Who: Sydney Sage goldenlily and Adrian Ivashkov ((I'll add the username later) When: Backdated to October 25th Where: Their room, Vampire Academy house What: Sydney has been bitten and in her still irrational mind, Adrian is the one to go to for comfort. Rating: Low. Note: This was done via text messages, so the replies are extremely short. The beginning is the actual attack, it was written in tonight to explain more of what was going on.
Sydney needed time to think. The house was so crowded and she shared a room with the one person she needed to be away from. A part of her wondered how she ended up sharing a room with Adrian anyway. The Jill she had been a roommate to back in Palm Springs wasn't here, so she supposed that couldn't be a logical choice, but it seemed oddly ironic that after what had nearly happened before they had arrived here that Rose would put them together. A Rose, mind you, that didn't even know Sydney. She had no way of knowing that Sydney even knew Adrian. Unless, of course, Adrian or one of the other Roses told her.
This was all too confusing, and most confusing of all was that the near-kiss hadn't even been brought up. Sydney didn't know how to bring it up and she wasn't even sure if she should. Maybe he hadn't even given it a second thought.
Before she had a chance to think any further, she was grabbed from behind. She let out scream, but at night the streets had been so deserted it was doubtful that anyone would hear. Next, she felt the painful, yet familiar feeling of fangs tearing into her neck and before she could scream again , the high settled in. Her body relaxed and her mind lost focus. It wasn't long, though, before the fangs withdrew and the endorphines stopped entering her system. She was still in a haze when the strigoi pushed her to the ground and said that her blood was the worst he had ever tasted. It wasn't anything she hadn't heard before. The strigoi left and Sydney propped herself against a building, unable to focus enough to return home.
*****
Sydney was pissed and just generally upset. No one liked being bittenbut for Sydney it was the end of the world. And it gavher memories. Bad ones of her first btes. She returned home after her tears had dried and walked into the room she shared with Adrian, soundlessly walking over to give him a hug after the door was closed.
Adrian had been playing a game of solitaire when he heard her approach. He stood and caught her in his arms. He stroked her hair and inhaled the Sydney scent, though it was mixedwith something else that made his stomach clench. He murmured, "Sage? You okay there?"
It felt good being in his arms, but she pushed away her confused feelings and shook her head against his chest. "I just wish they would leave me alone."
He reluctantly puled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "What happened? Who hurt you?" he asked, clenching his jaws on his anger. It would do no good to explode.
Sydney looked at his expression and knew instantly that telling him would do no good. He might go after the strigoi. "Don't worry about it, I'm okay. Sorry I hugged you like that. It was..." completely imappropriate, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Adrian frowned before she could pullaway entirely, catching her arms in a gentle grip. He fellike electricity was shooting through the nerve endings in his fingers. He studied her face then tilted her head back to see her neck. He had suspected, but seeing it was different. "Strigoi..." he seethed. It wasn't a question.
Sydney could hardly deny it once he saw the marks. "Don't go anywhere," she told him warningly. It wasn't up to her to protect moroi other than Jill, but she didn't want him getting hurt, especially for her. "I'll be fine. They can't take much."
He arched a brow, idly stroking her arms. "You forget, I remember being bitten. I just... I should have been with you, and then maybe they would have left you alone."
Sydney remained where she stood. His fingers felt good on her arms. Comforting. "It's a lot scarer for somene who hates vampires," she told him. "Just promisee you won't do anything."
He nodded. "I won't. But tell me, Sage, wat were you doing that was so important you risked going out alone? You coud have taken a Rose, she can protect you." He hated that he couldn't help her himself. He may be devil-may-care, but he wasn't suicidal.
Sydney paused. She wasn't sure she was ready to talk about this yet. "I just needed to think," she told him vaguely. "It gets crowded here."
A line creased his brow. "I get that, but you can dothat during the day. Or tell me to get lost," he said with a shrug, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips.
Sydney laughed softly, feeling a little more relaxed. "I won't kick you out of the room, but I'll stick to thinking in the daylight."
His mouth quirked into a real smile athat. "Fair enough," he sobered though. They were still touching and so close. "Sage..." he whispered, his hand on her cheek.
Sydney suddenly felt the same way she had that night in his apartment. The way he was looking at her, the physical contact. Her breath caught on the way he said her last name. "Y-yes?" she asked, mentally kicking herself for stammering. Was he gong to kiss her? Did she want him to?
He smiled. "Would you slap me if I kissed you?" he asked, taking a step forward.
Sydney bit down on her lip gently. Was he really asking her? There were so many reasons they shouldn't, but Sookie's advice came to mind. She should at least be sensible and talk about it, but she didnt really want to. Not right this second, anyway. She shook her head in response.
That was all the invitation he needed. He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers.
It was her first kiss and she didn't really know what to do. Her eyes fluttered closed as she slowly kissed him back.
He smiled triumphantly as she responded. His hands would in her hair as he guided her until they were against the wall.
