Hold on," He whispered as he wrapped an arm around her, keeping her from going anywhere. He leaned back up to place another kiss on her lips. "I love you, Seras." Alucard whispered to her, causing her heart to lurch in her chest. She was stunned he said it so soon to her, but she knew how sincere his words were. He truly loved her.
"Alucard," She whispered and combed her fingers through his hair. She loved this man so much. She couldn't wrap her head around how much she loved him. Smiling softly at him, she repeated herself once more. "I love you," Again, she placed another kiss on his lips. Afterwards, she pulled out of his loose grasp to stand up straight. Her soft hands left his cool flesh and dark hair.
"Come and sit, Seras. I already ordered your food." Sebastian told her as he patted the empty spot next to him.
"Thanks!" She exclaimed, looking quite happy to be receiving food soon. "I'm starving!" She slid into the booth next to Sebastian and placed her purse between them so she could relax a little.
"I don't know what drink you wanted, so I ordered a glass of water. If you want, I can call the waitress over." Sebastian offered while his eyes flickered around the bar in search of the waitress.
"There's no need to bother her. I'll just wait until my burger comes. Kill two birds with one stone." Seras shrugged before taking a sip of her refreshing water. "By the way, I'm sorry that I'm late." Setting her glass down, she further explained herself. "As I was about to get off of work, some troubled bloke came in waving a gun. Before either of you worry, the gun wasn't even loaded, though we didn't know that immediately. It seemed like he didn't even want to hurt anyone. I don't know his intention, if he just wanted to die or wanted someone to notice him and his pain, but it took awhile to get him to calm down."
"No worries, I'm just glad that you're safe." Sebastian purred.
"And the woman who blocked your path? What did she want? Do you know her?" Alucard asked and gestured his head towards the front of the bar. Afterwards, he took a swallow of his brandy. Glancing away from his mate, he looked back at the Medium who stared at him warily, as if at any moment he would go on a killing spree. To further put the human on edge, he flashed a large toothy grin while raising his glass to her. The forty year old woman shuddered before she forced herself to look away from him, causing Alucard to cackle to himself. Seras subconsciously glanced over her shoulder to frown at the Medium.
"Forget about her." The small blonde grumbled, purely annoyed by that woman's existence. Facing forward, she nervously played with the napkin in front of her. "Just someone I barely know and don't want anything to do with. I told her to leave us alone. I just hope she listens." Before they could ask anymore questions, their mate forced a smile onto her face and asked a question. "Did you guys have a good day?" Seras looked from the demon to the vampire. "Did you sleep well? Any…nightmares as of recently?" His mate asked softly, looking shameful for asking but was deeply concerned for him since she knew he had nightmares quite often.
"None," Alucard promised her with a soft smile. "I slept very well."
"How was your day?" Sebastian asked.
"It wasn't bad, just long." Seras muttered as she rested her head in her open hand. "I'm just tired and hungry, which is putting me in a sour mood. Sorry ahead of time if I'm not as perky or if I'm a little snippy."
"Would you prefer we got your food to go? You can rest and eat more comfortably at home instead of in an uncomfortable, oddly really sticky booth." The demon suggested.
"That actually sounds really nice." Seras murmured with a small smile. "I think I will do that." Her smile grew as she glanced back at him. "Anyway, how was your day, Sebastian?" The demon smirked so widely at her before he slid a small deck of photos towards her.
"I got us a kitten." He purred, enjoying the way his mate's eyes brightened. She was ever so quick to snatch the pile of photos up to admire the kitten he photographed. Sitting in the middle of their living room was such an unbelievably tiny kitten that it looked as if it could only be a few weeks old. The little fuzz ball was mostly orange with a white underbelly and white paws.
"Oh my god!" Seras whined, looking as if she was on the verge of tears.
"The kitten is male and roughly four weeks old." Sebastian told her as he admired the photos with her. "To give you an idea of just how small he is, I captured him with Alucard." Seras flipped to a second photo. Alucard was sitting on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table. Curled up in his large hand, fitting perfectly in his palm alone, was the orange kitten. The vampire was gently stroking the kitten's head with a single finger. "By the way, this is what I came back to when I left to get supplies for the kitten." The demon openly laughed as he glanced over at the No Life King who stated days ago that he didn't want a feline in the flat. "Seems you both really warmed up to one another while I was gone." Alucard merely scowled at him while he silently took another sip of his brandy.
"I wasn't aware you were creeping around with a camera." The vampire mentioned.
"I didn't know you secretly liked cats." Sebastian couldn't help but tease him.
"I don't, but…I don't mind him so much. He's quiet…for the most part." Alucard muttered under his breath.
"For the most part?" Seras asked as she shifted to the next and last photo. She was taken back some when it looked like the kitten was scowling at the camera. "What's with that look?" The little human laughed.
"Oh, he was in the middle of a sneeze when I took that photo." Sebastian answered. "He sneezes a lot. I was told that he has allergies."
"Allergies?" Seras giggled. "What exactly is he allergic to?"
"Other cats, dogs, grass, and dust." The demon listed off. "He had to be separated from the rest of his litter because he couldn't stop sneezing."
