The pills spilled out across the slick black marble counter. Shit, it has been one of those days, hasn’t it...Rachel began to pick them up and threw them in to the toilet. Uh... god. She switched on the vanity and stared at the hollow and tired woman looking her in the face. "What do you want? Yeah, I knew it," she whispered at her image. She flung herself a hasty glance and walked toward the tub. Turning the crystal handles, she let her slender fingers test the steady stream of water. Steam began to fill the bathroom as she searched for a clean towel, losing one garment at a time. She was down to her underwear when the front doorbell rang. GREAT! She threw on her new peach and pink satin robe, synching it tight as she made her way down the stairs and though the front hall.

She opened the door to stare stupidly out at the empty shadow on her doorstep, noticing the person was a ways from the door. Her visitor was standing at the end of the walk, watching the traffic pass and she wasn’t ready to deal with anything else now, not after her day. As she started to close the door, she saw the young man step out from the shadows and turn to look at the door. Seeing her, he jotted up to the door, barely looking up at her as he spoke.

"Is Muse… Rachel home?" he asked. Rachel gave him a skeptical look and stared at the stranger standing in her doorway. He wore a white shirt with a red button down hanging over his wide shoulders. He was lean and tall, almost thin, but very masculine. His hair was a bit messy and looked as if the gel had worn off a quite a while ago. His six o’clock shadow said he was in need of a razor, but it wouldn’t kill him to miss a day or two. At his side hung a chain that undoubtedly held his wallet and linked into his dark blue jeans, smaller chains adorning it. She smiled at him sweetly as she looked him over. I wonder who this guy is?

"What do you want with her?" she said sounding unsure as she took him in. His demeanor seemed slightly shy as he continued to stare in the direction of the ground, giving her an uneasy and harmless feeling.

"Is she here?" he repeated dolefully, sounding unsure of himself as well. She began to wonder if it would be okay to invite him in and get him out of the rather warm night air. The weather was quite nice for the time of year but tended to change in the blink of an eye.

"I’m Rachel. What can I help you with?" He looked up a bit surprised, leaning off to the side. His eyes were such a beautiful shade blue that they were nearly silver and seemed to reflect the luminescent porch light. She caught her breath as he studied her face, and then watched hopelessly as his eyes moved over her body, not missing anything. Closing her own eyes, she could swear that she felt him running his hands gently down the length of her delicate curves and gently kissing her face.

She blushed and opened her eyes once more, finally getting a good look at him. His face was strikingly handsome and boyish, and his eyes were filled with desire, if only for a second. Or was that just her own imagination? She continued to watch him look her over and blush, cursing her self profusely.

He studied the way that flush of crimson ran up her neck and turned her cheeks to rubies. She was a few inches shorter than he and had auburn hair that he knew burned like fire in the sunset. Her robe outlined the curves of her slim and supple body. He could see himself holding her, his hands wrapped up in her hair and his lips brushing over hers. He was still in love with her. He watched with slight amusement as her eyes dropped and her face flushed once more. The color rose off of her pearly peach and tan skin and he watched in bemusement as she shivered, crossing her arms in front of her. Her fierce wine brown eyes flashed back up and burned into him with an unknown warning, and for a split second, maybe even recognition? Now that was his imagination.

"May I help you?" she barely managed to whisper. She looked surprised to find him grinning like a fool at her.

"You tell me," he said haughtily. The registered shock on her face was enough. He started to laugh as he watched a new torrent of color hit.

"Well," she retorted dryly, "I'm not sure I can, nor do I want to." She moved to shut the door and was aggravated that it wouldn't shut him out. She leaned back against the door.

"I just wanted to speak to you real quick," he said though the door. She closed her eyes and sighed. "Just for a second." The voice was so close; she could swear he was breathing down the front of her neck. Her eyes snapped open to see no one in the empty hall before her. Curiosity seemed to get the best of her these days. Turning, she opened the door back up and peered out at him.

"What is it you want to talk about?" she asked warily. He grinned again and she caught the flutter shooting up though her chest.

"Anything. As long as we get to talk."

"Well let’s start with your name, shall we?" Her tone was playful and her curiosity showed plainly on her face. He paused, thoughtfully looking at the ground. She cocked an eyebrow and grinned, eager to hear what he had to say. He smiled humbly and looked up at her. With a sweeping bow, he reached up and caught her hand, bringing it gently to his lips to place a soft kiss on the back of it. His lips lingered as he breathed in her alluring and sweet scent.

