A Servants Love

R:
Integra ran a hand down her neck, pushing the light blond hair away from her collar. The sound of footsteps following her stopped her short of turning a corner. Instead she glanced to take notice of the pursuer, a brow raising. "The sword.", she stated blankly, waiting for the vampire king to take notice of the item still sticking out from his form. "And what is it? Has the girl been sent back to her room to rest?"

W:
Alucard looked down and gave a small laugh, having become so used to such that he had forgotten it. Using a shadow to unhook the barbwire, he pulled the sword out of his back, his own body slowly healing. Hanging onto the hilt lightly, he pondered for a moment how the woman could handle it without losing the use of her hand. "She has, Police Girl is escorting her. " he threw the sword into the wall the shadows absorbing it to leave nothing.

Furrowing his brows he rubbed where the sword had been. "There is something severely wrong with her.. it was only training and she was aware of that.. but as you could see she took it seriously." he continued after a moment. "I don't think she understands the difference anymore. If she had wanted to.." he looked down at his chest. "She could have done a great deal worse, even for me." he moved to stand beside her. "I think perhaps we should get her to tell us what exactly shes been through before we do anything else concerning her Integral.." he looked down the hallway. "Shes got enough force I don't doubt she could kill Police Girl if it came down to it.. I don't think she knows when to stop herself." he shook his head as he gave a soft growl "Whatever Anderson and Maxwell did to her.. they've made her uncaring for herself."


R:
"I did notice how close she came, and how you continued the 'game' even further than was needed to test the idea", Integra responded, her eyes narrowing slightly. "While you may think yourself invincible Alucard, I will admit to being a little wary to agree." She shifted her glance away towards a picture near by. "But it also concerns me greatly how little respect San has for her own well being as well. I have no idea what those two bastards did to her, but I guarantee they deserve stakes for their actions. No being..not even vampire..should be put through the torture she had to endure in order to lose all rationality.."Her posture shifted as she closed her eyes. "I want as much as we can get from her. I doubt a modern doctor will be able to help, but at the very least you will have the necessary information to do so. If that is at all possible at this point."

W:
Alucard nodded in agreement as she spoke, knowing she had a point. "I'll see what can be done. In the end if the doctors can't get anything out of her.." his eyes narrowed a bit as he thought of what he would have to do. "I will." he headed for upstairs, stopping as he asked his last question. "Do you want her to report to your office after she has rested or do you want me to take her back to the medical ward for questioning?"

R:
Stepping back, the heiress turned; continuing on her way back to her office. "Bring her to me in the office. If she has healed well enough physically by then." A hand plunged inside her jacket, pulling back out a cigar. Pushing the tip to her lips as she retrieved a pocket lighter, Integra tilted her head back to glance back. "If that's all..I'm going to return to my work for now. Have fun, Alucard."

W:
Alucard however was headed towards the attic of the old Manor. Curious to know if Abraham had kept anything else on the woman. By the time he finished searching through boxes and crates of stuff up there, San had been rested and awakened. Seras having gone back to her room for the duration of time San slept.

Alucard made his way back downstairs, going to San's room and rapping on the door lightly with his knuckles. "If you are well San, my Master would like to speak with you." San opened the door slowly, looking up at Alucard almost regretfully. "Am..I in trouble?" Alucard shrugged his shoulders a bit. "That depends on how you behave in front of Integral. She wants to know some things about you, maybe get you fill a few forms. Just relax and answer anything she asks honestly." he began to head down the hall, waiting for a moment as San shut the door and walked beside him.

A question of his own springing into his head. "San.. your voice. Why is it so quiet? are you afraid to speak?" Alucard looked at her as they walked, San reaching up to her throat and placing her fingertips on it lightly. "I..was never..allowed to speak much..Over the years it's become harder..to do so." there was an accent, it was faint but showed just in the way she said some of her vowels. He couldn't identify it though it sounded familiar. "I see." he answered, shaking his head. "You won't be punished for speaking around here, so long as you don't go about being rude anyways." San nodded, finding herself in front of a large office door. Alucard simply opened it and stepped inside, waiting for her to come in.Walter coming in a matter of moments later only to stand by the door and block the only plausible means of exit. Grabbing a chair, Alucard motioned for San to sit down in it before moving to stand beside Integrals desk. "When you're ready Master."

R:
Integra sat forward slowly as she studied the girl in silence. "Hello San. I have no doubt you know who I am by now." Lifting her arms, she laced her fingers between each other. "I will be frank. Have you been informed why you were 'taken' from the Iscariot Organization? As a precaution. When it was discovered they had you, it was decided that for the best interest of Hellsing..and your welfare. that you would be recovered from no doubt the strange queries of Maxwell and his lackeys. But.." Lifting a finger, the heiress pushed back her glass. "In order for you to remain here -which I would suggest strongly- you must tell me what purpose you served as the subject of the Iscariot."

W:
San looked down at her lap after watching Integral speak.. trying to find her words. "At first.. I was just a toy to them.. they put me against their soldiers..To "train" them.." she looked back to Integral as she continued. "Then over the years.. Maxwell came.. and decided to use me as an experiment.." she looked to Alucard for a moment. "There..was a man.. a paladin they called him.." she sighed and closed her eyes. "I can't remember..what they wanted anymore.. all I remember is Father Anderson being sent in. We fought for a bit and I almost won.." she winced a bit as she held her head. "After that..I remember being beaten so badly they put me on a table, Father Anderson on one beside me." she opened her eyes again. "Since then.. all I remember is fighting." Alucard narrowed his gaze a bit as he watched her eyes..she was hiding something.. or she was afraid of something. Walking towards her he asked his own question. "Are you sure San?.. you seem to be hiding something.. is there nothing else you want to tell us?"

R:
The heiress lowered her hands to the table. "Raise your head. I want to see your eyes. You are a Nosferatu, or have you no pride left, San?" Integra's jaw twitched slightly. She wasn't annoyed with the girl, just her lacking sense of worth. It was a disturbing sight to the woman. "Do not take my presence lightly again. I offer you honesty and demand the same in return. While I cannot see what you are hiding..", she made a gesture to the vampire king to her side, "he will." With a sigh, she sat back in the chair, head tilting as she continued to stare back at the girl. "What did they do between you and Anderson?"

