The shower could be heard in the empty bedroom, the bathroom door had been left opened and singing wafted through. Thea’s voice filled the room with her soft and sweet serenade. Lance was in the living room watching the news. Yes, the vampire still liked to be informed even though the actions of mortals rarely affected him. his arms stretched across the back of the couch, “Babe…you ready yet?” he called, his head leaning back against the chair as he spoke.

Thea turned the shower off as Lance spoke, stepping out and wrapping a towel around her. “I’m just out the shower. Have patience, we have time.” She made wet footprints on the carpet as she walked into the bedroom. She toweled off quickly and set the towel back on the wrack in the bathroom before looking for something to wear.

She slipped into dark blue leather pants, with a studded belt and matching heels. Her top was a lighter blue, closer to aqua with a golden colour mixed in. The top fit as a normal long-sleeved top would on the left side, but then on the right it was more of a sash. It crossed over her chest and around her back almost like a tourniquet and tied on the right under her arm midway down her side leaving more than three inches of skin on her stomach exposed. When she was done, her hair was pinned up in a messy yet attractive style and her lips shimmered with gloss.

“Hon, what are you…” The words spilled from Lance’s mouth as he stepped into the bedroom, but the sight of Thea halted him. She looked at him. “What? I’m ready?” she said with a smile as she walked passed him. He eyed her wantonly but said nothing. Her cell phone rang as she crossed the carpet to grab her jacket and go. “Hello?” she answered, Claire’s voice coming through the line. “We’re on our way…Not far…Meet you by the bar.” She hung up. “We have to go, Claire and the others have been there for over an hour,” she informed Lance.

“I told you,” he said as his arms slipped around her waist and he kissed her. “Yes, yes, so you did. Now let’s get going,” she urged. She opened the front door and stepped into the hall. She laughed as Lance made a joke while they walked; they passed several people on the way but didn’t stop to speak. In the lobby she thought she felt someone watching them, but saw no one.

It wasn’t long before they were at and inside the White Mice Club. They used their vampiric speed to get there, traversing the darkness out of mortal sight, navigating by their senses to avoid any mortals. Once in the club, loud music and the intoxicating scent of mortals, plus a few immortals, permeated her senses. She left her jacket at the door as she and Lance walked towards the bar. There they were, Claire and the gang. They were mortals, the friends they had come to see that evening. They hugged and kissed their greetings and ordered their first round all within five minutes of their arrival.

These were friends from New York, friends who had come to visit them in their new home. “How’s it going so far?” Claire shouted over the loud music, though she needn’t have Thea and Lance could hear her perfectly even if she whispered, but Claire didn’t know that. “Wonderful!! But we aren’t here to talk about things, we are here to have fun!!” she said with a laugh as she finished her first drink. “Dance?” she asked her friend. The chorus rose, dance, but the men politely refused. They wanted to talk shop, catch up over a few drinks. Claire, Thea and the other three women headed for the floor.

The five found a spot in the center of the ocean of people. They danced around and with each other, each feeling secure in the presence of her friends. Thea’s hands were above her head as she body moved to the beat. Like her clothing, her dress and mannerisms in such settings had changed, she could thank Celeste for that. Though a lady at heart, Thea had learned to let her hair down and to snake her hips, some time ago. She was proving it now.

Lance sat with the other men, listening to their mortal chatter of sports and fast-paced, thrill-seeking-type activities. The intensity with which they talked about these things always made him smile to himself. What would they have said if they knew just what they were sitting next to?

He offered a few comments now and then, not bored but not particularly interested. His attention wandered after the ladies, solely after the beautiful figure of his beloved. She knew he thought of her that way. They had talked about it so many times before. And as much as she disapproved of his head-over-heels obsession with her, he couldn't really stop it. His eyes sought her out now in the writhing mass that danced, sweated and smiled under the glamorous lights of the club.

Of course, it would not be hard for him to find her simply for her, but the way she moved...so gracefully...he identified her immediately with her clumsier, mortal friends. She stood out, probably to everyone, with her killer outfit and her unnatural beauty and poise. He wasn't the only admirer; he never was. Several other men were already staring after her, heatedly discussing who should talk to her first. He smiled down at his drink, which he did not taste, and watched her.

The music continued, shifting beats effortlessly and leaving no room for awkward hesitation. Each mortal here was beautiful in his or her own way, but she outshined them all beyond comparison...and it wasn't only in his eyes. His mind reached out to her impulsively and without thought, breathing her name in silence. Thea...

The music blared, the beat thundered in every bone of her body and her arms moved of their own accord. Thea had always loved to dance, even in a time when you stood at least a foot or more apart from each other. Times had changed and Thea couldn’t complain about them, people liked to be close now, were more affectionate in public than they had been in her time. Smooching on a street corner would have been unheard of during her day; such affectionate actions were left for the comfort of closed doors and private homes.

Claire stepped behind her, backs to each other, as they laughed and danced together. It was a protective stance that mortal women used, a sort of I watch your back, you watch mine scenario. Thea didn’t need to be protected from anyone; she could protect herself very well especially against mortals.

She felt their eyes on her, mortal men, staring at her and her friends. She could hear them, chatting about who would talk to her first. She smiled to hear them. It was pretty common for her, but she did enjoy it all the same. Even when she was a mortal, men seemed to find a need to vie for her attention. Like before, she ignored them for the most part, making polite conversation and quickly moving on.

“Hottie coming our way,” Claire said to Thea before moving from her position. Claire wasn’t the type of woman who believed in one man, one woman. She really didn’t understand Thea’s connection to Lance and why she never strayed away from him, despite her goading. “Claire…” she said, as she felt her friend’s body vacate the spot behind her. She shot her a look just as she felt the male make his move.

“Hey there,” he said stepping into her view. “I’m Matt. Want to dance?” She smiled politely allowing him to think she was considering his offer. Thea… she heard Lance’s voice in her head. Lance… she replied to him, her eyes never leaving the face of the man before her. Enjoying yourself? she asked as Matt looked down at her. The man was well over her height, maybe by little less than a foot.

He watched Thea's reactions to all the mortal attention, smiling to himself and, at the same time, feeling a faint edge of vulnerability. The other men around him continued their boisterous conversations loudly, not noticing his withdrawn posture or the glimmer of unease in his eyes.

But her voice sparked in his mental ear like a delicate, beautiful flame. I am, he smiled, though she could not see it. Are you?

A faint clench tugged inside of him as the mortal stepped over to her and spoke to her. Half of him wanted to jump up right now, overturn every table in his way, and grab the little punk by his scrawny neck...But the more reasonable and, fortunately for him, more dominant half told him to be silent, to sit still and watch her handle it. After all, what would it matter if some human danced with her, anyway? Why did he take it so personally?

"...that guy a death glare, eh, Lance?"

He lifted his head and blinked, startled, at the speaker. The other man was smiling curiously at him like he wasn't sure if Lance was as sane as he had thought.

"That guy seems pretty into Thea, don't you think?"

"Yeah," he sighed, looking towards the crowd again. "Yeah, but she can handle it."

