lord_alucard (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} lord_alucard) wrote in ![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} valarlogs,@ 2013-09-02 13:11:00 |
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When: Fight night
Where: Vegas
What: Vegas Part One - the fight and after party
Rating/Warning: Mid/Fight descriptions and flirting
Status: Complete
Integra had settled in the changing rooms down near the event. She’d banished Alucard to the venue, although he had a VIP pass and a place near her corner of the cage in the front row with a great view. She’d have him in her corner except it was trainers and team only. She needed the time to herself to focus. And before she knew it, it was time to head to the fight. She’d spent days freaking out over the entrance theme for the night. But then it came to her, in a moment of pop music radio. Panic at the Disco a band not known for good entrance themes. But she heard “This is Gospel” and she was hooked. The first line alone had her, this is gospel, for the fallen ones.. with the tone, it was perfect for her.
Integra’s long blonde locks were braided down in super tight corn rows that were going to take hours to undo. They’d been twisted up so that the long ends were tied at the base of her neck. It still had potential to be a problem for her but she thought she could keep her hair out of a finger’s grasp. She was dressed in red tonight, dark red, with black wraps and gloves. As she waited to come out, she listened to her coaches, but her mind was already focused. Might as well get in the game and tough it out. Three rounds was a long time but she was hoping to finish it quickly. She took a deep breath and looked at the crowd. Everyone was here to see the title fights. But she knew, if she put on a good enough show, they’d take notice. So she was ready. Of course her music made people arch a brow, but it had a good beat to it and it put her where she needed to be mentally.
She hadn’t been able to come up with a nickname herself. Her brain died when she tried. But her coach, oh her lovely coach, decided she’d be introduced as “Integra, the Iron Maiden” Hellsing. Best she live up to the name, right? She put on her best game face and let the team get to work - vaseline on her face, fingers checked, mouth checked, mouthguard ready to go. Given the okay she climbed into the Octagon and while she waited for her opponent, she warmed up a little more, pausing to look outside the cage, ice blues finding Alucard, blowing him a kiss. She was already running high on adrenaline, and now she wanted nothing more than to begin.
Alucard was nervous, which was ridiculous because it wasn’t him fighting and he had complete and utter faith in Integra’s abilities. Maybe it was nervous excitement for her but whatever it was it wasn’t something he was used to feeling and it was putting him on edge. Of course it didn’t help that she’d disappeared into the changing rooms and left him to take his seat - which was a fabulous seat and he understood completely her need to compose herself. That didn’t however mean he had to like it. But this wasn’t about him, it was about Integra. And right now she needed his support and strength when she came out here.
He knew what song she had chosen before it began, having witnessed her freak out over choosing it. He had to admit it worked well. Her hair had ended up beating him, but he’d watched the stylist do it and when she’d noticed his interest had been very patient at explaining it to him. She’d also taught him how to undo it which he had a feeling would come in handy later.
When he saw her she took his breath away, she looked focused and ready but more than that the red suited her. It hit him deep down and he realised he’d be buying her a lot more red clothing in future. It looked good on her. He smiled as he heard her fight name announced, ‘Iron maiden’ indeed. He returned her blown kiss, somewhat pleased with some of the envious looks he received, Integra had inadvertently helped him claim her, not that he was going to complain.
Her opponent appeared and he sat up straighter as the first round began.
Integra was glad he was here with her. She wanted it no other way. If she could have had him in the back she would've. Integra had smiled when her hair had beaten him. It had been a moment she'd wished she had on video. But she was happy to know he'd be the one undoing it. She was going to need a scalp massage.
Integra hadn't noticed the looks he'd gotten mostly because it was too hard to see. But she had smiled at his returned blown kiss before she watched the other woman enter the octagon. Then nothing else mattered. The announcer rattled off the details of both fighters while she stood patiently in her corner.
He called them to the center. Repeated the things he'd said to the fighters before them - fight clean, no hits to the back of the head etc - before having them touch gloves. Then the bell rang and the longest five minutes of her life began. She had decided she'd make the first strike before it had begun and she made good on that.