W:
San looked towards Integral again, lifting her head as told. "I don't know.. honestly.. There were so many doctors.." she tried to remember, anything.. something! She didn't want to make them angry at her, but she couldn't remember what it was they had done to her.. Alucard would look to Integral before speaking to San again. "Stand up." if the girl wouldn't tell them everything on her own.. San hesitantly stood up as told, watching Alucard nervously. "I am going to only give you one last chance to tell Integral before I bring it out of you with force San. Think hard." he received a strange look from Walter -Surely Alucard isn't going to hit her.. is he?- He couldn't see him doing that to the tormented vampiress. Then again..
San looked to Integral and then back to Alucard. "I don't know! Being on the table.. with all the doctors and Father Anderson..is all I remember aside from him and I fighting." Alucard turned to look at Integral. "Allow me."

R:
Integra blinked, her face showing no sign of pity toward the female's current situation, though secretly she did a great deal. "Sometimes the mind locks away memories as a defense. To make us numb to hardships we must continuously endure", the master explained. "I must find out what your true contribution to their motives was, San. Forgive me." Blue eyes shifted up to the red. Giving a short nod, Integra turned her head. She had nothing more to say at the moment.

W:
San had only time to look towards Alucard's frowning face before the much stronger vampire grabbed hold of her. Pinning her to his chest, she was too terrified to move. Eyes widening when Alucard lowered his head.. and bit into her throat. Wincing and pushing against his chest weakly, she closed her eyes as he drank from her.. gaining her knowledge. Alucard watched as in his mind images of San screaming and being restrained by the doctors as they cut into her passed by.

He didn't pay attention to that however.. he looked at the strange machinery they were using.. It took the blood from her and did something to it.. each time more went into Anderson, the more he would heal.. yet he didn't change. Drinking further, he watched as they placed something in her chest, Anderson being disconnected from the machine.. he saw only a glimpse of the rapidly healing priest as San screamed and arched her back, fighting for all she was worth to break free of them.

Letting go of her throat Alucard looked down at the shaking vampiress in his grasp. "San.. " he sat her down in the chair carefully, watching as she winced when he sealed her wound. He had some serious work to do with this girl.. he saw that now. "Integral.. they put something in her chest. As for Anderson.." he looked back to San. "They gave him his regeneration from her blood with a machine.." he didn't like this. There was a machine that could grant an advanced form of regeneration from San's blood and give it to a human.. they couldn't possibly just use it on Anderson alone..

R:
Integra's eyes narrowed as Alucard relayed the information to her. "Bastards..not one ounce of of morals among them", she spat, her attention returning to the girl. "What is within you will be removed. I'll take no chances with it being used again if I can help it. " She shifted in her seat, disgusted by the facts. "First a tap, and then a toy. The Vatican really has no sense of mercy." Lifting her head, she directed her attention to Walter. "When the item is removed, have it sent to be studied. I want to know how far the Iscariot will go to alter themselves for their phony cause."

W:
Walter nodded and moved to gently touch Sans shoulder. The girl jumped as she hadn't seen Walter when he came in. "Easy now, Come with me Miss San and I'll have that thing Iscariot put in you taken out." San watched as Walter extended his hand to her. Taking it hesitantly she was lead out by the steward and taken downstairs for preparations.

Alucard however.. "Disgusting.. " he shook his head as he walked towards Integral. "The images I saw.. I understand why San has been broken." he clenched his fists as he growled lowly. "Integral what they did to that girl was nothing more then savage.. it was as though the "Doctors" enjoyed toying with her open heart." he exhaled. "Though she is undead, She's still a woman.. and they used that against her." he looked at Integral again. "They've toyed with her emotions. Which is why she doesn't care for herself.. I noticed that when I caught a few glimpse of her fights. One moment she would be scared out of her wits and the next enraged. Then she'd go back to uncaring..all within a matter of moments."

R:
Integra tapped a finger on her desk, trying to keep herself calm. "They have left her all but a husk. Those men of god have forgotten themselves. I wonder how far they go before they realize what heretics they have become." The blond heiress turned her head up. "I will disagree with you about putting her solely in Seras' custody. It would do her good. She needs to witness a woman's pride in herself, and you cannot disagree that 'Police Girl' has more than enough to spare." Dropping her head again, she pushed her chair away. "I may be wrong, but I might know why the Judas Priest relieved her to you. Perhaps he has compassion for the purpose of his survival. And perhaps he is finally remembering what compassion is."

W:
Alucard snickered at Integrals comment concerning Police Girl. "True. Lets just hope she doesn't recall what Rage is before she discovers Pride." listening to Integral continue..he blinked. "Maybe.. there was something in his voice as he spoke to me." he looked towards the door. "I doubt it would be wise for me to go supervise the operation. San seems terrified of me now." he rubbed his temples before heading for the door. "I'll give it a shot I suppose, least thing we need is for her to go ballistic while the humans are trying to work on her."

R:
Standing up Integra came up behind him. "She may be terrified of you now, but I'm sure she'll come to realize what you did was for the best." Moving to his side, she brushed her hand against his arm. "I will come with you to watch. I want to see what the Vatican lapdogs have done with my own eyes." Tilting her head up, she shot him a look of concern before leaving the office. "Are you alright?

W:
Alucard sighed a bit at her question. "It bothers me to see a vampire, one from older days..one that came from my blood.." he thought back to the image of her on the table. "Destroyed so much. They crippled someone who even in my days had a fierce reputation." he shook his head. "I guess I'm just a little disappointed that's all. I almost hoped that she would.." he smirked at his own comment."Be like me." he gently took her hand in his, brushing his thumb across the back of her knuckles.

"Then again, who knows..perhaps with this machine out of her she'll come around..and with you as a leader I'm sure she'll get back her female fighting spirit." he snickered and kissed her cheek before letting go to walk down to the medical ward.. Only to be greeted by screams of agony. Seras ran up to them as they neared the door. "Master.. San..The machine is.." she got a look from Alucard "Spit it out Police Girl." Seras took a deep breath. "The Machine.. the surgeon must have hit something to keep it from being tampered with.. Shes.. glowing!"

Alucard quirked a brow and moved to look in through the mirror. Sure enough, the doctors had her restrained to the table with the very same restraints used on him long ago.. And she was glowing a bright white. Her entire body engulfed in the holy light causing the tortured girl to scream in pain as it seared her from the inside out slowly. Alucard snarled and ran to the door, almost bowling Walter over as he did. Getting inside he winced from the pain the holy light inflicted on him as he drew closer, the doctors not knowing what to do.

Alucard fought to grab San's shoulder, forcing her down onto the table, if she didn't hold still they couldn't operate. "San! Stay still!" he tried to get through to her, but the pain had all ready overwhelmed her. Bringing forth his shadows he would wrap her in them, smothering the light with his darkness to try and ease her pain. Looking at the dumbfounded doctors he growled."Hurry it up!" the doctors, jarred out of their confusion and shock by the Count tried their best to work on Sans writhing form. After a moment of struggle one of the doctors pulled the machine from her chest. Throwing it away they all jumped as it exploded on the other side of the room.

