A/N: Hello, everyone! Thank you so much for all the favs, follows, and reviews! I love them all and you all so much!
Here is the next chapter! I hope you will enjoy it! And I welcome all new and returning readers!
"So the scum has come slithering back home." Walter snickered as he and Olivia tied up Sir Hellsing's office for Richard's visit, both pretending the spectacle in the dining hall never happened. "You saw him in Paris, right? How was the bastard?"
"We didn't talk much." Olivia replied curtly as she fluffed the pillows on the loveseat. "Our encounter mainly consisted of me kicking his ass and putting him in the hospital."
"Do you think he has come for retribution then?" Walter leaned over the sofa to give her a high five, only to find her strangling a pillow with a blank stare. "Olivia?"
("You stupid bitch!" He gargled, blood pooling into his mouth. "If you try to kill me, my 'darling' brother will have you executed for treason. You don't want that, do you?!")
("How dare you lecture to me about treason?!" She jammed her heel into his throat. "You are lucky Sir Hellsing loves you so much. But…he isn't here is he?" She bent down and hoisted him up by the collar. "Too bad your little plan failed, Richard Hellsing. I am alive! And I can finally avenge Martha's death!")
("But I did kill you!" Richard blurted out, a smug grin on his face. "I've finally won against the little half breed who humiliated me—me! A Hellsing and the rightful heir to the family! It was your fault that cow died, not mine! If only you knew your place from the beginning, if only you took me up on my offer…")
"Olivia?" The seams ripped apart and cotton gushed from the 'wound'. "Olivi—!"
"If he has," She finally spoke up, smoothing out the wrinkles and placing the pillow on the chair like nothing had happened. "Then he truly is a pathetic fool."
"And what about you?" He trailed after her, putting the tattered pillow aside to mend later. "Are you going to pick a fight with him?"
"Are you?"
"Only if he picks one first."
Olivia paused at that and turned to find Walter stone-faced with his hands in his pockets. They stared at each other for a moment before breaking into wide grins and bumping their knuckles together.
"We will perform our duties, but if anyone is going to put an end to Richard, it must be Sir Hellsing." She swept the dust rag over the mahogany desk, wondering how so much dust could accumulate over three days. "Richard's crimes were and are against Hellsing, so it is up to the Director whether or not to pull the trigger."
"You've grown up so well." Walter mimicked her younger self, even going as far as to ruffle her hair. "Spoken like a true soldier."
"Oh hush." Olivia playfully elbowed him in the side before passing a spare dust rag to him. "Here, make yourself useful and dust the bookshelf."
"Yes, Lieutenant General Song." Walter mocked, giving her a two finger salute before flipping her off when she blew a cloud of dust at him.
"Even with your fancy degree, you are still a brat."
"Oh fuck off."
Nothing had changed over the years.
Everything was just as he remembered it.
Same walnut dresser with uneven doorknobs.
Same bland wallpaper that matched the equally bland carpet.
Same curtains that were transparent in the moonlight.
Even the same make-up brands were arranged in a neat row on the champagne pink vanity.
A soldier's salary didn't allow for many luxuries, but Alucard rather liked her room's simplicity. Besides, Olivia had left her mark on the room in subtle ways.
The growth chart scribbled in crayon near the doorway; the bunny and wolf patches she had sewn onto her blanket; the poorly drawn portrait of him framed on her night side table.
But the most obvious mark was her scent.
It saturated every surface from ceiling to floor, and Alucard took a hearty whiff as he stood up from his perch on his coffin.
"You are sleeping here from now on." Olivia 'ordered' as she rushed to get dressed earlier that morning, her hair in disarray and her legs wobbling like jell-o. "We are married; let's act like it from now on."
His massive, ebony coffin was a stain against the white carpet, yet it was where it belonged.
In her ro—no, in their room.
That simple, domestic truth was enough to bring a smile to his face, and he gracelessly flopped down on the bed with a content sigh.
Of all the areas in the room, it was the bed where Olivia's scent was the strongest.
Rolling onto his stomach, Alucard burrowed his face into the sheets and inhaled deeply as the intoxicating fragrance drowned his senses. Remnants of the morning's activities lingered on the fibers, escalating the essence from exhilarating to pure amatory. The bed creaked as he shifted his weight, his breathing ragged and his pupils dilating exponentially.
He needed to feed; he needed Olivia to feed him. It had been far too long since he had feasted on her warm succulent blood as it throbbed from her skin—AH! The mere thought of it nearly sent him into a frenzy and he forced himself to sit upright with thick saliva strands dripping from his fangs.
Alucard just had to wait until tonight then Olivia was his to savor, openly and freely. Four years of waiting and longing had tested his patience but he could be placid for a while more.
'Perhaps I will implore my Master to take me on another stroll.' He rose to his feet and made his way towards the door, only to pause in front of the dresser.
'That scent….' He flung the doors open and pushed aside the sparse amount of clothing within. 'I recognize it….' Trailing his hand down to the mahogany floor, Alucard found a dummy plank and lifted it up to find the source of the nostalgic scent.
