I've been trying to come up with something (anything!) but short of copying someone else's idea, I'm stumped.

But! I've found this on my laptop – it was written February 09 when I went on holiday to Belgium and I went to Bruges for the day and wrote this sitting by a canal with a steaming hot Hot Chocolate and a small box of chips! I remember it well because I do the exact same thing every year!

It can be seen as Pre-book or AU; you choose.

WARNING! FLUFF! (And they may be out of character slightly...please don't kill me!)

Oh, and trust me on this one, Bruges is one of the most wonderful and romantic cities in the world in the winter ^_^

Disclaimer: I assure you, I'm not Darren Shan.

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Iris – The Goo Goo Dolls

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Bruges in winter had always held a certain significance for Larten Crepsley; not only was it one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen (and he'd seen a lot of places) but he thought of it as their city. Even though there wasn't a their anymore, he still classed it as that.

It was this very city that had brought their relationship to new levels and they had made a point of returning every year, on the exact same date – February 14th – Valentines Day. They would stay in the same hotel, above the same canal, visit the same places and always have the same fun.

Larten was staying again in their hotel; he'd looked out over their canal, visited their places and was now on his way to their water-side restaurant.

As always, Etienne, the Florist who lived next to the restaurant, called out to the vampire, a rose in his hand; he stopped when he saw the vampire on his own and frowned. Larten smiled sadly and shook his head. Etienne put a comforting hand on the vampire's shoulder and handed him the rose anyway, waving over his shoulder as he walked back to his shop.

Larten sighed, looking down at the flower in his hand and continued into the restaurant.

They always – no matter what the weather – sat on the balcony on the second floor. It was covered, yes, but that didn't stop the cold breeze filtering through, chilling all who dared to sit out there. The view was breath-taking though, so people did dare to brave the coldness.

Three people were out on the balcony when the vampire arrived; two were huddled together near the door, the other was staring out over the canal. The vampire didn't realise who the lone person was until he happened to glance in their direction as he looked out onto the dark city.

Larten caught his breath and a mix of pain and exhilaration rushed through him; without even thinking, he moved to sit opposite the lone person – who he had now realised was a lone vampire - , gaining their attention in the process.

The lone vampire gasped in complete surprise then adopted a knowing look and half grinned as the Larten sat down, "I did not imagine you would be here." He stated quietly, laying the rose on the table between them.

"The thought of not coming didn't feel right." Arra confessed and laughed half-heartedly once.

And I'd give up forever to touch you
'Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now

Neither vampires said anything then; there were no happy greetings, no remarks about how much they had missed each other. There was just an inescapable painful silence.

Both were, naturally, elated at seeing each other again; but the events of just a year ago prevented any kind words or familiar gestures. The view around them was apparently much more important and interesting. They both new that was a lie.

After what seemed like an age, the other two people on the balcony got up and left and, as they did, a group of six others loudly sat down down-stairs; their laughter and loud, happy voices floated up to the balcony and stirred something in the vampires.

Larten looked back to Arra and asked the first thing that jumped into his mind, "Where are you staying?"

"I'm not. I...just wanted to come here." She hesitated, as if she had been about to say something else, then focused her attention on the rose; absently twirling it around slowly between her fingers.

He watched her spinning the rose round for a minute before he mumbled, "Etienne gave it to me...he thought that you would..." He trailed off but she knew what he meant and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
'Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight

The rose kept spinning and they fell silent again. Larten eventually managed to tear his gaze away from the flower and he glanced up; Arra wasn't even looking in his direction. She was staring almost wistfully out over the balcony yet she kept up the slow rotation of the rose without fault.

He thought that she looked the same; except for her eyes. They weren't as bright or as lively as before – they looked dull and tired. As if she looked at things – everything – differently now. As if she had the weight of the world on her shoulders and she'd seen all the pain and horrors that it held. Wise...

The word formed in his mind and he knew that it was exactly right; her eyes looked wise. Wiser then they should; almost as if her eyes had aged but the rest of her hadn't. Like the same wise look Seba had in his. But she was much, much younger then he was – in both human and vampire years.

With this thought, Larten felt guilt creep in; he had caused most of this change, he knew that. It was his fault that she looked at things with more concern or more seriousness. Because he had broken her. And by doing that, he'd managed to break himself too.

He shook himself out of his thoughts and, acting on impulse, reached across the table on closed his hands around her own. The spinning rose stopped and she finally looked at him; a small, sad smile playing on her lips.

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

Something needed to be said now; Larten knew that. But any words he could think of sounded cliché and hollow.

As he tried to form the words, he studied her hands in his and thought that it all felt so right. And in that instant he had words – or more of a question, "Why did we end it?" He squeezed her hands, looked up and smiled softly.

Arra laughed, freeing her hands from his and intertwining their fingers together, "I honestly have no idea."

He grinned, "Do you mean that?" He had to ask; this was becoming too good to be true.

She became serious all of a sudden and nodded slowly, "Yes...I miss you..."

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything seems like the movies
Yeah, you bleed just to know you're alive

The loud, happy voices from below travelled out of the doors and into the dark street where they slowly faded away into the night. A waiter skipped up the stairs, saw the vampires – the only two customers left in the restaurant – and motioned for them to leave; closing time.

They left and, without even thinking about it, started to walk towards their hotel. As soon as they had left the warm glow of the restaurant Larten took a hold of Arra's hand; but they didn't speak.

As always with them, it seemed, actions spoke louder then words.

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

Arra paused as the inviting glow of their hotel came into view; Larten stopped and moved in front of her, taking the rose out of her other hand as he did so.

"What now?" She asked quietly, looking up at him with frightening seriousness.

He tightened his grip on her hand and gazed back at her calmly, "You stay with me."

"Are you sure?" Her serious state was scaring him a bit; she used to be so impulsive, the change almost hurt him.

"Completely." And just to prove he was being truthful, he leant down and captured her lips for an oh-so sweet kiss. She melted against him instantly and in that moment, it felt like they had never been apart.

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

He pulled away and drew her close; her head fell calmly onto his shoulder and he smiled.

She sighed in content, "I still love you."

He laughed softly, "I never stopped."

They moved apart ever so slightly and he neatly tangled the rose in her hair, and stood appraising her for a moment before she pulled him back down for another kiss.

I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am

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Meh, now I come to the end of it, I find I don't actually like it that much!

Requests would be awesome *not-very-subtle hint hint* But I think we've exhausted most ideas, guys. Creative caps on!

Oh, and I would just like to thank everyone who has requested for, reads and/or reviews this. XD "THANK YOU!"