"My name is mine only, but to hear it on your lips would be heaven. Though I am not sure if you can speak it." She laughed, a light tingling sound that uplifted the soul, goading a new smile from him.

"Try me," she smiled at him amiably.

He held his bow and smiled at her most graciously and flashed his silver blue eyes at her once more.

"Mine name is Vladimir Orlando Visigoth Leburn the Third, Child of The Empress of Moldovia known as Clair DeLuna, and son of The Nights of Old. Or you may call me Matthew. Or whatever your heart wishes." Bewilderment crossed her face as she giggled, turning away. Disappointment ruled his features as he turned her back to him, taking a slight step closer. She looked at him like she was going to burst with laughter.

"Where did you come up with that Matthew, or may I just call you Matt?" She laughed and pulled her hand lightly from his. "I love the entertainment, but I have an appointment with myself." She stepped back and began to shut the door on him again. But he swiftly managed to block her progress by lodging his foot in the door, grinning to himself. Annoyance flew though her as she swung open the door once more.

"You asked what my name was," he said casually, shrugging his shoulders. She huffed and burned holes though him with her eyes.

He looked contemplative as he stared at her. A flash of anger took him as he once more suppressed his memory of her. God, her could smell that forever sent of her being this close again.

"You do not remember me?" he asked coolly. The anger and desire lingered like shadows in his wary eyes. She flushed again, recognizing it in the new light. He grinned, washing away his emotions, seeing them reflected in those wine brown pools that haunted his dreams. "Maybe I should give you a little reminder?"

She looked startled and swung a dirty look at him. Annoyance had nothing to do with it now, she was beginning to get upset at him and wasn’t sure why.

"Should I remember a crude such as you? Someone so vulgar and implying? And if I should?" And so handsome. She crossed her arms and waited as he sighed and searched for the answers on the ground, looking rather deterred. Boyish charm? Hmmm. I wonder why that crosses my mind. He didn't look very much older than her. Definitely possible he was still younger by a year or two. Her anger was replaced by sympathy as she watched his spirits sink. She looked casually at the ground with him and asked her question out loud.

"How old are you anyway? And what are you doing here this time of night? And how do you know me? Are you playing a joke with some of your pals? Huh?" she asked interrogatively. Suddenly she felt bad as a look of anguish crossed his face. He wished it were a joke.

"Older than you may think. Because it’s dark and a nice night. From a long time ago, too long ago. And no, I prefer to be alone or with those I love. Or loved." He sighed, answering all at once. He looked up, grinning at her again. "And you, since when did you become such a witch? God I miss those days that you would smile and laugh at my stupid banter. By the way, you’re looking beautiful as always." He smiled to himself in satisfaction as she blushed once again.

"I apologize, I didn't mean to." She stammered. She looked up at the sky, tired and dishelmed. "Would you like to come in? It's kind of getting cold out here," she said, shivering in the new breeze. It’s not like it would harm anything…

The weather was changing drastically and fast. It had been a hot summer night. Now a threatening wind blew from the north. The clouds moved in and the wind began to whistle though the trees. Matt's hair flared back and passed shadows across is face that caused him a good deal of charisma, as if they were where he belonged. Longingly, he looked up and smiled.

"Yes that would be nice." She stepped aside and beckoned him to enter. "Why I’m doing this, god only knows," she sighed. He nodded a quick thank you as he entered the hall. The wind caught her robe as she stood in the empty doorway and she quickly remembered her bath water running up stairs.

"Please excuse me. I have to go take care of something. I'm going to be right back. Uh, make yourself comfortable," she pounded out as fast as she could, closing the door and running for the stairs. Damn, it's my own fault. Guys, what are you going to do? She made it just in time to catch the waterfall rolling over the top and crashing to the floor, sending a wave of water across the hardwood surface. She twisted the crystal knob and nearly slipped into the hot water, balancing her weight on her hand and the tub. Catching herself, and her breath, she sat on the side of the bath. She was so flustered and perturbed that he couldn't help but to burst out laughing. She hadn't even heard the stairs give her warning. Surprise caught her and she jumped, rewarding herself with a splash. The hot water soaked her though, dripping her hair into her eyes and face. She sent droplets of water flying from her soft lips as she sputtered. His laugh was rolling now. Sopping wet, she got back to her feet, standing in the middle of the tub. She gasped, spitting venom at him with her eyes.

