You're Mine, Claire

1: A Different Morganville.

Today was just like any other day; I got back from working with Myrnin on a new project, Eve was still at work at the coffee shop and Shane had just came back from working at the meat shop.

Michael was drinking coffee when I came in. "Hey, how was your day?"

"The usual, I guess. I just sat to the side handing Myrnin whatever he needed and talked about random stuff. What about you?"

"Nothing much. Been watching the news and working on my new song."

"Any progress?"

"Yeah, I've nearly finished. If you're looking for Shane, he's in his room."

"Okay, see you later?"

"Sure."

I headed upstairs to Shane's room and knocked on the door. He welcomed me in and I went to the bed and pretty much collapsed.

"Busy day?" He asked.

"Yeah. I have to keep reminding Myrnin that I don't have unlimited energy."

"You need to find a better boss." I sighed.

"That's down to Amelie..." I closed my eyes for a moment before groaning. "I have to see her later."

"What about?"

"I told her about the new project he's working on. She wants an update on anything he's doing."

"I thought she trusted him."

"I guess she's getting a little more wary... I'm sure she just wants to make sure he doesn't blow up the lab or the town or something."

"You should rest. Can't be seeing "Her Majesty" half asleep."

I shrugged. "Sure. I didn't sleep well last night." I got under the covers and soon enough I drifted off.

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I

woke up feeling like a weight was sitting on my head. I opened my eyes and looked at the time; 4:30AM.

Wow I was asleep a long time. I got up, careful not to wake Shane and went to the toilet.

Everything looked just out of focus. I got the toilet and the weight on my head and the strange blurry-ness disappeared just as quickly as it came. It must be cos I just woke up. I finished in the bathroom and got dressed for a walk.

It may seem suicidal to go walk outside at night but I was only going to common grounds and Amelie gave me Protection.

Leaving a note, I quietly headed out.

As expected the streets were empty and the walk to the coffee shop was uneventful.

Inside Oliver is at the counter, cleaning glasses and the coffee maker. I walked up to the counter.

"What can I get you?"

I was surprised. Oliver knew my order off by heart, I didn't have to say anything. "Uh... you know it."

"What?"

"You know my order. I come in here everyday."

"I have never seen you before."

"What are you talking about? It's ... me, it's Claire." Oliver just replied with a blank stare. "Is this a joke? Like did anyone put you up to this?"

"Do you want anything or this just a feat to get a free drink?"

"Uh... no... white latte with sprinkles, please." Why was he pretending he didn't know who I was?

Oliver made the drink and I handed over the cash then left the shop. Staying in there was too weird.

My phone bleeped. My meeting with Amelie is in 15 minutes. I started walking, wondering what Amelie would think of Oliver's behaviour.

I got to Founders Square just as I finished my drink. I binned the cup and went inside.

The receptionist looked up as I arrived. "Name?"

"Claire Danvers. I have an appointment with Amelie." The receptionist looked through the list then back at me.

"No you don't."

"What?"

"Your name's not on here."

"But... I came in here earlier." She showed me the list of names for the morning. Some were crossed out, but she was right. I wasn't on there. "Maybe you didn't put me on? Honestly she made me come see her today to talk about Myrnin's new project."

"Would you like to make an appointment?"

"Look!" I showed her my Protection bracelet. "She's my Protector. Ask her."

The receptionist sighed then picked up a phone. "I apologise for disturbing you, Founder. A girl is here saying she has an appointment with you." She paused. "Claire Danvers." Another pause. "I know that, but she has your bracelet, the Protection bracelet... Okay." She hung up. "Go to her office."

"Okay." I made my way up to the stairs, my nerves growing with every step. Judging by the phone call, Amelie had no idea who I was either. Was this going to be like the time everyone memory was sent back 3 years when I tried to fix the machine that maintained the borders?

The door was open when I arrived. I stood awkwardly outside. "Come in." I obliged. "Take a seat." I sat down slowly. "Claire Danvers is it?"

"Yes, Ma'am." She grabbed my wrist and looked at the bracelet.

"Where did you get this?"

"You... gave it to me. When I came to Morganville."

"I'm certain I would remember something like that."

I opened my mouth but couldn't think of an explanation. Why has everyone forgotten who I am?

"You're certainly quite pretty."

"Th-thank you... thank you."

"I'm sure you'll come in useful." She ran a finger down my arm and over my veins... which was not creepy whatsoever.

"When did you come here?"

"Uh... well... I noticed everyone forgot about me today and-"

"Who's everyone?"

"You, Oliver, Myrnin... probably others." Glancing up at her, she had an unnerving look in her eye... like she was considering whether to let me live or snack on me. What the hell has happened?

"Well this has entertaining. I would like to see you again, Claire Danvers. Maybe we could get to know each other."

"Yeah... that'd be great." She smiled, which didn't reach her eyes and finally let go of me.

"See you tomorrow."

"Uh... What time?"

"Midnight." I nodded and hurried out the room.