Shadow at the Water's edge.

Pool Party.

Vivian stretched slightly and then relaxed against Alex. His arms were still protectively around her, and she enjoyed the feeling of being wrapped in his embrace. He made her feel safe and relaxed, and his steady heartbeat calmed her pounding one.

After he had come downstairs last night, she had fallen into a deep sleep, and slept the rest of the night in a blissful dreamless state.

She tilted her head slightly so that she could look at his face, and she smiled at his peaceful expression.

She slowly ran her fingertips across his forehead and over his features, like she did when she first saw him, back in the cave.

There was something about him that she couldn't pinpoint, something that entranced and drew her to him. Sure he was good looking and smart, but that's not what it was.

In all her years of living, she had never met anyone like him. She had boyfriends, but they never lasted long, she was forced to move with her Grex, it was too dangerous to stay in one place for too long. People would start to notice things about them. Like how they didn't seem to grow older.

How was she going to explain that to Alex? Sure, in human form she appeared seventeen, but that was only appearance, the equivalent of how old she was as a Nymph. She would grow older - eventually - but for every ten human years, it would only be a year for her.

That would be an interesting conversation. 'hey Alex, did I mention I was born in 1843? That makes me around 170 years old. Hope that's not an issue.' Probably not the best way to approach the subject.

Her thoughts were cut short when someone knocked on her door.

She struggled out of Alex's arms and shook his shoulder quickly, whispering urgently.

"Alex! Alex wake up!" He stirred, and then sat up, concern showing on his face as he blinked sleepily. She put a hand over his mouth before he could say anything and nodded towards the door.

"Vivian?" His eyes widened and he looked around the room frantically. Vivian motioned under the bed and practically shoved him onto the floor.

He rolled under the bed and Vivian threw half the comforter over the side to conceal him. Then rubbing her eyes, she called sleepily.

"Come in." The door open and Nick poked his head in.

"Hey, uh...good morning." She smiled.

"Good morning." He shifted from one foot to the other as he cleared his throat and asked a bit hesitantly.

"Um, have you seen Alex this morning? I went upstairs to wake him and he wasn't there." Vivian ran a hand through her hair a bit distractedly as she said.

"I...think he went for a walk on the beach." Nick looked surprised.

"This early?" Vivian shrugged. Nick sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Alright, well, I hope he gets back in time for school. I'm going to head to work, will you be alright here by yourself? I'm sure Alex could arrange to stay home if you need someone here with you." Vivian shook her head and smiled at him reassuringly.

"I'll be fine. And I'll be sure to tell Alex not to be late for school." Nick stood in the doorway for a moment longer, then nodded and with a small wave, closed the door.

There was a long pause, and then the front door could be heard being opened and then shut.

Vivian dangled her upper body off the edge of the bed, and pulled up the comforter.

"He's gone."

"Thank goodness!" Alex rolled out from under the bed and sneezed several times. Vivian sat cross legged on the bed and smiled at him.