Defeating Denial - Part 1 (AxI)
Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 8:51 pm
Defeating Denial
An AxI Hellsing fic
Disclaimer: I do not own Hellsing, or any of its characters...although I really wish I had a pet vampire of my own.
Fic Rating: Probably PG-13, but if I was being on the safe side, R. Mainly for language and sexual references/situations. Nothing lemony, though.
Notes: Events within <>*<>*<> have taken place in the past. Also, this story takes place after the anime ends. My author's notes (ramblings) can be found at the end of the chapter. So, without further ado...
~*Part 1*~
FEBRUARY 1
Sir Integral Fairbrook Windgates Hellsing stomped into her office, a door slam resounding behind her, and practically fell into her chair. She sat at her desk with her elbows propped up, holding her head with her hands while she silently cursed to herself.
How could they be so?so stupid? No, they were beyond stupid, they were?
?Human?? a deep voice suggested, and Integral looked up to see her vampire pet standing before her, his classic smirk gracing his pale features. His eyes, too, seemed to be laughing at her, the twinkling red flames partly obscured behind inky bangs.
She hadn?t even noticed the chill in the room that gave her some premonition of the vampire?s surprise visits. The meeting she was just forced to attend with the Knights caused her whole body to burn with anger. Even Alucard?s icy winds could not touch her at a time like this.
?How many times must I remind you that I, also, am human?? Integral informed the vampire irritably, turning her artic glare upon his fiery one.
?How many times have I told you that you are not like them?? Alucard replied, drifting closer to her desk as Integral sat sulking. ?What troubles my Master this evening?? he asked, although he had been listening to her entire meeting in the shadows.
?You know very well,? she grumbled, rubbing the bridge of her nose in an attempt to calm her nerves. ?How am I suppose to continue my duties as a Hellsing when the Knights are proposing to keep us on a leash? How can I rebuild when they refuse to grant us the same liberties as before??
?The night looks beautiful, does it not?? Alucard merely answered, smiling widely, his gaze focused out her large office window. ?Why don?t you let me have a little fun? I?m sure I could take care of the problem for you?or just take a little taste.?
The blonde woman growled. ?Alucard, you know very good and well I cannot give you leave to kill the Knights.?
?Even though it would please us both, I know,? the vampire said with a smirk.
The phone rang suddenly, and Integral reached out to take the call. Alucard just stood there, waiting for his orders, which he knew he would receive upon the conversation?s end. He took the time, instead, to simply gaze at his master. Her look was stern and focused at she talked into the receiver. Her posture had grown more stiff and confident while conducting her business, and her mouth seemed to frown, even when she was speaking. Oh, how she delighted him so! The vampire fell into a wicked, fang-toothed grin. As much as he always taunted her, the young woman had no idea that her icy appearance always taunted him into wanting to find the heat he knew she held within.
?Alucard,? Integral spoke, her tone hard and commanding. ?A series of recent, deadly muggings around Regent?s Park has been determined to be the work of FREAK vampires. Our intelligence tells us they should be making an appearance tonight. Search and destroy.?
?So you?ve let me have a bit of fun, after all?? her pet vampire chided as he disappeared, his lethal smile the last to fade.
~*~*~
Integral rubbed her sleepy eyes, and tiredly rose from the crook of her folded hands upon hearing a knock at her door. She must have dozed off, waiting for word of Hellsing?s current mission. What the hell was taking so long? She rolled her shoulders and reached for her tea, calling to her visitor before immediately spitting out the now cold liquid that assaulted her taste buds. The sound of the china cup hitting the saucer rang through the room as Integral?s dedicated caretaker appeared at the door.
?Walter. Any news??
?Not yet, my Lord,? the faithful steward shook his head, and approached her desk with a fresh tray of steaming tea. ?Have a nice nap??
Integral frowned. ?You knew and didn?t wake me??
?How can I wake the face of a sleeping angel?? Walter said, alluding to the name he had called her as a child.
?Oh, Walter. That was so long ago. I can hardly be referred to as an angel, anymore,? the blonde woman scoffed, but her face softened as she breathed in the calming aroma of her heated tea. Walter had an uncanny ability to know just what she needed, and Integra often wondered if her long-time steward had the same mind-reading abilities as Alucard.
