Claire's POV

Shane did seem to have calmed slightly in the ca but I knew this wasn't the end, it was the beginning if anything. He was still quiet while I sat with him and still unsure whether he should touch me. When we were about half way home though I suddenly felt my eyes begin to droop and my head just fell on Shane's shoulder without me deciding for it to do so. I felt Shane stiffen for a second but after a moment he reluctantly put his arm around me. It was the moment that gave me reason to believe that this wasn't going to go so bad after all, it was a moment of hope. Then Michael had to open his mouth didn't he. Just as we turned onto Lott Street he looked at Shane through the rear view mirror and started speaking. "Er Shane? When we get inside you need to get some blood Ok?"

Shane groaned and hit his head on the back of the seat. "Great, this just gets better and better."

"Sorry, man."

"Whatever."

I could tell Shane just wanted to get this over with as he bounded out the car the second it stopped. I immediately jumped out too to keep up with him. By the time I got through the front door Shane was already halfway across the living room and heading for the kitchen. When Michael came in he tried to speak to Shane to offer his help. "Hey man, if you want I could-"

Shane cut him off. "No, I'd rather do this alone."

But I of course, not wanting him to be alone ever again, ignored what he said to Michael and followed him anyway. Without a word to Shane I jumped on one of the stools in the kitchen and waited. I watched him open the fridge and grab what of Michael's sports bottle, give it a funny look before shutting the fridge and looking over at me. "I kind of said I would rather do this alone."

"I didn't hear you."

"Sure you didn't. Please Claire, this is gross and embarrassing as it is without you watching." He groaned as I made no effort to leave.

"Just pretend I'm not here. I won't make a sound I promise. Pretty please?"

He sighed before looking back at me. "Fine, but if you feel grossed out feel free to run from the room."

"Whatever you say."

"Ok." He opened the bottle and looked inside it before taking a deep breath. "Here it goes." He shut his eyes before pressing the bottle to his lips and tilting his head back to let the liquid begin to slide down his throat. He gulped the lot down without stopping. When he was finished he opened his eyes to stare at me. I stared back, mesmerized by the new colour in them. He looked nervous. "Go on say it. Oh my god that was just gross right?"

"Actually I was going to say your eyes are almost ruby colour. It's actually kind of cute."

"You are so strange."

"Tell me something I don't know. Anyway, how was it?"

He looked slightly ashamed to answer my question. "Well... it was... not bad at all. Kind of nice even though I don't want to admit it. Oh my god I can't believe I'm saying this."

"I guess that's just natural."

"Maybe. Hey Claire, can I ask you something?"

I was worried about the way he was frowning but I answered. "Yeah sure."

"Do you really see me as the same Shane as before?"

"Well... you kind of need a tan but then again so do I. But yeah, you are still the same Shane."

He smiled slightly at my response. "Like I said strange."

I didn't answer him, mainly because I couldn't. I was too busy letting out the biggest yawn possible. It even made my eyes water and I could hardly see. I heard Shane laughing but I didn't see him come over to me so I was surprised when he suddenly lifted me up in his arms. "I think it's time you got some sleep."

"So do I."

He carried me out the kitchen and up the stairs as I snuggled in his arms which were always so comfortable to be in. I was knocked out of my happy moment though when he walked by his room and headed to mine. "Hey, I'm staying in your room tonight."

He shook his head at me. "No Claire, I could still hurt you and it's the last thing I want so for now I want you to keep some distance from me."

Maybe I should have listened but I was in a stubborn and a sort of funny mood and I already had a plan to get what I wanted. Straight away I put it in action. "Oh my god I think I'm going to be sick. Shane put me down quick!"

He looked worried because I was acting pretty well so he put me down straight away expecting me to run to the bathroom. I didn't though. Instead, the minute my feet touched the floor I squealed before running for Shane's room. I heard him moan behind me. "Aw that is so not fair." I didn't look back in case he caught me I just threw the door open, ran across the room to his bed and jumped under the blankets. Shane was there a second later. He tried to pull back the blanket but I wouldn't let him. "C'mon Claire, please just go to your room tonight I don't wanna risk anything."

"It will be fine."

"You don't know that."

"I will put my faith in it."

"Please Claire."

"No."

"Please I-"

"Ah sorry can't hear you."

"But-"

"No."

"Claire-"

"Sorry."

"Claire please."

This time instead of answering I just snuggled in the blankets and pretended to snore. I didn't hear a response from him for about a minute so I looked up at him and grinned. "Are you just going to stand there because I am really cold?"

Shane sighed before he finally gave in. "Move over."

"Does this mean I win?"

"What choice do I have?"

"None at all." He laughed at me as he squeezed in the space I left him before he wrapped his arms around me. He wasn't as warm as he used to be but I was surprised to find he wasn't ice cold like I expected. It was kind of nice.