Hey there, faithful loyal readers! So sorry for the wait! But, I am finally feeling better and up and at it. So here is chapter 10, and I promise, I will have another chapter in a couple of days. Thanks so much for sticking with me and being patient! Please Review!

CHAPTER TEN

They descended the stairs slowly, knowing they'd be bombarded soon. When they reached the bottom step, Thierry turned to her and took her hand.

"Hey, look," he began, "I'm going to warn you: Lowell was very upset. Even when we found out I was cursed, he was still pretty pissed at me."

Sara sighed and nodded. She figured as much. Lowell had a temper and was very overprotective, like any brother would be. Which is why Thierry's overprotectiveness bugged her so much. She didn't want another brother. She wanted a lover, her husband, her partner.

Sara sighed."Well, I don't think, it was all to do with you." she revealed.

Frowning, Thierry replied, "What do you mean?"

She took his hand and pulled him towards the dining hall. "You'll see. Come on, let's get this over with."

Thierry just followed, still wondering what was she was implying.

They entered the dining room, finding everyone was still at the table, lingering around. Sara had the feeling they were all waiting for them to appear. As soon as they entered, heads turned and gasps were heard. The girls jumped from the table and ran to Sara, nearly knocking her over, as they rushed to embrace her. Theirry barely managed to step back, before he too was cornered. However, he watched and smiled, as the girls hugged and exclaimed over Sara.

"We've missed you!"

"I'm so glad you're okay!"

"You look so much better!"

"You are one crazy chick!"

"We're glad you're home!"

"Don't scare us like that again!"

"Like skydiving, do you?"

"You look happy!"

Sara laughed, as the comments, joking and teasing went on. She insisted she was definitely okay, and assured them that she was back to normal. After a good ten minutes of this, the girls began to calm down, and step back. There was a good enough space, so that when she raised her eyes, Sara saw Lowell, standing back, staring intently at her.

Sara bit her lip, "Lowell..."

Without a word, he came forwards and crushed her tiny body in a hug, squeezing tightly. He let tears fall silently down his face. He then pulled back, and held her arms, tightly, almost brusingly. He stared at her a moment, his face in a stern, sad expression.

"Don't you ever...ever...do that to me, again." he said, slowly, punctuating each word.

She shook her head. "Lowell, I'm sorry. I just thought..."

"Do you know how scared I was? Do you know how worried I was?" She nodded, but he wasn't done speaking. "I thought, I'd never see you again! I thought, that was it, and you were gone for good! You just left, without telling me anything! Or at least calling me and letting me help you!"

"Well, I thought...I mean, you have a life here now..." she interupted, looking towards Lupe.

"I don't care!" Lowell said, raising his voice a fraction, startling her a bit. "Yes, I have Lupe and she's my soulmate, but you are still my best friend! You are my family! You're like my sister and you know that! I would never let you just disappear, or let you try to kill yourself! It would have hurt Lupe and I both, and I would have hated it, but I would have left with you, I would have helped you, gotten you through that!"

Thierry stood back, watching the scene. He wanted so badly to rescue Sara from Lowell's ranting and raving, but she knew this would happen. She hinted at this and now, Thierry knew, why Lowell was so angry. It wasn't so much that, Lowell thought, Thierry had actually hurt her. It was the fact that, his best friend and god-sister was gone, and had sunk into a bottomless pit of sorrow and depression. Lowell was mainly angry, that he couldn't help, and scared that he'd lost her.

"I know, Lowell!" she replied. "I know! And, I'm sorry! But, you don't understand. I wasn't thinking at the time, okay? I didn't know the truth about what happened to Thierry! I was a bit distraught." she explained.

Lowell took a deep calming breath, looking to Thierry. "I know. I was just worried, scared and angry. You know, we are family, Sara. And, you're parents, and mine, expected me to look after you. They trusted me, and I would have died if something bad happened to you."

