A/N: Hello, hello. I hope you enjoy this chapter and the long-awaited Seras/Pip development. Also, there's a bit of French in here and my two years of high school French tell me it's wrong, but it's what Google Translate had to offer. So, désolé.

She awoke when Alucard said her name. A glance out the window revealed a nighttime urban sprawl of gray buildings and garish lights and she rejoiced to be over land again. She got off the vampire's lap and took her seat beside him once more. Bernadotte was sitting across from dressed in a nice suit eating a sandwich.

"You clean up well," Maria told him.

He put on a pained expression. "The very moment I get checked into my hotel I'm changing."

She chuckled as she took a turkey sandwich from the tray beside Pip. The reality of their mission was finally sinking in, and she was so anxious that she could barely sit down. Her excitement must have passed through their bond, because Alucard gave her a knowing smirk.

Her familiar appeared on her lap and meowed demandingly. "Good evening to you too," Maria smiled and gave it the turkey from her sandwich. It scarfed it down in one bite and then climbed up her chest to nuzzle its face against hers. Maria stroked it and scratched its neck.

"That is the worst familiar I've ever seen," Alucard said loathingly, regarding the purring kitten with unbridled contempt.

"Oh, just because she's not some gigantic monster doesn't mean she can't be fierce," Maria said unconcernedly. "You said they grow more powerful with their masters, right? Your hellhound looks terrifying because you're terrifying. But I can still pass as a sweet innocent little girl when I want to."

"There's nothing innocent about you," he said and then added smugly, "I've made sure of that." His frown turned into an irritated snarl when the cat crawled up her chest and rested on her ample bosom, purring as it curled up to sleep.

As realization dawned on Maria a devious smirk grew on her lips. "Don't tell me the great No Life King himself is jealous of a little kitten."

The look he gave her was pure acid as he grated out, "Of course not, you foolish girl. I simply don't like it when something else dares to claim ownership of something that's mine."

Maria was thoroughly unconvinced, but nodded and continued eating her cheese and lettuce sandwich. The cat had become a constant fixture in her nightly routine in the past week, appearing after sunset and staying by Maria's side until sunrise. Alucard ignored its presence until it came time to sleep and the cat would without fail drape itself over her neck, when he would make his displeasure known with a fanged scowl. Undoubtedly the vampire took this as a direct challenge, as her neck was his favorite place to drink from. When the kitten lay over her heart it was clearly doing so in a protective manner. But to Alucard, who coveted each heartbeat, it was an insult.

Suddenly Alucard's hand was on her arm and he pulled her roughly to him. She landed clumsily on his lap, straddling his hips. The kitten had been tossed off her in the jostle and meowed angrily before sauntering off. Alucard ignored it and tilted Maria's chin up before biting into her neck and lapping up the blood that spilled forth as he squeezed one of her breasts ruthlessly.

"Yeah, you're totally not jealous," Maria hissed sarcastically, pleasure coursing through her.

He growled and ground his hips against her in response before giving her a possessive, greedy kiss that she returned vigorously as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I'll uh...I'll go check on Seras, then."

Maria had completely forgotten about Bernadotte, who was making a beeline for the back of the plane where the police girl's coffin was. Abashed, she pulled away from Alucard and gave him a reproachful look.

Alucard merely chuckled. The Frenchman's imagination is going wild right now, he grinned, envisioning what it would be like if the Police Girl were as forward.

You devil, you, Maria giggled. So you're going to help me get them together?

He would be suitable for her.

She kissed him again and then went back to sitting on her own seat. The kitten stared up at her for a bit as though debating whether it was worth the effort before jumping back to her chest and curling up to nap. Having freshly re-established his dominance, Alucard ignored the cat and drank another glass of wine.

Bernadotte returned after a few more minutes and looked relieved to see that they were keeping their hands to themselves. In tow was Seras, who had deep dark circles under her eyes and looked overall terrible.

"Pleasant flight, Police Girl?" Alucard asked, smirking.

She glowered at him but said nothing. Maria beckoned to her and she sat down on the floor between the brunette's legs. The vampire's hair was crazy, so Maria smoothed it out with her fingers and returned it to its usual look.

"Thanks," Seras said, and then went to sit beside the mercenary. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine. It was a bit rough at first, but I adjusted. What about you?"

