Vampire Academy (tamaracorine & goldcat)

[goldcat16471]

Nick looked at her with a slightly pained expression, "I just... I don't want to be a bad influence on you Anna... I didn't mean for you to stop caring about everything you worked so hard for..." He looked down, "I don't want to make you do anything you might regret. You have so many good opportunities ahead of you... I don't just want to ruin them." He sighed. Suddenly, he realized their roles had switched. Before, it was Anna worrying, now it was him.


Serene bit her lip and looked up at Lukas, "Are you... Frustrated with him because of that?" She thought about his words. Serene knew Nick was helping loosen Anna up. But to what extent? Would Anna be so carefree she stopped trying hard in school? Serene frowned slightly.

 

[tamaracorine]

Anna sat up in the bed again, pushing her hair back off her face. "Good opportunities? Like being forced to be a guardian to a royal? Like being trained to not care about anything but my performance? I don't know what opportunities you mean, Nick. I have no idea." She looked away from him, folding her arms over her chest.


"Yeah." Lukas admitted. "I don't want her to forget what she's worked hard for. But... Anyway... Let me walk you to class? I doubt we're seeing those two today."

 

[goldcat16471]

Nick looked down. He thought back to how determined Anna was whenever he passed by her training. He always thought she wanted to on top, to be so good at what she was born to do. However, now he wondered, if it was anger. Honestly, he wouldn't blame her if it was. He sighed softly, "I guess I just... Thought that's what you wanted. I didn't realize- until now- That it really wasn't." He shook his head, "You've been training so hard Anna. I was scared that I would ruin the things you've worked for. But if you want to break away... I don't blame. I just want you to know I'm here for you."


Serene sighed softly and pursed her lips from his first words, but then nodded about walking to class, "Yeah, let's go." She started walking side by side with him, still frustrated about how Dhampir's lives were chosen for them, and if they didn't follow the path, they were shunned. That was completely unfair.

 

[tamaracorine]

Anna's lip wobbled with sadness. "I want it. I do. But what if it doesn't matter? What if I don't matter?"


Lukas held her close. "I'm sorry. I wanted to make you smile today and I've failed."

 

[goldcat16471]

(So sorry for not replying sooner! It's been really hectic!)


Nick looked at her sadly, thinking of her words. He traced her lips gently with his finger. "Shh... Anna, you do matter. You matter so much. All the Dhampirs matter very much and they need more of a say. You all deserve a word about your lives. It's not fair that everything is set up for you guys before you're even born. You guys deserve more! And Anna... You matter to me especially. I want the best for you, and I want you to be happy." He looked at her, "What is it... Exactly that you want?" Nick asked watching her.


Serene sighed softly and looked up at him, smiling sadly, "No, no Lukas. You didn't fail." She shook her head. "It's not your fault. I just... I feel angry. It's not fair that Moroi..." She frowned slightly, her voice trailing off, then she whispered, "It's not fair that people like me, take people like you for granted. You deserve better than this. How did Moroi get away with using Dhampirs for so long!?" She looked away, anger bubbling within her. Nothing would change. No matter how much people like her protested, it'll just keep going on. It's a habit, and habits die hard...

 

[tamaracorine]

Anna closed her eyes as he touched her lips. "I don't know what I want." She mumbled, "I want to do what I was meant to do. I... I think I want to protect Moroi. You're important. All of you. But I want the right to choose. I guess I can't have both."


Lukas couldn't help but smile at her. He pulled her into a small kiss. "You're beautiful when you're defending Dhampir, you know that?" He asked. "It isn't fair, but it is life. Maybe you can get into royal court and change it."

 

[goldcat16471]

Nick grabbed both of her hands and looked into her eyes. He knew he couldn't control what she choose to do. He didn't want to control her. However, Nick wanted her to know that he supported her. "Anna... Whatever you choose to do, whatever comes for you in the future, just know... That I'm here for you, okay? I'll always be here for you." He pulled her into a tight hug. The conversation left him in a brooding mood, as he kept thinking of how she must have felt. Nick stroked her hair ever gently, "It'll be okay though. We can just take it one small step at a time."


