A/N: Well who would have thought I'd update? I finally did it guys. I did this for you. Merry Christmas!

The Way We Talk

Chapter 14

ooo

Claire placed the phone against her ear nervously, her eyes determinedly fixed on the marble floor beneath her dirt-ridden shoes.

"Shane?" Her lips quivered as she spoke his name. She easily felt the weight of longing for him, swooping her like waves.

When she looked up, Myrnin was still sitting beside her. His eyes guarded yet polite. He'd been on the verge of asking her out to dinner, asking her like how any person would, which surprised her immensely. Because Myrnin, unlike everyone else, always had his own flair of doing things which always made him stand out among the simpletons.

But right now, as she held her breath, anxiously waiting to hear Shane's voice, she was actually looking straight into his big brown eyes, almost in fascination and wonder. His stance, his eccentric demeanor, his bone-white skin. Himself, all of him. She saw exactly who he is and how he is as a vampire in those eyes. Eyes that look so human, not crazed, or on the verge of lunacy or ravenous desire for blood. She saw eyes that actually managed to care to get hurt, emotions that she was rather sure he was incapable of feeling. But these eyes, these eyes looked human enough to feel as if pain was physically inflicted upon it.

But then─

She had to look away even if her chest felt constricted, because she cannot bear seeing him looking so wounded and human for her. Not right now. When she herself was in a rough patch with the boy she loved. Right now, all she can think about was Shane, and the possibility of him hating her for being such a liar to things that she'd been up to. She stood up and turned her back on Myrnin, walking further away, but still quite managing to be in the same room.

"Claire" Shane finally said on the other line, sounding relieved and frustrated at the same time. "Look, I'm so sorry about my last phone call. That was absolutely shitty of me—"

"Please, don't apologize" she said heavily, feeling her stomach drop. How much had she hurt him by being so secretive? Up to what extent will their relationship suffer just to give the vampires what they need? Such questions ate at her brain irritably, with no intention to stop. "It's me. It's my fault, I've never been truthful nor considerate of your feelings. But you have to know that I truly care about you. So much. Things are really hard right now. Especially because I've been told not to tell—"

"Babe. I know." he said, and she sensed small relief leaking from his voice "I went to the Founder's Square yesterday to see the founder. She wasn't pleased to see me, but we made a deal in exchange of me knowing what you're doing and where you are"

That immediately caught her attention. "Deal?" she said, slightly alarmed and suspicious "What deal?"

"It's not that big of a deal" he said, assuring her. Unfortunately, Claire knew Amelie too well to know the founder doesn't just give small deals. "Really, I—"

"What deal?" she repeated through her teeth. She failed to notice her palm tightening on her phone out of fear for his life.

"Oh, not much..."

"Shane? Are you getting yourself in trouble? Because let me tell you, that information is not worth getting in trouble for. All you need to know is that I am safe and will be back soon."

"Don't think about it. Look, I—"

"Shane" she said in a haunting voice. "Tell me. Now."

The line was silent for a while, and she swear that she can almost hear his internal battle as to how much he should tell her. Then finally: "Fine. Amelie asked me to donate two pints of blood to...Oliver"

"What?"

Her heart skipped a beat. She already suspected that the deal involved blood. But the amount of it, and the vampire Shane was giving it to, was an alarming piece of information.

"Calm down, Claire" Shane said softly, in an attempt to cool her voice off. "It was okay. Look, I'm fine. Healthy as a horse."

"How did you give it to him?" she demanded "Shane, you better not be lying. Just tell me!"

Another silence. Then a resigned sigh. "Fine. Um, He...well—It didn't hurt that much but he, um— he sank his fangs in my neck and...took my blood fresh."

Claire felt a sob hitch up her throat at the fact that Shane was so willing to risk his life for information about her. "Oh, Shane"

He cleared his throat. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. Because I finally know everything. That's the best part, you won't have to avoid my calls and pretend to be working in Myrnin's lab. You won't have to lie, see? Am I a genius or what?"

