A/N:

*coughs*

uhm... hi? Yeah... been a while? Let's pretend that's not the case.

Welcome back everyone!

*grabs mic*

-/-

A little while later, after school had officially ended, the members of the occult research club were sitting around in their clubroom, doing this or that. Apart from the commotion the same morning, it had been a rather quiet and uneventful day for all of them. Everyone in school was feeling the rising heat of summer over Japan, causing not only the students to frequently drift away from the topic of the class, but also the teachers to substantially reduce the amount of homework they assigned. It was some kind of unspoken agreement, the students would keep quiet during class and the teachers wouldn't go completely overboard concerning the homework. Besides, it wasn't like they were in any mood to correct large amounts of paperwork either.

So, as was said, the quiet and uneventful day in school resulted in an equally quiet get-together during what was officially their club-activity. The members of Rias' peerage simply sat around and kept themselves busy with various different things.

Asia for example was teaching Hinata a card game from Italy, which seemed to be reminiscent of poker, yet not really poker. The brown haired jock apparently had a hard time getting the hang of it, judging from the way Asia kept winning one game after the other. Kiba and Koneko, meanwhile, just sat by and watched, while they enjoyed some sweets together.

Aaron was leaning back on the couch he was sitting in, his feet lazily resting on the table in front of him and had his hands crossed behind his head. His jacket of the school uniform was discarded long ago and he had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up, while the top few buttons were undone. The vampire had his mesmerizing blue eyes closed and seemed to either be asleep or in deep thought. Either way, he wasn't moving an inch and his breathing got slow and steady a while ago. If not for him scratching his nose from time to time, Aaron could have been dead just as well, he made so little movements.

Raynare was sitting on the other end of the same couch, currently reading a book Rias recommended to her. The red haired devil was rather shocked when she learned about Raynare's severely lacking knowledge of modern pop culture. Apparently, the fallen angel didn't have a lot of time to enjoy the simple things in life in the past, such as reading a good book. It really was a shame. Well, at least now Raynare seemed to be unable to put the first volume of "Harry Potter" out of her hand. Judging from the faint smile the black haired woman had on her lips and how her beautiful purple eyes lit up occasionally while reading, she seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. Which was actually a good thing, Raynare often left the impression that she really didn't legitimately enjoy anything, apart from following her master.

Rias was of course sitting behind her desk, like she always did and watched over her servants. They seemed happy. Apparently, some had already apologized to Aaron for their behavior, something which Rias would have to soon do herself.

The breathtaking redhead was glad that things went back to normal again. Or at least as normal as they could be. She didn't even want to begin imagining how her life would look like now, if it wasn't for her knight in pitch black armor. Her eyes wandered over to Aaron, sitting apparently completely relaxed on the sofa. He seemed like there was nothing bothering him, no trouble or any problem at all. Anyone would have looked at him and thought Aaron was merely relaxing. Though Rias knew him better than that. She was fully aware that Aaron wasn't relaxing. One had to know him to notice how his body was all tense and how the rhythm of his breathing was consciously enforced, not something originating from relaxation. No, Rias knew that Aaron in fact was waiting. He waited for the last remnant of his past to be solved, waited for a word to reach him concerning Yubelluna's body. He promised her a proper funeral and that would be what Yubelluna would get. But Aaron had to wait for Yui's body. And Rias would wait with him. No doubt about it. She just hoped that this particular matter would be solved rather fast. She hoped so for his sake.

Even though, waiting maybe wasn't the only thing currently on his mind, Aaron had avoided lengthy conversations for the entire time today, only giving short, one worded answers. Something was clearly bothering him, Rias felt it. He was brooding over something very important to him and Rias was sure it didn't have to do with the impending funeral. The gorgeous devil didn't like seeing him this way at all. She hoped for him to entrust her with his worries and issues, but apparently Rias had blown that chance this morning. The heir to the house of Gremory wanted to bite herself, she had no idea what had gotten the better of her.

It was all because Akeno was also so very interested in Aaron and Rias couldn't lose to her best friend this time. Rias was aware that Akeno had a certain allurement to her, a certain way in how she behaved and did things, different from Rias, a way which was undeniably attractive. Rias couldn't legitimately deny that, seeing how her relationship with Akeno exceeded normal friendship from time to time, simply because of Akeno's charms. But never the less. Rias would not give Aaron up to Akeno. Never. Aaron was hers and hers alone. As strange as it may have sounded to Rias herself, but she found herself jealous of Akeno. Which was really ridiculous, to be honest, Rias was hardly the jealous type. But still, every time her best friend made a move on Aaron, Rias couldn't resist the urge to separate them and step in.