?You grow up too quickly, you know,? Walter sighed. ?And, if I recall correctly, you will be a year older in just a few days.?
?Don?t remind me,? Integral grumbled, taking a swig of her tea. Because the truth was, a dream she had experienced during her nap proved to be quite the memorable admonishment.
<>*<>*<>
It was the evening of her eighteenth birthday. Walter had prepared a special dinner, as always, and afterwards she had returned to her room in preparation for a long deserved full night?s sleep. When Integral entered, she couldn?t help suppress a whisper of a smile, seeing a beautiful spread of cake, tea and roses on the small table that sat in front of the fireplace in her room. Walter had outdone himself yet again. A fire had already been started and was crackling softly, bathing the room in a warm, orange glow and providing a gentle caress of heat to ease the chill of the February night.
Integral crossed the room and rummaged through her aged, wooden drawers, finally producing a long, softy flowing nightgown. As much as she felt like her stiff, army green suits were now finally becoming like a second skin, she much preferred the silky material she was currently slipping into. It was actually a fortunate occurrence, for Integral had about as much choice in her nightclothes as when Walter informed her that it was time to don the uniform of the Hellsing organization when she became its leader. Having no time for such a trivial thing as shopping when there were demons to hunt and destroy, the family?s longtime housekeepers provided the girl not only with her trademark suits, but also with much of the same clothing that mirrored her mother?s taste. However, the nightgowns were the only thing besides her uniform of use to her, as dresses and skirts were certainly not appropriate for a Lord of Hellsing. Therefore, Integral continued to wear the necessary items that appeared in her wardrobe, including the feminine nightdresses, and she?d been damned if she ever admitted she enjoyed it.
Having changed into her nightclothes, and adding a shawl around her exposed shoulders, Integral finally settled on a chair in front of the fire and nibbled on a piece of her small birthday cake. It was a pity there was no one else who could enjoy the yearly treat with her--unless it was iced with blood--but perhaps even more of a pity was that she herself barely acknowledged the day of her birth. She had worked all morning and afternoon on paperwork as usual. This evening had thankfully been quiet, so it was easy for Walter to persuade her to retire from her duties a bit early, as he always felt the need to on her ?special? day. But, besides the early bedtime, this day was no different from all the rest.
Taking a sip of her tea, Integral tiredly removed her glasses and set them upon the table. She rubbed her hands to her eyes and then back through her hair slowly, before slumping down in her chair.
What a life she led. Would it always be like this? Integral held her head as if to shake the thoughts out of it. In her younger days, she indulged herself much more, imagining what a normal life might have been like. Growing up with her father, someday getting away from the eerie mansion, living blissfully unaware that such horrible things as ghouls, demons?vampires, really existed. But now that she was older, eighteen, a woman, she easily forced her childish dreams out of her head. She was a Hellsing. She was proud. She had a duty to her family, her Queen and country. There was no going back. The more she thought of the real world now, the more she felt displaced in it. Her world was here now, in the Hellsing Mansion, her home?her darkness. Any doubts that she had ever had of her true place and purpose quickly vanished on that night, just as the fire suddenly went out, and a chill seemed to creep through the whole room. It was funny, but Integral found sitting in the darkness was more comfortable somehow.
She remained in her chair, the stillness and blackness of the night lingering over her, willing her eyes to close. The young woman was about to surrender to sleep, when a voice seemed to seep into her tired mind.
?Not just yet, my Master, for I?ve not even given you my present.?
?Alucard,? Integral mumbled, only half-awake, before realizing what she just had done.
?Yes, Master?? his voice rang incredibly close her ear, so close that she could feel his chill sting her cheek.
The girl refused to jump at his proximity and words, and her hands instead gripped her chair so tight that her fingernails pressed creases into the soft varnish of the wood.
?What have I told you about entering my quarters? You are not allowed here, Alucard,? Integral hissed, her hand stumbling in the darkness for her glasses.
?Did you not call me?? the vampire inquired. Integral could sense his wicked smile in the darkness. What game was he playing this time?
?That is not fair. I do not like your tricks,? his master reminded him, finally locating the object of her search when he scooted the spectacles towards her with a mere glance of his eyes.
