Chapter Text
The moon glowed lovingly in the sky. Clouds long parted for the night, revealing the many stars shining down upon the world. Within the dark forest, a figure wanders through the maze of nature. Curious eyes gazed upon the world around them – filled with fascination and uncertainty.
“You there.”
The child whipped around, finally meeting your gaze. You stepped out from your hiding spot behind the trees. “Are you lost?”
The child took a step back. His expression became conflicted and afraid. Noticing his hesitation to speak, you smiled as gently as you could.
“Don’t worry, I used to get lost in here too,” you said.
The child blinked. “Really?”
“Yeah. And I get scolded a lot too for coming home late.”
His lips curled into a genuine smile.
“Did you come from one of the towns outside?” You asked.
He nodded and you strode down the path ahead of him. “I can lead you to the entrance of the forest at least. Do you know the way back from there?”
“Y-Yeah,” the child replied, hurrying after you down the forest path.
“It’s very dangerous to be here at this hour. Especially on your own.” You glanced over your shoulder, noticing the young child’s stare. “Were you scared?”
“A little.”
You smiled, extending your hand out to him. He hesitated at first, but with one step forward, the child grasped your hand. The two of you walked together through the forest, walking past trees and various hidden paths.
“Do you live in the forest alone, Miss?” The child asked.
“Sometimes,” you replied. “But not always.”
You could feel his eyes on you, brimming with a burning curiosity. At the moment, the branches swayed with the sudden wind. Gasping loudly, the startled child whipped around at the darkness behind him.
“Relax, we’re almost there,” you assured.
He shakily nodded, following closely. “Aren’t you scared, Miss?”
“No. I have walked through this forest many times,” you mused. “Nothing here scares me these days.”
Upon reaching the entrance of the forest, you released the child’s hand.
“I have to go now. You should probably avoid the forest from now on,” you advised. “Take care.”
You turned away from the child.
“Wait!” You stopped in your tracks at his sudden cry. “Who are you?”
A sense of nostalgia hit you. Slowly, you glanced behind your shoulder at the child and smiled wryly.
“That… I can’t say.”
The forest was quiet. Only your footsteps filled the calm silence. But you knew this tranquil hour would soon come to an end. Because you could sense the presence following you through the shadows.
Because he was already here.
“What did I tell you about leaving on your own?” His voice spoke right next to your ear – deep and commanding.
“I was only going for a walk,” you replied.
He scoffed. Arms wrapped around your waist possessively from behind.
“A ‘walk’ you say?” Alucard whispered lowly. “With a human child?”
“He was only lost.”
“That child would have found his way out eventually. There was no need for you to be his guide.”
“And what did you intend to do once he stumbled upon our home?”
Alucard merely smiled against your jaw. He grasped your chin, tilting it upwards.
“We had an agreement. You were not to leave without me.” He picked up one of the ends of the red ribbon tied around your neck. With one tug, it came loose. “No excuses.”
Your shoulders stiffened at his mouth latching onto your exposed throat. The cold contact sent shudders down your spine.
“I didn’t complain when you leave for your ‘walks’,” you retorted.
“You need more time before you can finally withstand the sunlight,” Alucard chuckled against your skin. “Besides, I had some unfinished business to take care of.”
“With the Hellsing Organisation?” You winced at his teasing bite.
“Someone has been sneaking into my study.”
Alucard released you from his hold and you turned to face him, noticing an expression of nostalgic melancholy on his features. Even without asking, you knew. The memories you had seen were enough to reveal the fate of his comrades.
“As long as I don’t get in their way, no one would come to disturb us. That was what everyone had agreed on,” Alucard said.
Your lips parted slightly, almost hesitant to ask. “Did you…”
“No,” he smiled at you. “Since you agreed to stay with me.”
Relief flooded your entire form. Soon, the both of you embarked on the path home.
“Did you manage to visit them?”
“Yes.”
Footsteps and the swaying of branches filled the silence that followed.
“…Do you miss them?”
The both of you stopped in your tracks. His eyes met yours and a small smile appeared on his lips.
“They have made their decisions without regrets. The very least I could do is to remember how they lived to the very end – be it admirable or foolish.”
Alucard continued walking ahead. Without hesitation, you followed after him. “What about that woman you turned into a vampire?”
“Seras?” He paused. “The last I heard from her, she had decided to stay with that human mercenary. I have not seen either of them after I awoken from my slumber. And if the corrupted dogs had yet to capture them successfully, that would mean…” Noticing your expression, he smirked slyly. “Are you concerned that we were close?”
You quickly scoffed. “Of course not.”
“Really?” He leaned closer to you, invading your personal space. “Were you not the slightest bit bitter when you found out about her?”
You frowned and he laughed.
“A little jealousy does not hurt, my dear. But maybe now you realise how I feel whenever I see you with another man.” Alucard snaked an arm around your waist, grasping your chin upon pulling you close against his body. “You don’t need anyone else. If anything, you should desire me more. Fill your head with nothing but your lover and beloved master.”
Gloved fingers traced the outline of your jaw, slowly lifting themselves to intertwine with locks of your hair. Half-lidded eyes locked with your gaze.
“Even if you were to fall into the depths of madness and sin, as long as you give your everything to me… I’ll gladly guide you through the endless nights,” Alucard whispered deeply. “As your one and only accomplice.”
Lifting one of your hands from your side, his lips pressed against the knuckle of your ring finger. A fond expression spread across his features at the symbol of a vow both of you shared. Eventually, Alucard’s mouth searched for yours, sealing your lips against his for what felt like eternity. His breath mingled with yours. The chilling evening wind was nothing against the comfort of his arms.
You heard him whisper your name softly once he finally withdrew from your swollen lips. Gently, you whispered his name and smiled at the fond expression Alucard bestowed upon you. The loving caress his hand gave to your cheek was enough for you to know how precious you are to him. You held your hand out and Alucard grasped it, connecting your fingers and his.
The moon watched over the both of you, until it could no longer reach the destination shadows call home.