Summary: Part two of The Walking Dead series, Hans and Seras arrive at Woodbury

Rating: High T, maybe low M for lovin'.

Picture link: No picture this time. This was originally a one parter but since people asked for a second chapter I decided to continue it.

Disclaimer: Hellsing belongs to Kouta Hirano, artwork belongs to Lsayaku, The Captain belongs to Seras and vice versa.

Sorry again for the wait, this was another long one and I've been busy on top of that.

Once again, thank you to everyone who reviewed/favourited/story alerted.

WARNING: Tiny spoilers for the begining of The Walking Dead season 3.

They were outnumbered and there were at least eight guns pointed at them, Hans and Seras had no choice but to surrender.

Their supplies and weapons were taken away and they were tied up, blindfolded and put in the back of a truck, at least they thought it was a truck.

After twenty or so minutes of driving, the truck stopped and they were pulled out, the blindfolds stayed on as they were lead indoors.

Hans felt something clip against his injured, still very much hurting, knee. He almost dropped to ground but managed to keep himself up, snarling in pain and anger.

"Sorry," the tattoo faced German woman sniggered, Seras wanted to slam her face into the nearest wall.

They were forced into chairs; the room was warm and had pleasant pine smell. They could hear people talking outside the room, as Hans struggled against the ropes on his wrists, Seras tried to listen but couldn't understand what they were saying; it was like another language to her.

The door hinges squeaked as it opened and heavy footsteps approached them. Finally the blindfolds were removed and they found themselves in a cozy living room/kitchen sitting opposite to a short, fat man in a white suit.

"Guten tag," he said, smiling warmly.

Hans, who hadn't heard his native language in more than a year, hid his surprise flawlessly.

"I'm sorry if mein soldiers treated you roughly, zhey can a little overeager sometimes," the man continued, glancing at the tattooed woman, "especially Lieutenant Blitz. But I assure you, ve do not intend to harm you and ve von't unless you give us a reason to."

"Then why are we here?" Seras asked.

"Ve just need to be sure you aren't a threat before releasing you," he assured them, the light gleaming off his glasses so neither of them could see his eyes.

"Like the men your soldiers shot before they found us?" Seras said.

The man looked to Lieutenant Blitz for an explanation.

"At ze helicopter?" Seras nodded and the other woman frowned, "zhey died in zhe crash."

The unimpressed and confused looks on their faces made the Lieutenant smile with twisted amusement. "You don't know?"

"Know what?" Seras asked.

"About how zhe infection spreads," the man interrupted, knowing Blitz wouldn't break this news gently. "You don't need to be bitten; if you die, no matter how, you come back as one of zhem."

There was a long silence as Hans and Seras processed this information. It explained how it had spread so quickly and easily. And, God… if things hadn't been bad enough already… How could humanity ever hope to be rid of the walkers and recover if the dead kept coming back?

"Let's move on to another topic," the man said, bringing them back. "I am zhe Major."

"The Major?" Seras repeated.

"It's a nickname," he explained.

"Bob is a nickname; The Major is a title."

He chuckled and looked at Hans, "and vhat are your names?"

"I'm Seras," she said.

"Such a lovely name… and your friend?"

She waited to see what Hans would do, like her, he hesitated. Unfortunately, he waited too long and Lieutenant Blitz ripped off the dog tags hanging from his neck and threw them to The Major.

"Zhese are German tags… Captain Johann L. Gunsche…" His eyes were finally visible as his face lit up, there was something very unsettling in them, "kommando Spezialkräfte?"

Hans sighed, "…ja."

The Major clapped his hand together, grinning happily. "Aufheitern mein Junge, du bist unter Freunden und Landsleuten hier. Wie lange waren Sie mit dem Militär?"

Before Hans could answer there was a knock at the door and the Doctor they had seen at the crash site poked his head in.

"Dinner is on its way," he announced.

"Vunderbar," The Major said, waving him into the room. "Come meet our guests, Johann and Seras."

"Just Hans," the younger man corrected.

"Oh, vun of us," the Doctor said, sitting down next to The Major. "Vhere are you from?"

"Outside Dresden," he answered vaguely.

The Doctor nodded, "I grew up in Berlin myself."

"And how long vere you in zhe military?" The Major asked again.