Sara finally smiled. "Yes, my parents did trust you, Lowell. Before." she replied, turning reaching for Thierry. "But, now, they entrust Thierry to look after me. And, besides, we are all family." she said, looking over everyone's face. "Just like James said."

James gave a knowing smile, and Lowell relaxed. He looked to Thierry again, and held out his hand. Thierry shook it, and nodded.

"I'm sorry, man." Lowell offered.

Thierry shrugged. "Don't be. I understand."

The room went back into an excited mode and relaxed atmosphere. Thierry led Sara to her spot and they sat, eating their lunch. It was almost like old times, except for Thierry still felt uneasy. He felt like some of his friends harbored doubts about him. Even though he could read their mind, and knew what they thought. Sara seemed to sense his inner conflict and took his hand.

"Hey, let's go for a walk." she said, raising from the table.

Thierry looked up and smiled. He stood with her, and they headed outside. Thierry didn't know where to head for, so he let her lead him. She pulled him along, and he saw their tree, coming into view. Giving a relieved sigh, he followed her through the branches, and to the clearing in the middle. She sat and patted the ground next to her. Instead of sitting, Thierry knelt in front of her.

"Sara, do you think, we'll ever get past this?" he asked.

Sara frowned, worriedly. "I think, we'll get past this, sooner than you think." she answered, raising to her own knees. "I know, what happened, wasn't you. Or not mentally, anyway. It was the spell, so really, there is nothing to get over."

He sighed. "I know. But, I still feel...bad. That it was my body that hurt you, my voice, my...self!" he sighed, frustratedly, then cupped her face. "I just want to know, that we're still okay, in love and trust each other fully."

"Thierry, I think, I spent all morning showing you, that I trust and love you. I know, this incident, was purely evil, and a vendetta against us. It was not you! I do trust you! I do love you! We just have to remember that, we are targets. We are susceptible to attacks, but we have to be strong, together."

He nodded, hanging his head. "You're right. I'm just...trying so hard not to fall apart, but, I have conflicts too, Sara. I'm not a robot, nor am I heartless. I have to talk things out, and tell you how I'm feeling inside. I know, I'm Lord Thierry and one of the oldest of my kind, but I need you, too." he groaned and sat on his rear, shaking his head. "God, I hate this! I hate feeling weak!"

Sara stared at him, in amaze and sympathy. "You're not weak, Thierry. Like you said, you're not a robot. You were once human, and you still have that humanity, inside you. If you didn't, you wouldn't be feeling like this. You wouldn't be able to love, or feel remorse. Thierry, no one is meant to be perfect, so stop trying to be." she crawled over to him and leaned into his chest. "I am here for you. We have to be here for each other. Together. You and me, remember?" she reminded, smiling.

Thierry smiled back. "I remember. And, I'm so glad I have you back." he answered, pulling her into him. "I just...you kept saying that, you needed me to be strong for you. I felt like, I had to bear the pressure of that."

"Well, I did do that, huh?" she replied,sheepishly. "I still mean that. I do need you to stay strong for me. But, that doesn't mean I can't be strong for you. I am back, Thierry. And, we will never let anyone tear us apart again, deal?"

"Deal."

He kissed her softly, and held her, while she sat in the space between his legs. Thierry felt his heart and spirit lift, as he held her in silence. All the insecurity and concern he was feeling earlier, melted away, now that he got to express his feelings. He felt a weight lift off his shoulders, and he felt ready to face the realities, he knew, were soon to come. But, for today, he would spend one quiet, peaceful day with the love of his life.

After awhile, they rose and headed back to the house. Sara felt Thierry was more at ease, and she felt like, she got her point across, that they were going to come out stronger from this. As soon as they walked in, Poppy came rushing up to them.

"Oh, good! You're back!" she exclaimed, taking Sara's hand, pulling her. "Come on! We have something to show you!"