?But, Master, I was sure you would have thought I had forgotten,? he continued in his sugared, taunting voice. Integral could now make out the glint of a fang, having quickly put on her glasses so that she would be able to actually see the intruder to which her eyes had been dangerously narrowed. Indeed, his smile had grown even wider as he uttered the words.
?To what are you referring?? Integral asked sharply, crossing her arms and instinctively pulling her shawl closer to her.
?Why to your day of birth, of course,? the vampire replied, taking off his giant red hat and giving her a little bow.
?Yes, yes, Alucard. So good of you to remember. Now get out of my room,? Integral said impatiently, standing to add extra emphasis to her order.
The vampire immediately vanished, to Integral?s surprise. She almost let out a sigh of relief. Perhaps his present was to actually follow her orders the first time. Yet, almost as quickly as he disappeared, her door was swept open by a rather harsh, invisible wind. The girl looked through the opening out to the hallway. Of course he was standing there, taunting her simply with his presence.
Alucard?s red orbs flickered with amusement as she stomped across the room. She quickly dismissed the fact that he was without glasses this evening, and his eyes were burning into hers brighter than usual. She was about to say something not too nice, when he quickly protested, ?But my present, Master.?
She stilled at his words, and now stood directly in front of him, yet just within the threshold of her room. ?I do not require any gifts,? Intergra said, her tone no longer angry. ?You may go now, Alucard.? Her voice was tired and her eyes drifted longingly to her bed as she reached to shut the door.
?You are eighteen now, are you not?? the vampire inquired, which effectively halted her movements. He was still standing there with that silly smirk and no sign of succumbing to her request to disappear.
?What does it matter?? She was quickly growing angry again.
?I feel you are finally ready,? he grinned again, taking a step closer to her. Integral released an uncontrollable shiver, and refused to believe it was due to anything more than the February cold.
Alucard noticed this and ran his tongue along his teeth to unnerve the girl further. She, in turn, took a small step back, and upon realization, tried to stand up taller, raising her chin high in the air to indicate she would rise to his unspoken challenge.
Finally, Integral broke the intruding silence to utter the words she had rather not ask. ?Ready for what??
She was falling into his hands so easily. The vampire let out a chuckle. ?Why, ready for the entire amount of services I am able to provide you.?
This statement threw Integral off guard. ?What are you--? she began, as her defenses crumbled while trying to comprehend Alucard?s meaning. Did he have other powers she did not know of?
?I, for one, have always been ready. But you do things differently in these modern times, and of course, you know I am very patient,? the vampire continued with a smirk. ?And from the looks of things?? his eyes raked hungrily over her form. Her flimsy nightgown did nothing to hide the developed curves of her body, and her shawl had fallen almost completely off her shoulders, showing off her untouched flesh, ??my waiting has been rewarded quite well.?
He couldn?t mean? Integral?s eyes widened the smallest amount in shock.
Alucard laughed, knowing she had understood. The young woman gazed up at him fiercely. Although this time, the vampire?s coat and hat had fully disappeared, and he stood before her in his crumpled white shirt, black pants, and noticeably loosened tie.
?I bid you, Master, do what you will. As your servant, my body is yours,? he offered in a course whisper, opening his hands outward in invitation.
?I am not that kind of Master,? Integral?s voice trembled with rage. Her hand flew out and found the door, slamming it shut on the still smirking vampire.
?And that is why I desire you all the more,? Alucard breathed to himself as he finally disappeared into the night, laughing as he went.
Back in her room, Integral was breathing heavily in anger, fisting her hands in the hopes she would repress the scream she would have loved to let loose. Of all his teasing, this had to be the worst. She could still hear his devilish chuckle lingering outside of her door. Still seething, she collapsed down on her bed, and buried herself in her pillows, trying to erase the image of a seductive Alucard from her mind. Yet, no matter how she tried, Integral knew sleep would no longer come to her that night.
<>*<>*<>
Integral shook her head to force herself from her daydreams. She had been so angry that night, the first time the vampire had offered himself to her. Now, the many sexual references made by Alucard barely received an eyebrow twitch of attention from the blonde women, yet back then, he had never suggested such a thing before?save in the very beginning when she had released him.
