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(Hellsing Headquarters)

"You're up considerably late, Walter." Alucard said as the butler turned away from the window. He gave the vampire a once over until he looked back out into the nightly scenery.

"Mhm...well, with all THAT going on outside." A few gunshots rung in the air, as if on cue. Alucard ignored it and moved about the room.

"Is Integra asleep yet?" he asked.

"She turned in just a bit ago. Have you heard?"

"Yes, I have."

"To think that Nazis are involved that a spectre from more than half a century ago would rear its head..." The hitman sighed.

"Hunh. I don't know. Somehow, I had a feeling it was them. I've experienced this sensation, this dim sense, before."

"Ho? And why would that be?"

"Why?" Alucard chuckled. "You ask, "why"? Angel of Death? There are only three who've ever thought of trying to throw undead into actual combat before. One is you all. One is them. And one is me. Furthermore, their undead research facility was completely demolished fifty years ago. You and I killed everyone there, didn't we?"

"...Yes. Yes, you're right. I just remembered. Alucard."

"THIS is why old age is such a menace." Walter frowned.

"Hmph...old age is something to enjoy for we John Bulls. But Alucard, I suspect we will have you fly as a group to South America soon. We can hardly place our full confidence in the Vatican's Iscariot. But the inflow of information is SO slim, we have no other choice. One often hears gossip that remnants of the Nazi party are trying to recuperate in South America, but here is an organization that does so much, and has hidden it from us for so long. They're no half-baked lot, that much is certain." Walter clenched a fist tightly, making Alucard smirk in amusement. Old Walter was getting serious.

"However," the butler continued, "they have obviously taken to provoking us recently. And we are not so soft that we'll take it lying down." Alucard snickered.

"And that's why John Bull grows old and fades away."

"I no longer wish for prosperity lacking even so much as pride. Our two "essential personel" are yourself and Seras. That would leave ________ and the newcomers in training outside?"

"My queen can come along. The mercenaries would only slow me down if I brought them. Let them handle liaison duty." Walter shook his head at the man and turned back to the window again.

"Oh, come now, they seem to be doing quite well for themselves. Although their instructor is a source of worry."

(Outside)

"Look here, whatta you think you're doing?!"

"No no no no no! It's no good like that!" You, along with the rest of the mercenaries, were standing outside, training your aim while Seras and the mercenary leader threw insults or snippy comments back and forth at each other. You'll admit that their little scuffle was highly entertaining to watch, and you had great time laughing at their expense, but the moment they chose to do this AFTER your recovery was just freaking unbelievable!

"Why can't you manage the 4,500 meter mark?!" Seras hissed at the captain.

"You iiidiot! Don't be ridiculous!!" he hissed back.

"Wh-wh-why?! You lot are dogs of war, right?! A pineapple army, right?!"

"It's not zhat!! Who can hit 500 meters with ordinary small arms? You'd 'ave to be some kinda bloody freak to pull zhat off." Seras glared and you gaped.

"Oh! Ohh!! Oh no he didn't!!!" you yelled aloud. The Frenchman smirked in your direction and winked.

"Oh yes I did~!" You ran around like a spazz behind the mercenaries.

"Ooohhh, shit just hit the fan, everybody! Watch out for Seras!" And on the dot, the young draculina came up with a gun in hand, aiming at the targets with absolute precision. BANG BANG BANG!!! The shots made their mark and the targets practically exploded from the impact. Seras lowered her weapon and sent everyone a sparkling smile. Take that, captain!

"Yes!" you both shouted in victory as you quickly went over to give her a high five. Once you calmed down, Seras shot a look to the captain and hissed once more.

"How about it?" she asked proudly.

The Frenchman sneered, "look closely, fool." Seras hummed in confusion and with her vampire vision, she peered over to the targets. The captain came over to your side to hand you his binoculars, wanting you to see what she was seeing. He obviously wanted to prove he was right to the both of you. Once you adjusted the binoculars over your eyeballs you instantly yelled out. Everything was dead. The vehicles, the drawn up assailants...even the hostages! Everything was gone. You dropped the binoculars from the shock and the captain chose that moment to hiss at you both.

"All 'ostages eliminated!" Seras could only manage to yell along side you in response. Oh how we girls still needed to work on our aim...

(With Walter and Alucard)

After watching that incredibly awkward display, the only butler of Hellsing couldn't help but sweat drop. This sort of thing did not bode well for their offense AND defense.

"I worry for our future," he told the red man, who was watching you closely.

"Hmmm." A few seconds passed until Walter recalled something.

"Oh yes, there was something I meant to ask you."

"What?"

"Why make her a vampire? Why would you do something so out of character?" He was referring to Seras. Alucard stared at him for a small amount of time until he sighed.

"Who can say why? A whim? No, not really. She chose this journey of her own accord...How's her situation been dealt with so far?"

"She was declared missing as of the Cheddar village incident."

"Her family hasn't said anything?"

"She...has none. She is orphaned," Walter replied. Alucard couldn't help but let out a chuckle. This...was just too perfect.

"Heheh...you don't say. Well, that figures. She's a far more interesting girl than she looks." He slowly brought out his favorite sunglasses and put them on. "She was in a Hamlet of Death where her fellow officers and superiors kept changing into ghouls and annihilating as soon as they deployed. With a vampire trying to rape and kill her, it was like Hell as the bottom of a witch's cauldron. What DID the girl choose in that situation?" he asked airily with a sinister grin.

"Resignation is what kills people. Once they've rejected resignation, humans gain the privilege of making humanity their foot path," the vampire finished. Walter thought on his words for a while and slowly nodded his head. Yeah, he guessed that was true.

"....Hm! Now all she needs to do is drink blood...eh?"

"...She will. She'll drink. I'm sure of it." She will drink the blood...someday. Just not someday soon.

"By the way," Walter spoke suddenly, "how do you intend to get her to South America? She still can't cross the ocean in her present form. So, she still cannot...not even by plane...?" Alucard scoffed.

"No chance. She's something like half-human and half-vampire. Dust returns to dust."

"Hm. Now what is THAT all about?" But Alucard wasn't able to explain when the sound of screaming unexpectedly came towards them. Seras barged right into the room, comical tears flowing down her face as she waved her arms in the air. [1]

"WALLLLTERRRRR!" she screamed to the man, who currently looked upon her as if she were mental.

"Ah, training is over, then?" But she ignored him and pointed towards the door way, where you and the captain were slowly slithering in with smirks on your faces.

"S-S-Sexual harassment! That weird mercenary commander has corrupted by best friend and they both won't stop singing this nasty cadence!!" Immediately, you and the captain began to sing.

"I don't know but I've been told, Eskimo ***** is mighty cold~! Tastes good! Mighty good! Good for you! Good for me!"

"GREAT BARMY PILLOCK!!" And while you both laughed, and as Walter stared at you all as if you were rowdy little children, Alucard interrupted.

"Walter." The butler turned to him in question. "It's old fashioned, but I have an idea." The three of you newcomers stared towards him also. Just what was he planning?

(The next day)

"What a pain," Integra muttered. She and Walter were currently on their way to the basement where Seras' room resided in. Alucard had said to meet them down there and that is what she was doing. "So, how did you decided to transport the police girl?" she asked as she gnashed the cigar between her teeth. She somehow had a bad feeling about all of this.

"Yes, about that."

"Hunh." She walked up to the door and opened it slowly, the sight before her making her freeze.

"Good morning, Integra." Alucard greeted with a smirk. She should have known he'd come up with THIS sort of idea, but...seriously? The director slowly walked inside the slightly cramped room and stared as the mercenaries nailed a coffin shut. The pounding and shouting from the inside mostly indicating that Seras was inside. Integra turned her gaze back to Alucard for answers and he smiled, evilly. "We settled on using a coffin in the end."

"I don't see that getting through customs."

"There shan't be any," Walter mentioned behind her.

"Why not?" she asked.

"Because it is a smuggling vessel." ...Again, seriously?

"NGUUUuuu...NOOOooo..." Seras' cries went ignored as Integra returned her attention to her servant.

"...Are you certain about this? We had to ship the fire arms too, you know."

"And my coffin. Two birds with one stone." The commander decided to speak up.

"It's zhe same smugglers we always use. Long as we're payin' zhem, we can rely on zhem."

"LET ME OUUUUuuut!!"

Alucard groaned, "silence." The room became eerily quiet after he had given the order. Okay then. After a good few seconds of silence, Integra took notice of Alucard's attire.

"That isn't how you usually dress," she exclaimed with a smile. "Isn't direct sunlight one of a vampires worst enemies?"

"I can't be expected to go for a plane ride dressed like THAT. It'd make me a walking billboard for our foes." That is true... "Besides, for me, sunlight isn't some great enemy. I just hate it."

"Well I think the sunlight is refreshing," everyone in the room turned to the doorway and found you leaning against the wall, "but of course, I'm only saying that unless there's a nice, cool breeze alongside all that sunlight." Alucard shot up from his spot on Seras' coffin and made his way towards you.

"Hello, my flower. How are you? And my my my, don't you look," he eyed your ensemble, which consisted of shorts, a tank top, and sneakers, "...fascinating~!" You rolled your eyes. He was mostly talking about the tank top and shorts, you just knew it.

"You look like freaking Lara Croft! You've got your 'air up and everyzhing! Geez, you're even wearing a backpack as if you were going on a jungle adventure. 'ey, _______, what's in zhe bag? Treasures? Weapons? A camera? Come on, Lara, speak up~!" You shot the Frenchman a look.

"Shut it, Bernadotte!"

"Berna-who?" Alucard sneered. You looked up at the tall man for a second, until you went back to the captain.

"His name is Pip Bernadotte. After that little song we did for you and Walter last night, he, the mercenaries, and I had a few drinks and we all got to know each other better." [2]

"..." He suddenly brought out the Jackal and pointed the barrel right between your (sorta) friend's eyes. Pip yelped in fright and quickly hid behind you, causing the vampire to growl in warning.

"________, call 'im off! Call 'im off!!"

"Alucard, what the heck are you doin'?! Put the gun away before you hurt somebody!!" [3] Your order practically flew over the man's head as he took a step closer to the both of you.

"Back away from MY queen, human...." Alucard snarled. You gulped as you stared at the man, terror taking over your system. You had never seen Alucard act this way before. It was frightening. It was nightmare inducing. It was....it was....oh whoa, did you think this was hot?! As you had a mental panic attack, Pip quickly nodded his head at the vampire and shot towards a fellow teammate, using the poor person as another meat shield. Once he was sure Pip was as far away from you as possible, Alucard put his gun away and wrapped a possessive arm around your waist, glaring at any other male (except Walter) who dared to try and come near you. You finally got over your panic ridden thoughts and stared up at Alucard.

