"I'll drive him home," Anne said, slightly protectively.

Luke's smile stayed in place. "Alright," was all he said.

It was moments like these when one wouldn't expect Luke to be so…impatient.

Of course, why should they suspect him? Innocent, gray-eyed, Southern, pale, frail-looking… Perfectly harmless.

Must Kerry always see the worst of everything? Must she always know the extreme negatives but not the slightest positives?

Michel had only recently begun to appreciate immortality. Had he been mortal, he would probably be used as gasoline to fuel cars, and he would never have met Kerry, or his best friend, Luke.

His age was definitely something many vampires admired. Clearly he knew his way with people, and fellow vampires want to be his ally in times of need...their need of course.

Michel was the richest, along with Luke. They shared the money from their master, and they had properties and investments everywhere.

Basically, they were guys any female vampire would want. How ironic they would fall for humans.

Kerry knew Michel was well-off, she just didn't know to what extent. Michel knew vampires wanted his and Luke's infinite money to aid them with their enemies.

Which is why they never sided in vampire wars. They were simply helpers of the weaker or fairer vampire or coven. Harriet Tubmans.

"It's nice meeting you," Seth smiled at Kerry, and nodded at Michel and Luke.

Ah, Luke. He looked at Michel, expectantly. Michel chuckled. What was friendly for himself and Luke was slightly dark for any human.

Seth quickly glanced at Michel and Kerry interchangeably and quickly. His instincts told him Michel was…well…on the offensive of his mate.

"Right, bye then," he said once more. He looked back at Anne. She threw Luke and Michel a dirty look, and strode of with Seth at her heels.

Kerry rolled her eyes, and Michel held her hand a little more tightly.

She pretended not to notice, but you know how it is with amazingly hot and sweet vampires. She forgave him seconds later by giving his hand a squeeze.

"So, where do ya want yer car next pretty lady?" Luke asked audaciously. You're lucky I know you this well.

Michel was feeling slightly jealous again, protective. Kerry is his, he is hers. No if's or but's about it. But echoing his jealousy was melancholy.

He was jealous of his best friend. He was jealous because the more he thought about it, the more he knew Kerry would once again deny his offer of eternal life and love. What made him think she would choose him over a normal, safe life? What made him think she honestly did not want this John fellow? What made him think she actually loved him because of him, not because of his looks, or his wealth, or his…

This was getting to too much. Luke sensed the internal conflict Michel was having, and quickly backed off of all joking.

"I'll drive yer car Mike," Luke said solemnly, no hint of sarcastic smile on his face.

Great. My brother knows he's triggered something in me. What is she doing to me? No, what am I leading myself to?

Michel wordlessly gave Luke the keys, but his eyes told Luke something else: Thank you. And I'm very sorry.

Out loud, Luke said the only thing a caring brother would say: "Don't worry about it Mike. I wouldn't want to lose someone like that either."

--

In the car, Kerry immediately asked, "What are you worried about?"

Michel considered not answering, but he did not think his turbulent mind could afford it.

"You," he said bluntly.

"Are you worried I don't love you enough?" she asked, hurt. She quickly understood. She had been the one to first say she loved him. She was the one who admitted her feeling in Marsala's home.

Michel also did, but not as bluntly as Kerry. "Is there any chance you would ever change your mind?" he asked her. He basically begged her right there.

"I am not worried about that—" I am worried about my insecurities "—is that what you're asking?"

"I am asking, well, I am telling you right now: I…" she blushed, not having said this in a very, very long time. "I love you, very much. More than you know. And I don't think other handsome vampires are going to change my mind so easily. Why would you think that?" she asked, not going to cry, but definitely not happy about his internal thoughts.

Say it. Say it coward. Tell her what is bugging you, and maybe you can go to being happy you are seeing her face, smelling her… he sighed.

Before he can thoroughly think his response, he blurted out, "I worry my insecurities will be the downfall," he said, looking straight ahead the entire time.

There, he had made a confession. He has opened himself fully in a way he never did before. Now he seriously might blush. Luke heard everything. He can even hear Luke laughing like he heard Dane Cook pull a good one.

He'll never let this go Michel thought bitterly.

Kerry smiled. She…SMILED?

"If your being a vampire didn't scare me, what makes you think a human quality will? And tell Luke not to laugh. I think that was cute." Luke roared louder at that.

Oh god he thought shakily. How am I ever going to live through Luke's poking fun of me?

Suddenly, he wanted to move to a part of the world where the sun is up and bright all the way to three o'clock in the morning. Maybe that way Luke will not make fun of him like this.

Suddenly, Michel had an epiphany. Luke simply could not lie. He could evade answers, but he just could not lie…

"Kerry, would you do me a favor?"

"What is it?" she asked, catching his mischievous ambiance. She quickly realized they were going to pull something, and she loves mischief.

He signaled he needed pen and paper, and she quickly provided him what he needed.

Quite simply, he put:

Ask Luke who his human companion was.

Thinking about it, he added:

He won't really kill you.

Sure, it sounded harmless as a joke, but with Luke, you just never know.

Gentlemen get mortified quiet quickly.

Well, my sarcastic commentary is ALL over the place. Sorry about that. Next one will be normal. I promise.

Thanks to: Myth Star Black Dragon and rocktheroxie.