Hope everyone had wonderful holidays! Here's the next chapter! Coming up: The party, and Claire's birthday. Hope you enjoy, see you at the bottom. : )

Chapter 9: The Truth About Love

Saturday came quicker than expected. Shane had to open the restaurant, but promised to be back by six, to take her to dinner. Eve was going to pick out her outfit and do her hair and makeup. Michael was taking Eve to the only suitable motel in town so that the two could be alone after they got back from dinner. Claire was nervous as she washed her hair.

It had been one year. It'd been a little bit bumpy along the way, but they'd gotten there. And, they loved one another. That was what counted. She cut off the water, and slipped on her robe. Eve was waiting in her room, thumbing through her closet when she stepping into her room.

"So. We want casual, but sophisticated and hot. I'm thinking this one?" She held up a simple, one shouldered black dress that came mid-thigh on her. The sleeve stopped at the elbow, and the waist was tied with a silk silver bow. It was fitted, and Eve paired it with a pair of semi-ripped fishnets, and a pair of black platforms. Eve blow dried, and curled her dark brown hair that fell down to her shoulder blades. She did her eyes in a pretty silver color, and a thin wing of eyeliner. She applied fake eyelashes, and curled them. She put a deep red lipstick on her, and then a little bit of lipgloss. Claire smiled at her and Eve's reflection in the mirror.

"Thanks, Eve. Really." She hugged her. It was almost six.

"You're welcome. It's been a long ride, eh? I think you and Shane deserve this." Claire kissed her cheek. The heels made her only two inches shorter than Eve now, as opposed to the usual five inches. "Oh! I almost forgot!" She exclaimed. She grabbed a small box on the counter.

"Michael bought these for you, for your birthday. I picked them out. We figured we would give them too you tonight, we thought they would go perfectly with the dress." Claire took the box, and inside, nestled into the satin cushion, sat two earrings. They were diamonds, and the top was a stud, then four smaller diamonds connected, each one smaller than the one before it, making the earrings look like rain drops. Her breath caught, and she pulled Eve into a tight hug.

"These really aren't from me." She said in a strained voice. "Michael bought them. Claire. I can't breathe." Claire giggled and pulled back.

"Thank you." She put the earrings on in the mirror, and tucked her hair behind her ear, and smiled. Eve smiled back.

"One more thing." Eve put a necklace around her neck. It was the necklace Shane had gotten her so long ago. She smiled and placed her hand over the delicate cross. I small tear fell down her cheek. "No. No no no. None of that. Don't ruin my makeup." Claire laughed. "Okay, Shane is here. Are you ready?" Claire nodded.

"Yeah. I'm ready." Eve hooked her arm around Claire's and led her to the stairs. She held a finger up to her and dashed down the stairs. Michael was fussing over Shane's silver tie. She cleared her throat. "Gentleman, and Shane," She winked at him. He wrinkled his nose at her and fiddled with his tie. "The ever-lovely, ever-charming, Miss. Claire Danvers." She bowed dramatically, and Claire clacked down the stairs. She rolled her eyes at Eve, then looked over at Shane. Shane dropped his silver tie that Michael had forced on him. His eyes trailed down her body. Shane was absolutely entranced in her presence, even Michael sucked in a surprised breath. Shane cleared his throat. Claire walked forward, and stopped directly in front of him.

She took his tie, and straightened it, and tightened it, making it look right. She smiled.

"Hey. You got your hair cut." He had it was an inch or two shorter, and wasn't so uneven. She had to admit, it looked really fucking hot, and she wanted to skip dinner completely, and drag him up to her room. He wore a pair of black dress pants, and a black shirt, and a silver tie that matched the ribbon tied around her waist.

"You insisted." He kissed her forehead. She nodded, and stepped back. She turned to Michael, and tucked her hair behind her ear once more.

"Thank you, Michael. They're beautiful." He smiled and held up his hands.

"Eve picked them out. I only paid." Claire laughed, hugged him and kissed his cheek.

"Ready?" Shane said, and held open a cropped black coat open for her. She nodded, and slipped her arms into it. He shrugged on his coat.