"What do you think your doing? This is my bathroom, and my house." She flung her hand down, splashing the water. "Why are you even here? What are you staring at?" she coughed on the water and looked exasperated, a whiney and tired tone in her voice. Her eyes grew stunned as she watched him.

"Well, you, of course." She felt that tingling again, fluttering in her chest and knocking the wind from her.

"What are you talking about?" she said dazed and a little puzzled. Following his eyes she looked down and felt the heat rush to her face. The peach robe she wore clung to her and outlined her entire body, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. She crossed her arms and sat down into the water, splashing more of it over the sides. Her embarrassment subsided as soon as it emerged.

"Please..." she sighed. Shooting him another hot glance, he raised his hands.

"You told me to make myself comfortable." Grinning he continued. "I'm quite comfortable right here." Shock and anger took over. She reached for her clean towel and threw it at him. She jumped up and rushed the door, slamming it in his face.

She could still hear him laughing. She had never been so embarrassed in her whole life, at least that she could remember. Throwing the cupboard open, she found herself another towel. She slid out of her robe and wet clothes, using them to mop up some of the water. She sighed, for it was useless because it was all soaked though. Walking over to the tub, she threw down a few dirty towels and reached to pull a bath curtain. Thinking twice, she turned back to the door and stared. Honestly. She locked the door and walked back to her awaiting bath. The warm water soothed her aching muscles and the new headache coming on. Lying back, she began to relax and let her mind wonder. Maybe he'll get bored and leave.

Tossing the towel aside, he laughed and walked away from the door. He waited on her bed, bored as hell. Damn woman. So worried about every thing, sheesh. He lay back with his legs dangling over the end of the bed. Grrrrr. His stomach rumbled. It was sure to be a long night. He stared at the ceiling, wondering if he should eat or not. Slowly he began to fade in and out of a restless sleep.

She awoke with a start. Sleep lifted from her eyes. The water was freezing. Looking up at the clock she gasped and stared. 1:30 am. Oh no. She had been in the tub for hours. How could I fall asleep? She let out a moan as she pulled herself out of the tub. She was so sore, her legs aching from the small bath. Standing, she reached for her towel and dried herself. She sighed and then began to try and remember her lovely dream. At least until she heard the snoring. Slowly she turned and cracked open the door. The unlocked door… She stared at the handle and swayed. She decided to peer out and shrunk. Seeing him sprawled out on her bed, she almost laughed with stupidity. So that wasn’t her dream. Realizing it wasn’t, she closed the door again and stared at the mirror. A small anger took over her. That... OOO! She opened the door and stomped to her closet, careful to not make noise to wake him. Looking though her closet, she found a nightshirt and matching pants. More carefully, she dropped her towel lightly and slipped on her shirt. Listening she heard nothing, shrugged it off, and grabbed her bottoms.