R:
Integra rushed forward, her hands grasping at the glass. Her eyes squinted at the white light, confused. Was this some form of restraint? She frowned deeply as Alucard rushed in to save the female's life, injuring himself in the process. Yet she knew there was nothing to be done. With baited breath she watched as the machine was pulled from the girl's chest, only to slam a fist against the glass as it exploded on impact. "Damn!", she shouted, angry at the situation all together. She didn't understand..why had they left something like that inside the girl past it's use?

W:
San stilled on the table when the machine was removed.. her body falling back against the table limply. Then Alucard remembered something.. "That monitor.. " he realized that the machine hadn't been just used to give Anderson her regeneration.. It controlled her in some way.. Looking down at the passed out woman he hoped it would be the last of the torture she would be put through as the doctors worked to seal her up.
Releasing his shadows he let go of her and moved away.. feeling as though he had been sun burned. He glanced down at his hands.. seeing that when he had grabbed her the material of his gloves palms had been burned away.. Returning to Integral he cursed. "It wasn't inactive.. It had another purpose..It had to be what that monitor was watching.." he shook his head and whirled around to punch the nearby wall..causing it to crack. "Those bastards made her weak and kept her so with that machine.." he turned to stare at where the machine had blown up. "and made it so that if she tried to remove it or fought them.." he growled loudly and clenched his fists.. -They will pay for this..-

R:
Integra listened to his words and blinked as she noticed his gloves. She frowned deeply at his display of anger, and stepped away to lean against an opposite wall. "Those bastards.."she sighed softly, "Are no better than my family." Her head dipped as she thought over what this would lead to for the girl. "That was her glove, Alucard. If you are going to get angry, then you might as well include Hellsing along with it." Erecting her posture again, she headed for the door, turning her head slightly in his direction, but not meeting his eye's as she stated the truth of the matter. "The only difference between them and me is how we play with our 'toys'."

W:
Alucard looked to Integral as she spoke.. she was right. They had done the same as her father had to him.. Shaking his head he calmed himself. "That's not the only difference Integral and you know it." he shot a look to her. "Hellsing doesn't keep me in a constant state of pain and screw with my emotions to control me." he turned away from her, actually quite pissed off at her comment. "If you don't believe there is a difference between you and those bastards at The Vatican.." he closed his eyes. "Then you aren't like your father as I thought Integral." he would glance to San again before shifting his gaze to Police Girl. "Take care of her Police Girl. Do what ever it takes." he began to phase away. "I'm disappointed with you Master.. I didn't think you were the type to think yourself as low as the Iscariot." her comment really made him wonder what she thought of the organization..and him. If there was no difference.. then he would technically be nothing different then San was to them.

R:
Integra openly flinched at his words. In that instant she knew she had belittled all that they had built in terms of a relationship..as well as the pride of her family. Stubbornly her pride caused her to continue on her own path. She would not correct him or take back her words. But slowly, as she walked down the hallway, the echos of her footsteps mimicked the emptiness she felt. Hadn't her history proved..Integra paused in her step and moved over to support herself against the wall with a hand. Slowly another pair of footsteps came up behind her and she felt a hand slip to her shoulder. Turning her head she blinked as Walter stared back at her, a frown on his face. "Sir Hellsing.."
She mimicked his expression with one of her own, choosing to remain silent as he continued to speak.

"I apologize, but I overheard the conversation between you and Alucard..and I must step past my boundaries to point out that your words are faulty, as he expressed. It does not take much to see the stark differences between your mission and the Vatican's. The bonds that hold Alucard's loyalty to you have much more importance than you speak of. I hope you will remember that." Dropping his hand, he walked away again, leaving the blond heiress alone to gather her thoughts. After a few moments she released a sad sigh and pushed away from the wall, determined to find the No Life King.


W:
Alucard had reappeared in the library, sitting down on the couch. Leaning forward he rested his head in his hand as he stared at the cold fireplace. "Does she.. honestly think that way?.." he gave a sigh. Looking to a small photo of Abraham on a desk across the room he shook his head. "Your daughter has more control over me..then these seals you placed on me. Somehow I think you knew I would feel for her eventually.." he laid back on the couch, boots resting on the far arm of it. Resting his arms behind his head he tried not to let the words affect him..but it was too late. "If she thinks so low of the Organization.." he tried to push the thought away..closing his eyes as a frown etched itself on his face.

R:
She had searched his room, the kitchen, and even gone as far as returned to her office in the far fetched hope that he would be there. Exiting the room, she sighed. Where had he gone? None of the maids could tell her, only giving the master apologetic bows as they hurried off in some opposite direction. "Alucard where are you?", she mumbled softly to herself as she continued on through the corridors. her head turned as she noticed a soft light spilling under the doors of the library. Taking her chances -and not knowing what else she could do- the heiress ventured towards the door and opened it partially. "Alucard?"

W:
Alucard gave only a soft sigh as a response before turning onto his side. He wondered when she would find him.. was she going to lecture him? He was in no mood for her superiority complex. He just wanted to be left alone as she had done enough to wound the undead count. Then again he knew she was more stubborn then to just leave him in peace after something like that. "What do you want Integral?" he spoke lowly, shifting a bit on the couch. "If you've come to give me a verbal lashing get it over with." it was more then apparent in his voice just how much she had insulted him. Not that he would ever admit it straight out.

R:
Integra closed her eyes for a moment, taking in a breath as she tried to keep herself calm. She could deal with his anger, she had done it plenty of times before. It hurt to much to hide the frown on her face, however, which stuck with her as she shortened the distance between herself and the lounging vampire. "I..was wrong. In my assumptions", she started, brows lowering as she forced herself continue. "I should not have belittled my family's name to the same level of the Vatican. And I should not have implied you to be nothing more than a toy for our cause." Her attention held steady on his form. "You are more..", her voice softened as she lifted a hand to her mouth and turned away, walking back towards the door. "I am sorry Alucard..for my very foolish statement."

W:
Alucard sighed heavily when he heard her words. "Don't go." he began to sit up on the couch, ready to get up to stop her if need be. "Integral.. I was harsh on you for that statement more then I should have been.." he watched her for a moment. "You are right to a degree.. I guess sometimes I just forget." he hid his face in his hand as he let an exhausted sigh. "My wounded pride got the best of me as I watched San. I should have been calm.. there isn't a real reason for me to be so angry..She is just as I am as you said. Better now I suppose." he closed his eyes again. "I guess even I have a heart somewhere when I can get so enraged when such maltreatment happens to someone."