"Alucard..." you groaned out, pinching the bridge of your nose in irritation. "You can be too much sometimes, you know that?" He gave the top of your head a chaste kiss in response and moved back to Integra after he was sure every other man in the room got the message.

"Only for you, my flower. Only for you." He smirked over at Integra, who was frowning. "Well?" Her look then turned serious.

"You have only one order: Search and Destroy." The vampire hunter bowed and gave her a smile so dark it could put the Joker to shame. This was going to be fun.

"I understand. My master."

(Brazil, South America. The capital, Rio De Janeiro. Hotel Rio.)

"I don't see how I can't at least take a few pictures." There was a sigh.

"This isn't a vacation, my dear. We are on a mission, remember?" A whine.

"I know that, but this is most likely going to be the last time I ever come to Rio, so I want to make my day here memorable."

"Oh trust me, once this day is over you'll never be able to forget it."

"What?"

"Nevermind. Just come here," an arm wrapped itself around you, "and play your part like a good little girl."

"Ugh, fine. But if you pull anything funny again I'm gonna deck you in the face. And I mean it this time." The conversation finally came to a close as the couple walked up to the receptionist desk with confidence. A boy stood behind the counter and he sent you a polite smile. You returned it with grace, fighting back a giggle as best as you could. The boy looked adorable.

"I have a reservation for a suite," the tall man stated as his arm held a firm grip around your petite form. The boy stared up at him and gave a quick nod.

"Yes, sir. Your suite is on the top floor. Mr. and Mrs. Brenner, right? We were told to expect you two." And just like that your face became ablaze. Mrs. Who now?! My word, what on earth was Integra thinking?! A while ago, when you, Alucard, Seras, and Pip were on flight to Rio, you and Alucard discussed the topic of aliases. He had mentioned he was given the alias J. H. Brenner by Integra, the J. H. part meaning whatever you wanted it to be since Alucard couldn't care less about changing it. He had other things to think about other than some fake name.

When he told you the name, you began to think of your own alias. Something cool, but also intimidating. You wanted it to strike fear into your enemies hearts for all eternity. But sadly, Alucard knew what you were doing and wouldn't have any of it.

"My master has already given you your alias, my queen." He stated as he swirled a cup of "wine" around and around until he finally took a sip. You had asked him what it was, but the way he responded...well let's just say it wasn't comforting to you. First, he snickered, which didn't bother you and Pip, who was reading a newspaper in front of you both. Then, the snickering turned into low chuckles. That's where you began to notice something a little off, but you didn't voice it or think much about it. Next, the chuckles grew in volume until they turned into all out maniacal laughter. This finally caused you, and Pip, to slowly inch your way away from the man. Whatever your alias was you were positive you weren't going to like it.

And now here you are, standing beside the smirking bastard, with the alias of Mrs. J. H. Brenner. Oh you were so ranting about this when you got home.

"What's with the frown, wife? I thought you'd be happy. This is our honeymoon, after all." You scowled.

"Oh, you are just enjoying this, aren't you?!" Alucard placed a finger under your chin and forced you to stare into his eyes, the tips of your noses touching in an Eskimo kiss.

"Immensely."

"OIII, in 'ere. Zhis way!" Alucard growled, sending Pip a seething glare. Did he have to come in now?! Christ, so much for privacy with his mate. As Pip walked up to you both, bellhops slowly brought in your "luggage".

"A suite on the top floor," your "husband" told the mercenary.

"Roger!! 'ey, over 'ere." Pip jabbed a thumb towards the elevators. "It's zhe top floor." The young receptionist stared at the two cases in astonishment.

"S-sir. We can't have you keeping such large luggage..." he murmured. You instantly felt an intimidating aura around Alucard and his grip around your waist tightened. What was he planning? Whatever it was, it wasn't going to end well.

"There's no problem," the vampire hissed.

"Yes, sir, there is. Something that size in this hotel..."

"I said," he removed his sunglasses and his red eyes seemed to glow as he inched closer to the counter, a single hand reaching out in front of the boy's face, "There. Is no. Problem." Alucard continued to peer deeply into the boy's eyes and his hand slowly lowered to the young man's lips.

The boy gasped. "There. Is. No. Problem."

"There's no problem."

"No problem. None at all." Alucard finally moved away from the counter and put his sunglasses back on, sending Pip a glance as he led you away.

"Let's go. Hurry and bring it up." The captain sweat dropped.

"Ehh?" He turned to look at the boy, who was still in some sort of trance like state, and several more drops of sweat began to form. "Whadya do? Magic? Some kinda sex beam or somezhing?" You hoped it wasn't that or else the undead king would most definitely use it against you. God, how you wished it wasn't a sex beam. Alucard seemed to hear what Pip said as he led you all away from the lobby.

So he chose his answer wisely and responded with, "I didn't do anything." Hmph, yeah right. "More to the point, what's holding the luggage?"

"It's just scary 'ow easy zhis is." Alucard's eyes widened.

".....Perhaps," A smirk broke out onto his face. "Hmph."

"Somezhing amiss?"

"There's no problem." And as Alucard whisked you towards the elevators, you could have sworn you heard him say, "this promises to be a fun holiday," but you didn't want to assume.

(Inside the suite)

You and Pip stared around the room in amazement as Alucard walked off as if he'd been through this sort of thing before. This place was incredible! The room was huge, the furniture looked brand new, and there was a gorgeous view of Rio right outside the window. This was great! But apparently, mister Bernadotte thought otherwise.

"Would you look at zhis!! I'm used to cheap thirty dollar downtown hotels! Night and day!! It's ruddy bourgeois I tell you!!"

"Cheap hotels have their own advantages."

"Is zhat so..."

"I believe I have to disagree with you there, Alucard." The man in question turned to stare as you continued to look out at the ocean.

"Why do you say that, flower?" he asked as he made his place beside you, staring off into the distance behind his sunglasses as he wore a smirk no living being would ever be able to get rid of.

"Well, before working with Hellsing, when I did travel around from place to place, I always stayed at a cheap hotel. Some of them looked nice and a couple actually were."

"So?"

"Now hold on, I was just getting to the reason as to why I disagree with you. So, the last time I went to a cheap hotel was when I was on my way to a family reunion. The room I got was pretty decent; I had a bed, TV, and other regular things which you'd expect inside a hotel room. So just as I was getting ready for bed, a woman next door runs out of her room, screaming, "there are bugs in my bed! There are f***ing disgusting ass bugs in my bed!!" And that was when I high-tailed it out of there and drove the rest of the way to the reunion without an ounce of sleep." Both men laughed aloud as you finished your story. That was probably the most hilarious thing they'd ever heard you mention about your life; it was the only thing, actually.

Alucard found that a little troubling. I mean, here you were, standing beside a man who you knew a little about, and here he was knowing nearly nothing about you. It just wasn't acceptable. Although, he was now a bit relieved to know this story of yours. Even if it was just a small one. You telling him this meant you trusted him and that you were beginning to become comfortable with him. Knowing this brought him hope. He was finally getting closer to your heart.

Pip, from his spot near the door, watched you both with rapt fascination. A vampire and a human, together. The only time he's ever heard of this sort of thing was in the movies, but those weren't even real! Seeing you two now, side by side, almost made this sort of thing look natural. It was as if you both were made for each other, which is odd considering the age difference. [4]

"Seras has been awfully quiet..." you brought up to the two males. They turned to the coffins and Alucard hummed in thought.

"Yes. That's not like her."

"Oui," Pip murmured. "She was really freakin' out during zhe transit. Guess she didn't take to bein' tricked. Looks like she must 'ave gotten tired or given up, and fallen asleep." Alucard walked up to the coffins and removed his sunglasses.

"Hmph" With a forceful tug, he removed the sheet that covered the two boxes and you were instantly greeted by the familiar black box. Pip stared at the onyx coffin in unease as you whispered the words etched onto the case.

"...So zhat's your coffin zhen, eh...? Alucard chose that moment to sit on top of it.

"That's right. My final dominion. Here I am born, here I die."

"I reckon suites and whatnot must seem pointless to a bloke like you," Pip placed his hands at his hips, "right zhen, zhe investigation starts tomorrow, so 4-6-4-9. I'll come get you in zhe evening. You prefer nighttime, right? ...You vampires." Pip sauntered out of the room and Alucard followed after him. And as the hit man leaned against the entryway, he finally responded to the Frenchman.

"Oh, I can hardly wait." Pip stopped abruptly in the middle of the hallway and turned back to give him a glance.

"Eh?"

"Looks like it'll be fun, this place." That was the last thing he said until he shut the door on the captain. Alucard returned to the room you were in and found you standing near the window once more. However, instead of looking through the glass with intrigue like he had seen earlier, you were staring forlornly, as if you were a caged song bird waiting to be set free. ...You really were going to do this...weren't you?

"Really?" You blinked, turning to the vampire in curiosity.

"Hmm?"

"Really? You're going to do this?" You frowned. What was he talking about?

"Do what?" He gestured to ALL of you.

"This."

"Alucard, I don't understand what you're trying to tell me. Just say it. What am I doing?"

"Trying to guilt trip me into letting you go out."

"..." You had to stop yourself from speaking at that moment. He really thought you were pulling the sad puppy act? I mean sure you wanted to go out and everything, but you weren't going to make anyone feel bad for it. So with a sigh and small shake of the head, you turned back to the window pane.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not trying to do that. What made you think that anyways?" You could hear his shoes clack, clack, clacking against the floor as he moved to stand behind you.

"You stare out the window with such longing that it nearly breaks my non-beating heart, my queen."

"Tch, 'nearly'..." He wrapped his arms around your waist.

"Yes, nearly. As much as I hate to see you upset, I can't help but enjoy keeping you here with me."

"You know, technically we're not alone," you gestured to the coffins, "Seras is here also."

"....Well we could always go to the bed-"

You jabbed a finger in his face, "No."

He scowled and moved towards the mini fridge near the television, pulling out whatever alcoholic beverage he could get his hands on, which happened to be wine again. Once he placed the bottle on the coffee table, he dug into the inside of his suit and pulled out a packet of blood, proceeding to mix the two into his favorite concoction. You rolled your eyes the moment he took his first sip. He was acting like a petulant child. He even had the nerve to send you looks, as if he were trying to discreetly show you with his eyes how wrong you were for pushing him away. Well it's not your fault for not knowing how to deal with an ancient vampire with anger issues...either that or he needed a hobby that didn't involve killing people.

He took another long drink of his beverage and you finally decided to speak. "You know, you're acting really childish right now."

"No I am not."

"Yes, you are." He took another sip, refusing to answer you. "Ugh, you know what, fine. Be that way." You grabbed your back pack and headed towards the door, Alucard watching you with slight fury.

"And where do you think you're going?" He called after you.

"Out."

"I told you that you can't leave. It's not safe to be out there by yourself."

