A/N: I LIVE! I'm so sorry for the long wait! I had a shit load of finals, family problems, and stress clouding my life and I couldn't find the time to write! But, here I am! And here is a long ass chapter to make up for the wait!

I thank you all for you patience! You guys are so wonderful and I love you! :D

And I made a Spotify playlist for this fic! Link is on my tumblr blog! Give it a listen!

Anyways, I thank you all for the lovely favs, follows, and reviews! I love them so much! And I love you guys too!

Here is the next chapter! Please enjoy it! And this is the 'Honeymoon' chapter so be prepared for some mild risque material.

And I welcome all new and returning readers!

Enjoy! :D

"You say you are free, yet there are still thorns and blood at your feet."

"And there always will be."

"What if you falter again? What if your rage and sorrow consume you once more?"

"We humans are not in this life for peace. My past sins will never be erased, but I cannot let that stop me."

"So what will you do now, My Lady?" Sic Parvis Magna inquired, watching Olivia stare at her loved ones fading into the distance with her heart cradled in her hands. "What awaits you now?"

In response, Olivia just smiled and peered down at her heart.

It was still horribly damaged and the heartbeat was weak, but it was still beating.

Always…forever…beating.

"Maybe we won't be forgiven for all the things we've said and done, but don't you ever give up or give in," She recited, raising her heart to her lips. "Because the show must go on."

And she swallowed her heart, wincing and clutching her chest as it reattached itself to arteries and veins.

It was painful, like swallowing briars and nails, but…it was manageable.

Yes, she would be okay now.

"Sic Parvis Magna, my faithful bow," Olivia straighten up and faced him with a stern expression before smiling softly and sweeping her hand out, banishing the blood and steel that plagued his body. "Thank you for everything. I promise to be a master worthy of you from now on."

Sic Parvis Magna could only gape at his master's retreating back as she marched towards the horizon, her footprints giving birth to large, red daffodils that absorbed the blood and overtook the briars.

"My Lady….." He chuckled, running a hand down his face, savoring the feeling of warm skin. "Oh My Lady…..how I have missed you."

The morning had rapidly faded to evening and, under the blanket of orange and red hues, Olivia placed the final stone on the fourth grave she had spent all day crafting.

"My family never had a proper burial." She explained, inspecting the completed graves with love and melancholy. "It seems only right to do this before we leave." Then she laughed as Alucard's coffin brought her another five armfuls of rocks and proceed to organize them from largest to smallest. "You've been a tremendous help, Mr. Coffin. Thank you."

A large, toothy grin sprouted across ' 's' face, along with a light blush, but all of that quickly vanished with a pointed glare from their master, who was leaning against a tree a few feet away with his arms crossed and his sights locked onto Olivia's form.

Olivia still wore nothing but his coat, and he noted how the color red suited her. He also noted at how large it was on her smaller frame, giving the impression the coat was swallowing her up—he could count the number of times she nearly tripped over the coat tails or when she slapped herself in the face with the oversize sleeves on both his and his army of familiars' hands.

But, Alucard also noted how the fading sunlight made her skin glow, how her green eyes were shining, and how her smile was warmer than it had been in years.

She looked so….so…..so fucking beautiful.

Olivia was beautiful.

Yes, Alucard would make an exception and use that word to describe the woman in front of him.

This woman who had drowned in the River Styx yet crawled her way back to the light.

This woman who, despite her sufferings, never gave up and clung to her humanity.

This woman who faced her fears and hatred head-on and triumphed with a smile.

This woman who had the courage to do what he was too cowardly to do those centuries ago—to come back to face her past, to forgive, and to live on.

Inside that small woman was an unbreakable human spirit that rendered him speechless time and time again.

So, yes, 'beautiful' was the only word that could described Olivia.

'Olivia….' Alucard involuntarily reached his hand out towards her. 'Olivia…'

He loved her.

He loved her so fucking much.

And she was his, and his alone.

Without a moment's hesitation, Alucard sent out his shadows and wrapped them around her like a blanket, and in response, Olivia laughed and kissed them, causing his breath to hitch in his throat.

"I love you." He declared, feeling her heartbeat resonate through his shadows and into his chest.

"And I love you." Olivia kissed his shadows again before reaching for her bag. "I have one final thing to bury." She removed the white gown she wore at the beginning of the trip from her bag and placed it in the center of the four graves.

That white gown, still stained with Richard's blood, represented her past and by burying it amongst her family's graves, it was another step towards the future.

So, Olivia went to work placing rock after rock on the gown, yet before she placed the final stone in place she paused for a moment, recalling her family's desire for her to live for the future and how many agonizing years she had spent drowning in regret.

'Life begins again.' The rock fit perfectly in place and Olivia finally stood up, her mission complete.

"Alright, I'm finished." She dusted her hands off and gazed up at the decrepit house with an indecipherable expression. "Let's go."

This house, this town, these people, good or bad, they made her who she was today and she would never forget them.

With these graves, her debt was finally repaid.

"I love you." She whispered, clasping her hands over her heart and bowing her head. "Please, be at peace now."

Suddenly a powerful gust whirled around her, sending the rocks and gown careening up to the dim sky and out of sight.

"What the—?!" Olivia gasped before she heard a familiar baritone voice singing on the wind.

Én kis kertet kerteltem

bazsarózsát ültettem

Then she heard her mother's voice accompany her father's as her brothers and Julia sang along, then she heard Martha's laughter as she whispered something in Olivia's ear.

They had come to say their goodbyes as well.

'Everyone….' Olivia was so caught up in the phenomenon that she didn't notice she had become airborne until Alucard yanked her back down and into his arms.

Then, just like that, the wind died down and all was still.

"Olivia?" Alucard placed her back on the ground but did not release her. "Are you alright?"

Yet she didn't respond, her sights locked on the sky as tears ran down her cheeks.

"Goodbye," Olivia breathed out, a somber smile growing across her face. "May we meet again….in the next life."

The sun had set at this point, giving rise to a chilly early October night. Alucard had long forgotten the sensation of hot or cold and his body held no warmth, yet he still pulled Olivia close and readjusted his coat around her bare form.

"It's not wise to stand out in the cold like this." He muttered, wiping away her tears and sweeping that ever stubborn lock of hair behind her ear. "You are liable to fall ill."

"I'm not cold though." She replied immediately, never taking her eyes off the nighttime sky as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "I've never been more comfortable in my life."

Alucard, even in his mortal life, had always enjoyed stargazing, but he found the stars appeared all the more mesmerizing when reflected in Olivia's eyes.

'They look like emeralds.' A tiny smile crawled across his lips. 'Green—the color of life, renewal, and harmony. How fitting.'

"Sorry to make you wait." Olivia finally turned to face him completely before nuzzling her face against his chest. "I….I am finally ready to go."

"Then let us depart." He kissed her on the forehead before sweeping an arm under her legs and grabbing her bag with his other hand.

And, as he walked away with her nestled on his arm, Olivia glanced back one last time at the house, only to discover sedums, asters, and daisies growing in abundance from the rotting wood.

At long last, the bouquets she picked for her loved ones had finally reached them.

For the last week of their vacation, the two of them would travel by night and sleep during the day. Their first destination was the capital city, Budapest, where Olivia could buy some clothes and then they would go wherever the wind took them.

"It'll be nice to finally travel with 'my husband' instead of 'my son'." Olivia teased as they waited at the bus stop, choosing to travel by bus instead of train for once. "I must admit, it was getting tiresome carrying you everywhere."

"Really now? But I enjoyed being carried around by you." Alucard smirked, leaning forward and becoming dead weight against her. "Even now."

"H-H-Hey!" She stumbled back at the sudden action and pushed against his chest to stabilize the both of them. "Are you trying to squash me?!"

"Are you insinuating I'm heavy?" He muttered, becoming heavier—if possible. "Your cruel words hurt me."

"Oh, boo hoo." She scoffed, practically bending over backwards at this point. "Alright, seriously, Alucard! You are crushing me!"

"I have to make sure you don't disappear on me again though." Alucard ensnared his arms around her waist and straightened up, resting his chin on her head and securing her in place. "We promised to never let go of each other's hands, correct? Well I am ensuring you uphold your end of the deal."

His tone was no longer light hearted, and Olivia could feel the tremors in his death grip.

'I scared you, didn't I?' She thought with a tiny smile, wiggling one of her arms free so she could caress his cheek. 'I'm sorry, my love.'

"Don't worry. I am staying right here." Olivia vowed, her breath hitching in her throat as he leaned into her touch and locked eyes with her. As a child, she had told him his eyes were beautiful as rubies, and now as a young woman, she still held the same belief.

'Red—the color of blood, wrath, and love.' Olivia mused, getting on her toes and pulling his face down to hers. 'It truly suits you, my king.'

With a knowing smirk, Alucard immediately connected their lips, and Olivia smiled into the kiss until she felt something prick her bottom lip and she leapt back with a scowl.

"I should have known you wanted my blood! You are always overly saccharine when you are thirsty."

"What do you mean 'overly saccharine'?" He cackled, licking the blood off her lip while catching her wayward fists. "You wound me, hercegnő. You know I rarely—if ever—resort to hyperbole when I beseech you for a treat."

"You are such a child." Olivia leered at him while fighting back a smile, pleased to hear Alucard call her that after so long. "But, you are my child….and my husband." She laughed at how ridiculous it sounded before peeking over at 'Mr. Coffin' who was watching them from a distance as per their master's orders. "Um….I have a request."

"You wish something of me?" He brought her cursed hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles tenderly. "Name it and it shall be yours."

"Well, I know you are not a magician, but you can change your physical form so….." Olivia's eyes darted to the side as she named her request. "Could you change 'Mr. Coffin' into something more….publically acceptable?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Something that's portable and won't draw too much attention. Maybe…." Olivia motioned for him to come closer, and she whispered into his ear, giggling when Alucard made a snort of disbelief.

"That is what you want my coffin to become?" He sneered down at her, his scowl darkening the wider her cheeky grin became. "That of all things?"

"Please? I always wanted to have one of my own." She clasped her hands together and bounced on her heels in anticipation. "Please~?"

Alucard gave her an exasperated look before placing a hand over her eyes and snapping his fingers with the other.

When he removed his hand, Olivia found not a giant sentient coffin standing twelve feet from them but a tiny black Chow Chow puppy with red eyes.

"Aaah~!" She squealed, bouncing on her heels before falling her to knees and holding her arms wide open. "Come here, you cutie pie~!"

'Mr. Coffin' happily scampered onto her lap, their tail whipping back and forth rapidly as Olivia showered them with kisses. All the while, Alucard stared down at the scene, not sure if he should be pleased he made Olivia happy or annoyed that she convinced him to turn his coffin into a fluffy puppy dog.

He settled for a mixture of both.

"Ah! The bus is here!" Olivia hopped back to her feet and held 'Mr. Coffin' out to Alucard. "Here, hold them for a second. I need to get the bus fare from my bag."

Alucard took 'Mr. Coffin' by the scruff of their neck and held them at eye level, his piercing gaze speaking volumes to the sweating puppy/coffin.

"Let's see," Olivia pulled out her wallet and unclasped the latch. "I think I should have….."

Her voice trailed off when she found it full of cash that definitely had not been there before.

Then, for some reason, she heard her parents' laughter and she smiled widely.

'Ten years' worth of allowance at once?' She bounced on her heels once more and beamed at Alucard just as the bus halted in place next to them.

"Buckle up, Alucard!" She snatched his hand up and scurried towards the entrance with a smile brighter than the sun "We are about to embark on the best vacation ever!"

The bus ride to Budapest took about twenty-five minutes, and during the entire drive, the bus driver kept peeking in the rearview mirror at his only passengers: a practically naked girl of about 18 with a hideous birthmark on her right arm, a man in his late 30s or early 40s wearing an outfit straight out of the Victorian era, and a puppy with absurdly red eyes.

They couldn't be father and daughter since they looked nothing alike but they definitely weren't strangers from the way they acted toward each other.

The driver felt a twinge of fear at the possibility the girl was the man's 'war bride', especially with the 'Siege of Budapest' that had occurred only a year earlier.

The Siege of Budapest was a fifty-day long encirclement of Budapest by Soviet Forces that left the city in ruins and resulted in the death of thousands on both sides. Women and children were sold off of to the Red Army as sex slaves and war brides; the driver would never forget when his neighbor's daughter was taken in the dead of night, never to be seen again.

That didn't seem to be the case with those two, but the driver wasn't going to say a damn thing for two reasons: the generous tip the girl had given him and how frightening the man looked.

'What an odd couple. They are obviously wealthy if they can hand out large tips so easily, but why are they dressed like that….and why are they traveling at night?' The driver pondered to himself, taking another peek to find the girl resting her head on the man's chest while he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and rested his head on top of hers. She whispered something into his ear, something that made him smirk, and to which, the man whispered something back that made the girl's cheeks flush a cherry red as she elbowed him hard in the side.

Despite his reservations, the driver couldn't help but smile as he returned his attention to the winding road ahead.

'Odd couple or not…..they are pretty sweet together.'

And he was so busy laughing to himself that he didn't even notice he wasn't alone until he turned to find Olivia and Alucard's faces an inch from his.

"Good evening, Bus Driver." Alucard purred, sliding his glasses down his nose and brandishing a toothy grin. "Care to share what is so amusing?"

The bus veered off the road for a moment.

"SHIT!" The bus driver wheezed, his heart pounding a mile a minute. "DIDN'T I TELL YOU TO STAY IN YOUR SEATS UNTIL THE BUS STOPPED COMPLETELY?! ARE YOU BOTH OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MINDS?!"

"Well I asked you a question, but you didn't seem to hear me so we moved closer." Olivia giggled and the puppy in her arms yapped in agreement.