R:
Integra paused, her hand holding on to the door handle lightly. "Now you're the wrong one..", the heiress stated, turning around. Slowly she made her way back to him, stopping only when she was in front of his form. Reaching out she took his wrist, pulling the hand away from his face. "You and she are not alike. And she is certainly no better than you." She slipped a finger under his chin,leaning down to bring her face close to his. "You are no toy, Alucard. A comrade, and a friend..but unlike the rest..", she smiled softly."A lover. The only person I will ever trust completely."

W:
Alucard smiled when she spoke, reaching up to grab her and pull her onto the couch with him. Laying back he grinned up at her as he brought her hand to his face. After kissing the back of it lightly he spoke. "For once I'm glad I'm wrong." he lifted his hand to brush some hair out of her face as he sat up just enough to kiss her lips.

R:
She kissed him back softly. "I take it I am forgiven?", she asked, the smile still on her face. "I never meant to make you doubt how important you were to me, Alucard. It was the fact of seeing the similarity between San's and your condition that made me falter in my pride." She rested her face against his palm. "As much as I would hate to admit growing soft, it made me also regret that I could free one, but held another standard for my own. That, I know my father would disapprove of. I am losing faith in my ability to be your Master.."

W:
Alucard looked at her for a moment before sighing and laying back. "I can't lie to you and say I don't wish to be free Integral.." he dragged his hand down her arm. "At the same time however.. if it wasn't for your father enslaving me I wouldn't of met you or be as strong as he made me." he pulled her to his chest and hugged her gently. Sighing again he looked down at her. "I need to ask you something very serious Integral.. it will decide what I do in our relationship." his gaze was saddened but calm.. whatever he was going to ask was a grave question indeed..

R:
Integra brushed a hand across the vampire's chest, listening to his own tribulations with being bound to her. Head resting on his chest, she ran the hand up and down his stomach gently. She was glad he was no longer angry with her, but still in a melancholy state over the entire issue. At his request, she tilted her head up, locking her eyes with his. "What you do?" Her brows met in confusion. "What is it, Alucard?"

W:
Alucard looked away for a moment before forcing himself to look her in the eyes as he spoke. " When you grow older.. " he closed his eyes.. his heart sinking in his chest as he thought about his question. "Will you.. join me in the dark? Because.." his eyes began to water with blood but he didn't pay attention. "Because.. I don't want you to die.. I won't bear eternity without you.." the reason he asked her such a strange question was the very same reason he never was..fully intimate with her. If he took her virginity.. she would no longer be able to join him in undeath.. She'd turn into nothing more then a ghoul. He wanted to love her fully..but he didn't want to lose her..

R:
Her hand stopped it's motions at the question. 'Breathe..', she reminded her self lightly, but found it as hard of a task as finding the words to reply. So many times she had refused him, with little more than a flinch. Her pride as a Hellsing had insured that answer. But at that moment she truly felt cold. Softly she lifted herself up from his chest, her eyes directed away from his tears. "I cannot..", she replied in the most gentle tone she could manage. "There must be a heir to carry on the line..I cannot be at your side after this lifetime, Alucard. You know what must come first, even before myself. I have.." She lifted a hand to brush away a stubborn tear of her own. "An obligation to the crown to continue the lineage of my fathers. I am sorry."

W:
Alucard closed his eyes and grit his teeth as a tear fell down the side of his face. "What if.. " he opened his eyes again. "What if I.." he looked away nervously.. how did he propose this? he had talked about it before but not so.. openly. "What if I gave you a heir?" he opened his eyes again, his heart feeling like it was being squeezed as he spoke. "Would you be willing to try to raise a child of mine?" he blushed a bit.. images of a family with her going though his mind.. a part of him actually longing for a true child of his own..

R:
At first, she could only respond in turn with a blush of her own. He was having a great deal of success in that moment at causing her to lose her words. "I..", she turned her face back to his. She lifted her hand to brush away the blood tear. "Yes, I would.." She knew that their child would be strong, worthy enough to carry on the pride of her duty. But she was confused as well. "I thought that you said you could not trust yourself for..", she paused, too embarrassed to continue with that statement. "What about the missing line?"

W:
Alucard gave her a soft smile when she said she would be willing. "I have your answer on my first question. I will keep it in mind for if and when we finish the..act." he blushed a bit again before laughing at himself. "Here I am carrying on like a school boy." he looked into her eyes for a moment."To be honest I don't think you would mind me biting you in a moment of passion." he gave her a devious grin as he continued, pulling her onto his chest tightly. "I can control myself when it comes to such things remember? I don't make ghouls unless I want to." he kissed her cheek before kissing her neck. "Though after we..consummate our.. relationship I'll just have to find another way to keep you with me for eternity after our child is born." he snickered, a smile spreading across his face. "I shouldn't like that idea as much as I do."

R:
Integra stared down at him, perking up with her own form of a smile at his bashfulness over the idea. She could over look the comment about biting for now, he was just too happy.. But there were more things about the issue that she would have to consider. "That is good, I'm glad you'll be able to 'control' yourself", she replied with a smirk. "As long as that reason will keep me in a position fit to serve Queen and country, I will be happy to spend eternity with you.." Her cheeks flushed even brighter at the idea. "However, before anything.. of that sort.. can happen, I will have to speak with her majesty. To see if an heir born out of wedlock can be forgiven to take a place among the knights. If not.." Integra closed her eyes. "There is much to consider before that.."

W:
A strange look would appear in the No Life King's eyes as he thought of what he would have to do.. "Well.. looks like I have some planning to do." he concentrated on a group of related thoughts before grinning. A blush appearing on his cheeks again as he moved to kiss her cheek. Standing upright he made his way towards the door. "Before anything is done, I need to check up on an old friend. Do you mind if I take off for a couple of days.. if I promise to be a good boy?" he smirked towards her as he grabbed the doorknob, he was going to go check on San before preparing for his unannounced journey.

R:
Her brow rose. "A journey?" Her lips drew in a thin line. "Yes..I suppose you can, I've sent you on missions without my supervision." She gave him a short nod before correcting her glasses on her nose. "I will trust you to stay gone only for those 'couple' days..if any longer.." Integra smirked, pulling at the waist of her jacket. "Don't make me send Walter after you." The heiress chuckled and turned her back to the door to have a look around the library. "Have fun, Alucard. Don't make too much trouble."

W:
Alucard grinned and disappeared downstairs. Finding San in stable condition put him a bit more at ease as he continued on his way to find Walter. After talking with the steward for a moment,it was settled. Alucard watched as Walter phoned Her Majesty The Queen and arranged for a meeting. Grinning like a mad-man.. Alucard returned to the Medical ward to find Police Girl. "I will be leaving for a day or so. I have some things I need to arrange and people to see. Make sure San and Integral are well protected. Don't disappoint me Police Girl." Seras straightened her posture and gave a nod."Yes Sir Master."

