“No,” she told him bluntly, remembering that with vampires she didn’t hold back.

I know I'm not going to do justice in my commenting to this story. It should be chockful of quotes and picking out the most delectable bits, but I just want to read on!

This is a terrific chapter, a beautiful depiction of the one step forward, two steps back rhythm to which they dance. They just can't quite bring themselves to really say what they want, possibly even to themselves, thus ensuring taht they will never get it. Sigh. So them.