'Dear Lord, these people are weird.' The driver took a few deep breaths to steady his heart before addressing Olivia with all the poise he could muster. "Pardon me then, young lady. What was your question?"

"Do you know of any good clothing stores or boutiques in Budapest? Preferably somewhere that caters to someone of his size?" She gestured vaguely to Alucard's entire form.

"Someone of my size?" He leaned over her from behind so he was looking at her upside down. "I thought we were only shopping for you."

"I want to buy you clothes. It's always been a dream of mine to spoil my 'darling' husband with new clothes. Besides," Olivia wrinkled her nose as she tugged on his cravat, "your usual outfit is a bit dated for this century."

'So they are married!' The driver tightened his grip on the wheel, desperately wishing for them to sit back down and leave him out of their martial squabble. 'But where are their rings? I'd think they could afford them….'

"What's wrong with the way I'm dressed?" Alucard pressed, not so much insulted but rather just enjoying bickering with Olivia. "Clothes are clothes, are they not?"

"Well your clothes are fine in our normal lives, but since this is our vacation together, I would like you to dress in something that doesn't reflect your age." Olivia stuck her tongue out with a coy grin, and the driver felt the temperature increase by twenty degrees.

"My, my~." Alucard purred, grasping Olivia by the chin and lightly scraping his thumb nail over her bottom lip. "You've gotten very bold as of late, draga mea. I must say, it is very—."

"V-Váci Utca!" The driver bellowed with sweat pooling on his brow from how humid the bus had gotten. "I'll take you to Váci Utca! That street has several boutiques and stores that will suit your tastes! We will arrive there momentarily, so please take your seats!"

Olivia and Alucard, frozen in place with their faces centimeters apart from each other, stared at the driver in bemusement before glancing at each other.

"As you wish, bus driver." Alucard stood up straight and escorted Olivia back to their seat. "I leave our arrival in your capable hands then."

A cold shiver ran down the driver's spine at the side-eyed smirk Alucard had given him, and he decided then and there to beg his boss to never give him the night shift again.

Despite the ruins and on-going reconstruction, Váci Utca was bustling with activity and the lights donning various shops and restaurants illuminated the night sky.

"Here you are." The bus screeched to a stop and the driver practically threw the doors open. "Please enjoy your stay and have a lovely night."

"So eager to kick us out, bus driver?" Alucard snickered, stepping off the bus with Olivia's suitcase before doing an exaggerated bow. "Allow me to apologize for overstaying our welcome then."

"Don't mind him." Olivia giggled, handing the driver another generous tip. "Thank you for everything and have a good night, sir." Then she took Alucard's waiting hand and allowed him pluck her off the bus stairs and into his arms.

The driver watched them fade into the bustling crowd before closing the door and heaving a sigh of relief.

'Well…..at least I can breathe easy knowing that girl isn't in danger. If she is married to a man like that, she must be as strange as him…..maybe even stranger.'

"So," Alucard drawled out, eyeing the passing storefronts through his orange sunglasses. "Which of these clothing stores beckons my wife's attention?"

"Hmm, they all look so inviting. How about we let 'Mr. Coffin' decide." Olivia lifted them up and nuzzled her cheek against theirs. "Where should we go first, cutie pie?"

'Mr. Coffin' licked her face, earning a giggle from Olivia and a glare from Alucard, and pointed their snout towards a cozy, red-bricked boutique a few feet away.

"The protological puppy has spoken!" She laughed and pointed to the boutique entrance with much gusto. "Onward, my love! We have some shopping to do!"

Isaac Darabont had lived a relatively uneventful life until the war broke out. He found it difficult to pursue his love for fashion when there was so much death and devastation surrounding him. But, now that the war had ended, he decided to finally pursue his dream and open up his own clothing store. It was tedious to maintain a decent living since poverty was rampant and the ever lingering presence of the Soviet Union kept citizens from indulging in luxuries, but somehow, he was able to get by. Isaac was still young—only in his mid-30s—and he had become known for his unique designs and appealing to both young and older generations. So, with that knowledge in mind, he strived to do his best and worked to ensure all his clients left his store both satisfied and fashionable.

The grandfather clock located near the dressing rooms read 8:30 pm, and the store was deserted save for himself and a few mannequins.

'I made a pretty decent profit today," Isaac mused from his seat behind the register, feeling a bit bored and lonely. 'Perhaps I'll close up shop early and swing by Nathaniel's place for a drink or two.'

However, his after work plans were dashed into dust as the entrance door flew open and in waltzed a freakishly tall man with a girl and a dog nestled on his arm.

'Oh…' Isaac sighed before realizing the girl was barefoot and practically naked; he vaulted himself over the counter to his customers. "Oh shit! Are you alright, young lady?!"

"Yes, I'm perfectly fine, sir." The girl laughed as the man placed her on the ground. "I am Olivia and this is my husband, Alucard. I was wondering if you could assist us in obtaining a new wardrobe." Then she leaned forward and whispered into Isaac's ear. "My husband is a bit of a fashion disaster, so I'll leave him in your capable hands. And feel free to go all out, money is not an issue here."

With a smile, she placed a roll of bills in his hand and skipped off to the women's section with her red-eyed puppy in hand.

The amount of money that girl had given him was enough to pay rent a hundred times over, and Isaac was tempted to do cartwheels if that girl's husband wasn't staring at him so intently.

"I live to please my wife. So, clothes maker," The man clapped his hands together and held his arms out, "mold me into a fashionable man of this era."

The way the man stated his request made Isaac feel like a mere sapling before a violent hurricane, but he just cleared his throat and put on his best customer service smile.

"It would be my pleasure, Mr. Alucard. Please, come this way."

"Wow! These are all so cute!" Olivia squealed, throwing dress after dress over her arm while 'Mr. Coffin' weaved through her legs with their tail wagging. "And the sign outside advertised that these are all handmade! Quite amazing, right?!"

It was rare for her to go on shopping sprees, considering her employer and position, but now that some higher power was granting her this chance at respite, she was going to take it.

Once Olivia had a decent pile of dresses, blouses, skirts, and undergarments, she scurried off to the dressing room and dumped the pile on a lounge chair.

Humming a cheery tune, Olivia began to slip Alucard's coat off when their conversation from the bus flashed through her mind.

"You know," She chuckled, resting her head on his chest. "I might end up stealing this coat from you, it is rather comfortable."

To which Alucard just laughed before placing his lips against her ear.

"By all means, go ahead. But I must warn you, that 'coat' is part of me. Whatever it feels, I do as well."

Olivia immediately flung the coat off her body and covered her burning face, emitting explicits when the coat vanished into smoke.

'"Idiot! Idiot! IDIOT!" Olivia whirled around on her heel and pointed to 'Mr. Coffin' who had been watching the display with much confusion. "Your master really knows how to push my buttons, do you know that?! Damn it, Alucard! You can't tell me that after I've worn your coat all day and nothing else! Jerk!"

She emitted another shriek and went to grab a pair of undergarments but suddenly stopped short and peered over at her reflection in the mirror.

Her body wasn't perfect—there were stretch marks on her thighs; scars on her torso, legs, and arms; and of course, the curse mark on her right forearm that she was still coming to terms with accepting.

She never cared what others' thought, but at this moment, Olivia couldn't help but wonder if Alucard saw her as a woman and if he found her pretty. He would never consider her beautiful until she was older so she knew 'pretty' was the most she could hope for.

"Pft. Such silly thoughts." Olivia shook her head as she pulled the undergarments on and turned to her vast array of clothing options. "You won't tell your master about this right, 'Mr. Coffin'? He would never let me live it down."

'Mr. Coffin' barked in agreement, and she rewarded them with a loving scratch behind the ears.

"Alright, let's try on some clothes then!"

In the end, Olivia decided to take the whole lot and walked out of the dressing room wearing a pink dress with white long sleeves and a lace collar. It reached her mid-thigh, and she loved how the skirt fanned out as she spun in circles towards the shoes' section.

She picked out a pair of matching pink heels with ribbon straps and was about to put them on when she noticed a pair of leather gloves on a nearby counter.

'Those would suit Alucard rather nicely.' She mused, padding across the floor barefoot with her shoes in one hand and snatching up the gloves with the other before moving to the men's dressing room.

"Alucard?" Olivia approached the dressing room and knocked on the door twice. "I have something for you. May I come in?"

The sound of the door unlocking was his answer, and she quickly waltzed inside, brandishing the gloves forward.

"Look at these, Alucard! I thought you'd—!" Olivia's voice caught in her throat as Alucard turn to face her, wearing black ankle boots, a dark blue button up with the sleeves rolled up….and jeans.

'Oh sweet Jesus.' Olivia spun around and turned her eyes towards Heaven. 'I thank you, O Savior, for the creation of denim and the Levi Strauss company! Blessed be your name!'

"I take it, by your animated thoughts that you approve?" Alucard blew against Olivia's ear, causing her to squeal and plaster herself against the wall.

"I-I-I was just appreciating how handsome—I mean, your legs looks great—Ack! I mean—I—!" Olivia clamped her mouth shut and shoved the leather gloves against his chest, her face the same color as his eyes. "I thought these would look nice on you…."

Alucard's laughter filled the enclosed space, and he took a seat on the cushioned bench, crossed his legs, and held his hands out expectedly.

"Put them on for me then, draga mea."

All of her embarrassment vaporized instantly and was replaced with vexation.

"You have arms, don't you? Millions of them if I recall correctly!" She tossed the gloves over to him. "Put them on yourself!"

Olivia marched towards the door but Alucard's shadows slammed it shut.

"Where do you think you're going?" He challenged, his smirk widening at her pissed off expression. "You must pay your penance before running away."

"My what?"

"You waltz into my dressing room and ogle me like a nice slice of cake. My honor has been tarnished. So, to make up for this 'cruelty'," He tossed the gloves back to her, "put them on for me."

"Drama queen." Olivia grumbled under her breath, dropping her shoes to the floor and pattering over to him. "I regret picking up the damn things now."

Once she was in reaching distance, Alucard pulled her forward to stand between his legs and crossed his heels to prevent her from fleeing.

"You are enjoying this way too much."

"Not as much as you were enjoying yourself a few minutes ago."

Olivia's glare was sharp enough to travel back to 44 BC and stab Caesar a hundred times over, but Alucard simply laughed and offered his hands to her again.

"I'm waiting, draga mea."

With a huff, she placed the leather gloves on his left leg and took his right hand in hers, gently peeling the white glove off.

"Honestly, you are well over 500 years old and you still act just like a—!" The words died in Olivia's throat and the white glove floated to the ground as she—for the first time— felt Alucard's bare hand against hers.

For the ten years she had known him, Olivia had always thought those red sigils were a part of his glove, but now, she could see the marking were embedding into his skin like someone had chiseled them there.

And his skin…it was cold and rough yet soft and smooth at the same time.

"Does it hurt?" She murmured, tracing the outline of the sigil as her eyes dimmed ever so slightly.

"…..Sometimes." He confessed, watching her face intently. "But any good dog grows use to his chain after a while."

'A chain….' Olivia thought bitterly before making eye contact with him and raising his hand to her lips, kissing the markings like he always did for hers. "How dare you call yourself a dog? You are my husband and you will stand proudly at my side as the man I love!"

Perhaps the previous night's events had weakened her censor, but Olivia couldn't bring herself to blush or avert her eyes because she sincerely meant every word. And from the awestruck way Alucard was staring at her, she knew she had made the right decision.

"I love you," Olivia stated, slipping a leather glove onto his right hand before doing the same with his left. "So….please…don't think lowly of yourself. You are worth more than you know."

Once she was finished, she smiled and held his newly gloved hands to her cheeks.

"They really do suit you, don't you think?"

Alucard didn't respond, still staring at her with a look of pure, untainted tenderness he only allowed her to see on occasion. When he looked at her like this….with his maroon eyes devoid of bloodlust and his face wiped clean of his trademark smirk…..Alucard looked so….human.

'Don't look at me like that.'

"Why not?" He answered her thoughts, slipping his hands out of her grip and sliding them down her waist.

'Because,' She draped her arms over his shoulders and pressed her body flush against his. 'You look so beautiful that I can't think straight.'

Olivia didn't know who leaned in first, but suddenly, they were kissing and the rest of the world faded away.

Up until now, their kisses had been fairly chaste, but—possibly due to her vow to live for the future—Olivia decided to take it a step further.

Just a tiny nibble on his bottom lip, that was all she did.

Next thing she knew, they were French kissing and Olivia could hear Father Renaldo chanting "JESUS IS ALWAYS WATCHING" in the distance.

Good thing she wasn't Catholic.

Unfortunately, they were interrupted by someone scratching and whining at the door, and Olivia laughed as she remembered 'Mr. Coffin' had been waiting for her to come back out.

"I should go and tell the owner we are ready to check out." She hopped out of Alucard's 'leg cage' and tugged his arms. "C'mon, up, up."

"You're barefoot though." Alucard pointed out, pulling her down on the bench while he knelt in front of her with her shoes in hand. "Allow me to return the favor."

Feeling like Cinderella, Olivia watched as Alucard placed the shoes on her feet and laced them in place.

However, before she could move, he cradled her left foot in his hand and kissed her heel, causing her to erupt into giggles.

"Are you ticklish?" He hummed, placing another butterfly kiss against her skin with half-lidded eyes.

"N-No!" Olivia squeaked, trying to wiggle her foot out of his grip. "I'm not ticklish at all!"

"Really now? I would like to test that for myself." He started kissing up her leg, relishing her squeaks and giggles when he nipped at her skin.

Her words of genuine love, her laughter, her warm skin, her heartbeat, it all made his blood boil and whet his appetite.