Sure, if Rias would have been forced to marry that filthy scumbag Riser, she would have liked Akeno to take her place. The priestess of thunder was her best friend and obviously very fond of Aaron. But that luckily didn't happen and now Rias had every intention of making Aaron her own.

She looked over to her best friend, who was sitting opposite to Aaron on the couch facing him. Her legs were pressed tightly together, more tightly than usual and the black haired queen had a heavy blush on her cheeks, as she kept looking surreptitiously at Aaron. Quick glances, which were frequent, but barely there. Each time the color of her face seemed to get brighter.

Wait a minute, wasn't Akeno at the clubroom with Aaron, before I came? Rias thought about that for a moment, it was true. When Rias left her class and headed for the old schoolhouse, Aaron and Akeno had been there already. Akeno had called Aaron cruel when Rias entered the clubroom, but the vampire merely smirked, his hands in his pockets, as he greeted Rias. Akeno was flushed all over her face even back then. Rias felt like she was close to figuring something out, how Aaron was apparently comfortable with something and how Akeno seemed like she had the orgasm of her life. Hang on a second. Something in Rias' head clicked almost audibly into place.

"Akeno?" Rias called out for her queen with a certain firmness in her voice, yet still not unfriendly.

"Yes, president?" Akeno replied, looking up from wherever she was looking and over to Rias' desk. The busty black haired devil fumbled nervously with her skirt, as if she was making sure it was still in place.

"Tell me, what were you doing before I came to the clubroom?" Rias asked.

"I was taking a shower" Akeno replied, her blush getting even brighter. At this moment Aaron opened one eye to glace over to Rias, who had a one-sided, shaky smirk on her lips.

"Is that all, Aaron?" Rias asked, now turning to the vampire. He did have considerably more color on his skin than he had this morning, now that Rias thought about it. There was just one way that could have happened. "Or could it be possible that you have been drinking from her?" she wanted to know.

"I have, Ma'am" Aaron replied with a shrug, causing most of the people in the room to look up and see what was going on. Most people, but not Raynare, who was so immersed in Harry Potter, she wasn't even aware of people talking.

Rias' face dropped for a short moment, before she was able to collect herself. Of course he would choose Akeno. She was the one who did all those stray devil hunts with him, she was the tough fighter and she was turned on by violence and cruelty, something Aaron had earned the Benjamins with since forever. "So you decided" she stated defeated, what did she ever do for him, apart from needing to be rescued or bossing him around to do stupid shit for her? Still, Rias could do that! Hadn't Lucius DeClaire told her that Aaron liked her? That had to count, didn't it? The crimson haired ruin princess was not done yet! This was not over!

"Aaron didn't decide anything, Rias" Akeno tried "He was just-" Akeno wanted to explain how someone in Aaron's class had a nosebleed and how that had triggered his thirst badly enough for him to immediately need nourishment. It wasn't like he searched for Akeno specifically, he just needed blood. If it would have been Rias taking the shower, he would have drunk from her and if it was Raynare, she'd be the one he'd used.

But Rias didn't let Akeno explain that to her, instead she cut her best friend off, as she stood up to speak "I am not going to discuss that with you again, Akeno. Last time I-"

"Aaron can drink from whomever he wants! It was mere coincidence that I happened to be here and you weren't, when he needed blood" Akeno said firmly, standing up herself. Aaron now opened his other eye as well, leaning forward, ready to step in between both of the girls, should the need arise. "He didn't choose or decide anything! We both know this is not something he can control indefinitely! What's your problem?"

"My problem? You ask me about my-" Rias again was cut off. But this time neither by Akeno nor by Aaron, who didn't step in.

No, she was cut off by the door to the clubroom being opened without any knocking. Which was strange, seeing as how the entire club was in attendance and Kalawarner currently occupied with a teacher's meeting. So there was really no one left who would come into the clubroom, without knocking. Sona and her peerage dropped by sometimes, sure, but they always asked for permission before they entered. So who was the visitor?

"Excuse the sudden interruption" a familiar voice called out, as heads turned to the door. It was none other than Lucius DeClaire, who was paying the occult research club a visit. He was followed by his assistant, Myriam, and an unknown woman with lengthy blond, borderline white, straight hair. She was wearing a large pair of glasses and an olive-green coat over her white shirt. A blood red ribbon was tied around the collar of her shirt, with a silver cross holding the red fabric together.

