Chapter 12:

A New Year

My alarm clock sounded at 5:00. I stretched, yawning. I couldn't remember the last time I slept that-well…actually when had I gone to bed? I felt like something was missing, a huge blank space formed its edges in my mind. "Odd…" I said to myself and noticed the heap of clothes on the floor. That wasn't like me to leave them wrinkled and thrown about. "Oh dear…I must have been exhausted." I gathered the clothes and put them in my laundry bin. Miss Love would have to pick that up later…but wait. What day was it? I had no idea. What day had yesterday been? Just more blank space.

The blackness of the memories didn't fade while I showered or while I got dressed. Had I gotten hit on the head? Seemed fairly plausible considering how intense Miss Love and I could get during sparring practice but I didn't think head injuries applied to vampires. When I entered the dining room Miss Love was sitting at the small table, scribbling away on a sheet of paper and sucking on a blood packet. Was she actually doing paperwork for a change?

"Working already?" I teased. Her head shot up, her eyes wide, like a scared rabbit.

"Good morning, sir," she said without blinking.

"What have you got that guilty look on your face for?" I reached for my cigarettes.

"You just surprised me, sir." She looked back down at her papers. "Did you sleep well, Master?"

I flicked open my lighter and leaned into the flame. "Yes, Miss, quite well actually. Though I can hardly remember a thing about yesterday…I don't suppose you'd know why?"

"No, sir. We organized the library and you and I went for a walk last night, don't you remember?" she asked.

I thought about it, yes it was coming back to me now. The stars had been exceptionally bright. Not sure how I had managed to forget all that. "Yes, of course. What day is it, again?"

"It's December 31st, sir, a Sunday."

"Oh…right. We're hosting the New Year's party tonight aren't we?" I looked to her for confirmation. She nodded. How had I forgotten that? I went to the fridge and pulled out a packet of A+ and bit through the plastic. I was surprised how hungry I was. It felt as though I hadn't eaten in days, which was ridiculous of course. I had eaten…last night, yes of course, after we got back from out walk, I believe.

We finished our breakfast in an unusual silence. She sat there drinking blood and occasionally cursing at the paper before her.

"Shall I take that from you, Miss?" I offered with a small smile. Paperwork was simply not within her skillset. She glanced up at me with a pleading look in her eyes.

"Please?" Miss Love offered me the paper and I took it, her hand brushed against mine and a flash of images, like an electric shock flashed across my eyes. I jumped back. "Sir?"

"Forgive me, I saw…" But what had I just seen? What had those images been? I shook my head. Miss Love looked concerned, almost suspicious.

"Saw what, Master?"

"Nothing." I waved it off.

"You saw Nothing?" She repeated.

"Yes Miss. Is there a problem?"

"No of course not." She turned away, that guilty look back on her face. And she dropped it there.

I took a look at the clock on the wall. "My word, Is it that late already? We'd best get a move on. There's much to do before the members of the round table arrive." I stood up.

She did not seem to share my urgency. "We're ahead of schedule actually," she said.

"We are?"

"Yes sir, I've taken care of almost everything." She assured me.

"Catering?"

"To be delivered at two o'clock," Miss Love answered.

"Tree?"

"Tossed into the back woods."

"Decorations?"

"I've enlisted the Wild Geese to assist with that."

"Alcohol?"

She looked up at me. "That would be the only thing left."

I fell back into my seat. "Miss, when did you get all this done?"

"Yesterday."

"But we did the library yesterday," I said.

She paused, appearing almost taken off guard by that response. "After we did the library, sir. You tended to some paperwork you'd been neglecting and I saw to the party preparations.

I thought about it for a moment. Yes, that did sound about right. It was awfully like me to leave such things to the last minute nowadays. It simply did not get more tedious. "Oh, yes, right. I cannot, for the life of me figure out why my memory is so full of holes," I sighed.

"It used to happen to me all the time," she commented.

"Really?"

