Hey guys, sorry about the long wait. I have been super busty getting ready for uni (I go tomorrow!) and I got a bit of writer's block, so this chapter is a bit filler-y, sorry. Please read the A/N at the end for news about updating. The second half is not proofread, I might go back and check it. Hopefully it's okay!

Chapter 13

I gasped at the feeling of the cold metal sliding out of my muscles and Luc gasped with me, holding me tightly. We both watched in wonder as my skin pushed out the bullet and sealed itself up behind it. I picked it up off my chest and saw it still covered in blood. We exchanged a glance as he helped me sit up carefully. My shirt was covered in blood, as was Luc's, and both our hands were slick with it.

I realised that neither of us had said a word since I had recovered, we were both just glad we were alive. I blinked and looked around for Maggie and Caleb, but didn't see them anywhere. Where had they appeared from anyway? Luc pulled me into a tight hug, my head resting on his neck. He rubbed my wet hair with his hand and I finally felt safe.

I suddenly remembered that Luc had been hit in the arm and I pulled back, grabbing his shirt sleeve and pulling it up, but there was no mark. The blood, which was getting washed away by the rain, was still there, but he had no mark to show from the gunshot. Exchanging a wide-eyed look with Luc, I checked for any other injuries he might have had, just as he was doing to me.

We were still sitting on the pavement in about an inch of water, swirling slightly red from my blood. My dress was soaked and I was freezing. It was also beginning to get dark since the cloud cover was so thick. Thunder continued to rumble and I couldn't stop a wave of violent shaking run all through me.

You're freezing! Come on, let's get you home.

Good idea. I probably wouldn't have been able to get the words out past my chattering teeth if I spoke out loud.

He stood up and helped me up, taking my cardigan from my bag, helping me into it and buttoning it up so that it covered the large blood stain on my dress. There wasn't much we could do about his shirt though since he hadn't brought a jacket, so I hoped we could avoid people, which shouldn't be too hard since it was still raining heavily.

I felt… different. Changed. Luc had warned me that the Ascension would change us a lot- physically and mentally. At the time, I had been worried about the closer mind connection Luc described, but now I found myself looking forward to it. As for the physical, hopefully it wasn't so obvious that Dad would notice, although it wasn't like he was particularly observant anyway. Studying Luc carefully, I noticed he looked a little different. He was a bit broader, muscles slightly more defined than before, but the largest difference was in his face. It wasn't one specific thing, more that he looked… older. More mature, maybe. But it was only noticeable to me because I had spent the last nearly two weeks practically glued to him. We hadn't spent a whole day apart since the week after my stupid avoiding him.

A noise distracted me from studying Luc's face. I glanced around in fear, ears straining to hear something over the pounding rain.

Come on, let's get you home and dry.

Stay at mine tonight. Dad shouldn't be in so it will be fine.

Sure.

Luc helped me up and we began the walk home, holding hands. I never wanted to let go of his hand. I had nearly died- but I wasn't afraid for myself. No, I didn't mind dying particularly, it was just what I left behind that I was worried for. I don't know what Luc would have done if I had died just then.

I couldn't believe how close it had been. If we hadn't ascended at that exact moment, I would be lying in a pool of my own blood back on that path back there. Seeing my thoughts, Luc gripped my hand harder and I saw in his that he would make sure that never happened, if he had to jump in front of a bullet himself. He was waiting until I was dry and warm before he got angry at me for taking the shot instead of him. I sighed inwardly. This could be interesting. But for now, we both decided it was not a good time to argue, not when we were both wet, cold and covered in blood.

I looked down at myself and had to laugh at the red stain that was turning my grey dress a mottled pink, even though where it came from was not funny. Luc gave me a look that told me I was crazy, but I just laughed again. I guess it was the only thing I could do because otherwise I might cry. Eventually Luc gave a small smile, one corner of his mouth lifting, but he was more laughing at me rather than with me.

I stopped in front of him on the porch and looked up at him seriously.

"Luc. I... I don't really know what to say. Thank you just doesn't seem right. But you saved me, so... I guess I'll just say it anyway? So, thank you Luc."

