Vampire P.I., Double Trouble

Chapter 10: Interrupted Chat

*Claire*

I can hardly believe what I just heard. I ducked away to the restroom for just a minute before going to find Nathaniel. I was not away for very long, but coming back to hear Nathaniel and his vampire friends talking about me and our relationship makes my shoulders shake in frustration.

The relationship I have with Nathaniel is none of their business. More to the point, my changing and becoming a vampire is none of their business.

Humans are fragile and impermanent. Was Deanna trying to be delicate with Nathaniel, or did they think that he could take such a direct approach? Nathaniel was generally a very direct person, but this is not a business matter—it is a personal matter.

To that matter, they wanted to make sure he addressed it with me. It was like they thought we hadn't talked about the difficult topics. Were they suddenly the relationship experts?

A thought flickers into my mind, and I unfortunately yield to it momentarily. Nathaniel and I had indeed only recently talked about me… changing… becoming a vampire… and I didn't exactly give Nathaniel an answer.

At the same time, his so-called friends bringing up that everyone being dressed in black again sooner than later if I didn't change was certainly over the line. Troi's words linger in my mind like the burn in the back of your throat after getting sick.

Humanity is a temporary condition, and love alone cannot change that.

It was love that changed Nathaniel from isolated to involved, and it was love that made me open up to him in a way that I never thought was possible again. It is our continued love that keeps me going every day, knowing the atrocities of the world are lurking around every corner.

Nathaniel coming to my aid only furthers my point that we have grown together as partners and as a couple. Hearing his defense, stretching the truth ever so slightly, also makes my heart swell with adoration.

I do acknowledge one thing for certain though. Of all the things the friends said, one thing was true. Nathaniel does love deeply and fiercely, and I intend to help fuel that fire of his in any way I can for as long as possible.

Still, I feel the same hesitation lingering in my chest when I think about changing for him. I would do anything for this man. I know it with all my heart. At the same time, something keeps me from diving in headfirst.

My racing mind comes to a screeching halt when I hear approaching footsteps and see Nathaniel round the corner.

Our eyes meet.

For a moment, my heart is in my throat, and my breathing has become constricted for some odd reason or another. Why a sense of guilt comes over me, I do not know. I wasn't eavesdropping; at least, I wasn't eavesdropping on purpose. I just happened to stop just outside of the room where they were having a conversation in an extremely quiet location.

I wince at my justification as I continue to look into Nathaniel's eyes. Based on what I see, he is frustrated. Instantly, he straightens and pulls himself around the corner toward me, making sure his friends do not see that I am standing there just beyond the door frame.

“Claire, apologies for the delay. I was about to come and ensure you were all right," says Nathaniel. I manage a small smile and nod.

“I'm all right," I mutter. “I just needed to go and freshen up a little in the restroom." Nathaniel nods in acknowledgment.

“Well, I don't want to leave just yet. If you will permit me a few more minutes, I want to catch up with a few more people before leaving," says Nathaniel. I nod and touch his shoulder reassuringly.

“Of course. Go ahead. I'll wait up right here and get our coats," I reply, feeling my social batteries reaching an all-time low.

He smiles before turning and making his way into the kitchen. In the meantime, I make quick work of getting our coats, keeping them draped over my arm, before absent-mindedly pacing back and forth in the hallway, mind still toiling over the words I heard from earlier.

When Nathaniel finally returns, he helps me slip on my coat, opens the door for me, and then the both of us head out into the misty grey day. Slipping into the car, I slump slightly in my seat and, unfortunately, Nathaniel notices in an instant.

“Claire? Are you all right?" asks Nathaniel. I bite my lip, knowing my racing heart is probably giving away my initial reaction to fib my way out and leave everything alone for the time being.

“I… well…" I wince as I continue, “I didn't mean to hear you, but I picked up some of your conversation with your friends… about us."

Nathaniel takes in a slow breath as he nods slowly.

“I apologize that you had to hear such a thing. Please know they were only looking out for me and my best interest. They don't know you—they don't know us. They did not intend to say such offensive things. They can be a bit… direct," states Nathaniel apologetically.

A fraction of a smile pulls part of my lip upward as I glance at him and ask, “Even more direct than you?"

Nathaniel chuckles and nods. “Yes, even more than me," he confirms. “Trust me, Claire, their words have no sway over my emotional convictions for you."

“And yet, knowing you, you probably do want to talk about the subject of me changing," I mutter, letting my eyes fixate on two racing raindrops that slide down the windshield. I don't need to look at him to see that he is waiting for me to continue speaking. I sigh and shake my head. “Nathaniel, I know you said that changing won't make me a different person, and I don't know what it is, but I don't get why I'm feeling… hesitant."

“Claire," says Nathaniel lovingly as he reaches over and lays his hand on my leg. “Please allow me to reiterate. If that kind of life—how I live—doesn't appeal to you, that's okay. I would never force you to change who you are or what you are. I love you with every fiber of my being, and there is absolutely nothing that is ever going to change my feelings for you."

I don't know why, but I barely manage to control an emotional cough through my constricting throat. My eyes feel wet, stinging at the rims.

“I swear, I wish I knew why I was feeling like this," I say, sadness saturating my tone. “Just… give me a little time and let me figure it out."

“Claire," he says tenderly. His hand reaches over and cups my cheek, guiding my gaze toward his eyes. “I would give you eternity if that's what you needed."

Overcome with my own emotions, I lean forward and kiss him. Our lips part and I feel his tongue against mine. I start to sink into his seat when both Nathaniel and I hear his phone beginning to ring.

Heart sinking, I glance at the caller's I.D. and see a single name—Amber.