"Almost eight years," Hans didn't like attention, but honestly he preferred them focusing on him rather than Seras.

He must have jinxed himself because the second he thought that, The Major turned to Seras.

"I'm sorry, Fraulein, ve're being rude."

"That's alright," she smiled sweetly.

"Vell, I still feel terrible, vhere are you from, vhat did you do?"

"I was a police officer in London."

The two men turned to each other and gave little, impressed nods.

There was another knock at the door and The Major called at them to enter. A man and a woman carefully walked in, balancing plates of food in their hands and on their arms.

"Ah, lunch!" The fat man exclaimed.

To their surprise, Hans and Seras were given a plate.

"Eat up," The Major said, fork already inches from his mouth.

If looks could kill, the man would have dropped dead.

"Our hands are tied," Seras reminded him.

"Forgive me," he said with his mouth full, "untie zhem."

Seras managed not to wince as Lieutenant Blitz yanked the binds hard enough to give her rope burn and Hans glared at her as she used his trench knife to cut them free.

"Zhat's mine," he said, staring her right in the eye.

"You vill get your things back soon enough," The Major promised. "Ve can't have stranger's vandering around with guns and knives, you understand."

They did understand, but it didn't mean they liked it.

Lunch that day was a chicken sandwich and some boiled rice, Hans and Seras had been skeptical about eating it, worried it was poisoned. It wasn't until The Major took a bite out of both their meals that they started eating.

"Zhe two of you are very cautious," he noted.

"We didn't survive this long by taking risks," Seras countered.

"True."

"Vhich reminds me," The Doctor cut in. "Zhose two biters you had vith you… you vere using zhem to hide, blend in?

"Yes," Seras said, feeling Hans tense up beside her.

"Very clever," he praised. "And cutting off zhe jaws and arms? Genius. How did you think of such a thing?"

Hans just shrugged, the hand he had under the table balling into a fist. Seras subtly slid her hand over it, running her thumb over his knuckle, he relaxed a little.

"I must say, zhe two of you are impressive."

"Zhey can't be zhat good; I caught them," Lieutenant Blitz sniped.

The Major ignored her, "how vould you like to stay here and help us?"

"And where is here?" Seras asked.

It was an ordinary main road of a small town, years ago there would have been nothing special about it but now it was extraordinary.

There were no bodies lying on the ground, no debris strewn everywhere and instead of undead there were people walking around.

Hans and Seras stared, or gawked, as people went about their day without fear as if everything were completely normal. It was they had been searching for since the virus broke out, what they dreamed about finding when they slept; a safe haven.

"Velcome to Voodbury," The Major said, opening his arms grandly.

There was nothing fancy or special about the town, but to them it was perfect.

"How…?" Seras barely asked.

He pointed between two buildings; they could see a crude wall, a few feet taller than Hans, constructed out of… it was hard to tell what, Seras could see a car tyre.

"A few of us settled here not long after zhe outbreak," The Major explained as he started walking. "We focused on building a vall to keep things out, at first it vas just cars and scraps but as more people joined us ve had more man power and minds focused on zhe task, our wall got stronger and ve became safer."

Some townsfolk waved at him as they walked by.

"As more people came, like the vall, ve got stronger," he continued as he waved back. "Ve found ways to get zhe power and vater running again and ve been thriving ever since."

"It's amazing," Seras said, unable to stop looking around.

The Major smiled proudly, "but ve do not let zhat stop us from being vigilant, ve have armed guards on patrol at all times. Ready to defend us against zhe dead and zhe living."

That got her attention, "people have attacked you?"

"Not yet, but I fear it is a matter of time."

"And zhat's vhere ve come in," Hans said.

"Exactly, ve need all the help ve can get, mein soldiers are skilled shooters but lack discipline and training, and only have experience against the biters. Zhe two of you know how to fight humans."

Before Hans and Seras could look at each other to try and figure out how the other felt about that offer, a new voice spoke up from right behind them.

"Guten tag."

Poor Seras jumped about a foot in the as the blonde boy gazed innocently at her.

The Doctor let out an exhausted sigh, "Schrödinger, vhy aren't you at you lessons?"

"Luke came to ask something and he and Rip got distracted, so I left."