The other guy shrugged and turned to the rest of the table, instantly relapsing into whatever conversation they had been engaged in before.

I’m having a wonderful time,]/i] she spoke into his mind, her words soft and playful. She could almost sense him, his feelings. Lance was close to her, she understood him, trusted him, she knew what he was thinking as he sat watching this imposing man make a move on her.

Claire and the other ladies giggled amongst themselves as they watched Thea and the interested Matt. She looked over at them, still failing to answer Matt’s question. “Why would you want to do that?” she questioned with a smile, taking Matt by surprise. “I saw you dancing with your friends and I thought a beautiful woman should never have to dance with her friends when there is someone else around who would like take their place.”

“I was perfectly fine thanks,” she replied. “Besides, I’m not so alone,” she continued leaning her head towards the bar. Matt’s gaze followed and he made eye contact for a moment with Lance before turning back to Thea. “Well if you say so, but from where I’m standing. You’re out here and he’s over there. If you were here with me, that would never be,” he continued with his pursuit.

She crossed her arms over her chest to make herself clear without words. “Hey…I don’t mean any offence. Just one dance?” he asked almost pleading, his voice like that of a small child. “Okay. One dance and then you hit the road.” Her words were friendly yet final. She started to move again, and like the old days she kept at least a foot of space between her and Matt. If he touched her, he’d feel the sting of an immortal’s slap.

Her eyes went to Lance, even as she danced with Matt. [i]You’re distracted, she said gently. What’s on your mind? she could easily have read it for herself, but she preferred not to pry. She’d rather he tell her. She could see from his stance that he wasn’t very involved in the goings on at the bar, which was unlike him.

He caught the mortal's eye with his own staring gaze. The boy looked away and Lance smiled grimly. Again, he half-pondered making a scene right here. Maybe he could trust himself to just hurt the kid. But that would ruin the fun. Instead, he kept quiet and focused his attention on Thea.

Nothing, he lied. You're just...amazingly beautiful. Your mortal boy looks like he's died and gone to heaven. Who can blame him? No man in here's ever seen anything the likes of you before.

He smiled again, this time with a bit more confidence. It was true; Matt looked thoroughly pleased with himself. Every so often he'd glance at his seated friends and make a triumphant face. He turned his ears to the conversation closest to him: apparently, cars was the new topic. He studied his glass, still full and inviting in the neon lights, pretending every so often to look thrilled by the talk of fast vehicles and leather seats. Then the topic turned to politics, and Lance gladly involved himself in the menacing arguments of a half-dozen drunk men.

Every so often, he'd glance over at Thea to make sure she appeared happy. He wanted to be close to her...as if he ever didn't want that...but this was her time to be with her friends and to relax without him constantly bothering her over her shoulder. Why not let her enjoy herself? She deserved as much for putting up with him in all his needy moments.

We both know that’s not true, she said half laughing, as he said he was thinking of nothing. You keep telling me I’m beautiful I might be forced to believe you, she teased. Lance was that type of guy, he let you know how he felt about you, unlike some men who could feel but could not express. She was glad for that, she didn’t want secrets, she didn’t need more secrets.

Sometimes she felt badly about keeping her secret from Lance. She had never told him that she’d been married. He knew all about Alexander, her son who died, but she had never mentioned James. She had sworn in the heat of anger and pain that she would never utter his name again as long as she lived. She had kept that vow, even to that day. Celeste had known of James, had been there to help her put him the box she’d made in her mind and seal it for all times.

Does he? I didn’t notice, she told Lance, her words honest. Thea could care less about the mortal she danced with, she was just being nice. She was sure he was thrilled that she had given him the time of day, and more than likely so were the friends he was with. I’m not that special, she continued telling Lance. Though Thea had always attracted attention with her looks and mannerisms she had never seen herself as a beauty. Her mother had taught her humility and she still had that.

She saw his smile and returned it with one of her own. After a few minutes Matt tried the inevitable, to get a little closer with the goading of his friends. “I though we had an understanding. My space…your space,” she said making imaginary boxes with her hands. “You don’t enter mine.” Matt raised his arms defensively. “I just thought it might be a little more fun that way.” Thea shot him a look. “I doubt that.” That seemed to get her point across.

As the song wound down and another quickly rose to replace it, Thea stopped moving. “One dance,” she said with a small smile. “Already? I don’t think that can count,” Matt said trying to find some reason to stick around. “I do,” she replied. He nodded his head and then took her hand placing a small piece of paper in her palm. “Call me if you ever get tired of…” he looked over his shoulder towards Lane and back at her before going about his merry way.

“What was that?” Claire asked seeing the exchange. “Here… for you,” Thea said, handing her the piece of paper. “Now where were we?” she said with a laugh and resumed her dance with her friends. She glanced at Lance, his posture had changed, which meant he was more interested in the conversation. Thea guessed politics was the topic, as Lance was keen on such things. He was an informed man with ideas and opinions. She liked that.

He did not miss the snide remarks of the mortal. It seemed, regardless of how many years he lived, he could not get over that sharp temper that took him whenever someone else tried to take Thea away from him, even if it was just a small gesture as a dance. Secretly, he hated this. But Thea was a woman of boundaries, and he had great respect for her lovely, thoughtful morals.

Lance took advantage of a minor deviation in the conversation to turn his inner attention back to Thea. He could just see her through patches of mortal flash as they shimmered with perspiration and dark light. Out of all the dampened bodies in the room, out of all the women with their hair now scattered messily in chaos, only one remained composed and perfect; she still looked very much like the queen she was born to be.

You're not that special, he replied with gentle disbelief. You are the most beautiful woman in here, and yet you're also the most wonderfully modest...that's one of the many, many reasons I love you, Thea.

Even if she did not feel the same, there was no reason for him to stop telling her what was true. He watched Matt depart from the group, a small smirk of approval on his face as he turned back to the group. The faster songs had been playing for some time now, and a slow song was bound to be approaching. He wondered how the men would react. Would they stay, uneasy, in their seats? Or would they scramble forward onto the floor to engage in a gentle dance with a gentler woman? And what would he do?

“So tell me…weren’t just a little interested in that guy? He was pretty hot,” Claire asked. “Yeah Thea spill. Lance isn’t anywhere near us, he can’t hear you. Tell us the truth. You thought he was hot didn’t you?” another friend added. Thea smiled at the bunch and laughed to herself. Lance couldn’t hear them, how wrong they were. Lance could hear every single heartbeat in that room if he so desired.

“It wouldn’t matter if he was standing right beside me girls, my answer would be the same. He wasn’t my type. I’m with Lance,” she told them with a laugh as the look of disappointment and disbelief spread over their faces. “I don’t get you Thea. Hot guys seem to be attracted to you like bees to honey and you’re going to tell me you never even think about what they’d be like?” Claire continued her interrogation. “I’ve got someone, and I know precisely what he’s like. I don’t need anything else,” she replied with a smile.

She had to stop the smile from filtering onto her face as Lance spoke to her mind. There it was again, that word…love. It was lovely to hear, but sometimes left her feeling guilty because she could not say the same. She cared about Lance very much, they had been together for so long and would be together for much longer, but she did not love him. Thank you, she said softly into his mind. You know I care about you too.