"I'll survive," she muttered darkly, obviously still upset about being nailed into the dark, cramped coffin for so long.

They touched down and made it to the hotel without any issues, though Alucard had to enthrall the reception to make sure their luggage made it up to their room.

"What the fuck did he just do to that woman?" the mercenary whispered to Maria and Seras. "Like some black magic sex beam or something?"

"It was mind control," Maria chuckled.

"Can you do it too?"

"Seras can't, and I've never had occasion to try it out. Maybe though."

He shivered and then went back to ordering the bellboys carrying the two coffins. The girls followed them up to the penthouse suite on the topmost floor, which was one of the most opulent things Maria had ever seen. Complete with a sitting room, bedroom, and bathroom, it was basically a lavishly furnished apartment.

"I don't believe this! Discrimination is what this is! We're staying in a dump on the edge of town! Fucking bourgeoisie," he exclaimed.

"Dumps have their own charm," Alucard said.

"Oh, is that so?" he asked sarcastically.

They exchanged words for a bit longer and then he and Seras left for their hovel on the outskirts of town. Maria felt a bit guilty watching them go.

"I wonder how the Police Girl will react when she learns that there's only one bed in their room," Alucard remarked, a mischievous smirk on his lips.

Maria laughed. "I can't believe you. Please tell me you'll let me see her face when she finds out."

"For a price."

"Oh? How much?"

His shadows had creeped up her legs and were pulling her towards the bedroom, where he stood waiting. She rose to her tiptoes to give him a promising kiss, and with a dark chuckle he closed the door behind them.

The cab ride across town to their hotel was quiet, as neither Seras nor Bernadotte had much to say. Seras was looking out the windows, taking in everything. Like Maria, she had never left England before and was fascinated by even the most banal things. Pip had been to Sao Paulo on several occasions, and really all the slums of the world seemed to blend into one another after a point. He puffed on a cigarette boredly.

Their hotel was about as ramshackle as they came. It was three stories with chipping stucco and small windows. It was surrounded by equally rundown buildings. A green grocer's, convenience store, and a taqueria were the only businesses nearby.

Pip paid the driver, said a quick, "Obrigado," and got out of the car, hefting their duffel bags full of guns and ammo. He led the police girl into the hotel and spoke briefly with the receptionist, a balding and overweight man in his forties who looked like the last thing he wanted to do was interact with people, before getting the key and heading up the narrow stairs to the third floor.

Seras took in their small room and tried to tell herself that it wasn't atrocious, it was... quaint. This was hard to do after having seen the lavish suite Alucard and Maria had to themselves, though. The one window opposite the door was small and had bars on it. The lampshade had a hole in it and was crooked, and on a battered dresser was a television that was at least thirty years old. The shower was rudimentary, but would suffice.

"Wait...there's only one bed," she said to the Frenchman, who had placed their bags on the small twin and was checking their weapons.

"Yeah. I can't believe how stingy Hellsing is," he snorted.

"We can't...we can't get another one?"

Pip looked up from his pistol, green eye twinkling playfully. "Don't worry, I won't bite. That's what you vampires do, isn't it?"

Seras glared at him and crossed her arms.

Maria, did you have any idea about this? she asked irately.

About what?

About the fact that while you and Master are enjoying the best room money can buy I'm slumming it in a hovel, and I've got to share a tiny little bed with that pervert!

Maria sounded contrite. I'm sorry to hear that. It'll be nice to share a bed with someone though, won't it? I'm sure he'll be nice to cuddle up against.

I hate you, Seras seethed. There will be absolutely no cuddling.

Why do you deny yourself? Just enjoy yourself a bit.

Ugh, you sound just like Master.

I'm just saying, he's a decent guy, Maria continued matter-of-factly.

Look, I don't want to be rude but I can't put much stock in who you think is decent. You do know who it is you're shacking up with, right? The guy gets a thrill out of dismembering people.

Maria's laugh was nearly as sinister as Alucard's. Oh, he's got his soft spots. He gave me a familiar the other day. And have you ever seen how long his tongue can get? You wouldn't believe the things he can do with it-

I'm gonna be sick. Please just leave me alone.

The brunette laughed again. Tata for now, then. Try to have some fun, though. This is a vacation.