"I know. That's why I want you to come with me."

"......What?" You turned around once you noticed how close his voice sounded and giggled when he peeked at you from around the corner, his red eyes gleaming in question.

"Yeah, I want you to come look around with me. I wanted to do that from the very beginning. I mean I would have asked Pip or Seras, but after what happened back at the mansion....yeah I thought against that, and Seras is asleep (also the sun is still up) so that leaves you as my last option." You gestured to the door with your head and sent Alucard a bright smile. "So, you wanna see Rio with me?" It all but took him a second to retrieve his sunglasses and to storm his way towards the elevator.

"Come along, flower. We're wasting precious time." You gave another giggle and followed after him.

"Coming, Alucard~!"

(At the Rua Visconde de Piraja Ipanema district)

"Oh wow, look at this! Ohh, ohhh, no this~!" You held up a trinket, eyes sparkling in delight as Alucard stared blankly. "Don't you just think this stuff is lovely? Oh, I wish I could stay here just a little longer to actually enjoy the trip."

"Maybe next time when there's no mission to be done." You glanced at him for a second, the trinket gone with a T-shirt replacing it.

"Do you think sir Integra will let us come back here? I'm not sure she would."

"She might...and did you just say US? As in, me and you; together?" You flushed in embarrassment. You had let that slip through your lips, hadn't you?

"N-no!" you stammered, gaze solely focused on the tacky shirt and away from the hit man's smirking face. "I just...well...you see...well you did mention how you needed to protect me (even if I can take care of myself) and since I don't want to fight you about the prospect of coming here alone, I decided that it's best if you came along with me." Alucard, after giving you another uncomfortable smirk, wrapped an arm around your middle to bring you into his form.

"Finally warming up to me, are you, my queen?"

"No! Sh-shut up, it's not like that."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"Ugh! Let's just go somewhere else." So you and Alucard walked out of the little gift shop and into the warm streets of Rio. You both walked quietly beside one another, ignoring the stares you received from the locals as you passed by. They were all perplexed at how a small woman such as yourself was with a tall, intimidating man like Alucard. Honestly, you didn't know the answer either. The situation between you two just sort of happened before you could even stop it. It's not like you could, anyways.

"Flower." Alucard's voice brought you out of your thoughts and you turned to him to ask what he wanted, but the sight you saw made you yelp in surprise. Alucard stood against a lamp post, his visage desperate and sickly. "I..." he panted and leaned a little more into the cold metal, "I need to get out of the sun."

"But didn't you say you were okay with being out?!" He had said that before, right? Right?!

"Yes, but only for a certain period of time." He yanked you close to his side to whisper in your ear. "I'm still a vampire, remember?"

"Right. Well come on then, I saw a shady looking coffee shop not too far from here." You took his gloved hand in yours and immediately sped towards the coffee place, hoping nothing would happen to the vampire until you both got there.

(At the coffee joint)

"Here you go, ma'am. Your white chocolate mocha latte. Have a nice day!" You grabbed your drink and sent the woman behind the counter a smile.

"Thanks, you too." After that exchange, you looked about the room and found your companion sitting in a booth far from the windows, arms crossed and sunglasses firmly planted onto his face as he waited for you. With another grin, and slight hop in your step, you made your way over to his shady spot.

"Hey," you greeted, taking a seat in front of him with a bright smile, "how you holdin' up?"

"Pretty well. You were right about this place. I'm feeling a lot better now that I'm out of the sun's accursed rays."

"Great! I'd probably feel a lot worse if you just up and passed out in the middle of the street...or burst into flames."

"I would have done neither of those things." You blinked, slowly raising the beverage to your lips.

"Then what would have happened?"

"Well I was losing energy at an astonishing rate, so I needed something to replenish myself."

"And that would be?"

"You. The people we passed by. Damn near every person in Rio." You blanched, nearly making a spit take with your coffee. Was he serious?!

"How in the world would I be able to "replenish" you?!" With a leer, he leaned in to whisper almost seductively in your ear.

"Your blood. That intoxicating liquid that runs through your veins and gives you life. I would have swallowed every last, irresistible drop until you were nothing more than a corpse." Growling, you pushed him away, face showing utter disgust at what you had just heard. Did he actually just say he'd kill you if he was ever exhausted?! What were you, some kind of energy drink?!

"Y-you, you assho-"

"However," he interrupted, "you technically wouldn't become a corpse, per se. You most likely would have become a vampire, permanently making you mine for always and eternity." That's where your whole body twitched. This guy just never quits, does he? With your face flushed red, you turned your attention away from the man, sipping your coffee in an attempt to distract yourself. How is it that this one man (who isn't even LIVING to begin with), this one person was easily capable of making you react like this?

Sure, you've had your experience with a couple boyfriends to where you should have been immune to all sorts of pick up lines, perverted comments, or other things, but Alucard somehow made things different. Was it because he was WAY more experienced with this sort of thing? Or was it that he was more intimidating, older, or handsome? You couldn't seem to find the answer.

"________." Humming to him, you realized something. That was the second time he's ever uttered your name, and the first time was when he was being serious. Maybe he had something important to say. "How is it that no one else in the manor knows anything about you?"

"No one bothered to ask." He gave a sardonic chuckle. Of course...

"What about the police girl? Does she know more than everyone else?"

"Not really."

"Hmm, then will you be willing to share some stories with me? I feel as if we hardly know anything about each other."

"Well...I don't know."

"It's alright to talk. What could possibly happen if you did?"

"You'd pity me." Your statement made him pause. Pity? Now where did that come from? Alucard placed his elbows onto the table and gazed at you inquisitively.

"Why do you say that?" he asked.

"...." you didn't answer. It almost seemed like you were ashamed to, actually. Hmm, curious and curiouser.

"My queen," he placed a gloved hand on yours, the pentagram strangely a comforting sight to see when it came into contact with your flesh, "how about we make an exchange?"

"An exchange?"

"Yes. I'll start by telling you something about myself and then you tell me something in return."

"So it's a back-and-forth sort of thing." He shrugged.

"More or less." You sighed. Well if he was going to be in on this then you guessed it would be alright.

"Okay."

"Alright then, here goes nothing. Back before I was what I am today, my name was originally Vlad Dracula the Third."

"Really now? So should I call you Vlad now or still call you by Alucard?"

"Alucard. My previous name is but a distant memory to me now."

"I see."

"Yes. Now it is your turn, my dear." You flinched. You sorta dreaded your turn.

"W-well um...my birthday is on (Month) (Day)." He sent you a smirk.

"I'll keep that in mind, flower." You rolled your eyes.

"Whatever. It's your turn."

"Alright. When I was human I used to believe in God and all that other nonsense."

"Really?" You were a little surprised at this. Alucard didn't seem like the kind of guy to really get into that sort of thing, and you weren't saying that just because he's a vampire. It's just that he was...different. "That's...kinda odd to hear coming from you, Alucard."

"I wouldn't be surprised. Your turn."

"Okay, uh...I used to live in a two story house with my parents when I was little."

"You know, you never really mention much things about your family members."

"Oh, that's because...uh......." Silence.

"Flower?"

"Y-your turn."

"....I used to impale my victims. I still do, actually."

"Wha-? Why did you do that?"

"Your turn."

"Huh? But you didn't-" His sunglasses glinted menacingly as he scrutinized you.

"I said it's your turn." You gulped. Okay, shutting up then.

"Uh...my family, other than my mom and dad, hate me."

"Why is that?"

"Your turn." The hit man regarded your chilling voice with slight amusement. So, the both of you were "playing" now. Well then, let the games begin.

"I was once a prince. Your turn."

"I once shot a kid in the knee with a pellet gun. Go."

"I once waged war against the Turks. Next."

"I ran over a turtle by accident and to this day I forever feel guilty after seeing its shell fly over the windshield."[5] The Nosferatu stifled a laugh at that one. He could just picture your reaction to the whole (hilarious) scenario. You took notice to the amused smirk on his lips and glared. "Shut up! That was a very traumatic moment for me."

"I'm sure it-" chuckle, glare, fake cough, "eh hem....I'm sure it was, beloved."

"Mmhmm, yeah right. Anyways, it's your turn."

"Alright. After I was defeated in the war, I drank the blood of the battle field." Your face scrunched in disgust.

"Ew, why would you do that?"

"Can't say, but it was after that moment that I became a vampire."

"Ah, I always wondered how that happened. Anyways, I guess it's my turn. I may have lost my best friend." Alucard blinked.

"Are you and the police girl fighting?" he queried with slight curiosity. You laughed sheepishly and scratched the back of your neck in some sort of nervous habit.

"No, no, it's not Seras. It's my other friend, Stacie."

"Isn't that the girl you mentioned to us before? Didn't she also go to the museum? My master said she did."

"Yeah...she was there."

"...Something happened." he stated. Yeah, something did happen, alright. With a sigh, you leaned further into your seat, messing with your coffee cup which had been empty for quite some time now. Alucard watched you with slight concern, although he'd never show it. Just what happened at the museum after he left?

"If you're wondering what happened then I'll tell you..." He perked his head slightly to notice your eyes staring transfixed to the table, almost as if you were too embarrassed or ashamed to look up. "Well, it all happened way after I ran and after Seras helped me with some problems I've been meaning to deal with. Stacie found us then and...well let's just say she wasn't too happy to see me with my friend...or to see me wearing the Hellsing uniform..."

(Flashback)

"________?!"

"Stacie?!" The geared up blond in front practically stormed over to you, long hair flowing behind her as her blue eyes blazed in utter outrage.

"What the hell are you doing here?! And with THIS creature?!" she jabbed a finger at Seras, making the poor girl flinch back in fright. You stared at your friend, perplexed by her actions. Just why was she so angry? Not only that, but why was she even here to begin with? You wanted to ask, but decided to answer her questions instead.

"I'm here on a serious business. And this is Seras. She's a friend of mine."

"You're 'friends' with it?! Ugh, I knew something bad would have happened if you walked home alone."

"Jeez, would you stop calling her an 'it'? Her name is Seras."

"I don't care what its name is," Stacie suddenly shot a hand out and grabbed your arm, dragging you down the hall as your bad leg screamed in protest, "you are coming with me to the Vatican. We'll sort everything out there."

"Whoa, hey, hold on!" With a forceful tug and shout, you ripped yourself away from Stacie and limped back over to Seras' side. Getting your bearings back, you sent your friend an incredulous stare. "Stacie, I just can't leave my friend behind, and it's not because she's my friend, but I work with her too. We're here on important business so I can't just abandon Seras, not only that, but I can't abandon my boss either."

She sneered. "And let me guess, your boss is Sir Integral Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing?"

"Yeah, but how the heck did you know that?"

She hissed. "Lucky guess..."