The music slowed as she spoke, a ballad taking the place of the hot bouncing beat. The ladies looked at each other. “So you think we should grab one of those big lugs from the bar and get them down here?” a chorus of ‘yes’ erupted from all. Claire trotted to the bar. “Yeah…it’s time for you…to dance…with us,” she said slowly, looking at each man in turn. The looks weren’t very enthusiastic at first but as Claire glared the more the improved. She grabbed Chuck and began to drag him to the dance floor. “Hey Lance…” she said with a shrug that said ‘get your butt out here…what are you waiting for?’

He smiled to himself, just managing to mask his happy expression from the oblivious others. Even if she did not love him like he loved her, just being with her, just hearing that she cared, was more than enough and more than he often felt he deserved. He watched the other women trying to persuade her to find someone else, someone more exciting and alive...so to speak.

Lance watched Claire approach, his heart leaping slightly in that old, familiar and ever-comforting way as he turned his gaze on Thea. Although dancing was not exactly his thing...he wasn't bad at it, mind you...he had never passed up the chance to dance with her. He could feel several of the others not far behind him, filtering into the crowd slowly and wrapping their arms around the blushing young women. He nodded to the others and slipped from his chair, making his way across the dance floor and taking care not to brush too many people. He slowed as he approached Thea, smiling with a bowed head until he finally looked into her eyes.

Slowly, he lifted his hand, holding it out to take hers, and offered a small, half-joking bow. Her loveliness overwhelmed him already, and he smiled back at her.

"Care to dance, my lady?"

She stood there laughing with the others, her hand gently brushing a strand of wavy locks from her face. “So how are you liking it here?” one girl asked. “You found a job yet?” asked another. Thea smiled, “I like it here. It’s not as high maintenance as New York but it still has plenty for me to do. As for work…nothing yet,” she said. Working, now there was something that she didn’t do. There was a little problem with getting a job, you had to have an interview and people usually liked to see potential employees during the day, which posed a great problem for her. Fortunately, she had an excellent broker who invested her money wisely and she was far from destitute. She didn’t actually need to work, even if the sun wasn’t a problem. Her friends didn’t need to know that however.

They were still making jokes when she felt him approach, a smile came over her face even though she hadn’t turned around. The others were all paired off, each with her own beau or friend, leaving Thea for last. She could see Matt eyeing her from across the room and she smiled and turned her back to him.

She watched Lance as he weaved between couples towards her. She stood there, her hands hanging loosely at her side and her head tilted slightly. He bowed and she laughed, it was the sort of thing they would have done in their time. Claire rolled her eyes which made Thea laugh a little more. She would never understand what Thea saw in Lance or that his action was a great mark of respect for her. Their eyes met and she placed her hand into his.

“What took you so long?” she teased, slipping into his arms.

"It's a jungle out there," he smiled, teeth glinting with dark humor, and faintly signaled towards the now slowly-twisting shapes of blushing, rosy-cheeked mortals.

The coolness of her hands in his, her radiance so close, the delightful shimmer of her living blood, sparked him to life as always. Some would describe him as reserved and subdued. But when he was with her, he could feel the entire storm weaving its way through his veins and replacing the solitude with a timeless affection.

They began their graceful arc, their every movement infinitely more powerful and liquid than the movements of those around them. They did not weave through the crowd any longer; the crowd trickled and parted around them. The content faces of her friends, and his, passed by in a shadowed blur as the lights pulsed in and out slowly with the quiet beat. He could see Matt and his friends every now and then, conspiring with one another and watching him and Thea tame the living, spinning mass.

"How are your friends?" His question was quiet, but she would have absolutely no trouble hearing him. He wanted to hear her crystal voice hovering, for his ears only, above all the other quiet voices. "They seem happy and well."

“Is it? I must have missed it,” she teased. “Glad you found your way,” she added. She knew dancing wasn’t Lance’s favourite thing, but she did appreciate how he always tried. “You know you didn’t have to come out here. I would have sat at the bar with you,” she told him with a smile. It was her way of reciprocating his sweet gesture. She loved to dance and would prefer to be on the floor than just sitting at the bar, but for him she would do just that.

Her hands slipped into his with ease, his skin slightly warm. They both looked so normal, so mortal that no one would ever think that they were not your average couple. Lance was easygoing, over a decade of being together and it was still as if only a few months had gone by. They was a comfort to him, a comfort she had recognised after knowing him for a short time, and after she got to know him and understood the man he was, her choice had been easy.

She looked into his eyes, a small smile playing at her lips as they began to dance. They were more graceful than any other on the floor, decades of practice and immortal skill and reflex mingling to create a picture perfect movement, fluid and alive. They worked their way through the crowd, Claire smirking as she watched them. She’d been trying for ages to understand their relationship, but somewhere inside she envied it. It seemed as if nothing could come between Lance and Thea…nothing.

She did not look in Matt’s direction; his actions were of no concern to her. She’d made her point either he got it or not, but either way she was with Lance and no amount of conspiring on Matt’s part would change that.

“You know the girls, all about fun. Sadie thinks Mark’s going to propose on this trip,” she divulged as her mind wandered over the tall blonde male of whom she was speaking. “And it seems she’s right,” she said with a smile. “Everyone’s wonderful. Claire…well you know Claire,” she added, knowing he’d heard all her questions. “How are the guys?” she asked, her voice smooth on every syllable.

"I would much rather be out here cutting through the crowd so that I might be in the direct vicinity of your grace," he raised a brow and kept a stern face though the gently-teasing humor in his voice was all too apparent. He could never keep a straight face when she was around. There was something all too warm in her every mannerism.

The song reached its highest points, lifting all the dancers into a beautiful state of near-euphoria. He could feel each of their scents invading him, one by one, in a way that he knew would prove itself to be violent if he was not careful. Only years of practice allowed him to grasp at the feeling and keep it better hidden. The music continued, seeping in sad, bittersweet waves. The sentimental couples were leaning against each other, their heads resting on each other's shoulder. The new, spur-of-the-moment couples were looking up at each other with a nervousness that would be gone as soon as the song was.

"I'm happy for Sadie and Mark," he smiled calmly, casually glancing over at the couple with the approval of an old friend. "I always thought they seemed to play off of each other rather well, like they were meant to defend each other. The boys...the boys are fine...as boisterous as ever," he remarked just as he heard one of the few men remaining at the bar crash from his seat and onto the floor.

She smiled at Lance’s words. “My grace? Why is it so wonderful that you need to be near it?” she teased. “I’m glad you were so willing to brave the trials of the journey,” she continued. Lance was so warm, much warmer than so many of their kind, perhaps that was another reason why she was with him; he was more mortal than some.

The song reached crescendo and everyone was lifted in it. The room filled with the sweet scent of those present, and Thea enjoyed it. There was no temptation for her, just pleasure at the scent of mortals. It was almost comforting in nature, yet better…blissful. Suddenly she felt something, a tug at her stomach that was not her own. She looked at Lance knowing what she felt was from him, and smiled.