R:
Integra remained in the library for an hour more, thinking over what she had said. 'A child with Alucard..' Her eyes closed. There would be so much to fight against. If the Queen did not excuse her from the marriage rights, how would she explain it to Alucard? She had already agreed to have the child. But if they were unable to inherit the Hellsing's seat at the round table.. She sighed. There would have to be negotiations, she knew that all to well. Visits, pledges, and as much as she hated the idea, ways to console the other knights once they got word of the pregnancy. So much to consider. Walking towards the door she inhaled. If she could handle battling the evils of the world, she would not be frightened to ask the Queen to have a child. Her pride simply wouldn't let her.

W:
Alucard's meeting was arranged for tomorrow morning, a few of the Knights would be present as well.In the end however it would be the Queen's choice. Alucard had to admit to himself that he was a bit nervous, there were many things the Queen controlled.. She could force Integral to execute him if she wished. Shaking the thought from his mind he reassured himself as he recalled the many things he had done for the Crown.

Surely his request would at least be considered.. he hoped. Returning to his coffin he set his internal "alarm clock" to wake him so he could get properly prepared for his meeting in the morning.. as much as he loathed the sun. As hours would pass, Alucard would awake at six in the morning.. his appointment at seven on the dot. He couldn't afford to be late..that wouldn't help his chances any.

Having a quick shower and brushing his long hair back into a neat ponytail, he dressed in a black business suit with a red tie. Placing the diamond cuff links Integral had given him on as a finishing touch. -Let's hope this works my love..- he thought to himself though it was directed to Integral. Not that she would hear. Placing his orange lenses on his nose he phased outside into the morning light.. cursing a bit as he walked down town. Phasing here and there when there weren't many people, he made it to the Queens palace.. The guards opening the gates for him.

R:
She had woken up a few hours later, rested and ready to get down to the business of the day. Which included calling the Queen. Immediately upon sitting at the desk she called the royal offices..only to be deny even a message of relay to her majesty. Integra's jaw set as she slammed the phone back to it's base. Grumbling to herself, she pushed body into the chair's back, scowling deeply. Why wasn't she being allowed to speak to the Queen? A hand ran itself over her face. Perhaps the Queen was in no mood to deal with the affairs of Hellsing today..

W:
Alucard entered the great hall, the Queen sitting upon her throne with numerous guards and Knights around her. Much to the shock and dismay of the knights, the Queen would beckon for him. "Come Alucard.. Allow me to see you." Alucard would draw closer and drop to a single knee. Keeping his head still as the Queen ran her hands around his face.. "Still the same I see.." He smiled softly. "Just as you are.. Still so beautiful." the Queen would give a soft laugh. "Such flattery Alucard.. your request must be quite dire.." Alucard gave a slight nod as the Queen cupped his cheeks. "It is your Majesty." the Queen nodded lightly in response.

"Tell me then what you have come for." Alucard drew in a breath as he spoke. "I have fallen in love with my Master, Sir Hellsing." the Knights gasped and whispered amongst themselves only for the Queen to raise her hand for silence. "Continue." Bowing his head he started again. "I have been granted a dating status by Sir Hellsing.. I ask your permission for her hand in marriage." He could feel the shock from the Knights and even a bit from the Queen herself.. but he continued. "I realize what position this may place the Crown, however it would bring forth a heir to continue the Hellsing line as is our duty. A strong descendant to protect England and you of course..Your Majesty."


R:
Integra held the document up to her eye, squinting lightly. She had to concentrate. 'Promise to..' A frustrated grunt exited her lips as she threw the paper to the table once more. She couldn't do this with everything left on her mind. It was hard on the heiress to leave things unsettle for too long and on this matter..she was even more anxious to do so. Lifting a cigar from the case, she placed it to her lips and fixed the other end. "I wonder what Alucard has gone off to do..", she thought out loud, blowing a thin line of smoke into the air. "I'd hardly think he'd find some way to solve the problem of immortality within a day's time.." The heiress laughed at the idea. "I wonder though..what from that night sparked this off time of his.." She tilted her head and inhaled again from the cigar. "I guess I'm bound to find out when he returns.."


W:
The Queen would listen in silence as Alucard spoke, remaining silent even when he finished. After a moment she would speak "Alucard.. this is a great request. You realize this do you not?" Alucard exhaled a bit. "I do." The Queen continued after his reply. "You will be held responsible just as much as Sir Hellsing for the Hellsing Organizations actions."

Alucard looked to one of the Knights as he replied. "I understand and I will gladly accept the duties required." The room was filled with more soft mutters from the Knights as they looked at Alucard.. they knew all too well what his past was like with the Hellsings. "Look at me Alucard." The Queen turned his head towards her again."I shall grant your request.. on the condition that Sir Hellsing accepts your request for marriage. If not she will be forced to choose from one of the eligible Knights that stand near me in order to bring forth a heir to her estate. I grant you this request only due to your unfailing service to God and Country present and past. Should she deny your request however.. I will not allow you another. Do you understand Alucard?"

Alucard bowed low to her as he spoke.. "I do..I thank you for your kindness and courtesy Your Majesty." The Queen gave a soft smile to him as she motioned for him to stand. "I shall have the documents prepared for you, I will seek a reply from Sir Hellsing within thirty days time. You may take your leave now." Alucard bowed again before stepping back and turning to leave.

R:
Integra had left the office a short while afterward, seeking a way to clear her mind yet again. Head raised, she passed through the hallways of her estate, eyes flickering across the occasional image of one of her ancestors and their accomplishments. She paused as she crossed over the main entrance, stopping short as her eyes caught hold of her father's portrait across from the left flight of stairs. The rare smile she had always tried so hard to get as a child.. tilting her head she continued to stare up at the former Hellsing leader, studying the image. 'If only you could talk now..', she whispered to herself. "Would you still be proud? Did you know something like this would happen?" The heiress paused briefly before laughing softly as she turned to walk away. "I may be going crazy, father.."

W:
Alucard would leave the palace, heading further downtown towards a florist. Picking out six dozen fresh red roses he arranged for them to show up at a certain time and place. Glancing up with hatred towards the sun he continued on his way only to make a reservation at the fancy restaurant/ballroom he had taken her to before.
Everything had to be set up perfectly.. he wanted to show her just how special she was to him. A candlelight dinner would be arranged along with certain songs and a waltz. The last stop would be a jeweler.. or well.. multiple until he found one to his and hopefully her liking. By the time he returned to the Manor it would be late in the evening, the ring hidden in his pants pocket. The arrangements set for tomorrow.