"Old man, what are you doing here?" Aaron asked, getting up from his place and walking over to DeClaire. He shook his hand firmly, actually rather happy to see him. Quickly eyeing the blond companion Lucius brought with him, Aaron asked "Who's she?"

DeClaire smiled "Ah yes, you haven't met." he said "This is Sir Integra Hellsing, of the Hellsing organization." DeClaire introduced, loud enough for everyone to hear, before he proceeded to introduce everyone else "This is Rias Gremory with what I believe to be her peerage" DeClaire explained, gesturing towards the crimson haired ruin princess, before he grabbed Aaron's shoulder in a proud way, like only a father could. "And this of course is Aaron Schmitt. My son" DeClaire said, causing Aaron to raise an eyebrow for a moment, while he reached out to shake Integra's hand. He was surprised to find her grasp was strong and determined and lacked any femininity altogether.

It was the first time the woman spoke up and her voice was commandeering and full of authority, suiting the first impression Aaron got from her. Integra Hellsing was a force to be reckoned with, so much was sure. "Alucard, you should probably drop that ridiculous face of yours" she said to DeClaire as if it was obvious.

Right in that moment DeClaire's skin started boiling, the color fading away. His brown eyes changed into red and his hair turned deep black, while it grew to shoulder length.

The entire clubroom stared at DeClaire, who just transformed his whole appearance into someone else. Apart from Rias, no one knew who that guy was in the first place, but never the less Rias was totally speechless. Who was that, she wondered. A question, which didn't bother her too long.

"I knew it" Aaron suddenly laughed. "I knew it" he repeated, stepping forward to give the new person a quick hug, which was returned. "Good to see you again, father"

"We should talk" Aaron's father said, taking Aaron with him, as he turned around to leave the clubroom. Myriam was quick to follow him, leaving Integra alone in a room with a lot of devils and one fallen angel, who had actually managed to put her book aside for now.

"It seems I am not welcome in that conversation" Integra tried after a moment of somehow awkward silence, in which she felt everyone stare at her. "Well, family reunions have never been my strong point. I guess" Integra mumbled to herself, before she spoke up to everyone again "Please excuse our rude interruption before, but the count can be a bit harsh at times."

"The count?" Rias asked, to which Integra nodded.

"Yes. Aaron's father is Count Dracula" she revealed.

"We are aware of-" Rias stopped herself, before she realization dawned on her like the sun in the morning sky. "Hang on, are you telling me that Lucius DeClaire in reality is-" Rias again didn't speak that thought aloud. It seemed ridiculous, didn't Aaron say he vanished a long time ago? How was this possible? Why was he pretending to be DeClaire?

An almost creepy smile flashed over the Hellsing's face, as her eyes lit up in anticipation "Yes, it is true. He is the one and only Count of Transylvania, the No Life King himself, the great Dracula"

"You called Aaron's father by a different name, didn't you? May I ask why that is?" Akeno's curiosity got the better of her, she just wanted to know that, before she'd shut up again.

"Yes, my family always called him Alucard. You may notice it is a palindrome for Dracula and as such, is much less suspicious to use in public. To me, he is Alucard."

"I see" Rias answered for Akeno, who had a satisfied expression on her face, before the red haired devil gestured towards one of the couches. "Sir Integra, may I offer you a cup of tea? I would love to ask you one or two questions, if you don't mind" she said with a smile. Akeno got up from the couch without a word and left to prepare said tea, not even waiting for Integra to reply. With strangely small steps, the queen walked past Rias' desk, leaving her king wondering. What was wrong with her today? She behaved too strange, and she still had that bright red flush all over her face. Strange.

"Since I am kind of stuck here until Alucard returns, some tea would be appreciated," Integra moved over to the now empty couch, which Akeno had been occupying, before she gracefully sat down in the middle. Reaching into a pocket on the inside of her coat, the head of the Hellsing organization pulled out a thin cigar. She looked at the precisely rolled, expertly crafted, fine tobacco for a moment, before she apparently realized she was in a school, surrounded by children, or at least people who looked rather young. So she put the cigar back in its place, deciding she would be a bad role model if she started to smoke now. Besides, fine Japanese tea and cigars? That hardly fit anyways.

In the meantime, Rias had moved from her desk to the spot which Aaron used before, now facing Integra, who was eyeing her and Raynare curiously. "Am I correct to assume that you all are in fact not human, but devils?" Integra asked, correcting the position of her glasses with one finger.

"For the most part, you are correct. My peerage around you are all devils, apart from Raynare" Rias gestured towards the woman to her right.

