Nephriel

Vampire Academy

this darn thing doesn't wanna update...

Vampire Academy

Anna shifted uncomfortably on her feet, "Because you seem angry..." She rubbed the back of her neck and then glanced at Gabby who seemed to be pointedly ignoring them. She knew Gunner well enough to know that during his time as a Guardian wasn't the best time to approach him about anything that didn't regards to work but she couldn't stand feeling like he was angry at her.

She tugged at her hair, "Look, what I said earlier... about Jace... I..." She looked at Gabby and again felt anxious but if she didn't get this of her chest now she wasn't going to... besides. Gabby was talking away at some other Moroi girl across from her and they were far enough away so that watching wasn't inconvenience to her. "He's nice and all... but we're just friendly... he likes me but..." She took another breath, "Look Gunner, I like you. I've liked you since middle school I just didn't really want to admit it to myself, much less to you." She glanced back at Basil, keeping an eye on her despite talking to Gunner. "I should never have kissed you, not because I don't feel that way about you but because it doesn't change anything... You are all about your duty and I understand why... and I understand that that means that we can't BE anything... other than friends."

She took a breath again, "Jace is just-"

Speaking of Jace... "Hey Anna, is... everything okay?"

She glanced behind her, Jace seemed worried and she nodded. "Yeah sure... just... catching up."

He looked at Gunner before nodding, "Yeah... you two are friends right? Anna's a great girl, I keep telling her what a catch she'd be but I doubt I have much of a shot."

Anna shifted uncomfortably again, "I'm um... going back to Basil..." Anna headed that way and Jace turned back to go after her, but cast a smirk at Gunner first before going after her. It was obvious what he'd just done... he'd made sure that the two of them couldn't talk in depth about their feelings which kept Jace at Anna's side.

~*~

Sebastian blinked, "He just left it there... that's a little sloppy for Gunner. He's usually so put together..." All of this was painting a more unsettling picture.

As Serena moved his feet the way that she wanted and then grinned. "I remember... it's just whether or not I can do it again."

He blinked, "That sounds exciting but I suspect you'd hand me my ass... For someone so pretty you're tough as hell."

He didn't even really register that he'd called her pretty, probably because he was trying to go back to the stance she'd shown him. He tried to remember what she'd shown him the day before and lunged, driving the stake forward but it didn't even get close to going all the way through. He grimaced, he'd hit a fake rib. "I don't think I did that right..."

Vampire Academy ~ Rememberance

Mr. Lazar smiled, "Water eh? I wish Sebastian had declared in something a little more... practical." Anna took a drink of her water to keep from saying something that would possibly get her kicked out. "Ah, there is the food now..."

The food was pretty fancy, not really something Anna was used to and there were WAY too many forks...

Sebastian smiled blandly at his father, squeezing Anya's hand under the table, "If I could have chosen what I declared in it probably would have been something more practical... Unless you think I enjoy feeling like I'm insane every time I use my magic."

His father didn't lose his own smile, "Perhaps we should talk of something else... You take attack classes Anya? Do you really think it will be useful for us to fight? I have heard both sides of the matter... and I cannot say for certain which I agree with. I think it is indeed the Guardian's duty to take care of us, their job to fight, but I do see where perhaps losses may have been fewer if we were willing to defend ourselves where our Guardian's fail."

Anna tensed, her spine rigid but she took a bite of her food to distract herself and felt Kenzie nudge her, "Will you show me how to do my hair like yours?" She looked at Gunner, "And will YOU show me how to fight?"

Anna laughed, "I don't know that's a good idea in either direction."

Sebastian looked at Anya, "My father is an advocate of the Moroi needing to fight for themselves... not physically but magically. He says we're more powerful than the strigoi because we can still use magic."

Mr. Lazar smiled, "We are."

Vampire Academy

As she, Basil, and Jace walked together Anna felt... kinda reminded how she Anya and Gunner used to be. The thought made her sad and nostalgic.... as if he knew, Jace slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Don't slap me but... you seemed kinda down."

Anna glanced up at him and laughed a little, "Just remembering stuff... Anyways, you know Basil?"

Jace laughed, "Well, she's a royal and she's in all of my classes so yes... I know Basil pretty well."

Anna rubbed the back of her neck, "Stupid question I guess..."

He gave her a light squeeze, "Nah..."

As they entered the library Anna spotted Gunner and suddenly felt uncomfortable with Jace's arm around her so she slipped out from underneath it and gave a bit of an apologetic smile. "Um, Basil.. those books are over here." She walked to the bookshelves and pulled three. None of them were exceptionally long but all of them had good examples and loads of info. "

Anna didn't see the irritation flash across Jace's face and since he was slightly behind Basil, she probably didn't either. Still, he hid it quickly by tucking his hands in his pockets and doing his best to look patient. Anna seemed content trying NOT to focus on his presence though so he tried a different tactic. "First aid? This would come in handy in case any of those fire bombs from Ms. Matila's class missed today."