'My Olivia.' A growl slipped from his mouth as he moved higher up. 'Mine…Mine…Mi—!'

"W-WAIT! STOP!" Olivia slammed her hands on Alucard's head to prevent him from moving higher up her thigh. "I'M NOT…..! I DON'T…." She looked like a deer caught in headlights, and her face was red enough to halt traffic. It was then Alucard recalled that—despite her bold actions and accomplishments—Olivia was still young and tremendously inexperienced.

"My apologies," Alucard pulled away and stood up. "It was not my intention to cause you—."

"No!" Olivia sprung forward and latched onto his shirt, her trembling eyes burning into his. "It's not that I don't want to…I just…..this is all still new to me and….." She bit her lip and stared to the side, looking ever like the bashful teenager she was.

"Olivia," Alucard placed his hands over hers. "Don't be foolish. I wouldn't dare to force you into—."

Suddenly, Olivia had him pinned against the wall and her bashful expression was replaced with one of pure determination.

"Wha—?"

"I promise to grow up into a woman worthy of you and who can be your equal in matters like this!" Olivia declared, her earnest as steel expression rendering him speechless. "So, please don't take this as a rejection but a pro—WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING?! I'M BEING SERIOUS!"

"That's precisely why!" Alucard cackled, throwing his head back with a hand on his forehead. "I had no idea my pure hearted wife harbored such libidinous thoughts! Tales dictate that the wolf ravishes the rabbit, but it is actually the other way around!"

"SHUT UP!" Olivia collapsed to her knees and covered her face. 'What the fucking hell was I saying?! Why did I say that?! Such thoughts have never crossed my mind until now! Ah! I'm such a fucking idiot!'

Her emotional turmoil only served to amuse Alucard further, and as his laughter died down, he slid down the wall and joined her on the floor.

"I am looking forward to it, my love." He teased, tugging on her hair. "Yes, grow into an even more fascinating woman and make me desire you even more. Seduce me beyond all reason until I'm driven mad just by your presence."

"Shut up!" Olivia's screeched, punching his chest repeatedly. "Don't make a joke out of this!"

"But I'm not joking." He ensnared her wrist in his grasp and leaned forward, resting his head atop of her chest. "Being brought to my knees by a woman like you…nothing would bring me more pleasure."

"Y'know, you have the amazing gift of making everything sound so dirty." Olivia grumbled, nuzzling her head against his as he listened to her heartbeat.

And, for a while, the two of them just sat there in silence and savored the feeling of the other.

"Um," Issac's voice drifted from the other side of the door. "You two ready to check out or what? Your dog had done a number on my mannequins and I would like to go home sometime this millennium."

Issac made sure to keep his customer service smile in place until the Olivia and Alucard had exited the building with their purchases in hand. Once they were out of sight, he collapsed against the register with his head in his hands.

"What the fucking hell is wrong with those people?!" He groaned. "First they come into my store with handfuls of cash and weird clothing. Next, when I try to give that man a mirror, it shatters into pieces before I even lay a hand on it! And then, when I come back to check on him, I hear them doing filthy things in my dressing room! Of all places, why did it have to been in my store's dressing room?!" Issac banged his fist against the register, praying he wouldn't have to call a sanitation worker to disinfect that dressing room from top to bottom. "And what is disturbing is that the man's hair had grown a foot in the five minutes I left him alone! Argh! That's it! The store closes at five from now on! No exceptions! I'm too young to be dealing with demons or whatever those people are!"

Olivia and Alucard walked down the sidewalk side-by-side with 'Mr. Coffin' nestled in Olivia's arm. Their clothing bags and Olivia's suitcase were currently stored in 'Mr. Coffin' who swallowed all the bags in one big gulp.

Apparently the sentient coffin functioned as a storage container when needed.

Olivia could feel Alucard staring at her but she couldn't meet his gaze without her face turning red.

'What the hell came over me?! How could I say something so embarrassing?! Agh! It is all his fault for his shameful words on the bus! Now I am hyperconscious of everything and it doesn't help when he looks so –!'

Her mental marathon was interrupted when she felt Alucard's fingers nudge hers, and her face flared up at the fact that he was trying to hold her hand.

'It wasn't like this before.' Olivia laced her fingers with his and gulped at the very Alucard-esquie smile he gave her. 'Oh God, I am so hopelessly in love with this man that my brain has turned to mush!'

Unfortunately, Olivia was quickly reminded that Alucard could read minds by the shit eating grin he was flashing her way, and she dashed off into the nearby outdoor flower market red as a tomato.

Alucard could only laugh as he followed suit at a leisurely pace, paying no mind to the normally overbearing floral aroma. It had been ages since Alucard had seen Olivia so full of life and emotion, and her reactions only made him want to tease her more.

Every flare of emotion made Olivia's blood smell all the more mouthwatering, and Alucard was seconds away from falling to his knees and begging for a taste.

"I beg your forgiveness, draga mea." Alucard called out, nearing the heart of the market as he scanned each stall for his beloved. "I promise to be on my best behavior. So come out."

When she didn't answer or emerge from her hiding spot, Alucard's smile fell a little and a twinge of fear rocketed down his spine as memories from the night prior flashed through his mind.

"Olivia?!" He sent his shadows out and unlocked his Third Eye…..only to have someone pop out from a large vase of daffodils and kiss him.

"Aha! Revenge! I—!" Olivia's smile vaporized at the look of utter devastation on Alucard's face which he quickly wiped away and replaced with one of irritation; Olivia wasted no time in leaping out of the vase and throwing her arms around him. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I just wanted to play a joke on you for embarrassing me! I promised I would never leave you! And I never will leave you!" She didn't ease up her grip, even after he finally made eye contact with her. "I'm here."

Alucard didn't realize he was crying until Olivia wiped his tears away, and he gritted his teeth, embarrassed that a simple practical joke had reduced him to tears.

A practical joke he should've easily seen through but, instead, he let his emotions cloud his sight.

"Idiot." Alucard chopped her on the forehead before burying his face against her neck and embracing her tightly. "If you keep running off, I'll have to put a bell on you."

"There is no need for that." Olivia returned the embrace and ran her fingers through his hair. "I'm sorry I overreacted. I am already 18—soon to be 19—and I've never been in love before. For the better part of my youth, I have focused on war, missions, and my own self-hatred. And, now that I'm focusing on the future, all of these repressed emotions are flooding out, and I don't know how to deal with them properly. I know I'll make mistakes, but…..please….be patient with me and I'll get better at this….because," She placed a kiss on the junction between his ear and neck. "I love you. I love you so much that it renders me into nothing but a foolish, moonstruck girl whenever I'm near you."

Even after all these years, Olivia never stopped wearing her heart on her sleeve, and Alucard never stopped finding that trait endearing.

"You really are one-of-a-kind, draga mea." Alucard pulled away and cupped her face in his leather clad hands, rubbing his thumbs against her cheek. "And I wouldn't have you any other way."

'Mr. Coffin' emitted a small whimper as they finally climbed out of the daffodil vase and flopped onto the ground. They searched the area for their mistress, only to find her in a lip lock with their master.

And 'Mr. Coffin' was pleased since they were an extension of Alucard and his happiness meant their happiness.

However, the owner of the flower stand wasn't so keen with the unapologetic PDA and 'politely' requested they moved along.

"So," Alucard hummed as the two of them waltzed down the sidewalk once more, except this time his hand was linked with hers. "Where does your heart beckon you now?"

Olivia's growling stomach answered for her.

"I say we find a nice restaurant, one that's dimly lit so you can drink from a blood bag." Olivia offered, giggling when 'Mr. Coffin' licked her cheek. "And one where 'Mr. Coffin' can have some treats as well."

"Or we can forget about restaurant hunting and you can feed me yourself." Alucard brought her knuckles to his lips with a cheeky grin.

"Or you can drink from a blood bag and not be picky." Olivia stuck her tongue out with an equally cheeky grin.

"You really are becoming rather mouthy, draga mea." He chuckled, kissing down her hand to her wrist. "I like it."

"Behave yourself, regele meu," Olivia stuck her pointer finger in his face. "Or you won't get any treats from me."

"How cruel." He nipped at her wrist, earning a squeak from Olivia, before laughing and lacing their fingers together again. "But I admit defeat. I promise to be on my best behavior for the rest of the trip."

"Good." Olivia pulled him down for a kiss, pleased with how she handled the situation, when she felt him freeze in place. "Alucard? Are you alright?"

He didn't respond, instead staring intently at the tattered flyer plastered to the wall behind her. Olivia could only make out some of the letters, but she recognized the central image from various films and artwork.

It was an advertisement for tours at Bran Castle in Romania, aka Dracula's Castle.

"Heh." Alucard ripped the flyer off the wall, and the tattered paper crumbled to ash in his hand. "Centuries of technological advancements and you humans still don't know where it is."

"You mean, Bran Castle wasn't your home?"

His silence and hardened gaze spoke volumes, and Olivia could see those wretched memories swirling in his irises.

'Everything you cherished is gone, Count. You will be remembered for nothing because you are nothing.'/ 'You have nothing left. You poor "No Life King".'/'You are a pitiful king to a throne of nothing'

"Would you like to go?" Olivia's voice broke through the haze, and Alucard's inquisitive gaze met her earnest one.

"What?"

"Would you like to go see your castle—the real one? I dragged you halfway across the continent so I could go home and I want you to be able to do the sa—."

"That castle holds no meaning to me anymore." Alucard cut her off, throwing the ash aside with a trembling fist. "It belonged to a pathetic king who beseeched the approval of God at the expense of his own people. So, why on Earth should I return when there is nothing for me there?" He glared down at his fist before turning his sights towards Olivia. "Why?"

Olivia didn't reply, instead she placed 'Mr. Coffin' down before cradling his fist between her hands and placing it against her chest.

"If you don't want to go, that is fine. If you do, that is fine too." She whispered, never averting her gaze. "Whatever you decide, I will support you." She smiled and kissed his knuckles. "Let's go find somewhere nice to eat. I'll make sure to drizzle blood over your food when the waiter isn't looking."

Alucard didn't crack a smile and just stared at Olivia with an indecipherable expression.

"Alucard?"

It had been a century since he had been to Romania, and Alucard knew there wouldn't be anything there waiting for him, just like Olivia knew when she started off on her journey.

Yet….she still came back.

She didn't run away.

So neither would he.

Without saying a word, Alucard placed his hand over where the flyer once was, and Olivia nodded at his unspoken answer.

"Let's hurry to the station. The ticket office closes in fifteen minutes."

Olivia stared at Alucard's moonlit outline as he gazed out the window with a far-off expression.

They were currently on the nine hour train ride to Târgoviște, Romania which is in the heart of what once was Wallachia. From there, they would travel by foot into the wilderness where Alucard claimed his real castle laid hidden and forgotten.

Olivia knew Alucard's past haunted him—that night in his coffin still haunted her as well—and his memories caused him nothing but torment. But, if Alucard wanted to return home, then a part of him must want to put the past to rest as well.

Olivia didn't know what she could do for him besides holding his hand and calling out to him like he had done for her.

And she did just that, weaving her right hand with his left while 'Mr. Coffin' lay asleep on her lap.

"Integra."

Alucard blinked—possibly for the first time since the train moved out of the station—and craned his neck in Olivia's direction.

"What?"

"Integra," Olivia repeated, rubbing her thumb against the back of his hand. "That is the name Martha whispered in my ear before we left Szentendre. I think that is what she wanted to name her daughter. It is pretty, isn't it?"

"Integra." Alucard let the name roll around on his tongue before nodding. "Yes, it has a certain ring to it. But why are you telling me this?"

"Well," Olivia's cheeks flushed bright pink as a shy smile spread across her face. "I got me thinking about baby names for…." She peeked up at him, her cheeks now cherry red. "you know…."

"Our children?" Alucard laughed, leaning back with his arms crossed. "You know they are merely different images of me, right?"

"I know that!" Olivia leered, puffing her cheeks in annoyance. "But you molded your female form after my 'future daughter' description and I did refer to your child form as my son for a good month, so sue me if I view them as our children!"

Alucard laughed that infamous laugh of his before pulling the blinds down and plunging the cabin into darkness.

"Why did you—HEY!" Olivia had only a second to lift 'Mr. Coffin' off her lap before Alucard stretched himself across the seat and plopped his head on her lap. "A-Alucard?"

"Having children and growing old with you." He mumbled, nuzzling his face against her abdomen. "What a joy that would've been."

Heart skipping a beat, Olivia placed 'Mr. Coffin'—who was still asleep somehow—down next to her before running her fingers through Alucard's hair.

"I think Zaharia would be nice for our son. It's a Romanian name that means 'moon'."

"And our daughter? What name do you have for her?"

"Vasilissa."

Alucard's eyes snapped open at the name, and Olivia smiled in understanding as she traced his lips with her index finger.

"Our daughter would be named after the Princess of Moldavia, Vasilissa Catuna Chiejna Muşat. Of course," Olivia chuckled, tracing from his lips to his nose, "to our children, she would simply be known as grandma."

How long had it been since he'd heard his mother's name? How long had it been since someone referred to her by her title and not as 'Vlad the Impaler's unnamed mother'? How dare Olivia remind him of his mother? And how dare Olivia name their fictional daughter after her?

How dare Olivia name their fictional children at all when that is all they would be—fictional.

And how dare Olivia say she needed to become worthy of him when he was leagues below her?

"How dare you make me feel like this?" Alucard chuckled bitterly, clinging to the edge of her dress and burying his face against her lap. "You can be so cruel, Olivia."

In turn, Olivia continued to stroke his hair with a melancholy smile, understanding the meaning in his words.

For the rest of the train ride, neither of them moved an inch.

