A.N. Okay, seriously, would I be posting my writing as fanfiction if I owed any of this? And who the heck would make money off of this?



Blissfully ignorant of Poppy's impatient scream, Elyssa poured over the writing in her chemistry book. Intriguing information suffused her mind as she carefully turned the page like a priest handling a Gutenberg Bible.

ELYSSA MARIE CLARK!

Elyssa's head popped up from where her cheek had been resting on her hand and she tumbled off of the bed, nearly falling over her own feet. Hurrying to the door, she adjusted her clothing so she would look quite so rumpled before yanking the heavy wooden door open and running down the hall to the top of the grand staircase.

Poppy stood at the bottom of the stairs near the front door with a thunderous look on her face. I called you, like, five times, she said through clenched teeth.

Elyssa responded sheepishly. I was doing my chemistry homework.

James smirked from his position next to his flustered soulmate. I thought you already did your homework.

Redness crept into Elyssa's cheeks. Okay, so it's extra credit. Sue me.

Rolling her eyes, Poppy let out a gusty sigh. Well, are you ready to go? Her gaze turned incredulous at Elyssa's blank expression. To dinner? Your birthday dinner?

Elyssa finally noticed their fancy clothing. A pause. Oh. Right. Okay. Just a sec.

She rushed back down the hall to her bedroom and pulled open the closet. Randomly, she yanked out a black dress--black was always suitable for expensive dinners with Thierry--and threw it on, foregoing any jewelry but her usual silver necklace.

Hopping on one foot down the hall, she pulled on one high heel then stopped at the top of the stairs to pull on the other shoe, using the railing as support. She trotted down the stairs to her foster parents' sides and smiled at them expectantly.

After a moment, James nudged Poppy who grudgingly admitted, We're still waiting for Thierry.

Elyssa shrugged good-naturedly, quite used to Thierry getting caught up in his work. A few seconds later, he appeared at the top of the stairs, pausing to pull on one of his shoes. Then, he trotted down, attempting to knot his tie at the same time.

Once at the bottom, he gave them all a rueful smile and continued to struggle with the knot. he said. I just got back five minutes ago.

Poppy huffed for a moment, but there was an amused twinkle to her eye as she stepped forward to assist Thierry. Elyssa took the time the three vampires used to tease each other as an opportunity to catch her breath.

Here we go again, she groused silently, attempting to will her heart to stop the strangely painful thumping that seemed intimately connected with the appearance of a certain blonde vampire.

He was just too good looking, she decided. His soft blonde hair was falling across his forehead, giving him a youthful, carefree look, and his eyes glittered as he teased Poppy about her obsessive promptness. Her analytical gaze studied him and concluded that the suit he was wearing went beyond flattering, molding itself to his strong shoulders and upper body.

But it was always the eyes that caught her. They were so...deep. Dark. And they intrigued a part of her which nothing else could touch.

As if he knew she was thinking about him--Which might very well be the case, she thought with acute embarrassment--his eyes swiveled and caught hers. Then he smiled.

While her vertebrae melted in unison, Poppy patted the tie and announced, Okay, you're all finished. Let's go, I'm starving.

James offered Elyssa his arm and she took it gratefully, hoping her smile wasn't too wan. Confirming her fears, James frowned and looked more closely at her as they followed Thierry and Poppy out to the car. Are you all right, sweetie? You seem a little...flushed.

Oh, I'm fine, she said airily. So, where are we going for dinner?

Her thinly veiled attempt to change the subject warranted a confused look from James. Thierry's club.

She smiled again and tried to laugh it off, sounding more choked than amused. Of course. Silly me.

Nilsson held open the door of the limo for them and Elyssa waited as Poppy entered the vehicle, the men waiting politely for the ladies to climb in first. As she began to duck her head, Nilsson stopped her, saying, Happy seventeenth, miss.

Straightening again, she grinned at him. Thanks, Nilsson. Ducking inside, she prepared herself for close proximity to the love of her life.

Love? Ha. No, no, it's a crush. A very large, very intense crush that's lasted nearly ten years...but it's just a crush, she assured herself. Briefly she wondered why she felt the need to assure herself on such an obvious point, but dismissed the thought quickly.

Despite nervous anticipation of his proximity, Elyssa felt an immediate sense of security when Thierry slid onto the seat next to her. Happiness tingled through her body as he smiled at her and she sank into her seat with what she was sure was a goofy smile.

She spent the entire car ride forcing herself not to scoot across the four inches separating them so she could lean into his side like she used to as a kid.

When they reached Thierry's club, Elyssa marveled at the fact that she knew someone rich enough to close out an entire restaurant for a party of four. After they were shown to a table, Elyssa found herself wondering yet again how exactly Thierry had made all his money--which seemed to be in infinite supply. However, the question was easily dispersed by Thierry's sleeve brushing against her arm as he passed her to reach his seat.

Oh my goddess, what is wrong with you? she asked herself harshly, trying to clear the fog from her addled mind. He barely looks at you and you're a puddle. His sleeve touches your arm and you can't think straight. Obviously, you're insane.