"We'll see you tomorrow afternoon." Eve smiled and waved as she ushered them towards the door. "You'd better get going." Claire waved again as Shane dragged her off the porch, into the setting sun. Claire looked at the black Cadillac sitting on the curb, much like the one that got destroyed when they were on their way to Dallas. This one was a newer model year, but was complete with tail fins.

"We traded in the hearse. It was falling apart. Plus, pulling up in a hearse would put a damper on your pretty dress." Claire smiled.

"We could have walked, for all I cared." Shane opened her door and bowed low. She giggled and stepped in, careful of her slightly short dress. Once her door was shut, Shane jogged around to his side, and hopped in. As he started it up, she looked over at him.

"So, where are we going?" She asked. He fiddled with the radio and settled on a static-y pop station.

"It's a surprise." Claire sighed.

"I doubt it's the diner with the jukebox. We're too dressed up." Shane smiled. He drove half way across town, and parked in front of a small, Christmas-tree-lights lit French restaurant.

"This looks…" She trailed off as he walked her through the archway made of bush that had Christmas tree lights intertwined through it.

"Just give it a chance. Not there," He said as she turned to go to the large wooden door. "I called in a favor." He led her around the side of the small building.

"You know, something about this screams illegal." He snorted and threw an arm around her waist. She made a sound of protest as he clamped his hand over her eyes.

"Keep walking." She listened, and walked forward, letting him guide her. He stopped her, turned her around, and back her up until the backs of her knees were against something cold. "Sit down." He said. She did. "Keep your eyes closed." She nodded. "Promise?" She nodded again. He let go and she closed her eyes. She heard a scuffle of feet.

"Shane, you better not be leaving me. I'll kick your ass." She said. She heard him snort. She felt a presense at her side, and someone sat something down on something in front of her. Oh, she was at a table, and someone was putting a plate down in front of her, and it smelled delicious. She felt Shane's hands on her shoulders, removing her jacket. She helped him by shrugging it off. "When can I open my eyes?"

"One second." He said. She heard a loud pop, but kept her eyes shut. She could hear the soft violin music playing from inside. "Okay, now, you can open your eyes." She did, and inhaled a sharp breath. They were in a courtyard, and lights were strung all around them. There were a few more tables around them, but nobody occupied them. The purple sky accented the lights, and the sun, what was left of it, cast a soft glow around them, making the lights seem even prettier. Her delicious smelling plate consisted of some type of fish, asparagus stocks, and rice. The loud pop she'd heard, was Shane popping the cork out of a white wine that neither of them were old enough to purchase. She saved Shane himself for last, wanting to just stare at him forever.

"It's beautiful." She said, and looked at him. The lights danced on his skin, making his barely known Indian heritage, known. "How did you.." She trailed off and looked around.

"I went to school with the owners' son. And, I fixed their car multiple times. I hung out with them a lot. They liked me."

"Everyone likes you." She said. He motioned towards her plate.

"Eat, or it'll get cold. I'd only suggest a glass or two of this," He nodded towards the wine bottled sitting in the middle of the small table. "You being drunk would kind of put a damper on the night." He winked at her, and she smiled. She ate, and it was delicious.

"You learn to cook like this, I'll be fattened up in no time." She said as she ate her last piece of asparagus.

"I'll start going to classes." He said straight-faced. He now sipped on a coke. He traded in his wine glass after one glass, claiming that he had to be the designated driver. A tall boy wearing a pair of jeans and a flannel came out, and said hi. She assumed this was the friend. He said "Hello, nice to meet you," to her, then lopped off to the back door again.

"Happy?" She said as she sat her fork down on her empty plate. "I finished." He smiled and nodded. "I think I'm going to be sick, though. I ate too much." He grinned.

"You'll work it off." That perked her ears. She sipped on her third glass of wine. "Too tipsy to dance, Miss Danvers?" He stood up, and walked to her chair. She stuck her tongue out, and he took her hand. He nodded towards the window, and when Claire turned around, she saw the same boy messing with a stereo away from the inside tables. A country song started, she knew from the first chords. He put his hands around her waist, and she put hers around his neck. She leaned into him as Brad Paisley began singing "She's Everything". They rocked from side to side.