It was noon the following day when the train finally pulled into the station, and Alucard ended up having to carry Olivia off the train since her legs had fallen asleep.

"Where to now?" Olivia asked, holding her parasol above the both of them while 'Mr. Coffin' weaved between their master's legs.

When he didn't respond, Olivia turned and asked him again, only to find Alucard staring blankly ahead.

Romania…..this was Romania. His home country.

The air smelt different, the buildings had changed, the dialect had evolved, but it was still his home.

He had toppled empires, torn the mightiest armies to shreds, and built his eternal throne on the bones of his enemies.

So why did he want nothing more than to revert back into a child and hide away in Olivia's arms?

"Alucard," Olivia placed her hand on his cheek and angled his face towards hers. "I'm here."

Two words of reassurance, just those two words were enough to endear him all over again, and Alucard didn't hesitate to kiss her with all his might.

"H-Hey!" Olivia pouted, knocking him on the forehead with the parasol handle. "I haven't had the chance to brush my teeth yet! I don't want you to taste my morning breath."

Alucard just smiled and watched as Olivia breathed against her hand to gauge how bad her morning breath was.

'Your eyes really are like emeralds.' He burrowed his face against her neck and sighed. 'Day or night, they never stop shining.'

"Alucard?"

"Your abundance of courage and strength never fail to fascinate me." He kissed her pulse point and found that familiar melody in her heartbeat. "Allow me to prove my worth to you, Olivia. All I ask…..All I need…is for you to be at my side."

"You don't need to prove anything to me. And why are you asking me to be at your side?" Olivia bit down on her ring finger and offered it to him as blood pooled from the wound. "Where else in the world would I be but here?"

The parasol shielded them from sight, and 'Mr. Coffin' growled at anyone who dared to approach while their mistress fed their master.

"I love you," Olivia kissed him while his lips were still covered in her blood. "Never forget that."

"How could I?" He chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. "I can taste it on your blood."

According to Alucard, his castle was two hours from Târgoviște and buried deep in the Romanian Plains. Thus, the plan was to find lodging until night rolled around and he would lead her there.

Deciding on privacy and quiet, Olivia rented a cabin on the outskirts of town where no one would bother them, save for a few curious woodland creatures.

While Olivia freshened up in the bathroom, Alucard sat on a sofa stool and stared out the window with 'Mr. Coffin' perched at his feet.

In the 15th century, during his second reign, Alu—no, Vlad Dracul III had begun construction on a tower that was to be used as a military checkpoint during his crusades; he finally saw the completed tower today while Olivia ate breakfast at a café.

Chindia Tower, that was the name inscribed on the stone plaque mounted on the gate. The plaque detailed the tower's long history and is now considered the city's symbol.

Never once was his name mentioned.

"Ridiculous." He bared his teeth, running his hand through his hair and collapsing back on the sofa. "I am being ridiculous."

"No you aren't." Olivia's freshly washed face hovered over him. "And you are doing much better than I was. The moment we came to Szentendre, I ran around town like a madwoman."

She had changed into a short sleeve pink shirt with a lace collar that was tucked into a white mid-thigh skirt, and she also pinned some of her hair back so it wouldn't keep falling into her face.

"My wife is so pretty." Alucard smirked, his arms resting behind his head. "I'll have to stay vigilant lest some prince steals you away from me."

"My prince is right here in front of me, looking very handsome with his hair ruffled."

"Have you brushed your teeth yet?"

"Yes I have." Olivia flushed, twiddling her thumbs. "May we kiss properly now?"

Alucard puckered his lips in response, and Olivia laughed into her palms before bending down and giving him a proper 'good morning' kiss.

"Mmmm. Minty fresh."

"That is how a morning kiss is supposed to taste." Olivia kissed him again before sitting down in front of the sofa and allowing 'Mr. Coffin' to curl up on her lap. "What was the name of the pastry you ordered for me at the café? It was rather delicious."

"Merdenele." Alucard turned to lie on his side and began to twirl her hair around his finger. "It is a cheese pastry."

"I thought so. They remind me of Turos Delkli," She mumbled, scratching 'Mr. Coffin's' belly. "My mother used to bake them on my father's birthday. They were always h….his favorite."

"Really?" Alucard noticed the way her voice cracked at the end but didn't comment on it. "…There is a feast in Romania called 'Mucenici' which is in honor of the forty martyrs of Sebaste. Up until she was bedridden, my mother used to bake this honey and walnut pastry also called Mucenici. I have long forgotten how it tasted, but I think it was sweet."

This was the first time either of them had shared a memory of their family to another, and both knew it was a sign of complete and utter trust.

"…..I could bake it for you." Olivia offered, easily picking out the sadness hiding in his monotone voice. "I could drizzle it in blood instead of honey."

"How do I know that you won't give me food poisoning?" Alucard teased as he tugged on her hair.

"As if you could get food poisoning! You've been dead for centuries, old man!" Olivia stuck her tongue out at him and squealed when he yanked harder. "Alright! Alright! I'm sorry!"

"Such a mouthy wife I have." He chuckled, his eyes half-lidded and his voice low. "She is lucky I find that very arousing."

"SHUT UP!" Olivia snatched a pillow off the sofa and proceeded to beat him with it as her face became fuchsia red. "FOR ONCE IN YOUR UNDEAD LIFE, HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK?! OH MY FUCKING—! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU JUST SAID THAT!"

"Oh but I do think before I speak." Alucard pluck the pillow from her hands and flung it to the side. "How else can I get your face to flush that perfect shade of red?" He grasped her chin and licked his lips with an impish grin. "It makes you look all the more ravishing."

"I'M GOING TO FUCKING STRANGLE YOU!" Olivia leapt for his throat which only served to make Alucard laugh harder and her cheeks all the more darker.

"You are getting very good at foreplay, draga mea." Alucard purred, pointing out how she was straddling him while her hands were wrapped around his neck. "Keep going. I feel a tingling sensation forming down below."

"ALUCARD!"

As darkness swept over the cabin, the light-hearted aura was overtaken by a solemn one, and Olivia said not a word when Alucard swept her into his arms—'Mr. Coffin' was to guard the cabin in their absence—and carried her outside before flying up into the nighttime sky.

While Alucard's impassive gaze stared ahead, Olivia watched the moon's reflection in his crimson eyes and once more likened them to rubies.

'Legends describe rubies as the stone of courage. So how can you call yourself a coward when courage is part of whom you are?' Olivia tightened her grip around his shoulders and placed a kiss to his jugular. 'That fact that you are here in Romania speaks volumes, so don't sell yourself short and instead face life's perils with that smile on your face. Just know that I am by your side, always.'

Eventually they came upon a vast alcove covered top to bottom in vines, thick trees, and moss. And, buried underneath layers of foliage and dirt, was a stone bridge and a partially decayed castle.

The same castle Alucard and his ancestors inhabited centuries ago.

Alucard didn't descend immediately, instead choosing to leer down at his former home with a look of disdain.

"Look at your kingdom now, Mad King." He chuckled mirthlessly. "Look at what came of your crusades and endless battles in God's name."

"Alucard…" Olivia sighed before gasping when he suddenly descended at a briskly pace.

Even when he landed on the stone bridge, Alucard didn't release her nor did he make any movements to enter the castle.

This bridge…..a river once flowed beneath it and a guard was posted at every parapet. Thousands of times, he had marched across this bridge to and from battles and, if he concentrated hard enough, Alucard could smell the blood forever saturated on the stones.

"Alu—."

"I'm surprised it is still standing." Alucard 'marveled' as he placed Olivia on the ground. "I don't know if I would've preferred finding it in ruins or not. Perhaps it would've been for the best if nothing was left standing."

He trudged towards the rotting castle gate, hearing his old captain of the guard announce his arrival to the gatekeeper.

"Open the gates! His Majesty has returned victorious!"

He was a loyal soldier and was one of the few to follow Alu—Vlad to the bitter end. As a reward for his loyalty, Alucard made him one of his first familiars.

Finally arriving at the gate, Alucard placed his hands on the rotted wood and closed his eyes, a puff of white air escaping from his lips.

"Aluca—?"

His eyes flashing open, Alucard slammed his claws into the wood, and the remnants of the gate barreled into the darkness.

"That gate always squeaked so loudly when it opened." Alucard explained, dusting his hands off before offering a hand to Olivia. "Shall we?"

"Y-Yes." She placed her hand in his and together they stepped over the threshold and beheld the inside of Alucard's former home.

While Olivia's home was abandoned, it was still standing.

But Alucard's home…..all that remained were crumbled walls and a single throne illuminated by the moonlight.

'This place…is it truly the same domineering castle Alucard showed me all those years ago?' Olivia jumped when she felt Alucard's body begin to quiver. "A-Alucard?"

"Everything else is destroyed, but you allow that damn throne to remain standing?!" Alucard's booming laughter filled the night sky. "Is that meant to mock me, God?!"

Olivia stumbled to catch up as he charged towards the throne with his eyes blood red and his fangs out.

"Alucard!"

"Of all the things to remain intact," He marched up the stairway and rammed his claws into the heart of the backrest. "It is this fucking throne!"

"You are not worthy to take your place amongst me and your forefathers." King Vlad Dracul II leered down at his four year old son from his perch on his throne, a briar reed in one hand and his sword in the other. 'You have the blood of the Dragon flowing through your veins, yet you cannot even defend yourself from a few disobedient slaves. How can you defend your kingdom if you can't defend yourself?"

"My King," Queen Vasilissa Catuna Chiejna Muşat winced, placing her hand on her husband's arm. "Please, he is but a child. The slave children outnumbered him and—."

"Don't you dare make excuses for him!" He yanked his arm from her grasp. "If he is to be my heir, he should be able to best 1000 men on his own! No rightful king would allow a flock of lowborns to best him in battle, child or not!"

Vlad winced as his father's piercing sights returned to him. He was kneeling before the throne, nursing a black eye and a bleeding lip. All he wanted to do was to save the little rabbit the slave children were throwing rocks at. That was all he wanted.

He didn't want to cause a fight, and he didn't want to disappoint his father.

All Vlad wanted….was to get that rabbit to safety.

"I-I-I'm sorry, Papa!" Vlad kowtowed before him while tremors wracked his small frame. "I didn't mean to dishonor the throne! I just—!"

"You will be silent!" Vlad Dracul II bellowed. "And don't address me like a lowborn man! You will show proper respect and address me as "Your Royal Highness", is that understood?!"

"Y-Y-Yes, Pa—Your Royal Highness!" Vlad was near tears, and Vasilissa couldn't bear to watch another second.

"My King, I beg of you!" She leapt out of her seat and knelt before him with her hands clasped together in prayer. "Our son has already apologized, and I promise he will become a great king that will bypass you and our ancestors! But, please! Enough is enough!"

"Are you my Queen or are you a beggar?!" Vlad Dracul II snarled, shoving her aside and rising to his feet. "I see the Queen has coddled you too much. I must take corrective measure now to ensure you don't bring ruin to our kingdom in the future." He then threw the reed and sword down before Vlad. "As Crown Prince, I'll allow you to choose your punishment: 20 lashes with the reed or a swing from my sword. Choose."

"My King—!"

Vlad began to hyperventilate and kowtowed before his father once more as tears gushed down his face.

"P-PLEASE, YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS! FORGIVE ME! IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN!"

"I plan to ensure it won't." Vlad Dracul II declared. "Now choose before I make the decision for you."

"P-P-Papa, please don't." Vlad wept openly, clinging to his father's boots in pure desperation. "I promise to make you proud! I promise to bring our country to glory! I promise, I promise!"

"….Promises mean nothing to a king." Vlad Dracul II kicked his son away before picking up the sword and the reed. "If you are too weak to make your decision like a man, so be it. I'll make the decision for you." He turned to a nearby servant. "Remove the Prince's tunic and hold him still so he may receive his punishment."

"PAPA, NO!" Vlad wailed, struggling as the servant removed his tunic and pinned him in place on the ground. "I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!"

"MY KING, STOP!" Vasilissa dashed forward but was restrained by guards. "HE IS OUR SON! HE IS OUR ONLY SON!"

"And that is exactly why he needs to learn his place." Vlad Dracul II unsheathed his sword and raised it and the reed above his head. "Consider this your first lesson in what it means to be king: Never beg for mercy."

"PAPA, NO!" Vlad's scream echoed throughout the throne room as his father swung both the reed and sword down.

Alucard slammed his hands down on the throne's armrests, drenched in sweat and panting heavily.

The scars from that beating never faded away and had become a source of shame for Vlad well into his adulthood.

"Alucard?" Olivia placed her hand on his back and didn't flinch as his laughter filled the air once more.

"Have I finally made you proud, Your Royal Highness?" He cackled, his eyes wide and his smile consuming over half of his face. "Yes, I carried your 'lessons' with me and never begged for mercy again! I decimated everyone who stood in my way, whether they were friend or foe; I even murdered my own wife and children because they got in my way!" The armrests cracked under his grip and two bloody tears slipped from his eyes. "Your prediction came true, Mother! I became a king whose cruelty and might bypassed my ancestors! Aren't you finally pleased, Father?! You never did answer me that day I returned from the Ottoman Empire!" The armrests shattered into pieces and Alucard slammed his fists into the ground. "ANSWER ME, GREAT KING OF WALLACHIA! ARE YOU PROUD OF THE MONSTER YOUR PATHETIC SON HAS BECOME?! ANSWER ME!"

Vlad Dracul III, now twenty-two and decorated in Ottoman armor, stood above his father as he lay choking on his own blood.