R:
"Thank you", she expressed to a maid as her dinner was taken away in front of her and replaced with tea. Sliding her chair away from the table, Integra stood and grabbed the cup, making her way back to her office. There was still a few more papers to sign and address before she could retire for the day, not to mention checking with Walter for tomorrow's plans. 'At least today went smoothly apart from these past few', she remarked, happier that she progressed rather far in her paper work and obligations for that day.

Entering her office she closed the doors behind her. Blue eyes flickered up to stare through the windows as she approached her desk. "I wonder when he'll be back", she stated to herself out loud. Sipping at the drink, she paused by her chair and continued to watch the city lights in the distance. "More so I really would like to know what he has been up to.."


W:
Alucard would choose that time to walk in through the front doors. Not changing his appearance or anything as there was no need to. Giving a soft yawn behind his gloved hand he would make his way downstairs. A maid seeing him descend and going to Integral's office to inform her of his previously unannounced arrival. Alucard returned to the medical ward, watching as the doctors coaxed a weakened San to drink. She was in rough shape from earlier more mentally then anything else as her body was almost healed completely. Police girl not even knowing of his visit as she had scampered off to the ladies room. Alucard retired to his room, simply laying down on top of his coffin tiredly.. and to get off his tired feet.

R:
Hearing a knock at her door, Integra turned around, setting the cup on the desk. "Enter." The maid did so and bowed deeply. "Master Alucard has returned, Sir. Should I ask him to come to your office?" The blond heiress shook her head and left her work where it laid, she could finish the rest tomorrow. Right now she was anxious to see Alucard again and see just what he had been up to. Briefly pausing enough to ask the maid to straighten up the office, she headed off towards his room in a slightly quickened pace.

W:
Alucard had dozed off on the top of his coffin during the time it took for the maid to deliver her message to Integral. He was exhausted, his eyes closed underneath his glasses and his tie flicked across his chest due to the speed he had lowered himself onto the coffin. It wouldn't be until Integral drew closer to his room that he would begin to awaken, his eyes fluttering just lightly.

R:
Knocking once on his door, Integra entered the room. "Alucard?" Slowly walking in the darkness, she wondered to herself if now would be the appropriate time to talk to him about his day. Brushing a finger across the bridge of her nose she instinctively corrected herself. If she -didn't- speak to the count, she would just be left in her room later thinking about it instead of sleeping. "How was your trip?"

W:
Alucard lifted his glasses as he sat up. Giving a soft groan as he rubbed at his eyes. "Tiring. Stressful." he sat his glasses on the top of his head. "You and I have plans tomorrow though. Don't let me forget." he chuckled a bit as he was sure she would put up a fuss about not being informed.. but that was all he'd say.

R:
"Could you enlighten me what these plans are?", she asked initially. He was silent. Integra huffed, crossing her arms in front of her. "Bastard. I hope you do forget." He was up to something and she didn't know whether to be intrigued or continue to act pissed over it. "Well if you are tired, I will leave you to sleep.." With a sigh she turned back around, slowly making her way back through the darkened room. "Goodnight Alucard."

W:
Alucard smirked at her again, watching as she left him to his rest. "Goodnight Integral.. I hope you enjoy tomorrow.." he spoke lowly before moving to get into his coffin. Sending a mental message to Walter, finding that the Steward was preparing for bed himself. -"Tomorrow is very important Walter.. I need your help."- Alucard would listen to the man's mind, hearing his reply in his thoughts.

-"Oh? What do you have in mind?"- Alucard sighed a bit and closed his eyes as he spoke to the old Angel of Death. -" I'm..asking Integral to marry me.. "- Walter was in shock to say the least but he tried to keep a steady voice. -" I see.. I will do what I can to get her ready for your proposal."- -"Thank you Walter."- was all Alucard would say before trying to sleep.. needing his rest and courage for the next days events.


R:
"Enjoy what tomorrow?", she asked herself, moving back up through the stairwells and corridors to her room. ,i>'Perhaps he has a date or something planned.' With a roll of her eyes, Integra pushed open her bedroom door and sighed. 'Well, that would be obvious.. but why is he being so secretive about it?' She pulled the tie of her suit loose, laying it on the dresser. 'It must be something important..' Her mind continued to reel as he undid the buttons of her coat and shirt. 'Maybe he has something to show me?' Going on about finishing the rest of her night's preparations, the blond heiress had to force herself from thinking too much about the subject. She would just have to be patient and wait until tomorrow.


W:
Tomorrow's dawn would come early for the two lovers. Alucard raising and getting dressed, he would awaken Walter. Summoning the steward, he handed him a note written in his best calligraphy. Inside the note in red ink was the following message: Good morning Integral, I have a special evening planned for us, I hope you are anxious. I will see you at 5pm, Be ready. Love: Alucard" Walter would rest note on the tray along with Integrals breakfast, having all ready called in a designer for her. Entering her office he would place the tray along with the tea on her desk, standing in wait so he could give her notice.


R:
She had dressed rather quickly that morning, sparing herself no time to soak in the bath. She had woken up already alert and ready to find out just what her monster had been up to the day before and what -exactly- he had planned for that day. And the sooner she found out the better she would feel, or so she supposed..Integra pushed the nose piece of her glasses up as she marched on to her office. Noticing the already present inside, she tilted her head slightly. "Good Morning Walter." Setting down at the desk she lifted her coffee up from the tray and sipped at it lightly. Have you the schedule for today already set out?"

W:
Walter nodded lightly to her. "You have a dress-fitting at Noon, as for before then, I've been told to limit your paperwork intake. After the fitting I am to drive you to a certain address. That's all for today." he smiled lightly to her. "As per Master Alucard's orders." he chuckled as he headed for the door to let her enjoy her breakfast. "Whatever he has planned is important.. enough that is willing to risk your wrath."

R:
The cup shook slightly in her hands. "I have a what..?" Oh, she would get him. Whatever that vampire had planned she was more than ready to get to. Setting the delicate china container back on its tray, she reached for the note. Her jaw set as she read it --obviously annoyed by the little game. Integra huffed and tossed the note to her desk. She had a good mind just to appear to this 'date' dressed in usual clothes, regardless of what Alucard had ordered.

Glaring up at the older male the heiress lifted up the muffin from her breakfast array. "Fine. But he will certainly be getting more than an earful later today." Eating a bit of the baked good she dropped her attention to the small stack of papers ready for her. "Please come for me when the dress maker is here. Thank you."