Miss Love nodded. "When it happened to me it was because I was stressed. That being said," she continued, "It's not like your brain stops making memories. I'm sure with some help and thought you'll remember everything."

I waited a moment, looking at her. I had never considered that this job may be stressful for her. Or perhaps she was referring to a time before she worked here. "Was that when you were human?" I asked.

She smiled and nodded. "Finals at university are a bitch."

That made me burst out laughing. "Yes, I can imagine, Miss." But it was an odd thing to think about. I never considered what her human life might have been like. Did she miss it, like I did? She gave off the impression that that human girl she once was, was dead in body and spirit, she never talked about it. At least not while she was sober. Did she have friends? Ambitions? Certainly she must have had things she had wanted to do with her life. What about her family? What had they been like? I knew a little, the smashed cross necklace I still had in my desk was proof enough of a less than perfect life, but—my thoughts were caught off by a sudden throbbing in my skull. An image of a man, woman, and young girl came to mind. Who were they? I pinched the bridge of my nose, lowering my head.

"Master, are you alright?"

The throbbing subsided as quickly as it had come on. "Yes, head hurt for a moment there." I looked back up. "Shall we get going miss? There are things we should see to before we head into town."

"Oh, yes sir." She stood up and pushed in her chair.

We proceeded to instruct the Geese on how to proceed while we were gone. My faith in them was not particularly strong. Hopefully Miss Victoria would keep them in line. We couldn't afford to do the whole thing over if they screwed it up.


In the car Miss Love was unusually quiet. Her eyebrows were furrowed and her arms crossed. Something was on her mind.

"I'm quite impressed Miss," I said, gaining her attention. "I couldn't have pulled this off alone. I'm beginning to wonder how Hellsing even functioned without your assistance."

That made her smile. "Thank you, sir. I have to admit that I don't fully know what I was doing."

"It took me many years to get everything down. Situations still arise in which I don't know what to do, but as Hellsing butlers it is our job to take those challenges in stride and continue on."

"Really? You still don't know everything about this place? You make it look effortless."

"Well, 99.9% of those situations involve a certain apprentice blowing up the kitchen, or nearly getting thrown in the dungeon." I smirked.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see her getting visibly flustered. "When are you going to let that go?" she demanded.

"The dungeon? I'm getting there. The kitchen? Never." I said with a smile. She let out an overdramatic sigh, sinking back into her seat. I chuckled lightly. She was too easy to get riled up sometimes. "Do you have the list?" I asked.

Miss Love nodded and pulled a folded piece of paper from her jacket pocket. "A few different kinds of wine, stuff for cocktails, and beer for the Wild Geese."

"In other words we have to put with even worse behavior than usual," I mumbled.

"Oh, not to worry, Master, they have a strict two drink limit. That goes for everyone."

I nodded. At least there was that. "Well, the good news is you'll be in a suit and tie so even if they sneak a few extra drinks I don't believe it we'll have a problem."

"Huh?!" She jumped forward in her seat. "B-but I bought a cute cocktail dress with Seras and everything! I have to wear a suit? Please reconsider!"

I shook my head. "I'm afraid not, Miss. You and I have still have roles to uphold."

Another sigh escaped her lips. "Will I ever get to dress like a girl again? The world may never know."

I laughed, but I understood how frustrating it must be. We were the weapons, the help, the ones that would always be on the sidelines. I accepted that fate a long time ago, but for her, a young woman with an electric personality, it must be a difficult transition. We didn't get days off, the chance to enjoy the world outside of Hellsing was essentially nonexistent. "Perhaps you and Miss Victoria could go out one night?" I suggested. "And I don't mean to run errands."

"Really? You'd let me leave?" she asked.

"Provided you keep up your recent good behavior with Sir Integra I don't see why not." We pulled up to the liquor store. I'd been coming here for nearly forty years. The owner and I were familiar with each other. I detested coming here now, or anywhere else that I used to shop for that matter. I was dead. Being spoken to like a twenty year old kid was obnoxious.