"I'm a fallen angel" Raynare replied flatly, when Akeno came back with the prepared tea. She set the silver tray down in the middle of the table, pouring both Integra as well as Rias a cup. Again, the crimson haired ruin princess couldn't help but notice that her best friend was moving strangely today. She wouldn't go as far as to call Akeno clumsy, but her movements definitely lacked a bit of her otherwise so stoic grace. She crouched down to set the tray onto the table instead of just bowing like anyone else would have done and Akeno's legs were still tightly pressed together. Really strange. Maybe her back hurt? It was a problem Rias was very much aware of, one bad bra and that rather voluptuous chest, which both Rias and Akeno undeniably carried around, soon got you a backache.

"I see" Integra replied "To think he brought me to a place like that..." she mused sipping her tea. "This is excellent tea, young lady. Thank you very much" she said to Akeno with a faint one sided smile.

"My pleasure" Akeno replied, before Rias addressed the previously made statement.

"Care to elaborate that?" she asked, crossing her arms under her breasts, heaving them up just a little bit, while accentuating their alluring curves. Raynare couldn't help but smirk, thinking back to how she did the same thing with Grayfia only two days ago, before Aaron's duel with Riser. And just like the strongest queen did back then, Integra apparently took the bait just as easily, as she looked at Rias' full breasts for just the shortest of moments, before a just as short frown showed on her face.

"I beg your pardon" Integra said shaking her head slightly, her eyes now fixed to Rias' like they were glued in place. It still amused Raynare, while Integra continued "Please do not misunderstand, but me and my organization are in the business of fighting and killing demons, devils, vampires and the likes. Anything supernatural, which poses a threat to mankind, really."

Rias actually laughed silently after that. "So was Aaron for quite a long time and yet we get along perfectly now" she said with fond smile, which definitely did not go unnoticed by Integra "I doubt we have reasons to fight each other, don't you agree?"

"None I could think of right now," Integra agreed, relaxing visibly. In theory she was well aware that there are devils who could be considered 'good' as far as the meaning of the word was applicable to a devil, but still. Integra had yet to meet one of those supernatural devils. Apparently, she now had. Rias seemed honest enough. Besides, it wasn't like Integra had much choice here. She had promised Alucard to come along, while he took care of his family business. And as long as he had things to discuss with his son, Integra would have to wait.

Luckily for Integra, her vampire-protector was exemplary when it came to judging threats. And he had spoken to Rias before. Alucard always said the red haired devil was someone very special, ever since he had met her. And if he said so, there had to be a reason. Integra trusted Alucard like she trusted no one else. If he said, she was safe here, she simply was. Easy as that. No reason to be hostile.

"Good" Rias nodded. "Now, would you be so kind and shine some light into, well, everything actually. What is going on? Not to offend you, Sir Integra, but why exactly are you here?"

-/-

"Tell me, why did you hide it from me?" Aaron asked, walking next to his father on a beautiful path right next to a river. The water was flowing with a calming rush, while the sun was shining and the pink blossoms of the hill cherry trees, which lined the path in sheer endless numbers, were rustling softly, some of them gently sailing to the ground.

In midst of this colorful scenery, the pink of the cherry trees, the blue of the river and the orange of the sun, the two walking men seemed oddly black and white. Their pitch black hair seemed to deny light altogether and their pale skin didn't shine as one would expect from such a bright day. It indeed did seem like around them, the light was just sucked up and dulled down. Even the colors didn't seem as bright as they were when all around them.

"I felt like it would help you to move on. I didn't want to remind you too much of the past. To be honest, I thought if I made you forget, if I just got you focused enough on doing something, which didn't necessarily involve supernatural beings, you might find your way back into society. And it worked somehow, didn't it?" Dracula asked.

"Could have been better" Aaron shrugged with blunt honesty.

"So much is sure" his father laughed. It was a good feeling to be openly reunited with his son. They went separate ways long ago, but no matter what, they did see each other every couple of decades. When Dracula decided to not remind Aaron of his old life, to hide his true persona from him, it had been the longest period they ever didn't see each other for. And as much as it pained Dracula to pretend being someone else, he truly believed it would be for Aaron's best.

Or so he thought. Aaron said he knew about Dracula's ruse, which left the count curious. "So, tell me, how did you know?"

Aaron chuckled "Well, know, might be a little much. I always felt something was off. You felt too familiar. I never gave it too much thought, but when I called you 'old man' one day and you didn't say anything concerning your supposed actual age, I kind of knew. Or at least I didn't bother thinking about it further," Aaron replied, the gravel crunching silently under his shoes, as he walked with his father, followed by Myiram in some respectful distance.

