He was wise enough to know that hate is a strong word. A word he felt just enough toward you. You...oh you. He had enough interaction with Kell and Lila to have an opinion about an Antari, but you, you shattered it. You remember that night, don't you? He was in Sasenroche, engaged in a business he had longed for so long. No games, no flirting, no witty remarks; it was the path to see his sister again, Anisa. Everything was going so well. The location settled, the plan so fragile... until you ruined it all. You were a newly discovered Antari, found by Lila, who had a talent for that. You had written the symbols, only to make one wrong curve and teleport yourself into that conversation, into that room. You ruined the whole secret. It wasn't your fault, Kell had said. You were new to this. But you...you thought of him and teleported right where he was. Even though this was only three months ago. You work with Lila and Kell now, so he sees you around. The Inroads was busy, the tavern full, drink after drink. You smiled as Lila dragged Kell out of the tavern, leaving you at the table with Alucard and some crew members. Alucard's eyes glinted with a mixture of curiosity as he leaned back in his chair, taking a slow sip from his tankard.

"You know," he began, his voice dripping with a mix of sarcasm and genuine curiosity, "for someone so new to this, you sure have a knack for appearing where you're least wanted." One of the crew members chuckled, glancing between the two of you.

You met Alucard's gaze. "It was a mistake, I'm here to help now," you said softly.

"A mistake that nearly cost me everything."

Another crew member tried to lighten the mood, raising his mug. "To mistakes then, and the trouble they bring!" The table laughed, but Alucard's eyes never left yours. Oh, but there was an undeniable tension between the two of you, a palpable electricity. He yearned to grab you, to pull you close in a way that was both urgent and tender and to kiss you a senseless, passionate collision of lips and emotions.