Vicki and Catherine were alone in the kitchen.

"So, how was it?" Catherine asked as she handed Vicki a cup of coffee.

Vicki acted innocent and said, "How was what?" she sipped the coffee and closed her eyes, adding a 'mmm…' to her swallow.

"This is the best coffee I've ever had," Vicki noted honestly.

"Thank you, we have many resources to get what we need. How was your trek around New York?" Catherine wasn't going to let go.

"It was very humbling and relaxing," Vicki explained their trip to Ground Zero. Catherine nodded somberly and was saddened by how different things had become since the attacks. The tunnel world had been affected as well with many of the sentries more cautious and worrying about unattended items left close to the entrances. They never worried they would be discovered but after the attacks on the World Trade Centers, they all knew they would never be completely safe anymore.

"Where did Henry take you?" Catherine noticed the ring on Vicki's finger and nodded her head.

Vicki toyed with it, put it out to look at it and smiled, "The top of the Empire State Building."

"Very romantic," Catherine sighed.

Vicki shrugged, "Yeah, well.." she said trying to blow it off.

Catherine offered words of advice for Vicki, "Look, I know you. You're the kind of woman who needs no one. You're tough and independent and won't be told what to do. You feel you will lose your independence if you let a man take your heart. I get that, it's admirable but remember this," Catherine put her hand over Vicki's in a friendly gesture, "we all need someone sometime. No matter what you think, no matter how hard you believe your outer shell is and no matter how hard you try to protect your heart, you still need someone. And besides," Catherine added," every child needs two parents."

Vicki laughed, "That's not a problem. Henry can't father children."

"Never say never Vicki," Catherine told her. Vicki decided she wasn't going to worry about that as it would never happen but part of her was sad she couldn't make Henry a father. That was something he yearned for but knew would never happen. Catherine continued to offer advice and at first, Vicki was receptive but then, she became rather uncomfortable.

"I probably should get back to Henry, " Vicki said.

"I understand, good luck to all of you," Catherine hugged Vicki and took her completely off guard. Vicki stiffened then relaxed somewhat and returned the hug.

As Catherine headed out of the kitchen, she called, "Lighten up Vicki. Things will be much easier if you open your heart."

Vicki stood alone for a bit thinking about all the things Catherine had told her and everything she'd been through. She thought of Mike and this new gift, laughing a little when she thought of how freaked out and angry he must be and about Henry giving her his blood, something he detested. She knew by this selfless act how deeply Henry cared for her. In her heart, she knew she loved him but there was nagging part of her that wanted to keep everyone, including Henry, at a distance. She wandered back to Henry's chamber surprised with herself at having found it so easily. She undressed, showered and jumped out of her skin when she found Henry sprawled naked across the bed. With a raised eyebrow, she asked him if he was waiting up for her.

"Yes, of course I'm…" he grinned and wiggled his hips, "up for you."

Vicki laughed and plopped on the bed with her towel still wrapped around her body and head.

"You're insatiable," she teased.

Leaning on one elbow, he offered, "I have no vices, remember..oh wait," he tapped his chin and pretended to be deep in thought, "there is that whole snacking thingy."

Vicki's mouthed dropped open and she frowned, "Excuse me..I thought we had an agreement?"

Henry leaned up and kissed her deeply, "Of course, I was kidding."

"Henry, my eyes are better," she suddenly blurted out. Henry blinked then realized what she said.

"Really. That's wonderfully amazing," he was hesitant to think it was anything more than his blood working for a short time.

"Do you think it's permanent?" she asked.

Henry shrugged, "I don't know. My blood has healing powers, but I don't think it's always permanent. I'm sorry," he said softly.

Vicki tilted her head, "I'm not sure it's your blood. It's different this time."

"It is?"

"Yes, it feels.." she searched for the right word, "it's like I was before the disease. It feels real."

"Maybe it was Mike," Henry offered. Vicki thought for a moment then decided having a naked Henry in front of her was too tempting to worry about her eyesight right now.

"Well..I can see how happy you are," she grinned then bit her lip. Bending to his chest, her mouth encased his hard nipple and sucked then laved around the edge. Henry lay back and growled. Her hand feathered its way to his pulsing member. Wrapping her warm fingers around him, she moaned and closed her eyes. She imagined his hard steely rod spearing her to the point of feeling as though she were splitting in two. She stroked and massaged him and enjoyed the silky yet hard feel of him. His tip was ultra sensitive and she used that to her advantage. He bucked into her ministrations and hissed. Grabbing her, he suddenly had her on her back. Her eyes flew open and she watched the beast within take over.

The vampire wanted his prey…