This is for my friend Olivia, who appreciates Adrian's outright sexiness more than just about anyone.

A/N: I own nothing . . . Sadly.

When Adrian Ivashkov ran into the blonds on his way outside, a cigarette pack in one hand, he knew without a doubt the shock had been evident on his face. Pausing in mid-stride, he'd let his impressive eyes of jade brush over the pair.

The male was laughable, with pitifully jelled hair and a very stupid look on his face. His mouth was hanging open and his eyes were wide with shock. Adrian gave the khaki pants, white, button-up shirt, and silk tie a quick glance and imagined the guy to be something of a typical stiff; he'd be fun to play with.

The girl was slim and may have been something close to sexy if not for the unflattering clothes she wore. Her hair was short, doing well to compliment her simple brown eyes and the tattoo on her cheek. She, like the male, was shocked, perhaps a bit scared, at the sight of Adrian, but at least she'd managed to keep her composure.

"So. Are you guys here to convert me or sell me siding?"

This comment woke the girl up. She blinked, coming to herself, and brushed her eyes over his form.

"Mr. Ivashkov," she said. It was far too . . . Professional to Adrian. He hated being called Mr. It made him feel old and always brought the picture of his father to mind. "It's nice to see you again."

Adrian's witty expression slid smoothly into a frown. "I know you. How do I know you?" She was familiar, now that he thought about it. Not painfully so, but enough to ring a bell.

"We-" the girl began and then stopped, rethinking her words. "We ran into each other last month. At your Court."

Adrian remembered now. "Right. The Alchemist." He knew her name, as well, didn't he? He remembered someone saying it, perhaps even saying it himself. "Sydney Sage."

She nodded in turn and then her eyes flickered to the side. Her smile was pleasant, but Adrian caught the quick flash of exasperation in her eyes. "Keith, this is Adrian Ivashkov. Adrian, this is my colleague, Keith Darnell."

Keith. That was the stiff's name. How unattractive.

Like the gentleman he was, Adrian held out his hand to the male Alchemist. Keith made no move to return the gesture, so Adrian dropped his hand and took out a lighter. He stepped past them. "They're waiting for you. Go on in." A quick idea came to mind and Adrian acted immediately. He leaned close to where his lips were inches away from Keith's ear and said in a voice he remembered Dracula using in one of those horrible, stereo typical movies, "If. You. Dare." His finger came up to jab the stiff's shoulder.

Keith came to life, jumping, and Adrian made his way past with a maniac, "Muahahaha," as he started towards the garden. He was proud of as a reward, he lit a cigarette and took a long, slow drag.

It never once occurred to him that he'd just met the only girl in the world that could make him forget Rose Hathaway. It never once occurred to him that Sydney Sage, the absolute perfectionist of an Alchemist, would make him fall head over heels.

I realize how short this is and I apologize. This is my first story in a while and my first Vampire Academy (Bloodlines) fic in general. Please review and let me know what you think -if I should keep writing these, for this couple, or if this should be a one time thing to for.

Thanks.