Integra started hard. She knew she could last at least two rounds at top speed and effort. She'd trained for it. Stamina was a strong suit for her. They traded punches and Integra landed a solid kick to the woman's side knocking her into the cage. She pressed in, locking the woman up in the clinch and trying her best to take her down.
Alucard would of course happily provide the scalp massage, and any other kind of massage she fancied. He’d already arranged for their hotel room to have a hot bubble bath waiting along with room service and rose petals over the bed. He wanted to surprise and treat her after her win.
He’d tell her about the jealous stares later and how he’d been proud of being her chosen. But right now he became the most focused spectator in the room.
Watching Integra move he appreciated her form but he was also watching the styles she used. The choices she made as the fight went on, there were things she was exceedingly good at but he also noted some things she needed to work on. He’d have to find a way to speak to her coach so they could work on her weaker areas for the future. Even so her skills were better than the woman she was fighting, to give the other girl credit she was trying as hard as she could and her stamina didn’t yet seem to be waning.
There was a lot of back and forth in the first round - with Integra having the clear advantage most of the time. Every now and then Integra would let something slip and she’d get nailed as a result. She could feel the bruises blossoming and it only served to make her fight harder. The girl had skill, she’d give her that. And good training. But Integra had the need to win just a bit more.
As the last thirty seconds rolled around, Integra took the girl down hard on the mat. And she was relentless for those 30 seconds before the bell rang out. She was disappointed she didn’t take the first round but that was alright. She sat down in her corner and took a sip of water, let her coaches talk to her and let them rub the ice cold steel bars over her face where the girl had landed a few hits, before the next round began.
To be fair, Integra had someone she was trying very hard to impress in the crowd. As soon as the bell rang she was on the offensive - putting every ounce of energy into her attacks, shrugging off hits, and dominating the fight. A minute and a half into the second round she had the girl wrapped up, one arm laced tightly around her neck, her other arm securing the rear naked choke. A look of focus on her face as the girl flung elbows into her ribs trying to dislodge Integra, who wasn’t letting go. Integra lifted her eyes, and looked out past the cage, searching, and finding Alucard locking him in a gaze, even as the girl tapped out and Integra released the hold, arms held up and out from her, hands open, before she allowed herself to smile. She embraced the girl in a hug once she was on her feet again, thanking her for her effort before she returned to her side of the cage.
Unlike half the fighters she didn’t dance around the cage Or anything crazy, she merely lifted her head, chin up, and let a smirk crawl across her lips, might as well maintain the Iron Maiden persona till the very end.
Alucard may have underestimated his protective streak, the first time the other girl landed a hit he almost leapt out of his seat towards the cage. He’d gotten a bit better since then but still rose from his seat more often than not when Integra got hit. Most of the people around him didn’t notice as they were too busy shouting but he did see Integra’s coach and trainer looking over at him in amusement. He glowered at them but couldn’t really blame them. He was just glad Integra was too engrossed in the fight, as she should be, to notice his antics.
She was definitely impressing him, he would tell her and show her later on just how much. As the match went on he began to shout and cheer and still glare evilly at the other woman every now and then. But he could barely sit still between agitation, excitement and enjoyment. It was an interesting combination.
His eyes, full of pride, met hers and he smiled at her as she dominated the fight. She was good, better than even he had realised and he could see the crowd were very much behind her now.
He let a smirk cross his lips too as he watched her accept her victory in an almost regal manner. It was somehow completely perfect.
Integra had no idea how protective he really was. And she would be amused if she did know about how he almost leapt at the cage at the first hit she took. Her coaches would tell her, of course. And it would be amusing to bring it up later. To think, always in control Alucard had a weakness as big as she was. Her trainer grinned at him, though, and shook his head. Knowing full well how Integra would feel about it. The man also knew about Alucard (after all, Integra had to pry to get that extra special ticket instead of just a ticket).