"Definitely" she said, her voice shaking

"And also," continued Shane, in a somber tone "Amelie told me not to ask any questions regarding your work. And she restricted me from coming and getting you. In fact, she told me to keep this a secret. Even from Eve. But I guess that's okay. Because I at least, know now that you're doing okay"

Hearing him like this made her feelings for him come back, stronger than ever. She knew that it was his nature to be selfless to the people he loves. But the extent of his capabilities awed her and made her see him in a new, and better light.

His way of getting the information might be terribly flawed, but she had to admit that his intention was purely out of concern and love for her. How can she not forgive him, even if he lost two pints of his blood to Oliver? He could have died! But he had risked that much, just to know everything. How can there be anyone better for her than him? He was truly a remarkable human being, and she felt like she didn't deserve him anymore, after what happened with Myrnin.

However, her small betrayal didn't stop her from saying the thing she was feeling right now. Which was:

"I love you, Shane" she said passionately on the phone, pouring every ounce of her soul into those three words. "So much, it hurts. And I'm so happy I won't have to lie anymore. It's so painful to lie to you."

"I love you too, babe" he said right back, equally passionate. "Always"

His words made her insides tingle with happiness. At the moment, she felt as if she was floating five feet in the air, with no prospect of coming back to the ground.

Except, she did get back on the ground, because she suddenly remembered Myrnin's existence, who was still very much present behind her and in the same room. When she turned to look at the vampire who was silent throughout the entire phone call, she was surprised at what she found.

Myrnin was gone.

ooo

"Where have you been?" she demanded a few minutes later, as soon as she spotted Myrnin who was standing right in front of the suit shop, hands in his pockets.

"Nowhere" he said, and looked at her jovially. His eyes crinkling at the corners, and mouth stretched open to a grin. "I paid for the suit and waited here. Shall we go, then?"

He started walking away before she could talk. The people continued to look at him when he passed by, and she only stared as Myrnin did the silliest things: greeting by-passers with low and formal bows, kissing ladies' hands, and whistling what suspiciously sounded like an outdated pop song.

Her heart plummeted to her feet, as she tried to catch up with this Myrnin. Oh no. She was so insensitive. Of course, he must have heard the phone call. He must have heard her and Shane rekindle their relationship. Of course, he must have felt hurt, like a human being.

"Come on Claire, I suspect Sylvia is growing edgy from waiting." He beckoned her with his hand when he realized she was nowhere beside him. "I've known her for such a long time, and she is not a very patient person"

"Coming" she panted, jogging to keep up now. Seriously, was this how he got jealous or something? Torturing her with cardio?

Their walk around town continued for a minute, while Myrnin remained to be in frenzy mode. He was literally jittering on his feet. She rolled her eyes when he took his cap off as a beautiful woman passed by him.

"This is such a lovely day, isn't it?" he said to her, when she managed to catch up to him. Yes, she decided internally, still struggling to keep up with him. He was definitely in his manic mode. Then he laughed and walked faster, leaving her there alone and confused.

"Don't walk so fast, dammit!" she called out to his back.

The hummer was parked in an open space lot, and she was only on the verge of hopping in the front seat when the car skidded the asphalt, and roared as Myrnin gunned the engine.

"Woah!" Claire had to hold the sides of her seat to keep herself steady. She wasn't able to put on her seat belt yet. He did a sharp turn that threw her off balance, slumping her entire right to the window, making her heart double its pace, thumping painful there against her rib cage "Ow! Jesus, what is with you?"

He laughed, apparently finding her remark humorous and not offensive "You seem to have forgotten that this is how I normally drive, Claire"

"No!" she exclaimed heatedly, eyes flashing "Stop this, right now"

At once, the car hurled to a stop, and because of inertia, her body lurched forward, her face dangerously close to smashing against the dashboard but was held back by her seat belt.

"I didn't mean the car" she said, shaking her head in exasperation, when she recovered from the surprising stop. "I meant this behavior of yours!"

"Oh" he said, eyes genuinely surprised. He started the car again and went a little slowly. "What behavior, exactly? Would you mind to enlighten me?"

"Look" she said, looking him straight in the eye "Is this about Shane?"

For a moment, it looked like Myrnin was about to answer her truthfully. His face managed to convert into a serious expression as she waited. But then—he floored the engine and she was pressed hard against her seat. "I have no idea what you're talking about." When she scowled at him, he only smiled back. "And besides, we're late."