Sara quirked an eyebrow, but smiled, pulling Thierry along with her. Poppy led the pair back to Thierry's office. As they approached the door, Thierry stopped, hesitating. Sara turned to him, and saw the sadness coming back.

"Hey, it's okay." she told him.

Giving a sigh, he nodded and continued following. But, Poppy turned and put a hand over Sara's eyes. Blindly, she let Poppy lead her in and she even heard Thierry give a surprised gasp. Sara inhaled, feeling Thierry let her hand go. She thought he might have left. But, suddenly, Poppy released her and Sara looked around. She was standing, facing her darkroom door. She glanced sideways and saw James, Lowell, Lupe, Thea and Eric standing to her right, grinning widely. She turned and saw Thierry standing to her left, behind his desk. He had a worried look still, but was doing his best to hide it.

"Open it." Poppy ordered, gently.

Thierry sucked in a sharp breath, but he knew, from reading Poppy's mind, that it wasn't going to look like it had before. Still, he worried what Sara's reaction to being in the room would be. Sara stepped forwards and raised her hand slowly. She touched the pull-handle, then slid the door open. She flipped the switch and was taken back.

The room was freshly painted and new thin straight lines were strung across the ceiling. New boxes were stacked against the wall, her cabinets were fixed and packs of photo paper were waiting. New bottles of acetic acids were under the new table, awaiting use. New flat tubs and utensils were top, begging her to use them.

She went in and looked around the room, walking a circle. Her purple eyes took in the room, which looked as it did, when Thierry first presented her with it. She followed the thin lines, strung across her ceiling. Then, long strips on one end caught her attention, and she frowned at the sight. She went over to look closely, and saw that all her old film strips had been salvaged. Sara cried out in joy, and took some ends in her hands, looking them over. They had never been destroyed or damaged, and she was so ecstatic that, the irreplaceable memories, and images, remained unharmed. She would be able to recreate her photos.

"Oh, my, goodness, Poppy!" she exclaimed.

Thierry had long since followed behind her, and looked around, also amazed. He knew from reading Poppy's mind, but wasn't expecting this. He slowly came up behind Sara and put his arms around her. Sara leaned back into him, and he put his head on her shoulder.

"Are you okay?" his deep voice rumbled out.

"I'm perfect." she answered, whispering. "I'm home."

Thierry sighed and the crowd behind them cheered, calling out happily. The darkroom filled, as the bystanders came in to hug and express their joy. It was a scene right out of a feel-good movie. They were talking and laughing, and it was like nothing ever changed. After awhile, they dispersed and went on their way, letting Sara and Thierry spend some time alone. Sara looked around her room a bit longer, and Thierry stayed beside her. She inspected her strips of film, going over the images.

"Sara?"

"Yes?" she turned, letting the strips down.

He held out a hand, which she took and he led her back into the office. When the others had left, they shut the door, and Thierry went to lock it. He turned slowly and gazed at her, gauging her reaction. Sara felt her heart quicken, but she hid it, by keeping her face neutral. He came to her and pulled her to the couch, sitting and pulling her onto his lap. His eyes reflected her's, holding an overwhleming trepidation. He needed to do this, he needed to erase the bad memories, from the both of their sakes. They used to feel at ease and comfortable in this room, and, dammit, Thierry wanted it back.

Cupping her face, Thierry's own quick breath caressed her face. "Sara...I want to do this...here...please."

"Thierry, you don't have to...you have nothing to be sorry for-" she began to object, but he cut her off.

"Yes. Yes, I do." he whispered, huskily. "I need to erase the...memories...not just for you, for me, too."

Then, it clicked. She realized, that the memories were haunting Thierry, as well. They overcame the worry of not being able to make love, without fear or worry. Now, he wanted to erase the memory, from where they spent some of their most tender moments. This room held many good memories, and he felt they were tainted, by the bad. She realized, he needed this, to help him move on. And, overcome the sorrow, filling this room, with only good again.