"Let's get this over with, Miss." I turned off the car.

"Do you want me to go in alone?" she asked. I considered it for a moment, but that didn't seem feasible with how many things we needed to buy. As annoying as it was I'd get over it.

I shook my head. "I'll be fine."

We went inside. It was empty aside from the owner who stood by one of the shelves. He turned around at the sound of our entry and smiled. "Ah, if it isn't Melody and Walter. Haven't seen you two in nearly a month. Here for party supplies?" he winked.

Miss Love stepped forward. "That's right. It's a big one tonight and we've certainly got our hands full."

"Looking for anything specific?" he asked.

"Yes, we have a list." She pulled out the piece of paper and unfolded.

"Wonderful. I'll fetch Peter from the back room and he'll help you." The old man disappeared into the back and returned with a boy no older than 19, his grandson. "Peter, you can help Melody while I assist Walter over here." The boy nodded and approached Miss Love. She smiled and offered him the list. "Walter, my boy, come here a moment won't you?" he motioned for me to join him over by the shelves of wine.

"Yes, sir?"

"Roger, boy, call me Roger." He corrected. "We haven't gotten much of a chance to speak the past few times you've been here. How have things been since your grandfather passed?"

"Fine, thank you…" I paused. I'd known this man for many years. We'd been something close to friends. This felt wrong. "It's been difficult," I said, offering a tiny bit of truth, "but we're managing."

He nodded in agreement. "That's good to hear. Your grandmother has passed too has she not?"

My mind scrambled back to the story Miss Love had woven for me. "Yes, two years ago now."

Again he nodded. "Damn shame. I never met your grandmother. Your grandfather never spoke of her either, but that was just like him wasn't it? Such a secretive man, always kept to himself. Truth be told I still don't know what it is he did for work." Roger chuckled. "But that's alright. He's in a better place now."

I certainly had to wonder about that. "Yes, I'd say so."

"Are your parents still in America?" he continued with his questions.

"Yes."

"Did they come back for the funeral?"

Shit we hadn't covered that one. "They did, briefly," I said, "they had to return to New York shortly after, however."

"That's too bad," the old man sighed, turning towards the shelves and reaching for a few bottles. "But it's not as if you're alone now are you?" He placed them on the counter with a grin, his eyes looking past me. I looked over my shoulder to see that he was referring to Miss Love, who was still speaking with Peter. "Are you two close?"

"Yes," I answered "I'd say so."

"I remember when your grandfather brought her here the first time. I could tell from the get go that he was fond of her. But who wouldn't be? She seems to be a real sweetheart." He reached for another few bottles. "I'm sure he'd be thrilled to see you two together."

"Sorry?"

"You are with her, are you not?"

I was confused. "With her how?" and then it clicked. I felt red spread across my face. "No, no, nothing like that!" I corrected, struggling to maintain my composure.

"Oh, forgive me." Roger waved his hands. "I shouldn't have assumed. Is she spoken for already then?"

"Certainly not." I answered, the embarrassment subsiding and anger creeping in. Miss Love was not dating anyone in Hellsing, and that fact would not be changing.

Roger blinked, a look of confusion on his face. "Well then what are you waiting for?" he asked.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. You'd better get a move on before someone else sweeps her off her feet!" he exclaimed and then leaned in. "Listen here, lad, you don't meet a girl like that often, and certainly not one that is as crazy about you as she is."

This was getting stranger and more confusing by the second. "I'm sorry there must be some mistake." To hear this kind of nonsense from Alucard was one thing, but now this?

"Walter, you mean to tell me that you haven't noticed it all?"

"Noticed what?"

"Everything! Her body language, her tone of voice, the way she looks at you? She isn't exactly subtle. I've seen you two together only a handful of times and even I can tell." He motioned towards her. She was across the room, but caught us looking at her. She smiled. Thankfully, I didn't think she could hear us.