"What is worth it, Your Royal Highness?" Vlad inquired, digging his spear further into his father's throat. "Was selling me to the Ottomans worth it? Have I finally become worthy of your praise? Of your throne? Of your approval? Of your love?" He fell down on one knee and stared his father dead in the eye. "Answer me. Have I finally become what you wanted?"

Vlad Dracul II's only answer was to gasp for air before his eyes rolled into the back of his head and his body was still.

"Answer me!" Vlad ripped his spear out and hoisted his father's corpse up by the front of his armor. "AM I FINALLY WORTH SOMETHING TO YOU?! DON'T JUST LIE THERE! ANSWER ME! ANSWER ME! I HAVE WAITED FOR THIS MOMENT FOR FOURTEEN YEARS AND I WILL NOT TAKE YOUR SILENCE AS AN ANSWER!" Vlad jostled his corpse, as if to bring his father back to life. "ANSWER ME, FATHER! DO YOU FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGE ME AS YOUR SON?! DO YOU LOVE ME NOW?! DO YOU?! ANSWER ME DAMMIT!"

But Vlad never received his answer, and with a war cry, he threw his father's corpse aside and stepped towards the throne.

His throne.

As Vlad took his seat, he felt nothing. No pride. No joy. No anger. No regret.

Just….nothing.

"Those fourteen years of service taught you well," The Sultan chuckled, stepping on Vlad Dracul II's corpse as he waltzed up to the throne. "You have finally reclaimed your throne, Little Prince, and my soldiers and I have upheld our end of the bargain by aiding your victory."

"You and your soldiers will receive your rewards in due time." Vlad's blue eyes flashed red for a moment. "You have my word."

"I intend to see that you keep your word, Little Prince." The Sultan reaffirmed, reaching out and roughly grasping Vlad's face in his hand. "It's such a shame you aren't the frail child anymore. I would so enjoy having you play with me for one more night."

Olivia gasped as the ground began to quake and black tendrils jutted from Alucard's body.

"Alucard?!" She reached out for his hand but was thrown back when a wave of energy shot out from Alucard and the remaining walls began to crumble.

The throne was ripped into pieces by Alucard, and his tendrils swirled violently around him, destroying all remnants of his castle and past.

Why had he come back?

He didn't want to remember any of it.

The servants who sat back and watched a child be beaten within an inch of his life.

The Ottomans and their Sultan who raped him and turned him into a blood thirsty soldier.

His mother who couldn't protect him and lost her life as a result.

And his father who abhorred him from the moment he was born.

Alucard's past differed from Olivia's in the lone fact that his had no happy memories.

A thing like him didn't deserve happiness after all.

"Alucard!" Olivia screamed over the falling debris and raging winds, fighting her way towards him with all her might. "Alucard, look at me! Alucard!"

The tendrils and winds jerked her back, yet she still persisted as she continued to call out to him.

Just like how he called out to her and fought through her nightmares.

"Alucard, I'm here! I'm—AH!" One of tendrils slammed against her abdomen, knocking the wind out of her and sending her spiraling backwards. She writhed around in pain, her ribs on the verge of fracturing.

Yet, she still crawled to her feet and trudged towards Alucard, screaming his name while dodging debris and wayward tendrils.

Until finally…..she reached him.

Never in her life had Olivia seen Alucard look so monstrous. His long hair whirled around him, his pupils had vanished under the red of his irises, and his face had become more fangs than skin.

"Alucard, I'm here." Olivia breathed out, gently grasping his face between her hands. "Don't worry. I'm here."

But he didn't notice her at all, and the raging wind became a cyclone that nearly sent Olivia spiraling into the air.

"ALUCARD!" Olivia wailed, praying her screaming would bring him to his senses but no such luck. He was so far gone that she knew words alone weren't enough to bring him back.

So, Olivia bit the inside of her cheek until blood filled her mouth and slammed her lips against Alucard's, desperate tears streaming down her face.

'I promise you will never be alone again, and you will know nothing but happiness at my side. So, please, Vlad, come back to me.'

As her blood entered his mouth, the wind began to die down and gradually, Alucard's eyes returned to normal.

Slowly, he drank her blood, eyes falling closed as his tears mixed with hers.

Once the dust settled and the night became silent, all that remained standing amongst the rubble were Olivia and Alucard, who had fallen to his knees and was sobbing against her shoulder.

And Olivia held him without a second thought, feeling five centuries worth of tears soak her to the skin.

"I'm here, Vlad. I'm here."

For the rest of the night and well into the following day, Olivia sat on the bed in the cabin with Alucard's head nestled on her lap. Since returning to the cabin, he had not spoken a word nor had he released his hold on Olivia; she didn't mind at all though and ran her fingers through his hair while humming under her breath.

A stream of light slithered into the dark room when the bedroom door opened and 'Mr. Coffin' pattered in with a tray of apples balancing on their head. Their master was in pain, and their mistress was tending to him, so 'Mr. Coffin' decided they needed to ensure their mistress—their mortal mistress—kept up her strength.

"Such a good puppy." Olivia giggled as 'Mr. Coffin' clumsily hopped onto the bed. "You are worried about your master, aren't you?"

'Mr. Coffin' panted in agreement and nudged the apple tray towards her before curling up against Alucard's back.

It was evening when Alucard began to stir, and Olivia greeted him with a kiss that he slowly reciprocated.

"We have to leave soon, my love." Olivia sighed, brushing his bangs from his eyes and kissing the bags beneath them. "The cabin owner said she wanted the key back before dark."

His reply didn't come immediately, but he soon nodded and sat up, running his hand down his face.

"Alright….let's go."

As they walked down the street to the train station, Olivia kept stealing glances at Alucard. They were holding hands, but it was more like Olivia tugging on him to keep him from walking off the sidewalk.

Alucard looked so hollow and worn out that, in the fading light, he really did look over 500 years old.

Olivia knew she couldn't love his past away, but she wanted to give him solid proof that he had a future.

Perhaps a token of her love and her vow to be forevermore at his side would do the trick.

Suddenly, an idea struck her and Olivia yanked Alucard to a stop.

"Mmm?" He peered down at her through his unruly bangs. "What's wrong? Did you forget something?"

"I need to use the bathroom! I'll be right back!" She scampered off before screeching to a stop and turning around. "Just wait right there with 'Mr. Coffin'! I'll be back! I promise! "

Alucard stared at the dust cloud she left behind before peering down at 'Mr. Coffin' whose tail was wagging in excitement.

"Don't get used to that form for too long." He muttered, crossing his arms and leaning against a lamp post. "I plan to change you back to your normal state soon."

'Mr. Coffin' just barked happily and nuzzled their cheek against Alucard's leg, thrilled to see their master on his feet once more.

Olivia only knew a little Romanian, but she hoped it would be enough for what she needed to do.

"Excuse me!" Olivia called out to a passing peddler. "Do you happen to carry jewelry?"

The peddler regarded her with distain, noting that she was both a foreigner and had an atrocious grasp on the Romanian language. But it had been a slow day, and she looked to be pretty well off so the peddler nodded and locked his cart into place.

"A gift for your boyfriend?" He drawled, resting his chin against his fist while Olivia surveyed his wares.

"For my husband actually." Olivia averted her eyes and rubbed the back of her neck. "Well, we are not married actually. It is more of an inside joke."

"Joke? Why would it be a joke? Do you want to marry him or not?"

The peddler's question rendered Olivia dumbstruck, and she clutched her chest while considering his words.

It was Sir Hellsing who fabricated the story that she and Alucard were married, and they had just rolled with it. But….was it really a joke to her?

'No.' A radiant smile broke out across Olivia's face. 'Calling Alucard her husband had never been a joke.'

"It is not—."

"I don't care." The peddler raised his hand to prevent her from continuing. "Your fractured Romanian makes my ears bleed, so hurry up and pick something."

"Y…Yes, sir." Olivia bowed in apology before studying the ring section of the cart closely.

Olivia needed to find the perfect ring for Alucard, and she initially intended to choose a ruby ring to match his eyes. However, it was an emerald ring with gold swirls decorating the band that caught her attention.

"Emerald like your eyes?" The peddler gave a slight nod of approval. "Nice choice."

"No, I wouldn't say my eyes are that dazzling." Olivia flushed, fumbling with the ring for a moment before reaching for her wallet. "How much?"

"I'm back! I'm back!" Olivia sprinted towards Alucard with a large smile, her heart pounding for reasons beyond her race across town. "Sorry to keep you waiting so long."

"Where did you go?" Alucard noticed the way she was bouncing on her heels. "I know it wasn't to the bathroom."

"I can explain. But first!" Olivia nudged him towards a nearby bench. "I need you to sit down."

He obeyed without any fuss and 'Mr. Coffin' hopped onto the bench next to their master, anxious to see what their mistress had in store.

Olivia patted her chest a few times in an attempt to get her heartbeat under control before raising her chin and getting down on one knee.

"What are you—?"

"Both of us have experienced things and, good or bad, they led us to this moment. I can't change what happened to you, and you can't change what happened to me. But, if we are together, I know we can make it through whatever life throws at us. I love you, Alucard. When I call you my husband, it is not a joke. I sincerely think of you as my one and only. So," Her face dark pink, Olivia grabbed his left and removed his glove. "Here is a symbol of my eternal devotion." Her hands were shaking, but she managed to slip the ring onto his ring finger—it was a perfect fit. "I love you, Vlad Dracul Tepes ." Olivia then kissed his knuckle and stood back up. "And when you gaze upon this ring, you will have solid proof of my feelings."

Alucard sat there in stunned silence, frozen in place while staring at the wedding ring on his finger.

A wedding ring…..she had given him a wedding ring…..she had called him by his full name…she had proposed to him and said she loved him…

"An emerald" was all Alucard could say, and Olivia fidgeted in place.

"I was thinking of getting you a ruby but the peddler said it looked like my eyes and—I don't know! I…I guess I wanted to get you something that would make you think of me."

"It's beautiful." Alucard smiled softly, the first smile he had given her since visiting his home. "You picked the perfect ring for me."

"Really?! I'm glad that you—AH!" Olivia squealed when Alucard grabbed her by the waist and yanked her into his arms, burying his face against her chest as an overwhelming sense of warmth consumed him from within.

"Hehe. I'm glad you love it." She beamed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and kissing his hair.

And, from the way his fingers dug into her sides, she heard his unspoken plea.

"Don't worry." Olivia reassured him, kissing his head once more. "I'm not going anywhere. How can I when I haven't seduced you yet?"

Alucard's laughter was like music to her ears, and she tilted his head up to find that trademark glow returning to his eyes.

"Thank you, Olivia." Alucard whispered, losing himself in the security and tranquility her eyes offered him.

"I should be the one thanking you." Olivia murmured before connecting their lips and burying her fingers in his hair. "Hey, I have an idea. Let's go to Florence next!"

"So close to Rome? Aren't you worried that Iscariot might see us?"

"Why should I? If they cause trouble, we can always have little fun with them, right?"

"That's my girl." Alucard cackled before yanking her back towards him again, the warmth in his chest increasing with such ferocity that he swore it was beating like a heart.

The train ride would take the rest of the night and most of the following morning, but Olivia and Alucard didn't care.

Olivia decided to indulge and paid for a deluxe cabin which included a bed, couch, and a beautiful window view.

Since she had not gotten a wink of sleep in the past two days, Olivia immediately curled up under the covers and fell asleep before the train pulled out of the station.

As the train rumbled down the tracks, Alucard sat next to her on the bed gazing fondly at his ring with a smile.

'Is this what happiness feels like?' He pondered, pulling off his shoes and crawling under the blanket to spoon Olivia from behind. 'Pure and true happiness?'

Burying his face against her hair, Alucard let out a sigh of content and allowed the feeling of her heartbeat to lull him to sleep.

After everything he had experienced at her side, Alucard knew he could never let Olivia go…..not even if his master commanded it.

The sound of the conductor announcing the approach of the station roused Olivia from her slumber, and she tried to throw the blanket off her head but found her arms ensnared in Alucard's grasp.

"Alucard," She moaned, still partially in dream land. "We need to get up. The train is almost at the station."

Without releasing his grip, Alucard sat up halfway and angled his torso over her, his eyes hidden by his hair and his impish grin sending a shiver down Olivia's spine.

"Will you bestow upon me a kiss first?"

"I haven't brushed my teeth in forever!" Olivia burrowed her face into the mattress. "I am not going to kiss you with morning breath! How many times do I have to tell you that?!"

"It doesn't bother me." He puffed against her ear, his grin growing at her embarrassed squeak. "Come on~."

"Whine all you want, Alucard." Olivia stuck her tongue out at him. "No kisses until I look and feel presentable."

"You humans and your vanity."

"Hey, you are the one to talk, Mr. Theatrics!"

Alucard laughed and shifted his position until he was hovering over her completely, his eyes shining like a child on Christmas morning.

'It's like he's been reborn.' Olivia smiled back at him, reaching up and caressing his face. "I'm jealous. Even after sleeping for 18 hours straight, my husband is still so handsome."

"You flatter me, draga mea." He bumped their foreheads together. "I would like to repay the favor with a kiss. Please, grant me my desire."

"You know," Olivia chuckled, weaving her fingers through his hair. "I'm starting to enjoy it when you talk to me like this."

'Mr. Coffin' sat on the couch across from the bed, pleased to see and hear their master and mistress express their love so freely.

Unfortunately, it was at that time a well-meaning porter, who had noticed the odd couple hadn't left their cabin once during the journey, decided to check and see if they were alright.

"Signore, Signora," The porter knocked once before sliding the door open and flicking the lights on. "Pardon the intrusion, but I wanted to see if—OH MY LORD!" He slammed his hands over his eyes and made a hasty retreat. "PLEASE FORGIVE THE INTRUSION! I DIDN'T MEAN TO DISTRUB YOU TWO!"