The referee called the pair center, grasping each of their hands, lifting Integra’s up in victory. She once again embraced the other women before she had to deal with a microphone shoved in her face. This was the part she dreaded. Except in the moment she was so high on adrenaline, she felt no nerves. They asked her a couple questions, and she smiled faintly. “I have to thank my team, of course, they stood behind me when very few others would in the industry. I have to dedicate this to my mother, had she been alive to see this she’d have been proud of me.” she kissed her fingertips and stretched her hand towards the sky, she had the crowd in her hand, at that. Then she looked back down. “I have to thank the best person in my life, too, he’s always there for me. Cheering me on. Alucard, told you I’d win this for you.” she blew him another kiss, not even caring her father was probably going to see this video later. She’d regret that one later, if only because she’d get a phone call in the morning…. Then she shyly finished answering questions before slipping from the octagon to head backstage. She stopped on the way, though, and grinned. Hand outstretched to Alucard, time to drag him back stage so she could unwind and get taken care of.
“Come on. Let’s get out of the crowd.” she said when her hand was wrapped around his. They slipped through the crowd to the changing room where her coaches and team made plans to meet everyone out to eat in a few hours (there was no way Integra could hold food down right now) after she’d gotten cleaned up and checked out. She couldn’t feel any aches, but she knew she had mat-burn on at least one elbow, and her temple. She had bruises on her ribs that were promising to be colorful, and every muscle was going to be aching tomorrow. Her face had a few swollen spots, but nothing that wasn’t handled with ice. The medic looked her over, pronounced her ‘healthy’ which basically meant not broken then left her and Alucard alone.
“Hi.” she said, suddenly sheepish as she looked at him.
It wasn’t just the crowd she had in her hand, she had Alucard too. Her touching dedication to her mother affected him deeply and he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and hold her. Her mother would be proud of her if she were around, and Alucard couldn’t help but feel that it was partly his fault that she wasn’t. When she moved on to thank him he returned the blown kiss with a smile, also not caring right in that moment that her father would see it. He slipped his hand into hers and returned the grin. He’d put morbid thoughts from his mind right now. This was a happy occasion and he wanted her to only have good memories of her first win.
He watched as the medic looked her over, he could tell her pale skin was going to become very bright in patches by tomorrow. But he was glad when she was given the okay, it meant no permanent damage. Which was the important thing.
Once they were alone he gave her the smile he reserved just for her, “Hi” he said moving closer to her, “Congratulations, you were magnificent” he told her before he kissed her gently, being careful of her face.
She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him in return. She smiled softly knowing full well she was going to hurt tomorrow. Integra leaned on him, worn out but elated. "Mmm thank you love. That was... amazing." She said softly.
"I need a shower or six hours in a bath" she laughed softly. " but I’ll settle for changing clothes and fixing my hair. Ready to help?"
“You were amazing” he told her supporting her so she could lean on him as much as she needed to.
“We’ll definitely get you that shower or bath once we’ve celebrated with your people” he replied, as much as he’d love to sweep her away now he knew she deserved this celebration and he wouldn’t take it away from her. “I’m always ready to help you” He settled her on a couple of soft mats between his legs and began to unbraid her hair.
She blushed a bit. “I cannot believe the name my coach came up with.” she would have palmed her forehead had she not been tangled with Alucard. “I am going to be stuck with that one forever, everyone seemed to love it.” she shook her head a bit. Crazy. “I’m glad you came, I don’t think I could have done it without you.” of course, she could have but she really felt he was her luck and love.
She settled down on the mats and relaxed as he started undoing her hair. Once it started it came undone rather well under his fingers, leaving her sighing with pleasure as the braids were tight on her head, and she hated the feeling of them. As each braid was undone her scalp felt sore but happy. The pressure released felt like it relaxed her whole body and she snuggled against him. “Mmm you have no idea how good this feels.” she purred as she sat still, eyes closed, body relaxed and limp. She had the motivation of a snail - which is to say not a whole lot.
“Good - I just want to soak in hot water and not move for hours. Well, no but “ she grinned wickedly before sighing again. “After party’s supposed to be pretty good, but I don’t think I want to stay too long. I want to just get back to relaxing, besides, most people will be there for the title fight winner. But we’ll go. We’ll say hi. and then bath?” she looked up at him, her hair that was unbraided was in tight curls and waves, and she was glad she couldn’t see. She looked silly, she thought.