The assistant tried to not listen, but it was impossible. She was just too happy for Dracula. More often than not had she listened to him secretly telling her about all the things he thought he did wrong concerning Aaron. And all the time, Myriam tried to encourage him to have faith in his own abilities. It was strange. Dracula wasn't insecure by any stretch of the imagination in any regard. Apart from Aaron. His son always made him doubt himself. Luckily for him, despite being a mortal human, Myriam had raised more than six younger siblings, so she knew one thing or another about parenting.

"Why didn't you say something?" Dracula wanted to know after a bit, bringing Myriam's musing to an abrupt end. She just hoped her encouragement had been helpful.

"I don't know. Maybe I wanted the same thing as you did. And now I think I may have found it." He smiled fondly thinking about all his new friends, his new family he had found. Despite not being quite sure if it hadn't to do with Yubelluna, Aaron felt a strange warmth around his heart. But he was sure that was most likely because of where he was now. The place he had worked to reach for so incredibly long. He had his revenge. In the end, didn't he save Yubelluna from a fate far worse than death? Now at least she could rest in peace. Aaron would honor her and do what she wanted. What he wanted himself. And that was moving on. He found what he had searched for, what he needed.

"In a school?" Dracula asked with a chuckle "That just sounds too corny."

"In a school." Aaron confirmed in all seriousness. "I know it sounds ridiculous, me, more than a thousand years old, going to a high school. But as stupid as it may sound; it's nice... it really is. It's normal. No one shoots, no one kills. It's peaceful, really. I guess it could have been anything, working at an office or whatever. I just kind of ended up here, as stupid as it may sound. So it's a school now. Well, if I have to pretend to be a student to get a glance at what normal life looks like, I'll gladly do it." Dracula's son explained with contentment in his voice, which the count hadn't heard in forever. "Not that my activities outside school are too normal" Aaron chuckled, deeply sucking in the sweet, rosy summer evening air full of different scents, before he silently added "But I like it" like it was an unnecessary afterthought.

But to Dracula it was the most important thing to hear. It didn't matter where Aaron found a place he felt comfortable at. The only thing which mattered to the old Vampire was, that his son had finally found a place he liked. Heavens knew, he deserved it more than anyone else.

"And the company isn't half bad either" Dracula chuckled, glancing over to his son with a smirk. As they were walking, the connection they shared started to awake to new life as Dracula was made aware of the outlines of what was going on inside of Aaron. The count had made Aaron who he is now, they always shared a special bond. Dracula saw short glimpses from the last days, memories of what Aaron had seen. The younger vampire could have suppressed that link, but he never cared for that. Dracula was his father. He didn't have any secrets to hide from him and Dracula was a man of honor. He never looked at things which didn't concern him.

"There is that" Aaron replied with some seriousness in his voice, which his father was surprised to see the reason to. His son was always an open book to him, now that his emotions and feelings started to surface more than ever before. Dracula could almost see the breakfast-table Aaron sat at with all those girls this morning. Still, despite knowing that, Dracula chose a different way to broach the next topic.

"Son, listen" he said, reaching for Aaron's shoulder and bringing him to a stop, before he looked him deep in his blue eyes. "I am very sorry for how things went down with your fiancée" he said in all seriousness. That was not the reason Aaron suddenly got so serious, the count was well aware of that, but the argument between him and the girls this morning would have lead the conversation in the wrong direction.

"Thank you, father" Aaron replied "But I am alright. I really am. This may sound strange, but I feel like she is still with me, guiding me," Aaron said, not even trying to hide it. Truth was, he did feel exactly like that. The dream he had this night was just a small part. There was also Grayfia, who Aaron almost beat up in rage, before that rage simply died off. Somehow, he felt like Yubelluna was still with him, pointing things out to him, things he should consider or notice.

"That's because she is, son" Dracula replied, pressing his hand to Aaron's heart "Right there. She has been with you since she died, hasn't she?"

"Yes" Aaron replied reluctantly, as he rose an eyebrow.

"The souls of those we truly love can be transferred to our hearts when they die. It's rare, but it can happen. "

"Why the hell didn't you tell me this sooner?" Aaron snapped, causing his father to laugh loud.

"Son, I did tell you this, centuries ago. You know what you replied to me?" he asked

Aaron closed his open mouth and shook his head, still in an aggravated mood, but willing to listen to his father.

"You said 'That won't save my Yui now either! And there is no way I'll love someone ever again' before you rushed off to vent your anger in the woods. I didn't see you for a week after that, before you came back" Dracula chuckled. "Don't you remember?"