Dinner passed in a blur of conversation and laughter, presents magically appeared from somewhere in the restaurant, left discreetly by a stealthy waiter. Considering Elyssa had school the next day, the of the situation wrapped things up and brought her home by nine.

Now go finish your homework and go to bed. No more chemistry tonight, okay? Poppy said, handing Elyssa a bag of her gifts.

The seventeen year old rolled her eyes, but grinned and hugged the smaller girl. Whatever you say.

Suddenly, she felt her vid phone buzz and she pulled away from her foster mother and extracted the small device from her pocket. Frowning, she opened the new message and laughed as a happy birthday message filled the screen, along with fireworks and unfurling roses.

It's from Ash, she said, showing the message to the vampires.

James grinned. He was really disappointed he had to miss your birthday.

Shrugging, Elyssa saved the message and put the phone back in her jacket pocket. His work is important. I know that.

Thierry said blithely, he'll probably send a really big birthday gift to make up for missing dinner. That's all that matters, right?

Elyssa laughed and pushed his shoulder. I'm not that materialistic.

You just hide it better than some, he maintained, eyes twinkling. Before she could say another word, he motioned up the stairs. I think I hear your homework calling.

Glaring playfully, Elyssa allowed him to push her towards the stairs with mock resistance. Secretly, she was enjoying the feel of his hand on the small of her back, even through the fabric of her dress. It was so rare that Thierry actually touched her, that she reveled in any moment of contact.

Poppy yawned and hugged James before following Elyssa up the stairs. Glancing back down into the entry way, Elyssa saw Thierry and James chatting as they wandered off towards the kitchen.

Don't guys ever get full? she wondered vaguely.

Did you like dinner? Poppy asked with a smile as she caught up with her foster daughter.

she stressed with a smile. Thank you so much, Poppy.

No problem. James and I just provided gifts. Thierry's the one who decided on the restaurant, made the reservation--

Bought the place out, Elyssa intoned wryly.

Laughing, Poppy shook her head, curls flying wildly. Nothing but the best for his favorite person, she teased with a wink.

Elyssa felt the blush even as it crept up her neck to color her cheeks, but still tried to hide behind her usual dry retorts. Favorite? Hardly.

Watching the girl out of the corner of her eye, Poppy hid a smile. She is so gone, she thought triumphantly.

Of course you're his favorite. Who else would he go through all that trouble for?

Lady Hannah, Elyssa thought wistfully, then immediately chastised herself for thinking of the Lady with any sort of jealousy.

Well, as the little sister he never had, I suppose he owes me that much, she said cheekily, sticking her nose in the air.

Poppy laughed and waved good night as Elyssa disappeared into her own room, but wondered at that flippant comment. Was Thierry right? Had he jeopardized his relationship with Elyssa by watching over her childhood?

She thought that Elyssa had at least a crush on Thierry, but sometimes Elyssa would say something, or react a certain way, leaving Poppy filled with doubt. What if Elyssa truly thought of Thierry as an older brother?

No, that isn't possible, Poppy assured herself. She stares at him too much to just be idol worshipping him. Her eyes are far too...longing.

Satisfied with her decision, Poppy began to get ready for bed. After brushing her teeth and changing into a nightgown, she climbed into the bed she shared with James and closed her eyes on a sigh.

I wonder if she gets the same pang I used to get when I looked at Jamie...

James sank into the couch across from Thierry and loosened the knot in his tie. His friend dropped onto a chair and slouched down, his entire body emitting vibes of exhaustion.

James said, ripping the tie off and tossing it onto the cushion next to him. She's seventeen and still no sign of the dreams.

Thierry nodded, his fingers rubbing his eyes. But I expected that.

James said incredulously, sitting straight up. She's always gotten the dreams. Why would she suddenly stop?

Smiling slightly, Thierry shifted in his seat to get more comfortable. Maya is dead, so Elyssa has no threat to warn herself against. The only threat is that being imposed upon her by the rest of the Redfern clan and their associates.

James winced.

Thierry snorted and followed James' example by pulling off his own tie. James, you are in no way connected with the non-Daybreak Redferns and haven't been for the past century. Please stop apologizing.

He paused then smirked at the man across from him.

Groaning, Thierry leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. Lowering his head to his hands, Thierry studied the expensive rug under his Italian leather shoes. James watched him warily, recognizing the posture as one of Thierry's Sad Poses.

So, what are you going to do?

Thierry straightened and shrugged, running a hand through his hair. I have no idea.

Reviewers:

Akasha11-I know, Ash is so awesome. I love him to bits. There's just something about reformed bad boys...sighs

Charlotte-That sounds really cool. Black Jewels trilogy...I'll have to try and find that.

thelotuspath-Yeah, Gloria is Lupe's grandchild. She'll probably show up in the next chapter or so. I finally threw in a little futuristic gadget in her portable video phone/email system/pager.

Terriah-How could anyone not love Thierry? He's so brooding and romantic. Elyssa lightens him up a bit, though.

A.N. I hope you're all enjoying it! Please review, I live for feedback. Happy reading!