"No, I haven't," I said. "And I'm fairly certain that it's not true either. We are close, yes, but I doubt that she would have feelings for me."

He sighed. "How can you be so sure?"

I didn't have an answer for that. My mind searched for a reason, definitive proof that it wasn't possible and found nothing.

"My advice, Walter, make a move soon. You'll come to regret it if you don't." He smiled.

I didn't respond to him. I turned to look at Miss Love. "Found everything we need, Miss?"

"Yes sir." She joined me along with Peter. We paid for the alcohol and left, placing everything in the back of the car. "Are you alright, Master?" she asked when I started the car.

I didn't answer her right away. I was thinking. I had no proof, no argument against what he said, in fact the longer I thought about it I found the opposite. That night where she got drunk and kissed me stood out in my mind. And there was something else, a piece of the blackness in my memory. I had burst into the bathroom while she was in there, but why? I couldn't remember. And afterwards...I felt myself gulp. I was not innocent in this feelings nonsense either, now was I? "I'm fine, Miss. It's still a tad difficult to handle is all." I said, which was true, but it was also no the current issue at hand. She could hear otherwise for sure. I had to change my train of thought quickly. I should focus on the day ahead of us. There was still plenty to do, no doubt. "Let's hurry back."

Miss Love's look of confusion was, in a moment, replaced by understanding. She sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. "Yes, sir."


I stuck my head in the kitchen to find Miss Love yawning while she washed dishes. I knocked on the door frame, gaining her attention.

"Oh, Hello Master." She gave me a tired smile.

I returned it and held up a bottle of wine. "Give the dish washing a rest till morning?"

"Gladly," She said, tossing the dish rag in her hands aside.

We went to sit in our small dining room. I grabbed two glasses and we sat opposite each other at the table.

"Well," I sighed, pouring wine into our glasses, "I'd say that went rather well."

Miss Love nodded, taking her glass. "I didn't know we were inviting so many people." She leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. "I expected the round table, but not the others."

I chuckled, pulling out a cigarette and my lighter. "You'll get used to it."

"I'm sure."

There was a pause. We drank in silence. It was only when she refilled our glasses that I broke it. "God, I'm such a light weight." I could already feel the spreading warmth along my cheeks and the light airy feeling in my head.

"Are you?" she laughed.

"Oh without a doubt." I smiled. "I remember when I turned 18, Arthur had tried to get me to drink before then but I refused," I said, "anyways, he took me out to a pub and we got drinks. I was drunk before I finished my one."

Miss Love laughed quietly. "I've never heard you talk about Arthur before. Alucard will mention him from time to time, but I don't really know anything about him. What was he like?"

I thought for a moment. "Insufferable," I said. "When he was younger, at least. Between the drinking and the whoring I wanted to kill him half the time! But then he met Sir Integra's mother and everything changed. He stopped drinking, sealed away Alucard, and for a time stopped pursuing vampires all together. But again things changed." I sighed. "She passed suddenly when Integra was still an infant and Arthur dove back into the occult, but swore that Alucard would remain sealed away, hopefully for the rest of eternity."

"How did he get free?" she asked.

I frowned. "An accident. An oversight on my part. I had been warned about Arthur's brother, that he would try to take Hellsing by force, and yet I trusted that she would be safe for an hour or so. I was wrong. She was going to be killed and I wasn't there to stop it. What other choice did she have but to find Alucard?"

Miss Love was silent. She was completely drawn in by the story. Perhaps I was saying too much. This wasn't like me now was it? The thought barely registered as I took another sip of my wine. There was another break in our conversation. It was me who poured the next glass and she was the one who spoke up.

"Are you sure you want to keep drinking?"

I shrugged. "I drink once a year at most. It can't hurt." More silence. There were thing about her I wanted to know and the alcohol was loosening me up just enough to ask. "Miss, before all this, before Hellsing, what did you want to do with your life?"

The question seemed to catch her off guard. Her eyes widened and then she looked down, a sad smile spreading across her face. "A psychologist, I wanted to be a psychologist."