"Oh, well yeah I can't leave them behind. I kinda own my boss (and a certain someone else) a great debt."

"A debt? What kind of debt do you owe?" She walked closer to you, pulling out her wallet from within her pocket. "If it's a money related debt then I can easily get you out of it. Just tell me how much you need."

"Stacie..."

"No, seriously. Just tell me how much you need."

"Stacie, it's not that-"

"I'm gonna go out on a limb here and give you ten-thousand."

"STACIE!!" She froze. "Listen to me. I don't owe Integra money, that's not it. What I really owe Hellsing is my life. One of the men who works there saved my life on the night I foolishly decided to walk home alone. So I don't just owe Integra, my boss who so kindly took me in while my life was in danger, but also that man. I owe Alucard my life!" The room fell into stunned silence after your proud statement. Seras sent you a smile, happy to hear you say those things, but Stacie, however, was not as happy. She looked positively livid, actually.

"I see," she growled out, bangs covering her eyes, creating an ominous shadow over her face, "if that's how you feel...then I guess we can no longer be friends." You swore a part of yourself just shattered. Stacie...didn't want to be friends? Why? Why?!

"W-what? Stacie...what are you saying?! We've been friends ever since you were still in the orphanage! How could you just come up and say this to me now?!"

"Because you have decided to join sides with my father's enemy!!" You jumped back, surprised at the outburst and the fire burning from within your friend's sapphire eyes the moment she looked up to meet your (e/c) gaze. This was a completely different Stacie. Just who the hell was this person standing before you now?!

"Enemies?! What the hell are you talking about?! Are you saying that since I joined up with Hellsing that, that automatically make me your father's enemy?!"

"Yes, and mine. From here on out, we are rivals. Prepare yourself, mongrel, for you will not win this battle. I swear it!" That was the last thing she said as she stormed down the hallway, never to be seen until lord knows when.

(End flashback)

"...and that was how that meeting went." Alucard leaned back in his seat, arms crossed. After hearing about the event, he couldn't help but worry slightly for your safety. He knew a little bit about this Stacie Maxwell and he knew that she was a very skilled fighter, since she trained with Anderson since the day she was adopted. Sure, your aim with a gun was incredible ever since he taught you how to use one, but this girl was much more skilled in the way of combat than you were. And that was something the vampire would not stand for.

"Hmm, you need more training then if you're going to be facing someone like her."

"W-what? But-"

He cut you off, "you will need to learn hand-to-hand combat, how to use any type of weapon given to you, and you'll need to be much more quick and agile than you were before. The police girl and I will have to train you until you are skilled enough to take on your friend." He quickly rose from his seat and headed towards the door, coat fluttering behind him as you quickly grabbed your things after his sudden leave. Throwing the empty coffee cup away, you both walked out of the establishment, a new determined air surrounding your so called "husband".

(Back inside hotel Rio)

The silence between you and the Nosferatu was comforting and calming as you both walked into the lobby. During the walk back, Alucard discreetly wrapped an arm around your waist to bring you closer to his side; a protective gesture he tended to do when he felt that just about anything could be around the corner. Usually, you'd curse the man for the action and rip yourself from his grasp, but today you decided to let him have this one. The day was a good one, so why ruin it?

You both walked leisurely to the elevator and the hit man pressed the button heading up, giving your side a slight squeeze as you attempted to stifle a yawn.

"Tired, dear?" he mockingly asked with a chuckle. He knew this sort of thing would happen if you went out. And you both still had a mission to complete. Well, at least he did. You were here to help Seras kill stragglers who happened to survive the blood bath the vampire king just adored creating. He liked to think of it as a hobby. It was a much better thing to do instead of some other hobby, like knitting.

"No," you stubbornly answered, lips forming a small pout as you both continued to wait for the elevator to arrive. Giving another chuckle, Alucard glanced down at his wrist watch, which was also the tracking device for your necklace, and hummed. Only a few hours until the show began.

"We have a while until our mission begins. You can take a short nap until then." The elevator dinged, signaling to you both that it had arrived. With a slow strut, you both went into the elevator and headed to the floor of the suite.

"Thanks, Alucard," you leaned your head into his chest, wrapping your arms around him in a lazy hug, "I'm glad you decided to come with me today. It means a lot to know you would risk your health just to make me happy."

"I didn't risk my health."

"Alucard, I had to drag you to a shady place because you looked damn near ready to pass out. Yes, you were risking your health."

"..." You both finally reached your floor and proceeded to walk down the hall to the room. A moment of silence went by until Alucard recalled something.

"Flower."

"Hmm?"

"You never told me why you believe your family hates you." You stopped abruptly. Alucard stood beside you and waited for you to answer him. Whatever this troubling thing to you was, it obviously has been with you for some time now. Alucard wasn't sure if he was okay with seeing you like this. Your expression...it was just so vacant, so distant. It was as if you were in deep thought over something complicated, or as if you were reliving a horrible even which played over and over in your head as if on repeat. He hated seeing this side of you, he really did.

"You know," he started, "you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"No, no. I...I want...no, that's not it. I "need" to tell someone." Giving Alucard a quick glance, you sighed and situated yourself against a wall, the vampire watching your movement like a hawk. After getting comfortable, you began to tell your tale. "When I was in middle school, say the sixth grade, I was somewhat forced to rehearse in a play by Stacie. She was playing as one of the main characters close friend's so she wanted me to be in it to, "make it more fun". That's what she told me then. So I acted the role I was forced into playing and surprise, surprise, I get one of the lead roles."

"My parents were so happy to hear that. They got a video camera and everything for my big day. Heck, my dad even acted with me so I could memorize my lines, it was so embarrassing. But I was glad to know that they were going to great lengths to ensure I was great for the play. They made me feel so confident. So days later, on opening night, as I was getting ready for the play to begin, I took a small peek from behind the curtain and looked about the crowd of parents, noticing that my own had yet to arrive. Of course, I didn't think much of it then. I thought that they might have been running late or there was traffic."

"A couple more minutes went by and still my parents hadn't arrived. The play was about to begin and I was panicking. Where were they? Where were my parents? Why weren't they here yet? Those thoughts pounded through my mind over and over as everyone got into their positions. Stacie gave me a word of encouragement and I thanked her greatly for it. Without her help I'm sure I would have messed up the entire play. So as the curtains went up, everyone became their role character, and I played mine, even if my parents weren't there to see me do it."

"The play ended after a while, and even if we received an applause for our act, I heard nothing but silence. My parents never came. They missed the entire play they said they were hoping to see for over a week. I was so very upset. As people began to leave, fellow students leaving with their parents, I headed in the direction of the office to call my parents to come and pick me up. But a teacher, the one who directed the play, stopped me before I could even walk out the door. A police officer was with him and I got a little nervous. At first, I thought I was in a serious amount of trouble, but the teacher reassured me, saying I wasn't. The police officer was there for a different matter..."

"It turns out that my parents were on their way to see the play, but something happened. A man, a drunk, was driving around the same time my parents were. They were all on the same road and...the man, from what the officer told me, started to swerve a little bit out of his lane and...and he had a head on collision with my parents car. They died instantly on impact. So throughout the years my family blamed me for their death, because it was MY play that they were coming to see."

"But it wasn't even your fault," Alucard interjected. "It was an accident. And didn't you say you saw your family at a reunion?"

"Yes. That's when they told me they hated me and blamed everything that happened to my parents on me. I had never felt so hurt and betrayed until that day." Alucard stared. He knew what it was like to be betrayed, to be back stabbed by people close to him, to feel absolutely humiliated for not noticing their motives from the beginning, but seeing you stand before him with a look that was so solemn that it matched the look he once wore, he nearly wanted to snap. If anyone should have that expression on their face it should be him.

A swift kiss was suddenly placed on your lips, surprising you, and the hit man walked into the suite, which was not too far from where you were standing. Running after him, you called out, "Alucard!" He continued walking. "Alucard, come on, wait!" You managed to grasp onto his sleeve and stop him from moving further into the room. The man had removed his sunglasses long after he stepped foot into the suite and was now staring down at you in impatience. He needed to prepare and you needed to rest, that was what you had both agreed on. Gulping the moment the tall, intimidating man stared down at you, your grip on Alucard's sleeve loosened and you took a small step back to give him his space.

However, Alucard still knew you wanted to ask him something, so he gritted out a gruff, "what?"

You flinched. "O-oh, um, I just wanted to know why you kissed me...back there."

"..." Stalking towards you, he gave you a quick peck to your forehead. Turning around, he continued to go about his business.

"Uh, Alu-"

"Little birds need life and spirit in order to sing, at least my little bird does. So sing to me like you always do, ________, and I, including everyone else in Hellsing, shall sing along side you." [6] And that was his response to you as he left to prepare his inventory. Standing in the middle of the room, you thought of his words.

" 'Little birds need life and spirit in order to sing'?" you murmured. "Am I the bird?" Seriously, what the heck was he talking about? After a little more thinking, it finally hit you. Alucard didn't like seeing you upset, so he kissed you in order to help you. The singing part stood for your character, spirit, and everything else about you. When Alucard said he and everyone else would sing along side you, he basically was saying that no matter what happens you still had people who were there for you.

That...was possibly the cheesiest, and yet sweetest thing he had ever said to you. Smiling as wide as you could manage, you skipped over to the couch to take that well deserved nap you needed. You lied down and turned on your side, giggling at the memories of your day with the vampire hit man. He really was a nice guy under that deadly exterior, wasn't he?

Giggle. "Oh, Alucard~."

(Several minutes later)

"My love, wake up." You groaned at the sound of your vampire "husband's" voice and turned on your back in order to stare at him.

"Good evening, Alucard," you groggily whispered, still a bit tired after the time you had to nap.

"Evening." Looking around, you noticed how dark it had become. You must have slept a bit longer than you had expected. Turning to stare back at the man, you noted how he had removed his suit and was now wearing his traditional trench coat.

"So, it would seem you're geared up and ready to go."

"But of course. We still have a mission to complete."

You groaned. "Right. So, is Seras up already, or...?"

"She is still resting. I will go and wake her up."

"Okay." He left you alone to go wake your friend and you decided to get dressed into your outfit. Once you did that, you inspected your trusty gun, Crimson, and smiled at its utter beauty. Oh yeah, you were so ready. Suddenly, Seras' yell alerted you, and you ran out of the room to see what the problem was.

"Hey, what's going-" you stopped the moment you saw a blinding light and a helicopter outside the window. What the heck was going on here?! Alucard smirked over in your direction and waved you over. You reluctantly did so. Standing by both of the vampires, you sighed. Well, looks like the party people arrived.

"Wha-wha-what?!" Seras yelled. "What is...what the-?!" She couldn't seem to find the right words.

But turning to you both, Alucard gave an eerie chuckle and spoke up. "Come. It's time for war."

