Chapter 10

"Michael!" she said as she opened the door, still pulling the one shoe over her heel. Honestly Michael, couldn't you have waited just one more day? Still, it was good to see him again. "How have you been?"

He quickly set down his suitcases before embracing her. "Fine. How are you my dear? How is your family?"

"Oh, they're fine." It was simple pleasantries, she knew. He understood how awkward her situation with her kin was. More then likely, he wouldn't bring it up again. "Come in. There's plenty of food here, help yourself."

"No thank you, I've already fed. So tell me what urgency caused you to contact me after all these years?"

She frowned. . It hadn't been that long really, less then a decade. He had complained to her in the past that she only ever visited him when she was in need of some service from him. She hadn't wished for him to be so left out of her life, but it just ended up that way. She knew it irritated him more then a little and she was sure that her current predicament wasn't going to help with the way he felt.

"I um...sorta need a favor."

He smiled as best he could. "You always do ..."

She was surprised to see Kain still sitting on the edge of the bed and not pacing across the floor as she had expected him. Still, he seemed annoyed with her delay. "Well?" he asked.

"I've explained everything to him and he has agreed to try and help you out."

He barely seemed to react, perhaps trying not to become too encouraged just yet. "How long will it take him?"

"He's not sure, but he's going to stay for as long as necessary," She wasn't even sure if Michael knew what to do, it hardly was as easy as all the charms and potions she had requested from him over the years. But if anyone she knew could do it, then Michael could. "He would like to speak with you however. He says that he would prefer you to tell him anything you can about your world. He feels it may help him."

"Of course." he answered, seeming relieved that something was finally being put into motion. She knew she should be glad that he would soon be back where he belongs and her life could finally get back to normal. Yes...and how great normal was.

She watched as he slowly made his way into the living room, walking by her without so much as another glance. Where was that sweetness she had felt so much of before? She sighed. She guessed that what show of emotion he allowed her to see last night was quite rare for him. She wondered if he would ever show that side to her again

She walked out into the kitchen, watching as her old friend and Kain questioned each other on what to do about this...situation. She stayed out the conversation, dimension hopping hardly being one of her specialties.

Sipping on the glass she prepared for herself earlier, now slightly cooled, she noticed finally the drastic physical difference between the two males. Michael could barely come up to her height and his small frame was a marked contrast to Kain, who probably towered over him by at least a foot and certainly was far more toned. Michael was pale, almost more then usual, but he had such soft blue eyes compared to the intense color of most other vampires, making him seem almost approachable. He had been turned at a slightly younger age then her, about twenty-two, but was actually far older then she. He had such a kind heart, ever since she had met him he had seemed like the gentle friend, willing to bear the weight of your world with you. He was often the one to sooth her sometimes formative temper, always maintaining that persistent patience of his. She believed that it was the only thing that allowed him to put up with her sometimes.

She suddenly felt guilty again. Oh how she abused him so, even if it wasn't intentional. He deserved better treatment from her, but he wasn't the only one. She rarely visited Malcolm anymore, even though he only lived across town. She could see him every night if she wished to, but chose to wallow in her own increasingly simple routine. She felt a new wave of gratitude for Kain. Even if he gave her nothing else, he had at least shown her that life doesn't have to always to be so boring. Perhaps she would even finally agree to those lunches Malcolm had so desperately wanted for her to join all these years.

She smiled as she looked at Kain again, who was now wearing the grey t-shirt and second pair of jeans she had gotten for him. Apparently he had taken to denim. These past few nights had brought out emotions she had felt long since gone. He somehow had managed to draw her out of her shell last night, bringing her at least momentary companionship. She had abandoned the idea of affection years ago, a safe move considering the company she kept. She never would have thought that she could open up so quickly. Maybe she wasn't the cold hearted bitch she had wished to be. Or maybe, just maybe, she didn't want to be one anymore. Well...at least not allthe time.

She wondered just what her feelings towards Kain were. She was certainly attracted to him, more so then she ever remembered being for someone. Although that was understandable. He did look good in those boxers...

Still, it had to be more then that. Didn't it? She wasn't sure. He confused her consistently. Her mind told her not to attach herself to him, to get rid of him as soon as possible and return to her ways of shunning everyone around her. It was safer. He was truly one of the ones everyone warns you about. But then again, she wasn't exactly the girl next door.

He had been such a welcome distraction for her recently, a refreshing change of pace that invigorated her zest for life. Was that all he was though? Entertainment? No. She refused to believe that. This could not possibly be the same feelings one has for a toy or a board game. There had to be at least something there. Right? It was a sad thought for her, to know that she had finally come to be the ice queen she felt she always had to be. After all these years of shutting down to those around her, of taking the safer route, maybe it was just too late to go back now. Maybe she couldn't feel anymore. But if that were true, then why does the idea of never seeing him again hurt so damn much?

She pushed the thoughts from her mind, knowing that no matter what conclusions she draws on her own feelings, it still won't answer how he feels about her.