Sydney was only dimly aware of her les moving, the kiss was too heady for her to be more aware than that. The solid wall against her back was more noticable, but she didn't let that stop the kiss just yet.
He felt out of control. This was unlike anything he ever felt before. More than with Rose.
She finally, reluctantly pulled back. "What is this?" she asked breathlessly. Now was apparently the time to talk.
He was just as out of breath, pulling away slowly but not breaking touch. "I... I don't know," he admitted dazedly.
Sydney wasn't sure if that was what she wanted to hear, but she wasn't really sure if she liked him either. "We should talk about whatever it is."
He nodded. "Sage, I really like you. I mean... that was beyond anything I have ever experienced. I just... I hope you don't regret it. Though, I wouldn't blame you."
Sydney looked at him when he said he liked her. Well, that was easy enough. "So this... isn't some one time thing like your moroi girls in LA?" she asked, wondering if the reason that bothered her so much was because she might be a little jealous. "Or a convenience thing because we share a room?"
He moved away from her, running a hand through his hair. "Sage, you're nothing like those girls. They meant nothing to me. You..." he paused and looked at her. "are more."
Sydney wasn't quite sure how to take that. She didn't know if he had had any relationships before Rose, but he seemed the type to play aorund. Then again, she hadn't known him before Rose broke his heart. "Good, because I don't do flings." She didn't really do relationships either, but if she was going to start, it would definitely be that.
He smirked. "I didn't think you would. So," he said sticking his hands in his pockets, "you okay with... us?" he hated feeling so unsure.
Sydney supposed it would be obvious by her disapproval of his lifestyle that she wouldnt be that girl, but a part of her wondered if he could tell her inexperience by the kiss. Was it bad? She paused. "By all rights, we shouldn't," she pointed out. This night had definitely taken a strange turn, going from strigoi bite to becoming an 'us'. "But I talked to a girl who said I shouldn't stop living because of things that may or may not happen and she actually made sense."
"I would like to meet this girl and thank her," he said with a wink. He sat in a nearby chair and watched her. "I'm in if you are."
Sydney let out a light laugh at his response. "I wasn't even sure what I wanted when I talked to her and I thought it was pointless to wonder anyway," she paused, biting her lip then after a moments thought, nodded. "I'm in."
He smiled brighter. "You're okay with having an evil creature of the night as your boyfriend?" he asked.
Sydney shrugged in response. "Somewhere along the way, I think you became less of an evil creature and more of a friend."
His brows arched. "I think I want to be more than just your friend."
"I just mean... I don't really see you as a moroi anymore, or as all that different at least."
"That's because I'm not any different. You alchemists like to think so." he shrugged. "I think you taught me better."
Sydney tilted her head slightly. "Taught you better than what?"
"Than to judge someone by the fact that they are human," he said with a smile.
"I'm the worst person to teach that," Sydney answered. "Most moroi still make me highly uncomfortable."
He shrugged. "As long as I don't, we are good," he said, "but try not to judge a book by it's cover... I guess that's what I meant. What you taught me."
"You don't," she answered, "for the most part."
A brow cocked."Most of the time? I make you uncomfortable?" he asked, feeling a bit hurt.
"There are certain things. It's not you. I do feel comfortable around you."
He frowed. "Is it my moroi side that set you off? Or how you feel about me?" he asked feeling like he was fighting a losing battle. He cared for her, what else mattered?
"I like you," Sydney told him. "That's how I feel about you."
"Then good. That is enough for me," he said finally standing and grabbing her hand. "So you are officially my girlfriend?" there was a teasing smile in place.
Sydney smiled softly. "If you can accept that there are some things that aren't as easy for me to deal with, then yes I am."
He nodded. "Of course I can, if you can accept that I need blood to survive. Though I promise it will not be in the way you fear. I am yours through and through."
Sydney nodded. "I can accept that, but I don't want to see it. That is one of the things I can't handle."
He nodded. "I will never put you in that position," he promised, cupping her cheek. He had never felt more sure of anything. Not even Rose and that scared him.
Sydney bit down on her lip. "I would appreciate that," she answered. "The other thing is the magic."
He knew that would be a problem when he realized he wanted a chance with her. He spread his arms wide. "I can't change who I am, Sage, even if I wanted to."
Sydney nodded. "I know. I'm not asking you to never use it, just not around me."
He raked a hand through his hair. "Sage, I would never hurt you. Or use my 'gift' against or around you unless you ask," he vowed.
Sydney nodded in response. She wasn't really afraid of him hurting her intentionally, but magic caused panic attacks. "I just wanted to clear it up."
He smirked. "I know how uncomfortable my gift makes you feel. Even when I use it for good," he replied, taking her hand and leadng her to sit down beside him.
It was true, even when he had tried to heal her,it had bothered her. She moved to sit with him. "It's nothing against you... I just don't like it."
He nodded, threading his fingers through hers. "I think I understand that. Living around all of the humans has given mea bit more perspective."