In two neat piles were the clothes Olivia had bought for him and herself in that Budapest boutique. The garments still smelt of wine, flowers, and spices from the various markets they visited.
"I was wondering where these went." He chuckled under his breath, unfolding the jeans he had worn. "Will my beloved have the same reaction to these as before? Maybe I'll dress up and greet her tonight like a proper househusband."
Still laughing to himself, Alucard moved onto Olivia's pile and unfolded the white dress from their first wedding. He knew from the moment he saw it that it would be the dress he proposed to her in. And the additional blood stains on the collar only heightened its beauty.
He involuntarily licked his lips at the sight and quickly placed the clothes back into their hiding spot, his ears ringing and sweat coating his body.
Alucard needed release—he needed to sedate years' worth of desire, boredom, and cabin fever lest he go out of his mind completely.
And then, as luck would have it, he overheard the jabbering of Olivia's soldiers as they returned from shoveling the snow and a wide, devious grin etched its way across his face.
"Time to gauge the strength of the men employed by my Master's organization."
On the other side of the manor, a red Bentley screeched to a halt in front of the main entrance. The jarring color was a blood splatter against the winter landscape, and its lone passenger was just as misplaced.
Richard Hellsing slammed the door behind him and marched towards the entrance doors, dressed to the nines in a hand tailored suit with a parcel nestled under his arm. For the first time ever, he had come to the manor alone and this foreign aura of utter confidence radiated from his form as he rapped his knuckles on the door.
The doorman did a double take when he found his superior's younger brother on the manor doorstep and quickly stepped aside as Richard strutted through the doorway.
"A-Ah! Sir Hellsing is in his office! Allow me to—!"
"No need." Richard brushed the doorman's words aside like pesky flies and proceeded to march up the stairs like he owned the place. The manor had not changed at all since his departure, and the notion elated him—he even bowed at Abraham's portrait.
When Richard arrived at the main office, he was mildly stunned to have the doors automatically open before him as his brother's voice beckoned him inside.
"Welcome, Richard." Arthur sauntered around his desk and held a hand out, an amiable smile on his face. "It's been far too long since you've been home to London."
"Far too long indeed, dear brother." Richard shook his hand, brandishing a smile warm enough to rival the fireplace. "I apologize for dropping by out of the blue, but I wanted you to be the first one I saw upon my return."
"How kind of you." Arthur chuckled before gesturing towards the loveseat. "Please, have a seat. Olivia, Walter, serve Richard some tea and cake."
"Yes, Sir Hellsing." They replied in unison, stepping out from their positions behind the doors and shutting it in sync.
"Haha! Didn't see you two hiding there!" Richard guffawed boisterously, holding his hand out in greeting. "Walter, you've grown since we last met! I understand you also graduated from Oxford, congratulations!"
"You flatter me, Mr. Hellsing." Walter smiled, shaking his hand with a veryfirm grip. "Allow me to cut you a slice of pound cake."
"Thank you." Richard then focused his sights on Olivia, who was glaring at him with cold eyes. "I see you are doing well, Oli—."
"It is Lieutenant General Song, Mr. Hellsing." She interrupted with her hands clasped behind her back.
"Ah, pardon me then." Richard dusted her snark off with ease. "Lieutenant General Song, I understand we've had our differences in the past but I hope we can put them aside and start anew." He held his hand out to her. "Shall we?"
Olivia leered at his hand like it was drain sewage, her nails digging into her palms.
("You have gotten quite beautiful in the past four years….such lovely hair..")
("Now, if you'll stay quiet, maybe we can have some fun.")
("If only you knew your place from the beginning, if only you took me up on my offer…")
("It's your fault that cow died, not mine!")
"Olivia?" Richard waved his hand in front of her face. "I'm waiting."
"…..Actions speak louder than words." She sidestepped him and marched over to the tea cart. "I'll pour you something to drink. Please take a seat….Mr. Hellsing."
The words burned her throat and Richard's overly sweet smile made bile fill her mouth, but Olivia forced herself to remain professional as she pour the tea into a cup instead of Richard's eye sockets.
"So," Arthur started, taking a seat across from Richard. "What is this present you have for me?"
"Oh just something I discovered during my travels." Richard placed the parcel on the coffee table while Walter and Olivia served refreshments. "You sound surprised by the notion of me bringing you something."
"Well," Arthur cleared his throat, resting his arms on the chair's sides. "You were never one for bestowing gifts out of the blue. So forgive me for being taken aback."
"A lot has changed over the years, including myself." Richard took a sip of his tea with a level expression. "I am a new man, Arthur."
Olivia had to bite her tongue to keep from scoffing aloud.
"Is that so?" Arthur crossed his legs and clasped his hands together on his lap, his smile warm but his eyes unsure. "Well, nevertheless, I am glad to have you back in London and I know Mum and Dad feel the same."
Richard just smiled and took a bite of his cake before gesturing to the parcel.