“So am I,” she replied looking back at the two who danced close, Sadie’s face titled up towards Mark’s in an adoring gaze. “That they do. I would have liked to see that wedding,” she said with a sentimental and sad tone. Weddings were usually day events, which meant that Thea would have to create some clever ruse for why she and Lance could not make it whenever the day came.

She heard one of the men who remained fall from his seat with a crash and she laughed, “I see that. I’m glad you aren’t so inclined,” she added. “Are you glad we came?” she asked, her voice soft and almost a whisper. How are you faring? she asked in his mind, knowing that temptation lay all around them. Thea had overcome her more basic instincts, though it had not been easy. Her eyes looked into his with a searching interest, yet gentle in their gaze.

"Very glad," he smiled calmy down into her eyes, his own eyes full of laguther and admiration over her ability to always remain perceptive to him, and to everyone, really. Not to mention her ability to remain so perfectly calm in such a thrilling situation.

I'm alright, he continued silently. It's easy to forget how hard it can be, though. I hadn't realized how...how tempting it is.

It was true; he was very much aware of the gnawing growing inside of him. But then again, what better practice could there be than this? After all, this type of habit could only be broken if he was forced into it. Everywhere, smooth and bared flesh just begging to be embrued...

Having you here makes things much easier. It's hard to get distracted by anything when you are with me.

Keeping his eyes away from the tempting, silky skin of one hundred living bodies, finding any source of distraction from the natural hunger of their race, that was the way to keep himself under control, and he was getting gradually better.

So I take it Claire still doesn't approve of me? His lips twitched into another smile as they turned and brought Thea's friend into his line of sight. She was scowling moodily at them.

She smiled brightly at his words, his eyes were so bright and cheerful she couldn’t help it. There was no secret she held or any such thing that kept her from not wandering blindly through the sea of mortals with nothing but an overwhelming thirst. It had taken time, a long time, working on it everyday before she was able to fully control it. Once she had been a wandering animal, preying on any and all unsuspecting victims, draining them entirely. It was an accident that she met Celeste, but fortunate in its result.

Are you sure? She looked at him thoughtfully then pressed her cheek lightly against his and whispered into his ear. “Don’t worry. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen,” she said with a smile. She knew her presence would be comforting to him, especially this close and she was more than willing to give him comfort. She could remember those days when the thirst gnawed at her till she felt she would go mad. Thankfully those days were over.

Is it? she asked and gently kissed his cheek to tease him. Then you just remember that.

She looked a little unnerved but gave an honest answer. I wouldn’t say she doesn’t approve of you, more than she doesn’t understand you. You aren’t her type of guy, and she doesn’t see you as being mine either. However, I say you are. She smiled at him again. “And that’s what matters.”

Claire might never like Lance, never understand the relationship that he and Thea shared, but it didn’t matter. Lance and Thea would be together for the rest of their lives, and taking their immortality, that would be a very long time. Long after Claire was cold in her grave, Thea and Lance would still be.

He took a moment to really consider her question. Was he alright? Could he handle this kind of immediate contact. The strange part of this whole matter was that he was considerably older than her, and yet her self-control was so much more developed than his was. He could not help but wonder if this was related to the blood he had taken to become this way, or if it was something about his mortal soul that had been passed on into the immortal brain. What was hard-wired there that made him so much more vulnerable to this temptation than she was?

You'd think I'd have shed this by now, he smiled uneasily. But he had not been exaggerating. Her presence really did a very sedating effect on him in this type of situation. He could feel the burn of her lips at his cheek with a super-sensitivity that came from years and years of total affection, and that was enough.

The song trickled down into a reluctant halt, leaving the majority of the dancers peering at one another with reserved curiousity, no one really sure what to do next. However, the sudden quickness of a brand new song shattered the awkward pause. Thea's friends were already beginning to watch them again, no doubt expecting her to return them to continue. He smiled again, gently squeezed her hand reassuringly, and took a step back to release her to her waiting companions.

"Looks like they need someone to teach them a lesson or two about dancing," he grinned. "Go show them how to really move."

Thea could only describe her control as being learned. As a child her mother had taught her to moderation and as she grew older, control, deportment and reserve. They had been thrown to the wind after her changing and subsequent wandering, but once she got herself in check again they rekindled in her like an old friendly flame. She knew she had to feed night or else face the grim consequences that prolonged time without feeding the thirst would bring upon her. However, this did not mean she need run mad with her desire to fulfil her needs. In mortality she had a calm nature, though fun-loving and vibrant. She could only presume that some part of her mortal psyche still remained in control of an immortal body.

It will come in time. You needn’t rush it. I will be here for as long as it takes to go away, she cooed soothingly into his mind. She would fulfil her words, to be there for him as long as he needed her to help control his primal instincts. There had been times in the past when she could not be there and some mortal paid the price, and Lance had come to her in regret and she was left to comfort him. Despite this, or because of this seemingly mortal frailty, Thea stuck by him.

The song slowed to a halt, leaving the dancers in a frozen expectance of what was to follow. However, the ballads seemed over with that one tune and another more up-tempo one replaced it. The girls immediate jumped into the change of rhythm; however Sadie and Mark remained together. She could feel her friends’ eyes on her even without looking, each waiting for her to join them. In unison to their gazes, Lance released his hold on her and with a gentle squeeze of her hand gave her over to her friends.

She smiled at his thoughtfulness. “Are you sure?” she asked. “I could hang around at the bar with you a little if you want?” she said sweetly. He had done her the immense favour and pleasure of joining her on the dance floor; she could have a drink with him at the bar in return. You are wonderful, you know that? Very thoughtful. ” she said into his mind with a smile.

That's alright; we don't do this often enough. Enjoy being with your friends. He touched her cheek lightly and took a step back, allowing her to be instantly reclaimed by her friends. He bowed his head with a smile and retreated to the bar once more, taking up his old place and smiling faintly at his own friends who wasted no time in making comments about the previous dance.

But he was busy with his own thoughts. Once they got used to his presence again, they carried on half without him, giving him time to focus in on the keen, biting hunger so that he might cast it back into its violent cage. He pressed his temples with his fingers, nodding and smiling weakly as the bartender took his empty glass--he was not much of a drinker; one of his friends had apparently taken care of the drink for him while he was away--and refilled it.

As always, he was suddenly acutely aware of every touch that brushed his arm or shoulder, actuely aware of the eyes that studied him and moved on, or studied him and lingered there for a moment or two. He placed his hands on his lap, clenching them into violent fists and pressing his nails into the cold skin. Drop it. Leave it alone. This is not the time. But another, sickly voice answered. Excuses, excuses. This time is as good as any. There are plenty of them. Just pick one and follow them out of here...

He closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling a deep breath and forcing the smile to return. A rough clap on the shoulder from one of the guys half-helped to bring him back around again. They were all watching the women, many of them unconsciously focusing in on Thea, and he stared into the crowd absently with them.

She watched Lance with soft eyes as he gave her over to her friends. She smiled, giving him her thanks in the action while allowing herself to rejoin the throng of female bodies dancing around each other. He bowed and Thea did the same, though smaller in size before turning her back on the man and her face to her friends. “What is with you two?” Charmaine asked with a grin. “Are you planning on getting married or something, ‘cause you guys have been together forever.” She jested. She was just a tad drunk. Thea only smiled but didn’t answer.