Sydney gave him a soft smile. He definitely had changed since their first meeting. "I guess it's being around some moroi that has given me a different perspective as well."
He beamed at her. "It seems we have changed eachother then."
Sydney shrugged. "I guess we have."
"Can I ask you something?" he asked, ducking his head to avoid looking into her eyes.
Sydney glanced at him cautiously. "Yes?"
"Have you ever been in love?" he asked, knowing his face must be flushed.
Sydney blinked in reaction. She hadn't expected that. "No," she answered. She wasn't sure she wanted to say she'd never even dated before.
He nodded slowly. "Do you think you could ever love a vampire?"
Sydney bit down on her lip. "I don't know," she answered. "I would have never thought I'd even want to date one."
His mouth quirked. "I am glad you are considering it now," he said, hoping above hope that she was more than considering it.
Sydney gave him a small smile. "I have been for a while," she admitted.
His brows arched and he shot her a smirk. "Have you now?" he asked.
This was a little more personal than she wanted. She glanced down at the floor. "That night in your apartment, after the light hit my eyes..." she trailed off before starting again. "I've been thinking about it a lot."
"Me too," he admitted. His free hand cupped her cheek, turning her face toward his. He searched her beautiful eyes. "I wish I knew what you truly thought of me."
Sydney looked at him when he turned her head. She had no choice. "Were you going to kiss me? Before I stepped back?"
"I was, but I was also afraid that you would slap me... or run away," he admitted. His thumb stroked her cheek as he spoke.
Sydney bit her lip. "I probably would have," she told him. "Liking you is a huge complication."
"But don't you think it's worth it?" he asked. He didn't know if he could handle her rejection after getting this far.
Sydney glanced away. the fear of a re-education center was too much, but Sookie's words rang in her head. "Back home, it would never work," she pointed out. "But we're not home."
The corners of his lips curled into a smile. "I think I would have tried at home too, but you are right. This place has a lot of... possibilities," he said.
Sydney bit dow on her lip gently. "Why do you like me?" she was average for a human, but Adrian was good looking. He could have his pick of tall, skinny moroi girls.
His brows creased in a frown. "Sage... what kind of question is that? I like you because you are beautiful and smart and witty. And you see through my bullshit," he said.
Sydney laughed lightly at the ending statement. "Well, I do that," she admitted. "But you could have anyone you wanted."
"Not true," he replied with a smile. He sobered instantaneously. "But I only want you. I should be asking you why you want me."
"Your skinny moroi girls would say otherwise," Sydney pointed out. "I don't know. You used to annoy the hell out of me, but after getting to know you... we're a lot alike."
He nodded. "That we are. You are definitely one of a kind, Sage," he said as he leaned over to kss her cheek lightly.
Sydney drew in a breath when his lips touched her cheek. "I'm just... not that special.
He drew back, his eyes wide. "Who told you that?!" he asked, aghast.
Sydney pursed her lips together. Her father. "No one," she answered. "It's just a fact. I'm not skinny and perfect."
"Whoever said skinny was beautiful? And," he paused completely sincere, "II think you are perfect." He knew he flushed bit she brought out the truth in him.
"Society," she answered. That was all she was giving him. "They all want the perfect moroi bodies without knowing what they are."
He scoffed. "They do not know what they are missing if you ask me," he responded with another shrug. "Do you really care what they think?"
Sydney nodded once in response. She did care. She care what her father thought.
He shook his head. "For what it's worth you have come to mean more to me than anyone or anything else." Even Rose, though he didn't know how to bring that up yet.
Sydney bit her lip as she looked at him. "I don't know what to say."
"Just say what's on your mind, Sage," he said as his fingered brushed her cheeks and temples.
Sydney's eyes fluttered shut as his fingered brushed her face. "I've just never mattered before."
His face was a mask of incredulousness. "How is that possible? You matter more to me than anyone or anything in this world," he assured her.
Sydney glanced down at the floor. "Thank you," she answered. "Its nice to hear."
He tilted her chin up. "I want you to always feel like you matter. Never forget that you have awoken me," he said with a smile and wink.
Sydney looked up at him. "I have?" she asked.
He smirked as his head bobbed in a nod. "I only thought Rose did. I have been half alive for so long, I thought that was the best life had for me. I was wrong."
Sydney sat there speechless. Was he saying she meant more than Rose? After all the pain she had seen him go through, she wasn't sure that was possible.
He had felt so confident, but her silence made him feel stupid. "Um... please say something," he pleaded.
Sydney shook her head slightly. "I jus... I've never had anyone say anything like this to me before. I've never had anyone really care about me."
The corner of his mouth tugged into a smile. "Now you do," he said simply as his fingers caressed her cheek.
Sydney gave him a soft smile. "I appreciate it," she answered softly.
"I hope that you more than appreciate it," he teased as he moved forward to tickle her.
Sydney squirmed as he ticked her, a light laugh coming from her.