Description
(Hellsing Headquarters)

"You're up considerably late, Walter." Alucard said as the butler turned away from the window. He gave the vampire a once over until he looked back out into the nightly scenery.

"Mhm...well, with all THAT going on outside." A few gunshots rung in the air, as if on cue. Alucard ignored it and moved about the room.

"Is Integra asleep yet?" he asked.

"She turned in just a bit ago. Have you heard?"

"Yes, I have."

"To think that Nazis are involved that a spectre from more than half a century ago would rear its head..." The hitman sighed.

"Hunh. I don't know. Somehow, I had a feeling it was them. I've experienced this sensation, this dim sense, before."

"Ho? And why would that be?"

"Why?" Alucard chuckled. "You ask, "why"? Angel of Death? There are only three who've ever thought of trying to throw undead into actual combat before. One is you all. One is them. And one is me. Furthermore, their undead research facility was completely demolished fifty years ago. You and I killed everyone there, didn't we?"

"...Yes. Yes, you're right. I just remembered. Alucard."

"THIS is why old age is such a menace." Walter frowned.

"Hmph...old age is something to enjoy for we John Bulls. But Alucard, I suspect we will have you fly as a group to South America soon. We can hardly place our full confidence in the Vatican's Iscariot. But the inflow of information is SO slim, we have no other choice. One often hears gossip that remnants of the Nazi party are trying to recuperate in South America, but here is an organization that does so much, and has hidden it from us for so long. They're no half-baked lot, that much is certain." Walter clenched a fist tightly, making Alucard smirk in amusement. Old Walter was getting serious.

"However," the butler continued, "they have obviously taken to provoking us recently. And we are not so soft that we'll take it lying down." Alucard snickered.

"And that's why John Bull grows old and fades away."

"I no longer wish for prosperity lacking even so much as pride. Our two "essential personel" are yourself and Seras. That would leave ________ and the newcomers in training outside?"

"My queen can come along. The mercenaries would only slow me down if I brought them. Let them handle liaison duty." Walter shook his head at the man and turned back to the window again.

"Oh, come now, they seem to be doing quite well for themselves. Although their instructor is a source of worry."

(Outside)

"Look here, whatta you think you're doing?!"

"No no no no no! It's no good like that!" You, along with the rest of the mercenaries, were standing outside, training your aim while Seras and the mercenary leader threw insults or snippy comments back and forth at each other. You'll admit that their little scuffle was highly entertaining to watch, and you had great time laughing at their expense, but the moment they chose to do this AFTER your recovery was just freaking unbelievable!

"Why can't you manage the 4,500 meter mark?!" Seras hissed at the captain.

"You iiidiot! Don't be ridiculous!!" he hissed back.

"Wh-wh-why?! You lot are dogs of war, right?! A pineapple army, right?!"

"It's not zhat!! Who can hit 500 meters with ordinary small arms? You'd 'ave to be some kinda bloody freak to pull zhat off." Seras glared and you gaped.

"Oh! Ohh!! Oh no he didn't!!!" you yelled aloud. The Frenchman smirked in your direction and winked.

"Oh yes I did~!" You ran around like a spazz behind the mercenaries.

"Ooohhh, shit just hit the fan, everybody! Watch out for Seras!" And on the dot, the young draculina came up with a gun in hand, aiming at the targets with absolute precision. BANG BANG BANG!!! The shots made their mark and the targets practically exploded from the impact. Seras lowered her weapon and sent everyone a sparkling smile. Take that, captain!

"Yes!" you both shouted in victory as you quickly went over to give her a high five. Once you calmed down, Seras shot a look to the captain and hissed once more.

"How about it?" she asked proudly.

The Frenchman sneered, "look closely, fool." Seras hummed in confusion and with her vampire vision, she peered over to the targets. The captain came over to your side to hand you his binoculars, wanting you to see what she was seeing. He obviously wanted to prove he was right to the both of you. Once you adjusted the binoculars over your eyeballs you instantly yelled out. Everything was dead. The vehicles, the drawn up assailants...even the hostages! Everything was gone. You dropped the binoculars from the shock and the captain chose that moment to hiss at you both.

"All 'ostages eliminated!" Seras could only manage to yell along side you in response. Oh how we girls still needed to work on our aim...

(With Walter and Alucard)

After watching that incredibly awkward display, the only butler of Hellsing couldn't help but sweat drop. This sort of thing did not bode well for their offense AND defense.

"I worry for our future," he told the red man, who was watching you closely.

"Hmmm." A few seconds passed until Walter recalled something.

"Oh yes, there was something I meant to ask you."

"What?"

"Why make her a vampire? Why would you do something so out of character?" He was referring to Seras. Alucard stared at him for a small amount of time until he sighed.

"Who can say why? A whim? No, not really. She chose this journey of her own accord...How's her situation been dealt with so far?"

"She was declared missing as of the Cheddar village incident."

"Her family hasn't said anything?"

"She...has none. She is orphaned," Walter replied. Alucard couldn't help but let out a chuckle. This...was just too perfect.

"Heheh...you don't say. Well, that figures. She's a far more interesting girl than she looks." He slowly brought out his favorite sunglasses and put them on. "She was in a Hamlet of Death where her fellow officers and superiors kept changing into ghouls and annihilating as soon as they deployed. With a vampire trying to rape and kill her, it was like Hell as the bottom of a witch's cauldron. What DID the girl choose in that situation?" he asked airily with a sinister grin.

"Resignation is what kills people. Once they've rejected resignation, humans gain the privilege of making humanity their foot path," the vampire finished. Walter thought on his words for a while and slowly nodded his head. Yeah, he guessed that was true.

"....Hm! Now all she needs to do is drink blood...eh?"

"...She will. She'll drink. I'm sure of it." She will drink the blood...someday. Just not someday soon.

"By the way," Walter spoke suddenly, "how do you intend to get her to South America? She still can't cross the ocean in her present form. So, she still cannot...not even by plane...?" Alucard scoffed.

"No chance. She's something like half-human and half-vampire. Dust returns to dust."

"Hm. Now what is THAT all about?" But Alucard wasn't able to explain when the sound of screaming unexpectedly came towards them. Seras barged right into the room, comical tears flowing down her face as she waved her arms in the air. [1]

"WALLLLTERRRRR!" she screamed to the man, who currently looked upon her as if she were mental.

"Ah, training is over, then?" But she ignored him and pointed towards the door way, where you and the captain were slowly slithering in with smirks on your faces.

"S-S-Sexual harassment! That weird mercenary commander has corrupted by best friend and they both won't stop singing this nasty cadence!!" Immediately, you and the captain began to sing.

"I don't know but I've been told, Eskimo ***** is mighty cold~! Tastes good! Mighty good! Good for you! Good for me!"

"GREAT BARMY PILLOCK!!" And while you both laughed, and as Walter stared at you all as if you were rowdy little children, Alucard interrupted.

"Walter." The butler turned to him in question. "It's old fashioned, but I have an idea." The three of you newcomers stared towards him also. Just what was he planning?

(The next day)

"What a pain," Integra muttered. She and Walter were currently on their way to the basement where Seras' room resided in. Alucard had said to meet them down there and that is what she was doing. "So, how did you decided to transport the police girl?" she asked as she gnashed the cigar between her teeth. She somehow had a bad feeling about all of this.

"Yes, about that."

"Hunh." She walked up to the door and opened it slowly, the sight before her making her freeze.

"Good morning, Integra." Alucard greeted with a smirk. She should have known he'd come up with THIS sort of idea, but...seriously? The director slowly walked inside the slightly cramped room and stared as the mercenaries nailed a coffin shut. The pounding and shouting from the inside mostly indicating that Seras was inside. Integra turned her gaze back to Alucard for answers and he smiled, evilly. "We settled on using a coffin in the end."

"I don't see that getting through customs."

"There shan't be any," Walter mentioned behind her.

"Why not?" she asked.

"Because it is a smuggling vessel." ...Again, seriously?

"NGUUUuuu...NOOOooo..." Seras' cries went ignored as Integra returned her attention to her servant.

"...Are you certain about this? We had to ship the fire arms too, you know."

"And my coffin. Two birds with one stone." The commander decided to speak up.

"It's zhe same smugglers we always use. Long as we're payin' zhem, we can rely on zhem."

"LET ME OUUUUuuut!!"

Alucard groaned, "silence." The room became eerily quiet after he had given the order. Okay then. After a good few seconds of silence, Integra took notice of Alucard's attire.

"That isn't how you usually dress," she exclaimed with a smile. "Isn't direct sunlight one of a vampires worst enemies?"

"I can't be expected to go for a plane ride dressed like THAT. It'd make me a walking billboard for our foes." That is true... "Besides, for me, sunlight isn't some great enemy. I just hate it."

"Well I think the sunlight is refreshing," everyone in the room turned to the doorway and found you leaning against the wall, "but of course, I'm only saying that unless there's a nice, cool breeze alongside all that sunlight." Alucard shot up from his spot on Seras' coffin and made his way towards you.

"Hello, my flower. How are you? And my my my, don't you look," he eyed your ensemble, which consisted of shorts, a tank top, and sneakers, "...fascinating~!" You rolled your eyes. He was mostly talking about the tank top and shorts, you just knew it.

"You look like freaking Lara Croft! You've got your 'air up and everyzhing! Geez, you're even wearing a backpack as if you were going on a jungle adventure. 'ey, _______, what's in zhe bag? Treasures? Weapons? A camera? Come on, Lara, speak up~!" You shot the Frenchman a look.

"Shut it, Bernadotte!"

"Berna-who?" Alucard sneered. You looked up at the tall man for a second, until you went back to the captain.

"His name is Pip Bernadotte. After that little song we did for you and Walter last night, he, the mercenaries, and I had a few drinks and we all got to know each other better." [2]

"..." He suddenly brought out the Jackal and pointed the barrel right between your (sorta) friend's eyes. Pip yelped in fright and quickly hid behind you, causing the vampire to growl in warning.

"________, call 'im off! Call 'im off!!"

"Alucard, what the heck are you doin'?! Put the gun away before you hurt somebody!!" [3] Your order practically flew over the man's head as he took a step closer to the both of you.

"Back away from MY queen, human...." Alucard snarled. You gulped as you stared at the man, terror taking over your system. You had never seen Alucard act this way before. It was frightening. It was nightmare inducing. It was....it was....oh whoa, did you think this was hot?! As you had a mental panic attack, Pip quickly nodded his head at the vampire and shot towards a fellow teammate, using the poor person as another meat shield. Once he was sure Pip was as far away from you as possible, Alucard put his gun away and wrapped a possessive arm around your waist, glaring at any other male (except Walter) who dared to try and come near you. You finally got over your panic ridden thoughts and stared up at Alucard.

