Disclaimer: I don't own Bloodlines.

Chapter Two: Sydrian (Sydney/Adrian) ~ Drinking on Christmas Eve.

Sydney was not impressed with Adrian, it was bad enough that he was making her spend her Christmas Eve at a bar, but he was now trying to coax her have a drink.

"Come on Sage, lighten up! It's Christmas Eve, and it isn't a crime to get a but tipsy now and again." Adrian smiled, lifting his drink to his mouth. "What is your aversion to drinking anyway?"

"I don't have an aversion to drinking Adrian," Sydney said as Adrian smirked at her. "I just don't like to drink all that much. I just don't see the appeal in it. Why would someone want to waste all their money on alcoholic drinks which are not in the slightest bit healthy, and are very addictive and life-wrecking, to ultimately do stupid things for the night and make regretful decisions, that they won't remember in the morning. Those decisions could come back to haunt them at any given time, could get them arrested, or worse, dead! Not to mention, you throw up a lot, smell awful, look awful and wake up with a killer headache while throwing up some more."

"You sound like you've experienced all this before." Adrian smirked, ordering another drink.

"No, I've just watched other people do it for a long time." Sydney replied, as the bartender handed Adrian the drink, which Adrian passed down to Sydney.

"Just try it."

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"For me?"

"No."

They glared at each other, as the drink stayed between them untouched.

"Just one drink. One drink for me." Adrian pleaded. "For don't even have to have another. Just drink this one and I promise that we'll leave."

"I'd rather drink a regular coke."

Adrian's lips quirked into an amused smile, but then he remembered himself and went back to trying to sell me the drink.

"But you are always saying how all you ever wanted was to have a normal life."

"Yeah," I snorted. "I want a non-Alchemist life, not a let's-party-every-night-and-get-drunk-and-stoned-night."

"For the record," Adrian sniffed. "I've never done drugs."

"And your cigarettes are what exactly."

"Not the point Sage, we are talking about you and your too healthy habits. Live a little." Adrian leaned in closer. "Your mother would want you too Sage. She'd want you to try new things." Sydney rolled her eyes.

"Fine, if I drink this one measly drink, then you'll get a taxi and take us home."

"I cross my heart and home to die - unless you want to stay afterwards, of course."

I picked up the glass and began to sip it, and God was it disgustingly bitter. I had no idea why people would want to drink this. I made a face but I kept drinking, knowing that if I spat it out, I could possibly be here all night long. When I had drained the glass, Adrian looked at me.

"So, how was it Sage?"

"Absolutely disgusting," I whined. "Why would anyone drink it willingly."

"Well," Adrian laughed. "We could always try to find a drink that you like..."

"Or," I whispered into his ear. "We could go home like you promised and have some fun." Then I lifted my head. "But I think you're right Adrian dear, let's stay here all night until we find a drink that suits me. I think I'll try a..." Adrian cut me off by grabbing my wrist and yanking me off the chair.

"Oh no you don't, I'm getting us a taxi! If you want to try drinks, I have some wine and vodka at home!" I laughed as Adrian dragged me outside, and kissed me while we waited for our taxi to arrive.

Sydney one, Adrian zero.