“You played the part wonderfully” he told her, “The crowd loved you unconditionally. You know I will always be there in the crowd supporting you” he added, knowing she would have done brilliantly but appreciating the comment anyway.
Alucard smiled as she snuggled into him and he massaged her scalp as he undid each braid. Helping to ease the strain on her head, he loved her hair almost as much as her eyes. It was not only a beautiful colour but it was soft too. He actually liked how it was now settling into curls and ringlets, it looked pretty though it did make her look a little younger.
He kissed her sweetly, “Just let me know when you want to return to our room and I will make it happen” he promised her, “whenever that may be”
She smiled at him and sighed happily at the mini massages he was giving her scalp. She nestled back against him and smiled again. “Thank you. My head feels divine right now.” she said blushing a bit as she looked up at him. “How silly do I look?” she asked a bit, she knew bruises were blossoming, and her hair was in ringlets and curls, but her blue eyes were bright and sparkling.
She twisted to return his kiss warmly, turning to face him, running her hands over his legs. “Hey.” she said softly against his lips. “Love you.” she murmured as she kissed him again and sighed. “As much as I hate going, I should get changed and get that party part over with. I want nothing more than to be in the room with you right now..” she said softly, fingers curling into his legs lightly.
“I’m glad it’s helping” Alucard replied, smiling as he looked at her, bruised, curly haired and alive, “You never look silly, you’re beautiful” he said, curling her hair around his finger.
“Love you too” he told her, the words already falling so easily from his lips. He was going to enjoy being able to tell her everyday how much he loved her. “I want the same my Integra,” he said, enjoying the feeling of her hands on his legs as he stroked the back of his hand down her cheek, “But it shall not be long until we make it happen”
“This may be the only time I wish I would let myself cut my hair short. My scalp hates the tight braids.” she sighed a bit then blushed red. Which only served to make the bruises look darker. She grinned as he curled hair around his finger. “Oh, Alucard.” she said softly and smiled at him. She pushed herself up with a lot of effort. She had been comfortable and had no desire for this. “I lied. I want a hot bath more, but you need to be there too so it wasn’t entirely a lie.” she said laughing softly. She leaned down to kiss him before slipping off to grab her dress from the locker. She disappeared into the bathroom to get ready. She came back out about ten minutes later, she’d applied no makeup, her face was tender and she had no desire to try.However she’d pulled her hair back with a simple headband of silver, and puffed up her hair a bit, the ends still falling in curls - a mix of both tight and loose ringlets. She was in a pair of coppery heels, with a long flowly dress of blue with patterns and swirls, that covered from her neck down but had basically no back to it, giving Alucard something to stare at all night. “I am ready.” she said softly.
Alucard chuckled slightly and returned her kiss standing as she entered the bathroom. He was looking at the equipment lying around when she emerged and instantly took his breath away. “Integra” he breathed, “You are literally breathtaking” he said, approaching her slowly. When she turned to the side to show him the backless part of the dress he moaned lowly, “My dear girl, you’re going to drive me crazy” he said fondly as he reached out to skim his hand across her skin, “But I can think of no better way to go insane” he added touching his lips to her shoulder.
Integra smiled at him as she came out and smiled at his reaction. “You like it then?” she purred as she raked her nails through her hair separating some of the curls so that they would fall loosely. She turned to give him her back, grinning wickedly at the fact the dress had none to speak of. She shivered softly as his fingers trailed over her skin, head ducking down slightly as she enjoyed the touch. “Mmm is that so?” She looked over her shoulder at him, nestling back against his lips. After a few minutes of standing comfortably she sighed and turned to grab his hand. “Time to go deal with this huh?” she grinned a bit, and put her best smile on, before leading him out to where the after-party was. Integra was not one to love such things, they were trying on her but she did her best tonight. She laughed, she had sparingly few drinks, she accepted congratulations and praise graciously, all with Alucard on her arm. She had no desire to let him out of her sight. Out of her touch. Finally when they’d made the rounds, she leaned over to him and whispered into his ear. “Let us be gone, then?” she nipped lightly before leaning back to smile at him.