W:
Walter gave a nod as he left, closing the doors behind him. -I hope you are prepared Alucard..- he chuckled to himself as he went about his daily business. Hours would pass by and Walter finally returned as she had ordered. The dressmaker ready and waiting with numerous fabrics and textures. Alucard however was no where to be seen, getting ready on his own.

Having spent an hour in the shower washing his hair and making sure he was as squeaky clean as possible, he dabbed a bit of cologne on himself, not too much but enough for a light scent. Returning to his room he listened and heard the noise he had waited for.. the doorbell. Walter going to the door only to be surprised by a bunch of finely dressed men with six dozen red roses.. all for Integral. "Oh dear.. This way." he lead the way to Integrals office.. opening the door for the men as they went and displayed the flowers to her. "Excuse us, but an "Alucard" ordered these for you.. Where would you like us to put them?" Walter blinked, all ready heading to find a bunch of vases.

Alucard got dressed in a finely made tuxedo with a red shirt underneath, a boutonniere of a red rose to be added along with those diamond cuff links of Abrahams. Brushing his hair he left it untied this time, finding he looked better without it tied back in this attire. Leaving his glasses he adjusted himself a bit as he looked into the mirror. Reaching into his pocket he flipped open the small black velvet case which held the ring he hoped she would accept.. an elegant and rather large diamond accented by two smaller ones on a 24 karat gold band. Taking a deep breath.. he ran through what he would say..


R:
Integra promptly ordered the dressmaker to her office, a light scowl appearing on her face. She hated this and knew that Alucard knew the same. Yet..here she was, possibly completely out of her mind. Standing up from her desk to wait for the tailor's arrival, an unexpected visitor entered her office instead, a boy carrying an arrangement of roses. Integra's eyes narrowed as she gestured over to a table at one side of her office, only to see five others in the wings.

Pinching the bridge of her nose she let out a sigh and waved the men away with a lightly spoken thank you. "Alucard what on earth..", she mumbled as she stood by the six bunches of red roses. Lifting one up, she looked about for any other intruders of the moment before bringing them to her face. They were quite beautiful after all..The man from before entered at that time, chuckling at the sight of the heiress indulging in one moment of feminine habit.

Integra bit her lip to hide away the urge to shout back at his quiet entrance, but knew the only way she would be able to get through the next ordeal would to keep an even head. Sighing she set the arrangement back on the table, turning towards the dressmaker. Lifting her chin, she shot the poor man a cheeky grin. "I have already decided what I will be choosing for tonight. Hurry up and get your notes." The dressmaker flinched at the change of attitude, but quickly disposed of the cloth samples in his hands and waved over his assistant. Integra laughed, if the count wanted her to come dressed as a proper lady, she certainly wouldn't disappoint.


W:
Alucard was getting frustrated.. trying his best to write her something.. anything.. Some way of telling her what he wished. A Poem.. a song.. Something! Then it came to him.. Grinning he would go outside.. and throw a small rock at Integrals office window. He would wait calmly, but throw another rock here and there until she opened the window.. he hoped she would like what he had in mind..and that he would get it right.

R:
Integra watched as the short man moved himself around around the hem of her dress, pinning a lacy black trim along the red satin's edge. She had been relieved to note that he had not once pinned her this time, fortunately sparing her legs. Slowly she began to notice the random taps against her office windows. Lifting her head, she waited for the sound to continue, and did so as a rock from below the short terrace was sent flying into one of the window panes. "Stop, please", she commanded, but was stopped by the dressmaker on her path towards the window.

The dressmaker begged her to at least step out of the cloth for the time being, in hopes that the pins would not loose their places. Integra sighed and nodded and waited with as much patience as she could manage as the little man and his assistant removed the dress from around her. Still in her pants, she picked up her shirt from a nearby chair and continued on to see what the source of her 'interruption was.
Opening the terrace door, she stepped out, buttoning her shirt still as she looked over the banister. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of the man standing below. "What do you want, Alucard?"


W:
Alucard actually was blushing.. clearing his throat he tried to make his voice work, finding himself just a bit nervous.

"But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Integral is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she:
Be not her maid, since she is envious;
Her vestal livery is but sick and green
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off."
Alucard took a deep breath and raised a gloved hand to the back of his head. "I'm a bit rusty with this type of thing.." he chuckled softly at himself.

R:
She was set to scream. Set to demand that he tell her just -what- exactly he thought he was doing ruining a perfectly good work day with these random 'events' of his. But as he began to recite those words..Her mouth dropped open, just as loss for words as he had been earlier. How was she supposed to respond? Not wanting to seem too much of a fool, she brought up a gloved hand to her mouth, quickly correcting her 'fallen jaw'. This was just so extremely silly..she really shouldn't be as amazed as she was.. But she could not fight the fact that she was at the moment blushing.
She tilted her head as she dropped her hand again. "What..why are you..?, she tried to ask, raising a brow at his strange behavior.

W:
Alucard adjusted his tie a bit as he fought to continue.
"It is my lady, O, it is my love!
O, that she knew she were!
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?
The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,
As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven
Would through the airy region stream so bright
That birds would sing and think it were not night." Alucard finished and took another deep breath, laughing again as he looked up at her. "I hope I got it right for you.. I haven't read Shakespeare in nearly fifty years.. I guess I'll leave you alone now that I've made a fool of myself." he turned beginning to head back inside to go downstairs.

R:
Integra blinked. He was just going to leave after all of that? "Alucard, wait..", she stated, leaning over the banister slightly. "It was..very lovely." She stared at the retreating figure and sighed, lifting up enough to turn around. "For such a span of time..you recited it wonderfully. Thank you." She smiled softly, mostly to herself and raised her head. "I will see you tonight..I hope you will explain what all of this is about then. I am getting tired of being in the dark.." Shrugging her shoulders she retreated back inside to her office, waiting for the last of the preparations for that night to be finished and soon.

W:
Alucard stopped and looked up at her as he watched her leave. Smiling widely to himself he felt his heart flutter as he listened to her. Heading back downstairs he watched the clock impatiently.. waiting..willing for time to pass by quicker if only briefly so that he could ask her his question.. and reveal to her just why he had been so secretive..-Please.. let her accept..- he prayed silently to himself.

R:
The dress had been made on time in thanks to a small miracle. After goodbyes to the dressmaker and his assistant (including a rather large tip), Integra had finally been left to prepare for the night. It had been rather easy on her part, all except for the issue of her hair. Unaccustomed to doing anything to the blond locks aside from a good brush through, she had practically fretted away for half an hour on it until a soft knock came to her door. Dropping her brush with a huff, she bid the person on the other side to enter.