"Anna. You don't have to thank me, not for anything. Not ever. I need to protect you and do things for you, but not just for my imprint. Because I love you."

I took a deep breath before replying. What I was going to say could sound cheesier than a soap opera,

"Luc, I'm not particularly one for emotional stuff, I guess you know that by now... anyway, I decided from a young age to never say the words 'I love you' without really meaning them. I just hate the way love is cheapened from overuse. With that in mind... Luc, I love you."

And with that, for the first time, I initiated the kiss by leaning forward and pressing my lips against his. Kissing in the rain was every bit as amazing as the films made it look except for the fact that my hands were shaking from cold. But Luc's lips were warm on my cold ones and his breath was warm on my face as he pulled back, giving me a small smile.

"Anna," he breathed, leaning his forehead on mine and closing his eyes. "What are you doing to me?"

"Same question."

He chuckled as I grabbed the keys from my wet purse and opened the door. We left a trail of water on our way to the kitchen, where I planned to make a cup of tea.

"Yes please, tea monster," Luc answered my unspoken question, chuckling again at my love of the hot brown liquid.

I had filled the kettle with water and was just putting it on to boil when I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist from behind and a body press against my back. Leaning back into Luc's embrace, I rested my head against his shoulder and tilted my head back so I could look at his face- a feat only short people with fairly tall boyfriends can do without straining their neck. His hazel eyes had a swirl of chocolatey-brown in them in the subdued light from the storm. I would never get bored of looking at his eyes; they seemed to have an infinite range of hues, something I had only seen in one other person- his mother. I couldn't help staring at them for who knows how long- it was long enough for me to get embarrassed at my level of creepy and for Luc's smirk to widen into a full-blown grin as he saw me staring.

"What?" I defended myself, blushing. It's not like everyone has colour-changing eyes. Surely you get stared at sometimes?

Nope. At least, not like you are right now. But do carry on- I'm enjoying it.

"Hey!" I whacked him lightly on the chest before turning my attention to the kettle, which had boiled whilst I had been gawking like a lost puppy at him. He didn't let go of my waist, which made things a little difficult with the tea, but I could definitely deal with it if it meant he was closer to me.

I jumped and nearly spilled water everywhere when Luc rested his head on my shoulder. I flicked his nose in response and finished making the tea. Luc waited until I had left the tea to brew- yes, tea, like all good things, must be made properly, and that means leaving it to brew- before kissing my cheek. He unwrapped one of his arms from my waist, using it to brush the hair away from my neck on one side, before pressing a soft kiss on the side of my neck. I couldn't stop the embarrassing startled breath that escaped my mouth, but Luc obviously seemed to like it. He smiled against my skin and replaced his other hand around my waist.

It seemed like our relationship was moving on. I was still embarrassed about my reactions to him, the way I sighed like a vapid teenager when he kissed me, but overall, I was comfortable with him. But not the 'comfortable' that shows a relationship that is going nowhere, but the kind where you can imagine yourself married to- wait, what? But this time, I didn't shy away from my future. I had seen it myself. Unless the future was changed, I would be with this man for a long time, certainly. As for married, well, we would have to see. But I wasn't going to lie to myself anymore- I loved Luc, for goodness sake! I felt secure, safe with Luc.

"I love you," I whispered again. Then, "Eugh, I'm turning into... into a, I don't know, an emotional person? I sound like Bella from Twilight," I turned around in Luc's arms, disgusted at myself.

"Well, if you're Bella that means I'm Edward- doesn't that mean I have to pout all the time or something?"

I could see the expression on Luc's face now that I was turned around and my stomach jumped at his expression. The tea was long forgotten.

"No. I'll just stop being Bella," I mumbled, looping my arms around his neck. He hummed in reply, leaning forward to kiss men. As nice as it was for me to initiate the kiss, showing the progress of our relationship, or rather the decline of my nervousness and fear, I preferred it when he kissed me rather than the other way around. I would hate to be a guy. I mean, they traditionally always do the initiating- asking someone out, proposing etc... I would be such a wimp.