"I feel bad for the little bugger, but that is funny. A cat allergic to cats." Their mate responded. "Oh!" Seras suddenly exclaimed and she jumped in her seat. "I have the perfect name! Did you already name him?"
"No," Sebastian chuckled while shaking his head. "I decided to wait for you. What did you have in mind?"
"What if we named him Sniffles?" Seras asked. "And Sniffy for short."
"Sniffles?" The demon repeated, sounding uncertain as he looked back at the photo to study it. Unexpectedly, their waitress returned to the table with Seras' food.
"Sorry for the wait!" She apologized, still looking ever so frantic, but kept a lovely smile on her face. "I bet you're hungry!" Her eyes then drifted down to spot the photo of their new kitten. "Oh! Is that your kitten?"
"We just got him today." Seras happily responded with such a bright smile.
"How lovely," The waitress replied with a warm smile. "You got yourselves a little baby to take care of." A blush tainted their mate's cheeks while she sputtered nonsense under her breath.
"Baby? I don't know about him being our baby…though we are taking care of him, so…I guess we're kind of like parents. So…in a way, I suppose he's our baby. I guess getting a pet would be considered a stepping stone into parenthood." Seras mumbled incoherently as she became a bashful mess.
"May we have a to-go box?" Sebastian asked while his mate proceeded to mutter things about babies.
"Sure!" The waitress replied as she picked Seras' plate of food back up. "Don't blame ya. It is always better to eat at home than some crowded, noisy place. I'll get the check too while I'm at it."
"Thank you," The demon responded before he glanced back at his blushing bride. "Do you like him?" Her head snapped to the side to look up at him.
"Of course!" Seras assured him and she looked back at the photo of their 'baby'. "Oh! I can't wait to meet him!"
"You said earlier that you are ready." Alucard spoke up. Their mate lifted her gaze to look at the grinning vampire. After giving him a confused look, he elaborated. "About becoming a vampire. How ready are you, Seras?"
"Are you afraid that I'm second guessing myself or afraid?" Seras asked with furrowed brows.
"Not at all," Alucard purred.
"I don't have cold feet, Alucard." The little human did her best to assure him. The vampire nodded his head to her.
"I am aware of how serious you are. I would like to know when you want to go through with it." The No Life King explained.
"I was thinking as soon as possible. How about tonight?" She asked. Alucard's brows raised in astonishment from her answer.
"That soon?" He asked. The grin widened on his lips. "I don't want to discourage you, but why do you wish to do it so soon?"
"Why should we wait any longer?" Seras retorted with a shrug. "The way I'm seeing this, we're…basically…getting married." The little human's blush darkened. "I'm going to become a vampire, we're going to mate, and hopefully be together forever." Again, their mate shrugged. "I love you both. I want to spend my life with you guys. I am ready for it all. I want to take that next step."
"If you could, you would mate…or marry us in a heartbeat?" Sebastian asked, sounding surprised to hear this.
"Yes," Seras answered with a nod. "That's why I want to do it as soon as tonight. I want to be with you both. And I don't think it's weird either. Often when people who are in love and impatient to get married end up eloping. Why can't we?" Before the males could say anything, the waitress was back with Seras' food in a box and their check in hand.
"Alright," The waitress whispered as she set the to-go box in front of the small blonde. Simultaneously, Seras reached for her purse as Sebastian reached for the wad of cash he had in his pocket. "Is there anything else you guys need?"
"Seras, don't." The demon lightly reprimanded her for trying to pay. He unintentionally ignored the question the waitress had asked.
"It's my food." She reminded him as she pulled her wallet from her purse.
"Our drinks combined cost more than your burger." Sebastian responded as he counted out the money as well as a tip for the waitress.
"So?" Seras snickered. "I don't mind paying for your drinks." She also counted out the appropriate amount of money to cover the check. At the same time, both Seras and Sebastian held money out to the waitress. The waitress froze up when she was put on the spot while being given rather intense looks from them. "Please, let me pay for it." Seras begged the waitress as she held the money out further to her.
"No," Sebastian practically growled. "I like treating you, and a lady shouldn't have to pay when a gentleman is present. Allow me to pay."
"Uh…" The waitress muttered, clearly uncomfortable by the pressure they were putting on her. She had no idea whose payment she should accept. Should she let the woman pay or let the man pay? Would it be sexist of her to choose the man's payment? But would the woman get in trouble with her boyfriend if the waitress accepts her payment? She hardly knew what these people were like and knew nothing about their financial situation. What if he didn't want the woman to pay because she was already broke? Or perhaps vice versa? But judging by the wad of cash he had on him, the waitress figured the man was quite comfortable financially. So maybe she should accept his payment? She was unable to make up her mind. "Maybe…you guys should…compromise? Each should pay half or…maybe they pay for their drinks and you pay solely for your food?" The waitress suggested nervously. But neither of them listened to her. They continued to give her that intense look while holding out their money to her. However, the waitress didn't have another second to decide when Alucard shoved a wad of cash into her hand.
