Bridget felt ridiculous speaking down the phone when nobody was on the other end of the line. As her sister walked past her in the hallway, she waved to catch Bernice's attention and pointed to the phone.

"Alan's home," she said.

"That was fast," Bernice replied, frowning. "We've only just got home."

"He flew."

There was a disappointed hum from her sister. "Should he be doing that?"

"Give him a break. He's already getting that from Edgar. Judging him is not going to help. Sorry, Al. Just letting Bernie know you're home."

There was nothing on the other side of the phone but she nodded as if somebody was talking to her.

"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow," she said. "Okay, bye." She hung up, smiling briefly at Bernice and headed for the stairs.

"Brid… be careful," Bernice said, following her sister up.

"What do you mean?"

"I wasn't really happy you were going to go off somewhere with him by yourself. Especially after he had attacked someone."

"Why are you suddenly acting like Edgar?" Bridget asked. She stopped at the top of the stairs and folded her arms. Facing her sister squarely, she scowled with her lips pursed and pouting. That look she always got when someone was telling her something she did not want to hear.

"Don't look at me like that. I'm not being unreasonable. That's twice today he's gone for someone. Bobby at school and now some stranger. I'm worried he'll hurt you." She sighed. "Friends don't hold hands like that. I did notice it."

"You seemed to be happy teasing me about it before."

"Well, that was before he lost it again. And if there really is something going on between you, I don't really feel like teasing you now. I'm worried."

She had expected Bridget to go on another rant. She knew her friendship with Alan was a touchy subject and hated it when people questioned how close they were. Her sister was determined to prove that it was possible for a guy and girl to be friends without falling for each other. She shouldn't have to watch how she acted just because nosy people made speculations about them. But her sister was chewing nervously on her lip instead.

"Look, I'm not saying you two are definitely more than friends. I know you hate that. That's your call, not mine or anyone else's. But… I've noticed how you two have been looking at each other recently. Maybe it's only him who feels differently –."

"No, you're… you're right. Recently it's been feeling like we're more than friends." Bridget groaned, sweeping her hand through her hair. "Oh, I dunno! I don't understand any of this. I just know that the thought of losing him scares the shit out of me and I like him. A lot. I just want him to know that I'm here and I'll help him. He needs that."

"We all want him to know we're here to help," Bernice said. "But there needs to be a balance of not treating him like he's already evil and being careful that he can stay in control. You know when he's letting that vampire side come out he's not thinking like a human. And if he did become a full vampire, you wouldn't be his best friend anymore. We'd all have to see him as the enemy."

Those words stabbed Bridget in the chest. Ripped her into pieces. She felt her throat closing up, making it hard to swallow. It was the worst case scenario she tried not to think about but couldn't help. What Alan would be like as a full vampire and what that would mean for the rest of them. How it would affect their friendship.

"We'll make sure that won't happen," Bernice said, taking her sister's hand and squeezing it. "But if it does we might have toughen up for it. I need to make sure you know that."

"I do." Bernice noticed her sister spoke through clenched teeth. "Don't patronise me. I'm not some fucking idiot sugar coating everything. I know what vampires are like."

"I didn't mean it like that."

"I'm tired," Bridget snapped, rubbing at her temples. "Can I just go to bed?"

Bernice reluctantly nodded, even though she wanted to talk to her sister more but with the scowl plastered on Bridget's face and the impatient huffs she was giving, her attempt to talk would probably end up in a full blown row. After Leon, she really didn't care for more aggravation, especially from her sister who never listened well to begin with.

"Night," Bernice said and sighed. She shrugged and turned away from her sister, going to her bedroom and shutting the door behind her. Bridget walked into her own room, switching on her light and jumped when she saw Alan hovering outside her window. Guilt swept her. After snapping at her sister, here she was sneaking Alan in. As a vampire hunter, she was yelling mentally at herself. Shouting that she should make him turn around and fly back home, especially since he let his anger get the better of him twice in a day. But as his best friend, she knew he needed someone to talk to and comfort. And he seemed quite glad to see her walk in as he gestured to the window and smiled.

She shook her head as opened her window and moved back to give him space to climb in. When he stood straight, Bridget raised an eyebrow and took in his appearance. Her eyes travelled to the blood splattered on his face and she gestured to the bedroom door.

"You can use the bathroom to clean up," she said, moving to open the door. She glanced down the hallway. Bernice had closed her door and muffled music came from her room. Downstairs, the living room door was slightly open but she could hear the television on and her parents laughing away to the programme they were watching.

"Be quick," she said. "And don't forget to let the water fill into the sink. Don't try and use it when it's running."

It was only an innocent reminder. Mainly to avoid Alan screaming the house down when it burned him and getting everyone's attention. But at the mention of what the water would do to him if it was left running, Alan's shoulders slumped as he exited the room.

She sat cross legged on her bed, facing the door when Alan came back in. His face was clean, no longer looking like he had stepped out from a horror film. With a small smile, he took his shoes and jacket off, flinging them towards a corner of her room before joining Bridget on the bed.

