[A.N – This is my first Morganville story, no ideas where it's going...hope all Morganville fans like it! Please R&R]

Claire trudged down the stairs, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, and got ready for another day of college. Feeling woozy, she tried to decipher what day it was? "Monday....Tuesday, oh wait, it's Friday" she sleepily figured out. She lost a lot of sleep yesterday spending the time with Shane; they spent the hours in comfort with each other after some amazing tacos and a lot of losing to Shane on video games! She couldn't remember why – it'd been sad for some reason by the end of it, had they argued? What about...? Claire thought that she must be imagining things – she just needed to stop by Common Grounds, get a quick mocha to wake her up, and head over to university. She probable needed to stop by some extra classes to get updated on a few things for Myrnin.

As she was pondering on all this, she reached the bottom of the Glass House's staircase. Eve had just popped into the kitchen, and Michael was nowhere to be seen, probably still in the shower or something. But the weird thing was, Shane was on the couch, she was full in his view and he seemed to just...ignore her! This was so strange, Claire thought – something had to be wrong! "Hey!" Claire said, a little quieter than usual since she was so tired! Eve came out that moment, and saw her! And her eyes were all red and puffy, as if she was crying. She sniffed and she ran to hug Claire! "Oh hun" she said "Oh Claire Bear" sounding so upset. Claire returned the hug, very confused. Shane glanced over, and his eyes flashed over to Claire's and they locked gazes for a second and in that instance, Claire saw sadness, he looked really, desperately hurt – beyond repair.

Claire sighed, and left Eve to walk in the kitchen. She saw the calendar on the wall, and saw the date. And Claire gasped as realisation hit her. Now she knew why everybody was so upset – today was the day Claire was moving out! It was the 19th of February, and her parent's insisted that Claire should permanently move in with them. Everybody has desperately protested – Eve stomped, Michael tried to charm them and Shane appeared to be totally appropriate around Claire and be on his best behaviour but her parents wouldn't budge. They had some idea about Bishop – and were taking no chances. Even though they'd never actually met him, like Claire had to face him – but then what could they do?

She walked over to the kitchen desktop, where just above the calendar hung. She fought back tears and looked at the mess. The devastating event had been written by Claire herself, and it was circled boldly in red by Michael, blotched by various different coloured ink by Eve – with her signature splatter that covered the rest of February. And it was crossed out over and over, repeatedly by Shane. Claire smiled a little when his last slash left a straight rip that probably affected all the months until June!

Claire walked into the room where Michael had now made an appearance. He was drying his blond hair with a towel, smiling at Eve who looked upset – as he attempted to cheer her up! He spotted Claire and looked so sad that Claire's heart couldn't take it. A vampire's fine features should never droop so low. The only one who looked a worse wreck was Shane! Claire couldn't help it when tears spilled out. "Shane" Claire desperately pleaded trying to meet his eyes, but he wouldn't look at her. And the worst thing was, it seemed like he was trying purposely not to, to avoid her and silently torment her. Eve and Michael looked between the two and Michael went over to Shane and started whispering "C'mon man, you're gonna really let her go like this? Without a fight? How do you think she feels right now?" and Eve whisked Claire away into the kitchen. "We need to get you some breakfast girl, something that will remind you of us Claire hun!" Eve said – still sad but obviously putting her own feelings aside.

Claire was glad somebody was helping putting her mind of it. Sure, she'd still see the gang often, around town but it wouldn't be the same. And Shane, let's face it – he'd probably move on, maybe start dating Kim – if she was normal. And who knows when that big-headed blond cow Ysandre would turn up!

There was a ring at the doorbell and Claire knew it was time. She sipped some orange juice and bit into the burnt toast Eve has scraped up together for her! She heard Michael welcoming her parents and Eve rushed, obviously wanting to make a good impression too. Claire finally got the chance to notice that Eve had majorly cut down on her Goth get-up. She didn't paint her face white – just wore some dark lipstick – the eye make-up, mascara, eye-liner, eye-shadow e.t.c which made her eyes look huge, but in an appealing way. Then she wore her T-shirt filled with skulls, that Michael had bought her – some sparkly bangles Claire had gifted her for her birthday. Her black tutu and striped leggings and skull pumps! Her hair had pink streaks, Claire smiled! Then walked inside, this was it – she was walking into what was about-to-be her..."Claire honey?!" her mother's voice called and Claire forced a smile and walked inside!

"Mum! Dad!" Claire said, leaving out all the enthusiasm. They took no notice but Claire wasn't going to put on any pretence for them. She saw Michael bringing down her suitcase and he caught her eye and sadly smiled. "Hun, you ready?" Claire's mother asked whilst she bit into some more of Eve's burnt toast. Claire saw Shane and just couldn't, but there was nothing left. Claire's mum gently tugged her and whispered to Claire to say her last goodbyes...

Eve flew over to embrace Claire in a tight hug, her face wet with fresh tears! "Oh Claire!" Eve whispered. Claire silently hugged Eve, rocking her back and forth "You'll always be my best friend Eve, never forget that!" That set of a whole new wave of tears. Michael next, he opened his arms and she silently fell in. Michael felt nice and warn, unlike other vampires. So much like his grandfather Sam instead. Claire only reached up to Michael's chin, but it wasn't awkward. "Do me a favour?" Michael whispered and Claire nodded, brushing his chin "Stay out of trouble for me, will ya?" Claire laughed and pulled back! Next was Shane, she walked over to him, he was standing up now! "Shane" she whispered. He just looked at her and didn't respond. "Please?" she pleaded. Claire looked away, feeling upset.

"Look at me" Shane said and as Claire looked up he kissed her! Relief. Happiness. Shock. It took Claire by surprise! They just kissed for a long time and he hugged her, raking his fingers through her hair! "I love you Claire" he whispered into her ear. "Never ever forget that!" he said! When they finally released, Claire spotted Michael winking at Shane but he had held tightly onto her hand. Claire was ready, well, not completely ready – but she could safely exit the Glass House before bursting into tears!

Claire squeezed Shane's hand, and got a flash of his rare warm smiles! He made her feel all tingly...her mum put a hand on Claire's shoulder and they walked out, her father with the suitcase! Just as they were about to open the door and leave, Bishop burst in. "Well, well, lookie here!" he sneered. Claire, Even and Shane gasped. And Michael tensed. "Wouldn't want to crash this party, would we Oliver?" and just then, an all too familiar face appeared at Bishop's side – Oliver? "Missed me hun?" Bishop asked.