"W-WAIT!" Olivia threw both Alucard and the blanket off of her and reached out to the fleeing porter in despair. "IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!" But her plea fell on deaf ears as the porter slammed the door behind him, and she covered her face while letting out a high pitched squeal. "WE WEREN'T DOING ANYTHING!"

And Alucard, being Alucard, just laid back on the bed and laughed—not a conniving or sadistic laugh but a genuine laugh.

"You're not helping." Olivia pouted, vexed by his reaction but also enthralled with how beautiful his laughter was.

"Ah, you never fail to put a smile on my face, draga mea." Alucard sighed, sweeping his hair back from his face and grinning at her with bedroom eyes. "Come back over here. I wasn't finished expressing my gratitude."

"THE MOOD IS ALREADY RUINED, IDIOT!" Olivia flung a pillow at his smug face before crawling off the bed and marching over to 'Mr. Coffin'. "Please give me a change of clothes, 'Mr. Coffin'."

'Mr. Coffin' opened their mouth and a conglomeration of hands emerged holding a fresh change of clothes and her hairbrush.

"Thank you." She smiled sweetly at 'Mr. Coffin' before shooting a death glare at Alucard. "You may be my husband, but that doesn't mean you can watch me change."

With a dramatic sigh, Alucard made a big show of covering his eyes with his hands and twelve of his familiar's hands as well.

"Satisfied, my love?"

"Fucking drama king." Olivia grumbled, stripping down and handing 'Mr. Coffin' her dirty clothes to be stored in the laundry comportment of her bag.

For the past two days, she had worn the same outfit from the night Alucard took her to his castle, and at this point, Olivia was desperate for a nice long soak in the tub.

Her outfit of the day was a blue dress with white polka dots that reached mid-thigh and had a ruffled bodice. Though she usually didn't wear blue, the dress made her think of Walter for some reason, and she reminded herself to send him another letter and photo soon.

Once she was dressed, Olivia began to brush her hair while watching Florence approach through the window, marveling at its beauty.

'Though I said I didn't care if Iscariot soldiers showed up, I hope they don't. I would like to spend the rest of my week with Alucard in peace.'

Imagining all the adventures awaiting them, Olivia smiled and hummed until her hair was tamed and tangle free.

"We are almost at the station," Olivia announced, allowing 'Mr. Coffin' to consume her hairbrush before turning to face Alucard. "We should probably….."

'He is giving me that look again.' Olivia flushed, finding Alucard lying on his stomach with his head resting on his palm as he gazed at her with that expression of unguarded affection and devotion.

"I told you not to look at me like that." Olivia rubbed her arms with a bashful expression. "It gives me butterflies and causes my heart to do backflips."

"How can I not though?" Alucard sighed, causing another army of butterflies to invade Olivia's stomach. "My wife is so beautiful I can't think straight."

"….You called me beautiful." Olivia gaped like a fish out of water. "But I don't have wrinkles yet or any indication of arthritis!"

Alucard smirked and stood up as the train finally pulled into the station.

"It seems we have reached out destination at last." Alucard gazed down at his wedding ring once more before pulling his gloves on and offering her his arm. "Shall we, my love?"

Still reeling from the fact that he called her beautiful, Olivia nodded with a red face and placed her hand on his forearm.

"Lead the way, Regele meu."

The city—like the rest of the country—was rebuilding from the effects of the war and the rule of Mussolini. But, even with the ongoing repair of buildings and ongoing destruction of fascist propaganda, Florence was still as beautiful as the paintings in Sir Hellsing's office depicted it.

"Shall we have some dinner first?" Alucard offered as they strolled out of the station and down the sidewalk. "You haven't eaten for quite some time, and your stomach kept growling while you were sleeping."

"I want to walk around first." Olivia yawned, stretching her sore muscles. "I have done nothing but sit for the past two days."

And so, the two of them strolled through the streets of Florence arm in arm with 'Mr. Coffin' weaving between their heels.

Olivia noticed a passing group of university students blushing and fluttering their eyes at Alucard, and she immediately yanked him down for a kiss while radiating a threatening aura.

The students immediately backed off, and Olivia pulled away with a triumphant smirk that dissolved at the sight of Alucard's shit eating grin.

"My, my, the sight of you being so possessive makes my blood boil." He licked his lips and dipped her back. "You are doing an excellent job at seducing me, Olivia."

"SHUT UP!" The shade of her face rivaled that of the setting sun. "AND WE ARE STILL IN PUBLIC!"

"That didn't seem to bother you a moment ago." Alucard retorted, placing his lips next to her ear and give it a light nip. "And are you implying we should continue this in private?"

Olivia's only response, once he lifted her back up, was to chop him on the forehead and march away with smoke blowing from her ears.

"Shall I take that as a yes?" He laughed, following after her while pressing a kiss to his wedding ring.

As a peace offering, Alucard hypnotized a gelato vendor into giving Olivia whatever she wanted, and he watched her skip happily in front of him while enjoying her cup of vanilla-pomegranate.

Ten years ago when Sir Hellsing sent him to Northleach, Alucard never expected the little girl he found to become so important to him.

Olivia, even when she discovered his true nature, never ran away from him but towards him instead. She held out her hand with that smile of hers and said she loved him.

"It's beautiful here, don't you think?" Olivia twirled around as they walked across Ponte Vecchio Bridge, gelato smear across her lips and her eyes shining with glee. "I'm glad we came here."

And, seeing her standing there as the sun dipped below the horizon, Alucard was struck by the same thought he had while watching her brush her hair on the train.

In this short time, where they weren't servants of Hellsing and just two people in love, he knew what he had to do.

With new resolve, Alucard gathered Olivia into his arms and just held her as an evening breeze swirled around them.

"Thank you for loving me, Olivia." He whispered, the cold of his wedding band burning into his skin.

"Thank you for loving me back, Alucard." She replied, finding never-ending solace in his arms. "Thank you so much."

Alucard just held her tighter as the warmth only she could bring him consumed him from within once more.

'Cruel God, I never asked you to grant any of my desires. I revoked your name centuries ago, but I tell you this. Even if it is your divine will, I will never let you take her away from me.'

"Ah~! This feels like heaven!" Olivia lounged back into her bubble bath, the warm water relieving the tension in her muscles. "I want to live here forever!"

"Your skin will get all wrinkly though." Alucard pointed out, resting his arms and chin on the side of the tub.

"I thought you found wrinkles attractive." Olivia teased, blowing a handful of bubbles at his face.

"Only naturally occurring ones." He popped the bubbles one by one with his bare fingers, his leather gloves tossed to the side.

After eating dinner, they got a room at the St. Regis Florence which was a five star hotel near the Arno River. Their room was like something out of a palace with a canopy bed, crystal chandeliers, a private balcony, a Renaissance-style living room, a Hollywood style vanity, a walk-in closet, a marble bathroom, and even a butler waiting on call.

"Are you having fun?" Olivia inquired, caressing his cheek with the back of her hand.

"The time of my life." Alucard leaned over and kissed the puncture wound on her chest. "Hmm? You're not flustered?"

"No," Olivia shook her head, her gaze soft and full of endearment. "I'm perfectly comfortable right now."

"I guess that makes sense." He nodded as he rested his head back on his arms. "I have already seen you naked twice after all."

"Alright now I'm embarrassed." Olivia covered her face and submerged herself under water, listening to Alucard's muffled laughter.

"Pardon my impudence, draga mea." He stood up and unfolded a large, fluffy towel from a nearby rack. "You have my word I didn't stare or do anything to compromise your virtue."

Olivia's head slowly rose from the soapy water with a gaze sharp enough to cut someone, but then it vanished and she nodded.

"I know you didn't." Olivia acknowledged as she climbed out of the tub and let Alucard wrap the towel around her like a blanket. "Where is 'Mr. Coffin'? They disappeared the moment we entered the hotel room."

"They are fast asleep under the sofa." Alucard answered, carrying her out of the bathroom and placing her in front of the vanity. "I can handle being out in the sun for long periods of time without exhausting, but the same cannot be said for my coffin."

"Poor thing." Olivia laughed which turned into a squeal when Alucard threw another towel on her head and began to towel dry her hair. "What are you doing anyways?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" He retorted, tossing the hair towel aside and picking up her hairbrush.

"Oh, you don't have to do this, Alucard." Olivia smiled, touched by the gesture. "I can brush my own hair."

"My wife has done nothing but pamper me for our entire vacation, I want to do the same. Please, allow me to do this."

How could she say no to such a request?

Excited and bashful all at once, Olivia nodded and faced forward as he began to brush her hair.

It had been centuries since Alucard had brushed someone's hair. He used to do it for his mother, and he did it once for Jusztina, so he was confident he still knew how to handle a woman's hair.

Olivia stared at her reflection in the mirror, seeing only a floating hairbrush raking through her wet hair and she wondered if there would be a future where vampires could see their reflections.

He was very gentle and untangled knots without yanking, and Olivia almost found herself dozing off at the soothing sensation.

"You are very good at this. Perhaps your true calling is to be a hairdresser."

"I wouldn't be in business for long since I would only service you." Alucard brought a lock of her hair to his lips. "Long hair truly becomes you, my love. And your hair softer than even the finest of silk."

"There you go with your saccharine poetry again." She bit down on her finger and held it up to him. "Here is your payment, my darling hairdresser."

"Happy to be of service to a beautiful customer." He placed the brush down and grasped her wrist, licking every drop of blood away. "Such a delicious payment. We will have to do this more often."

"Then my skin really will get wrinkly if I have to take that many baths." Olivia leaned back against him and watched him enjoy his treat.

Once the wound was closed and her finger was licked clean, Olivia grabbed a jar of lotion from the vanity and scurried into the walk-in closet, closing it behind her and tossing her towel to the side.

'Vanilla and Pearls' Olivia read the lotion jar before applying it and wondering what the hell a pearl smelt like.

"What to wear, what to wear." Olivia hummed, donning a fresh pair of undergarments and scanning her side of the closet. "So many choices~, so little time~."

"If I may," Alucard's voice drifted from the other side of the door. "Why not try the dress to the far right? I think it will be fitting for this evening's events."

"The far right?" Olivia removed the dress from the hanger and inspected it closely.

It was a white button up dress with a ribbon at the waist.

'Why this dress out of all of them?' she wondered while putting it on. 'And what does he mean by this evening's events?'

"I noticed that dress when the butler was hanging your clothes in the closet. It's a shame you haven't worn it until now."

"Well, I did buy five bags worth of clothes." She laughed, doing a practice spin in front of the mirror before taking notice of Alucard's clothes hanging nearby.

"You know, I bought all of those clothes for you to wear, not take up closet space." She pouted, their week together more than halfway gone and she had only seen him in one outfit. "If I am going to get all dressed up, so should you."

"I know." Alucard hummed followed by the sound of clothes ruffling. "So come out already and see for yourself."

Curious, Olivia opened the closet door to find Alucard wearing a burgundy red button up and black dress pants.

"What do you think?" He grinned, rolling his sleeves up to his elbows and Olivia did a mental fist pump while praising the Lord's name again.

'Goddamn, you're so handsome!'

"You look nice." Olivia shrugged, waltzing back over to the vanity to slip her bracelets on. "So, husband dearest, what do you have planned for this evening?" She sat back down at the vanity and began to lace up her heels when Alucard bent down and did it for her.

"I've decided to follow your example and live for the future." He tied the ribbon into bows and placed a kiss on her heels. "But first, let's play a game."

"A game?" Olivia snorted, knowing very well he wasn't thinking of chess or Monopoly. "I wager it involves some form of combat?"

"You know me so well." Alucard bopped her on the nose and sauntered over to a suit of armor stationed near the balcony doors. He plucked the two rapiers from the armor's gauntlets and tossed one to Olivia.

"A fencing match?"

"How good is your swordsmanship?"

"Why don't you come at me and find out?" Olivia challenged, rising from her seat and tapping her rapier against his.

Alucard's grin widened exponentially and he explained the goal of the game as they circled each other.

"If you can strike me in the heart once, I'll explain my plan for the evening, and I will bestow upon you the greatest gift I can offer."

"Alright," Olivia nodded, intrigued by what Alucard had up his sleeve. "And if I am not able to strike you in the heart?"

"Then this will be a long game because I don't intend to stop until you do." He snickered, his blood boiling at the fire ignited in her eyes.

"Then I better not hold back." She stated, observing his every movement. "But isn't it dangerous to fight in the hotel room? Shouldn't we move somewhere more spacious?"

"Which brings me to my final point." Alucard chuckled, stepping back towards the balcony doors. "In order to strike my heart, you'll have to catch me first."

Then, fast as lighting, the balcony doors flew open and Alucard became a red blur as he zipped out the door and into the night.

"…..Why am I not surprised?" Olivia shook her head before leaping off the balcony railing, onto the adjacent building's roof, and giving chase.

Moments later, 'Mr. Coffin' awoke to find the room empty and scampered over to the open balcony, awaiting the results of their master and mistress' duel.

It was a chilly, cloudless night and Alucard took in the blanket of stars above him as he stood on top of a chimney funnel and waited for Olivia to catch up.

'How nostalgic. It was a night similar to this when we first met.' He tiled his head back and exhaled, exhilaration and anticipation pulsing through his body. 'Hurry along now and catch me, draga mea. The night has only just begun.'

Finally he spotted her approaching fast over the horizon and he only had a second to block as she sprung up and lunged at him.

"Impressive." He laughed, bending back slightly from the force of her blow. "It only took you three minutes to catch up."

"Shut up!" She growled, leaping back before lunging forward again and again, pushing him to the edge of the rooftop. "I know your idea of fun isn't of the norm, but I'd forgotten just how ridiculous you can be!"