"How come you don't want to go home?" she asked when he was settled.

"I didn't really want to face Edgar. I've snuck out when I'm supposed to be staying in and decided to almost vamp out on a guy because he threw a can at me. Edgar would go mental." He sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "I don't need a lecture right now."

"Maybe avoid the vampires," she suggested. "It sounds like they're egging you on."

"I thought I could get information." He closed his eyes briefly and his voice came out cracked. "Brid… I'm scared."

She shifted on the bed, moving so she sat next to him in the same position. Back to the wall and legs stretched out in front of her. She shuffled up further to him and laid her hand on top of his.

"That you'll turn completely?" she asked and after hesitating, he nodded.

"I feel like I'm struggling to care. About hurting people… about staying human. I'm worried I'm going to get to the point where I don't give a shit and go for the kill."

"I think you're strong enough to fight," she told him.

"I don't."

"Well," she said, resting her head on his shoulder. She linked her fingers with his. "You don't have to fight alone. You've got us. We'll fight with you."

She tilted her head up slightly, to catch a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. She smiled in response, glad to see that she had said something to cheer him up. He seemed calmer than before, relaxed as he sat there with her.

"You mean a lot to me, you know. I'm not losing you," she said and instinctively, she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. It was a quick peck, too scared to linger and see if it would turn into something more. When she sat back, her eyes looked everywhere except him as she felt him straighten and turn his body to look at her. She began to nibble on her lower lip and braced herself for his reaction. When she caught a sneaky glimpse in the corner of her eyes, she saw him grinning.

"What was that for?" he asked, mimicking the question she had asked him when he kissed her earlier. She grinned back at him.

"Just wanted to," she said, copying the reply he had made. "Actually, if I'm honest I think I want to properly kiss yo–."

As she spoke she was suddenly aware of a hand in front of her face. She titled her head back, frowning as she wondered what Alan was doing when his fingers touched her cheek and she felt her head being moved to face him properly. She was still clueless and frowning until she realised he was leaning forward and everything clicked. So did her panic and hesitation. It was what she wanted. Ever since he kissed her on the forehead. But when it was finally happening, she couldn't help widen her eyes in shock and her heart thumped madly against her chest.

I don't know how to kiss!

She let Alan make the first move. To be the one to close that gap and she involuntarily squeaked in surprise when his lips touched hers. But as soon as he did, the kiss was brief. More of a nervous peck and they both pulled away. Alan seemed to hunch into himself, a shy smile on his face that looked incredibly human. More human than he had been looking recently. Bridget felt her own smile form while her cheeks heated up and she imagined her face was looking flushed. She raised a hand to her lips, fingertips brushing against the skin and she laughed nervously, feeling goosebumps down her arms.

"Um… thank you. Wait, no. Not thank you. I mean, of course I thank… that was amazing."

Her mouth clamped shut, hands flying to cover her lips in case she continued to babble and she sat slumped against the wall, unable to help her laughter again.

"I'm trying to say I liked that," she said quietly and glanced up at Alan had a bright smile on his face.

"I liked that too," he said. "And I like you. Like you like you, I mean."

"You mean more than a friend?"

He nodded. "I've felt differently about you recently," he admitted. "When I thought you were freaked out about me, I thought I was going to lose you… and I didn't want that. I don't want that."

"I don't want to lose you too," she said, sitting up and turning to face him squarely. "If you turned, I don't know what I would do. I guess I've been thinking about that recently and it's weird how it makes me feel. Like, I feel sick at the thought of you not being around and I know you mean a lot to me as a best friend but… I've been wondering if there's another reason."

She paused, rubbing at her neck as her eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "I don't really know what happens when you're attracted to someone," she said and her face scrunched up more as she tried to make sense of how she felt. "When you see Imogen, how do you feel?"

"Um…" He cleared his throat and frowned. "Intimidated? I get all nervous. Definitely had times when I've tried to speak to her and completely forgotten the English language."

"No…" she muttered. She never felt that.

"How do you feel about me?" he asked her.

She felt her cheeks continue to warm up. "Excited," she said. "I always look forward to seeing you and you always make me laugh. When you're around, I'm happy and I think I get butterflies in my stomach."

She glanced up at him to see him smiling and she laughed, covering her face with her hand to hide her blushing and goofy smile she knew she had on.

"I feel stupid now. I must sound mushy."

"No, I get it. I feel the same way. With you, I mean. Not Imogen," he said. "Bernice was talking to me in the car earlier. She thinks I don't have a proper crush on Imogen."

"Well, that's confusing. How do you know if you have a proper crush?"

"I think she meant I just like Imogen for her looks. And she's right. I hardly know Imogen and I think if you really like someone, it's more than liking how they look." His hand found hers and now it was his turn to feel his cheeks warming up. He cleared his throat again and met her gaze as he summoned up all his courage to admit everything.

"It's different with you. I think you're pretty, funny, strong… you're just amazing. And I know things about you as well that I like a lot. I know you like to pretend you're Joan Jett and jump around your room playing guitar and singing constantly to The Runaways. And I like to hear you sing and play guitar." He stopped to grin at her. She was almost as red as a tomato and her heart thumped loudly.