The beat took control over her body the moment she rejoined the girls. Arms, hips and legs all moving in a smooth dance that seemed completely orchestrated rather than natural in its precision and execution, but it was. Thea’s love of dancing was coming through loud and clear for all to see and there were a few who were taking notice, and some whose attention had never left, namely Matt.

The brush of a friend’s arm against hers, warm and smelling of mortal sweat did little to her, her mind was on the music and its commands. Yes, she adored the scent or mortals but her thirst was no so roused as to cause a problem. She was fine for now, her skin still slightly warm from a previous feeding. She hadn’t taken enough to last her but just enough to allow her a mortal appearance for the evening until later when she would completely satisfy her thirst.

She was grinning at Claire when something struck her like a fist in the stomach, a sudden and aggressive hunger. She took a deep breath to cover the sensation. It had not been there a second before and she knew without a doubt that it was not her own. She looked at Lance and she knew what troubled him. “Thea? Thea?” Claire called her name. “Hey!” she called again and Thea finally turned to look at her friend. “Hmm?” she replied. “I was asking you about going shopping tomorrow morning. I hear there is a great mall close to our hotel.” Thea smiled and then shook her head. “I’m sorry Claire. I have to go on a job interview tomorrow morning,” she lied with a pristine smile. “A job interview why didn’t you say something?” the curious woman asked. “I didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up till I was sure I’d get it,” she continued. She gave Lance one more glance.

“Excuse me. Be right back,” she told the girls with a smile. As she walked away she heard their comments. “They’re going to get married. They have to.” There was a scoff and a reply. “Hon, they’re already married.”

She took the short set of stairs and then walked towards the bar where she slipped in amongst the men. She saw the absent look on Lance’s face, but before he had a chance to allow another through to enter his mind, she gave a smile to all the men present, then stepped up to Lance and placed her lips firmly against his while wrapping her arms around his neck. I think you called me?” She said in his mind as her kiss deepened. He needed to have his mind occupied with her, less something unfortunate occur, something he would regret.

He thoughts were truly preoccupied, for he had not even anticipated her sudden arrival. He was even more shocked when she kissed him, his mind helplessly snapping back from the darker thoughts it had been generating as soon as he felt her so near to him. This wasn't fair, not by a long shot. It wasn't fair that she had to put up with him when she should be out dancing with her friends.

I should go, Thea...I think I should go. You should be out there with your friends, not watching over me. It isn't fair. You should have fun, should be drowning in attention by now. Through his muddled thoughts, he couldn't stop a faint smile.

His senses twisted around in a confused jumble--she always seemed to be able to do that to him, regardless of how long they had known each other--and he could feel the assimilated mortal blood running through her preternatural veins, thoroughly soothing like a cool hand to a feverish face. He gently stroked along her jaw, feeling his breath returning to him little by little, and looked into her crystalline eyes.

"Let me just take a walk outside. Your friends need you, look," he gestured towards the others who had already slowed in their dancing as if they were lacking a vital component to their movement. "I just need a little fresh air and I'll be back to normal, alright?"

He felt incredibly weak saying these things. An adamant decision was already making itself in his mind; he truly did need to learn how to control these things, which was why he could not leave for long. He had to stay and tough it out until he could control these monstrous urges.

She could feel the intense and envying stares of Lance’s companions, it seemed only Mark had no reason to stare on in jealousy. She felt Lance come back to her, to where they were and the haze lifted from him. Her emotions were always open to him, he could read her thoughts anytime he wished, she had nothing to hide…well not that much.

Go? she asked into his mind. I like watching over you, she told him while their lips were still joined. My friends will understand. I have to look after you; it’s you I care about and you who will be with me for a very long time. I don’t want you to live that time with any regrets. yes, she wanted to spend time with her friends but she couldn’t just dance the night away without a care while Lance was battling his demons alone. It wasn’t fair. He would stand by her through any test of her will, why then wouldn’t she do the same?

She released his lips, but casually leaned against him as he stroked her cheek, her soft blue eyes on his face. He wanted to take a walk, take a breather from the throng of mortal flesh that surrounded them. She could understand that and perhaps it was the best thing. She looked at the girls as he spoke of them; they seemed to have slowed, like a battery coming to the end of its life.

She stood up straight and gave Lance some space. “Alright, if you need to.” She nodded her agreement. She looked around and bit her lip, maybe they should just go. She would feel guilty if she made Lance stay and something happened. Sometimes the battle against the thirst was much harder than anyone would like to admit. “If you want to go I understand,” she said softly, below the music so that prying ears could not hear. She kissed his cheek softly and walked away. She would leave it to Lance to decide, while she would rejoin her friends and try to enjoy the night as he wished.

“Everything okay?” Sadie asked when Thea rejoined them. She smiled, “Of course. I just need that,” she said continuing to smile. Sadie nodded and then resumed to her time with Mark.

"No, please, just enjoy the evening," he smiled reassuringly at her as she departed again, brushing at his face with a quivering hand. He hated this feeling of being so vulnerable, especially when Thea was around. That was the main reason why he was determined to get this under control once and for all. He slipped from his seat yet again in the midst of the conversation.

"--they would have won for sure. Hey, Lance, where ya' goin'?"

"I'll be right back."

The others looked at each other and shrugged, briefly confused, then continued their previous conversation. Arms brushed passed him, his skin meeting theirs just long enough to stab at him tauntingly. He began to walk a little faster, taking care to lessen the contact and to make his hasty movements seem close to normal. Lance made it out the back door and into the rushing night air, exhaling all the mortal scent from his lungs quickly and replacing it with clean breath. No smoke, no sweat, no blood...just air. He leaned against the stone wall, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply, brushing at his face again and welcoming the generous feeling of total relief.

He could still hear the music, pulsing and low, behind the walls. The door opened, parting for a man seeking a place to smoke. The mortal pulled out a cigarette and placed it to his lips with a relief so close to Lance's; looking up at the ailing vampire, he raised a brow and pulled out another cigarette.

"Wanna smoke?"

Lance half-opened his eyes, glancing at the man. He shook his head and allowed it to roll in the other direction. A few minutes of silence passed and the mortal disappeared again without another word. Sniffing in one last taste of clean air, he readied himself to follow back inside, and he did quickly before he could change his mind again. The scent that hit him was more than overwhelming, but he felt much more in control this time, even as he slipped into his old seat and was warmly greeted back into the very same conversation by the others.

Thea turned to watch Lance leave, and when she turned back questioning faces greeted her. “What’s his problem?” Claire asked sarcastically. Thea gave her a look, “He just needs some air,” she replied. Claire rolled her eyes, “Only a little? Thea I just don’t get you two,” she continued, “he’s just so…stiff. Come on, you’re his girlfriend, you’re out here shaking the incredible body you were blessed with, on the dance floor and he’s leaving. Does that make sense to you?” she continued with her sarcasm.