"Nice butt. Too bad your going to cover it up." She stumbled in surprise and jumped into her pants.  He had been snoring. She turned to see a playful pout on his handsome face. Another hot flush ran across her face. Not for so long could she remember blushing so much. This guy was going to be the end of her.
"Uh, I thought you were asleep." she mumbled. She shot him a dirty look. "What in the Sam hell are you doing on My bed?" He looked around nonchalantly and shrugged. He hadn’t really been asleep, but heard her getting out of the tub. He couldn’t believe she had thought those snores were real. Gullible…
"You said to make myself comfortable, so I did what you told me to. Geesh, hypocrite." She let out an outraged growl and marched to the bed leaning over him. "Your eyes sparkle when you’re mad. Its so pretty." He smiled at her, riling her temper.
"Thank you for the compliment," she smirked sarcastically.
"You are more than welcome," he shrugged, lying back on his folded arms. She huffed, crossing her arms. Then she smiled and bent down to shove him out of his most comfortable position, trying to wipe that smug look off his face. He saw it though half closed eyes and yawned. Suddenly he was over her and grinning, one hand holding each of her slender wrists. His grip was firm but playful, just holding her. Shock registered as she realized where he was and were she was. His chains sang out proudly as he leaned back on his knees. He had moved so fast that she barely felt or saw him.
"Get off of me!" she roared, though her anger didn't touch her eyes. She pulled her arms, but couldn’t get out of his hold.
"Say you’re sorry. Then I will." He continued to smile down at her. Her pride would never let her apologize and he knew it. She pushed up and didn't even budge him. She began to pout and looked up at him.
"Please. Come on?!" He shook his head and grinned. "Why should I apologize?" she snapped. He grinned again.
"Because you mooned me, why else?" he laughed, an arrogant smile motivated from him. She gasped. Why that…
"Not on purpose!" she cried. Then she smiled back, playing his game. "It's your own fault for watching, so now what?" She mocked him and shrugged her shoulders, tossing her head indifferently. He tilted his head and pretended to think about it. His handsome face was soft and made her catch her breath as she waited.
"You know," he looked at her from the corner of his eye, "you are so right. And you are so reasonable, so I'll be reasonable to." He stooped down and kissed her gently on the lips. Her eyes grew wide. For a minute she was surprised, then she melted. His lips were firm and soft and he tasted so sweet, like blood and chocolate. His rouge tongue took advantage of her surprise and explored the delicate corners of her mouth. He remembered every second of her, the way she used to be. This was torture, and she didn't even know it. She shivered and then sighed, starting to return the kiss. She sighed again as he pulled his mouth from hers. He looked at her and grinned again.
"Now we're even." he said softly and looked her in the eyes. "That’s for teasing me." She smiled at him sedately and tired.

"And who said you were allowed to do that?" she asked though drooping eyes.

"Well, it felt comfortable. So that would be you who said I could." He looked on casually, his face blank and emotionless.

"I hate your audacity. It gives you an advantage…" she yawned. He smiled lightly and closed his eyes. Sleep. The thought entered her mind her mind, though it already preoccupied it. He knew if she hadn't been so tired, his trouble would have tripled. Thank you… The reply came as a surprise. She turned her head, sighed once more, and fell asleep. He sat and watched her for a while, amused at her reaction.
What am I to do with you? He sighed at her and leaned on his hip. He swung his leg over the edge of the bed and stood up. Taking a blanket from beside the bed, he covered her up and made his way to the door. She turned on her side and let out a small noise. He smiled and left the room closing the door lightly behind him. Your welcome. He moved down the pitch-black stairs with swift steps, his hand gliding along the banister. He walked into the living room and plopped down on the couch, folding his hands under his chin. The trouble with this was her memory, and his driving him nuts. Musette, where did you go? Why did you leave? I need you more than I did then, especially now. He stretched out on the couch, crossing his legs and laying his head on his arms. He yawned and closed his eyes. Good night, love.

Little fingers of the sun pried at her eyes, pulling her from her deep sleep. She stretched out and released a long yawn. Clamping her hands under her pillow, she turned on her side, trying to get comfortable again. She closed her eyes and yawned again, reluctant to throw back the covers. Finally she dragged herself from her bed and making her way to the bathroom.

He heard the water running upstairs and lightly hopped off the couch. Stretching he looked around the living room that passed as his bed for the night. The curtains kept out the sunlight leaving it dim and shadowed. It had a couch and a large TV and a few end tables here and there. But the pictures were what caught his eye. Rachel, standing by a bubbling cute pink headed blonde with large peach colored eyes. She was slim and very fair skinned. She wore an outlandish gown that was covered in pastels and lace. She was gorgeous, but looking at her frightened him. Rachel was smiling as well in a burgundy sweater and dark blue jeans, her hair pulled up in a high ponytail. She looked so natural and ethereal.

The next picture had the same cute blonde standing in the arms of a man. He was tall and had long dark brown hair that was pulled into a low ponytail at the back of his neck. He wore a pair of full moon glasses that hung on his nose and touched his forest green eyes. He looked content with a slight smile touching his lips. He was in a loose white shirt with the older style to it that spread over his broad shoulders and black slacks that tapered into a thin set of hips and strong legs. He looked him over and thought that he recognized the man, but he couldn’t quite place him. Her head was resting back on his arm, smiling though her smile didn’t touch her sad eyes. It was a lovely picture though.

