A/N: Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanza! Happy Hanaka! Happy nothing athiests! And yay for the solstice! Basically just saying happy holidays to everyone for whatever you celebrate :) I decided to update this one because it's been in my mind most so enjoy! :D - Sam

Walking on Eggshells

I was going to kiss him that night. After our not date...I would've kissed Erik back had he kissed me. I would've cheated, something I never would want to do, for one kiss with Erik. And what was the only thing I seriously had a problem with about that after days of thinking about it?

That he hadn't wanted to kiss me.

What the hell is wrong with me? I thought as I drove from work to go pick Lexi up from school.

Lexi came running out, her beautiful hair whipping out behind her. I smiled, remembering that carefree age, where things were always simple and never complicated. She got to the car but didn't hop in. "Veronica's mom said I could go over. Can I? Please? Please? Please?"

I laughed, feeling only a small pang of disappointment. She was growing up before my own eyes already and I haven't even had her that long. "Have her mom come over here so I can meet her first and then you can."

She smiled brightly. "Oh thank you thank you! You're the best!" She ran back to a dark haired girl who was with her mother at the door. The three of them came over, the mother of this Veronica smiling warmly at me, while Veronica and Lexi started doing handgames a little further behind, not paying attention.

She held out her hand. "Hi, my name is Judith. You're Lexi's mom?"

My smile wavered and I looked at Lexi, who wasn't paying attention to this convo and met Judith's eyes. "Uh no. I'm her aunt, Angela. Lexi's parents are both deseased so I am her legal guardian."

Judith's eyes widened. "Oh my, I am so sorry. Veronica never said..."

I shook my head, smiling weakly. "It's alright. Just something we don't talk about, I wouldn't be surprised if she just said I was her mom to make it easier for herself."

Judith nodded. "She also calls your husband her father, according to Veronica."

Husband? "I don't have a husband..."

"Ah boyfriend then."

I flushed and looked down. "It's her uncle...but I'm not with him. He lives with me though because his house burnt down and it's easier for Lexi to have us both..." I explained.

Judith blushed as well. "I'm sorry again."

Before she could go further into an apology or make this any more awkward I got out my phone and gave it to her. "Uh if you could just put your number in here and I'll give you mine, then give me your address so I know where she is, that'd be great. Do you want me to pick her up before dinner?"

She did as I asked and gave me her phone so I could do the same. "She could stay for dinner if that's alright with you."

I smiled. "It is. I'm glad she's making friends here."

Judith smiled that warm smile again. "I'm glad Veronica has made a good friend as well. She was new last year."

"Okay so just send me a text or call after they eat?"

"Sounds good, Angela." We shook hands. "It was nice meeting you."

"You as well." I said, before rolling up the window as she turned. I waved to Lexi who smiled and waved back. I waited until they were safely in Judith's car before driving back home. I got home before Erik and cleaned up the kitchen from breakfast and looked through the refridgerator for what we would have for dinner. I was in need to go grocery shopping, which I would probably do tomorrow since I had the day off, but as for tonight, pasta and salad would have to do.

I had the sauce cooking, water boiling and was in the process of making a salad when Erik got home. "Hey, where's my little greeter?" Erik asked, referring to Lexi. Lexi usually gives him a hug and kiss when he gets home.

"She is at a friend's house." I said, smiling, proud of her for putting herself out there and making friends.

Erik, on the other hand, didn't seem to be as happy for her as I was.

*Erik's POV*

Shit, shit, shit, shit. Was all I could think upon hearing Lexi had gone to her friends house. Seriously, what was she thinking? She hasn't fed since I took her to the hospital, and that was a little over a week ago!

"Erik?" Angela said, breaking me from my thoughts. She put down her salad and put her arm on my arm comfortingly. She looked up at me and said softly, "This is a good thing, Erik. She's made a friend and coming out of her shell. That's improvement."

She had a point, even if she didn't know it. Lexi must have felt in control enough to make such a bold move. Either way she is feeding right when she comes home... "I know, I just worry about her, that's all."

Angela smiled, her eyes danced with laughter. "You? Worried? Careful now, Erik, it seems like you've matured." She said before returning to preparing salad.

Me? Mature? No... but as I looked at her, watching the mature, independent woman prepare dinner, hair tied up messily and cheeks full of color, making dinner for the two of us...I realized I might want to be.

Might being the magical word. It could go either way...but let's be realistic. A player like me with a girl like her? No.

Even as I thought it, I couldn't help but remember the night outside the house, where she looked as if she'd let me kiss her. Certainly, she would have. Or would she not have? Would she have backed off last minute? She does have a boyfriend who she mentions all the fucking time...

It doesn't matter, Erik, not at all. "So whatcha cooking for me, baby?" I asked, being my regular self. After all, it's what she expects and exactly how it should be.

"It's not for you, but spaghetti, if you must know." She answered, smiling. She has a beautiful smile, with teeth straighter and more white than most humans... and her oh so kissable lips...

Stop. Bad. Distract. I set the table and got out wine and two wine glasses. Out of Angela's request, we do not drink in front of Lexi, but since she is not here it is the perfect time. As we both worked together for dinner, a sort of tension was created that I can't quite explain. I felt so odd and yet I didn't want to say or do anything to break it.

