A/N: Takes place after chapter 12 of 'Shadows and Fire'

Lash's POV

Blinking my eyes open, I didn't recognize my surroundings.

Will and Layla talking together, along with Warren, Ethan, Zach and Magenta.

They all seemed to be looking at me, muttering about something being cute.

I had no idea what they were talking about, until I noticed my arm was wrapped a couple times around Valerie, who was curled next to me.

Oh yeah… Magenta's house. Halloween. The events of yesterday came flooding back, as Warren walked over, the others following.

Layla with a camera.

Oh crapola.

"Hey, stretch, you're not gonna want to move until Valerie wakes up. She can be a total grump in the morning." Warren said, a smirk on his lips. "Oh, and don't wake her up."

On that note, Layla started taking photos.

I scowled. "If you show those to anyone, I will personally take you down."

"Well, good. We'd all expect nothing less; once you can move, that is."

I smirked, getting an idea.

You're forgetting something. A really important part of me.

As the group walked away, I snaked my free arm behind them, waiting.

Sensing the moment, I raised my hand up, snatching the camera from Layla and retracted my hand as quick as I could.

"HEY! Those were my black mail photos!" Ethan cried, running over, the others on his heels.

The shouting caused a certain someone to stir.

"What the hell is going here? I was comfortable…" She complained, her voice groggy.

I didn't bother unwinding the arm around her; I had to keep her from maiming someone.

"Oh, um, nothing. Nothing at all." Magenta said quickly.

I showed her the photos on the camera. Browsing through the photos, her glare darkened. "Oh, really now?" She asked, trying to get up.

I pulled her down.

"Relax. Look, I've deleted them." In fact, I wiped the entire memory card from the options menu. Hopeing there was nothing important on there, I handed it back to Layla.

"Good." She closed her eyes and curled back into my side.

"Um, Warren? What time is it?" I asked.

He looked at Will, who responded. "Almost four o'clock. P.M, mind you."

My eyes widened. "How long can Val sleep?"

Warren had a half smile on. "Her record is almost twenty four hours. I do not suggest waking her up. Good luck."

The entire group walked out of the TV room of Magenta's house.

"Um, guys? A little help? Guys?!" I called after them, to no avail.

She's cute when she's sleeping. Looks like she couldn't harm a fly.

Of course, we all know that's a lie.

I sighed. Gonna be a long day.

A/N: Such randomness.