Aaron actually did remember, now that Dracula told him. There was an embarrassed blush spreading on his nose as he looked away. "It seems I have repressed that particular memory"

Dracula laughed heartily "Don't worry. There aren't a lot of things I had to tell you twice. Repeating myself once in a while shouldn't be a problem." he sighed amused before continuing "But it is true. We have the ability to absorb the souls of those who are close enough to us to let it happen."

"So, are you saying Yubelluna's soul is still alive within me?" Aaron asked, after his father's words have sunken in.

"Exactly, that is the case" Dracula replied, causing Aaron to be silent for a long while, as he continued walking.

"I like that" he finally said, sounding like that settled the matter for him. There really wasn't more to discuss. Aaron carried that foreign, but warm feeling around with him ever since he had passed out during the rating game. The thought of having saved a tiny piece of Yubelluna in himself was enough to make him feel peaceful. She pointed him the way. All he had to do was walk down the outlined path. It really did seem more than doable. For the first time in forever, Aaron felt confident concerning himself.

"That is good." Dracula nodded "I also have some other important news for you" he began "Sirzechs contacted me this morning. He told me that the Phenex clan have prepared Yubelluna's body, someone took care of that and has already brought her to Trier."

"Who?" Aaron wanted to know looking once again at his father. It was a great feeling to truly be with him again. They clicked together like the ancient family they were.

"A young devil named Ravel arranged everything. Quite the observant thing she is, if you ask me. Lots of potential." Saving her from Riser might have secured him her loyalty and maybe even more, Dracula thought to himself. Damn, Aaron was a worse chick-magnet than he was in his best years and he used to be really good himself.

A quick smile flashed over Aaron's lips. Sparing the youngest sibling of the Phenex clan had definitely been the right decision. "When can I bury her properly? She wanted to have a decent funeral."

"I already allowed myself to talk to the church. Her funeral is scheduled for this weekend" Dracula explained, caring like only a father can.

"How did you know...?" his son wanted to know. He didn't tell his father anything about the funeral Yubelluna wanted.

"Didn't you say you wanted a proper funeral for Yubelluna when you spoke with Sirzechs yesterday?" Dracula returned the gaze of his son. He was a great person, so much was for sure, and despite his undeniable power, Aaron had still a lot to learn. Especially his wisdom, which didn't match his age at all.

Aaron's eyes widened in surprise "You were there?"

"Of course I was."

"And the voice I heard during the duel?"

"That was me, speaking to you of course. I know my son, sometimes he needs a small push in the right direction" Dracula chuckled.

"Thank you, father" Aaron breathed.

"No problem, son. That's what family is for, isn't it? We take care of each other, so naturally I came to see how you would do against Riser. Very impressive fight by the way. I am proud of you, son "

Aaron just nodded. Taking care of each other. It reminded him of something. Or better someone. Taking care of each other. Wasn't that what they all did for each other? The whole merry bunch of friends around him? They weren't really his friends anymore, were they? They became family.

He really needed to talk to Rias.

"Oh and while we are at it" Dracula smirked, gesturing towards Aarons left pocket. "You aren't supposed to do that to a lady, Aaron and you know it."

Aaron couldn't help but laugh. "She wanted to be punished" he replied happily, the relationship he and his father shared had always been rather carefree and open. "I needed to think of something" Aaron replied retrieving a piece flimsy pink fabric from his pockets.

Dracula shook his head in amusement "Making a lady walk around with a skimpy skirt and no panties. Some punishment that is. Aaron, where are your manners?" he laughed huskily, as Aaron put the fabric back in the pocket of his trousers with a smug grin on his lips.

"C'mon father, don't tell me it didn't work"

"I never said it didn't work, son" was the laughing reply of his father.

Myriam just looked confused, not quite understanding what the source of the sudden amusement between the two vampires was. It may have been better that way, she probably wouldn't have found it too funny anyway.

-/-

Evening before the funeral:

It was Friday night at Aaron's place and all the girls were currently checking their luggage. After Aaron returned from his walk with his father, he told everyone the details about Yubelluna's funeral, which would take place Saturday afternoon. There was one of the organization's private jets waiting for Aaron and his group at Tokyo airport, which would bring them to Frankfurt am Main in Germany. Dracula had been kind enough to organize basically everything for Aaron, so all he and his friends had to do was board the plane on Friday night to Frankfurt. Someone would pick them up there and drive them to Trier, where the funeral would take place. Aaron was relieved that he didn't need to organize that as well, not because he wouldn't have done it for Yubelluna, but because he feared that organizing the funeral of his fiancée would do exactly the opposite of what she wanted for him. He would be reminded of the old times, of how much they had in common, how close they were. He would start moaning her death and ultimately, he probably would find himself incapable of moving on.