That made a whole world of sense, not that I was sober enough to put it together in the moment. "You wanted to be a counselor of some sort?"

"Not quite," she shook her head. "Part of me was interested in that but I wanted to work in the field, do research and explore more about the mind!" she exclaimed, a sudden excitement coming over her. "There's so much still unknown about the human brain. Why do we dream? Why do we require so many hours of sleep? Stuff like that. I wanted to be the one to uncover the answers!"

I smiled and listened to her go on. So this was where her passion resided. It was fascinating to watch her, but also it was a shame. This dream of hers would never be realized. She seemed to come to the same conclusion and stopped suddenly, returning her eyes to her glass.

"What about you, Master? What did you want to do?"

"Me? Oh, I don't know. I was awfully young when I joined Hellsing, just barely twelve years old." I waved the question off, but then found myself thinking about it. "Maybe a gunsmith or maybe…" I trailed off. There was something else, I realized, something I had forgotten. I smiled. "Maybe, I would have reopened my father's book shop."

"A book shop?" she repeated.

"Yes." I nodded. "It was the family business before the war."

"There's nothing saying that you can't still do that." She leaned forward further.

I chuckled at that, "My dear, I'm afraid that everything says that I can't."

Her face flushed noticeably red. "I don't think so. When Sir Integra dies we can do as we wish. I could travel the world if I wanted, you could open your book shop."

Her optimism was cute, but it was just that, misplaced optimism, though I was much too drunk at this point to see it. Her suggestion almost sounded plausible when she put that way. "Would you come with me?" I asked.

"O-of course I would!"

I smiled. "Wouldn't that be nice…never figured you for someone that cared for books."

She shrugged. "I used to read when I was human, from time to time."

"What did you like to read it?" I asked, leaning on my hand.

She grinned down into her wine glass. "You'll tease me."

"No I won't."

"Swear?"

"Swear."

She shifted around in her seat. "I like to read romance novels."

"You're serious?"

Miss Love nodded. I chuckled lightly under my breath. "Aren't you full of surprises, as always?"

"And you, do you read?" she asked.

"You've seen my collection haven't you?" I asked. She shook her head. "Come here, I'll show you." I got to my feet, swaying a bit and motioned for her to follow.

Getting back to my room was comical. I tripped several times as did Miss Love. We were laughing, forced to lean on each other till we got there.


"Shhh." Miss Love hushed me while we walked down the hall, but she wasn't exactly being quiet herself with her giggling. "What if Alucard hears us?"

"Fuck him." I waved my hand dismissively. "I couldn't care less when it comes to that asshole."

We arrived at my room and I lead her inside. To the right of my bed were two book shelves. I hadn't gotten myself a book in quite some time, not since right after the mission where I had rescued Miss Love. I would probably need a new bookshelf if I started again. "This is it." I smiled. "The result of many years book collecting."

"These are all quite old," she noted, leaning over.

"Well so am I."

"I meant older than you." She laughed and gave me a playful shove. She crossed her arms and looked down, her face was flushed red again. "Perhaps we could go to a book shop sometime and add to your collection."

My eyes were drawn slightly downwards for a moment. She had abandoned her suit jacket and tie long ago. Her shirt was unbuttoned by three, showing off enough cleavage to be eye catching. "Yes, I'd like that…"

"Master? What were you and Roger talking about?" she asked suddenly. A nearly full moon peaked out from behind some clouds, lighting her figure up in the dark room.

My mouth suddenly went dry. Had she always been this beautiful? I thought of the morning we watched the sunset, how she looked when she first came to Hellsing. Yes, I decided, she had. "You," I admitted.

Melody smiled. "Thought so. It's funny right? To get mistaken as a couple?" a poor attempt at laughter escaped her lips.

"I don't think it's funny," I said, stepping closer to her and running my hand along her cheek. She leaned into it. "I'm a fool for not seeing it sooner."

