Okay, so this took slightly longer than I had anticipated. But then again, my mother burst in and was all, "What are you doing? Go study or something!" And so...I had to bide my time and come up with a sneaky plan so I could get on the computer again.

Actually, I just asked to watch Bleach on my mom's laptop...But I can multitask! :D

Alright, enough of my lame excuses. On with the story! Enjoy!

I knew it, argh!

I disclaim here: Night World belongs to the one and only [genius] Miz LJ Smith! .

Mary-Lynnette readied herself for her first day of work. She was so excited; finally, she was truly becoming an adult. And yet…

She couldn't be sure what spurred Ash to spill his soul to her like that. Moreover, she never would have guessed he felt like that about her. She knew he loved her, of course – that went without saying. But vowing to protect her and saying he couldn't lose her? He made it sound as if his world revolved around her – as if he couldn't go on living with out her.

Surely that was just her overactive imagination? Before, she'd been so sure that only she felt the strength of their bond resonating deeply within her but now…now she had glimpsed her true love's soul…and she was torn by what she'd seen.

Mary-Lynnette straightened her shoulders. She would stand tall and proud, and she would not let Ash shoulder his burdens alone. She could protect herself, at least. One less worry for him.

Though it did spark a warn and fuzzy feeling inside her when Ash had declared, "I'll protect you!"

"Mary-Lynnette?" Ash called impatiently from downstairs. "Are you ready yet?"

Mary-Lynnette snapped out of her reverie. She smoothed out her clothes, ran a quick hand through her tangled hair, and hurried downstairs, crashing right into Ash.

"Whoa!"

They landed with a thump, a jumble of sleek limbs and Mary-Lynnette's long brown hair.

"Oh Goddess! Ash! Are you okay?" Mary-Lynnette scrambled up and frantically looked Ash over for injuries. "Are you hurt?"

She only heard a chuckle before the world spun before her eyes, and in a snap, she was lying submissively under Ash, who was smirking smugly at her.

"Have you forgotten the durability of a vampire?" he teased her with happy eyes.

Mary-Lynnette was so glad to see his eyes free of pain and torment that she didn't even respond; she just threw her arms around his neck and hugged him fiercely.

"I love you," she whispered in his ear, feeling frustrated at the inadequacy of the statement. Her feelings were so much stronger and deeper and more complex than simple love.

Surprised, Ash just smiled and hugged her back. "I know. I love you too." He regretfully unwrapped her arms form his neck. "Now let's go. Can't have you late on your first day. First impressions are important, you know," he lectured, pulling her up.

Mary-Lynnette resisted the strong urge to roll her eyes.

They strolled casually to town, holding hands and chatting like a normal couple. They each reveled in the sheer simplicity of acting like regular teens basking in the glory of their first love.

They arrived in front of the place of Mary-Lynnette's new place of occupation – Café Eternal.

Murmuring goodbyes, Mary-Lynnette leaned up on her tippy-toes and kissed Ash sweetly with both their hands entwined between them.

Apparently, Ash was unsatisfied with the innocence of the kiss because before she could react, he pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her passionately. He slid his hand into her hair and pulled her closer. She slid her hands through his silky hair as well, trying to get as close as possible. They clutched each other for several seconds before Mary-Lynnette broke away, panting. "You're gonna make me late…"

Ash was breathing hard too, but he merely grunted, "Mmm" before pulling her lips to his again.

Eventually, he pulled away and surrendered her to work. He looked at her and thought, She's so beautiful. Her lips were very slightly swollen from their kissing, her eyes bright with love and joy. She's beautiful. And mine.

But he just said, "Okay. You should o now, or you won't be going at all." His tone was suggestive.

Mary-Lynnette blushed lightly and bit her lip. "Okay, bye!" She turned and practically skipped to the building's entrance. As she opened the door, she lanced back at Ash, who was staring forlornly after her.

Giggling, she blew him a kiss and called, "Love you!" Then she darted inside, filled with energy for her new job.

Alrighty, guys. don't worry, there'll be actually plot stuff happening in the next chapter!

...I think. I hope! .

Well, anyways. Until I write out chapter 12! So long!

Not too long, hopefully.

Write on. Read on. that's my motto.

© Copyright 2011 The Siege :D