Looking back on it now, the vampire had never imposed on her as a child like he did now. What made her eighteenth birthday special was lost on Integral, but from that day, Alucard?s presence became increasingly more persistent. It was almost as if he found her finally worthy of his words, his challenges, during the times extending business. He would appear in the halls when she was alone. He would whisper things when she was asleep. He delighted in tormenting her more than ever before. Yes, when Alucard finally recognized her as a woman, Integral?s relationship with her vampire pet was never, ever the same.
?But would you have wanted it any other way?? The question invaded her thoughts, and Integral immediately ended her ponderings.
?Don?t do that,? she snapped, fixing her icy glare on the materializing vampire in front of her.
?My Master seems on edge tonight,? Alucard noted with amusement.
?It is none of your concern,? Integral quickly returned, frowning as she continued to stare at him. ?You?re late. I swear, Alucard, if you were just toying with them??
?I would not think of such a thing,? he sneered.
Integral tidied up her paperwork for another busy day tomorrow, as her vampire stood in front of her in a wide grin. The tired woman let her stare drift up to him, signaling she was not at all as amused as he seemed to be, which caused Alcuard to erupt in a fit of his wicked laughter.
?What were you thinking about, when I came in?? he asked her in a playful voice. ?It had nothing to do with your birthday, did it??
Integral?s hands balled up into fists. ?Must I repeat myself? You are not to read my thoughts.?
?But it is common knowledge that your twenty-forth birthday draws near,? he smiled cunningly. ?I was merely curious if you had taken the time to remember. I am often concerned that you work yourself so hard, you might forget your own birthday.?
Oooooh, the bastard was really enjoying this. Integral?s steely stare would have frightened any man by now. Unfortunately for her, she was looking at a vampire, who only seemed to grow more pleased by every frigid glare.
?How could I ever forget?? Integral?s voice had grown louder than usual. ?As you?ve chosen that one day to show up at my door like a bloody stripper? And without even bothering to pop out of a goddamn cake!?
?Cake?? the vampire repeated quizzically. ?I?ll have to remember that for next time??
?Oh no, you won?t. Because there won?t be a next time.?
?So that?s a no on the cake, then?? Alucard questioned, mock-confused.
?That?s a hell no!?
?My, aren?t we feisty tonight?? the vampire noted. His smile suddenly grew sharp and rather scary, and his voice rose into a rough cry, ?I rather like it!?
?I am serious, this time, Alucard. I do not want to see you that evening. It?s my birthday, for heaven?s sake. Of all the nights, the least you could do is leave me the hell alone on that one.?
?Do you really mean that? You are very good at saying something completely different than what you truly think.?
Integral?s sky-colored eyes met the challenge in his hellfire gaze. ?Well then. If you know me so well, I should expect you are already aware of my answer.?
Alucard merely smiled. Truly, I know you better than you know yourself?
~*~*~
Author?s Ramblings:
First of all, a big shout out to my beta, Waking Dreamer. She helped so much with this, and in such a short time, too. Really, Dream, you are the best!
Ok, so this is the first time I?ve written a fanfic where I wasn?t really sure what the hell I was doing. I just finished watching the 13 anime episodes of Hellsing and this story refused to be ignored until I stopped everything to put it on paper.
The characterizations here are all based on the anime?as I understand some chars act a little differently in the manga (which I have unfortunately never read). Also, some allusions to the Dracula story may come in, although very vague, since it is quite obvious in the end of the anime that Alucard is indeed the legendary Count.
This first chapter was meant to have a lighter feel, so apologies if the chars seem OOC. But I wanted this story to have a little of everything, so the next one is definitely more dramatic.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge two of the greatest Hellsing shrines out there on the wonderful Hellsing.nu collective: A Devine Act of Satan (www.hellsing.nu/alucard), and Intensity (www.hellsing.nu/integral). I?m sure all Hellsing fans know about them, but their information and research is so thoughtful and extensive--certainly an inspiration for this fic.
Intensity is actually where I got all of the info about Integral--like her age, full name, etc. And A Devine Act of Satan helped tremendously with Alucard's past.
Thanks for reading everyone! Reviews are welcome, but please be gentle, as it is my first Hellsing fic.
