Zaiela sat in her art class drawing sketches of her fellow vampire. She hadn't realized who it was until the end of class. She was annoyed at the fact that he was still the focus of thoughts. When the bell rang to end the class, Zaiela gathered her things to head to the quad. The school gave the students a fifteen-minute break for a nutrition period. It wasn't much to get something to eat, but it gave some time for students to get work done if necessary. She sat down on a wall, digging out a granola bar that managed to make its way into her bag. She studied her fellow students, having felt out of place for the past four years she knew she wasn't going to miss anyone. Xander graduated the year prior and being in class everyday felt exhausting to her. She let out a sigh, her granola bar was no longer appetizing and tossed it into the trashcan nearby. She missed and the bell ran as she grumbled to pick it up.

She gathered her things again, her mind wandering back to the encounter with her now very real fictional friend. Maybe knowing Aubrey exists is not a bad thing after all? She thought to herself as she made her way to her computer class. The students seemed to be extra pushy today and it was starting to fluster her nerves even more.

Zaiela met up with one of the few people she could tolerate, Rick, since Xander graduated the year before. He was talking to his girlfriend, Caroline, when he noticed her coming in. He waved her over and Carline smiled at her as well. Caroline was a little too nice for Zaiela's comfort, returning a polite smile as she made her way to an open computer. She opened the program to check her email, reading a newsletter from her bookstore. Seeing nothing the interested her she logged onto the school's instant messaging program. The bell rang distracting her as the teacher came in with someone behind him.

"Alex Remington?" the teacher asked in a croaky voice as he read from his paper.

Zaiela knew that name and she nearly swore. Her eyes met Aubrey's and the only empty computer was the one next to hers. She glared daggers at him, she turned to look for a way out but Rick caught her off guard. He was staring at Aubrey with a coldness she had never seen in her friend before. She wondered why, knowing very well Rick didn't read any of the books she did. Caroline did not look too pleased either and it was throwing her even farther off. As Aubrey sat down, she adjusted her posture in her seat and looked over at her new partner.

"Are you stalking me?" she asked in a near growl.

Aubrey smiled as he turned on his computer. "Maybe." He replied not meeting her gaze just yet. He wanted to play coy. It was becoming fun watching her get flustered.

Zaiela rolled her eyes, moving her mouse to start the program for the assignment the teacher wrote on the board. "Oh I bet you think you're so adorable don't you?" She huffed.

Aubrey smiled again, making Zaiela feel uncomfortable once more and she acted highly interested in the assignment. It was a simple one that she had finished quickly and she realized Aubrey was done as soon as she was. She then realized she was watching him and he met her gaze. She felt her cheeks flush. She composed herself, watching him work with the machine easily. "Wow, after all those centuries I'd think you'd hate computers," she whispered smirking at him.

Aubrey sat up slightly insulted by her comment. It wasn't that he disliked technology, he just hated the fact that it was everywhere. "I do, but in order to stalk people I like I need to fit in somehow" he responded stretching out.

Zaiela's cheeks grew warmer and she smiled. "If I didn't know better Alex, I'd think you were flirting with me, again" She remarked.

Aubrey smiled at her observation and the fact that she used his public name. Oh so she does read people better than most. He thought to himself as he looked above his computer and spotted her hunter friend staring at him. It wasn't exactly staring. He was more glaring with an intensity he hadn't seen since Risika tried to kill him. Aubrey hoped the hunter was smart enough to not start anything in public he was just trying to have fun. It was never fun to make messes in front of anyone.

"If I was flirting Zaiela, you wouldn't be talking to me." He remarked arrogantly. He moved closer to her. "You would already to be in my arms, ready to bare your throat to me." He added.

Zaiela rolled her eyes, following Aubrey's gaze as he got close to her. Rick was staring at the both of them the same hatred in his eyes from earlier. Curiosity was getting the better of her and she met Aubrey's eyes again.

"Then tell me Alex, why would you have any interest at a public school like this? I'm sure feeding here would cause a terrible mess for you. I believe enough that messes are not a part of your reputation." she whispered smirking at him.

Aubrey raised an eyebrow at her and shook his head. "Maybe mortals like you captivate us into turning such beautiful creatures into prey," he responded with the same arrogance she wore.

Zaiela scowled at him, not liking the fact that he was treating her like a lowly animal. She knew it was a harsh truth but something was telling her it wouldn't be the case with her and him. The proof was there that's where humans sat and he was sitting close enough to touch. She let out frustrated sigh, the chime to her instant messaging breaking her thoughts. She glanced at Aubrey who was distracted once more by his computer. Zaiela clicked on the message, it was from Rick and she read the message quickly.

Rick: I need to talk to you.

Zaiela: Okay about what?

Rick: Not here.

Zaiela: ?

Rick:My house after school

Zaiela: Seriously?

Rick: Trust me

Zaiela: Okay

Rick hadn't send her anything else during the rest of the class. She had watched Rick the entire time and he seemed to be twitchy in his seat. Caroline seemed to be typing something intensely at her station and Zaiela was frustrated at how protective they were of her. She signed off her computer as the bell rang. She gathered her things and headed to her English class. She slumped as she realized everyone was staring at her and she looked around. Aubrey was behind her, making Zaiela rolled her eyes and shake her head as she sat down. He took a seat two rows back. A few girls giggled behind Zaiela and she pulled her notebook. She was ready for this day to be over.