Dinner was ready in no time and we sat together. To fill the silence, I put on the radio in the background, but the music still couldn't fill the quiet.

Being the man I am, I decided to take the first step to fill it, "So...heard from the boyfriend?"

Angela I sensed could feel it too. She looked at her food, rolling the spaghetti on her fork, as she answered, "No, I haven't spoken to Micheal for about a week."

Since the night of the date... "Oh." I said, waiting a moment before asking, "Why not?"

She shrugged and ate. I took her example and looked at the food as I ate it. "So...Lexi has been telling people that we're her parents..."

I looked up in surprise. "What?"

Angela smiled weakly. "Yeah. Guess it's easier for her than telling the truth..."

How odd. Part of me wanted to ask Lexi about it, but the other part feared it. She still, rightly so of course, was hurt and affected by her parents demise. They were murdered, after all, and even I sometimes fear she's next...

"I don't think we should address it to her, let her come to us." I suggested, catching her eye.

Angela nodded. "I was thinking the same thing."

I had stopped eating and so had she. I was staring into her eyes and I felt that urge again. The urge to kiss her was stronger than any urge I've felt before, even more than my thirst for blood, but something was holding me back. She, on the other hand, didn't seem to feel the urge for restraint. She leaned in closer and I soon found myself doing the same, forgeting whatever reason I had to not. Our lips were just about to touch when Angela's cellphone rang.

We both froze and tensed up.

*Angela's POV*

He was the first to move back, releasing me from his spell. I turned, my face burning red, and I answered the call, "Hello?"

"Hi, Angela, this is Judith. We're finished dinner. Would you like me to drop her off or do you want to come pick her up?"

"I'll come get her." I said, desperately needing the drive, but more importantly, to be away from Erik.

"Alright, see you soon, then!" She said before hanging up.

I got up without facing Erik and got my jacket and keys. "I'm going to get Lexi." I said, not daring to meet his eyes. That would be bad. Very, very bad.

"Want me to clean up the kitchen?"

"Sure." I left as soon as I got on my shoes and got in the car. I put the address in my GPS, knowing it'd take me the longest way to get there, and played the radio. What the hell has gotten into me? That's twice now I've almost kissed him, no, wanted to kiss him.

Maybe I miss Micheal and am replacing him with Erik...so I don't really care for Erik I just miss Micheal...yeah that's it.

The thought did nothing to comfort me, but I told myself it did. When I finally got to Judith's house, I picked up Lexi at the door and thanked her for taking Lexi and suggested next time Veronica came to our house. Judith, and the girls, loved the suggestion and sooner than I'd have liked we were on our way home.

Where Erik was.

Cleaning the kitchen.

He probably looks really hot cleaning the kitchen...

NO! Ugh this is so out of hand. "Aunt Lexi, are you alright?" Lexi asked quietly.

I put on one of my best smiles for her. "Yes." I took in the notice of her color, she was getting really pale again. "Lexi, sweetie, are you? You're looking pale again..."

She nodded and closed her eyes. Maybe I should take her to the hospital. When I suggested it, Lexi's eyes opened and she protested a lot. I was still worried, but I brought her home to consult Erik on it. He is the one who took care of her last time.

Almost as if he knew, he was at the door waiting. All of our problems forgotten, he took one look at Lexi and hurried her inside. He was rushing her upstairs as I tried to get off my shoes quickly, "Hey, wait for me."

He turned back, a torn look in his eyes. "Angie, please, trust me...just stay there, okay?"

Confused, yet still trusting him to take care of Lexi, I stayed. They were upstairs alone for only about five minutes and he came back down, without her.

"Thank you." He said, dismissing the topic from further discussion.

But I was done walking on eggshells. I may be confused on a lot, and sometimes I didn't mind it, but I refuse to be confused on the sweet little girl in my care. It's past time to ask directly what's going on. "I believe you owe me an explanation."

He turned the eyes on me, but I stared back this time, not willing to succumb to his charm. "I'm waiting." I stated.

Erik cleared his throat. "Well see...I am just as confused about what happened at dinner as you are..."

My cheeks were in flames. "I'm not talking about the second almost kiss, Erik!" I hissed. How dare he bring that up! What the devil is he trying to distract me from?

"Then what are you-"

"Forget it." I said, headed up the stairs. If he wasn't going to be direct and answer me, I was going to see Lexi and ask her myself. Erik wasn't going to make this easy though. He grabbed my arm and I turned towards him, slapping him hard. "Don't you dare touch me. I'm done with all this bullshit. You're an ass, then you hurt me, then you make it up to me and pull all these little charming tricks on me, go back to being an ass and all the while you're hiding stuff about Lexi. Well I have news for you, Erik, I'm Lexi's legal guardian. I have just as much right as you if not more to know what the fuck is going on!"

With that, I turned, leaving him staring after me in shock. I didn't even knock on Lexi's door this time, I just opened it.

"Lexi, I have some questions to-" I stopped midsentence, staring at her in horror. Why?

Lexi was sitting on her bed, drinking blood from a packet with a straw.

A/N: Yikes! What will happen next? I think it's sorta obvious...wait that's 'cause I wrote it...and have the rest of the story known...well most of it, it's always subject to change...ANYWAYS! Hope you liked it! Happy Holidays! Please review and lemme know what you think :) - Sam