"Alucard..." you groaned out, pinching the bridge of your nose in irritation. "You can be too much sometimes, you know that?" He gave the top of your head a chaste kiss in response and moved back to Integra after he was sure every other man in the room got the message.

"Only for you, my flower. Only for you." He smirked over at Integra, who was frowning. "Well?" Her look then turned serious.

"You have only one order: Search and Destroy." The vampire hunter bowed and gave her a smile so dark it could put the Joker to shame. This was going to be fun.

"I understand. My master."

(Brazil, South America. The capital, Rio De Janeiro. Hotel Rio.)

"I don't see how I can't at least take a few pictures." There was a sigh.

"This isn't a vacation, my dear. We are on a mission, remember?" A whine.

"I know that, but this is most likely going to be the last time I ever come to Rio, so I want to make my day here memorable."

"Oh trust me, once this day is over you'll never be able to forget it."

"What?"

"Nevermind. Just come here," an arm wrapped itself around you, "and play your part like a good little girl."

"Ugh, fine. But if you pull anything funny again I'm gonna deck you in the face. And I mean it this time." The conversation finally came to a close as the couple walked up to the receptionist desk with confidence. A boy stood behind the counter and he sent you a polite smile. You returned it with grace, fighting back a giggle as best as you could. The boy looked adorable.

"I have a reservation for a suite," the tall man stated as his arm held a firm grip around your petite form. The boy stared up at him and gave a quick nod.

"Yes, sir. Your suite is on the top floor. Mr. and Mrs. Brenner, right? We were told to expect you two." And just like that your face became ablaze. Mrs. Who now?! My word, what on earth was Integra thinking?! A while ago, when you, Alucard, Seras, and Pip were on flight to Rio, you and Alucard discussed the topic of aliases. He had mentioned he was given the alias J. H. Brenner by Integra, the J. H. part meaning whatever you wanted it to be since Alucard couldn't care less about changing it. He had other things to think about other than some fake name.

When he told you the name, you began to think of your own alias. Something cool, but also intimidating. You wanted it to strike fear into your enemies hearts for all eternity. But sadly, Alucard knew what you were doing and wouldn't have any of it.

"My master has already given you your alias, my queen." He stated as he swirled a cup of "wine" around and around until he finally took a sip. You had asked him what it was, but the way he responded...well let's just say it wasn't comforting to you. First, he snickered, which didn't bother you and Pip, who was reading a newspaper in front of you both. Then, the snickering turned into low chuckles. That's where you began to notice something a little off, but you didn't voice it or think much about it. Next, the chuckles grew in volume until they turned into all out maniacal laughter. This finally caused you, and Pip, to slowly inch your way away from the man. Whatever your alias was you were positive you weren't going to like it.

And now here you are, standing beside the smirking bastard, with the alias of Mrs. J. H. Brenner. Oh you were so ranting about this when you got home.

"What's with the frown, wife? I thought you'd be happy. This is our honeymoon, after all." You scowled.

"Oh, you are just enjoying this, aren't you?!" Alucard placed a finger under your chin and forced you to stare into his eyes, the tips of your noses touching in an Eskimo kiss.

"Immensely."

"OIII, in 'ere. Zhis way!" Alucard growled, sending Pip a seething glare. Did he have to come in now?! Christ, so much for privacy with his mate. As Pip walked up to you both, bellhops slowly brought in your "luggage".

"A suite on the top floor," your "husband" told the mercenary.

"Roger!! 'ey, over 'ere." Pip jabbed a thumb towards the elevators. "It's zhe top floor." The young receptionist stared at the two cases in astonishment.

"S-sir. We can't have you keeping such large luggage..." he murmured. You instantly felt an intimidating aura around Alucard and his grip around your waist tightened. What was he planning? Whatever it was, it wasn't going to end well.

"There's no problem," the vampire hissed.

"Yes, sir, there is. Something that size in this hotel..."

"I said," he removed his sunglasses and his red eyes seemed to glow as he inched closer to the counter, a single hand reaching out in front of the boy's face, "There. Is no. Problem." Alucard continued to peer deeply into the boy's eyes and his hand slowly lowered to the young man's lips.

The boy gasped. "There. Is. No. Problem."

"There's no problem."

"No problem. None at all." Alucard finally moved away from the counter and put his sunglasses back on, sending Pip a glance as he led you away.

"Let's go. Hurry and bring it up." The captain sweat dropped.

"Ehh?" He turned to look at the boy, who was still in some sort of trance like state, and several more drops of sweat began to form. "Whadya do? Magic? Some kinda sex beam or somezhing?" You hoped it wasn't that or else the undead king would most definitely use it against you. God, how you wished it wasn't a sex beam. Alucard seemed to hear what Pip said as he led you all away from the lobby.

So he chose his answer wisely and responded with, "I didn't do anything." Hmph, yeah right. "More to the point, what's holding the luggage?"

"It's just scary 'ow easy zhis is." Alucard's eyes widened.

".....Perhaps," A smirk broke out onto his face. "Hmph."

"Somezhing amiss?"

"There's no problem." And as Alucard whisked you towards the elevators, you could have sworn you heard him say, "this promises to be a fun holiday," but you didn't want to assume.

(Inside the suite)

You and Pip stared around the room in amazement as Alucard walked off as if he'd been through this sort of thing before. This place was incredible! The room was huge, the furniture looked brand new, and there was a gorgeous view of Rio right outside the window. This was great! But apparently, mister Bernadotte thought otherwise.

"Would you look at zhis!! I'm used to cheap thirty dollar downtown hotels! Night and day!! It's ruddy bourgeois I tell you!!"

"Cheap hotels have their own advantages."

"Is zhat so..."

"I believe I have to disagree with you there, Alucard." The man in question turned to stare as you continued to look out at the ocean.

"Why do you say that, flower?" he asked as he made his place beside you, staring off into the distance behind his sunglasses as he wore a smirk no living being would ever be able to get rid of.

"Well, before working with Hellsing, when I did travel around from place to place, I always stayed at a cheap hotel. Some of them looked nice and a couple actually were."

"So?"

"Now hold on, I was just getting to the reason as to why I disagree with you. So, the last time I went to a cheap hotel was when I was on my way to a family reunion. The room I got was pretty decent; I had a bed, TV, and other regular things which you'd expect inside a hotel room. So just as I was getting ready for bed, a woman next door runs out of her room, screaming, "there are bugs in my bed! There are f***ing disgusting ass bugs in my bed!!" And that was when I high-tailed it out of there and drove the rest of the way to the reunion without an ounce of sleep." Both men laughed aloud as you finished your story. That was probably the most hilarious thing they'd ever heard you mention about your life; it was the only thing, actually.

Alucard found that a little troubling. I mean, here you were, standing beside a man who you knew a little about, and here he was knowing nearly nothing about you. It just wasn't acceptable. Although, he was now a bit relieved to know this story of yours. Even if it was just a small one. You telling him this meant you trusted him and that you were beginning to become comfortable with him. Knowing this brought him hope. He was finally getting closer to your heart.

Pip, from his spot near the door, watched you both with rapt fascination. A vampire and a human, together. The only time he's ever heard of this sort of thing was in the movies, but those weren't even real! Seeing you two now, side by side, almost made this sort of thing look natural. It was as if you both were made for each other, which is odd considering the age difference. [4]

"Seras has been awfully quiet..." you brought up to the two males. They turned to the coffins and Alucard hummed in thought.

"Yes. That's not like her."

"Oui," Pip murmured. "She was really freakin' out during zhe transit. Guess she didn't take to bein' tricked. Looks like she must 'ave gotten tired or given up, and fallen asleep." Alucard walked up to the coffins and removed his sunglasses.

"Hmph" With a forceful tug, he removed the sheet that covered the two boxes and you were instantly greeted by the familiar black box. Pip stared at the onyx coffin in unease as you whispered the words etched onto the case.

"...So zhat's your coffin zhen, eh...? Alucard chose that moment to sit on top of it.

"That's right. My final dominion. Here I am born, here I die."

"I reckon suites and whatnot must seem pointless to a bloke like you," Pip placed his hands at his hips, "right zhen, zhe investigation starts tomorrow, so 4-6-4-9. I'll come get you in zhe evening. You prefer nighttime, right? ...You vampires." Pip sauntered out of the room and Alucard followed after him. And as the hit man leaned against the entryway, he finally responded to the Frenchman.

"Oh, I can hardly wait." Pip stopped abruptly in the middle of the hallway and turned back to give him a glance.

"Eh?"

"Looks like it'll be fun, this place." That was the last thing he said until he shut the door on the captain. Alucard returned to the room you were in and found you standing near the window once more. However, instead of looking through the glass with intrigue like he had seen earlier, you were staring forlornly, as if you were a caged song bird waiting to be set free. ...You really were going to do this...weren't you?

"Really?" You blinked, turning to the vampire in curiosity.

"Hmm?"

"Really? You're going to do this?" You frowned. What was he talking about?

"Do what?" He gestured to ALL of you.

"This."

"Alucard, I don't understand what you're trying to tell me. Just say it. What am I doing?"

"Trying to guilt trip me into letting you go out."

"..." You had to stop yourself from speaking at that moment. He really thought you were pulling the sad puppy act? I mean sure you wanted to go out and everything, but you weren't going to make anyone feel bad for it. So with a sigh and small shake of the head, you turned back to the window pane.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not trying to do that. What made you think that anyways?" You could hear his shoes clack, clack, clacking against the floor as he moved to stand behind you.

"You stare out the window with such longing that it nearly breaks my non-beating heart, my queen."

"Tch, 'nearly'..." He wrapped his arms around your waist.

"Yes, nearly. As much as I hate to see you upset, I can't help but enjoy keeping you here with me."

"You know, technically we're not alone," you gestured to the coffins, "Seras is here also."

"....Well we could always go to the bed-"

You jabbed a finger in his face, "No."

He scowled and moved towards the mini fridge near the television, pulling out whatever alcoholic beverage he could get his hands on, which happened to be wine again. Once he placed the bottle on the coffee table, he dug into the inside of his suit and pulled out a packet of blood, proceeding to mix the two into his favorite concoction. You rolled your eyes the moment he took his first sip. He was acting like a petulant child. He even had the nerve to send you looks, as if he were trying to discreetly show you with his eyes how wrong you were for pushing him away. Well it's not your fault for not knowing how to deal with an ancient vampire with anger issues...either that or he needed a hobby that didn't involve killing people.

He took another long drink of his beverage and you finally decided to speak. "You know, you're acting really childish right now."

"No I am not."

"Yes, you are." He took another sip, refusing to answer you. "Ugh, you know what, fine. Be that way." You grabbed your back pack and headed towards the door, Alucard watching you with slight fury.

"And where do you think you're going?" He called after you.

"Out."

"I told you that you can't leave. It's not safe to be out there by yourself."