"I apologize that these two wasted your valuable time by acting like idiots." The No Life King snickered before he finished his glass of brandy in one gulp. "Please, keep the change." He then got up from the booth. "If you're ready, Seras, put your money away and let's go."
"Alucard!" Seras exclaimed somewhat angrily, not because he called her an idiot but because he had unexpectedly paid when she wanted to pay for her own food.
"Let's go." He repeated in a stern voice. The little human scrambled to put her money and pictures away, zip up her purse so her possessions were secure, get her food, and get up out of the booth.
"Sorry," The demon apologized to the waitress as he stuffed his money into his pocket and followed after his mate. Alucard placed a hand on Seras' lower back to lead her through the packed bar. Keeping her close, he made sure no one, especially handsy drunks, would bother her. Their mate sighed heavily as she lowered her head in defeat.
"Thank you for paying, Alucard." Seras whispered to him. Immediately afterwards, she glanced up at him with a serious look in her eyes. "Next time I'll pay though!" Alucard merely chuckled at her persistence.
"Let's go home so you can eat your food." He responded before he took her hand into his. When they stepped out into the cool night and busy streets, Sebastian took her box of food from her so he could hold her other hand.
"You were talking about eloping with us." The demon reminded her of their earlier discussion. The trio started making their way down the street. Their flat was only four blocks down and, despite it being a little nippy, it was a nice night. "You don't want a wedding?" Seras glanced up at the tall demon to give him a strange look.
"You wanted a wedding?" She asked instead of answering his question.
"I wanted you to have the wedding you've been dreaming of." He responded. His mate gave him a small smile before she lowered her gaze to stare at the ground.
"I've never actually had a dream wedding planned." Seras admitted. "I didn't think much about marriage before meeting you guys."
"But even after considering our future, you never dreamed of what our wedding would be like?" Sebastian asked.
"No," His mate answered truthfully and her smile grew. "I dreamed more about our marriage than our wedding." She then shook her head. "Weddings have never…interested me. If I did ever have a wedding, I would want it to be small and very simple. Nothing extravagant or stressful. But," Seras continued before either male could speak. "I don't want a wedding. Besides, I've always pictured us…mating instead of having a wedding."
"Initially, Michaelis and I had planned on turning you on our wedding night." Alucard told her. "But if you would rather elope than have a wedding, I will happily go along with it."
"Wait," Seras murmured as she blinked at the vampire. "Are we actually talking about eloping? Going to a courthouse or some chapel and getting married immediately? Or are we talking about eloping by skipping the wedding, turning me into a vampire, and mating?" The little human then frowned when realizing something. "But wait, we can't elope the proper way. Our marriage would never be accepted or seen as valid. So…I guess you mean the latter. We'll elope by mating."
"We may not be able to marry at a courthouse or chapel, but we could still find someone to marry us if you want to go about it that way." Sebastian responded.
"While it does sadden me that our marriage would never be accepted, I don't need a piece of paper to tell us that we're in love." Seras whispered as she forced a small smile on her face. "As long as our love lasts, we'll always be married in my heart. Besides, in your guys' world, once we mate we're basically married. So, we'll have that going for us!"
"Once we mate, nothing will be able to destroy our bond. Literally, only death can part us." Alucard purred as he grinned down at his little mate.
"I was thinking, Seras." The demon spoke. "Perhaps tonight is too soon to 'elope'." Seras instantly glanced up to see him smirking at her.
"What do you mean?" She asked with a frown. "Don't you…"
"Of course," He interrupted to laugh. "Of course Alucard and I want you by our side forever."
"Then why wait?" Seras questioned him.
"Well, I was thinking we should make it special." Sebastian told her. That devious smirk on his face shifted to a warm, genuine smile. "We could have an incredibly romantic date night. You can have your last meal as a human, anything you want, anything at all."
"So…I'll become a vampire after our romantic date?" Seras asked with a smile. He wanted to make it special? Ease into it? Make it romantic? Like a virgin on her special night?
"Yes," Sebastian affirmed with a nod.
"If not tonight, then when?" The little human asked.
"What about tomorrow night?" Alucard suggested, earning his mate's attention.
"That works for me." Seras tried to contain her excitement but was smiling so widely.
"What would you like to eat for tomorrow night?" Sebastian asked.
"For my last meal? It has to be your lobster risotto." The little human practically moaned. "And I think that's fitting. It was what we had for a first date. It might as well be the last meal I ever have."
"Are you sure? You can have anything in the world and you choose lobster risotto?" Sebastian asked.
"Well, I have my favorite burger tonight and tomorrow night I get to have your lobster risotto for the very last time. Honestly? I would be perfectly happy and content going out that way." Seras shrugged.
"Going out?" Alucard cackled. "You make it sound as if we're going to execute you."
"All I mean is that I'm happy ending my human life on that note." Seras corrected herself.
"If that's what you want, then that's what you'll have." Sebastian promised with a nod. Lifting her hand, he kissed the back of it. "This time tomorrow, you could be a vampire."
End of Part Nine
I hope you guys enjoyed.
Oxford Not Brogues