"Why don't you open your gift? I am anxious to see your reaction."
Olivia and Walter, who had been standing at their boss' side, involuntarily leaned in as Arthur unwrapped the paper and pulled out the gift Richard was so excited about.
It was a wooden figurine of two figures reaching out, one standing with its arms upwards and one kneeling and its arms outwards.
"It's…uh" Arthur angled the figurine this way and that. "Very moist."
"Yes, the craftsman painted it with a special oil to preserve it." Richard waved his empty tea cup in Olivia's direction as he gestured to the figurine. "Read the inscription on the bottom."
"….'To My Big Brother, May You Think Of Me Whenever You Look At This'." Arthur read aloud as Walter swiped the now fractured tea pot from Olivia's hands and refilled Richard's cup. "How poetic. I guess the tales are true and that traveling does change a man."
Richard just grinned and held his hands out like a magician who had performed his grand finale.
"Glad you like it."
Just then the kitchen bell on the wall began to ring, indicating one of the kitchen staff needed Walter or Olivia's presence.
"I guess they need instructions for the grocer's delivery." Arthur hummed, placing the figurine down and wiping his oily fingers on his handkerchief. "Walter, go deal with it."
"Yes, sir." He bowed, exchanging a glance with Olivia, before swiftly closing the door behind him.
"As for you, Olivia," Arthur fished a cigar out of his breast pocket and placed it between his teeth. "Light this for me."
"Of course, Sir Hellsing." She ignited the cigar end with her lighter before standing back at attention with her sights locked on Richard.
The tension in the room was palpable, and Richard felt like a speck under a million magnifying glasses. Arthur regarded him with half-lidded eyes as he rested his cheek on his knuckle, puffing at his cigar, and Olivia's ever piercing gaze and ruler-straight posture was like a knife poised for battle.
"What is with this strange aura? Is my present that much a disappointment?" Richard chuckled, resting his arms on the back of the loveseat. "Usually you are so happy-go-lucky with me, Arthur."
"I guess you are not the only who has changed. After you left the country, I had to reexamine myself and I am continuing to do so. Learning who to trust, who to watch closely." He exhaled a thick cloud of smoke as his eyes narrowed slightly. "You may have come here with the best intentions, but the past few years have taught me to knock on a bridge before taking a step, regardless of how stable it appears."
Never in his life had Richard heard Arthur speak to him so harshly, but instead of getting defensive or infuriated, he just laughed and held his hands up in 'surrender'.
"So the rumors are true. The Great Director of Hellsing is succumbing to a paranoia fever and spends his days pacing his office while drinking the hours away."
"I am honestly more surprised that you believe that shit than the presence of the rumors to be honest." Arthur hunched over to snub out the cigar in the ash tray while Olivia poured him another cup of tea.
"But I have faith in you, Arthur. You have always done the right thing." Richard leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees with a tender expression. "That is why Father named you his successor without any doubt."
Arthur was silent for a moment, absorbing Richard's foreign act of benevolence with a contemplative expression.
Olivia, on the other hand, was not buying his honeyed bullshit and silently urged Arthur to end this meeting so she could kick him to the curb. The quicker the manor was rid of his presence, the better.
Eventually Arthur sat up in his chair, finally arriving at a decision, and was about to speak up when Richard continued on.
"I am past my childish jealously, Arthur. My travels have helped me to see the bigger picture—that Hellsing is rightfully yours and that I am not any less of a man because Father chose you. I am my own person, and my destiny is mine to create. Thus, I come here as your brother and nothing more. You have always been the only one who's stood in my corner since boyhood; what reason do I have to harm you?"
Arthur flinched back at the question, and Olivia finally broke her silence and charged forward.
"I believe it is time for you to go, Mr. Richard Hellsing." Olivia glowered, positioning herself in front of Arthur and placed her hand on her bow holster. "Allow to escort you—."
"Wait," Arthur scooted her aside and stood tall, his face worn and weathered. "First off, Richard, I know Dad and Mum were never the most affectionate, but they truly do love—."
"So you don't trust me anymore." Richard confirmed, giving a light chuckle as he rose to his feet. "I suppose that is fair, given my change in attitude and your soul searching."
"Richard, wait I—."
"No, I need to prove I am worthy of your trust—that I stand here as someone prepared to help you and this organization in any way I can." Richard gave a slight bow and gestured to the figurine. "I will see myself out. It was a pleasure to see you again, Arthur."
All was silent as Richard strutted towards the door, and neither of them moved a muscle until the door shut behind him.
'What the hell was that?' Olivia glared at the door as she rubbed her wrist. 'He went from an obnoxiously arrogant brat to a mature gentleman within a second. And that gift…..what is your true motive for coming here, Richard?'
As she racked her brain for possibilities, Olivia glanced over at Arthur, finding him hunched over with his head buried in his hands.
"Sir Hellsing?" She knelt down and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"
"Olivia," He breathed out, a migraine burrowing its claws into his skull. "Call the kitchen and ask them to send Walter up with a fresh bottle of scotch….and call Islands to let him know I need to see him as soon as possible."