Before the man could scold him, Schrödinger was looking eagerly up at Hans, "you're tall."

He chuckled and smiled down at him, "I'm very tall."

"Can I sit on your shoulders?"

"He's not a horse," The Doctor said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Hans felt bad as the boy shrunk with disappointment, but right now he had trouble holding up his own weight.

"Maybe vhen mein leg feels better," he said.

Schrödinger beamed.

"I can look at zhat later if you vant," the Doctor offered.

"Schrödinger!" A woman called, running up to them with a sniper rifle strapped over her shoulder.

"Zhere you are Rip."

She pushed her glasses back up her nose as she caught her breath, "I svear, I only turned around for a minute."

"Zhat's all I need," the boy grinned.

"I'll take him from here," the Doctor said, grabbing the back of Schrödinger's shirt and dragging him away. He waved happily at everyone.

"Rip?" The Major cut in, "zhis is Hans and Seras, zhey vill be staying vith us for a vhile."

"Hello," she said with a wide smile.

"Please put them in a free room for me," he turned to the newcomers, "you don't mind sharing a room, do you?"

"It's fine," Hans said.

Rip led them to a square, brick building.

"You'll love it here," she chatted happily, "ve have laundry, a library and once a month ve have a barbeque."

Hans and Seras smiled and nodded politely, but didn't share her enthusiasm.

"Zhis is your room," she said, unlocking a door on the second floor and giving them the key. "Zhere's an 8pm curfew, so please be inside by zhen."

"Or vhat?" Hans asked, making sure he didn't sound like he challenging her.

"Zhe guard's vill escort you home, I don't know vhat happens if you refuse; no vun's dine zhat before."

The room was small and simple with white walls, a double bed, a chest of drawers, and a chair. Their bags were sitting on the floor, Hans suspected they had been checked and any weapons had been confiscated.

"I live in zhe front room downstairs if you need me. If I'm not zhere, ask for Luke Valentine; but be sure you don't get Jan Valentine." She stressed the last part and pointed to the only door in the room. "You get ten minutes of hot vater before it goes cold; you need to leave it off for twenty minutes for it to heat up again."

She gave them a final, toothy smile as she shut the door behind her.

"Hot water?" Seras repeated with wide eyes.

Hans sat on the bed, sighing happily as the weight on his leg was relieved, "so vhat do you think-"

"Shotgun," Seras yelled, running into the bathroom.

She felt guilty using all ten minutes of water, but her first hot shower in more than six months completely crushed it, and Hans always put her first, he wouldn't mind.

And he didn't, especially when she came out with wet hair and rosy cheeks grinning from ear to ear.

He was lying down now, hands folded over his stomach.

"Hot. Water," she said again as she sat next to him.

"So I've heard," he smiled back at her, it was infectious.

"Sorry."

"No you aren't."

"You're right." It was just so good to feel clean again. "How's your leg."

"Same as before."

She started running her fingers through his hair; he closed his eyes and sank into the mattress, "can you believe it?" She asked.

"It's too good to be true."

"We could be safe here,"

"You vant to stay?"

"Don't you?"

"I don't like zhese people."

She couldn't disagree with that, "they don't make the best first impression, but we should give them a chance."

"Hmm."

"We'll stay until your knee gets better at least."

"Hmm."

She took her hand away from his hair; he stared up at her unhappily.

"Are you going to speak to me with words?" She said, staring right back.

"Fine," he muttered, a tiny smile on his face when her fingers threaded through his hair again.

They hadn't even had time to take a decent nap when Rip came back, telling them that The Doctor (who apparently didn't have a name because no one called him by anything else) was ready to see Hans.

He had set up in the town's family practice, complete with eye test charts, x-ray boards and a strange smelling waiting room with outdated magazines.

"It doesn't look like anything's broken," said The Doctor as he finished prodding at Hans' knee. "At vorst it's a sprain, Schrödinger, go get a crutch for Herr Gunsche."

"Alright," the boy sighed, getting up from his seat next to Seras.

"Ve'll give it another veek; I'll know for sure how bad it is then, for now stay off it. I'll see if I can get ice packs for you."

Schrödinger came back in carrying a metal crutch twice as tall as he was. "Here you go," he grinned, holding it out.

"Thank you," Hans said, smiling warmly as he rolled his pant leg back down.

