She braced herself before stepping out of the car, the last five minutes spent in the garage doing nothing to steal her resolve. She looked forward to the day when this man was gone, she wasn't sure just how she put up with his constant arrogant swagger. Especially when compared to her own arrogant swagger. Now if only her friend would answer her phone calls, she might be able to rid her home of it's recent unwelcome guest.

Opening the trunk, she revealed five shopping bags of mens clothing. She had spent the last evening scouring the mall for something she felt he would wear, not really knowing how to shop for a person who dresses like he's from the 12th century. But those pants of his looked a little too tight to be entirely comfortable and she was sure by now that they needed a good washing.

She found him in front of the stereo, listening none to interesting to the various sound effects and chart toppers that played as he turned the radio dial. Apparently he had figured out how to use the electronics. Suddenly he flipped it off, a look of disgust crossed his face. "Cattle." she heard him mumble.

He finally noticed her when she sat the oversized plastic bags on the counter. "What are those?" he asked.

"Gifts. You have been walking around in the same outfit for the past four days now, I thought you might like a change every now and then."

He could have taken it as a jab, but then again, knowing him, he could have taken anything she said as a personal attack.

"Now," she continued. "I don't know your sizes so I did the best I could. If they don't fit, I can go back and get something else."

Digging through the pile of objects, he seemed to take particular notice to the pair of leather boots she had picked up for him. She had thought it to match his general sense of style, but wasn't sure how he would take to the new fit. She hoped he liked them, for she knew that those metal contraptions he wore on his feet weren't doing her hard wood floors any good.

He grabbed a few items that seemed to catch his eye and walked into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

"You're welcome." she snarled.

Gathering the rejections, she placed them into the nearby hall closet. Oh well. They'll make good birthday presents...

"Have you anymore progress?" he asked. She hated how he could sneak up on her like that. She momentarily glanced over him, trying not to make it too obvious that she was staring. Not bad. The simple black shirt she had gotten for him was a little baggy, but those jeans were a surprisingly good fit. And she was glad to see that he had at least tried the boots.

"No. He hasn't returned my calls yet. I'll find him, don't worry." she said.

Her answer obviously agitated him. "I don't have time for this. I need to get back as soon as possible."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I have been trying hard..."

"Well try harder."

Before she could let her temper get the best of her, she felt her cellphone vibrate in her pocket. Quickly disregarding Kain for the moment, she flipped it open and was more then a little relieved to hear her friend's voice. "Michael! It's good to hear from you. You finally checked your answering machine." She had known Michael for almost two centuries now. He was one of the rare few vampires that could put up with her and they had grown a liking for each other. He was centuries old and had come to know quite a few interesting characters in his days. She knew he also had a bit of an interest in all things...odd, so she was hoping that he could at least lead her to someone who would know something about her dilemma.

"My dear it's been far too long. How have you been?"

"Oh..." she quickly glanced at the tall vampire standing over her. "Fine."

"That's good. What could you be calling about that is so urgent?"

"Um...I was just kinda wishing to see you again. I was wondering if maybe you could come here for a visit. You're not busy are you?" She rolled her eyes at herself, she hated when she sounded so fake.

"No, not at all. I would love to come down there, maybe for a few weeks even?"

"Yeah," after all her work she was glad this part at least was going so well. "That would be great."

He hesitated. "Is there something wrong, dear?"

She was quiet for a moment, not wanting to lie to him. "Could you...just come down here for a while? Please?"

"Yes of course. Give me a few days, ok?"

"Yeah." her voice sounded weak. She didn't want to get him involved in this. She doubted it would cause a problem for him though, he was always getting into trouble of his own anyway.

"Take care dear."

"Yeah, you too." she heard the line cut out. She sighed.

"Well?" Kain asked.

"He'll be coming in a few days." Which means I'm stuck with you for now, she thought. "If he can't tell us something I don't know what to tell ya. He's the only one I know who can help you."

He took it for what it was. For now there was nothing more he could do. Choosing to forget the subject for the time being, he turned and opened the cabinet to get another glass of blood. She would have to stock up again. Never before had she met someone who went through food like he did.

"So what do you intend on doing in the mean time?" she asked.

"Wait."

Wait. Not one for conversation are you, Kain? Maybe just not with her. She wondered how he was with those close to him. Did he even let himself have those 'close' to him?

She saw him look at her as if she was intruding, like he had been expecting her to leave after he had received what he had needed of her. Too bad. Ignoring him for the time being, she flipped the television on again, deciding on some various animal documentary. She smiled, she always liked lions.

She was surprised as he made his way from across the room and sat down next to her, crossing his leg over the other. So she finally found something he would enjoy. She should have known.

She leaned back into the soft cushions. She doubted that she would ever learn to relax completely around him, but attempted to ignore the slight tension due to the small space that was now between them. He didn't seem to care, instead watching as the pride devoured it's latest kill.