"Is there is a particular reason why, Sir Hellsing?" Olivia inquired, already picking up the phone and dialing the kitchen extension.
"Just tell him," Arthur leaned back in his chair and tossed his arm over his eyes, "that he owes me a night on the town and I've come to collect."
In one of the first floor training halls, Olivia's soldiers were taking a break from their drills by hosting a wrestling competition. The prize consisted of a beer and a pack of cigarettes, but the soldiers enjoyed each other's company enough to have a competition with or without an incentive. They cheered each other on during each match and ribbed the losers while also applauding them on a good fight.
If Olivia was there, she would've no doubt wept at how close her soldiers had become over the years.
"I don't believe in 'every man for himself'," She had told them on their first day together. "Family members protect and support each other through even the worst of times. So, starting today, consider everyone in this manor your family and defend them with all your might."
And what an odd family they had become.
Finally a victor was named and the soldiers playfully jeered as they dogpiled onto him. Although their ages ranged from late-20s to mid-40s, they looked like carefree children on the playground—well, carefree children that curse up a storm daily.
"Alright, McDonough, here is your prize!" One of the soldiers tossed the beer and cigarettes in his direction. "Enjoy it, you lucky bastard!"
However, before First Lieutenant McDonough could catch his prize, a pair of arms jutted out of the ground and snatched them up in midair.
"Naming the victor before everyone's had a chance to throw their hat into the ring? My, my, what little patience you humans have." The soldiers nearly pissed themselves as Alucard crawled out from the floorboards like some Lovecraftian eldritch with pure red sclera and thick tendrils jutting from his form. "Why the petrified looks, soldiers? I have only come to partake in your competition."
Stunned silence and horrified statues were all he was greeted with, but after a moment, the marble shattered and Alucard was bombarded with bullets from all sides.
Soon all that remained of him were shreds of viscera and skin, and the soldiers heaved a collective sigh of relief as their hearts beat back into their chest.
"How disappointing." Alucard scoffed as he regenerated to the sounds of their high pitched screaming. "You are not fit to protect my Master if you let your guard down so easily. All of you are more like sheep than soldiers."
"W-Wh-Wha-WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?!" McDonough sputtered out as he and his comrades cowered into a corner.
"Olivia is always singing your praises, rambling on about how fearsome you all are on the battlefield, so I came to gauge the truth for myself." He stepped forward, only to grit his teeth as the soldiers fled for the exit. How utterly, infuriatingly disappointing. "COME ON, YOU COWARDS! SHOW ME SOME GUTS!" His shadows flared out, scurrying across the wall like spider legs and ramming the door shut. "PROVE YOU ARE WORTHY OF HER TRUST AND YOUR STATION! HOW CAN YOU GUARD MY MASTER IF YOU QUIVER AT HIS GUARD DOG?! ARE YOU SOLIDERS OR NOT?!"
The soldiers could only wail in utter terror and pray for an angel to save them as Alucard's massive form loomed above them.
Luckily, an angel did ascend from on high in the form of Walter kicking the door open and standing in the doorway, the hallway light illuminating his figure in a holy glow.
Or at least that is how the soldiers beheld him through their tears.
"A little early to be terrorizing the staff isn't it, Alucard?" Walter muttered, balancing a tray of scotch on one hand as his wires swirled around him. "Return to your barracks, soldiers. I'll handle things from here."
"Yes, sir!" The soldiers briskly herded themselves out the door, leaving their shepherd to ward off the wolf.
"What would Sir Hellsing say if he witnessed you harassing his soldiers?"
"What would my Master say if he witnessed said 'soldiers' pissing themselves in the face of danger?" Alucard rebutted, his appearance regressing back to normal. "How can a pathetic herd of sheep be of any use to us?"
"Such matters are not of any business of yours." Walter fished the prizes out of his clutches and turned on his heel. "Try not to cause any more trouble, Alucard. I have enough messes to clean up as it is." He was about to march out of the room when the door slammed shut in his face, and he whirled around to find Alucard standing behind him.
"Wh—?"
"During her trip and the four years you were gone, Olivia never stopped thinking about you. Every day, she would rush to the post box to see if you sent a letter, she constantly made candied figs in the hopes it would bring you home sooner, and," Alucard leaned forward, his ruby red eyes staring into Walter's agate grey ones. "the first thing she tried to do upon waking up in the clinic was seek you out and ensure your safety."
"…..Why are you telling me this?" Walter leered at him, poised for any surprise attacks.
"Because I want to assure you that you will always have a place in Olivia's heart, and I have no intentions of taking that from you. You make her happy, so that is enough for me. Besides," He stood up straight, a tiny smile growing across his face. "I consider you a dear friend as well, and I miss our usual rapport."
Walter just gaped at him like he had three heads.
"Are you fucking drunk?" He scoffed, to which Alucard just laughed. "Don't laugh at me! I asked you a question!"