"Or when you scowl, it actually looks kinda cute. I know you're trying to look tough but you keep wrinkling up your nose and it's just… it's cute." He laughed when her cheeks managed the impossible and went redder before she groaned and hid her face with her hands.

"I'm not supposed to look cute. I'm supposed to be the tough chick," she said.

"And you still are. You're one of the toughest girls I know. Just like I'm the toughest guy you know." He nudged her with a smirk and she raised an eyebrow.

"And arrogant," she remarked but still smiled. "You know I think you're a hero. I've always thought you were incredible for wanting to save people here."

For the first time since they admitted their feelings to each other, Alan's face fell. He frowned, lowering his head.

"Not quite a hero at the moment," he whispered and she touched his shoulder.

"Hey, you're still a hero. You didn't ask to turn. This was forced on you."

"And now I'm giving into everything."

"That happens. We all know that."

"Everyone else keeps treating me like I'm already a monster."

"They're just scared. Hell, I'm scared. But you need to know we're all fighting for you. You're ours, not theirs." Her hand moved from his shoulder to his grip his icy fingers again and she gave it a squeeze. When he looked up at her, he smiled again.

"I got your back on this," she said.

He squeezed her hand back and his eyes traced back to her lips. He felt her fingers grip his tightly again and he scooted closer to her, once again leaning forwards. She responded by moving forward too, unable to breath at how close their faces were now. A couple more inches and she would kiss him again, maybe longer than their first kiss. She could have been brave and made the first move but she was almost paralysed with shock and excitement.

"Can I kiss you again?" he asked.

She felt her head nod, probably a little too eagerly. "Uh-huh."

It was a chore to actually form and say the word 'yes'.

It was just as awkward at their attempt to dance with each other. Both of them knew that it was the right time to kiss again. But neither of them knew that the other was titling their head in the same direction. Alan went to his left while Bridget went to her right and ended up bumping foreheads.

"Um…" Bridget turned the other way. She nearly head-butted him again. She snorted, shaking her head and straightening up.

"I was hoping this would be a bit more… co-ordinated," Alan said.

"I think the both of us are very skilled in making things incredibly awkward," Bridget said, laughing. "I'll go to my right and you go to yours?" Her hand was on his cheek, partly as a comforting gesture and also to make sure he wasn't going to end up knocking her unconscious. She leaned her head closer to his, still with a frantic heart beat and her stomach tossing but at the same feeling quite brave and comfortable to do this. Even though there was a mental note in her head reminding her that she had no idea what she had to do when it came to kissing a guy. There was a brief flutter of anxiety and she was almost ready to pull away and change her mind…

But it was too late. While mentally she had been panicking, she had still moved closer… and closer… until she had pressed her lips against his and that was that. No going back. She didn't want to. Everything clicked. There was no reason to worry because it felt like she had magically gained knowledge on how to kiss. She knew how to move her lips. When to move… Somehow they had both moved their heads, tilting in the opposite direction, and they had managed that without a single word and injuring each other. They just did it.

"I'm not supposed to be doing this," she said when they pulled away from each other and untangled their hands.

"What do you mean?"

"Bernie warned me about getting closer to you after what's happened today."

Alan sighed, nodding to show he understood. He had seen Bernice's concern earlier, especially after school when he asked to come and see Bridget. A little voice whispered in his head that maybe Bernice was right. That, just for now, he needed to keep a good distant in case he did start to hurt the ones he cared about. So far it had just been people who had pissed him off but he was craving blood constantly. He could always hear the rhythmic pounding of his friends' and brother's hearts. Catch their individual scents if he was too close and it could easily send him into a trance. A state of mind where he couldn't think and wanted to taste every drop whether they were his loved ones or people he disliked.

But at the same time, and for the first time, he felt normal sitting with Bridget in her bedroom. The awkward first kisses and talking about where their friendship seemed to be going easily distracted himself from the change he was going through. He felt like normal, teenage Alan again and maybe that was something he was in desperate need of.

"What do you think?" he asked.

She played with the ends of her hair, mouth twisting to the side as she went into deep thought. If this had been Bernice or Bonnie she would have been giving the same warnings she had been receiving. Things were supposed to be simple and the simple thing to do was keep a distance. Not act on something that she knew could be potentially dangerous. Or heart-breaking.

"The thing is… you're not the only one fighting. We're making sure you stay with us," she said. "You've said it before. You're wanting blood all the time but I don't see you jumping to rip out my throat or anything right now. You can control it and you will."

The determination in her voice and overall optimisim gave him a comfort he had been struggling to find. With a smile, he found his hand in her hair, brushing against the strands. "Not too disgusted by the guy you like being a vampire then?"

"You're not a vampire. You're Alan. And I want this."

He laughed, almost a shaky laugh and took her hand again, feeling his fingers link between hers.

"I think I really needed to hear that right now," he said.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to leave a review. :) Chapter 20 will be up next Saturday.