Authors notes: I listened to a old favourite song of mine and this idea came to me. I have not decided if it will be more than a one shot, but I've always been fascinated by what lies behind Syrenne and Lowell's behaviour. And their background which have formed their strong personalities and stormy relationship :)

Disclaimer: Mistwalker owns The Last Story and all characters. I own nothing nor do I make any money on this story. I own this plot and any OC characters that may appear.


Baby I'm still in love with…
Everything I hate
Everything you do
Everything I fear
Everything on you

I'm in love with… Everything you are

''Everything''
By: Anna Vissi.


Everything I hate.

Syrenne's eyebrow twitched once when seeing Lowell walk towards the bar. Twice when he starting his usual pick up lines and trice when his target responded. Her fingers tightened around her tankard when observing the pair standing only a few feet away. All the bustling sounds of Ariela's tavern seemed to fade as a set of angry forest green eyes followed her companion's deliberate movements.

''If you aren't careful your face might get stuck like that.'' a voice interrupted her unhealthy stalking behaviour.

''Oh, yeah? Well, who bloody cares!'' Syrenne barked back, raising the tankard to her lips, emptying its contents in a few gulps.

A tired sigh passing Dagran's lips was her only reply. She knew he only tried to keep her mind off things surrounding Lowell, but for some reason she could not help herself. She waved for Ariela to serve her another drink.

''That won't help either, I hope you are aware of that.'' Dagran observed her from his usual spot by the door. ''Drinking will only make you feel more miserable.''

''I haven't the damnedest idea what you're talking about...'' Syrenne sourly ignored him, letting her eyes fall back to her own table. Barely containing the reflex of flinching when hearing the Tsk sound that came behind her.

''I see you're still trying to find happiness at bottom of a pint, love.'' Lowell's husky voice crept down her spine, but she refused to look at him. ''If I had not been otherwise preoccupied, I'd love to show you a good time, but you know where to find me if you have a change of heart.''

Dagran muttered and face palmed at his companion's remark. He knew Lowell to be many things, but stupid was not amongst them. How these two could go on like they did was beyond him. It was clear as the sky was blue that they had feelings for each other. Though both had different reasons as to why they did not act on them.

''If I'd wanted to catch something contagious, I'd rather walk into the poor house, that way I needn't see such a sorry excuse of a man as yourself.'' Syrenne fixed him a cold look over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing at the trollop behind him. ''Go on yer merry way, you're ruining a perfectly good drink.''

The dual sword wielding mercenary's posture changed for each creak the stairs made. Her once proud and strong posture sagged for each step the pair took towards the bedroom. When the door closed accompanied by a husky moan, her facade cracked. She emptied her tankard in a few gulps while standing up. She stomped over to the bar only to snatch up a bottle of wine and paying what she owed.

''You don't need more of that, Syrenne.'' Mirania softly grabbed hold of the bottle, taking it from her friend's lips. ''Dagran is right, this will not help you!''

''Don't tell me what to do, I'm a grown woman who can do whatever I want!'' Syrenne's hand shot out, retaking the bottle before her friend could even blink. She clumsily side stepped while working on emptying it. Her usual cat like grace was absent, being dulled by the alcohol.

''That's enough!'' ordered Dagran harshly. He gave Ariela a apologetic look before forcefully removing the bottle. It crashed to the floor, scattering glass shards and wine residues on the wooden floor. His hand shot out and clasped around her wrist in a iron grip. ''You are making a fool of yourself and the rest of us. You're coming with me and not a damn word in protest, have I made myself clear?''

Syrenne's eyes widened when looking into her leader's eyes. She had thought to find anger in his hazel gaze, but found instead compassion. All she could do was to nod her head and allowing herself to be taken to the back room. Her movements clumsy and unsteady.

''Sit before you fall on your face.'' said Dagran while guiding her to a empty chair by the window. He sad down on the bed, just watching her for a few moments. ''This has to stop and you know it. I'm not one to interfere in personal affairs, but this has started to affect the whole group. Either you do something about the situation or let it be. I can't afford to let this be. During jobs it has started to be unbearable and I can't risk the safety of others because of your and Lowell's issues.