This. Is. A. Mission, Seras ground out. Honestly, sometimes it was alarming just how similar Maria could be to the No Life King.

The vampiress looked over to the mercenary, who was sitting at the foot of the bed intent on cleaning his pistol. From this angle, all she could see was his eyepatch and a slight frown as he stared down the barrel. He certainly was good-looking, in that rough-and-tumble sort of way. And though half the things he said were filthy, the other half were kind and smart. He was an excellent leader and had garnered the respect of each and every member of the Wild Geese, and when it came time for a mission he was always professional.

There were certainly worse men she could take interest in.

Seras shook her head to dispel the errant thought and sat down near the head of the bed to inspect her own rifle.

"I'm going to make a run to the convenience store. Do you want anything?" he asked.

"I'm fine, thanks."

He shrugged and stood up. Seras watched as he took off his white suit jacket and tossed it carelessly to the floor before going to undo his belt buckle, but he froze the moment his fingertips touched the brass. A few moments later he growled in irritation and grabbed a change of clothes from his bag before marching off to the bathroom. Seras heard him mutter, "Poutres de sexe et de voix. J'ai besoin d'un meilleur salaire."

"Huh?" she asked.

"Nothing, nothing," he said quickly, waving her away.

Seras gave a shrug and went back to cleaning her rifle. Bernadotte emerged from the bathroom a couple minutes later in a pair of worn jeans and a band t-shirt. She found herself surprised by how he still managed to look handsome even in such casual clothes, and then quickly squashed that thought.

"Sure you don't want anything?" he checked.

Seras gave him a kind smile. "No, I'm good. Thanks, though."

He held up a hand in farewell and left. Seras put down her firearm and threw herself back onto the mattress as she let out a long exhale. She had the inescapable feeling that this mission was going to be the most dangerous one yet.

In their penthouse suite in the center of the city, Maria and Alucard were sprawled out on the queen sized silk sheets laughing at Seras' plight.

"I wish I had some popcorn," Maria said as she sipped a glass of wine. "This is ten times better than a movie."

Alucard chuckled beside her. "There is room service."

She gave him a disapproving look. "This room must cost a fortune as it is. I can't imagine Sir Integra will be pleased if we rack up a massive room service bill. How much did this bottle of wine cost?"

He waved her spoilsport words away, the phone already to his ear. "Yes, some popcorn please." He looked over to her. "Butter, kettle, or caramel?"

Maria bit her lip, trying hard to resist, but then caved and said, "Kettle corn, please."

He hung up the phone and looked at her with a playful gleam in his crimson eyes. "You're so easily swayed."

"Kettle corn is my greatest weakness," she admitted guiltily as she stood up to slide on a black silk robe.

"Hurry back. The Frenchman is due to return any minute."

Seras was flipping boredly through all three channels on the tv when Bernadotte returned with a brown paper bag, a cigarette dangling from his lips. Seras had taken advantage of the time alone to take a quick shower and change into her pajamas: cotton shorts and an old yellow t-shirt with a smiling cartoon sun in the center. She was regretting this choice now, as the shorts were quite short and the t-shirt overly large, making it appear as though she weren't wearing anything below the waist. She hadn't expected that she'd be sharing a room with the man, let alone a small bed, and she hadn't brought another change of pajamas.

His gaze lingered on her for a few moments longer than necessary but then he came back to himself, locking the door behind him and setting the bag on the dresser. He pulled out a six-pack of beer, a couple sandwiches, some chips, and a paper coffee cup with steam rising out of the lid.

"Here," he said as he offered it to her. "It's hot chocolate."

She looked from the cup to him in surprise. "I told you I didn't need anything."

"Sure, but I'd feel guilty eating in front of you if you didn't have anything, so…"

Touched by his unexpected thoughtfulness, Seras reached out for the cup and her fingers fell upon his. They were rough and warm, nearly as warm as the hot chocolate. She took the drink and sipped from it.

"It's good. Thank you," she said, giving him a tentative smile.

He grinned back easily at her as he opened a can of beer and took a swig. "Anything good on tv?"

"Not really. Looks like there's a telenovela, though."

The mercenary took off his boots and sat down on the bed beside Seras, resting his back against the headboard. He took the remote from between them and switched the channels until he came to the telenovela, in which a buxom blonde beauty seemed deeply upset with a tall dark and handsome man.