"Happy Anniversary." He whispered in her ear. She smiled and nestled deeper against him.

"Back at ya." She said. Then, she pulled back and looked at him in the eye. "I love you. Seriously." He smiled.

"I love you, too. Seriously." He turned her, one fluid movement, and before she could turn back around to face him, he brought their bodies together in one swift movement. She giggled as he kept rocking them. He kissed her as she craned her neck up to him. The sun had set completely, and for once, they weren't worried about Vampires jumping out to eat them, or low-life jerks trying to kill them. They were happy as the country songs, that neither of them would ever listen to, played on. They were locked away in their own little world until an older woman wearing a black pair of pants, and a black chef jacket, came out. She smiled at them.

"Oh. Don't mind me. I just came to get your plates." Claire realized she left her wallet at home.

"Shit." She whispered to Shane. He gave her a questioning look. "I left my wallet at home." He was going to interrupt her, and tell her that he was taking care of the bill, when the woman cleared her throat.

"I thought Junior told you. This is free of cost." Shane began to protest, but she held up her hand. "You saved my son, Shane. Free of cost." She said, and smiled. "I'll leave that." She motioned to the half empty bottle of wine on the table, and winked. "Have fun. Oh, and congratulations. It's hard to survive a year around here, let alone love in the midst of it all." She walked back into the restaurant, plates in tow. Claire's brow furrowed.

"You saved her son?" He shrugged.

"It was nothing. He was out walking alone, and a vampire tried to get him, a while back. I was out being an idiot in high school. I got him home alive." He said, twirling her around again. "Let's not talk about it. Tonight is about us. Not them." He kissed her again.

"You're right. I'm sorry." She hugged him closer. His hand traced circles around her hip. He left feather light kisses all over her face, causing her to giggle. Her slight intoxication had wore off. She sighed. "This is amazing. Thank you." She looked up at him.

"No. Thank you. We wouldn't be here if you didn't forgive my dumb ass too many times. But, I love you, I do." She smiled.

"We all make mistakes. You, more than others, but all the same." She nudged him playfully. He smiled. "I love you, too." She pulled away to grab the bottle of wine. "And, I think I'm allowed to be tipsy, right?" She giggled.

"Yeah." He laughed, and kissed her nose. "You can be tipsy, Little Drunk." She wrinkled her nose at the "Little Drunk" comment.

"Thanks for the nickname, Jerk." He laughed as she brought the bottle up to her lips. It was still cool, and crisp. She held the bottle up to him. He shook his head.

"What don't you get about 'designated driver. If you save it, Little Drunk," She wrinkled her nose again. "I can take us home, and we can finish it there." She nodded. Has he held her jacket open for her, the door opened once more. The boy shrugged over with another bottle of white wine. Shane sighed. "Fueling your bad habits." The boy handed Shane the bottle with a smile, and Shane handed it to her.

"Hey, man. Mom told me to bring that too you. Hope everything went okay." Shane slapped him on the back.

"Yeah. Thanks, man. When are you going back to Kentucky?" Shane asked.

"I leave tomorrow. We only had a four day break from classes." It clicked for Claire. The boy left Morganville, and was going to school in Kentucky. "But, hey. It was cool seeing you. Tell Mike and Eve I said hi, and congrats?" Shane smiled and nodded. The boy looked at Claire. "It was real nice meeting you. We'll all hang out together soon, I hope. Maybe over summer break. Brittany's been wanting to come down to spend time with mama." Claire smiled at the interaction between the two boys.

They said their goodbyes and Shane walked her to the car. He opened her door, helped her in, and jogged over to his side. On the ride home, he gripped her hand tightly. When they arrived back at the house, there were lamps on, but it was pretty dark. She stumbled in with her bottles of wine, careful not to spill the open one she'd been sucking on during the drive. Shane pulled her, and scooped her up, carrying her bridal style into the living room.

She kicked off her heels, not caring where they went. She managed to get Shane's jacket off, which fell to the ground a couple feet away from her heels. He unzipped her dress, and she threw his tie on the banister, and undid the buttons on his shirt, it fell on the stairs.