~Sphinx
P.S. I had no idea what Integral's Birthday was. Therefore, I just went with something familiar--my own! (Plus, I could totally see her as an Aquarius- independent, rebellious, unique, distant, analytical)
An AxI Hellsing fic
Disclaimer: I do not own Hellsing, or any of its characters...although I really wish I had a pet vampire of my own.
Fic Rating: Probably PG-13, but if I was being on the safe side, R. Mainly for language and sexual references/situations. Nothing lemony, though.
Notes: Events within <>*<>*<> have taken place in the past. Also, this story takes place after the anime ends. My author's notes (ramblings) can be found at the end of the chapter. So, without further ado...
~*Part 1*~
FEBRUARY 1
Sir Integral Fairbrook Windgates Hellsing stomped into her office, a door slam resounding behind her, and practically fell into her chair. She sat at her desk with her elbows propped up, holding her head with her hands while she silently cursed to herself.
How could they be so?so stupid? No, they were beyond stupid, they were?
?Human?? a deep voice suggested, and Integral looked up to see her vampire pet standing before her, his classic smirk gracing his pale features. His eyes, too, seemed to be laughing at her, the twinkling red flames partly obscured behind inky bangs.
She hadn?t even noticed the chill in the room that gave her some premonition of the vampire?s surprise visits. The meeting she was just forced to attend with the Knights caused her whole body to burn with anger. Even Alucard?s icy winds could not touch her at a time like this.
?How many times must I remind you that I, also, am human?? Integral informed the vampire irritably, turning her artic glare upon his fiery one.
?How many times have I told you that you are not like them?? Alucard replied, drifting closer to her desk as Integral sat sulking. ?What troubles my Master this evening?? he asked, although he had been listening to her entire meeting in the shadows.
?You know very well,? she grumbled, rubbing the bridge of her nose in an attempt to calm her nerves. ?How am I suppose to continue my duties as a Hellsing when the Knights are proposing to keep us on a leash? How can I rebuild when they refuse to grant us the same liberties as before??
?The night looks beautiful, does it not?? Alucard merely answered, smiling widely, his gaze focused out her large office window. ?Why don?t you let me have a little fun? I?m sure I could take care of the problem for you?or just take a little taste.?
The blonde woman growled. ?Alucard, you know very good and well I cannot give you leave to kill the Knights.?
?Even though it would please us both, I know,? the vampire said with a smirk.
The phone rang suddenly, and Integral reached out to take the call. Alucard just stood there, waiting for his orders, which he knew he would receive upon the conversation?s end. He took the time, instead, to simply gaze at his master. Her look was stern and focused at she talked into the receiver. Her posture had grown more stiff and confident while conducting her business, and her mouth seemed to frown, even when she was speaking. Oh, how she delighted him so! The vampire fell into a wicked, fang-toothed grin. As much as he always taunted her, the young woman had no idea that her icy appearance always taunted him into wanting to find the heat he knew she held within.
?Alucard,? Integral spoke, her tone hard and commanding. ?A series of recent, deadly muggings around Regent?s Park has been determined to be the work of FREAK vampires. Our intelligence tells us they should be making an appearance tonight. Search and destroy.?
?So you?ve let me have a bit of fun, after all?? her pet vampire chided as he disappeared, his lethal smile the last to fade.
~*~*~
Integral rubbed her sleepy eyes, and tiredly rose from the crook of her folded hands upon hearing a knock at her door. She must have dozed off, waiting for word of Hellsing?s current mission. What the hell was taking so long? She rolled her shoulders and reached for her tea, calling to her visitor before immediately spitting out the now cold liquid that assaulted her taste buds. The sound of the china cup hitting the saucer rang through the room as Integral?s dedicated caretaker appeared at the door.
?Walter. Any news??
?Not yet, my Lord,? the faithful steward shook his head, and approached her desk with a fresh tray of steaming tea. ?Have a nice nap??
Integral frowned. ?You knew and didn?t wake me??
?How can I wake the face of a sleeping angel?? Walter said, alluding to the name he had called her as a child.
?Oh, Walter. That was so long ago. I can hardly be referred to as an angel, anymore,? the blonde woman scoffed, but her face softened as she breathed in the calming aroma of her heated tea. Walter had an uncanny ability to know just what she needed, and Integra often wondered if her long-time steward had the same mind-reading abilities as Alucard.
