Chapter 12

*Sydney's POV*

"Adrian… No."

I had to say no. First, the age old thing of him being a Moroi and me being an alchemist would always keep us apart. Then, we aren't even dating! And finally, I may want marriage, but not now!

"N-No?" Adrian asked. Slowly, he got off of his knee and sat next to me. "Part of me knew you were going to say that."

Awkward silence filled around us. Neither of us knew what to say at a moment like this. What would you say after you just said no to a proposal?

"You were just kidding when you said you loved me, right? I mean, you can't love me. You know how wrong that is." I asked. I couldn't look at him, so I stared down at my lap.

"No. Why would I joke about that? Sydney, I love you. I think I have since I first met you. If I didn't love you, I would've never proposed. I know it sounds unreal, but I actually take marriage seriously." Adrian replied making it sound like what I asked was preposterous.

"Why though? You can't love me." I whispered.

"I can love you and I do. I understand why you won't marry me, things are going too fast. You can't go through life thinking no one will love you. I love you more than anything else. More than alcohol, cigarettes, or art. If you won't marry me, then at least give me a chance and try dating me." His words made me think. Why is he fighting so hard?

"Adrian, we can't –"

"Like hell we can't!" Adrian interrupted. "I don't care about this stupid alchemist and vampire taboo. I have waited months to try and be with you, hoping that you'll warm up to the idea of being friends with Moroi and maybe dating one. I'm done waiting. I want to be with you and this is just the push I need to go after you. I love you Sydney Sage and I want you to be my girlfriend." You can tell when Adrian's passionate about something by the way speaks. He isn't loud or rude. His voice is soft and gentle, with a bit of force.

"I could get sent to the re-education center." I whispered. That place is the one thing I fear most in life. My brain is already being affected enough, I don't need them brainwashing me.

"You won't. I wouldn't let anything happen to you Sage. Just… try and look past all the facts and feel something. Feel the love I have for you." I could feel his eyes on me. I tried to keep my eyes on my lap, but I had to look at him. I had to look into those emerald green eyes that were so hypnotizing. Those eyes are what got me thinking. I'm dying. I'm dying, and how badly would I hate myself if I was on my death bed and knew I didn't let life take me where it wanted. For once, I'm going to throw caution to the wind and give in to what I want in my heart.

"Okay."

"Look Sydney, I don't want you to fight – Wait, did you just say okay?" Adrian looked dumbfounded.

"Yes. I'll be your girlfriend. I'm going to die, so why not throw caution away for a bit? I mean, unless you don't actually want to date me." My lips formed a small smile. I gave Adrian a minute to process it, knowing it was probably a lot to take in.

"Hell yeah I want to date you!" I didn't have time to respond or even laugh because before I could, his lips were on mine.

I have wondered once before what it would be like to kiss him. How soft his lips would be, his hand on my waist. I never imagined it would be this good. His lips were soft but firm. I would feel the heat of this hand through the thin cotton blouse I was wearing. He didn't try to rush me into anything big and kept it slow. It shocked both of us when I decided to kick it up a notch. Moving myself onto his lap, I kissed him with more hunger and passion then before. The taste of his mouth was strange but intriguing: cloves, mint, and a bit of whatever alcohol he was drinking earlier. His hand tangled itself in my hair as mine did that same to his dark brown hair. Our bodies were closer than ever before, body heat making me sweat. Actually that wasn't the only thing make me sweat.

I pulled myself away, leaving our foreheads touching. Even though I was short on breath, I couldn't help but laugh a bit.

"Damn Sage. That was… Wow." Adrian whispered, running his fingers through my hair. "You're a little minx, aren't you Miss. Sage?"

"Just because I kissed you makes me a minx? I think it just makes me a girl." I responded.

"Whatever you say Little Miss. Minx."

"Oh shut up." I went to get up. "I better get going."

"Oh no you don't." He pulled me down onto his lap again, smiling. "You passed out and still have a fever. You're not going anywhere. You can stay one night. They won't notice."

I sighed. "Adrian…"

"Don't 'Adrian' me. You can't drive yourself home and you won't leave your car here. So you're staying with me."

And with that, I could tell this would be the start of an… interesting relationship and a… fun night with my new (I'll never get used to saying this) boyfriend who proposed to me less than an hour ago. I guess this is what happens when you throw caution to the wind.

Two chapters in one night?! MAGIC! I am not super tired even though it is only 10:10 pm. I know this chapter isn't amazing, but I needed some cute Sydrian! I'll try and write more tomorrow when I'm not writing. Also, I am actually going to the gym tomorrow. Time to get ready for bikini season! Woo (not!)

Love,

Kaitlyn xoxo