"Here. Wait. Let me go open this bottle. I'll meet you upstairs." She kissed him swiftly as he sat her on her feet. The dress pooled at feet, from where he'd unzipped it. His mouth popped open when he looked at her half naked body. She left the dress there on the steps. He kissed her forehead them jogged up the stairs. She stumbled into the kitchen, and turned on the light. She fished an old corkscrew out of the drawer. She popped it open, and threw it in the trash. She downed the rest of the first bottle and left it on the counter. She got in the fridge, looking for the chocolate. She smiled as she saw a plate of chocolate covered strawberries. There was a note on them with her name on it.

I'm hoping you find these when you get home. These are for you and the boy. Have fun.

Xx -Eve

"I love you, Eve." She giggled. She grabbed the plate, her wine, flipped the light off, and made sure the doors were locked before she climbed the stairs. She heard a jazz music going. She couldn't help but giggled as she shoved her door open. Shane had thrown red rose petals all over her room, and her bed. There were various candles lit around the room. He smiled and walked to her, bare chest and all. He grabbed the plate from her.

"Where did these come from?"

"Compliments of Eve." He also took her bottle of wine, and took a swig of it. Claire took a strawberry, and strolled to the bed. She sat on the edge and made a 'come hither' motion with her finger. He walked to her, and sat the plate on the bed next to her. She bit into the strawberry, and sucked on, drawing the juice out. She looked up at him through thick lashes. She unbuttoned his pants quickly, and tugged them down, leaving him in his boxer briefs. She threw the bare top of the strawberry in the trash by her bed. She kissed his muscular stomach, placing her hands on his hips, and pulling him forward. She took the wine out of his hand.

"I just wanna point out, you look really hot right now." He said. She tipped the bottle back, letting the liquid fill her mouth. She swallowed, and pulled him down to her.

"I've been wanting to fuck you all night." She whispered seductively. He grinned slyly. "I want you," She sat the bottle on the bedside table. "To make me sore." She said, and pulled him on the bed, on top of her. She flipped them over on the bed so she was straddling him. She twisted and got the wine. Balancing herself with one hand on his chest, she tipped the bottle up again, and swallowed. "Open your mouth." She said. He complied. She gently placed the bottle at his lips from the side, and poured some in. "Swallow." She commanded. He listened. He trailed a hand down her pale stomach, and over her thighs. He gently touched the front of her underwear.

She unhooked her bra, and threw it to the side. He reached up to cup her breasts. She moan and arched her back, pushing her breasts farther into his hands. He kneaded them gently, rolling her nipple between his thumb and finger.

"Ah." She made a small shrieking sound as he yanked her down, taking her other nipple in his mouth. "W-wait." She panted out. He let her go. She climbed off the bed, and knelt down next to her bed. Under her bed, she had the box of sex toys. She pulled it out as Shane sat up on the side of the bed.

"What's that?" He exclaimed as she dug around. He leaned over, and picked up the unopened dildo she had in there.

"That," She said, snatching it back. "Is Eve's birthday present. She says we need to mix it up sometimes." His eyebrows climbed higher. She made a small, excited sound, and pulled a pair of handcuffs out. She shoved the box back under the bed. "I'm not gonna lie. I'm kind of drunk right now." He laughed.

"I know." He pulled her up, and tugged off her lacy underwear. He pulled her to the bed, making her stand in between his legs. He kissed her from hip bone to hip bone. She fisted his hair. He flipped her over on the bed. "You should make yourself come for me." He said as he kissed her stomach. She looked at him with a frustrated expression. He climbed off the bed and began digging through the box. "With this." He held up a small, silver vibrator. She huffed, shook her head, and fell back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. She waited for him to come back up to lay with her.

Suddenly, there was a rapid buzzing directly on her clitoris. She jumped and cried out. She glared at him, and he had a triumphant smile on his face. She snatched it from his hand.

"I guess I'll do it myself, then." She hissed. He smiled, and sat next to her. She sighed, and bent her knees up, making it easier to get to her core. She rubbed herself with it a few times without the vibration. Shane pushed her knees apart, making them fall open, exposing her. She placed the rounded tip of it at her core, and turned it on low. She moaned as she circled it around her opening, and then trailed up to circle her clit. She groaned again. Shane, who was thoroughly enjoying himself, took off his underwear, letting his erection spring free. He stroked himself, eliciting a loud groan from his throat. He kissed Claire's stomach, causing her to almost stop pleasing herself. He slipped his hand between her thighs, taking the vibrator from her hands. She slid her hands up her body to knead her own breasts. He slipped it into her and pulled it out. She groaned.