"Perhaps Olivia's sentimentalities are rubbing off on me. But my words are true." He placed a hand on Walter's shoulder and grasped it gently. "I missed you as well, Walter. My days were not the same without The Angel of Death roaming the halls."
"Alright, now I know you have completely lost your mind." He swatted his hand away and barreled out the door. "Go bother someone else with your bullshit!"
And Alucard observed Walter's seething form disappear around the corner before giving a mock bow as he slithered back into the shadows, a phlegmatic grin on his face.
"Always a pleasure,….old friend."
"Fucking vampire spewing such horseshit." Walter grumbled as he stormed across the foyer. "He mocks me at breakfast, and now he thinks we are chums and says he misses my company?! That mutt enjoys screwing with me, doesn't he?!"
And yet, a nagging voice in the recesses of Walter's mind asserted that Alucard was being genuine.
'Hmph. And so what if he is?' He dismissed, climbing up the stairway with a furrowed brow. Alucard's trust in him would only make beating him easier. In fact, Walter was pleased to have the advantage in their premature battle.
So…..why? Why did he feel….flattered when Alucard said he missed him?
'Fuck, that mongrel is driving me out of my mind!' Walter almost snapped the platter in half as he stomped towards the main office, only to halt in place at the sight of Richard. "Leaving already? I thought you would be sharing a drink with Sir Hellsing."
"I didn't plan to stay for long. Besides, my brother is a busy man and I don't want to keep him from his duties." Richard peered over at the bottle of scotch, the corner of his mouth curling up. "Ah, I see Arthur is still a connoisseur of fine scotch. Do keep an eye on him lest he drinks himself to death."
"Your concern is appreciated, but I know how to do my job." Walter flashed him an angelic grin before stepping to the side and sweeping his arm out towards the foyer. "I bid you good day, Mr. Hellsing."
"Good day, Walter." Richard patted him on the shoulder before continuing on his way.
Walter carefully watched as Richard trekked down the stairs and out the front door, observing him for any giveaway ticks. Since his last report to Millennium, he had been told nothing but to wait. For a moment, Walter entertained the notion that Richard's sudden appearance was a correlation yet he quickly banished the possibility. Why on Earth would Millennium contact someone like Richard anyways? He had nothing to offer them.
Shaking such thoughts away, Walter continued on his way to Sir Hellsing's office, the small whirlwind of emotions lingering in his chest.
"Even after all this time, you are still the same, Arthur." Richard stared at the manor from inside his car, his mouth still curled at the ends. "Deny it all you want, but you still have a soft spot for me." The car roared to life as he turned on the ignition and shifted the gear into drive, disturbing the pile of snow that had gathered around the Bentley. "Just what I was counting on."
He rocketed down the driveway and towards the gate, clutching the steering wheel as joyous rapture bombarded him from within.
The trigger had been set. Now, he just had to wait and reap the benefits.
All his life, everyone had looked down on him: his parents, his instructors, his peers, Walter, that half-breed, and even Arthur. His brotherly love was nothing more than pity at his expense for being the family disappointment.
But now, the tables had turned and soon everyone would regret underestimating him.
So what if he made a deal with the 'Devil' to gain this opportunity? Nothing would stand in his way now so long as he was patient and continued to play the good brother to Arthur.
And even if a certain someone unmasked his plan, it would be too late by then. The vines would already be around their neck when they realize what they thought was the seed was actually a red herring.
The mental image of briar vines burrowing into Olivia's neck brought a smile to Richard's face, and he hummed a cherry tune as he exited the gates and merged onto the main room.
'It seems you will soon have another death on your hands, Lieutenant General Song.'
When Olivia returned to her room later that night, she found Alucard fast asleep on the bed with books spread out around him.
Gently shutting the door behind her, she tiptoed to her vanity and flicked the lamp on before sneaking over to where he lay.
He had dressed down to only his slacks and button-up, and Olivia resisted the urge to kiss him as she brushed the hair from his eyes. His lips were slightly parted, and his long eyelashes were like fans against his ivory skin. In the dim lamplight, he looked so young yet so old all at once. His clavicle jutted out as he leaned into her touch, and the shadows highlighted his gaunt profile. And yet, there was a spry glow to his skin and his soft unguarded expression was like that of a child
'How did I get so lucky to have someone so beautiful for my husband?' Olivia kissed his forehead before pulling the blanket over his body, knowing full well that he couldn't catch a cold.
Padding back over to her vanity, she slipped off her shoes and began to undress. As she pulled down her skirt, she inwardly groaned at the vast amount of bruises and love bites adorning her skin. Her torso wasn't any better, and Olivia flushed cherry red at the very distinct bruise shape on her breasts.
'This cannot be a nightly occurrence, unless Alucard wants a Dalmatian for a wife.' She tossed her clothes and bralette into the hamper before slipping on her nightgown, noticing the tear from this morning had miraculously been mended and her sewing box had moved from its original position beside her dresser.
Burying her face against the gown, Olivia let out a muffled squeal before slipping it on and taking a seat at her vanity.
