November 29th – 11:49pm

Alexander Anderson had that feeling again.

He found he couldn't pray.

Yes, he could go through with all the regulars, thank you, forgive me, give me this or that, but his heart was sad, and couldn't connect, not tonight.

He was lonely.

He had been at the orphanage that day, all day, and one child had been adopted, causing an old pit of longing to open up once again. As he watched the parent's happily take the child away with them, so pleased and joyful, Anderson watched and felt it. They all had each other. All the little children of the orphanage had each other. He was with them, yes, but that was different. He was more like their school teacher. He didn't have anyone.

He tried to make it go away, but it wouldn't.

He sighed and clasped his hands, bending his head again as he sat on his bed.

"Lord… understand me. I'm lonely, for heaven's sake I'll admit it! I want someone to be with, to be around, and to care about more personally than I do the children at the orphanage. Please, have mercy God, and… perhaps… send me someone… I don't know… special. Put someone special in my life."

"Alucard!"

"Yes, my master?"

"Was this your doing?"

"Yes, my master." Alucard grinned at the corners of his mouth.

"'For someone special…'" Integra held up the small little see through dress that wouldn't have made it mast her belly button. "Really?"

"Seras was watching that Christmas movie, 'Elf,' again. Gave me an idea."

"Well…it went over just as well as it did in the movie." She snarled. "I should make you wear it."

Alucard arched an eyebrow, his smile still there.

"Go throw this out for me, you bastard." She sighed and blew some smoke from her mouth, holding up her cigar. "You are something special, aren't you?"