"Do you understand Portuguese?" she asked presently.

"Just swear words and military jargon. Do you?"

"No," she smiled, and they both laughed a bit before going back to watching the tv, though neither of them were really paying attention to it. Seras couldn't help but think about the heat that was radiating off his body, which was only a few inches away from her. The sun would be rising in about an hour. Maybe she could scoot a bit closer to him, just lean on his shoulder a bit-

She forced herself to take a sip of hot chocolate and forget that stupid idea. They were professionals, they were on a mission, and she just knew that if she gave him an inch he would take a mile.

Seras chewed on her lip as she wavered. She knew that she needed to resist her urges to get closer to Bernadotte, but she could feel her resolve loosening the longer he sat so close to her. Maria, what do I do? she asked desperately.

The brunette's voice flitted into her mind, sounding a bit distracted. You already know what I think you should do.

Yeah, but I shouldn't do what you told me.

Then why are you asking me?

Seras sighed inwardly. I don't trust him to know when to draw the line.

Oh, he will. Maria's words were a dark guarantee that made Seras wonder if Maria was in cahoots with Bernadotte as well. She remembered how the mercenary had been about to strip in front of her earlier and had stopped abruptly, muttering angrily in French.

She asked slowly, You're not talking to him too, are you?

Of course not, was Maria's serious reply. I would never betray your trust like that. Now if you don't mind, we just discovered that room service has chocolate sauce and- She gave a yelp and giggle. -Alucard is insistent that we have it all used up by sunrise.

Seras went beet red as the image of her master licking chocolate off her friend flashed unbidden before her eyes and she quickly ended the conversation. Honestly, considering that they were on the brink of war she expected at least Maria to be a little less flippant about the whole thing.

She glanced over at Bernadotte, who was only half-awake and beginning to nod off beside her. Maybe, she thought as she watched him relax against the headboard, maybe she could afford to be a bit flippant herself tonight.

Anxious and not at all sure of herself, Seras leaned over a bit and tentatively rested her head on his shoulder. She felt him tense up for a brief moment before relaxing again and he put an arm around her, his strong hand coming to rest on her side. He was just as warm and comfortable as she had imagined. She waited for his hand to crawl up to her breasts or for him to make some dirty one-liner, anything to ruin the moment, but he seemed content to merely have her close.

"Shall we sleep, ma cherie?" he asked presently.

Nodding, she pulled away from him to get under the thin blankets. He gave an exaggerated yawn and stretch before standing up to take off his jeans. Seras blushed as he got back into bed in only his boxers and a t-shirt and instantly thought that this was where he would take things too far. She was pleasantly surprised, therefore, when he lay on his side facing her and apologized for his clothes.

"I didn't think we'd be sharing a bed, so I didn't bring any pajamas," he said sheepishly.

"No, that's fine," Seras said. "I made the same mistake."

"Good night, then," he said with a soft smile, and then rolled over to give her privacy.

It was startling just how badly she wanted the mercenary to turn around to face her again, and just how much she wanted to be touching him again. Despite the muggy heat of Sao Paulo, she craved his warmth. As she heard his heartbeat slow and he drifted off, Seras warred with herself. To touch, or not to touch. She thought back to Maria's words.

To hell with it, she decided, and scooted closer to put an arm around Bernadotte and press herself against his back. He stirred slightly and then took her chilled hand in his larger, warmer one. As his body heat spread through her cold body she thought she could melt from the pleasure.

Maria gave a whoop of delight while Alucard wore an irritated scowl.

"I told you it'd work! I told you they'd be perfect!" she crowed to him.

"I've never been more bored in my life," he complained, "and this means nothing. Simply lying with a woman doesn't mean that you care for her."

Maria rolled her eyes as she pet her familiar, which was stretched across her neck and purring loudly. Alucard regarded the cat with contempt but said nothing as it batted its tail against his bare chest. He had certainly established his domain over her tonight.

"Trust me," Maria said confidently, "this is the start of something great. Besides, it's fun to watch them fall in love. It makes me feel happy."

"Love," Alucard said, as though it tasted sour. "Is it something that you desire?"

"If by 'love,' you mean the traditional wooing and flowers, no. But if you mean respect and devotion, then yes."