"I know. That's why I want you to come with me."

"......What?" You turned around once you noticed how close his voice sounded and giggled when he peeked at you from around the corner, his red eyes gleaming in question.

"Yeah, I want you to come look around with me. I wanted to do that from the very beginning. I mean I would have asked Pip or Seras, but after what happened back at the mansion....yeah I thought against that, and Seras is asleep (also the sun is still up) so that leaves you as my last option." You gestured to the door with your head and sent Alucard a bright smile. "So, you wanna see Rio with me?" It all but took him a second to retrieve his sunglasses and to storm his way towards the elevator.

"Come along, flower. We're wasting precious time." You gave another giggle and followed after him.

"Coming, Alucard~!"

(At the Rua Visconde de Piraja Ipanema district)

"Oh wow, look at this! Ohh, ohhh, no this~!" You held up a trinket, eyes sparkling in delight as Alucard stared blankly. "Don't you just think this stuff is lovely? Oh, I wish I could stay here just a little longer to actually enjoy the trip."

"Maybe next time when there's no mission to be done." You glanced at him for a second, the trinket gone with a T-shirt replacing it.

"Do you think sir Integra will let us come back here? I'm not sure she would."

"She might...and did you just say US? As in, me and you; together?" You flushed in embarrassment. You had let that slip through your lips, hadn't you?

"N-no!" you stammered, gaze solely focused on the tacky shirt and away from the hit man's smirking face. "I just...well...you see...well you did mention how you needed to protect me (even if I can take care of myself) and since I don't want to fight you about the prospect of coming here alone, I decided that it's best if you came along with me." Alucard, after giving you another uncomfortable smirk, wrapped an arm around your middle to bring you into his form.

"Finally warming up to me, are you, my queen?"

"No! Sh-shut up, it's not like that."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"Ugh! Let's just go somewhere else." So you and Alucard walked out of the little gift shop and into the warm streets of Rio. You both walked quietly beside one another, ignoring the stares you received from the locals as you passed by. They were all perplexed at how a small woman such as yourself was with a tall, intimidating man like Alucard. Honestly, you didn't know the answer either. The situation between you two just sort of happened before you could even stop it. It's not like you could, anyways.

"Flower." Alucard's voice brought you out of your thoughts and you turned to him to ask what he wanted, but the sight you saw made you yelp in surprise. Alucard stood against a lamp post, his visage desperate and sickly. "I..." he panted and leaned a little more into the cold metal, "I need to get out of the sun."

"But didn't you say you were okay with being out?!" He had said that before, right? Right?!

"Yes, but only for a certain period of time." He yanked you close to his side to whisper in your ear. "I'm still a vampire, remember?"

"Right. Well come on then, I saw a shady looking coffee shop not too far from here." You took his gloved hand in yours and immediately sped towards the coffee place, hoping nothing would happen to the vampire until you both got there.

(At the coffee joint)

"Here you go, ma'am. Your white chocolate mocha latte. Have a nice day!" You grabbed your drink and sent the woman behind the counter a smile.

"Thanks, you too." After that exchange, you looked about the room and found your companion sitting in a booth far from the windows, arms crossed and sunglasses firmly planted onto his face as he waited for you. With another grin, and slight hop in your step, you made your way over to his shady spot.

"Hey," you greeted, taking a seat in front of him with a bright smile, "how you holdin' up?"

"Pretty well. You were right about this place. I'm feeling a lot better now that I'm out of the sun's accursed rays."

"Great! I'd probably feel a lot worse if you just up and passed out in the middle of the street...or burst into flames."

"I would have done neither of those things." You blinked, slowly raising the beverage to your lips.

"Then what would have happened?"

"Well I was losing energy at an astonishing rate, so I needed something to replenish myself."

"And that would be?"

"You. The people we passed by. Damn near every person in Rio." You blanched, nearly making a spit take with your coffee. Was he serious?!

"How in the world would I be able to "replenish" you?!" With a leer, he leaned in to whisper almost seductively in your ear.

"Your blood. That intoxicating liquid that runs through your veins and gives you life. I would have swallowed every last, irresistible drop until you were nothing more than a corpse." Growling, you pushed him away, face showing utter disgust at what you had just heard. Did he actually just say he'd kill you if he was ever exhausted?! What were you, some kind of energy drink?!

"Y-you, you assho-"

"However," he interrupted, "you technically wouldn't become a corpse, per se. You most likely would have become a vampire, permanently making you mine for always and eternity." That's where your whole body twitched. This guy just never quits, does he? With your face flushed red, you turned your attention away from the man, sipping your coffee in an attempt to distract yourself. How is it that this one man (who isn't even LIVING to begin with), this one person was easily capable of making you react like this?

Sure, you've had your experience with a couple boyfriends to where you should have been immune to all sorts of pick up lines, perverted comments, or other things, but Alucard somehow made things different. Was it because he was WAY more experienced with this sort of thing? Or was it that he was more intimidating, older, or handsome? You couldn't seem to find the answer.

"________." Humming to him, you realized something. That was the second time he's ever uttered your name, and the first time was when he was being serious. Maybe he had something important to say. "How is it that no one else in the manor knows anything about you?"

"No one bothered to ask." He gave a sardonic chuckle. Of course...

"What about the police girl? Does she know more than everyone else?"

"Not really."

"Hmm, then will you be willing to share some stories with me? I feel as if we hardly know anything about each other."

"Well...I don't know."

"It's alright to talk. What could possibly happen if you did?"

"You'd pity me." Your statement made him pause. Pity? Now where did that come from? Alucard placed his elbows onto the table and gazed at you inquisitively.

"Why do you say that?" he asked.

"...." you didn't answer. It almost seemed like you were ashamed to, actually. Hmm, curious and curiouser.

"My queen," he placed a gloved hand on yours, the pentagram strangely a comforting sight to see when it came into contact with your flesh, "how about we make an exchange?"

"An exchange?"

"Yes. I'll start by telling you something about myself and then you tell me something in return."

"So it's a back-and-forth sort of thing." He shrugged.

"More or less." You sighed. Well if he was going to be in on this then you guessed it would be alright.

"Okay."

"Alright then, here goes nothing. Back before I was what I am today, my name was originally Vlad Dracula the Third."

"Really now? So should I call you Vlad now or still call you by Alucard?"

"Alucard. My previous name is but a distant memory to me now."

"I see."

"Yes. Now it is your turn, my dear." You flinched. You sorta dreaded your turn.

"W-well um...my birthday is on (Month) (Day)." He sent you a smirk.

"I'll keep that in mind, flower." You rolled your eyes.

"Whatever. It's your turn."

"Alright. When I was human I used to believe in God and all that other nonsense."

"Really?" You were a little surprised at this. Alucard didn't seem like the kind of guy to really get into that sort of thing, and you weren't saying that just because he's a vampire. It's just that he was...different. "That's...kinda odd to hear coming from you, Alucard."

"I wouldn't be surprised. Your turn."

"Okay, uh...I used to live in a two story house with my parents when I was little."

"You know, you never really mention much things about your family members."

"Oh, that's because...uh......." Silence.

"Flower?"

"Y-your turn."

"....I used to impale my victims. I still do, actually."

"Wha-? Why did you do that?"

"Your turn."

"Huh? But you didn't-" His sunglasses glinted menacingly as he scrutinized you.

"I said it's your turn." You gulped. Okay, shutting up then.

"Uh...my family, other than my mom and dad, hate me."

"Why is that?"

"Your turn." The hit man regarded your chilling voice with slight amusement. So, the both of you were "playing" now. Well then, let the games begin.

"I was once a prince. Your turn."

"I once shot a kid in the knee with a pellet gun. Go."

"I once waged war against the Turks. Next."

"I ran over a turtle by accident and to this day I forever feel guilty after seeing its shell fly over the windshield."[5] The Nosferatu stifled a laugh at that one. He could just picture your reaction to the whole (hilarious) scenario. You took notice to the amused smirk on his lips and glared. "Shut up! That was a very traumatic moment for me."

"I'm sure it-" chuckle, glare, fake cough, "eh hem....I'm sure it was, beloved."

"Mmhmm, yeah right. Anyways, it's your turn."

"Alright. After I was defeated in the war, I drank the blood of the battle field." Your face scrunched in disgust.

"Ew, why would you do that?"

"Can't say, but it was after that moment that I became a vampire."

"Ah, I always wondered how that happened. Anyways, I guess it's my turn. I may have lost my best friend." Alucard blinked.

"Are you and the police girl fighting?" he queried with slight curiosity. You laughed sheepishly and scratched the back of your neck in some sort of nervous habit.

"No, no, it's not Seras. It's my other friend, Stacie."

"Isn't that the girl you mentioned to us before? Didn't she also go to the museum? My master said she did."

"Yeah...she was there."

"...Something happened." he stated. Yeah, something did happen, alright. With a sigh, you leaned further into your seat, messing with your coffee cup which had been empty for quite some time now. Alucard watched you with slight concern, although he'd never show it. Just what happened at the museum after he left?

"If you're wondering what happened then I'll tell you..." He perked his head slightly to notice your eyes staring transfixed to the table, almost as if you were too embarrassed or ashamed to look up. "Well, it all happened way after I ran and after Seras helped me with some problems I've been meaning to deal with. Stacie found us then and...well let's just say she wasn't too happy to see me with my friend...or to see me wearing the Hellsing uniform..."

(Flashback)

"________?!"

"Stacie?!" The geared up blond in front practically stormed over to you, long hair flowing behind her as her blue eyes blazed in utter outrage.

"What the hell are you doing here?! And with THIS creature?!" she jabbed a finger at Seras, making the poor girl flinch back in fright. You stared at your friend, perplexed by her actions. Just why was she so angry? Not only that, but why was she even here to begin with? You wanted to ask, but decided to answer her questions instead.

"I'm here on a serious business. And this is Seras. She's a friend of mine."

"You're 'friends' with it?! Ugh, I knew something bad would have happened if you walked home alone."

"Jeez, would you stop calling her an 'it'? Her name is Seras."

"I don't care what its name is," Stacie suddenly shot a hand out and grabbed your arm, dragging you down the hall as your bad leg screamed in protest, "you are coming with me to the Vatican. We'll sort everything out there."

"Whoa, hey, hold on!" With a forceful tug and shout, you ripped yourself away from Stacie and limped back over to Seras' side. Getting your bearings back, you sent your friend an incredulous stare. "Stacie, I just can't leave my friend behind, and it's not because she's my friend, but I work with her too. We're here on important business so I can't just abandon Seras, not only that, but I can't abandon my boss either."

She sneered. "And let me guess, your boss is Sir Integral Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing?"

"Yeah, but how the heck did you know that?"

She hissed. "Lucky guess..."