Thea couldn’t dance with Claire’s incessant questioning. “Claire it doesn’t have to make sense. He just needed air. It happens; this is a club, people smoking and all that. Why can’t you give him a break?” she asked crossing her arms over her chest. “Because I think you can do better,” Claire retorted honestly, her eyes meeting Thea’s in an intense stare. The other women watched the two, knowing this was a regular thing for them to argue over Thea’s love life. “Now, now…you two play nice,” Charmaine interjected. “Claire, it’s Thea’s life and she wants Lance in it, why can’t you just let it go?” she questioned. She turned to Thea and smiled. Charmaine really didn’t care if Lance was what Claire thought was good for Thea, the point was that Thea thought so and it was all that mattered. She’d never seen them fight, or even heard of an argument between them, so if Thea was happy, she was happy.

“How about we all get a few drinks and calm down?” Charmaine suggested, taking each woman by the arm and leading them back to the bar. “Four Tequila Sunrises please,” she called to the bartender as they leaned against the bar. The guys were still in the middle of some conversation that would truly have bored them to listen to, so none of the women bothered to join them. Their drinks arrived and Thea played with her glass for a few moments, not really interested in it.

“Come on Thea drink up. We’re supposed to be having fun tonight,” Charmaine said gently nudging her in the side. Thea gave her a one-sided grin and then put the glass to her head. Claire was talking to some guy on her left and Thea looked at her and then to Charmaine, “I don’t understand what’s wrong with her. She jumps from guy to guy and seems to want me to do the same. I’m not like that. It took me long enough to find Lance, and I’m happy. Why can’t she just accept that?” she asked finishing her drink. “Are you really happy?” Charmaine asked. “Because if you are, then it doesn’t matter. Claire will get over her feelings, and who knows maybe she’ll settle down. It’s hard for Claire, you know that.” Thea sighed, “I know. I just wish she’d stop trying to make everyone else like her.”

Charmaine spotted Lance, but Thea had already sensed his return. “Lance is back.” Thea turned and smiled, “Good.” She grabbed the bartender’s attention again. “Another,” she called. “Cheer up Thea,” Charmaine said hugging her with one arm.

He was immensely glad to rejoin Thea immediately. It was strange; it truly did feel like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders just by taking a breath of fresh air and promising to better himself this way. In fact, he felt a layer of rigid formality melt away like dust. And what was more, everything seemed considerably clearer, more detailed. It was almost pleasant to find that the driving hunger of before had been dimmed down to just the tiniest discomfort, one that he could not even recognize.

Gently reaching out to gently touch the side of Thea's celestial face, his eyes locked with hers for the necessary split-second of vital communication. I'm sorry, Thea...really, I am. Thank you...thank you for helping me get through that. I don't know what I'd do without you.

The last part was added for the sentimental prettiness behind the words, though he knew that in truth what he had said was quite true. How would he push away from the monstrosities without her there? But it was best no to ponder on those things, not now. There was no more reason for worry, he hoped. Regardless, the briefest respite had allowed him to undergo a complete mood change.

"Hello sweetheart, how's the dance floor? What's this?" He asked humorously as he raised a curious brow at the colorful drink and traced the rim of the glass. "Oh, hello Charmaine, how are you? Well, I hope?"

She looked at her glass as Charmaine kept talking, a smile smiling growing with every word the woman spoke. “Come on Thea,” she said in a playful voice, shaking her slightly in an attempt to make her laugh, which worked. Charmaine backed away as she saw Lance coming and graciously stepped aside under the pretext of getting another drink.

Thea felt his hand against her face and she looked up. Her eyes met his and he spoke into her mind. You don’t have to thank me, really. It was my pleasure to help, she replied, her face remaining still. I know exactly what you’d do without me. You’d find some other woman to preoccupy your mind, maybe a redhead? she teased. “Are you better now?” she vocalised for the benefit of Charmaine and the others whom she’d told Lance had left in order to get away from the smoke.

Thea loved to tease Lance; she knew his sense of humour would permit her little jokes without offending him. “The dance floor was great. We just needed a break,” she told him, not mentioning the slight argument between her and Claire, who was still not looking in their direction. “Tequila Sunrise,” she said taking a sip. “Want to try it?” she teased with a smile.

“Hey Lance,” Charmaine responded to his greeting. “I’m great. Just happy to see my girl,” she said giving Thea another hug. “Glad to see you’ve been taking good care of her. I wouldn’t want to have to come down her for you if you weren’t,” she jested with a wink. Thea laughed. “I hope you both are taking care of each other. I know it can be hard after moving to a new place.” Charmaine was the peacemaker in the group, the one who other than Thea, got along with everyone.

She walked past Thea and Lance, “She’s a little out of sorts. Get her in a good mood for me,” she told him softly before flashing a smile and headed back to the dance floor.

"Much better, thank you," he smiled, eyes sparkling with renewed life and humor. Of course, most of this new clarity was all thanks to Thea, as usual. Please...I'd go absolutely insane, and you know it.

"Ah, a Tequila Sunrise," he glanced down at the swirling drink as if the two were bitter rivals, "no thank you. Someone has to drive us all home, after all."

He watched Charmaine as she spoke, laughing gently at her comments in spite of himself. Out of all of Thea's friends, she was his favorite simply because she was caring and compassionate, her ability to mediate second only to Thea's. In fact, the two seemed almost uncannily similar in some ways.

"I will do my very best," he promised the departing mortal woman. With a deep breath, he directed his full attention on Thea. "Just taking a break, hm? I hope I didn't completely ruin everything. I don't know how that feeling comes over me so quickly." He wanted to touch her hand, hold it in his, listen to her beautiful voice. Instead, he remained where he was, perfectly still but considerably more at ease than before. "And on a completely random note, are you aware that your admirer is being very persistent?"

Sure enough, Matt was still hanging around, casually moving through the crowd every now and then to make sure Thea had not left.

She smiled as he said he was fine, she could feel it, he seemed less strained now and more relaxed. His eyes even sparked, which was always a good sign. Her smile brightened as his words. You know you wouldn’t. You’re just saying that to flatter me, she continued to tease. She wanted to keep him in a good mood, even if she wasn’t exactly feeling the best at the moment. Claire had a way of getting under her skin, perhaps because she reminded Thea so much of her eldest sister. She’d liked to challenge authority and do what she wanted no matter what anyone thought and Claire was just like that.

She smiled at Lance’s statement, knowing that alcohol would not have affected Thea in the least no matter how much she drank; at least not in the manner it did mortals.

Thea watched Charmaine leave, giving her smile as she headed back to the dance floor. “Something like that,” she replied to Lance’s question. Taking a break wasn’t precisely the word for it. Claire was still at the bar with her back to her, chatting with the same guy. They looked to be getting quite friendly. She looked at Lance, “It has nothing to do with you,” she said with a smile, her voice soft and tender. “Just… I don’t know.”

She looked at Lance with a questioning gaze as he randomly brought up her admirer. “My what?” she asked, her mind having left Matt entirely. Then she noticed him, weaving through the crowd on the floor. “Oh. He’s still here?” she said casually, holding no interest in the man whatsoever. “I thought he would have found someone else to give his attention to,” she added with a quirky smile. Matt was probably a better conversation piece than the real reason she had lost her dancing spirit, namely Claire and her issues with Lance.