She expelled a long sigh through her nose and decided to face away from him and look out the window instead.

Oh boy. Today was going to be a long day.

ooo

As soon as they got home, Claire was rendered speechless by the amount of weapons laid out in Sylvia's kitchen table. There were all types of gun imaginable, knives, arrows, and things that even she could not properly identify. Mike was busy tinkering with the guns, and looked up when they entered.

"So, what do you think?" he asked

She was about to reply when Myrnin cut her off "I think we might have a better chance now. But we still need to go over some plans. Claire—" he looked at her seriously "We need to start making the bomb"

And so they did. Sylvia set up a laboratory for them underground, and they started mixing all the hazardous ingredients. Claire very nearly roused the finished products, good thing Myrnin deactivated it just in time.

"You clumsy girl" he said "You could have blown up the entire house"

Knowing this was true, Claire only scowled and looked away as an apology.

"Claire?"

"Oh don't you start" she bit back "this is not easy work. Making bombs just isn't something I'm very comfortable doing, thanks for asking"

She was surprised when he smiled at her. "Apology accepted"

"I wasn't—"

"Shh...we're done. aren't you proud of our handy work? Some scientists we are, aren't we?"

They both stepped back to appreciate their work. Metallic-handled containers shaped in small marbles. They were very easy to hide. It was Claire's idea.

"huh"

But just as they were packing up the little marble bombs, Sylvia barged in without a knock and told Claire that it was time.

ooo

Apparently, what Sylvia meant by it's time was time to look pretty.

Without warning, she grabbed Claire's arm before she even had time to protest and put her in a beauty chair.

"I don't want to hear any complaints from you" said Sylvia who immediately started brushing her hair. Claire was looking at herself in the mirror. She looked absolutely terrified. When she looked up, Sylvia was already braiding her hair. Claire couldn't see what she was doing exactly, but her hands were blurry with speed.

Claire wanted to protest, she wanted to say that she was perfectly capable of doing her own her or her make-up. But Sylvia's solemn expression was not to be messed with. Claire realized she almost felt like she was in the presence of Amelie. They were two women not to be crossed with. No matter what. So she stayed silent even if her insides screamed at her to bolt. She tightened her hand on her lap.

"Hair. Done" said Sylvia. Claire watched—still terrified—as Sylvia picked up a brush and started applying something liquid on her face.

"don't move Claire"

"Why are you doing this?" was all Claire could say

Sylvia raised an eyebrow "You need to look presentable for the party. Did you expect us to go there looking drab?"

"No" said Claire, still confused "I meant you doing this for me. Why?"

Sylvia did not say anything. She started putting something on Claire's eyes that suddenly made her eyelids feel heavy. Sylvia's beautiful face was too close. And Claire studied the vampire. Her skin was porcelain. Her nose was regal and perfect. And those eyes were just enough to scorch someone. It made Claire feel very average. Especially when this woman in front of her was closer to Myrnin than she was. Or she'll ever be. They were the perfect partner. And she was just this plain girl who worked as an assistant.

"Myrnin likes you very much" Sylvia said, as if she could read Claire's thoughts.

"I'm sorry?"

"It'd been a long time since I saw him look at someone else like that" said Sylvia, who was now applying blush. Her hands were a blur. And Claire was tired of watching her hands. So she looked past Sylvia's shoulder instead.

"Like what?"

"Like something that mattered more than anything else he owned"

Claire's face started to heat up. She was about to say something, about Sylvia getting it all wrong, that Myrnin was just her boss and she had a boyfriend anyway, but Sylvia interjected.

"We're done"

Sylvia stepped back so that Claire could see her face in the mirror. Sylvia did really good. Claire could barely identify herself. It was hard to believe that the pretty girl staring back at her was actually her own reflection.

"Now, get dressed. And come downstairs. We will be leaving in fifteen"

Claire stood up to thank her, but Sylvia was already trotting towards the door. But before she closed it, Sylvia looked at Claire once more. "I did this because Myrnin deserves to see."

Claire couldn't believe what she heard. What did she mean by that? It made absolutely no sense.