He came in with a smile on his face, holding on to the case with the necklace Alucard had given her in hand. Integra nodded and reached forward to take the jewelry from the butler's hands, only to have her fingers swatted away by the servant. Turning up a curious eye, she was immediately directed back to her chair, the case set down in front of her. Confused, she sat silently until the older man's hand reached for the brush. Integra blinked, completely shocked at his actions. "Really Walter, you don't have to..", she started.

Walter chuckled in his own deep manner before hushing her. Picking up a hand full of hair pins he made quick work of her hair, setting it up as a loose knot at the nape of her neck. To say the heiress was astonished was an understatement. "I won't even ask how you know how to do this.", she remarked as she reached over to open the necklace case. The rubies were still as remarkable as they had been the night of the ball..Taking them from his master's hands, the butler pulled them around Integra's neck and fastened the clasp. "There you are sir."

W:
Alucard was glad when the time came, Disappearing he phased downtown.. Heading for the restaurant to make sure that everything was prepared as he had planned.. he couldn't afford a single slip up. He needed this night to be perfect as he knew he would only get one shot.. and he knew Integral would not be pleased due to the small amount of time they had been dating.

He only hoped she didn't think this was all a ploy just for him to be able to have intercourse with her. Or worse, to get free of his bonds.
Seeing the restaurant decorated with red roses and candles, everything polished and made to be of highest class possible.. He took in a deep breath. Having asked Walter previously about Integrals favorite food, he had it arranged along with the finest Merlot.. it had cost Alucard quite a great deal of money.. happy he had ways of attaining such funds. There were quite a few rich couples, all of which gave him a nod in greeting. Returning the gesture, he would go to the musicians to make sure that the songs were all prepared. Then.. he would wait for Walter to bring the guest of honor..

R:
The car ride had been a silent one over. It was clear that the heiress was still incredibly anxious to see why she had to be so doted upon. The flowers, the balcony scene, the dress..Alucard had some strange whims indeed. Was this just to celebrate that she had consented to have his child? A bare hand twitched slightly in her lap. She had not been able to contact the queen yet..what was she to she to say to him?

Feeling the car stop in front of a familiar resturant, she waited for Walter to approach her side of the car and open the door. Sliding out, she stood up and brushed the red satin dress smoothly. She felt strange, as always, dressed in something of this nature. And tonight she had really taken it to the hilt. The dress had hung over every curve she hadn't thought she had, cut low in the back and 'V'ed in the front to accentuate the necklace's presence. All together, this was possibly the most she'd ever look like an actual lady of her station. She hoped Alucard would agree.
With the door of the restaurant opened for her, Integra gave Walter a final nod before disappearing inside, holding tightly to a small clasp purse. 'Gods I hope this isn't some strange trick', she thought, closing her eyes briefly as she was directed towards a table.


W:
Alucard stopped dead in his tracks as he saw his love walk in.. Many of the other couples watching her in awe as well. Shaking himself out of his stupor he made his way to the table just as she did.. pulling the chair out for her."I'm glad you've come.. you look absolutely astounding.." he smiled to her widely, even doing his best to down play his fangs.. now that was a task all of its own.

Moving to take his seat, he grinned when he saw the waiters bringing out Integral's dish on a silver platter. Another waiter, bringing out the bottle of Merlot to go with it. After pouring them each a glass, they stepped away, Alucard simply waiting for a small bottle of specially made "wine" to be brought and slowly mixed into his glass along with the Merlot. Integral would be able to recognize the substance given its consistency.. Blood. Alucard only wished for that, he wanted this to be her evening.. he didn't need anything. "I hope you aren't too angry with me for being so secretive.."

R:
Integra sat down, raising only a single brow at his comment. Her idea had worked perfectly. "No..I am no longer angry. Just confused as to why you've gone through all this trouble.." Her head lifted up as she inspected the restaurant. "A great deal of trouble..", she added, turning her attention back to him. She could ask him directly or wait for him to explain himself, she gathered, the later being more preferable. Picking up her glass she took a small sip, finally looking at her food. A small smile lifted her mouth as blue eyes flickered back up to meet his. "I wonder.."


W:
Alucard blushed faintly when she spoke of being curious.. he couldn't just tell her out right.. "You will see. The reason behind all of this will be shown in good time." He looked to the musicians who began to play a soft tune for while she was eating. Lifting his glass he took a sip, quirking a brow when he heard the beginning of her statement. "You wonder what?" he wanted to know what she thought but he would wait for her to continue at her leisure.

He was so nervous, he didn't understand why, but he was. He had been with a woman before.. but.. she was so different then his wife of old.. In so many ways. Then again many things were different from his time.. He hoped that she wouldn't become enraged at him for "rushing" things.. but the documents from the Queen had arrived earlier in the day.

Walter keeping them from the usual mess of papers she had to deal with.. he would put them back when he returned to the Manor. Inside there would be a notice with the Queens signature, giving her permission to wed Alucard.. under the condition that she reply within 30 days.. a note added stating this request would not be honored again and the consequences would be her marrying a knight. Everything Alucard and the Queen had discussed written formally upon the parchment.. Waiting for her return.

R:
"I wonder if this has anything to do with the 'agreement' I made two nights ago with you", Integra replied, blushing lightly. "To have a..", she stopped, setting her fork down on her plate. She needed to confess to him, now before the night grew to late. "Alucard..I must admit..I've tried reaching the Queen on the matter.." The heiress drew in a sad sigh. "She has not replied to any of my calls yet. If this is a dinner to celebrate that.." She lifted her eyes back up to the vampire king. "I'm afraid celebrations have been set too early. If the majesty will not grant a pardon for marriage.."Integra closed her mouth and drew back in her chair. "I am sorry.."

W:
Alucard chuckled as he listened to her confession. "I know that all ready.." he got up from his seat, slowly going towards her. "And I know why she wouldn't respond to your calls.." he took a deep breath and closed his eyes ..-Now or never I suppose.. Come on Vlad.. get a hold of yourself.. you're a grown man for god's sake!- he opened his eyes again as he continued.

"I am the reason she didn't take your call Integral..because I needed to ask her for something very great.." with that he moved to a single knee in front of her, bowing his head as he reached into his pocket and removed the box with the ring..Opening it he held it to her. "I wanted to ask her.. if I had permission to ask your hand in marriage.." he looked up at her, if his heart had been beating.. it would have stopped. "I hope, my only request is not in vain or has upset you.." his hands were shaking.. he just bowed his head again and concentrated on hanging onto the box so as not to drop it.. "So I ask of you ..Integral Wingates Hellsing.. " he forced his gaze to hers again. "Will you do me the honor of.. becoming my wife?"