Chapter 7

*Adrian's POV*

My brain couldn't process what I was just told. I think it was my attempt to believe it wasn't true. I decided to avoid the topic for another minute or so, stalling to give my brain time to think.

I sat Sydney on the couch, trying to look like I wasn't freaking out inside. "I need to go to the bathroom."

Smooth Adrian. That doesn't sound like you want to get out of talking at all.

"Adrian- " Sydney started. Before she could say any more, I bolted for the bathroom.

I closed the door behind me and leaned back against the door. Sydney just told me that whatever she had could kill her. I could lose her. I ran a hand through my dark hair, trying to regain composure. I can't let her know that I'm scared out of my mind. But how can I NOT be scared? Maybe losing the one I love? That's everyone's worst nightmare.

I slapped myself across the face. "Pull yourself together Adrian. You won't lose her and she won't die. And ow." The slap hurt. I opened the bathroom door and walked back to the living room. "Sydney-"

I stopped in my tracks when I saw the sight before me. Sydney was asleep on my couch. And god, she looks adorable. Her dark blonde hair was like a pillow under her head. She was curled up in a little ball, like she was protecting herself from a hidden danger. She seemed so uncomfortable on the tiny couch. Carefully, I lifted her into my arms. She seemed so fragile, tear stains on her cheeks. She was crying before she fell asleep. She sighed slightly in her sleep and tried to move closer to me in my arms. She was so light, lighter than a girl her age should be. I carried her to my bedroom and put her down on my bed.

I couldn't get over how even with tear stains on her cheeks and hair now messy, she still looked beautiful. How could one girl look so beautiful and not know it? I sat down on the side of the bed next to her.

"Oh Sydney… For someone so smart, there is so much you don't know. Like how beautiful you are. How spectacular you are. How much I love you…" I whispered, not wanting to wake her up. I leaned down and kissed her forehead softly. She turned onto her other side, making her golden lily tattoo on her cheek show.

That stupid tattoo. The one that will make sure she will never feel the same way about me. All because of her being an alchemist and me being a Moroi. The first girl I loved was in love with a bad-ass Russian war god, and now this girl is an alchemist who believes that I'm evil. Thanks universe, you've dealt me great cards. Not.

I pulled the blankets over Sydney, making sure she was warm. I already knew she was going to freak out when she realized that she was in my bed. Maybe when she wakes up though, I can distract her by finding out more about… her condition.

"I love you Sage." I whispered, leaving the room. I needed a drink. Or at least smoke. I wandered into the kitchen and poured myself a shot of vodka. "To… Unrequited love." I took the shot, loving the feeling of alcohol rushing over me.

One shot of many.

*Sydney's POV*

"Sydney. Oi, Sage, wake up."

I awoke with a start. Where was I? This wasn't the couch I fell asleep on, it was much too soft. Like a bed. That was when I realized…

I'm in Adrian Ivashkov's bed.

I opened my eyes and saw emerald green ones staring back at my amber ones.

"I need to talk to you." Adrian slurred. He reeked of alcohol. He sat down next to me, closer than he should be.

I sat up instantly and turned to him. "Okay, speak." I sooner he said what he wanted to say, the sooner I could leave. I was going to be late for my doctor's appointment for sure.

"You're so stupid Sage, you know that right?" He slurred.

I was taken aback. Stupid? Did I hear him correctly? "Stupid?"

"Yes! You don't know how beautiful you are, and that's stupid! You're gorgeous Sydney, and you know it." He looked into my eyes and for a moment, I felt like he was telling the truth.

"Adrian, stop it. No more alcohol. You're drunk. And I have to leave!" I got up and smoothed out my clothes, unable to remove the wrinkles that formed.

"Sydney, don't." Adrian was next to me in a split second. He pulled me close and wrapped his arms around me. "Don't leave me Sydney. I can't lose anyone else in my life. I can't lose you." He sounded hurt. Sad even, like he was about to cry.

I hugged him back, even though part of me said I shouldn't. He was vulnerable, and he needed me. "You won't lose me Adrian. I'm just going to the doctor's, then I'll come back tomorrow and I can tell you more about what's going on with me. So you go get some rest and I'll be back tomorrow."

I pulled back and did something I never thought I would do. I kissed him on the cheek. I know it's just the cheek, but that's a big step for me. Kissing the cheek of a Moroi.

I had to get out of here.

I had to leave before I saw his reaction or did something I would've regretted. Or worse, I wouldn't have regretted it. And if I saw the pain on his face that would've matched the pain in his voice, I would've been sucked into staying. I ran out the door, not daring to look back. And off to the doctor's I went, not wanting to hear more unwanted news.

But to fight off all the sadness and unwanted feelings coming my way, I needed something important. Something I always needed and will always love. Just like Adrian had his alcohol and his clove cigarettes, I had something better.

Coffee.

I know this isn't the most amazing chapter, but I'm really sick and my brain is mush. Note to self: Don't write while brain is much. Next chapter will be Rose and Dimitri! And this chapter is kinda a filler and full of fluff. I was gonna add some more fluff in it, but I didn't want to make it to weird. I hope you kind of enjoyed it... I'll try and upload again soon.

Love,

Kaitlyn xoxo