"And you're welcome" said Sylvia, before finally closing the door.

ooo

Now that she'd put on her dress and looked at herself in a full length mirror once more, she was ready. She stowed away the knives and guns at the side of her thighs. And stored a few marble bombs on her chest area. Just in case.

"Claire! come down now. We have to go!" It was Mike. He was knocking at her door.

"Okay! Be there in a sec!"

A few adjustments more, and she was good to go.

ooo

Just as she was going down the grand staircase to meet everyone, she realized what Amelie meant. Myrnin deserves to see.

Suddenly, she felt very self conscious about her grand entrance down the stairs especially because Michael and Myrnin were waiting below. She could hear both their voices, arguing about which side they should be standing on at the deck. When she descended carefully, and one stair creaked against her shoes, the argument stopped and they fell silent. Claire didn't want to meet anyone's eyes as she continued to go down, but she decided that it was very rude to do so.

So she raked her eyes on Michael first, who was giving her a smile like the appreciative big brother he'd always been like. He gave her a silly thumbs up sign. She smiled, then slid her eyes to Myrnin, who froze in place and looked up at her in a way she had never seen him look before. Myrnin deserves to see, rang Sylvia's voice in her head, and Claire subconsciously pushed it away. However, if she looked very carefully, she could see his lips part very slightly, as if in total awe. She'd be a liar if she didn't admit that his gaze made her heart beat consciously fast. His reaction was a silent flattery for her.

Mike took her arm, at the same time Sylvia took Myrnin's.

It was only when Sylvia cleared her throat that Myrnin snapped out of it.

"It is time" Sylvia said as they all walked towards the car. "Let's end this, once and for all"

She shook her head to clear her thoughts of Myrnin to concentrate now on what they were about to face: potential danger a midst unknowing humans.

ooo

The party was in full swing when they boarded the fancy cruise ship. Pretty lights were strung on the corners, making the night look cheery and magical and the women looked as bright and sparkly as any. Claire felt under dressed when her eyes raked the entire dance floor.

"Well this is certainly a cheery atmosphere" said Myrnin, who was slightly adjusting his tie. "Sylvia, why don't we get ourselves something to drink and enjoy a dance later?"

Sylvia, who was clad in an elegant floor-length gown, offered her hand to Myrnin and together, they both walked―more like glided, by the way they walked so gracefully―towards the banquet table. Claire watched them both go silently, ignoring the tiny sensation building up at the base of her neck.

She turned to Michael when he tapped her on the shoulder.

"Claire, may I have this dance?" said Michael now, who looked more dashing than what was allowed. She gave him a smile as they made their way to the dance floor.

Beside them, people were swaying gently according to the jazz music. Claire felt overwhelmed at the amount of lavishness around them. Morganville itself had its lavish parts, yes. But this was on a totally different level, whatever it is, it was making her slightly uncomfortable.

"Eye out, Claire" said Michael against her ears while they danced around in a circle.

She nodded inconspicuously and did just that. She scanned the area carefully, people were dancing, in pairs and groups, dresses swayed, polished shoes from equally polished men tapped gently on the deck floor. She tried to find someone who might be suspicious, but so far. Everyone's movement was the same. Nobody stood out.

"this is getting difficult by the minute" she told Mike, who was scanning the crowd as well, as they spiraled in time with the music.

"have you seen anyone suspicious?" he asked

"not really. did you?"

"might be. two o'clock" he said, then twirled her to the direction.

Claire didn't know what she was looking at. But then she did. It was the Mayor. He was balding, little white hairs stood from the sides of his head, but his tux was dashing enough to make up for it. He was busy shaking hands with guests, and was a bit fidgety. His eyes scanned nervously around the boat. When one of his men whispered something in his ear, he nodded and fished out a handkerchief to wipe his forehead with.

"Why is the mayor suspicious?" she whispered

"Because he is a person of power" Mike replied, swaying them both in another direction "anyone who seeks to dominate tonight would definitely try to target him first"

"What if he's an accomplice?' she said

Mike was quiet as he considered this. "That is a big possibility. It would explain how these hunters could be so well supplied. But we can't go around pointing fingers right now. All we need to concentrate on is our task at hand"

She nodded with him, just in time as the music ended.

ooo

The party was uneventful so far. Claire was now standing by the rails, looking out into the dark waters and towards the bright skyscrapers that appear to be floating on it. She'd been filled with adrenaline. Her gun and other weapons were carefully placed in her gown, and she'd been itching to use them, to end this once and for all. But so far, nothing.