The feel of his lips on mine did strange things to my body. My insides felt like they jumbled up and my heart raced like I was doing a sprint finish. My lips felt tingly where they connected with his, and his hands, one on my lower back and one between my shoulders, left trails of fire when they moved.

"Anna."

I'm sure everyone has been called by their full name when their parents are cross, but you know they are beyond angry when they don't even do that. I jumped backwards from Luc at the sound of Dad's perfectly calm voice that spelt danger.

Oh sh- dear. This is not good. Don't say anything, I'll handle this. Or at least try.

"I think you should leave." Dad spoke quietly to Luc, but I jumped in before Luc could do anything.

"No, Dad, at least let me explai-"

"You can do your explaining when this 'young man' is out of the house."

"He's not going anywhere." This was highly unlike me. Dad was always very easygoing, excepting on the subject of guys, despite me leading a fairly nun-like life, we barely ever fought and I never stood up to my father like this.

Anna, no. Luc's voice cut through my protests to my dad.

He's not going to listen if you're defying him. We can always sneak, although I don't want to.

Luc squeezed my hand once before making his way to the door, nodding at me right by the exit.

When the door shut, Dad's expression morphed from the eerie calm to irate. "What, the hell, was he doing here?" he shouted.

Dad never swore. Ever. He rarely shouted. So yes, he was angry.

"Dad-" I tried, but was interrupted immediately.

"No." He started off more calmly, but by the end he was shouting again. "I don't want to hear it Anna! I find you in here with a guy, kissing, no less, and you expect me to be 'cool' with that?!"

"Dad, you asked me what-"

"Anna, what were you thinking?" He threw his hands up in the air. "You know what I've said about boys, I've always been very relaxed about you, but you still defy me?"

"Dad, if you would just please-"
"Anna, I am your father and you need to do-"
"just listen to me Dad!"
For the first time, he didn't try to interrupt me, just stood with an almost disappointed expression, mixed with the anger, and crossed his arms, waiting for me to explain.

"You asked me what was going on and you didn't let me tell you!" I took a deep breath. This was not how I wanted to sound. "Dad," I began, much more calmly. "Luc... Luc is my boyfriend." Dad made to interrupt but I held up a hand. "Please wait until I've finished, Dad." He shut his mouth and waited again. I clasped my hands nervously and began.

"I have never shown much interest in boys. You know that, so I don't even know why you have such strict rules about dating. But- wait until I've finished Dad- I realise that this was probably not the best way of telling you that I had a boyfriend. I admit I was wrong in keeping it from you, but Dad." I sighed.

"I'm 18 now; you've got to let me make my own mistakes, when it comes to boys. I know you only want to protect me, I get that's why you made the rules so strict, but you can't protect me forever. Did you think I was never going to move out, get married, have kids?" I shook my head, pursing my lips and looked at the ceiling to keep from crying.

"Please, give Luc a chance. I lo- like him. He's it for me. I'm sorry Dad, but even if you don't agree, I can't- I won't stop seeing Luc. I'm an adult and can make my own decisions now, but I would really love your approval, or even just tolerance." I finished my speech, blinking back tears as I waited for Dad's reaction.

There was silence for a few seconds. Dad kept his face smooth so I couldn't judge his reaction from his expression. He opened his mouth a few times, thinking carefully about what he was about to say before finally speaking.

"Anna. You should have told me. You should have told me you were going out with him, and that's why I'm angry. I think I always knew this would happen someday. Although I think it's a little early to be talking about him being 'it' and I know you almost said you loved him. You shouldn't be attached too much in case it doesn't work out." He held his hands up. "I don't want to be the voice of doom and gloom, but just, please, be careful. Don't let him break your heart.

"I will meet him, and you better tell me about him as well. I'll make judgements once I hear the full story."

"Thanks Dad," I said, relieved that he was back to being Reasonable Dad.

Now at this point, some parents would do the reconciliation hug, but Faircloughs didn't really do emotional stuff, like we didn't do long gushy speeches. So, I was very surprised when Dad pulled me in for a hug, something he hadn't done in a very long time. I have to admit, it was a little awkward. But it was nice, and when we pulled away we were both smiling.