Seras shook her head; he was nicer to the kid than he was to her when they first met.

"So vhat happened?" The blonde boy asked, pointing at Hans' knee.

"Schrödinger," The Doctor scolded, it seemed to be his favourite tone when talking to him.

But Hans didn't mind, "a man hit me with a pipe."

"Ouch," the boy winced, "did you kill him?"

"Nein," he pointed at Seras, "she got him for me."

"Schrödinger," The Doctor finally lost patience, "did you do inventory today?"

They stared at each other for a minute before Schrödinger let out an exaggerated sighed and trudged out of the room.

"Sorry," The Doc said, "he's… young."

"It's fine," he assured him. "Is he yours?"

"My nephew; I vas on a research trip in Liverpool, he and my sister vere visiting vhen zhe outbreak started." He glanced at his wrist watch, "if you'll excuse me, I need to close up."

They said goodbye and headed back to their room slowly as Hans got used to walking on his crutch.

Out on the streets there were people walking, some just standing around chatting, there were even children chasing each other, they tried not to stare but it was still such a strange sight to them.

"Looks like you're making friends," Seras said.

Hans just stared at her.

"Schrödinger," she explained.

"He reminds me of somevun I used to babysit."

"You're good with him."

"You sound surprised."

"No offense, but you're not exactly friendly."

He didn't defend himself there, it was true.

"I don't like vhen children are scared of me," he wondered if he could hold her hand while his gait was so uneven.

"I doubt anyone could find you scary after seeing what's happening out there."

"… Thank you?"

Dinner was a communal event held in a hall, long tables were set out and the food was distributed cafeteria style. It wasn't bad, and they were actually full afterwards.

As they chatted with the other people at their table (well, one of them chatted), Seras noticed a few young women looking over at Hans approvingly. Seras scowled as one them said something and they all started to giggle, at least the German was ignoring them or hadn't noticed.

In fact, he hadn't noticed, he was distracted by a man with a wool cap and piercings who was blatantly leering at Seras.

Hans wanted to collapse onto the bed but feared it would break under his weight so he settled for slowly slumping into the mattress next to Seras.

"Told you," she said, feeling the lingering warmth from the hot water coming off his skin.

"Hmm," he replied, wrapping an arm around her waist. God, he had forgotten how much he missed feeling clean. He was tempted to stay in Woodbury just for the showers.

Damn it, he was back to non-words, "I'm going to let that go because you're tired, but-"

The arm dragged her across the blankets until they were nose to nose.

"Ve vere interrupted earlier," he reminded her.

She had almost forgotten, it had only happened that morning but it felt like weeks ago now.

Seras put her hand against his chest and pushed him away lightly as he leaned forward.

He ignored the sinking feeling in his stomach, she had reciprocated happily before, he couldn't understand why she wasn't now.

"There are a lot of other women here," she said softly.

"… Ja?"

"Some of them have taken a liking to you."

"… Ja?"

She really thought he would figure out where she was going with this, "You could probably have any of them, whoever you want."

"I have zhe only voman I vant." He then nervously asked, "don't I?"

This time she leaned forward, cupping his jaw as she kissed him.

Lieutenant Zorin Blitz was assigned to show them the wall and explain how it was guarded, they didn't know whose brilliant idea that was, but they were stuck with her.

The Major still hadn't given Hans' knife back, but he had confiscated it from the woman, it was a small, petty comfort that made Hans very happy.

"Ve take six hour shifts vith a twenty minute breaks every two hours," she explained. "Zhere are twenty-five soldiers, but civilians often volunteer to help keep vatch."

Seras felt Hans tense up as she walked next to him; he didn't like these people being called soldiers.

"Ve shoot biters zhat get to close to zhe vall or start acting aggressive."

"Vhat about the people in town, are they any trouble?"

"Zhey're behaving so far, but people are unpredictable. Zhe Major says you vere a Captain?"

Hans nodded.

"I suppose you outrank me zhen."

Seras was sure one them was going to start throwing punches.

He wanted to point out that she wasn't actually a Lieutenant, she was not a soldier and had no real rank, but making enemies was not going to help him and Seras.

"I suppose I do."

"Don't expect me to obey orders vith a 'yes, sir' and a salute… Captain."