"Your words are music to my ears." He cavorted to the next rooftop, and she followed suit.

Olivia hit him with a barrage of jabs, lunges, and thrusts which Alucard blocked with ease. She was better at distance combat than close range, but he had to applaud her swordsmanship since she was keeping him on the defense and never left herself open to attack.

"It's been so long since I've seen you fight. I'd forgotten how excited it made me."

"Sweet talking me is not going to make me go easy on you!" She thrusted towards his chest, only for him to vanish into smoke and reappear three buildings away. "You are not playing fair, Alucard!"

"I recall you saying the same thing ten years ago in the manor gardens." He taunted, resting the blade against his shoulder. "Are you crying like you were back then as well?"

"I'm going to enjoy stabbing you in the chest." Olivia growled, sprinting after him as Alucard became a red blur on the horizon once again. "Oh, Anya, Apa, please don't judge me for my taste in men."

She jumped onto the next building but her left foot landed awkwardly, causing her to fall on her face and scrape her hands.

"This is what I get for running around in fucking heels." Olivia hissed, shaking the sting off her hands like a pro.

Luckily no blood had been drawn, and she was about to charge forward again when she heard someone humming.

A few feet away was an open sky window, and Olivia peered in to find an elderly woman sitting on a worn armchair and knitting a scarf.

Her one-room apartment held only the bare essentials, but the woman was obviously content and Olivia couldn't help but smile.

'I wonder what all of you would've looked like at that age.' Olivia asked her loved ones, laying down on the roof and placing the rapier to the side. 'I guess the only one who is going to experience the joys of aging will be me.'

Olivia listened to the woman's humming for a while, eventually recognizing the song as one of her parents' favorites.

It had been years since she had properly sung, but the beautiful constellations above her paired with fond memories of the past caused Olivia to close her eyes and allow the lyrics to follow out.

Like the sound of silence calling,

I hear your voice and suddenly

I'm falling, lost in a dream.

The elderly woman yelped in fright, and Olivia snorted under her breath before continuing.

Like the echoes of our souls are meeting,

You say those words and my heart stops beating.

I wonder what it means.

What could it be that comes over me?

At times I can't move.

At times I can hardly breathe.

Grainy memories of her parents dancing by candlelight flashed through her mind, followed by the memory of Arthur and Martha waltzing together from her birthday/graduation party.

When you say you love me

The world goes still, so still inside and

When you say you love me

For a moment, there's no one else alive

All of her loved ones faces, both living and dead, flashed through her mind: her parents, her brothers, Martha, Julia, Sir Hellsing, Walter, and finally, Alucard.

You're the one I've always thought of.

I don't know how, but I feel sheltered in your love.

You're where I belong.

And when you're with me if I close my eyes,

There are times I swear I feel like I can fly

For a moment in time.

Somewhere between the Heavens and Earth ,

And frozen in time, Oh when you say those words.

Never in a million years did Olivia believe she would become a soldier and fall in love with the Vampire King. But, after everything they had been through, Olivia knew falling in love was inevitable. Alucard had always been there for her through her darkest days and encouraged her to be the best soldier and human she could possibly be.

She had lots of regrets but taking Alucard's hand that day and falling in love with him would never be one of them.

When you say you love me

The world goes still, so still inside and

When you say you love me

For a moment, there's no one else ali—ve

Through this odyssey, Olivia had gained a new perspective on her life and how her future was hers to create. She decided to forgive Sir Hellsing who was hurting as much as she was and live with a clear heart.

Olivia still had a family on this Earth: Sir Arthur Fairbrooke Wingates Hellsing, her boss and the man who took her in; Walter C. Dornez, her partner and dearest friend, and Alucard, the vampire who granted her a chance at a new life and the man who she loved.

And this journey that we're on.

How far we've come and I celebrate every moment.

And when you say you love me,

That's all you have to say.

I'll always feel this wa—y.

Olivia opened her eyes and found Alucard's face hovering above her. Cupping the side of his face, Olivia smiled before rolling them over so she was hovering above him instead.

When you say you love me

The world goes still, so still inside and

When you say you love me

In that moment,I know why I'm ali—ve

When you say you love me.

Olivia placed the end of her rapier against his chest, mouthing 'I win' before tossing it aside and caressing his cheek.

When you say you love me.

Do you know how I love you?

Then she bent down and kissed him while the elderly woman applauded 'the angel from above' in the background.

"Your voice is as lovely as I remember." Alucard brushed her hair behind her ear. "It was a pleasure to have a front row seat."

"It felt nice to sing after so long." She kissed him again. "So what is my prize?"

Chuckling under his breath, Alucard stood up, taking Olivia with him, before grasping her hands in his.

"When I first laid eyes on you, I thought you were such a fascinating human. You were shaking like a leaf, but you stood your ground and fought for your life. I found myself both intrigued and envious of you. You were a little girl who couldn't even do a single push up, yet you had the courage I never had in my mortal life." He brought her hands to his lips. "I have told you countless times that I'm monster and my heart decayed long ago. I can't give you a life like a normal man could. But I love you more than any other. My body may belong to Hellsing but my soul belongs to you. You've given me proof of your devotion; allow me to do the same." He fell down on one knee, placing one hand over his heart while offering a ruby ring with gold and diamond embellishments to her. "Olivia Emese Song, will you marry me?"

"Of course this is how you would propose to me." Olivia slipped the ring onto her ring finger as tears poured down her cheeks. "You cruel man, you've kept me waiting." Finally, she smiled through her tears and flung her arms around him.

"Shall I take that as a yes?" Alucard beamed, lifting her up so they were at eye level. "Thank you, Regina mea. I vow to be a husband worthy to stand at your side."

Olivia just shook her head and kissed him with all her might, her heart so full of warmth that she feared it may burst.

'Dear God, you have never granted my wishes before, but please, I beg of you, let me remain at his side forevermore.'

San Miniato al Monte is a basilica standing atop one of the highest points in Florence and is under the care of sixty Olivetan monks who inhabit the monastery adjacent to it.

Brother Davide, who had been part of the monastery for thirty years, was finishing his midnight readings in the sacristy when he heard movement in the chapel.

Since the war ended, thousands had flocked to San Miniato al Monte for spiritual guidance and refuge, so Brother Davide quickly put his tomes away and hurried to greet them.

He cracked the door open and peered out into the chapel, expecting to see a small family or a group of elders.

Instead, Brother Davide found a man and a woman walking down the aisle arm in arm.

They weren't dressed for a wedding, but perhaps the massive red coat draped on the woman's head was meant to be a veil and the six daffodils in her grasp were meant to be a bouquet.

The rule abider in Brother Davide coaxed him to call out to the couple and explain a proper wedding cannot be done in secret, but the romantic in him demanded that he hold his tongue and watch; the romantic won in the end.

When the couple finally reached the altar, they stared at the colorful mosaic above before facing each other.

"For all our lives." The woman whispered.

"Until death and beyond." The man added on.

"Together shall we be from now on until the end of eternity." They vowed in unison, and Brother Davide found a smile fighting its way across his face at the simple yet meaningful vows.

The man slipped the 'veil' off the woman's head, and Brother Davide did a double take when the coat disappeared before hitting the ground.

'What on Earth—?!'

The couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife before slowly pulling apart and gazing into each other's eyes.

Then, they began to laugh, and the man picked the woman up and twirled her around.

Brother Davide was at loss for words and could only watch as they raced back up the aisle and disappeared out the door, their joyful laughter still echoing throughout the basilica.

Once he was sure they were gone, Brother Davide slipped back into the sacristy and tried to comprehend if what he saw was actually real. Whatever those people were, it was obvious they weren't normal, and he had been taught about demons and witchcraft.

However, in the end, Brother Davide didn't go after them nor did he report it to the other monks. Instead, he knelt before the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayed that the Good Lord would bless their marriage and grant them an eternity of peace together.

"When did you find the time to get a ring?" Olivia inquired as they lay next to each other on the canopy bed in their hotel room with 'Mr. Coffin' curled up at the foot of the bed. "You haven't left my side all day."

"While you were paying for dinner, I went to a nearby jewelry store." He kissed her ring finger with a sly grin. "It was all done in a matter of three minutes."

"And how did that play out?"

"As you would expect."

"I would like to purchase this ring." Alucard pointed to the ruby ring in the glass case while speaking in fluent Italian. "Make haste in wrapping it up please."

"Of course, sir." The jeweler nodded, plucking the ring out of the glass case. "Let me find a—."

"I'll take that." A sharp dressed man snatched the ring from the jeweler and slammed his checkbook on the counter. "How much do you want for it?"

"I'm afraid the ring is already spoken for." The jeweler explained, gesturing to Alucard. "Perhaps I can interest you in another—?"

"This is the one I want." The man brushed the jeweler's explanation off and tapped his checkbook. "So how much?"

"That ring is for my wife." Alucard stated, his eyes glowing red behind his shades. "Please return it to me."

"Didn't you hear what I said before?" The man rolled his eyes, slipping the ring into his coat pocket. "Get your whore something—!"

Within a second, the man was launched across the store, out the window, and into oncoming traffic.

"So," Alucard sighed, the ring in his grasp once more. "What was your price again?"

"It….It's on the house!" The jeweler's skin was white as a sheet. "Please, take it!"

"How generous of you." He chuckled, placing the ring into his pocket and exiting the jewelry shop. "I bid you good day, jeweler."

"G-Good….Good day…."

"Yeah, that is what I would expect." Olivia laughed, burying her face into his chest and sighing blissfully. She was married. She was officially Alucard's wife and he was officially her husband. "I love you."

"And I love you." He bent down to kiss her while nudging 'Mr. Coffin' to get off the bed with his foot.

"Aww," Olivia cooed as 'Mr. Coffin' hopped off the bed and burrowed under the couch. "They can stay up here too."

"But it's our wedding night." He whined, lacing his ring hand with hers. "I want to have you to myself for tonight."

Though he was only joking—well, partially—Olivia suddenly became hyper aware of everything: the lights were off, the curtain around their bed cut them off from the outside, Alucard looked so handsome with his hair ruffled, and her heart was on the verge of beating out of her chest.

But she was going to make the first move.

"Lie back." Olivia shifted so he was lying against the mountain of pillows and she was sitting on his waist. "I still am unsure when it comes to matters like this, but I would…..I would like to….be close to you."

"Good ahead." Alucard placed her hands against his chest. "Do as you wish."

Gulping audibly, Olivia lifted her shaking hands and slowly began to unbutton his shirt, expecting to find flawless skin but instead finding a large, red scar marring his chest.

"I thought vampires didn't have scars." Olivia took in the scar's jagged appearance with a touch of heartache. "Who did this to you?"

"The first and only human who has bested me in combat." He answered, recalling that faithful night in vivid detail.

"May I?" Her fingers hovered above his chest as she awaited his consent.

Alucard nodded and watched as she traced the scar with a feather-like touch. Then, his throat clenched when she kissed it and his non-existent heart skipped a beat.

"H-Here." She took his hands and placed them on the top of her dress. "You can do the same for me! I-I don't mind!"

"Is that your teeth chattering or the wind?" He teased, not moving an inch. "I'm not going to do anything unless you sincerely want me to."

"I do." She made eye contact with him, her gaze nothing but sincere. "Please, go ahead."

He unbuttoned the top of her dress and pulled the sleeves down, the cloth pooling at her waist. Alucard went no further, awaiting a definite nod before unclasping her bra and tossing it to the side.

He never looked anywhere but her eyes, and she looked nowhere but his eyes.

Olivia placed her ring hand on his chest, and Alucard did the same.

She was blushing, but her eyes showed no fear and with another nod, he allowed his hand to wander.

She had a large scar on her chest from her heart surgery, along with two scars from 'William's' bullets. Others would turn away in disgust and say her body was 'ruined', but those scars were proof of her iron will so therefore, they were beautiful in his eyes.

"Well?" Olivia gulped, feeling like Alucard's eyes were blinding searchlights. "What….what do you think?"

"Hmm. Well," He poked her breast. "These are bigger than I thought."

Within seconds, Olivia had kicked a cackling Alucard off the bed and burrowed under the blankets, cursing his name every way to Sunday.

"What?" He hopped back onto the bed and yanked the blanket off of her. "I answered your question, didn't I?"

"Did you have to poke them though?" Olivia leered, her arms wrapped tightly around her chest. "My husband is such a pervert!"

"Yes, I am your husband. And you are my wife." He pulled her onto his lap and peppered kisses down her neck to the bite mark on her chest. "My wife…my wife."

Butterflies erupted in her belly, and she nudged him away before grabbing the letter opener on the side table.

"This is the only wedding present I can offer." She took a deep breath before cutting the side of her neck and offering it to him. "I don't want to get an infection, so hurry up."

Alucard bit back a chuckle, finding her attempts at being dominant both amusing and arousing.

"As you command, my love." He buried his face against her neck, licking up her blood with reckless abandon.

Somehow, Olivia's back ended up on the mattress and Alucard was above her, one hand massaging her left breast and the other caressing her hip as he enjoyed his feast.

For once, she didn't feel embarrassed nor was she afraid. Instead Olivia felt an overwhelming sense of peace and completion.

"I am glad I met you, Alucard." Olivia whispered into his ear, one hand tangled in his now long hair and her ring hand stroking his back. "Thank you for allowing me to be in your life."

Alucard didn't know she could speak so purely when their actions at the moment were anything but, and he loathe how her genuine words reduced him to tears.

"Why are you crying?" She felt his tears drip down her shoulder and chest, and his fingers leaving bruises on her skin but she continued to hold him dearly.

"Because," He chuckled weakly, feeling like a lost child who had finally come home. "I'm in love with a rabbit who spews such nonsense. How can I not shed tears when everything you say is so stupid and pure?"