"Oh, well yeah I can't leave them behind. I kinda own my boss (and a certain someone else) a great debt."

"A debt? What kind of debt do you owe?" She walked closer to you, pulling out her wallet from within her pocket. "If it's a money related debt then I can easily get you out of it. Just tell me how much you need."

"Stacie..."

"No, seriously. Just tell me how much you need."

"Stacie, it's not that-"

"I'm gonna go out on a limb here and give you ten-thousand."

"STACIE!!" She froze. "Listen to me. I don't owe Integra money, that's not it. What I really owe Hellsing is my life. One of the men who works there saved my life on the night I foolishly decided to walk home alone. So I don't just owe Integra, my boss who so kindly took me in while my life was in danger, but also that man. I owe Alucard my life!" The room fell into stunned silence after your proud statement. Seras sent you a smile, happy to hear you say those things, but Stacie, however, was not as happy. She looked positively livid, actually.

"I see," she growled out, bangs covering her eyes, creating an ominous shadow over her face, "if that's how you feel...then I guess we can no longer be friends." You swore a part of yourself just shattered. Stacie...didn't want to be friends? Why? Why?!

"W-what? Stacie...what are you saying?! We've been friends ever since you were still in the orphanage! How could you just come up and say this to me now?!"

"Because you have decided to join sides with my father's enemy!!" You jumped back, surprised at the outburst and the fire burning from within your friend's sapphire eyes the moment she looked up to meet your (e/c) gaze. This was a completely different Stacie. Just who the hell was this person standing before you now?!

"Enemies?! What the hell are you talking about?! Are you saying that since I joined up with Hellsing that, that automatically make me your father's enemy?!"

"Yes, and mine. From here on out, we are rivals. Prepare yourself, mongrel, for you will not win this battle. I swear it!" That was the last thing she said as she stormed down the hallway, never to be seen until lord knows when.

(End flashback)

"...and that was how that meeting went." Alucard leaned back in his seat, arms crossed. After hearing about the event, he couldn't help but worry slightly for your safety. He knew a little bit about this Stacie Maxwell and he knew that she was a very skilled fighter, since she trained with Anderson since the day she was adopted. Sure, your aim with a gun was incredible ever since he taught you how to use one, but this girl was much more skilled in the way of combat than you were. And that was something the vampire would not stand for.

"Hmm, you need more training then if you're going to be facing someone like her."

"W-what? But-"

He cut you off, "you will need to learn hand-to-hand combat, how to use any type of weapon given to you, and you'll need to be much more quick and agile than you were before. The police girl and I will have to train you until you are skilled enough to take on your friend." He quickly rose from his seat and headed towards the door, coat fluttering behind him as you quickly grabbed your things after his sudden leave. Throwing the empty coffee cup away, you both walked out of the establishment, a new determined air surrounding your so called "husband".

(Back inside hotel Rio)

The silence between you and the Nosferatu was comforting and calming as you both walked into the lobby. During the walk back, Alucard discreetly wrapped an arm around your waist to bring you closer to his side; a protective gesture he tended to do when he felt that just about anything could be around the corner. Usually, you'd curse the man for the action and rip yourself from his grasp, but today you decided to let him have this one. The day was a good one, so why ruin it?

You both walked leisurely to the elevator and the hit man pressed the button heading up, giving your side a slight squeeze as you attempted to stifle a yawn.

"Tired, dear?" he mockingly asked with a chuckle. He knew this sort of thing would happen if you went out. And you both still had a mission to complete. Well, at least he did. You were here to help Seras kill stragglers who happened to survive the blood bath the vampire king just adored creating. He liked to think of it as a hobby. It was a much better thing to do instead of some other hobby, like knitting.

"No," you stubbornly answered, lips forming a small pout as you both continued to wait for the elevator to arrive. Giving another chuckle, Alucard glanced down at his wrist watch, which was also the tracking device for your necklace, and hummed. Only a few hours until the show began.

"We have a while until our mission begins. You can take a short nap until then." The elevator dinged, signaling to you both that it had arrived. With a slow strut, you both went into the elevator and headed to the floor of the suite.

"Thanks, Alucard," you leaned your head into his chest, wrapping your arms around him in a lazy hug, "I'm glad you decided to come with me today. It means a lot to know you would risk your health just to make me happy."

"I didn't risk my health."

"Alucard, I had to drag you to a shady place because you looked damn near ready to pass out. Yes, you were risking your health."

"..." You both finally reached your floor and proceeded to walk down the hall to the room. A moment of silence went by until Alucard recalled something.

"Flower."

"Hmm?"

"You never told me why you believe your family hates you." You stopped abruptly. Alucard stood beside you and waited for you to answer him. Whatever this troubling thing to you was, it obviously has been with you for some time now. Alucard wasn't sure if he was okay with seeing you like this. Your expression...it was just so vacant, so distant. It was as if you were in deep thought over something complicated, or as if you were reliving a horrible even which played over and over in your head as if on repeat. He hated seeing this side of you, he really did.

"You know," he started, "you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"No, no. I...I want...no, that's not it. I "need" to tell someone." Giving Alucard a quick glance, you sighed and situated yourself against a wall, the vampire watching your movement like a hawk. After getting comfortable, you began to tell your tale. "When I was in middle school, say the sixth grade, I was somewhat forced to rehearse in a play by Stacie. She was playing as one of the main characters close friend's so she wanted me to be in it to, "make it more fun". That's what she told me then. So I acted the role I was forced into playing and surprise, surprise, I get one of the lead roles."

"My parents were so happy to hear that. They got a video camera and everything for my big day. Heck, my dad even acted with me so I could memorize my lines, it was so embarrassing. But I was glad to know that they were going to great lengths to ensure I was great for the play. They made me feel so confident. So days later, on opening night, as I was getting ready for the play to begin, I took a small peek from behind the curtain and looked about the crowd of parents, noticing that my own had yet to arrive. Of course, I didn't think much of it then. I thought that they might have been running late or there was traffic."

"A couple more minutes went by and still my parents hadn't arrived. The play was about to begin and I was panicking. Where were they? Where were my parents? Why weren't they here yet? Those thoughts pounded through my mind over and over as everyone got into their positions. Stacie gave me a word of encouragement and I thanked her greatly for it. Without her help I'm sure I would have messed up the entire play. So as the curtains went up, everyone became their role character, and I played mine, even if my parents weren't there to see me do it."

"The play ended after a while, and even if we received an applause for our act, I heard nothing but silence. My parents never came. They missed the entire play they said they were hoping to see for over a week. I was so very upset. As people began to leave, fellow students leaving with their parents, I headed in the direction of the office to call my parents to come and pick me up. But a teacher, the one who directed the play, stopped me before I could even walk out the door. A police officer was with him and I got a little nervous. At first, I thought I was in a serious amount of trouble, but the teacher reassured me, saying I wasn't. The police officer was there for a different matter..."

"It turns out that my parents were on their way to see the play, but something happened. A man, a drunk, was driving around the same time my parents were. They were all on the same road and...the man, from what the officer told me, started to swerve a little bit out of his lane and...and he had a head on collision with my parents car. They died instantly on impact. So throughout the years my family blamed me for their death, because it was MY play that they were coming to see."

"But it wasn't even your fault," Alucard interjected. "It was an accident. And didn't you say you saw your family at a reunion?"

"Yes. That's when they told me they hated me and blamed everything that happened to my parents on me. I had never felt so hurt and betrayed until that day." Alucard stared. He knew what it was like to be betrayed, to be back stabbed by people close to him, to feel absolutely humiliated for not noticing their motives from the beginning, but seeing you stand before him with a look that was so solemn that it matched the look he once wore, he nearly wanted to snap. If anyone should have that expression on their face it should be him.

A swift kiss was suddenly placed on your lips, surprising you, and the hit man walked into the suite, which was not too far from where you were standing. Running after him, you called out, "Alucard!" He continued walking. "Alucard, come on, wait!" You managed to grasp onto his sleeve and stop him from moving further into the room. The man had removed his sunglasses long after he stepped foot into the suite and was now staring down at you in impatience. He needed to prepare and you needed to rest, that was what you had both agreed on. Gulping the moment the tall, intimidating man stared down at you, your grip on Alucard's sleeve loosened and you took a small step back to give him his space.

However, Alucard still knew you wanted to ask him something, so he gritted out a gruff, "what?"

You flinched. "O-oh, um, I just wanted to know why you kissed me...back there."

"..." Stalking towards you, he gave you a quick peck to your forehead. Turning around, he continued to go about his business.

"Uh, Alu-"

"Little birds need life and spirit in order to sing, at least my little bird does. So sing to me like you always do, ________, and I, including everyone else in Hellsing, shall sing along side you." [6] And that was his response to you as he left to prepare his inventory. Standing in the middle of the room, you thought of his words.

" 'Little birds need life and spirit in order to sing'?" you murmured. "Am I the bird?" Seriously, what the heck was he talking about? After a little more thinking, it finally hit you. Alucard didn't like seeing you upset, so he kissed you in order to help you. The singing part stood for your character, spirit, and everything else about you. When Alucard said he and everyone else would sing along side you, he basically was saying that no matter what happens you still had people who were there for you.

That...was possibly the cheesiest, and yet sweetest thing he had ever said to you. Smiling as wide as you could manage, you skipped over to the couch to take that well deserved nap you needed. You lied down and turned on your side, giggling at the memories of your day with the vampire hit man. He really was a nice guy under that deadly exterior, wasn't he?

Giggle. "Oh, Alucard~."

(Several minutes later)

"My love, wake up." You groaned at the sound of your vampire "husband's" voice and turned on your back in order to stare at him.

"Good evening, Alucard," you groggily whispered, still a bit tired after the time you had to nap.

"Evening." Looking around, you noticed how dark it had become. You must have slept a bit longer than you had expected. Turning to stare back at the man, you noted how he had removed his suit and was now wearing his traditional trench coat.

"So, it would seem you're geared up and ready to go."

"But of course. We still have a mission to complete."

You groaned. "Right. So, is Seras up already, or...?"

"She is still resting. I will go and wake her up."

"Okay." He left you alone to go wake your friend and you decided to get dressed into your outfit. Once you did that, you inspected your trusty gun, Crimson, and smiled at its utter beauty. Oh yeah, you were so ready. Suddenly, Seras' yell alerted you, and you ran out of the room to see what the problem was.

"Hey, what's going-" you stopped the moment you saw a blinding light and a helicopter outside the window. What the heck was going on here?! Alucard smirked over in your direction and waved you over. You reluctantly did so. Standing by both of the vampires, you sighed. Well, looks like the party people arrived.

"Wha-wha-what?!" Seras yelled. "What is...what the-?!" She couldn't seem to find the right words.

But turning to you both, Alucard gave an eerie chuckle and spoke up. "Come. It's time for war."