And that was why she wasn't a soldier.

"So how long have you been here?" Seras asked/interrupted.

"I joined a few months after The Major started to organize the place. My group and I vere trying to steal some supplies, he offered me a place if I left zhem."

They were spineless, useless punks anyway, and killing them had been the best thing she'd ever done.

Seras took a deep, steadying breath as she tied the bathrobe shut, staring at herself in the small mirror.

Men usually focused on her body, her chest especially, but she was pretty. And she'd gotten compliments about what lovely blue eyes she had a few times.

Hans had called her beautiful out loud once and the way he looked at her made her feel beautiful, but it didn't make her any less nervous.

He was lying down, eyes closed and hands tucked under the back of his head; she liked the way it showed off his biceps.

"Hello," she said quietly, sitting on the edge of the bed next to him.

His eyes cracked open and he smiled softly up at her, "hello."

"I…" She cleared her throat, "I wanted to tell you something."

That opened his eyes, "is something wrong?"

"No, I just… wanted to tell you…" She cleared her throat again, willing it to stop scratching.

Hans sat up and watched her closely, trying to figure out what was happening.

"I love you," she said.

Or, that's what she thought she said, what actually came out sounded more like, "lvoo."

"Pardon?" That was not a word he knew in any language he spoke.

She stared right into his ice blue eyes and somehow found the courage to say it again.

"I love you."

That he understood.

A happy little smile spread across the German's face, "ja?"

"Ja," she replied sheepishly.

His large hand cupped her jaw softly, like she was made of glass, it slid up into her hair and he ran his fingers through it as he kissed her.

He pulled back suddenly, embarrassed, but still smiling. He'd been so caught up in the moment that he forgot something, "I love you too."

"Oh, good," she let out a sigh of relief. Seras had no idea what she would have done if he hadn't said it back.

Hans pulled her onto his lap and buried his face in her neck, planting kisses up and down the soft skin; Seras loved him, he was so elated that he felt dizzy.

The blonde could feel her heart pounding so hard in her chest that she was sure Hans could feel it too. She slid off his lap and stood on the floor in front of him. He was about to ask if something was wrong when she opened her robe.

She had found the light blue, lace lingerie set almost two months ago while they were raiding a store, after staring at it for nearly a minute she shoved it into her bag before Hans saw.

It wasn't that she was planning on something happening between them, she was just hoping and if it did happen, she wanted to look… appealing.

And it had worked, if the wide eyed, slack jawed look on Hans' face was any indication.

Remembering he was supposed to be a gentleman, he shut his mouth and looked up at her, in the eyes this time, with a red hue on his cheeks.

He felt like he was supposed to say something here, even if all he wanted to do was throw her onto the bed and tear those scraps of clothing off her with his teeth.

He took her hand in his and gave her a serious look, "ve don't have to do anything if you don't vant to. I can vait as long-"

"I know," she looped her fingers into his.

His arm wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her against him as he lifted her off her feet briefly to turn them around. He lowered her gently onto the bed and covered her body with his.

"You're so beautiful," he said, breath ghosting over her lips. "I don't say that often enough."

His low, rough voice sent achingly pleasant shivers down her spine.

He suddenly remembered something, and he was glad he did before he completely forgot about it.

"Don't be mad."

"About what?"

"I vasn't expecting zhis," he explained, getting up and going to his bag in the corner. "Und I've only had them a few veeks," he came back, putting the small box on the table next to the bed. "I just… thought it vas better to be safe zhan sorry."

"I'm not mad," she said, pulling him back down to her.

But she did feel a little stupid for not thinking of it herself. She'd been so nervous about the act itself that the possible consequences had slipped her mind.

A baby was the absolute last thing they needed.

He returned to his position on top of her and kissed her again, slowly slipping his tongue into her mouth as he ran his hand up and down her hip, goosebumps rising where he touched her.

He knew Seras was a virgin and that he had to take his time, ease her into this and above all, not maul her like a damn animal.

That would come later.

She spread her legs enough for him to settle between them, inhaling nervously when she felt something hard press against her.

Knowing she was nervous, Hans' own worries started to surface. Even before the outbreak it had been a long, long time since he'd been with a woman so this was not going to be his best performance.