No, it was good the way it was. Dracula even managed to find a trustworthy, open minded priest, who would conduct the ceremony without any prayers. Obviously, since they would cause basically everyone in the audience physical pain.

Aaron had his luggage packed hours ago. He was used to travelling around, packing his suitcase was almost a ritual, something he did like a machine, but without having to think about it. Packing and unpacking everything neatly took him no more than three minutes at the most.

Quite contrary to the girls he shared his home with. None of them had ever travelled further away by means of human transportation. Well, none apart from Asia, so she was already done herself, sitting in the living room, her suitcase next to the couch, while she enjoyed a cup of tea. And while she sat there, listening to Aaron playing the grand piano once again, the other girls were almost panicking. What to take with them and what to leave here? How to sort everything and would the space be sufficient? Aaron had told them that they would only spend the weekend in Germany and that there was no need to pack for a whole week, but apparently everyone wanted to be prepared for each eventuality. Aaron gave up and went to play the piano maybe an hour ago. There was still time, no need to be stressed out. Besides, they had a private flight, it wasn't like the jet would leave without them.

Suddenly the doorbell rang, causing Aaron to roll his eyes. He didn't want to stop playing now, he found the perfect rhythm and speed for the track and his hands refused to let go of the ebony and ivory keys.

"Asia, would you please get the door?" he asked, his head teetering with the melody.

"Yes, of course" Asia replied, setting the cup down on the table and getting up to answer the door. She had a relaxed smile on her lips, the music Aaron created was touching her soul deeply, moving her to laugh and cry at the same time. It was very touching.

She opened the door, but didn't know the person standing outside. It was a woman in a plain white suit with blond hair, a shade or two brighter than Asia's

"Hello" Asia said after a confused blink. "How may I help you?"

A smile spread over the unfamiliar woman's lips "Chopin Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2." she said in a whisper, pricking up her ears."I guess he never changes at all."

"Uhm, who are you exactly?" Asia wanted to know confused. What was that about? Yes, the woman was right, Aaron did play Chopin, but why did she sound like she knew Aaron? Who was she? Asia wondered, as the soft and gentle piano-playing suddenly stopped and fast steps approached her from behind.

"Gabriel?" Aaron asked in disbelieve, staring at his best friend. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

The angel giggled. "His Holiness gave me some time off to go and catch up with you," she replied stepping forward and letting herself be hugged by Aaron, while hugging him back.

"It's good to see you again" Aaron replied, letting go of his best friend while asking her in with a wave of his hand.

Just in that moment Rias and Raynare came down the stairs, carrying their suitcases with them.

"Gabriel?" Rias smiled, slightly taken aback. She really didn't expect the beautiful great seraph to be here all of a sudden "What a pleasant surprise! Did Aaron invite you?" she wanted to know. The angel was his best friend after all, so it would make sense that Aaron wanted her at the funeral. But then again, Gabriel had been in Rome, so why tell her to come to Japan, only to fly to Germany shortly after? Wouldn't it be more reasonable to meet up in Germany?

"No, it's a surprise visit" Gabriel replied, eyeing the suitcases, which were starting to accumulate in the hallway. "Were you going on a vacation?" she wanted to know.

"Yubelluna's funeral is tomorrow." Aaron replied flatly, as if it explained everything. And to Gabriel, it of course did, she knew her best friend better than anyone. Even if they hadn't seen each other for hundreds of years, their closeness was unchanged.

"So you fly to Germany" she concluded with a nod. Maybe she should have called before suddenly appearing in front of Aaron's door.

"Tonight, yes" Raynare confirmed, trying to balance her suitcase on top of Rias'. But the plastic case wouldn't stand in place, so the fallen angel put it down in front of the other case with an annoyed huff and an involuntarily cute pout.

"Gabriel?" Aaron said to get her attention. "Do you want to come along as well? If you have time that is"

"If you want to have me come along, I'd love to" Gabriel replied with a smile.

In that moment Rias somehow grew a little jealous of the beautiful angel. She couldn't quite place the origin of that feeling, but the way Aaron and Gabriel interacted so easily with each other made her feel like she was left out on something. And if Rias couldn't stand one thing, it would have been that. Luckily, she didn't get the chance to dwell on this issue for long, as Kalawarner and Akeno also seemed to have packed their stuff together, carrying their suitcases down the stairs.