"Of course everything I say is stupid." Olivia kissed his temple and traced hearts onto his back. "Stupid words for my stupid wolf of a husband."

He laughed and burrowed his face against her neck, the beautiful melody of her heartbeat beckoning him to sleep.

"I love you, Olivia Emese Song."

"And I love you, Vlad Dracul Tepes."

Under the watchful eye of the full moon, the newlywed couple fell asleep tangled in each other's arms, their rings sparkling like the stars above.

When Olivia awoke the following evening, it was to 'Mr. Coffin' whimpering and pawing at her face.

"Were you lonely last night?" She giggled, scratching them behind the ear. "I'm sorry, 'Mr. Coffin'. You must've been cold sleeping on the couch."

"My coffin cannot distinguish between hot or cold." Alucard mumbled, pulling her back against his chest and nuzzling his face into her bedhead. "Still daylight outside. Sleep more."

"Your mouth says to sleep more." Olivia hummed, releasing 'Mr. Coffin' so he could curl up at their feet. "But your hands appear to have a mind of their own."

"Does it make you uncomfortable?" He ceased massaging her waist and waited for her response.

"No," She turned around in his arms and kissed him. "Not at all."

"But what about your morning breath?" He teased, caressing her cheek with his ring hand.

"Who cares about it?" Olivia laughed, kissing him once more. "We are married now. You have to love me even when my breath smells like London docks."

"That won't be an issue." Alucard kissed her, nipping on her bottom lip, before rolling them over so he was lying on top of her. With a sigh of content, he snuggled against her chest and listened to his favorite melody in the world next to Olivia's voice. "Let me stay like this for a while longer. Just until the sun sets."

"You can stay for as long as you like." Olivia reminded him, running her fingers through his hair until he was fast asleep.

'Oh, Anya, Apa,' She sighed, staring up at the ceiling with a radiant smile. 'I'm married to the man I love.'

She lifted her ring hand up and marveled at how extravagant yet simple her wedding ring was. It was a surreal feeling, being married to not just any vampire but the fearsome Vampire King himself. Of course their relationship had always been a bit unorthodox considering he was immortal and she was—.

Olivia felt her heart fall to her stomach and the consequences of her relationship with Alucard hit her like a bucket of ice water.

Even though Olivia promised to be by Alucard's side until the end of time, that didn't change the fact that she was mortal. She would grow old and wrinkly, finally fitting Alucard's standard of beauty, then she would die.

And Alucard would be left alone with nothing but her headstone.

Olivia found herself at a crossroads, and that familiar sense of dread infiltrated her veins.

She loved Alucard and didn't want to leave his side, but she also wanted to see her family again. She wanted to meet her loved ones as an old woman who had fought her battles and lived her life to the fullest. But, the mere thought of dying and leaving the man she loved behind was too unbearable to think about. Yet, the thought of watching Walter and Sir Hellsing die was unbearable as well.

Olivia loved Alucard, and she loved her late family.

But she couldn't have both.

Sooner or later, she would have to make a decision.

"Olivia?" Alucard opened his eyes and peered up at her, the change in her heart rate rousing him from his slumber. "Is something wrong?"

'You truly are a wrathful God.' Olivia chuckled bitterly, covering her face as tears stained her cheeks. 'Can't I be selfish for once and have both?'

"Oliv—?"

"It's nothing." She sobbed, forcing a shaky smile across her face. "I'm just…so happy right now that I can't help but cry."

Alucard tried to read her mind, but her thoughts were so muddled that he couldn't decipher what was what.

"Olivia—!"

"Don't say a word." She latched onto him and buried her face against his chest. "Just….hold me for a while. I promise that I'm fine. I just….don't want to wake up yet."

Perplexed by her sudden change in attitude, Alucard silently did as she requested and held her as she bemoaned something so painful that it was worth lying to him about.

The train ride to Paris was a quiet one with Olivia staring out the window, and Alucard and 'Mr. Coffin' staring at her.

'Mr. Coffin' pawed at their master's thigh, clearly asking if their mistress was alright.

But Alucard paid his coffin no mind, his eyes burning holes into the back of Olivia's head.

'What changed? You were all smiles this morning and now you are acting like you were before we left London.' A sudden thought passed through his mind that made his blood freeze. 'Do you…..regret marrying me?'

Angling her neck back slightly, Olivia peeked at Alucard through her peripheral vision and saw the thinly veiled distress painted on his face.

Guilt flooded her veins, and she knew she needed to make her fears known so they could address them properly. But her feelings were such a mess that she didn't know how to convey them.

However, in the end, everything boiled down to one simple question: what did she want?

It was her life, and she would have to make the decision eventually.

Or…..maybe she already did.

Olivia's wedding ring was warm against her skin, and it filled her heart with the courage she needed to speak up. So, she took a deep breath and crawled onto Alucard's lap, rousing him from his daze.

"This morning, it dawned on me that I'm a mortal woman who is married to a vampire. I know, if I am to stay by your side, I'll have to become a vampire too." She fiddled with the edge of her blue, floral print dress. "When I accepted your proposal, there wasn't a shred of doubt in my heart. I love you with all my heart and soul, Alucard, and knowing that I'm your wife makes me feel like I can fly. So," Olivia finally made eye contact with him. "I realize what I am asking for is selfish, but I want to experience growing old and living knowing every second matters. I want to grow into an old woman who has made peace with herself and can say she has no regrets. Once that happens, ask me that question then and I will have my answer ready. Alright?"

Alucard was completely dumbstruck.

'That is what was bothering you? THAT IS WHAT WAS BOTHERING YOU?! THAT WAS IT?!'

"Alu—OUCH!"

"You really are an idiot." Alucard growled, yanking on her cheeks like they were putty. "Of course you are going to grow old! Do you think I'm going to miss out on the chance to see you become truly beautiful?"

Though he was pissed off beyond reason, Alucard could finally breathe again.

She didn't regret marrying him. She still loved him. She still wanted him.

"OUCH! OUCH! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!" Olivia flailed around, her cheeks on the verge of ripping apart. "THIS FUCKING HURTS, ALUCARD! LET ME GO!"

"My wife and her ridiculous thoughts." Alucard suddenly released her cheeks and chopped her on the forehead. "And aren't you the one always bugging me about expressing my thoughts? Try taking your own advice for once, regina mea."

Olivia could tell by his tone he was still peeved, but the fact that he called her 'my queen' indicated he wasn't too upset, so she snuggled against him and smiled when he wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm sorry, my love. I guess reality finally caught up with me this morning and took me off guard." She kissed his neck before laying her head on his shoulder. "I love you, Alucard."

"And I love you, Olivia." He murmured, reality finally catching up with him as well.

A part of Alucard knew this matter would eventually come up, but he choose to ignore it. But, now that Olivia finally acknowledged the elephant in the room, he couldn't help but think about the two paths that lay before them.

It was Olivia's decision to choose which path their marriage would eventually take, and he would love her regardless of her choice.

If she chose the night, he would turn her, and she would join him in the ranks of the undead.

If she chose to die a human, then…..

"What do you want for Christmas, Mr. Alucard?" Olivia asked him in the manor gardens ten years ago.

He laughed at her innocent question and replied with, "Ha! Do you think you can grant my wish?"

"Maybe." She answered, her teeth chattering from the bitter cold.

Only a worthy human could defeat him—Alucard refused to die any other way.

And, as he gazed down at Olivia who had fallen asleep, he knew—should she choose the light—he was going to ask her to grant his wish.

But….such thoughts were for another time.

Olivia was here in his arms, and he was going to enjoy every second he had at her side.

After a decade of knowing Olivia, Alucard had learned to appreciate the rare blessings life granted him.

"I love you." His fingers dug into her skin, as if preventing her from disappearing again. "I love you so much, Olivia."

Back in Amiens, Duchess Valentine was hard at work on the next chapter of her manga when there was a tap at the window.

It was a messenger bat with a note fastened onto its right leg.

"Who on Earth could this be from?" Fay wondered, opening the window and allowing the bat to enter. "You look oddly familiar. Have we met before?"

The bat flew around the room a few times before landing on Fay's pointer finger and watched as she removed the note and unraveled it.

There wasn't much written on the note, but its contents were enough to bring a smile onto her face.

On the note was a drawing of a black dog and a white rabbit with wedding rings and a caption that read: Here is what your readers have been waiting for. Go nuts.

Fay clutched the note to her chest and sighed blissfully.

"May you finally know happiness, Your Highness."

Then she blew a kiss to the sky, sending all her love and blessings to the happy couple.

Upon reaching Paris, Alucard flew Olivia to the top of the Eiffel Tower and they watched the sun set over the horizon.

This was their last night before returning to London and becoming soldiers once more.

"So much has changed since we were last here." Olivia noted, Alucard's arms wrapped around her like a security blanket. "It was a lovely trip, wasn't it?"

"It was." Alucard agreed, pulling her closer as the cool night wind began to pick up. "Getting married made it even better."

"It did." She laughed, holding her ring hand out and watching the ruby shine in the fading sunlight. "This is a vacation I will never forget."

"You better not." Alucard teased, cradling her ring hand in his and watching the emerald shine alongside the ruby. "Or we will have to re-do the entire wedding again."

"I wouldn't mind getting married to you again." Olivia confessed, wishing they could have a legal wedding the next go around. "How about you?"

"We could be wed a million times, and I would still ask for your hand again."

"There you go again being all sentimental." Olivia giggled, kissing him with all her might.

"It's your fault for making me this way." He retorted, returning the kiss with equal—if not more—passion. "How can I strike fear into the hearts of our enemies when my wife has me wrapped around her finger?"

"Oh, you can still be the fearsome Vampire King if you want." She weaved their fingers together and kissed his wedding ring. "Just don't let anyone else, but me, see you like this. This side of you is for my eyes only. Got it?"

"Yes, my queen." Alucard chuckled, pulling her in for a kiss as the sun finally disappeared below the horizon. "Anything for you."

Since Sir Hellsing expected them back at the manor by 4 am the following morning, Olivia and Alucard boarded a first-class ferry back across the English Chanel.

The crew was hosting a dance with live music and the two of them decided to join in the festivities.

However, to have a little fun, they got dressed in separate rooms and entered from opposite sides of the ballroom.

Alucard descended from the west staircase, dressed in an intricate black formal dress uniform and wearing his long hair down.

Olivia descended from the east staircase, dressed in a floor length white dress with various colors painted across the hem and with her long, wavy hair brushed over her left shoulder.

Never taking their eyes off each other, they meet in the center of the dance floor as the lights dimmed and the band took to the stage.

And the moment the music began, they began to dance.

Well, after all that we've been through

Would you still call this 'love', baby?

'Cause love's the only proof

That the ugly could be beautiful

Well, god knows I'm feeling spent

And though I've still got my money, honey

Money's the revenge

Of the ugly on the beautiful

Alucard twirled Olivia around before swinging her back into his arms, seeing no one on the dancefloor but her.

Well, the drugs just ain't enough

And though I like the way they made us crazy

Love's the only drug

That turns the ugly into beautiful

Olivia placed her hand against his cheek, the warmth of her wedding band radiating down his spine to his chest.

And I can't tell you why

I'm still so much afraid of dying

When dying reconciles

The ugly and the beautiful

Though we've been burned by it

Alucard kissed her cursed hand.

Let's still believe in love

Olivia kissed his sigils.

'Cause love's the greatest gift

They closed their eyes, their forehead pressed together as they swayed to the music.

Of the ugly to the beautiful

He spun her around again, this time the spotlight following her back. Neither of them cared for the applause or cheers from the other guests and focused on nothing but each other.

After all, the first dance between newlyweds was always important.

Though we've been burned by it (though we've been burned)

The song was drawing to a close and a tear slipped from Olivia's eye.

Let's still believe in love (let's still believe)

Alucard wiped it away with his ring hand, a tear also slipping from his eye.

'Cause love's the greatest gift (love is the greatest gift)

Both of them leaned in for a kiss, their hands buried in the other's hair as the final notes of the song rang out.

Of the ugly to the beautiful

And so Olivia's journey home had finally drawn to a close, and it was time for her and Alucard to return to reality.

But, as they held each other on the dance floor, all of that seemed so far away, and they continued to dance long after the music stopped playing.

A/N: An alternate title for this chapter was Chapter 40: The Thirst Awakens. LOL. My history loving friend said Alucard/Olivia was too vanilla, so now they are vanilla with sriracha drizzled on top. Lol. And the song Olivia hears her family singing is the same nursery rhyme she was singing the day her family was murdered.

And most of the historical facts in this chapter are exaggerated or bullshit so pay them no mind. Regarding Alucard's castle, while doing research for this chapter, I found many castles and places connected with Vlad the Impaler but none of them explicitly stated it was his so I rolled with that logic.

Also, the last part on the train to Florence gives a hint into Alucard's fate by Arthur and it not meant to be taken romantically. Arthur did warn that Alucard tore the world apart for a woman once and he would not let it happen again. Also, this chapter touched on the fact that Olivia is mortal and Alucard is undead so she will have to make a decision eventually. And Alucard never had someone love him in his life, so of course he is going to cling to Olivia because she is the one good thing to happen to him in centuries.

But yes, Olivia was thirsty as hell in this chapter.

I hope you enjoyed this extra long chapter! The song the chapter is named after and the one playing on the ferry is "The Ugly and The Beautiful" by The Real Tuesday Weld. Link is on my profile! Oh! And the FF7 character Olivia was based off is Cloud.

Happy Holidays to you all and thank you so much for your support of my fanfic! I love you guys so much! Happy New Year too!

Please leave a review~! I love them so much!

Thank you again and see you in the next chapter! :D