Nodding, she leaned in and began kissing him, deeply. Thierry stiffened, then moaned, pulling her to him. He was thankful that she wore a dress, so he could have better access to her. However, he did not rush or take her quickly. He worked her up, making it a slow building fire. They kissed and caressed, rediscovering the hills and valleys of each other's bodies. Since she still straddled his lap, he had to push her back, gently, to look at her. His eyes wandered over her features, then down her neck and to her body, his fingers following his eyes trail, lightly.

"God, I love you!" he whispered, his voice full of passion. Cupping her face, he looked straight into her eyes again. "I. Love. You." he repeated.

She closed her eyes, understanding the emotion, behind his words. "I love you too. I always have. I always will."

Thierry gave a quick smile, before claiming her lips again. He nibbled her bottom lip, asking for entrance, which she granted. He shivered at the taste of her, and ran his hands down her back, and back up again, just repeating his motion. Sara did the same, but to his chest down to his stomach and around his sides. Tearing his lips from hers, he trailed his kisses down her neck and to the top of her dress. It was cut in a deep V, so he had easier access to her supple breasts. He just kissed the tops, licking the valley between them, nibbling her soft flesh. It was more erotic, than they had ever experienced. Mainly, because it was in a more open setting, and Thierry was taking his sweet time, making her crave his touch. When she felt, she could take it anymore, she grabbed his head, kissing his hair, but speaking in a hoarse voice.

"Thierry...please..." she whispered, reaching in between them, to work on his jeans.

"Please, what, love?" he teased, panting at the motion of her hand.

"Take me.."

He shook his head and leaned back against the couch. "You take me." he dared her.

She looked into his gray eyes, a flash of shyness filling her own purple ones. A shaky breath escaped her, but she pulled open his jeans and worked him out of his boxers. Thierry moaned and leaned his head back, waiting with baited breath. He felt her raise slightly, then suddenly, a warmth was over him, getting hotter, as she enveloped him. Her head fell forwards to his chest, and Thierry wrapped his arms around her back, loosely. He braced her, letting her gather her senses and begin her own rhythm. She rode him slowly, at first, gauging Theirry's reactions, feeling her nerves loosening and the memories of that night began fading away.

Theirry's own inner turmoil was wanning, giving way for the immense pleasure and desires he felt rising, between him and Sara. Lifting his head up, he gazed at her euphoric face and his cool snapped. His hands slid from her back, to her hips, and he began moving her harder over him. He was deep inside her in his position, so he felt when her walls clenched him, trying to squeeze everything from him. He gave a pitched moan, and threw his head back again, as his coil tightened in the pit of his stomach. Their climaxes were building simultaneously, like a wave that crescendoed to it's highest peak, then suddenly came crashing down hard, as they both cried out, in ecstasy.

Sara clung to Thierry's shoulders tightly, like he had rescued her from drowning. He kept his hands on her hips, clutching tightly, relieved at how everything else just slipped his mind. It was the most amazing moment, they felt they could ever experience.

That is until a knock came at the door. Theirry gave an irritated groan, and Sara laughed softly in his ear.

"Who is it?" he asked this time, not wanting a repeat of that morning.

Instead of replying, Lowell's embarrassed voice made a request. "Um, do you two...think...you can keep it, uh, down in there?" he mumbled. "We kind of heard...some of it..."

Sara laughed again, making Thierry's lips curve.

"Well, keep your ear away from the door, then!" Sara called out playfully.

Lowell gave an embarrassed groan, and walked away mumbling to himself. Then, Thierry laughed and held Sara to him, feeling light and carefree.

Just like we should be, he thought to himself, happily.

Yay! I'm excited. I'll be working more action into the next chapters, because dum-dum-dum the big battle is coming! So, ready or not, here it comes. I'll try to have the next chapter out in a couple of days. Please, bear with me and keep reading! Love, peace and chicken grease! Jk! Please review. I do not own Night World or any of it's characters. Only Sara and Lowell are mine! Thanks!