"So, tell me about him then," Dad grabbed the other cup of tea and sat down on the sofa with a huff. I took the other and sat down on the sofa opposite, tucking my legs under me.

"Um, well, his name's Luc, he's French, from Paris actually, he's eighteen as well..."
"French, you say?"
"Yeah, but he's going to uni here- the same college, actually."
"Wow, did you know this when you met?"

"Nope, it was a complete surprise."

"So when did you meet him?"

"Um..." did I tell him the truth to have him freak out about how close we'd got in that short amount of time? "Not long?" Why did I sound like I was asking it?

"How long Anna?" Dad surveyed me above his teacup, one eyebrow raised. He did an impressive eyebrow raise, one which I was very jealous of.

I sighed internally. He would definitely know if I was lying.

"About three weeks ago."

Dad merely nodded, before continuing the interrogation. "What's he studying?"

"Biology."

Dad nodded approvingly. Let's just say he was a little sceptical of arts subjects... "What exactly are his intentions with you?"

I nearly choked on my tea. "What do you mean by that?!"

"I mean 'what are his intentions?'"

"Seriously Dad?" Nope, he was being serious. "We're going out? I don't know what to say..."
"You really don't know what I'm trying to ask in a... delicate way?" Dad winced.

"What are you trying to ask?"

Dad sighed. "You asked for it. Are you two having sex?"

Oh no! Not the birds and the bees talk! It wasn't like I'd exactly had one since Dad and I didn't really have 'talks' exactly.

"NO! No way!" I was firmly principled. No sex before marriage. Call me old-fashioned, but that was just my opinion.

"Oh, good," Dad seemed relieved. I was slightly offended.

"You really thought I was having sex with someone? Give me some credit Dad!" I grimaced.

"Oh come on Anna, you've never had a boyfriend before, I don't know what to expect!"

I rolled my eyes. "Fine, but I'm still hurt you had to ask!"

He stood up with his now empty teacup, effectively ending the talk, and ruffled my hair. "You'll forgive me."

"Hey!" I protested at the ruffling of the hair, not that it was perfectly styled before; I had just come in from the thunderstorm of the year, which was still going on.

But his coming closer had an undesired consequence. His eyes widened as he saw my cardigan, which hadn't done much to cover the blood stain on my dress.

"Anna?" He asked slowly. "What...? Is that... blood?"

Lie time. "What? Oh, that." I looked down at myself and laughed, hoping it didn't sound forced, whilst my heart drummed frantically in my chest. "I spilled a load of tomato juice on me at lunch."
"You drink tomato juice?" he asked incredulously.

"Well, no, I just wanted to try it. Only it didn't go so well..."

"And...?"

"Well, I don't know, do I, it didn't exactly end up in my mouth!"

"So you're saying you didn't even have one sip?"

"No, not enough to make a judgement."
He didn't look entirely convinced, but let the subject drop and walked off, talking vaguely about a shower. I relaxed, letting my body drop sideways so I was half-lying, and sighed, relaxing. My phone began to ring, so I pulled it out and saw that it was Luc.

"Hello?"
"Anna, are you alright? I could feel your heart getting all... agitated and then it started to beat really fast and I knew you were worried and-"
"shhhh!" I shushed him, laughing at his word vomit. "I'm fine, just had a close call with the red on me. That reminds me of 'Shaun of the Dead'..."
"What?"

I sat up suddenly, gasping. "You haven't seen 'Shaun of the Dead'?! You. Are. Watching. It. Very. Soon. And 'Hot Fuzz'. That's even better, got the same guys in it. They're both great!"

"I will have to take your word for it. What are we doing about tonight?"
"I don't know," I replied, biting my lip, thinking. "How do you feel about sneaking into the house?"
There was a pause. "I could do that. For you." His voice was a little husky at the end and my heart sped up noticeably.

"It's nice to know I can get a reaction from you." He heard my heartbeat from two streets away?

"It's always in my chest, remember?"

We made plans for him to come to the door when I texted and I would let him in when I was sure Dad would be asleep- he was a sound sleeper and he was always tired when he came home.

I made dinner for Dad and broke the news that I was going to London for a week.