Almost unconsciously, he started moving his hips. Seras let a surprised gasp as a small, but strong bolt of pleasure shot up from between her legs.

"Zhis von't be very good," he said apologetically.

"What do you m-mean," her voice hitched as it happened again.

He slid the bra straps over her shoulders and kissed her cleavage, "I von't last very long, but if you…" he hitched one of her legs over his waist and she gasped loudly as the friction between them increased.

"… Give me some time, I'll get better."

"How long is it supposed to last?" She asked curiously.

He almost laughed, but settled for biting her delicious lower lip instead, "zhere's not really a set time."

She nodded, unsure if she could actually speak coherently.

"I vant zhis to be perfect for you," he admitted.

"You're well good so far," her nails started digging into his back, "very well."

It wasn't as painful as she thought it would be (but it still hurt), Hans was very patient, kissing and touching her everywhere to try and take her mind off it. It worked; towards to end it didn't hurt at all. Unfortunately, he'd been right about it being over quickly, not embarrassingly so, but quicker than he would have liked.

They just stared at each other afterwards, taking in the moment, panting deeply as the sweat started to cool on their skin.

He kissed her softly before excusing himself and going to the bathroom to get rid of the condom. Seras couldn't stop herself from smiling as she snuggled under the blankets.

Hans returned and curled against her, nuzzling her hair. "Are you alright?"

"I'm a little sore," she said, "but in a good way, I think."

The German slipped his hand under the blanket and trailed his fingertips over her thigh.

"What are you-" one rough finger circled her clit, "… oh."

"I'm making it up to you," he whispered into her ear, kissing the soft skin underneath.

"That's… sweet," she breathed, starting to rock against his hand.

Hans walked down Woodbury's main road without his crutch for the first time; it was still fairly early so there weren't many other people out which suited him perfectly. Seras was still in their room, fast asleep. He envied her ability to go back to sleeping in; he still had trouble sleeping through the night.

Now that his knee was healed, they had to decide whether or not to stay in the town and Hans honestly couldn't think of a good reason to leave, but he did not want to stay.

It was a gut feeling, an instinct he couldn't explain that kept telling him to get the hell out. His instincts had kept him and Seras alive so far, but they were safe and protected here, he couldn't put both of them in constant, life threatening danger just because of a feeling.

Could he?

"Good morning, Captain."

The fat little man approached him, smiling.

"Good morning, Major," he replied politely.

"Lovely weather, isn't it?"

It was cloudy with a slight wind, but for England it wasn't bad.

"Hmm."

The Major just kept smiling, it was a little unnerving.

"Not much of a talker, are you?" Hans shook his head, "no matter."

He looked around, "Miss Victoria isn't with you this morning?"

Hans shook his head again.

"Good, I've been hoping to speak to you privately. Would you mind stepping into my office?"

Hans stared at him, trying to figure out what he wanted, but it was very hard to get a read on the man, "of course."

"Excellent," he clasped his hands together. "If you'll follow me…"

"Would you like some tea?" The Major asked, holding up a white teapot.

"No, thank you."

They were sitting in a garden, surrounded by deep green leaves and dozens of different coloured flowers. Hans took a few seconds to appreciate the smells; it was something he hadn't had a chance to enjoy for a long time.

"It took me awhile, but I finally understand why the English love their tea so much," The Major said, sitting back in his wicker chair. "Once you get it right, there's nothing better."

He took a long sip from his cup, sighing contently. "I notice you and Miss Victoria haven't committed to staying in Woodbury."

"We're still discussing it."

"I won't ask why you don't want to stay, I'm sure you have good reasons," Hans wouldn't call them good reasons, "and instead say that we need you here, Captain."

Hans looked at him curiously, silently urging him to continue.

"I call my people soldiers, but they aren't, they lack discipline and organization. I've tried, but the chaos out there… it reflects back on them."

"And you think I can change that?"

"Yes I do. You're a soldier, and a very good one."

"What make you think that?"

"You're KSK, impressive enough on its own, but you made Captain in less than ten years, that speaks volumes."

Well, he had Hans there. "What do you want from me?"

"I want you to turn my people into soldiers. Teach them; train them to fight against anything that attacks us."

"You want me to help you build an army."

"Yes."

