A/N: Aug. 2019. This chapter has been revisited, rewritten and… revamped, I guess. New (and hopefully improved) version corresponds to chapter 8. You can still read this if you want, but I'm sure you can find something more productive with your time.

Formal and Fancy

This would not be an ordinary evening.

Integra Hellsing, now fifteen years old, would be presiding a small, albeit fancy party celebrating her birthday. Her faithful butler was surprised to see her so eager to attend it, the girl never having displayed similar interests before. The convention of twelve would be there, as well as a few of their relatives, and the young lady decided it would be the perfect occasion to show them how much she had grown and matured over the years, and that their efforts had not been in vain.

That sounded fine and reasonable. The only thing Walter couldn't quite understand was why that maturity had to be shown in the form of Alucard also being present at the gathering; even worse, as her companion.

"They need reassurance that Hellsing's trump card is under control and undoubtedly loyal to our cause," the blondie explained. "I want them to know I can command Alucard as efficiently as father and sir Abraham did, even if I don't use the same methods."

The old hunter nodded but still couldn't quite agree. Alucard was a dangerous weapon, the last resource that was supposed to remain hidden and kept a secret. Even if he did disguise his appearance, even if he did behave properly, even if the only people able to recognize him were the people who were supposed to in the first place, was that approach truly necessary? Walter had tried persuading his little master to take a different course of action, but she had made up her mind. It also unnerved him that Alucard, not only didn't protest, but was also very enthusiastic about nearly socializing with the "boring old men", as he liked to put it; of course Walter knew it had nothing to do with them, but rather, with pleasing the Hellsing head.

The one thing that had the butler worried was that the affection the vampire had instantaneously developed towards Integra upon their meeting was becoming a mutual feeling from her part. She had recently acquired the habit of rewarding the No-Life King with kind words, stroking his cheeks or rubbing his head, amongst other acts of fondness. He wondered if that was partially the reason for her decision, besides showing him off. The little lady enjoyed controlling and commanding as much as Alucard enjoyed serving and obeying her every order; really a match made in heaven… Or, well, hell, as far as the vampire was concerned.

The butler shook off those thoughts as he went down the stairs towards his old friend's chambers. Perhaps their communal tenderness would turn into something positive. Maybe. His fatherly side couldn't help feeling somewhat protective of Integra's purity, but he had no say in those matters. She was becoming a very capable leader, one not even the king of all monsters dared contradict; that also meant she wouldn't be willing to take advice on how to deal with her pet, much to the old hunter's dismay and the Nosferatu's satisfaction.

Twenty minutes remained until the guests were supposed to arrive, their young master was already in the living room not so subtly trying a few snacks and Alucard had yet to show up. A few knocks on the door, followed by a resonant "come in" and the butler came face to face with a vision he couldn't remember ever seeing in his life; his vampire comrade knotting his necktie and overall tidying his very formal black wear.

"Ah, the Angel of Death. Good timing," the Victorian prince greeted, still looking at himself in the mirror.

"…Excuse me?" Walter was trying hard not to frown. He couldn't avoid a light scoff when Alucard ran a hand through his hair, attempting to arrange it in an elegant pattern.

"I trust my sense of fashion, but considering the occasion, I suppose an opinion from a fine gentleman such as yourself would come in handy"

Walter raised an eyebrow. "Oh"

The vampire king finally turns around towards the old man, opening his arms and branding his infamous smile. "So? What do you think? Am I dashing enough for my girlie? Do I look like the knight in shining armor she was expecting?"

'My girlie'. If there was one thing that annoyed the butler more than Alucard's closeness to Integra was the way he began addressing her in private in the past year, as if she were his mistress rather than his master. True, the vampire had never disrespected her in such a way, the maiden having never allowed it, but the nicknames were still cringe inducing to Walter's ears. The youngster, however, didn't seem to mind, as long as Alucard was well aware of his place; and he delightedly was.

Like many other things concerning the former warlord's behavior, Walter pretended he didn't hear the offensive designation. "Although I can't really say you are anything like a knight in shining armor, I suppose sir Integra will find your outfit and general disposition… not terribly inappropriate for the occasion"

The vampire chuckles lightly and turns back to the mirror, searching for final adjustments. "There's the Angel I know, the best at delivering compliments. I do thank you, though; I want to look the best for my lovely"

Again with the informal, possessive monikers, and again Walter lets it slide with a barely audible grunt. The butler clears his throat and changes the subject.

"Speaking of her, I can't help but wonder about your attitude towards our little master"

"I only tease her a little, Walter, come on, she doesn't even cry anymore," the vampire answers casually, changing the color of his tie.