Richard's visit and his 'change in demeanor' still lingered in the back of her mind, but Sir Islands advised her to keep a cool head because there couldn't be any foul ups or oversights.
Not this time.
Heaving a lofty sigh, Olivia reached out for her brush only for a familiar hand to pick it up instead.
Olivia gazed up to find Alucard staring down at her and without a word, she grabbed the front of his shirt and tugged him down for a kiss.
"Good evening, Sleeping Beauty." She muttered against his lips. "How was your day?"
"I managed to find ways to amuse myself, even fixed your nightgown." He kissed her nose before standing up straight. "Aren't I a good househusband?"
"The best." Olivia confirmed, watching the floating comb brush her hair in the reflection. "Though I would prefer it if you greeted me while wearing an apron."
"Care to repeat that?" Alucard gently yanked at her hair, the sound of her laughter music to his ears. He could smell the anxiety brought on by Richard's visit, so he decided to focus on helping her to relax until she was ready to discuss it with him.
Resting her cheek on her palm, Olivia hummed as Alucard untangled the day's woes with every stroke of his wrist. He always made her feel so damn special, and she once again pondered on how lucky she was.
When he was finished, Olivia stood up and was about to thank him when he suddenly hoisted her up by the waist and placed her on the vanity, causing her make-up to tumble onto the carpet.
"I've waited all day for you to come home." He purred, his hands grasping the mirror on either side of her and one of his leg nestled between hers. "And I must say, waiting has made me very hungry." Alucard whispered the last part, leaning in close and licking his lips as Olivia's increasing heartrate made his fangs elongate. "Won't you sedate my hunger, porumbelul meu?"
Olivia couldn't see her reflection with how dilated his pupils were, and she knew she was the only person in all of London—possibly the world—who found that attractive.
Placing her foot on his shoulder, she eased him down to his knees, ignoring how his satisfied moan shot directly to her core.
"Since you asked so nicely," Olivia picked up a nearby hairpin and tapped it against her cheek. "I'll let you pick a spot."
"Anywhere?" He beamed like a kid in a candy store.
"Anywhere."
Without missing a beat, Alucard slid her foot off his shoulder and reverently trailed his lips up her leg, nudging her nightgown up all the while. When his lips reached her upper thigh, Alucard paused and, while maintaining eye contact with her, began to lick at her pulse point.
"You are such a filthy old man." Olivia giggled as his nostril flared slightly at the nickname. "Alright then, allow me to quench your thirst." She slashed the pin's edge against her thigh, watching the blood well up before offering it outwards. "Bon Appétit, arany virágszál."
With one hand stabilizing her leg on his shoulder and the other yanking her forward by the hip, Alucard wasted no time in diving into his meal, his tongue lapping up every precious drop of blood.
"You'll choke if you keep scarfing it down like that." She weaved her fingers through his locks, focusing on its soft texture instead of how exhilarating it felt to have him drink from her after so long.
"But I am not 'scarfing it down', my love," Alucard gave the cut a long, sensual lick, chuckling when Olivia rolled her eyes. "I am simply savoring a long-awaited delicacy."
"Don't talk with your mouth full." She tugged at his hair, turning red as a lobster when he let out a husky moan. "J-Just hurry up and eat, okay?! I've had a long day and want to sleep as soon as possible!"
Alucard just smirked before returning to his meal, nuzzling her skin as a thank you when he was finished.
"Satisfied?"
"Very."
"Then shall we go to bed?" Olivia hopped off the vanity and padded over to the bed, picking up the various books and placing them on the side table to be sorted later. "By the way," She sat on the bed's edge, stroking the spine of one of the larger novels. "What were you reading about?"
"Oh, just catching up on what you humans have been up to for the past four years." Alucard flicked off the lamp light and sauntered over to the bed, untucking his shirt tails and sliding off his belt. "And some of the fairytales you used to read to me, just for old times' sake."
He flopped down beside her, momentarily forgetting the vast size difference between the two of them which resulted in Olivia being catapulted across the room, barely having a chance to react as she ricocheted off the wall and onto the carpet.
There was a good three seconds of dead silence before Alucard's uproarious laughter filled the room, and Olivia saw red as she fumbled to her feet.
"WHAT THE HELL, ALUCARD?!" She leapt onto the bed and pinned him down by the shoulders. "YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE, DIDN'T YOU?!"
"Not on purpose, but I do like where the consequences are leading to." He was still laughing his ass off while his hands crept up her thighs and Olivia felt her last branch of patience snap in the wind.
Pinning his wrists above his head, she tied them together with his belt before shimmying downward to sit atop his hips—Alucard had no objections of course, judging from the borderline erotic glaze in his eyes.
"Since we are here," She started, unbuttoning his shirt and ghosting her fingertips over his navel. "Walter told me you terrorized my soldiers today. Care to explain yourself?"
"I just wanted to take their measure, draga mea. And calling them soldiers is a stretch considering how they all but wet themselves before m—!" Alucard's voice caught in his throat when Olivia suddenly rocked against him, bracing her hands against his chest with narrowed eyes.