"Sir?"

I didn't respond, instead I leaned down and pressed my lips against hers. Her whole body stiffened but only for a moment before her arms wrapped around my neck. One of my hands found her waist while the other pulled the ribbon out of her hair, allowing my fingers to get tangled in it. It was soft, something I'd never thought about. I missed so many textures with gloves on. I had the sudden urge to know what she felt like.

Our kiss deepened and we fell back into my bed. I broke away to breathe and hovered over her. My hand trailed from her cheek to her neck.

"Master, tell me, what is it you want?"

It came out without thinking. "You," I answered.

She reached up and run her thumb along my cheek and then moved down, gripping my tie and pulling me back down. This was the only thing that made sense right now. I wanted to be close to her, as close as I could get. This is what I had wanted for months now.

When I sat up again I tossed my vest and then my tie to the side. She reached up to help me unbutton my white shirt. I grinned and threw it with the other clothes. I focused my attention on her shirt while I leaned down to kiss her neck. It felt like the right thing to do in the moment.

"Master," she moaned.

"My name, Melody, use my name. It's been so long since I heard you say it," I whispered.

"Walter."

I smiled against her skin and pulled open her shirt. I pulled her close and felt her skin against mine. She was so soft. We resumed our kiss and fought to get out of the rest of our clothes.

"Melody-" I said, when we were down to only our underwear.

She placed her finger against my lips and gave me a wordless nod.

I pulled her panties to the side and held on to her hips as I started to push forward, entering her slowly. "Fuck!" I cursed, my eyes shut tight. She grasped one of my hands tightly, saying my name quietly. "Almost, we're almost—there!" and then I was inside. "Melody, oh, my dearest," I moaned.

She pulled me back down and held on to me tight, wrapping her legs around me as I started to move my hips. "Walter, ah!" she cried. I couldn't stop myself, I moved faster holding on to her as I went.

I didn't last long. I came before she could and then could barely move, but still we held on to each other. She ran her hands through my hair while I panted her name.

When my breathing calmed down I pulled out. I fell beside her and held my arms out. She placed her head on my chest and pulled a sheet up around us. "I love you," she said, almost too quietly for me to hear.

"Me too." I muttered, exhaustion creeping in. I fell asleep holding her, listening to her breathe.


January 1st, 5:30 AM

Seras Victoria's P.O.V.

"That's enough for tonight, police girl." Master called stopped me as I finished off a group of targets.

"Well they didn't exactly put up much of a fight." I placed my hands on my hips and yawned. Bed time was pretty much here. The sun would rise soon.

"Then you'd best hope for assignment." Master said as he started to fade away. "Good night, police girl."

I swung my gun over my shoulder and started back to the estate. Maybe Melody would be up by now and we could chat before I went to bed.

I looked to see if there were lights on when I walked by her room and sure enough she was up. I grinned and knocked once before opening it and stepping inside. "Morning sunshine, sleep we—" I stopped short when I saw her. She was curled up, up against the wall, in only her bra and underwear. She looked up at me like a scared rabbit. Red tears were flowing down her cheeks.

"Seras?"

"My God!" I rushed over to her. "What's happened to you Melody? Did someone hurt you?"

She looked away, tears still falling. She spoke in short gasps and hiccups. "It was an accident."

"Mel, tell me what happened." I tried to get her to look at me.

She shook her head. "We got drunk and, and it wasn't supposed to happen like this!" she sobbed.

"Who? Tell me who." She only continued shaking her head and cry. I pulled her close and and tried to quiet her. "Shhh it's okay. You're okay."

"D-don't tell Walter that I'm like this," she said.

I thought I was beginning to understand. That was one request I could not fulfill. If anyone needed to know it was her master.

"Okay, okay. I need to go for one second okay? Just for a second."

"Please don't go!" Mel pleaded, latching on to me.

"I'll only be gone a second, umm…" I looked around the room and saw her button down shirt. I draped it around her. "Put this on okay? I'll be right back."

