Trenton, N.J. 22:08 HRS

Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defence

Abe floated within the confines of his tank, listening to the classics. The subtle undertones and the overt melodies relaxing him like nothing else could. Thoughts swam through his head as they always did; but right now they were of less importance than they usually were.

If this is what a holiday was like then let them commence.

All of a sudden Abe became aware of a consciousness approaching his. Said consciousness burst through the double doors of the library and turned out to be Manning. Seeing him from the corner of his eye Abe did nothing. Exhibited no unusual behaviour; if he turned without making it obvious than Manning would become more freaked out than he usually was. Normally he could cope and do it well. But today was not a good day.

Abe waited until Manning knocked on the glass before turning; pulling his face into an expression of faint surprise. "We need to talk" As he said this, Manning raised a folder that he had held at his side and pressed it against the glass. TOP SECRET was at the top.

Resignation at the disruption of his brief holiday became apparent on Abe's face, but only to those who knew him well. Manning, of course, didn't. As Abe swam for the exit to his tank he silently cursed Hellboy for his most recent misdemeanour's , before forgiving him his nature. Hellboy was to Abe the best friend he could have.

Oh well...duty calls...

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They walked through the underground of the Bureau passing a particularly violent creature that was as yet identified. Manning threw nervous glances over his shoulder as it screamed defiance. Abe still carried the envelope of photographs in his hand and was examining them as he walked along. Hellboy certainly knows how to draw attention. He carried on ignoring the majority of what Manning was saying as he placed the photos back in their case. I wish he wouldn't call me fish stick.

Something Manning said caught his attention and he repeated it incredulously..."Street cred?" What on earth...? As Manning carried on his rant, listing his problems to a neutral party he started to feel so much better. After Manning came out with his insecurities Abe started to pay attention. It would help when he had to give him advice. "It's not about you, he's outing out. Things are a little...tense with Liz" At this Manning released a soft snort before realising how this could affect his troubles with Hellboy. "Tense...er, how tense? Tense how?" His tone was anxious before Abe answered.

"Well, you know, the usual" After receiving an affirmative from Manning he continued. "A new couple, making adjustments. They argue." He was interrupted, "They argue?" "Sometimes, but like anybody else they have...good days and bad days." Abe's tone was almost hesitant as he outlined the barest bones of Hellboy's and Liz's relationship.

They had stopped down the hall from Hellboy's room and the sounds of arguing echoed towards them from beyond the door. Slowly they turned, not really wanting to intrude on such a moment as this. Suddenly, the door moved, bucking outwards as it's hinges began to break. After that the entire thing flew off it's setting in a burst of flame and flew down the hallway rolling as it went. Abe and Manning jumped out of the way and watched it fly past, before turning to the now gaping hole in the wall.

Hellboy rose up off the floor, brushing at the dust on his clothing the tops of his horns glowing slightly from the heat. Turning slightly he caught sight of them standing there and raised a hand in greeting. "Hey Abe" He sounded pleased to see him before he turned back to where his door used to be. "Manning" His tone was noticeably less than friendly.

Sighing he walked forward with words of warning. "Watch it boys, she's on fire." He sounded almost dejected at having to calm Liz down again. Even though everybody knew he loved her more than anything.

Further down the hall Abe turned to Manning. "Then again, there are really bad days."