How could one woman dislike someone so much for no reason at all, except the fact that she wanted Thea to be more like her? It made no sense. She was so unreasonable and stubborn. She felt a flush of annoyance rise inside her that she quickly tried to mask.

His eyes followed Thea's in the direction of Claire, and he puzzled over the mortal woman's turned back carefully. Lance knew Claire did not appreciate him or even remotely like him--after all, they were complete opposites when they came right down to it--but he disliked Claire's ability to make Thea feel bad about it, even if what Claire thought was true. It wasn't as if Lance did not know he was not good enough for Thea, that there was something he was forever missing that she needed. He knew that, they both did, really; he simply refused to think about it unless he had to.

Poor Matt was already forgotten, left behind as quickly as he had been revived. Lance looked back at Thea's pondering face, curious as to what she was thinking but unwilling to make her talk about something she did not want to deal with. Nevertheless, it didn't hurt to ask.

"Want to talk about it?" He mellowly tossed his head in the direction of Claire, sensing her as the source of the problem--she often was, unfortunately. "What's wrong? What did she say?"

Claire and Lance--along with their mutual dislike--was always a tricky subject. He hated talking about her because she was Thea's friend, regardless of whether or not they got along. But he also hated not talking about her and resolving the problem, or at least attempting to make it a little better.

She looked at Lance, his question burning in her mind. Did she really want to talk about Claire and her comments? No. however she knew it was just going to eat away at her till she let it out, but it was a far from easy subject to broach with Lance being the object of the argument. It was always difficult, no matter how many times she thought Claire would finally accept it and move on, she never did and she always had to bring it up as long as Lance was there. Alone, Claire was great, so much fun to be with and very much like one of Thea’s sisters, but bring Lance into the picture and she could become on of the most irksome people imaginable.

Thea didn’t think Lance any less than she was. She thought him just fine the way he was. She cared about him, and he cared about her what more did she want or need? He had saved her from wandering around on her own for the past decade and he would be there for the coming centuries. They were good together; everyone thought so, everyone but Claire. Claire believed there was something fundamentally wrong with their relationship, that they didn’t fit, that there was something missing. Perhaps she was right, but there was no need to harp on it constantly now was there? The point was, Thea felt there was nothing wrong. Yes, she felt guilt every time he said he loved her and she could not do the same, but he understood and never made her feel badly about not being able to reciprocate his feelings. He knew she cared deeply for him; she would not be there if she didn’t.

“Let’s go outside?” Thea said, abandoning her drink and headed away from the bar. She was not going to talk about this within earshot of Claire or anyone else. She could have spoke to Lance in his mind, used their mental connection but she didn’t want to, besides sometimes you needed to hear the words in order to successfully purge them from your system.

She walked towards the door, telling one of their friends at the bar that she’d be right back and then out the door she stepped into the night. She walked to the back of the club, a place devoid of all life save maybe a rat or two and waited for Lance. She crossed her arms over her chest, her calm expression gone and replaced by one of distress.

He felt a little shiver of discomfort move its way across his spine, getting up and leaving a tip for the bartender on his way out. He followed her slowly, weaving his way through the crowd and feeling the distress beginning to rise in her. That was alarming. Thea was hardly ever blatantly upset, and the fact that she was now--inevitably because of Claire--made him a bit angry with the mortal woman.

The door loomed up ahead, a little beacon above it glowing the word "exit" in neon red. He made his way out the back entrance, slipping past the few people hovering around the door. It was almost amusing at how sharp the contrast was: in there it was packed with writhing bodies, but out here there was no one, no one but her. He moved to her side quickly, watching her expression the whole time with a look of equal unease.

"Thea, what's wrong, what's the matter?"

His thoughts shifted again to the infamous Claire and her devious way of causing problems. He was beginning to swiftly lose appreciation for her, simply because of the way she could get into her friends' heads. Her own problems, her own outlooks on relationships, were not Thea's to deal with, and he was tired of her always projecting her emotions on her friends because of him.

"Please, tell me..."

She closed her eyes in frustration. Claire was an expert at evoking that emotion in her. She looked at Lance finally, deciding to just let it out. She knew this wasn’t going to make him like Claire more; in fact it was assured to do just the opposite. She didn’t want that, she just wanted them to like each other, or if not at least get along. She cared about them both, and wanted them both to just see eye to eye for a change, but in her heart Thea knew that was almost impossible to achieve.

“You’d think by now she’d be over it already,” she began her voice reeking of her annoyance. “I mean we’ve known them for five years. You would think that Claire would have just accepted us by now,” she continued frustrated. She began to walk in circles to try to ease her growing frustrations.

“I know this isn’t going to make things between you to any better by talking about this,” she began again, “and I really want you two to get along. I know you try. I know you don’t like Claire because of her outlook but it’s like she doesn’t try at all.” How could two people she cared about not like each other? How could one not even pretend to try just for her sake. Why did she always make it a battle of desires when it came to Lance? Did Claire really feel so strongly about this or was it that she was sure that if she tried hard enough she could get rid of him, that he’d get tired of defending his relationship with Thea and just walk away? Thea really didn’t know.

“It was the same as always. Claire had something to say. She just can’t…accept us,” Thea said, her sentences disjointed with frustration. “She thinks you aren’t…” she began to say but stopped herself. “She thinks we are a bad match. She always has, you know that. Tonight she thought it necessary to argue that point to me, to try to show how unlike we are.” She sighed with exasperation. “I’m just tired of telling her that we are together and we’re going to stay that way. She can be so frustrating!” Thea added finally finding her way to the wall and leaning her back against it.

“I don’t know why I let her get to me like that. It’s just, she’s so like Anna, I can’t help it,” she admitted.

His eyes traced her every move, her constant pacing, with a growing sense of worry. Perhaps it wasn't Claire he necessarily hated, but her ability to come between them like a stone wall. He could not help but distrust anyone or anything that would separate them even the slightest bit without a very good reason, and from what he could tell, Claire's reasons were absolutely empty of anything except her own selfish needs. But that was beside the point.

Finally, he followed her to the wall and leaned his back against it beside her, staring up into the night sky with a thoughtful expression hinting at his inner turmoil over the situation. Whatever she chose to do, Thea could find no easy way out of this, obviously. But he hoped very deeply that she could find a solution that worked as close to perfect as possible, and he hoped he could help her get to it.

"It's not wrong to respect her opinions, or at least to listen to them, because she resembles someone you knew. In fact, I think that's a very beautiful thing about you, Thea. You are a compassionate woman."

Slowly, he sought out her hand and gently held it in his, their backs still against the wall, but now his gaze was on her.

"So what do you propose we do, my dear? Just say the word and I'll do what I can to make this better. Do you think we could get her to sit down and talk with us about why she dislikes me so much? Would that help?"

Lance joined her by the wall, her eyes glancing at him before looking straight ahead and staring into space. Why was she doing this? Why was she allowing Claire’s comments disrupt her mood, their evening? Damn it!