"I don't particularly mean that," the butler explains, "but rather, your apparent affection towards her"

Alucard looks down to check the buttons of his sleeves. "Ah, right." He then looks up again, a quizzical frown in his face. "Wait, haven't we talked about this a few years ago?"

Walter couldn't help but sigh. "You'll have to forgive me for worrying, but, had things stayed the way they were back then, I wouldn't have grown so… curious"

The vampire smirks, now turning his back to the mirror and looking over his shoulder. "It's alright to say 'suspicious', I won't mind".

The butler insists. "I'd very much prefer 'curious', though"

"Alright then, curious Walter, what is it?" the No-Life King chuckles in amusement and returns to face the mirror; some things just never change.

The Angel takes a deep breath, as if he already knew this would be a troublesome conversation. "Sir Integra has allowed you to freely roam the estate and the city as long as you don't cause any trouble"

Alucard merely shrugs. "Yes, and her trust is well-founded. You don't bite the hand that feeds you"

"You say that as if you depended entirely on her"

The vampire stares at his feet and grunts at his now-deemed-unfit boots. "I am a servant to this house, am I not?"

Walter rolls his eyes. "Both you and I know the seals can't properly hold you; they've become weaker not long after Arthur locked you up"

Alucard nods, and slightly shapeshifts the faulty footwear. "Yes, they have"

The butler continues. "You only need explicit permission from her to unlock level zero, and who knows for how long. Technically, nothing else is truly off-limits to you"

"Quite right," the vampire smiles at his new-and-better-looking dress shoes.

"We also both know that you serve of your own volition, because you acknowledge her as your master"

It was Alucard's turn to roll eyes. "Yes, yes, where are you going with this?"

Walter rubs his chin. "What I'm truly wondering is… what's stopping you from deserting?"

The vampire shortly stops tidying his clothes, but resumes in a second. Having not received an answer, the Angel elaborates on.

"What's stopping you from feeding on the many invisible hobos and heartless criminals this city has to offer? Or even innocent virgins if that's what you want?"

His back still facing the butler, the vampire properly adjusts his gloves. His slowed movements betray his annoyance, a quirk Walter picked up many years ago. He knew the vampire would not dignify stupid questions with an answer, unless, of course, said question personally offended him.

So, of course, he pushed it.

"What's stopping you from turning on her?"

The butler knew immediately that was the last straw, because Alucard dropped his arms to his sides and chuckled. Not his signature humiliating laughter, but a glee of murderous intent, peppered with an underlying snarl of despisal, the type of sound that sent off red flags in any reasonable creature's head. But not Walter's.

"Forgive me, my friend," the Nosferatu started, slowly turning towards the aged hunter "but it seemed for a moment that you were questioning my loyalties?"

"Not at all," Walter was quick to reply, a small smile on his face "I was merely curious, considering how much you enjoyed being a servant to your former masters"

The vampire noticed the sarcasm, and it wasn't a lie. As much as he acknowledged the power of the Hellsing family, Alucard resented Abraham with all his heart and pretty much detested Arthur for several reasons. In the butler's head, it only made sense that he would at least dislike any other family head. The vampire did many things on a whim, but a sudden change of heart was just too out of character.

Alucard smirked, but still couldn't decide whether Walter was mocking him or acting out of honest concern for his charge. "To answer your first questions, Angel, I'm rather selective when it comes to my food, as you probably know"

Walter nodded, but after seeing Alucard feed on his own kind, creatures the vampire himself considered "trash", he had his doubts. To this day, he couldn't quite precise what were the Nosferatu's standards. He wouldn't disagree right now, though, as he wanted answers.

The vampire continued. "Also, and you may not believe this, I'm very much pleased with the directorship of this organization and my unlife has been more than enjoyable"

The butler did agree that Alucard had way too much fun, probably more than he deserved. Especially after Integra took over.

"And, yes, I'm quite capable of surviving on my own. I thought anyone who's worked with me would know this by now"

Walter raised his eyebrows. "I see. So you stay because you want to? You find it entertaining?"

Alucard seemed relaxed again. "I do find it fun having someone to hold my leash, yes. And as far as my loyalties are concerned, it disappoints me that after all these years, you doubt my honor." He proceeded to explain, in a more serious tone. "I will serve this house until the family's mission is accomplished; you do not need to worry, as I will not change my mind"

Of course, Walter knew all of that. He had worked with Alucard for too long; before becoming a vampire, the Nosferatu had been a king, but had remained royalty even after his death. As much as people and beasts alike called him 'monster' or 'fiend', he had his principles; he was honorable and had never dealt very well with traitors to a cause. It wasn't in his nature to betray or break a vow.