"It's not that simple… some people aren't cut out for it," he said to stall as his mind tried to process.

"I'm not saying they have to be as good as you, just good enough. And if you feel they aren't the soldier type, they can be reassigned."

"… And I'd lead them?"

"You'd be second in command after myself."

Hans thought about it, he'd never been a great leader, better at following orders than giving them. When he'd first gotten his own squad, he'd been awkward, constantly second guessing himself. But he'd improved, gotten more confident and earned his men's respect.

But an entire town of what was basically civilians? It sounded impossible.

Then again, not much more than a year ago the dead coming back to life was considered impossible.

"I need to think about this."

"Of course, take your time."

It was about 2am when Seras stirred, nothing in particular had woken her, it was just hard to sleep through the night these days. The first thing she became aware of, after remembering where she was, was that the other side of the bed was vacant.

"Hans?"

"Over here," he said from somewhere in the dark room.

She picked up the torch from the bedside table and switched it on, pointing the light to where his voice had come from, and then pointing it away when his hand went up to shield his eyes.

"Sorry," as her eyes adjusted she saw him sitting in the room's lone chair, turned towards her. "Were you watching me sleep?"

"Nein, zhat's creepy," he replied.

"Then what…" it took her sleepy brain a second to catch up. "You're thinking about it again, aren't you?"

"Not again, still."

"Come here," she sighed, patting the cold spot where he had been before.

"Are you happy here?" Hans asked as he slipped back under the blankets.

"I'm happy with you," she said, relaxing as his arms wrapped around her.

It was too dark to see the small but glad smile her words made. He kissed the top of her head, "do you vant to stay?"

"What I want doesn't matter."

"It matters to me."

Seras knew that Hans would base his decision almost entirely on what she wanted, that was a lot of pressure and it annoyed the hell out her.

"Don't do that," she growled, sitting up and staring down at him. "Don't put this all on me."

His eyes went wide; it had been a long time since she'd used that tone with him.

"I'm sorry," he touched her shoulder tenderly, relieved when she didn't push him away, "I just don't know vhat to do."

"I trust your instincts, we'd be dead a hundred times over if you ignored them and if you think something's off about these people, there probably is."

He could feel a 'but' coming…

"But," there we go, "a place like Woodbury is what we've been searching for all this time, I don't think we can just leave without giving it a real chance."

He nodded, "thank you."

"Whatever you decided, I'll support you," she promised, taking his hand in hers.

"I know," somehow he found her easily in the dark and pulled her against him, burying his face in her neck.

The Major blew softy at the burning steam rising from the cup before taking a sip and wincing; still too hot.

Oh well, he would just have to wait a little longer.

He sat the cup and plate down on the table next to him and leaned back into his chair, crossing his legs lazily as he admired his collection.

The biters that The Captain had leashed had only recently been added so he was still a bit fixated on them, but he tried to spend an even amount of time on each one.

Nine severed heads floating in water stared back at him with dead, rotting eyes, each in their own little case as he stared at them without purpose. Every now and then he swore they would twitch, still clinging to what little life they had left.

The sound of the tank filters wasn't noticeable over the record player next to him, but he could still hear chains rattling.

He frowned and glanced at the figure in the corner, completely encased by bandages and struggling weakly and uselessly against her restraints.

After all this was over she would thank, things would go back to normal and they could forget all this nonsense. But until then, she had to be restrained.

Seras had bite down hard on her lower lip so their neighbors wouldn't get an earful but a muffled scream still escaped while her entire body shuddered uncontrollably. She felt Hans grin during his last few erratic thrusts.

The German wanted to cheer; it was as if he was the first man to ever make his woman climax.

Seras smacked his shoulder softly, still panting under him; he just grinned again and kissed her.

"You're gorgeous," he breathed.

"Hmm," she said weakly, closing her eyes.

He chuckled and kissed her neck, nuzzling the skin affectionately, she squirmed as the light touches tickled her.

When he came back up he was serious again, "I think ve should stay."

She cupped his jaw and nodded, "then we'll stay."

The End, there will be no third chapter.

Aufheitern mein Junge, du bist unter Freunden und Landsleuten hier. Wie lange waren Sie mit dem Militär? - Cheer up my boy, you're among friends and countrymen here. How long were you with the military?