Hi! This story is bring brought to your computer screen by abyssgirl and wastxd1symphony. We are collaborating on this story to present to you modern Tortall – with a large helping of college drama! We hope you like it! :)

OH! Before you start reading, let us warn you on one tiny detail. This story is rated T. This means that it is suitable for teens and above. So, if you ain't a teen, we're warning you now; this story has mature themes – plenty of mentions of sex and stuff, because we all know college boys' minds revolve around it!

Now. Get reading!

A Love/Hate Thing

I hate college parties. All they ever leave me with is a horrible hangover on the day after and a feeling of guilt. Hell, I was even robbed of the big V at my first one. (Not that it had been a particularly unpleasant experience...) Why the hell do I ever go to them? Oh yeah. I get coerced into these things by Dom. Grr... how does he do it? I mean, it's like he just opens those mahoosive blue eyes of his at me and I'm putty in his hands.

Damn, I sound so gay. Erk! I mean, not that there's anything wrong with it – it's just that I'm NOT that... if you even understood a word I just said. I'm not sure I did...

(sigh)

Ow. My head hurts. Dammit, what the hell's making that noise?! That tune does seem oddly familiar... if it would stop RINGING! Oh. Just my cell phone. NO!! Not Dom again! Seriously, I am NOT in the mood for witty banter of any sort atm. No, I don't mean hole-in-the-wall, money-tree, you idiot. I meant AT THE MOMENT. Man, some days, I think that people seriously need to learn text speak. Makes life easier.

Ow... I need some painkillers. Now, if only I could get myself out of bed... ah, that's done – oh, beep! My beeping head! Did someone spike the drinks last night? I mean, there is no way I could've gotten that piss drunk without some sort of... herbal refreshment. If you get my meaning. Then again... at the rate I was downing the stuff, and with a damn good reason too... I suppose it is quite understandable. But it doesn't mean I have to like it.

I know I sound contrary. Shush.

Ok, that's it. He won't stop ringing, so I might as well answer the damn thing. And STOP telling me to stop swearing! I'll do what I beeping want - 'sides, technically damn isn't vulgar. It's in the dictionary, isn't it? No, don't tell me what it means; I already know! So nyaa!

Oh, for the love of God, would that phone just shut up! I will answer it! Look, watch me do it now. Sarcasm is my way of life...

"Hello?"

See? Told you so.

"Lerant!" Ow... some people are overly chipper in the mornings. I really should get him a stuffed beaver for his birthday.

"What?"

"... Just checking to see if you're ok."

"Does it sound like I'm ok?!" Ow... note to self: must refrain from shouting. Reason: bad for mental health.

"Um... no?" Bravo, idiot! Ok... so that was a bit harsh; hey, at least I didn't say it out loud!

"Great. Fine, if you want, I can be over at your apartment in about ten minutes with my miracle medicine. That is, if you're ready to stop snapping my head off."

Miracle medicine?! Oh boy, would I die for some now... "Yes, please. I'll stop." See? I can be nice!

...

Usually when there's something in it for me, of course.

But, hush! No need to go spreading it around – who knows what sort of person would get their dirty, filthy, grimy, soiled... I'm running out of synonyms for dirty, so I'll just finish the sentence and say hands. Yeah, who knows what sort of person would get their dirty hands on my PRIVATE information. Yeah, yeah. Shut up – I have realised that I'm only talking about my personality. What do you take me for – a lunatic?

(scoffs)

I know perfectly well that my 'supposedly' insane ramblings are starting to scare you off. So what?

(laughs bitterly)

That is nothing compared to what I found out last night. I can't believe I had been so blind... how could I have fallen for Yuki's lies? She led me astray, having me wrapped entirely round her little finger while deceiving us all about her true nature, and at the same time... losing me what could possibly be the best thing I could ever have had.

Who knows if Keladry will ever be able to forgive me?

(falls back onto the bed)

Lerant Eldorne, you are an idiot.

Well, what did you think? Yeah, we know Lerant seems a little insane at parts, but it's necessary for his character. Send us a review to let us know how we're doing!

- abyssgirl and wastxd1symphony xxx (25/04/2008)