"So we can meet up then?" That wasn't the reaction I was expecting. I thought he would be disappointed that I was spending so much time away.

"Uh, yeah, sure." I hoped the Reunification let people out. Luc hadn't told me a lot about it, just Maggie and that was only the problems she'd had with the Council.

"Wait, so... when you went to Paris last week or whenever it was, with 'friends'..."
"Yes Dad, I was with Luc," I sighed. I couldn't pretend to him. Luckily nothing about our strong bond had come up. Yet. Whilst Dad was normally pretty unperceptive, he could notice things when he wasn't in his own little world. Dad sighed, looking troubled.

"So you've known this boy for two weeks and you're already going on romantic day trips with him? Anna, this doesn't really sound like you. You're not a hopeless romantic who falls in love in two seconds. You've always been like me," he chuckled, "down to earth and pessimistic, with a stoic and sensible outlook on life. Not going off to France with some frog you just met."

"I thought I was too," I muttered.

Dad laughed again, having heard what I said. "Don't get too attached. Life isn't like films," he warned.

"Okay, duly noted," I replied. From then on, normal Fairclough house resumed, with no emotional talk, just banter between us.

I loved how I could joke around with Dad, whilst most children would cringe at the mention of 'banter' with the family. We had strange banter in our family. For example, Jaime and I had a wave where we made big eyes and a long jaw and waved with both hands, twisting them side to side rather than moving them. Strange, I know. Not as strange as the jokes I had with Lillian. If I said to you 'pinkle from pinkleton' you would think I was mad, but Lill would make a duck noise and pinch my nose. Yeah. I blame Dad for the weird gene.

When Dad went to bed at 10, I texted Luc to get ready and packed whilst I waited for him to fall asleep. Once I heard Dad's snores drifting down the stairs, louder than the continuing storm, I texted Luc again. He arrived a few minutes later with more suitable rain clothes- an umbrella and a raincoat.

I grabbed his hand and dragged him upstairs as quietly as I could, before shutting my door and, feeling bold, I kissed him forcefully. He responded immediately, dropping his bag and wrapping his arms around me.

I didn't know it was Guy Fawkes Night... because the fireworks in my chest were really spectacular. That kiss... it was the most intimate yet. His teeth grazed my lower lip and I let his tongue in. When we both needed to breathe, he moved his lips along my jaw, gently biting my earlobe and trailing kisses down my throat to my collarbone and the side of my neck. My breathy sighs only fuelled the blaze between us and I was no longer embarrassed because Luc was making noises in his throat too, although his were more growly and manly. It was as if our bodies wanted more and more of each other, my body needed to possess that of my Significant. He was still the perfect gentleman; his hands didn't go anywhere they shouldn't have.

Luc pulled back suddenly, breathing heavily. He took a few steps back from me and turned away, running his hands through his hair. I tried to keep the hurt expression off my face as he paced a few steps, breathing out slowly through his mouth. He looked up, sensing my upset and pulled me into a hug, reassuring me.

It's just... please don't freak out.

Go on... tell me.

My imprint is... telling me to go on. I don't want to lose control.

You won't. I trust you.

I don't trust myself.

Well you should learn to. You have low self-esteem as it is.

Even if I can control myself, I don't want to even open up the possibility that I will lose it. I can't put you in danger, not even from myself.

I couldn't help but 'aw' at that statement and Luc even blushed, but I vehemently disagreed with it. Before we went to sleep, he kissed the end of my nose and told me he loved me.

"I love you, Lucas Alexendre Renou."

The banter above is real between people I know. Don't judge- yes I know weird people. I'm sure everyone has in-jokes, just not as strange as the ones I know of!

Also, watch the films and if you don't know what Guy Fawkes Night is, it's the 5th November when we celebrate the foiling of the plot by said man to blow up the Houses of Parliament. We have bonfires and fireworks and it's awesome!

Okay, so I suspect I will really not have much time to update until I get settled in uni, so it's unlikely I'll be updating more often than every two weeks. It will most likely be more. Update day will be either Friday or Saturday (most likely!)

See you next time! :)