Serene smiled softly from his words and she looked at him, into his eyes, "I wish I could do something for you guys... But I don't think I'll ever get into the royal court." She sighed softly, thinking, "I could bring it up as a case for them to discuss, but they're all so stubborn. I don't think enough Moroi would be with me..." She pouted and crossed her arms. "So not fair." She grumbled. This whole topic she was starting to feel really passionate about. However, she didn't want to be grumpy in front of Lukas and she glanced at him, laughing nervously.

 

[tamaracorine]

Anna rested her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him just as tightly. She took a deep breath, "i need to go to class, Nick. I can't... I can't screw up my chances just so I can work out what I want. I can't." She stood up, tugging her shorts down. "Can you wait outside while I get dressed?"


"One day. One day it'll change." He assured her. "You'll make it happen, and hopefully, I'll be standing by you when it does happens."

 

[goldcat16471]

Nick wasn't about to complicate things by arguing with her and telling her she should relax for the day, so he nodded, "Yeah, I'll wait outside for you." He told her, then went out of her dorm room and leaned against the wall. As he waited he made small flames on his fingertips and watched them, lost in his thoughts.


Serene smiled at him, and kissed him softly, then looked at him. "I sure hope so..." She squeezed his hand gently then looked over at her classroom, just down the hall, "We better get to class... I'll see you at lunch." She told him, then waved and started to go into her classroom.

 

[tamaracorine]

Anna soon came out of the room and walked with Nick to class. She was reluctant to leave him, but she did, entering the gym and immediately being caught in a training fight. Lukas split from Serene and went to his own class.


As class ended, Anna sought out Serene, smiling awkwardly at her and holding out a coffee. "This is to say sorry for ignoring you."


Lukas sat in his bedroom, waiting for Nick, hoping to hear about the morning.

 

[goldcat16471]

Serene was in the dorm room after class and smiled softly when Anna entered. She smiled more when she saw the coffee, and gratefully took it. "Thank you Anna." She looked at the girl, "And it's okay. I understand now, you had every right to be upset for what they told you." Serene thought for a moment, "So... You and Nick are okay, right?"


After class ended, Nick went to the dorms and looked at Lukas. He smiled softly at him. "Hey." Nick greeted him while throwing his school stuff on his bed. He'd been kind of brooding all day. They did a worksheet in his math class, and Nick was pretty sure he got quite a few questions wrong. However, in his elemental class, he put all his effort into his spells. Sighing softly, Nick sat down on his bed, and looked at Lukas.

 

[tamaracorine]

"Yeah." She nodded, "i mean, I think we are. I was a wreck. He would have every right to run away. But he didn't this morning, so I guess we're alright."


"Long day?" Lukas asked, but cut himself off a moment later as one of the teachers - Nathan Smith - approached the door. He was in charge of pairing Moroi and dhampir. "Yes, sir?" He asked.


"I need to speak with you both." Nathan told them.

 

[goldcat16471]

Serene smiled at Anna, "That means Nick really loves you Anna." She pursed her lips thinking, "Who gives what those people tell you. You guys love each other and you deserve to be with each other. They aren't allowed to mess with our personal lives..." She crossed her arms, and looked at Anna.


Nick opened his mouth to reply to Nick when the teacher approached. He raised an eyebrow then glanced at Lukas nervously, "Uh, okay?" He stood up and walked to the door looking at Nathan, and frowning softly.

 

[tamaracorine]

Anna shrugged and sat down on her bed. "They can tell me what to do. But... We'll see, I guess. Maybe it'll work out." She lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. "I can fight strigoi and be with a Moroi. It's possible."


Nathan raised an eyebrow at Nick. "Your current romantic pursuits - both of you - are fine, as long as they remain fleeting. Annalise will guard a royal. If you play your cards right, Lukas, it could be your current fling. But Nick, don't push her too hard or she might end up totally out of reach. Royal court, perhaps."

 

[goldcat16471]

Serene nodded, "It is possible! It's been done before!" She looked at Anna then sprawled out on her own bed as well. She sighed thinking, "Lukas and I were talking earlier. We were talking about maybe giving Dhampirs more of a say in what they choose to do in their lives. I mean... They shouldn't force you guys to do this..." Serene sighed again.