"Sleep," he said impatiently, his gloved fingers drumming against her nude hip. "I have a feeling that things are going to pick up tomorrow."

Worry nipped at her insides at his words. Though they had treated the night as though they were on holiday, the reality that they were on a gravely important mission hadn't left the back of Maria's mind. Now it was at the forefront, and she wondered just what the morrow would bring.

Seras awoke feeling warm, safe, and more well-rested than ever before. She opened her eyes slowly to find that the reason for said warmth was the fact that the mercenary had at some point rolled around in the night and wrapped his arms around her. Her head was nestled against his strong chest and he had one leg between hers. Her initial reaction was to panic, but when she realized that while their bodies were flush against one another, his hands were safely on her back and he wasn't trying to feel her up, she relaxed.

Until she moved a bit and he responded in turn in his sleep by pressing his hips against hers. With a shock, she felt his hard length against her crotch and it was all she could do not to shove him away. She had been constantly surrounded by men ever since she decided to enter the Police Academy; she was no stranger to the concept of morning wood. It was, however, her first time witnessing it and the feelings it was eliciting in her were...bewildering. She wanted to shove him away, but she also wanted to pull him closer to feel that burning heat even better.

She tried to extricate herself from his hold, but he proved to be quite tenacious even when sleeping. When she attempted pulling her leg free, he moved forward with her. His arm was also wrapped tightly around her, so she couldn't easily pull her chest away either. She could of course use her superhuman strength, but she wanted to do this with as little embarrassment as possible. After a few futile attempts, she gave a soft sigh of defeat and resigned herself to waiting for him to wake up or roll away.

Respiration was an option for the draculina, yet it was still something she found herself doing out of habit. She took a long inhale against his chest and his scent filled her senses. It was a very manly smell of gunpowder and hard work, and she discovered that it was addicting. But she wanted to smell it at its source.

She moved up in his hold, so that her face was against his exposed neck. Here, at his pulsepoint, the scent was strongest. Seras ghosted her nose along his smoothe flesh as she reveled in his scent. His heartbeat had accelerated slightly, and she pulled away to glance up at him, but his eyes were closed and expression blissful as he slept on. She went back to taking in his smell and each beat of his heart. She could practically feel the blood pumping through his jugular just beneath the skin. Lost in the sensations, she opened her mouth and ran her elongated fangs along his flesh with a feather-light touch. She wondered what it would feel like to puncture his skin, to feel his warm, sweet blood well up to meet her eagerly waiting tongue.

"Breakfast in bed?" Bernadotte asked quietly, sounding amused.

The sound of his voice snapped Seras out of whatever trance she had fallen into and she immediately whipped away to look up at him embarrassedly. He was bleary-eyed but at ease despite the fact that she had nearly drunk from him.

"I-I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean to-you just smell really nice and you're so warm and-"

"Ma cherie, I know you wouldn't have," he said, a warm confidence smouldering in his olive eye. "But I'm glad to see that this isn't as one-sided as I had feared."

Had he just said what she thought he just said? "W-what?"

Suddenly, his lips were on hers in a soft and gentle kiss. It was so abrupt that Seras didn't have time to react, and then he was pulling away to gauge her expression. He must have liked what he saw, because he leaned in for another kiss and his tongue danced along her lips as it sought permission. Seras hesitated only for a moment before opening her mouth to him and she couldn't help a small gasp when he claimed her mouth in her first kiss. It was as tender as it was sincere, and she found herself placing a hand on his neck as she tilted her head into his touch and hesitantly joined him in this new dance.

He broke the kiss much too soon for her liking, giving her an easy smile that was infectious. "That's how we say good morning in France," he quipped.

Seras just smiled up at him, completely under his spell. "That's much better than the British way."

He rolled onto his back and gave a mighty stretch, yawning. He sat up and reached for his cigarettes on the nightstand. "Let's get dressed and head out to meet Alucard and Maria."

Nodding, Seras stood up and went into the bathroom with a change of clothes and hopped into the shower.

Maria, I kissed him! she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

Her friend sounded ecstatic. Congratulations! So how was it? Give me all the details.

So she did, from how she had fallen asleep with an arm around him to how she had just had the best first kiss she could have asked for.

Ooh, you're so lucky! I sorta wish my first kiss had been like that.