?You grow up too quickly, you know,? Walter sighed. ?And, if I recall correctly, you will be a year older in just a few days.?
?Don?t remind me,? Integral grumbled, taking a swig of her tea. Because the truth was, a dream she had experienced during her nap proved to be quite the memorable admonishment.
<>*<>*<>
It was the evening of her eighteenth birthday. Walter had prepared a special dinner, as always, and afterwards she had returned to her room in preparation for a long deserved full night?s sleep. When Integral entered, she couldn?t help suppress a whisper of a smile, seeing a beautiful spread of cake, tea and roses on the small table that sat in front of the fireplace in her room. Walter had outdone himself yet again. A fire had already been started and was crackling softly, bathing the room in a warm, orange glow and providing a gentle caress of heat to ease the chill of the February night.
Integral crossed the room and rummaged through her aged, wooden drawers, finally producing a long, softy flowing nightgown. As much as she felt like her stiff, army green suits were now finally becoming like a second skin, she much preferred the silky material she was currently slipping into. It was actually a fortunate occurrence, for Integral had about as much choice in her nightclothes as when Walter informed her that it was time to don the uniform of the Hellsing organization when she became its leader. Having no time for such a trivial thing as shopping when there were demons to hunt and destroy, the family?s longtime housekeepers provided the girl not only with her trademark suits, but also with much of the same clothing that mirrored her mother?s taste. However, the nightgowns were the only thing besides her uniform of use to her, as dresses and skirts were certainly not appropriate for a Lord of Hellsing. Therefore, Integral continued to wear the necessary items that appeared in her wardrobe, including the feminine nightdresses, and she?d been damned if she ever admitted she enjoyed it.
Having changed into her nightclothes, and adding a shawl around her exposed shoulders, Integral finally settled on a chair in front of the fire and nibbled on a piece of her small birthday cake. It was a pity there was no one else who could enjoy the yearly treat with her--unless it was iced with blood--but perhaps even more of a pity was that she herself barely acknowledged the day of her birth. She had worked all morning and afternoon on paperwork as usual. This evening had thankfully been quiet, so it was easy for Walter to persuade her to retire from her duties a bit early, as he always felt the need to on her ?special? day. But, besides the early bedtime, this day was no different from all the rest.
Taking a sip of her tea, Integral tiredly removed her glasses and set them upon the table. She rubbed her hands to her eyes and then back through her hair slowly, before slumping down in her chair.
What a life she led. Would it always be like this? Integral held her head as if to shake the thoughts out of it. In her younger days, she indulged herself much more, imagining what a normal life might have been like. Growing up with her father, someday getting away from the eerie mansion, living blissfully unaware that such horrible things as ghouls, demons?vampires, really existed. But now that she was older, eighteen, a woman, she easily forced her childish dreams out of her head. She was a Hellsing. She was proud. She had a duty to her family, her Queen and country. There was no going back. The more she thought of the real world now, the more she felt displaced in it. Her world was here now, in the Hellsing Mansion, her home?her darkness. Any doubts that she had ever had of her true place and purpose quickly vanished on that night, just as the fire suddenly went out, and a chill seemed to creep through the whole room. It was funny, but Integral found sitting in the darkness was more comfortable somehow.
She remained in her chair, the stillness and blackness of the night lingering over her, willing her eyes to close. The young woman was about to surrender to sleep, when a voice seemed to seep into her tired mind.
?Not just yet, my Master, for I?ve not even given you my present.?
?Alucard,? Integral mumbled, only half-awake, before realizing what she just had done.
?Yes, Master?? his voice rang incredibly close her ear, so close that she could feel his chill sting her cheek.
The girl refused to jump at his proximity and words, and her hands instead gripped her chair so tight that her fingernails pressed creases into the soft varnish of the wood.
?What have I told you about entering my quarters? You are not allowed here, Alucard,? Integral hissed, her hand stumbling in the darkness for her glasses.
?Did you not call me?? the vampire inquired. Integral could sense his wicked smile in the darkness. What game was he playing this time?
?That is not fair. I do not like your tricks,? his master reminded him, finally locating the object of her search when he scooted the spectacles towards her with a mere glance of his eyes.
