A few hours had passed since Seras had returned - her body battered and bruised. It was time for her blood delivery and Walter brought it into her as usual. The lid to her coffin was still down. This was not a rare occurance – just unusal. Once in awhile Seras had slept past dawn. He usually didn't wake her but tonight he made an exception. Walter knew how badly she needed the blood to heal her injuries.

Seras was still asleep when she heard the knocking on her coffin. For a few brief seconds the vampire forgot what had happened last night. As she reached for the button to raise the lid, the pain reminded her all too well what had happened. Seras finally reached the button and the top of the coffin rose. She was pleased to see it was not Alucard who had knocked. He was the last person she wanted to see. In fact, Seras wouldn't mind if she never saw her Master again.

"Walter, you brought some blood. Thank you." Her voice was weak as if each word required effort.

"Of course, Miss Victoria. Why wouldn't I?" Walter smiled at her as he handed the blood to her.

"You could have just left it."

"Then how would you have gotten it, Miss Victoria. I saw what he did to you. Hurry and drink it so your injuries will heal." Walter saw that Sersa was struggling to get up. That damn bastard. There was no need to hurt her so bloody much. He extended his hand . Seras didn't argue or decline his offer of help. She took his hand and sat up.

"Thank you, Walter. You are too kind. I suppose I got what I deserved. He was right about everything he said." Seras took a sip of blood and immediately her pain started to melt away.

"Miss Victoria, I'm sorry but no, you did not deserve so harsh a beating. Didn't you suffer enough last week?" Walter asked.

"Apparently Alucard didn't think so. He is my Master and I did fail to complete the mission on my own." Seras replied.

Walter handed her another blood bag. She usually only drank one but the more she drank, the stronger she would get. "You may have failed, Seras but I haven't see Alucard spend much time training you or teach you how to get stronger. He has left much of your training up to the Hellsing Captains. You are a vampire first, not a soldier. But, I won't argue with you when you need to rest. I shall tell Sir Integral that you are not feeling well."

"Please don't tell her what happened. I might tell her when I'm better. I just don't want to start any trouble. If she says something to Alucard – he might get angry with me." Seras pleaded with him.

Walter nodded at her. " I won't say anything except that you are not feeling well. I understand completely Miss Victoria." Walter handed her a few more blood bags. "I should be going now; let you get your rest. Is there anything I can get for you?"

Seras smiled at him. "Well...actually there is. I'm going to be bored out of my mind laying here for the next few days. I know I have to if I want to get better but I was wondering, Walter...could you get a few books to read? I think Sir Integral probably has them in her library."

"Certainly Miss Victoria – what books would you like?" Walter asked.

"Well, I always wanted to read Phantom of the Opera and any Sherlock Holmes mystery. Do you know if Sir Integgral has any copies?" Seras was pretty sure she had seen at least a few Sherlock Holmes books in Integral's office.

Walter grinned. "I'm pretty sure she does. I'll bring the books to you after I serve Integral her tea, okay?"

Seras nodded. "Great, that'll give me chance for a short nap. Thank you, Walter. I don't deserve anyone as sweet as you for a freind."

Walter put his finger on his lips. "Shhh, don't speak such nonsense. When you get better, Miss Victoria, perhaps you can help me with planting some tomatoes. It is rather lonely gardening alone."

Seras smiled at Walter. She appreciated his kindness more then words could express. Instead she reached for his face and stroked it lightly. "Thank you..." She said.

Walter leaned down and kissed her forehead. "When you get better, Miss Victoria, I plan on showing you that I'm not always such a perfect gentleman." He grinned mischievously at her before turning to go.

"Good," Seras said, "it'll give me something to look forward to."