What was yours like?

Kinda like Shark Week. Bloody and ravenous.

Seras cringed. I don't even know what possessed me to ask.

Maria gave a laugh. We might be able to start swapping stories soon, huh? Our girls' nights will be so much more livelier!

I really don't want to hear about what you and my Master get around to. I bet it's really weird stuff.

Eh, we're pretty vanilla for now. The whole "have to be a virgin" thing is really putting a damper on freakiness.

Eww, please stop.

Don't you find it ironic that you're the vampire and I'm the mortal, yet you're ten times more of a prude than I am?

Shut up, Seras snapped without any bite as she rinsed the conditioner from her hair. You're a terrible friend.

I'm a wonderful friend. How dare you slander me, she said, feigning deep offense.

Seras couldn't help but laugh. Yeah, whatever. We're going to get ready and head your way. Expect us in an hour.

Roger that. See you soon.

Seras finished washing up and then got dressed in a spare Wild Geese uniform. It felt odd not wearing her standard Hellsing uniform, but they were supposed to be there in secret. The khaki uniform fit her well, though, and after giving herself a quick once-over in the cracked mirror she stepped out of the bathroom. Pip was watching the evening news with his mouth open in shock.

"What?" Seras asked, and was shocked to see a news report that featured photos of Maria and Alucard. She didn't have to understand Portuguese to know the meaning of the word "terroristos" and "fortemente armados."

"They're sending in an squat team," Bernadotte said, pointing to the live feed of the heavily armed men going through the halls and up to the top floor. "Better let them know. We've gotta hurry."

Seras shoved her couple belongings into the duffel bag with her guns, holstering a .45 handgun at her side. She couldn't go running through the streets with her usual tactical rifle.

Looks like they've figured out who you guys are. They've got your pictures on the news and they're sending soldiers in. Get ready.

Yeah, they cut the power a few minutes ago, Maria said calmly. They're just human soldiers, though. Shouldn't be a problem.

Alright. We're heading your way on the double.

'Kay. You two should be careful. If they've figured out who we are, then-

With her sixth sense Seras felt someone standing on the other side of the hotel door, and out of instinct she knocked Bernadotte to the ground behind the bed. Not a moment too soon, either, because half a second after that there was a spray of machine gun fire and bullets peppered the bed and walls.

"Merde," Pip snarled, drawing out his revolver. "They got the drop on us too, then."

Five men in full riot armor burst into the room and both of them wasted no time in firing off several headshots. It was over in a few moments.

Pip leapt over the bed and began tearing off the clothing of one of the men. Seras looked at him like he had lost his mind until he paused to look up at her and explain, "These poor bastards have no idea what they're getting themselves into. We've got to get to their command center and kill the dispatchers. Until we do that, they're just going to keep sending in people for Alucard to slaughter like cattle. And the only way we're going to be able to get that close is to blend in. Get changed."

Seras was honestly amazed by his shrewdness. Thanks to her several years in Hellsing, she knew nearly every tactic for hunting ghouls and vampires. But when it came to the machinations of man, she was still clueless. The mercenary had already stripped one man of his uniform and was undressing himself. Seras blushed and looked away, focusing on taking off the uniform of the smallest soldier there and changing into it as quickly as possible. She could feel Bernadotte's eye on her as she shimmied into the cargo pants, but said nothing. Now wasn't the time for bickering.

Fully dressed, she turned to the perverted man, who held a black ski mask out to her. It was just like the soldiers' only without a bullet hole.

"Always keep a couple spares," he grinned.

She took it from him and slid it on. They grabbed their bags, a couple of the soldiers' machine guns, and then dashed for the military issue Jeep still idling outside the hotel. Bernadotte leapt into driver and Seras took passenger.

"Let's go earn our paycheck," he said, and then stepped on the gas with relish.

A/N: Well? What did you think? I must admit, I love the juxtaposition of the tumultuous and vicious relationship between Maria and Alucard and the innocent, sweet relationship of Pip and Seras. They're just so cute together.

Also, get ready for a bejeezus amount of action in the next chapter. Buckets of blood and entrails. Kilowattss of devious laughter. Gallons of explosions.

Poutres de sexe et de voix. J'ai besoin d'un meilleur salaire=Sex beams and voices. I need a better salary.