?But, Master, I was sure you would have thought I had forgotten,? he continued in his sugared, taunting voice. Integral could now make out the glint of a fang, having quickly put on her glasses so that she would be able to actually see the intruder to which her eyes had been dangerously narrowed. Indeed, his smile had grown even wider as he uttered the words.
?To what are you referring?? Integral asked sharply, crossing her arms and instinctively pulling her shawl closer to her.
?Why to your day of birth, of course,? the vampire replied, taking off his giant red hat and giving her a little bow.
?Yes, yes, Alucard. So good of you to remember. Now get out of my room,? Integral said impatiently, standing to add extra emphasis to her order.
The vampire immediately vanished, to Integral?s surprise. She almost let out a sigh of relief. Perhaps his present was to actually follow her orders the first time. Yet, almost as quickly as he disappeared, her door was swept open by a rather harsh, invisible wind. The girl looked through the opening out to the hallway. Of course he was standing there, taunting her simply with his presence.
Alucard?s red orbs flickered with amusement as she stomped across the room. She quickly dismissed the fact that he was without glasses this evening, and his eyes were burning into hers brighter than usual. She was about to say something not too nice, when he quickly protested, ?But my present, Master.?
She stilled at his words, and now stood directly in front of him, yet just within the threshold of her room. ?I do not require any gifts,? Intergra said, her tone no longer angry. ?You may go now, Alucard.? Her voice was tired and her eyes drifted longingly to her bed as she reached to shut the door.
?You are eighteen now, are you not?? the vampire inquired, which effectively halted her movements. He was still standing there with that silly smirk and no sign of succumbing to her request to disappear.
?What does it matter?? She was quickly growing angry again.
?I feel you are finally ready,? he grinned again, taking a step closer to her. Integral released an uncontrollable shiver, and refused to believe it was due to anything more than the February cold.
Alucard noticed this and ran his tongue along his teeth to unnerve the girl further. She, in turn, took a small step back, and upon realization, tried to stand up taller, raising her chin high in the air to indicate she would rise to his unspoken challenge.
Finally, Integral broke the intruding silence to utter the words she had rather not ask. ?Ready for what??
She was falling into his hands so easily. The vampire let out a chuckle. ?Why, ready for the entire amount of services I am able to provide you.?
This statement threw Integral off guard. ?What are you--? she began, as her defenses crumbled while trying to comprehend Alucard?s meaning. Did he have other powers she did not know of?
?I, for one, have always been ready. But you do things differently in these modern times, and of course, you know I am very patient,? the vampire continued with a smirk. ?And from the looks of things?? his eyes raked hungrily over her form. Her flimsy nightgown did nothing to hide the developed curves of her body, and her shawl had fallen almost completely off her shoulders, showing off her untouched flesh, ??my waiting has been rewarded quite well.?
He couldn?t mean? Integral?s eyes widened the smallest amount in shock.
Alucard laughed, knowing she had understood. The young woman gazed up at him fiercely. Although this time, the vampire?s coat and hat had fully disappeared, and he stood before her in his crumpled white shirt, black pants, and noticeably loosened tie.
?I bid you, Master, do what you will. As your servant, my body is yours,? he offered in a course whisper, opening his hands outward in invitation.
?I am not that kind of Master,? Integral?s voice trembled with rage. Her hand flew out and found the door, slamming it shut on the still smirking vampire.
?And that is why I desire you all the more,? Alucard breathed to himself as he finally disappeared into the night, laughing as he went.
Back in her room, Integral was breathing heavily in anger, fisting her hands in the hopes she would repress the scream she would have loved to let loose. Of all his teasing, this had to be the worst. She could still hear his devilish chuckle lingering outside of her door. Still seething, she collapsed down on her bed, and buried herself in her pillows, trying to erase the image of a seductive Alucard from her mind. Yet, no matter how she tried, Integral knew sleep would no longer come to her that night.
<>*<>*<>
Integral shook her head to force herself from her daydreams. She had been so angry that night, the first time the vampire had offered himself to her. Now, the many sexual references made by Alucard barely received an eyebrow twitch of attention from the blonde women, yet back then, he had never suggested such a thing before?save in the very beginning when she had released him.
