What was love, really? Flowers, chocolate, and poetry? Or was it something else? Was it being able to finish someone’s jokes? Was it having absolute faith that someone was there at your back? Was it knowing someone so well that they instantly understood why you did the things you did—and shared those same beliefs?
Oh… Adrian, I’ve got one more favor to ask you. A big one. Fondue? he asked hopefully.
Piece of Heaven? No, that other place I’m going to go to for thinking what I’m thinking.
Do not do that again, he said stiffly.Don’t kiss me back then, I retorted.He stared at me for what seemed like forever. I don’t give ‘Zen lessons’ to hear myself talk. I don’t give them because you’re another student. I’m doing this to teach you control.You’re doing a great job, I said bitterly.
Even now, despite Angeline’s watchfulness, she’d occasionally oscillate between random topics, like how shepherd’s pie wasn’t a pie at all and why it was pointless for her to take class in typing when technology would eventually develop robot companions to do it for us.
Adrian was easily distractible by wacky topics and shiny objects.
Sydney spent a lot of time on my bed these days.Unfortunately, it wasn’t with me.
This college would probably have the same problem as the last one did.I frowned, What’s that?Homework.
How do you feel right now? I hurt like hell.You’ll feel worse tomorrow.So?So, better get a jump on this while you still feel…not as bad.What kind of logic is that? I retorted.
I wasn’t fooled. He was avoiding looking at me. There’s nothing to talk about.I knew you’d say that. Actually, it was a toss-up between that and ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’Dimitri sighed.
It’s okay, I said soothingly. You’re just getting your stride back. Once you’re up to full power, I’ll go crack a rib or something so we can test it.She groaned. The horrible part is that I don’t think you’re joking.
Yeah? Can you draw a skeleton riding a motorcycle with flames coming out of it? And I want a pirate hat on the skeleton. And a parrot on his shoulder. A skeleton parrot. Or maybe a ninja skeleton parrot? No, that would be overkill. But it’d be cool if the biker skeleton could be shooting some ninja throwing stars. That are on fire.
What’s up? I asked.You tell me, he said. You were the one about ready to start making out with Adrian.It was an experiment, I said. It was part of my therapy.What the hell kind of therapy are you in?
Well, you can think what you want, so long as you remember – no matter how ordinary things seem between us – I’m still here, still in love with you, and care about you more than any other guy, evil or otherwise, ever will.
No matter how long or how difficult, we will undo whatever that Moroi boy has done to you.”
I managed a wavering smile, tasting blood in my mouth. “You sure about that, Dad? Because he’s done everything to me.
Because I’ve got a lot more terms of endearment to use. Honey pie. Sugarplum. Bread pudding.”
“Why are they all high-calorie foods?
Don’t take the high ground and assume you already know what you’ll do. The truth is, when it comes to someone you love, you’ll find there isn’t anything you won’t do.
But when I touch you, your aura … it smolders. The colors deepen, it burns more intensely, the purple increases. Why? Why, Sydney?” He used that hand to pull me closer. “Why do you react that way if I don’t mean anything to you?” There was a desperation in his voice, and it was legitimate.
I’ll find you. There is no place in this world you can hide from me. I’m watching.
Love, Dimitri
But what are loyalty and caring really worth?”
“To me? Everything.
Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies.
You did not just say that. I have a feeling we’re on the verge of hugging and coming up with cute nicknames for each other.
That’s ridiculous. Especially the part about Christian being manly.
And after a while…I mean, how do you choose? Who gets to live? Part of life is that…well, some people have to die. My powers aren’t a prescription you can get filled as needed.
You used nunchucks on a moose?Wolfe got a haunted look in his eyes. I used all sorts of things on that bastard.