Nick clenched his teeth slightly, annoyed at the teacher. "... My family lives in the royal court. If she ended up there, wouldn't it still work out for us?" He questioned. Nick had to bite his tongue to keep himself from protesting, and causing in scene. He didn't want to get into trouble and only make this harder to work out.

 

[goldcat16471]

Serene nodded, "It is possible! It's been done before!" She looked at Anna then sprawled out on her own bed as well. She sighed thinking, "Lukas and I were talking earlier. We were talking about maybe giving Dhampirs more of a say in what they choose to do in their lives. I mean... They shouldn't force you guys to do this..." Serene sighed again.


Nick clenched his teeth slightly, annoyed at the teacher. "... My family lives in the royal court. If she ended up there, wouldn't it still work out for us?" He questioned. Nick had to bite his tongue to keep himself from protesting, and causing in scene. He didn't want to get into trouble and only make this harder to work out.

 

[tamaracorine]

(I'm so sorry! I didn't get the notification!)

 

[tamaracorine]

"You and Lukas are going to work out." She assured her. "It'll be fine. It'll be okay. Maybe you can change things. Maybe it is possible..."


"Guardians who are in love with Moroi weaken. They lose focus. We can't have our best lose their focus. If you want what's good for Moroi society, then you'll let her go." Nathan told him tensely.

 

[goldcat16471]

Serene smiled softly, "I really hope so Anna... Things have to get better than this. They have to stop dictating your lives..." She sighed and looked at Anna, "Things will work out for both of us, as far as Nick and Lukas go. We'll all fight for each other if we have to."


Nick clenched his fists frustrated, "That's not fair! Aren't Dhampirs allowed to love! You can't control everything they do!" He started raising his voice slightly. So much for trying to remain calm.

 

[tamaracorine]

Anna smiled and looked at her, "yeah. I hope so." She sighed. "Maybe we can... Maybe we can work on it. Just quietly. Secretly."


Lukas gripped Nick's arm. "Calm down. Don't freak out." He mumbled. "Please don't freak out..."


Nathan laughed a little, "relax. It'll be okay. It won't last - she'll reject you soon enough. That kid is too smart for you."

 

[goldcat16471]

Serene thought about her words, "Yeah... Maybe. I'd hate to have to hide it but... If that's the best way to be together with them, then we will." She looked at Anna.


Nick's eyes widened from Nathan's words in anger. He heard Lukas muttering not to freak out, but he couldn't help it. Nick glared at Nathan. He had to get out of there before he did something really out of control. Through clenched teeth he said, "You have no right to get between us!" Then he shook Lukas's grip off his arm and pushed past the teacher, storming out of the dorms in fury.

 

[tamaracorine]

Anna smiled and gazed out the window, just in time to see Nick storming out of the boys dorms. She sighed and got off her bed, "I... I need to go after him." She rushed out of the room and began to run. "Nick! Stop!"


Lukas stared at the teacher for a moment then walked out, heading towards Serene's room. He watched Anna run after Nick as he walked inside. "Hey, so... I've been thinking. We should do something. We need to find out if others feel like we do. Have you ever heard of the alchemists?"

 

[goldcat16471]

Serene frowned and looked out the window as well seeing Nick storming away. She bit her lip and nodded at Anna, and watched her run out. She watched out the window until she heard Lukas come in, and then looked at him. "Yeah... I've heard of them... What do you think we can do...?" She asked Lukas.


Nick kept storming away, fists clenched, until he heard Anna's voice. He stopped but he didn't turn around. His gaze shifted to the ground as he waited for her to catch up. He was furious. Nick hadn't felt this angry in a long time.

 

[tamaracorine]

"Maybe they have information we could use. Do you know how to contact them?" He asked her, wrapped arms around her waist gently.

 

[tamaracorine]

Anna rushed to catch up and pushed Nick gently against a tree. She pulled him into a long kiss. Harbouring the same urgency as earlier. she took his hand and placed it on her lower back. "They won't hurt us."