"They are my soldiers and I will train them as I see fit." Olivia shooed away his tendrils with one hand, never breaking her pace. "Besides, any sane person would flee at the sight of you."
"You didn't." He whispered, lifting his hips to dance in rhythm with hers.
"My point exactly." She paused, earning a whine and pout from him. But he instantly perked back up when she placed her ring finger between her teeth and bit down.
"So," Olivia removed the bleeding appendage from her mouth and allowed it to hover above his. "Promise me you won't bother them anymore and I'll treat you to dessert."
"How else will I occupy my time then?" He was mesmerized by the sight of the blood bubbling from the cut and his wrists twitched against their restraints. "You work all day, and I am on 'house arrest'. What will you have me do, knit sweaters by the fireside?"
"Why not? You have already mastered sewing." She lounged back, lowering her bleeding finger until it was almost touching his lips. "Clock is ticking, regele meu. Do you promise?"
A drop was on the verge of falling and Alucard stuck his tongue out, his entire body shivering with anticipation.
This entire evening was turning out to be a very thrilling one indeed. Olivia had come through on the promise made in the dressing room, and the fact that she only acted like this sporadically made things all the more rousing; he enjoyed being kept on his toes after all.
"Hmm? No response? Fine then." Alucard jerked forward when she curled her fingers and retracted her hand. "I guess no dessert for you." She began to climb off his lap but was roughly anchored in place by five pairs of hands. "Oh? So you do want dessert."
"You realize all of this just makes me want to eat you, right?" He panted with a smirk, his long hair becoming wavy, his quivering lips full, and his eyes saturated with hunger.
As if cold water had been splashed on her face, Olivia's stern expression morphed into a sheepish one as neon red engulfed her cheeks.
"You really are a filthy old man."
"Oh, I am the filthy one?" Alucard scoffed, wiggling his confined wrists to prove his point. "I know I call you a rabbit, but I didn't think you would take it this—."
"I am already regretting this! Why don't you—Why don't you just—UGH!" Olivia rammed her finger against his lips and averted her eyes with a huff. "Just promise me you will behave so we can go to sleep! I am exhausted!"
"I promise." He vowed before wrapping his tongue and mouth around her finger, uttering a very pleased growl as her blood filled his mouth.
Olivia watched as he sucked on her finger, wondering if her parents would be disappointed in her for finding all of this very arousing.
"If I have become 'soiled', then it is your fault." She combed her fingers through his hair, memorizing how utterly beautiful he looked at that moment with his tousled hair and content expression.
"I accept full responsibility," A trail of saliva connected her finger and his tongue as she pulled away, the cut now healed. "However," He sat up slightly and kissed her wedding ring. "I do not regret a thing."
"Oh I am well aware." Olivia stuck her tongue out as she untied him and tossed his belt over her shoulder. "But that is why I love you."
She bent down to kiss him before laying on her side, slumber beckoning her into its sweet embrace.
Rolling onto his side as well, Alucard's shadows pulled the blanket over them as he scooted as close as physical possible to Olivia, their hands intertwined and their legs tangled.
"Sweet dreams, my saucy rabbit." He teased, kissing her warmly before the room fell into complete and utter silence.
And with the silence…..came intrusive thoughts.
'The fact that Richard backed down so easily is proof he is up to something, but what? And that figurine, something is fishy about it and I know Sir Hellsing feels it too. It is not so much its presence, but how it was presented. It is….It is like Richard wants us to be suspicious, yet he insisted that he wants nothing more than to have Sir Hellsing's trust.' Another rock settled on her heart as she stared off into the darkness. 'I have to figure out what is going on and fast. The longer I sit around and think, the worse things will get. Richard wouldn't act so cocky unless he was sure nothing could touch him so I need to—!'
"You know for someone who claims to be dead on their feet, you sure are thinking a lot." Alucard's crimson eyes appeared into her field of vision, and Olivia realized she had been staring at his face this entire time. "If you are searching for an answer to the manor's 'pest' issue, I am more than happy to offer myself as a solution."
"I do not deserve my station if I am unable to protect my boss and this organization on my own. And if anyone is going to put an end to Richard, it has to be Sir Hellsing. But worry not," Olivia bumped their foreheads together. "I will not hesitate to seek your counsel regarding matters of gore and dismemberment of our enemies—you know, like normal couples do."
His amused laughter and reassuring kisses were Olivia's safety blanket and she felt her resolve strengthening as she cupped his face between her hands. The bed groaned as he rolled on top of her, balancing his weight on his arms to keep from crushing her but pressing against her enough to feel her warmth.
Alucard wanted to be of use to her.
Whether she needed a shield or an ear to bend, he wanted to be her first and only choice.
Whatever Olivia desired, he would make it come to pass.
Not as a servant to its master.
But as a husband to his wife.