She sipped her punch and scanned the crowd once more. Nothing. If the hunters were in the boat now, then they were very good pretenders. The plan was that they wait until an attack before attacking themselves. So far, it was an unending game of waiting.

Michael was talking to Sylvia, their backs hunched. He must have wanted to clarify something, and tell her about their suspicions regarding the town mayor. They look like they were in heated conversation and Claire didn't want to interrupt or be involved.

And Myrnin was nowhere to be found. She last saw him in the buffet table, sampling the chocolate fondue but he was not there now-

"Would you fancy a dance with me, Claire?"

Ah, there he was. And Claire sighed in relief. She'd had thought about him in danger and was just about to go looking for him. But he was there now in front of her. Looking unfazed.

"I'm sorry, what?" she said

She was perfectly astonished when Myrnin bowed his head graciously and asked her to dance with him again. Too astonished in fact, that she'd forgotten how to say no. He took her hand, and was immediately swept to the dance floor by his lithe body.

"What are you doing?" she hissed when she'd finally gotten her wits back

They were swaying gently to the music, and she felt flustered at the position they were in. Of course, resistance was futile, his arms were too strong. She tried not to flinch at the feel of his frigid hand against her own.

"Have I ever told you that you look absolutely stunning in this ensemble? I am very honored to dance with you tonight while all these young men look at me with envy"

Jeez. Of course he would compliment her in that old school way of his. But Claire flushed anyway and told him he didn't look bad himself.

When Myrnin felt her wariness, he gave her a comforting smile.

"Relax" he whispered "this is not a plot to allure you to me at all." Claire felt her neck heat up as soon as he said 'allure'. Who the heck says allure in this era? Oh, that's right. This guy who clearly doesn't belong anywhere near this decade.

"Just go with the flow" he continued "while I inspect the company we're having tonight."

"We've seen nothing, so far" she told him, hating the way their hands were clasped so firmly.

"Of course you haven't. They just arrived" he said, and she watched him as he twirled her around, leaving her to dizziness while his quick eyes swept the crowd, smoothly at first, then faltered and stopped to one particular spot behind her.

She was dying to know, but he cut her off.

"Ah" he said, with a minuscule smile "we are joined by the presence of the vampire hunters, it would seem"

"What do you mean? How did you figure them out?" she said "I thought they were discreet people. I kind of expected them to arrive via another boat and ambush us. They wouldn't want to get caught dead in the middle of a crowd, would they?"

"They are willing to expose themselves so long as they achieve what they've come for tonight"

"Us?" she said, a prominent chill lingering up her spine.

Myrnin gave her a long look and it was enough confirmation.

She twirled Myrnin around so that she could see the vampire hunters herself.

"Oh no, don't do it my dear" he spun her back to him so that she cannot see the hunters "It will be better if you cannot identify them. You make a terrible actress"

Her mouth was on the brink of protesting but he silenced her by holding her waist gently and dipping her upper body parallel to the ground so that her head was almost touching the spotless dance floor they were standing on.

"They seem to be looking right at us. My, my, my" he whispered, his face only a few inches from hers, but eyes far away "How entirely bold of them. Such curiosity burning in the eyes of mere mortals. I have not experienced something like this for the past one hundred years"

"Myrnin!" she gasped "could you maybe put me right back up? I can feel the blood rushing to my head" She tried to hold on to his arm dearly, afraid to drop down and fall on her bum

He returned his gaze back to meet hers and laughed, "Alright" and he righted her back up "I forgot to mention that I am a whiz at dancing. There is absolutely nothing to worry about" then he sent her a smile that showed all his teeth, his fangs even. "But regarding our guests, that is another matter entirely"

Claire's adrenaline started to surge again, but was held down by Myrnin. They shared silence as he swayed both of them to the music. She gazed at the people around them once more, all sparkling and energetic, wrapped in lavish dresses and tux, while holding champagne. Myrnin, on the other hand, continued to look intensely at the hunters.