"Oh my, who is the new girl?" Akeno asked, as she walked past Aaron, paying special attention to slightly brushing his arm while doing so. Physical contact with the handsome vampire always sent an exciting spark through her body, so Akeno tried to get as much of it as possible.

"Another contester" Kalawarner murmured, trying her best to ignore the beautiful blonde woman right next to Aaron. Things weren't going to get easier, were they? She really wondered where Aaron managed to find all those women. On the other hand, she knew that he didn't really search for them. They all just showed up all of a sudden. It wasn't different with her and Raynare either, they literally came to his front door.

"My name is Gabriel" the angel introduced herself "I'm a good friend of Aaron."

"And one of the four great seraphs. So be on your best behavior" Rias admonished, being only half way serious about it.

"My, my" Akeno purred "You are collecting so many girls Aaron. Now you only need a female vampire and you'll have one of each."

"Gabriel is my best friend!" Aaron replied sternly, taking Akeno's teasing way too serious.

"Is that so?" the priestess of lightning replied, pulling Aarons chain. "Well, I don't mind. She is beautiful."

"Akeno..." Aaron growled dangerously "You are asking for it." He warned for only her to hear

The queen's cheeks turned all red "Maybe I am." She replied, before going to put her suitcase with the others.

Gabriel just watched silently, not really minding the conversation the two had about her. She would take the compliment, it didn't really matter who it came from "Well, she definitely is a devil" Gabriel said flatly.

"That apparent, hu?" Aaron replied with some sarcasm dripping from his voice, eliciting a silent chuckle from Rias.

"Everyone here then?" Rias wanted to know looking around her.

"What about Hinata, Koneko and Kiba?" Asia wanted to know. She kept stealing glances towards Gabriel, as if she wanted to ask something, but couldn't work up the courage.

"We'll meet them at the airport. They got picked up already" Aaron explained. It was in exactly that moment, when the doorbell rang again. Aaron made his way through all the gorgeous girls standing in his hallway towards the door.

Outside an older gentleman with a black suit and a combination cap bowed deeply. "Mr. Schmitt, I presume?" the man asked.

"Yes." Aaron said easily.

"My name is Yamanouchi Sharaku. It is my honor to be your driver for today." the chauffeur introduced himself.

"Thank you Mr. Yamanouchi " he said, turning around to call out for everyone, that their taxi had arrived. It was a black slightly stretched limousine, offering enough room for the six girls and their luggage.

Aaron watched while everyone entered the car. "What about you, Aaron?" Rias asked, as he saw him not even intending to board the vehicle. Raynare was standing right behind him, also not making a move.

"I'll go with my father. He'll pick me up in a moment, don't worry." Aaron replied. "You girls go ahead already." he said, noticing Raynare standing near him. "That goes for you as well, Ray."

"But..."

"You don't have to stick to my side" he said reaching out for her shoulder and pressing it reassuringly "I'll be fine and so will you. It's my father, I walked with him alone when he visited, didn't I?"

"I didn't like that either, you were gone so suddenly."

"Afraid something might happen to me?" Aaron asked with a warm smile on his lips.

Raynare shook her head slightly "No one can harm you. It's just I promised to stay at your side at all times."

"I know." Aaron said.

Raynare hesitated for a moment, in which the chauffeur appeared at their side. "May I get that for you, madam?" he asked, pointing at Raynare's suitcase.

"You may, Mr. Yamanouchi " Aaron replied for her, before the driver picked up Raynare's case and carried it over to the trunk. "You are nervous about travelling, aren't you?" he asked.

Raynare nodded slowly "When I travelled in the past, it was usually cleanup-duty for Kokabiel." she said.

"Well, you aren't going to do anything like that today, I promise you so much." Aaron chuckled softly "Don't worry about it. We are one big family and we take care of each other, don't we?"

"We do." she nodded.

"So you don't have to worry, do you? Go with everyone else, ok?" Aaron said warmly, noticing how Raynare swallowed heavily

"Yes, master." she said, before walking towards the car.

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A/N:

OMG I am back to this story for some reason. Why? Uh I have no fucking idea why. Actually that is a lie. You all can go and say a huge thank you to Mr. BlueFang, because if not for him I wouldn't have written this at all. This chapter is shorter than what I usually published here, but I just don't have the time to give you more.

Yeah.

I don't know when I'll publish the next chapter, so don't ask. I'll try and not let two years pass again. Try being the key word.

No point in talking more.

I love you all!

See you sometimes.