Olivia loved him unconditionally. Even when he pushed her away, she continued to reach out to him and foolishly shouldered his burden while never asking for anything in return. Alucard knew he didn't deserve her, but she chose him so he would never let anyone steal her away nor would he let her regret her decision.
"What can I do to ease your woes?" Alucard peppered kisses down her neck, her soft mewls of delight egging him on. "Name it and it shall be done."
"…..Tell me a story." Olivia moaned into his ear, clinging to the back of his shirt as their bodies danced in rhythm again. "You know all my favorites, pick one."
"Your wish," Alucard tugged down the neckline of her gown and ardently kissed the old bite mark atop her breast,"Is my command."
For the next while, Olivia allowed herself to float away as Alucard recited the tale of Briar Rose, his lips and hands worshiping her body with such tenderness and pure love that she couldn't help but weep as her heart swelled against her chest.
Olivia would go to the ends of the Earth for him.
She would venture into the nine circles of Hell and back if that was what it took to protect him.
From his nightmares.
From his demons.
From his own self-hatred.
She would be his knight, and she vowed to spend the rest of eternity showering him with the unconditional love he deserved and more.
Just as he had done for her.
"And they lived happily together, all their lives long." Alucard concluded, cradling Olivia's sleeping form in his arms and listening to the steady melody of her breathing as he watched the moon inch across the starlight canvas. "And so will we…..my sweet 'Aurora'."
In the coming days, the impeding threat brought on by Richard's presence was not forgotten but instead pushed aside to address the royal adviser's arrival.
Manali Yadav was a tall, round cheeked woman who walked like she was balancing fine china on her shoulders. She wore a gray double-breasted coat over a turquoise green dress and a pair of black heels. Her short brown hair was styled in a bouffant, a popular women's hair trend at the time, and she wore little make-up save for garnet lipstick that complimented her brown skin.
"Sir Hellsing," She firmly shook his hand when he greeted her in the foyer, her amber eyes unblinking and her tone unwavering. "Her Highness has high hopes for this organization and how it will impact the country's future. I do hope you will not disappoint her."
"Worry not, Ms. Yadav. I trust by the end of your visit, you will have faith in Hellsing and its loyalty to the Crown." Arthur then offered her his arm and gestured to the stairway. "I have lunch waiting for us in my office. Shall we?"
"Thank you, Sir Hellsing." Manali linked her arm with his and followed his lead towards the stairs, only to abruptly stop before they reached the first step. "I realize this is rather late, but I brought my daughter with me. You don't mind if she strolls around your gardens, do you?"
"Oh, it's not a problem." Arthur's 'horns' deflated slightly at the possibility of a child ruining his garden. "In fact, why don't I send one of my top soldiers out there to accompany her?" He peered over at Walter and Olivia, spinning a mental roulette wheel to determine who would stay and who would go.
The pointer fell on Olivia, and the two groups went off in different directions: Olivia out the door in her winter coat, and Arthur and Manali towards his office with Walter trailing close behind.
The snow had only lasted for a day, leaving behind a bitter chill and the ever present overcast. Olivia's breath puffed out before her as she entered the gardens, quickly realizing she didn't even know what name to call out.
Luckily, she didn't have to look far as she rounded the first hedge and found Manali's daughter sitting on a bench, hunched over a sketchpad. Olivia had expected to see a grade school child, but she appeared to be around 16 and had apparently followed her mom straight from school judging by the plaited skirt sticking out from her purple coat.
Her heels cackling against the cobblestone, Olivia cautiously approached the girl, giving her ample time to notice her presence so she wouldn't be startled. But she never looked up from her artwork, and Olivia resorted to clearing her throat, finally catching the girl's attention.
"Hello, young lady." Olivia greeted with a smile, watching the girl place her sketchpad aside before facing her. "My name is Olivia Emese Song. What is—?"
Perhaps she was still half-asleep, or perhaps a ray of sunlight had slipped through the clouds and blinded her. But, for a moment—just for a single moment, Olivia swore the girl in front of her had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and round glasses.
Yet, just as quickly it came, the image vanished and Olivia was left to stare at a very perplexed girl with wavy black hair and brown eyes.
"Yes? What is it?"
"Oh pardon me, I…I thought I saw something." Olivia laughed nervously before offering her hand out. "My name is Olivia Emese Song. What is yours?"
The girl stared at the offered hand for a moment, but then slowly she reached out and gently grasped it.
"Ms. Song." The girl gave her hand a light shake before making eye contact. "I am Pushpa Yadav. It is a pleasure to meet you."
A/N: That fic is currently in 1950 so we still have a little ways to go, but this chapter marks the beginning of the last arc before we shift to canon events in the manga. And, if it isn't obvious, Olivia calling Alucard 'old man' is the equivalent of Morticia speaking French to Gomez. Things will become more clear in the coming chapters and I hope you guys will enjoy the coming arc!
And Alucard reciting Sleeping Beauty is based off a video of Crispin Freeman reading it-link is on my profile!
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Please leave a review~! I love them all and you all so much!
Thank you so much for reading this and I will see you in the next chapter! :D