"Ah-hem." Rachel cleared her throat as she descended down the stairs, stifling a yawn. She didn’t seem very aware of his presence and walked around the banister to the kitchen. He placed the picture back on the end table and followed behind her into the quaint little kitchen. She had a cup of coffee in her hands and was about to take a sip as he entered. Coolly, he took a seat at the bar and smiled at her. She sighed and stared at him taking a sip of her coffee.

"So what’s for breakfast?" he cocked and eyebrow and leaned back in his chair. He hadn’t eaten for a while and was starving. She continued to stare at him. He leaned forward. "So?" he smiled charmingly. She sighed and turned to a nearby cupboard pulling out a box of cold cereal. She reached over and grabbed a bowl from the counter. She set them both in front of him and smiled half-heartedly.

"The milks in the fridge and the spoons are next to the sink. If you don’t mind, why are you still here?" she said standing back against the fridge. He smiled and walked over to the sink, finding the spoons easy enough. He turned toward her and took a step past her reaching for the fridge. She didn’t move, just looked at him defiantly.

"I will move you with force if necessary," he playfully scolded her. She frowned. "Answer the question first and I’ll move." He looked thoughtful and grinned. Placing the spoon on his nose, he held out his hands innocently.

"Why? That is the biggest question in the world these days, isn’t it?" he began to pout, "Please move." He watched an annoyed look disappear and a rather irritated one take its place. "Okay, I warned you." Before she could move he bent down and wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her over his shoulder. She huffed and began kicking her feet.

"Put me down, now! Put me down!" she yelled. He laughed and walked into the living room. He plopped her down on the couch and went back to the kitchen. She sat there with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. She stamped her feet and stood up turning back to the kitchen. He stood in the doorway, his bowl in his hand and spoon in his mouth. "Ooo…" she huffed at him and stomped up the stairs.

"Thank you!" he called up after her. God she’s so cute when she’s angry.

"You’re so not welcome, now leave!" she shouted.

"Never," he smiled and started up the steps. He stood in the hall, looking toward her doorway. Sighing he set his bowl on a plant stand and walked in the room, just as she pulled back the curtains. His eyes stung and he let out a cry, the vivid sunlight burning his skin. She turned to see him doubled over and backing up into the hall. She heard him curse and made her way to him. She found him against the wall, his back to her.

"Are you okay? What was that about." She stepped up to him and fidgeted waiting for an answer. He shook his head and reached for his bowl, toppling it and the plant stand. She reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. He brushed her hand away and picked up the bowl and up righted the stand. "Are you feeling alright?" she tried again, this time helping him to his feet. She turned him toward her. Gasping, she stepped back. His face was burned and his eyes were glowing dim silver. He sneered at her, long eyeteeth flashing at her.

"I’m fine." He shook her hands from his arms and grabbed his bowl. "I’ll clean up my mess," he said angrily, heading down the stairs. She stood shaking, her nerves shot. She was just seeing things. She had been. Her dreams were bothering her and she was just imagining it. She walked back to her room pulling on her clothes and brushing out her hair. Before she closed the door though, she pulled the curtains shut. She didn’t know why she opened them in the first place. He was kneeling with a towel, picking up the last of the lucky charms.

"So much for being lucky, huh?" he said looking down at his work.

"What?"

"Lucky charms. That has got to be the worst name in the world for this cereal, god." He looked up and saw her studying him a slight smile on her face.

"Yes I suppose," she sighed. He stood up, his face normal, but his eyes still more silver than blue. "Are you okay?" she said honestly. He looked at he and smiled.

"I am now. The light just stunned me, that’s all. Everything else is so dim. Sorry if I scared you." He let her pass by and followed her down the stairs. His teeth still hadn’t retracted; he’d have to be careful. And he was still starving. She continued to watch him as he emptied the towel in the garbage and rinsed it out. He began to feel uneasy. She sighed and walked up behind him.

"I’m sorry. It was my fault. I’ve been having some weird dreams and I thought I saw something. Its okay though." She waited for his answer and saw him shiver. He sighed and turned around to face her.

"I accept your apology on one condition." He grinned callously. She took a step back and cocked her eyebrow at him.

"And what would that be?" She crossed her arms and noticed his teeth were normal again. She had seen them, hadn’t she? He continued to smile and took a step closer.