Hello all! Welcome to chapter numero tres...I hope you guys like it! Don't worry, more Myrnin next chapter, I promise. But for now, enjoy, and please keep reviewing! :) Thanks to all those who've already reviewed, or favourited this story, I love you!

'Love Hurts!'

Claire padded softly downstairs. She could hear Michael and Shane talking in low voices, but they cut off abruptly when she entered the room. Michael stood there awkwardly for a moment before heading upstairs, leaving Claire and Shane alone. He refused to meet her eye for a few seconds, then sighed and scooted over, making room for Claire to sit next to him on the couch.

"Shane - " Claire began, but stopped, because Shane cut her off.

"Don't say it. I know I overreacted. It's just that - " Now it was Claire's turn to interrupt him.

"It's OK. I understand. I would have done the same thing if I were you." Shane looked at Claire, then wrapped around her, pulling her in for a hug.

"No you wouldn't." He said, kissing the top of her head.

"No, I wouldn't." Claire admitted. She twisted round in his arms, and pulled his head down to her lips. Her arms snaked around his neck as they kissed. Shane leaned back, stretching out full length on the couch. He brought Claire with him. She landed on top of him in a tangled heap, and gasped as their bodies crashed together. All coherent thoughts were driven from Claire's mind. All she could think was, Shane. This kiss deepened as Shane twined his fingers into her hair. He kissed her as if his life depended on it. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing heavily, and Claire was slightly flushed. She lay there for while with her head on his chest, listening to the steady beating of his heart. Something Myrnin will never have. She thought before she could stop herself. Claire slowly slid off Shane, reaching across him to pull a blanket over both of them. He mumbled something she couldn't hear, and put his arm round her shoulder. Claire fell asleep almost immediately, and was treated to a strange dream where Shane morphed into Myrnin while she was kissing him. Amelie was hovering over them, watching with narrowed eyes. Later, Claire thought that the meaning behind this dream was pretty clear.

When Claire woke in the morning, Shane was still asleep. She got up carefully, trying not to wake him. She actually succeeded until the last moment; her foot got caught in the blanket and she crashed to the ground, pulling the blanket and a very surprised Shane with her. He jumped to his feet immediately, obviously expecting some kind of attack. (Which, Claire reminded herself, even if it looked hilarious, was the wise thing to do - considering they lived in Morganville.). Shane looked around wild-eyed for a moment, searching for the threat. When he was satisfied there wasn't one, he sat down with a soft thwump. Then his eyes fell on Claire, who was still lying on the floor. He frowned slightly.

"Claire?"

She sat up slowly. Her ankle was throbbing painfully, and she was pretty sure she'd sprained it.

"I fell down." She said stupidly. Claire felt a bit dizzy, and was becoming ever more aware of a dull ache in the back of her head. Shane crouched down next to her, looking concerned.

"Are you OK?"

She nodded slowly. "I think so. My head hurts." Claire reached up to the back of her head, and felt a strange wetness seeping through her hair. She frowned, and brought her hand in front of her face. It was bright red. She looked at Shane, and was about to ask why there was paint on the back of her head, but he rushed out of the room. Claire frowned again, and tried to get up. She got about halfway before her leg buckled. Pain shot through her ankle and she fell to the floor again with a small cry. Suddenly Michael was beside her, lifting her up carefully and laying her on the sofa. Shane came in with a towel, which Michael tucked under her head. He turned to Shane and said something, and Shane nodded grimly. Michael left the room, and Shane came to sit next to Claire. She wanted to tell him not to look so worried. But the words came out of her mouth in a slur, and she was so tired. She blinked, and when she opened her eyes again, Theo Goldman's face swam into view. She turned her head to the side, painfully. Shane was sitting right next to her. He saw her watching him and stood up, looking excited.

"She's awake!" He said, grinning at her. Claire suddenly realised she wasn't in the Glass house anymore. Where...? She turned her head again, this time taking in her surroundings. Oh. Hospital. She frowned. Why am I in the hospital? She opened her mouth to ask Shane, and caught sight of someone sitting in the corner. An entirely different question came out of her mouth.

"What's he doing here?"

Shane looked confused for a moment. He followed her gaze to the vampire lounging in the corner of the room.

"He wouldn't leave." He said, glaring at Myrnin. If looks could kill, Claire thought, and someone giggled. She looked around, bewildered, for the culprit, and realised with dawning horror that she had giggled. Oh. My. God. I did not just do that. But the angry expression on Shane's face said that she had. Claire groaned inwardly. What kind of painkillers did they give me?

Theo straightened up, obviously done examining her ankle. Claire was thankful that he seemed oblivious to the atmosphere in the room. He pushed his spectacles farther up his nose.

"Well, she'll be OK." He said, addressing the room in general. He snapped his antique doctor's case shut with a click. "Her ankle is sprained and very swollen. I've bandaged it up, but she should avoid doing anything strenuous for about another week. Her head is fine, nothing major. Just a mild concussion, she's lucky she doesn't need stitches. But keep an eye on her just in case. If there are any problems, I'll be glad to help." With a quick smile at Claire, he left the room. Leaving her alone with Shane and Myrnin. She swallowed, and glanced at Shane. He was silently glowering at Myrnin, and Myrnin was staring straight back. He looked bored. Claire sat up slowly, gritting her teeth as the room spun around her. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. Claire staggered slightly as she did and Myrnin looked as though he wanted to help, but Shane was already by her side, supporting her with one arm.

She shrugged him off and he stepped back, looking hurt. She sighed. Why was he acting like Myrnin was the competition? It was one kiss! She thought angrily. Claire stalked out of the room. Shane and Myrnin could rip each other apart if they wanted to. Right now, she couldn't care less about either of their feelings towards each other or her. She just wanted to go home. Claire glanced back as she left. Myrnin was still sitting in his chair, but he was smirking. Shane looked like he was caught between following Claire and attacking Myrnin. She turned and faced the wall, opening a portal to the one place Shane couldn't follow her.