''There are no bloody issues between me and Lowell!'' snarled Syrenne fixing her gaze on her friend. Her eyes once more softened when seeing the odd look of compassion in his eyes. It was so strange seeing it there because the emotion that mostly lived there was determination. ''Don't look at me like that, mate...''

''If there are no issues then I expect you to behave impeccable starting tomorrow.'' he said calmly, giving her a pointed look.

Syrenne averted her gaze in shame. She hated her confused feelings towards Lowell and she hated herself for burdening her friends. The look of compassion in Dagran's eyes moments before had been filled with both sadness and understanding. The look was much prettier than his usual determination and fierceness. Lowell was her complete opposite in many ways, and in some ways he was her equal. From the first time she had met him and up until this very day: he had a way to creep under her skin.

Dagran on the other hand was cold while Lowell was warm. Both were good men but the complete opposite. Where her leader was closed and reserved, Lowell was open and friendly. Dagran was quick, decisive and thorough and his fierce aura demanded respect, which he also received. Lowell was a joker, gambler and easy going. Even though her leader possessed more qualities she preferred, her treacherous heart was drawn towards the ice mage. Why in the bloody hell can't I fall for a guy like him? Why must it be a man I hate for several reasons...

The mere thought of Lowell being upstairs between the thighs of that trollop was too much. She hated him for being the way he is. The way he always went from woman to woman, never once caring for their feelings, but at the same time always remained a thorn in her side. She also hated that he was a good friend despite all his bad habits. She hated that he was an excellent fighter, which meant she had to respect him in some regards. She feared her feelings for him which lead to hating him more because he was the reason her feelings existed in the first place.

A sound from upstairs awoke her from her depressing thoughts. It was a woman's cry, a desperate cry filled with passion. It filled Syrenne with both disgust and a longing as well as a deep sadness. For she knew what and who had coaxed forth such a sound. She lifted her gaze which once again landed on Dagran. Desperation and a need to fill a void filled her as she closed the space between them.

Her lips found his, and she ignored how he stiffened against her soft curves. One of her hands yanked his head back by fisting his dark locks. Her free hand pushed its way into his pants, her fingertips briefly coming into contact with the price she sought before being stopped by him. Syrenne groaned in frustration against his unmoving lips, trying with everything she had to coax a response from him.

''Why?...Why won't you do anything...'' Syrenne whispered with her head resting on his shoulder. The only sound she seemed to hear was the beating of her heart and his calm breathing. Tears welled in her eyes which she refused to shed as shame washed over her. She had tried to use a friend to get her to forget.

''Because I made a promise a long time ago...'' Dagran answered calmly in a hollow voice as he gently untangled himself from her. He cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. ''And I want to you keep an open mind toward your non ''issues''. All is not as it seems and you should not give up so easily.''

Before she could answer he placed a hand on the small of her back, leading her towards the door. He opened it slightly, gesturing for her to follow his pointing finger. At the end of the room sat Lowell. He looked dishevelled and was steadily nursing a drink. His eyes were almost hollow, but his aura oozed of depression.

''That is not a look a man should be wearing, after indulging in passion in the arms of a woman...'' Mirania's softly spoke and slipped though the opening in the door. Her warm hand finding it's way to Syrenne's shoulder. ''You are too quick to judge a book by it's cover.''

''I'll leave her in your capable hands...'' said Dagran warmly while smiling at Mirania. ''I need to keep an eye on another.''

''I'll take it from here.'' Mirania said confidently and warmly. Her eyes twinkling with gratitude and mischief. ''Taking a bath is a wonderful way to sober up or so I've heard...''

Syrenne grabbed hold of his hand, squeezing it gently before he left. Their eyes met and he merely mouthed ''you're welcome'' before confidently striding towards the end of the tavern. When seeing the tired but grateful look on Lowell's face as Dagran joined him made her see the truth. Lowell was hurting and his behaviour was a mere mask to hide behind. He drowned his troubles in liquor and women. Seeing a glimpse of the real him in the shadows made her realize she loved everything about him, despite hating what he portrayed himself to be.


Would anyone be interested in more, maybe Lowell's side?