She looked at Lance, her eyes still flustered. “Respect her opinions?” she asked flabbergasted. “How can I respect her opinions when she has such opinions?” Thea retorted. “It’s not like she’s saying she likes dark colours over lights, she’s talking about us,” she emphasised, “whether or not we are good together. Doesn’t that bother you a little?” she asked, giving Lance a strange look of disbelief.

She softened at his words. “Thank you for saying that, but I don’t feel so compassionate at the moment. I feel annoyed,” she admitted.

She felt hid hand find hers and smiled at him gently. It wasn’t a large act to make her feel better but it did. Soft eyes and handsome features all looking at her with such a sweet look could only make her smile. “I don’t know,” she said exasperated. “I really don’t. I’ve tried everything I can think of but she won’t change. I don’t think I could make her no matter if I stood on my head or danced topless on the bar.” She was trying to make a joke to lighten her mood, but she wasn’t entirely sure it was working.

“I don’t think you can do anything,” she said softly, gently touching his cheek. She looked at Lance with large eyes as he suggested they have a little powwow about the situation. “I don’t think so. I really couldn’t bare you two fighting,” she admitted, “and having to be in the middle.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “I just wish that it would be a little more simple.”

He listened to her in silence, nodding slightly when he saw fit and otherwise staying quiet. It was hard to listen to her sound so broken, so indecisive. Thea was always the one who knew how to handle a situation. To think that Claire could cause this much trouble--to think she could force herself so deeply between them--was painful to watch. He knew that the easiest thing for all the others would be for him to change, but as devoted as he was...how could he change such an immense part of himself for a woman he did not even trust? He could do it only for Thea, not for Claire.

"I wish there was something I could do to change her mind," he replied quietly as he felt the gentle pressure of her head on his shoulder.

He turned his head and slowly bowed it to hers, placing a soft kiss on her forehead and stroking his thumb over the smooth skin of her hand.

"It'll work out, love," he tried a smile. "We will work this out. I promise you we can. It may take even more time than we are used to. She has to understand eventually, even if she does not necessarily agree."

No mortal could be that stubborn…could they? How could she live her life hating someone without any reason to hate them? Or was there something Lance was missing? The sudden urge to figure out Claire’s motives was surprisingly strong, but Thea’s choice would be the deciding factor, not a random whim he caught on the wind.

It was hard to say, especially to Lance, but Thea was frustrated and he was the best ear. He didn’t say much while she talked, allowing her the time to vent her anger and annoyance uninterrupted. Thea wasn’t usually the type to get flustered. She was a calm woman, composed and in control. Perhaps she had too much control at times, but those were times when it was necessary times when questions came up about her past that she didn’t want to answer.

There was a lot of anger imbedded deep within her, so deep and so well hidden by decades upon decades of burying it, that strict control was needed in order to keep it subdued. She didn’t fear Lance bringing that anger to the surface; he had rarely ever brought her anything other than peace, comfort and pleasure. She wanted it to stay that way…simple and uncomplicated.

She closed her eyes as he kissed her forehead, the act so comforting accompanied by the gently stroking of her hand.

“Do you really think so?” she asked, her eyes fixed ahead of her. “Claire is as stubborn a woman as Anna and she was always making father so angry with her antics. I don’t know if she could be persuaded. She might just fight against it all the more if we tried,” she admitted. “I don’t want her to like you,” she said suddenly, her head rising from his shoulder so she could look at his face. “I want her to respect us. Not everyone can like you and not everyone will like me, but they can at least respect our relationship enough to hold their tongues,” she continued.

She was not about to make anyone like anyone else and she wanted to make that clear. She just wanted them to respect each other enough to be civil. Her head returned to his shoulder. “You could try to talk to her…if you wanted,” she said softly. “But I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to. She isn’t your favourite person and you don’t have to make her like you. I like you enough for all of them.”

He looked down into her eyes, comprehending what she was saying and instantly feeling reburdened by the threat of the problem. He tried to take a step back, tried to see it from a distance. What was the worst thing Claire could do to their relationship, to them? He shuddered inwardly--but what if that was wrong? There was no lack of faith in Thea in his heart. But she was right; Claire was a persuasive person, very persuasive, and very much like Thea's Anna.

"This is entirely your choice, Thea. I will do whatever you think is in the best interest of your friendship with Claire. I want her to be your friend as long as you want that, and I know you. You aren't one to give up friendships easily. Maybe she'll come to realize how lucky she is to have a friend like you--and just maybe she'll be okay with us."

It seemed unlikely, even from an optimistic viewpoint, but he was standing by his previous conjecture: this could work out, could be resolved. Time was almost always the key, and they had plenty of it. Her words were so powerful to him, so beautiful like the greatest treasure. He smiled down into her eyes, confirming the fact that they could make things turn out perfectly.

Unlikely words came from Lance’s mouth, words that perhaps Claire would change her opinions and be more accepting. Thea knew better. Like Anna, Claire possessed such a wilfulness and need to control and dominate, which was not meant from ill reasons but because she honestly thought her way was best and that her friends would benefit from her instruction. It never occurred to Claire that maybe she could be wrong.

She could make her like him. She could implant the idea into her head and make life a little easier, but that was not Thea’s way. She didn’t want a puppet; she wanted a friend, someone honest and fun just like Claire. If she forced her into liking their relationship then she might as well have hired someone to be her friend, someone who would agree and do everything she wished. Where was the fun in that?

She smiled at his words, Lance always wanted her happy, his every gesture and suggestion proved that to her. How could he care so much for a woman who could not say she loved him? She may never know. “I’m sorry,” she said softly looking into his eyes. “I shouldn’t have brought this up and ruined this night out for either of us,” she apologised. “Sure Claire will come around…she will,” Thea sounded more like she was trying to convince herself more than Lance. “What I want is for you to bear with me on this. Try to be nice to her, even when she’s being a royal pain in the ass.” She kissed him gently. “Think we can make it through the rest of the night?” she asked with a sweet smile.

"The night's far from ruined. Things could have gone so much worse," forgetting how close he came to losing control just an hour ago was impossible. "And I will do just that. I dislike being at odds with Claire. If we can even attempt to make things work, that's fine with me."

And it truly was. He wasn't a particularly confrontational person, never had been. He did not enjoy being unhappy or making someone else unhappy. Any peaceful shortcut was one worth trying in his own personal opinion, and he knew Thea was very much the same.

"I think we could manage it," he smiled, his eyes glistening with the dancing beauty of the benevolent stars, so far away from the neon lights and contradictions. Her smile was amazing to behold, a strong beacon of light even in the midst of all the conflict. "I bet they're absolutely going insane in there without you."

He stepped over to the door and pulled it open, reveling in the wave of new sounds and scents. He held the door open for her to pass through, amazed at how sharp the scents seemed now that he had been away from them for so long. For a split second, that terrible, jutting maw returned, but he cast it away and rejected it. These were not his emotions, not his hungers. They were those of some other creature, and they did not apply to him. As promised, the feeling disappeared--or rather, lost its edge--within a matter of seconds.