She nodded. I left and closed the door behind me.


January 1st 5:50 AM

Walter C. Dornez's P.O.V.

I woke up with a hangover. "Fuck," I groaned. This was why I didn't drink. I sat up and noticed that I was only in my pants and I was freezing. I got up and threw a shirt on along with a pair of trousers. It was New Years Day, wasn't it? No one would be getting up for quite some time. I could afford another hour or two of sleep.

My clothes were all thrown about. "I'd better not make this a habit," I said to myself. One of the articles of clothing wasn't mine. I reached down and picked up Miss Love's ribbon and it all came flashing back.

I covered my mouth with my hand. No, that had to be a dream, she left this here by accident. We didn't, I didn't, I would never.

There was a knock on the door, it was loud and forceful. Shit. Was it her? What would I say? I waited a few moments and the knocking came again. I shoved her ribbon in my pocket and opened the door a bit. To my surprise, and my relief, it was Miss Victoria.

"Yes, Miss Victoria? What can I do for you?" I asked, trying not to stumble over my words.

"It's Melody. I think someone's hurt her."

My heart fell into my feet and shattered. God, what had I done? "Bring me to her."

Seras nodded and led me to Miss Love's room. She knocked on the door. "Mel, it's me."

A weak sounding "Come in." came from the other side. Seras opened the door and I stepped inside. Her eyes grew wide. "M-Master, I, um—" she covered her face. The sight of her broke my heart. I did this? I thought I might be sick.

"Walter, I think we both know who did this," Seras said firmly.

I looked over my shoulder. "Unfortunately, I think we do." I hurt her, one of the people most precious to me. That could not be overlooked.

"Brian won't get away with this, this time. I promise you."

I stared at her for a moment in shock. She didn't know that it was me? I turned back to Miss Love. "Yes, well, would you leave us for a moment, Seras. I'd like to speak to her alone."

"I don't know if Mel would be—"

"It's okay, Seras." Miss Love spoke up.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

Melody nodded in return.

"Okay, well I'll be back in ten minutes okay?"

We both nodded. The door closed behind her and I walked up to her and slid down the wall on her left side. "Why didn't you tell me to stop?" I asked, my voice was quiet and shaking. "Why didn't you tell me you didn't want it?"

She shook her head. "But I did." The words came out as a squeak. "Just not like that. I thought that I would be okay, no matter how it happened, but I—" the tears started again. "I wanted it to be different."

Yes, for her this was about love. And what about me? What were my feelings? There was lust, I could no longer deny that. As much as I wished it wasn't true the girl sitting next to me was living proof. But was love there too? Truthfully, I didn't know.

"Forgive me, Miss."

"Please call me Melody."

I hesitated for a moment. "Melody, please forgive me. I never wanted to hurt you."

She cracked a smile. "Don't apologize. It was an accident."

I felt something well up in my chest, that familiar urge to hold her. I reached out. She did not pull away as I brushed her hair behind her ear. "Is there any way I can help you?" I asked.

Melody turned to look at me and nodded. "Close your eyes." I did so. I half expected her to slap me, but instead I felt her lips press against mine. It surprised me, but still I kissed back, lightly.

"Is that really all you wanted?" I smile. She returned a weaker version of it. I placed my arm around her shoulder and leaned her head on to me. "My dear, do you really want to waste your eternity on me?"

"I think it's the only way I won't waste it."

I smirked. Eternity? I suppose that gave us just enough time to work this out.


Author's Notes: Hello everyone! Surprise, this story isn't dead! Thank you sooooo much for your patience. I'm how this chapter turned out, though I think the sex scene at the end may have been rushed. I did do some plot changes and I was struggling with how to jump to it. This also marks us going into very uncharted territory. I'm going completely off of instinct when it comes to Walter and his reaction from this point on. If you feel I've strayed too far I apologize. Look forward to another chapter hopefully before next summer.

Ryo