"Shane." She moaned out. "S-Shane." She felt her body begin to shiver and shake. Shane pulled away abruptly, causing her to call out in frustration. Her drunken state made everything blurry, but her body was on overdrive thanks to his touches and kisses. He took her hindered state as an opportunity, and snapped the handcuffs on her wrists, tying her to the bed post. She groaned as he kissed down her body, swirling his tongue around everything. He stopped when he got to her pussy. He ran his nose up her slit, inhaling her aroused fragrance. She wiggled, trying to get loose.

"Shane," she huffed. He spread his palm over her lower abdomen, holding her in place. He swirled his tongue around her clit, making her groans become louder, until they were full on screams, the kind that would get them in trouble if Michael and Eve were home. Her hands tugged hard on the hand cuffs repeatedly, causing her wrists to turn pink.

His tongue slipped in and out of her, causing her to quiver all over. She came loudly, exploding on him. He licked her clean, letting her ride out the orgasm. She lay there, trying to catch her breath.

She was exposed, fully. They'd accidentally left the door open, and Claire's bra had ended up in the hall. She was sill handcuffed, and her legs were spread wide.

Shane, taking control, which she thought was so hot, slipped the handcuffs over the bed post, lifting her in the process. He set her on the floor, helping her gain her balance. He kissed her neck, and tossed her curls over her shoulder.

"Knees." He whispered. She kissed his cheek, then his neck, then dropped to her knees with the handcuffs keeping her hand at her back.

He stepped towards her, positioning his head at her mouth. She opened wide for him, taking all of him that she could. He groaned, pulled back, and rammed back into her mouth. She used her teeth and tongue. It didn't take long for him to come in her mouth. He released her hair, and pulled her up to him, taking her mouth with his. She pulled back after a moment.

"Fuck me, already." She groaned out as he trailed a hand up her body. He yanked her body against his, and smacked his hand down on her ass. She moaned and pressed her ass back into him. She kissed him, and he laughed.

"You're so drunk."

"I want it all the time," she reasoned. She pressed more against him.

"Okay." He said, slightly amused. He pushed her on the bed, so that her stomach was pressed against the mattress, and her legs and ass were pressed into him. The handcuffs kept her hands on her lower back. He slipped into her quickly. They both groaned at the contact. They both came in a matter of minutes.

For hours, they fucked, then made love into the early hours of the morning. Claire could very clearly distinguish the difference between fucking and making love. She enjoyed both, and so did he.

When they finally finished, Claire gripped the now-room-temperature wine in her hand.

She tilted the bottle towards him. He took it, drank some of it, and handed it back to her. She finished what was left of it, and lay back on the bed with him. The soft undertone of sunrise filtered through her curtains. They'd finished the strawberries long ago. They curled up together under the covers. She gripped his chin, and turned his face towards her. She touched her forehead to his, and closed her eyes she inhaled his scent gratefully.

"One year down." She smiled as his hand trailing up her bare back.

"Now we can focus on two years. And then, forever." He said, placing her hand over his heart. She snuggled deeper into him, smiling triumphantly to herself. Yeah, he's mine.

"I think you bruised my thighs. I'm gonna be sore in the morning." He nuzzled her hair.

"Good." He kissed her. She giggled. "You're still really drunk, orgasm-outed or not. Go to sleep." She grinned.

"Happy Anniversary, by the way. I love you." She pressed a warm kiss to his tan chest.

"Ditto." She let herself fall into a drunken sleep, wrapped cozily in Shane's warm embrace.

So, i'd enjoy it if you'd review! I hope you enjoyed it! I'm sorry it took so long to update. I've had a hectic month and a half. What with traveling for the holidays and my classes starting back and all. Don't forget to comment and favorite and stuff! I love getting those notifications. 3
Mucho amor,
SceneBitch