The music ended and Claire looked at Myrnin. He was already looking at her, he did not let her hand go and they were still pressed against each other. There was this silence in the whole deck all of a sudden as the music died and conversation stilled.

Claire was afraid to take a breath. She was afraid it would be the start of the catastrophe. But Myrnin was still looking at her, gripping her hand a bit tightly now. He was looking, expecting, and she can almost hear his heart metaphorically beating in anticipation. She knew that, because she felt the same.

Then without warning, a loud sound of gunshot ensued around them.

Myrnin was quick to react. He spun her around very quickly by the waist then pulled her down on the floor with him while a cacophony of people shrieking and falling on the floor were heard around them. It was worse than what she'd imagined. It was much worse.

The sound of innocent humans slayed made her angry, but also terrified. The only thing keeping her from running and killing the hunters herself is Myrnin's hand, resting there at skin of her back, telling her not to move even an inch. Inside, her heart was going overdrive.

"Are you alright?" he asked her

She gave him a small nod.

"Right on schedule" Myrnin said to her, muffled by the loud sound of bullets hitting on metal.

"Are they trying to kill us?" She managed to gasp from under him. Her hands turned clammy, as if they were dipped in buckets of ice. "Have they gone completely mental?"

"not trying Claire" he said, hardness etched on his voice "going"

From everywhere that surrounded them, people were still screaming in terror. Others who attempted to escape were shot and slain and fell on the floor in a bloody mess. And she was terrified out of her wits, at the unwarranted assault by the hunters. If it hadn't been for Myrnin, she would have been dead as the rest of these people.

"They would not spot us in this chaos momentarily. But if all humans fall and we remain moving conspicuously, we will be found out"

"Why are they doing this?"

"Because they happen to be narcissistic buffoons" he replied heatedly. "Anytime now, we must get up and run. Be ready"

Once the consistent sound of firing guns ceased, Myrnin immediately gathered her in his arms and ran to a safe banister, concealing them behind. Another gun shot started, hot on their trail, but his vampire speed saved them both.

"Come out, come out wherever you are..."

The taunt was deadly , and the hunters laughed as they singsonged the words again and again.

Myrnin ignored the taunting and gripped her arm. "Did you have Michael on speed dial?" There was no crazy in this face. He looked serious, completely different from his other sides. This was the Myrnin that can help her calm down.

"Yes" she panted. She felt her sweat glide down her back, and her dress ripping at her thighs, but it didn't matter. None of it mattered right now because they had hunters to kill.

"Good. Call him and tell him to fetch and bring you back to the hotel immediately"

She was flabbergasted "What? This wasn't part of the plan! Did you really think I'd leave you alone in this madness?"

He gave her a look which meant that they didn't have time to argue, but Claire was now angry. How dare he try to deprive her of the opportunity to avenge the innocent humans?

"No"

"Claire" he said, exasperated "Don't be difficult"

"I'm not being difficult! You're being difficult!" she said angrily

"We don't have time to argue about this! Just call Michael" At once, he turned away and took a few steps away from her, his entire posture guarded,ready to attack.

She followed him, and whirled him around, almost in tears. "But what about you? Myrnin―"

"I'll distract them" he said "blow them off course. Or maybe I should enjoy myself and drain them, what do you think?"

She paled at such suggestion "I'll come with you" she said, her voice final

"No" his voice was final as well

"But you need me!" she argued "You do! What if they stake you to paralysis, who's going to pull that darned stake out of your chest? You have no say in this Myrnin. You know that I am perfectly capable of handling danger. You are underestimating me"

"I am not underestimating you, but I will not risk losing you in this nonsense. Do you understand me, Claire?" He looked at her very seriously in the eyes, before closing the space between them. She stiffened when she felt something soft yet damp press against her lips. A slight pressure that made her insides tingle.

He'd kissed her.

"Call Michael" And he was gone in a blur

She stood there for a moment, forgetting that they were in grave danger. He wasn't the only one afraid to lose people. She was also afraid to lose him. Even if he was every bit as insufferable as no one else could be. The hell she was calling Mike. Myrnin needed her. She can feel it.

She ripped out her gun and went in the other direction.

A/N: As always, thank you very much for reading!