Looking back on it now, the vampire had never imposed on her as a child like he did now. What made her eighteenth birthday special was lost on Integral, but from that day, Alucard?s presence became increasingly more persistent. It was almost as if he found her finally worthy of his words, his challenges, during the times extending business. He would appear in the halls when she was alone. He would whisper things when she was asleep. He delighted in tormenting her more than ever before. Yes, when Alucard finally recognized her as a woman, Integral?s relationship with her vampire pet was never, ever the same.
?But would you have wanted it any other way?? The question invaded her thoughts, and Integral immediately ended her ponderings.
?Don?t do that,? she snapped, fixing her icy glare on the materializing vampire in front of her.
?My Master seems on edge tonight,? Alucard noted with amusement.
?It is none of your concern,? Integral quickly returned, frowning as she continued to stare at him. ?You?re late. I swear, Alucard, if you were just toying with them??
?I would not think of such a thing,? he sneered.
Integral tidied up her paperwork for another busy day tomorrow, as her vampire stood in front of her in a wide grin. The tired woman let her stare drift up to him, signaling she was not at all as amused as he seemed to be, which caused Alcuard to erupt in a fit of his wicked laughter.
?What were you thinking about, when I came in?? he asked her in a playful voice. ?It had nothing to do with your birthday, did it??
Integral?s hands balled up into fists. ?Must I repeat myself? You are not to read my thoughts.?
?But it is common knowledge that your twenty-forth birthday draws near,? he smiled cunningly. ?I was merely curious if you had taken the time to remember. I am often concerned that you work yourself so hard, you might forget your own birthday.?
Oooooh, the bastard was really enjoying this. Integral?s steely stare would have frightened any man by now. Unfortunately for her, she was looking at a vampire, who only seemed to grow more pleased by every frigid glare.
?How could I ever forget?? Integral?s voice had grown louder than usual. ?As you?ve chosen that one day to show up at my door like a bloody stripper? And without even bothering to pop out of a goddamn cake!?
?Cake?? the vampire repeated quizzically. ?I?ll have to remember that for next time??
?Oh no, you won?t. Because there won?t be a next time.?
?So that?s a no on the cake, then?? Alucard questioned, mock-confused.
?That?s a hell no!?
?My, aren?t we feisty tonight?? the vampire noted. His smile suddenly grew sharp and rather scary, and his voice rose into a rough cry, ?I rather like it!?
?I am serious, this time, Alucard. I do not want to see you that evening. It?s my birthday, for heaven?s sake. Of all the nights, the least you could do is leave me the hell alone on that one.?
?Do you really mean that? You are very good at saying something completely different than what you truly think.?
Integral?s sky-colored eyes met the challenge in his hellfire gaze. ?Well then. If you know me so well, I should expect you are already aware of my answer.?
Alucard merely smiled. Truly, I know you better than you know yourself?
~*~*~
Author?s Ramblings:
First of all, a big shout out to my beta, Waking Dreamer. She helped so much with this, and in such a short time, too. Really, Dream, you are the best!
Ok, so this is the first time I?ve written a fanfic where I wasn?t really sure what the hell I was doing. I just finished watching the 13 anime episodes of Hellsing and this story refused to be ignored until I stopped everything to put it on paper.
The characterizations here are all based on the anime?as I understand some chars act a little differently in the manga (which I have unfortunately never read). Also, some allusions to the Dracula story may come in, although very vague, since it is quite obvious in the end of the anime that Alucard is indeed the legendary Count.
This first chapter was meant to have a lighter feel, so apologies if the chars seem OOC. But I wanted this story to have a little of everything, so the next one is definitely more dramatic.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge two of the greatest Hellsing shrines out there on the wonderful Hellsing.nu collective: A Devine Act of Satan (www.hellsing.nu/alucard), and Intensity (www.hellsing.nu/integral). I?m sure all Hellsing fans know about them, but their information and research is so thoughtful and extensive--certainly an inspiration for this fic.
Intensity is actually where I got all of the info about Integral--like her age, full name, etc. And A Devine Act of Satan helped tremendously with Alucard's past.
Thanks for reading everyone! Reviews are welcome, but please be gentle, as it is my first Hellsing fic.
~Sphinx
P.S. I had no idea what Integral's Birthday was. Therefore, I just went with something familiar--my own! (Plus, I could totally see her as an Aquarius- independent, rebellious, unique, distant, analytical)