However, he was holding back information; none of what he said explained his amorous tendencies towards Integra. What sort of servant is allowed liberties such as tucking their masters to bed, advising them on several issues, or comforting them when they were distressed? Was the vampire taking advantage of Integra's misplaced feelings? Walter didn't want to believe that.

"So, that is all? Are you sure there is no more to it? Your devotion is very admirable, but won't you agree with me when I say your affectionate behavior is rather… unnecessary?"

Alucard laughed. That was it, then, the John Bull was actually worried for his surrogate daughter's sake. How adorable.

"Of course not, my friend. I'm merely returning what I get. Neither Abraham or Arthur treated me decently, so why would they deserve anything but my scorn?"

Walter sighed, knowing Alucard was attempting to circumvent the subject at hand; he had a way with words and could derail a conversation if one wasn't attentive enough. The butler was used to his tricks, though, and quickly went back to what mattered.

"You are right, of course. I do remember, however, you being the first to engage in this… good will. That was when you two first met, if I'm not mistaken"

The vampire sighed and closed his eyes, as the memories flooded his mind. He smiled at them. "Ah, yes… Feels like yesterday, though… My baby's first kill"

Walter flinched at the word, but went on. "Integra didn't even know you existed back then. So how could you possibly be returning any sort of feeling? Unless, of course, you are ill intended, which wouldn't be a problem since the seals are so weak; you would go unpunished"

Alucard's eyes snapped open and he stared at his former job mate, who remained impartial to his gaze. The butler could see he was getting tired of this conversation and would spill the beans soon. Still, the Nosferatu smirked, although there was no mockery or playfulness in his voice when he replied.

"Alright, old friend, your persistence has won this time, so I'll let you in on a little secret"

Walter was about to mimic Alucard's expression when there was a sudden gust of wind and the vampire was gripping him by the collar, a deranged sparkle in his eyes and his toothy grin even wider. The butler gasped in surprise, for the grasp didn't hurt. He thought he saw the spirit of the Romanian lord in the Nosferatu's countenance. The No-Life King spoke in a low, sensual, albeit aggressive, possessive tone, nearly whispering.

"That blonde beauty up there is growing into a woman worthy of being my queen-"

"How dare you!" Walter interrupted, enraged at Alucard's trespassing of borders.

The vampire ignored him. "She alone provides me with the few things I can't find anywhere else in this world or the other. She will be my Salvation and, until that day comes, she will nurture me with her mind, body and soul"

"Bloody cheek! Go for someone else, servant!" the Angel spat in distaste, emphasizing Alucard's rank. It infuriated the John Bull to hear that level of vulgarity concerning the Hellsing lady.

The No-Life King merely laughed. "Like hell I'll trade royalty for the pleb"

Before Walter's fist could reach Alucard's face, the vampire was already back to his original position, a few feet away from the angry butler, his red eyes still glinting with desire at the thought of that future.

The old man was fuming. He had a feeling this might happen; he had ignored the signs and attempted to protect Integra at all costs. He now realized he wouldn't succeed, that it had all been for naught. If the vampire went through with it… He didn't want to think of the disgrace that would befall such an ancient, traditional family. He would have to rely on Integra's good sense to avoid the calamity on her own.

Gritting his teeth, he retorted. "You seem to think your master will ever break the boundaries of mastery and servitude. Consorting with a vampire would have every Hellsing turning on their graves!"

Alucard laughed. "Now that would be entertaining to watch!"

"Are you actually thinking she will suddenly give herself to you?"

"Of course not! I know these things take time", the vampire answered with fake innocence.

Walter slapped his forehead. Alucard was determined to have his way. He took another breath, while his old friend merely observed. Clearing his troubled mind, the butler quickly thought of the pros and cons of this possibly new paradigm. Perhaps, that sort of twisted love would be beneficial in the long run; perhaps, it would be precisely what was needed.

He sighed. "I swear to God, Alucard, if you force yourself on her, if you try anything funny-"

"Then she will put me in my rightful place and punish me accordingly. She has the power to do so, you've witnessed it yourself. As much as the thought arouses me, though, I'd never hurt her just to feel the weight of her hand; I do hope it becomes heavier" the vampire smirked, his perversion evident in the way he rolled those final words on his tongue.

They stared each other for a few seconds. There was nothing else to be discussed. Walter had his answers and the realization that he wouldn't be able to stop whatever this would turn into. Somehow, though, he felt he could trust both Alucard's virtues and Integra's judgment that nothing terrible would come of it.

He turned around and began climbing up the stairs. "The guests will arrive soon. Don't make her wait"

Alucard smiled sincerely. "Wouldn't dream of it"