Anna chuckled, "Yeah, that's why I'm having her do it... It's a Guardian's duty to make sure her Moroi takes care of herself right? If she got burned and I wasn't there to fix her up it would be good for her to know how right? She's only willing because I pointed out how bad of an aim most of the fire wielders have."

Jace smiled, "I have to admit... my aim is pretty bad. Maybe you could help me with that?"

Suddenly, she felt like she was going to overheat under his gaze... It really made no sense because a moment ago she'd felt uncomfortable with him looking at her like that but now she felt... flattered. She tucked her hair behind her ear and glanced away from him nervously, her cheeks a little red, "Yeah... um... sure... I mean, I have tutoring with Basil usually after her last class but maybe sometime on the weekends?"

He smiled, "Good..."

She seemed to cool down almost as suddenly as she'd gotten overheated and blinked, shaking her head. "Um... I'll be back in a minute. Basil, you got this?"

After Basil confirmed she slipped away from the two and bit at her lip as she headed over to Gunner, "Hey... um... you okay?"

~*~

Sebastian frowned, "Hmmm... weird..."

His frown faded and he chuckled at her enthusiasm, "Er....Ringrazio per... avermi insegnato... Um... Vuol dire... molto."

He grimaced, "That was probably horrible wasn't it? It took me all of my last class to figure out how to say that since Spirit attacks aren't really something I can work on instead..."

As they entered the gym he glanced at the dummies, "I hope I don't take a page from Gunner's book... stabbing one's self in the leg with a stake sounds painful.... How do I stand?"

Vampire Academy ~ Rememberance

Anna glanced over at Gunner and her anger withered and died.... she suddenly felt silly. Leave it to Gunner to make her feel like a little kid who was throwing a tantrum instead of a little kid trying to appear more grown up. She let out a huff and shook her head, "Forget me, I'm just being moody. You know how royals make me feel... Still, anything for Anya." She bumped his shoulder playfully and then headed over sneakily and yanked Kenzie from her chair with a fake growl. The little girl squealed with delight and giggled as Anna twirled her around and sat her inbetween her place at Gunner's.

"Oh no you don't little Miss! How could you forget me so easily! My heart is broken!"

She'd met Kenzie a couple times in the past whenever Seb's family had come to see him at school and Kenzie had always been fond of her. Kenzie giggled, "I guess I can set with you."

Anna had seated herself on the other side of Anya and Seb took the chance to scoot in the seat on the other side of Anya. "And Anna saves the day... now that she's done brooding."

Anna stuck her tongue out at Seb, "Keep on... I'll send Kenzie over again."

Sebastian chuckled and then kissed Anya's cheek, "Relax.."

Mr. and Mrs. Lazar came in and took their own seats. "Well, now that everyone is settled... Anya, how about you tell us of your school year so far... are you enjoying Academy," Mrs. Lazar asked.

Vampire Academy ~ Rememberance

Sebastian smiled at her and pulled out her chair for her to take a seat and then Anna and Gunner were back. Anna was standing out of the way looking highly disapproving as the two dhampir servants set up places for them as well. Anna, suspecting she wouldn't be welcome to set down before the Moroi did, kept her feet. They hadn't been invited as Guardians, they'd been invited as friends, but because of their earlier welcome Anna felt like she should act like a Guardian rather than... Well, what was the only other alternative in most Moroi's eyes? She gritted her teeth, her hand flexing and unflexing from a fist before she let out a breath to calm herself. She was here for Anya and Sebastian... not his parents. Still, she WANTED to act like a Guardian so she decided she would.

She stopped the Dhampir from setting her place up, "I'll eat later." Instead, she kept her place against the wall in the corner of the room. Her stance was stiff, her eyes focused, and her hands locked behind her back. She'd be damned if she let any Moroi see her as anything BUT a capable Guardian... she knew what happened when that took place. Behind her back, she gripped her scarred wrist harder.

~*~

Sebastian waited till Anya took her seat and then glanced at Anna with a momentary frown but decided against telling her to sit despite what her father thought... He knew Anna too well, and what Moroi men thought of her meant more than it should. He sighed and then smiled at Kenzie who had hopped into a seat between him and Anya. "I wanna sit here!"

Apparently, he and Anya weren't going to get to set together during this meal. He gave her an apologetic grin, "I can't blame her... I'd want to sit next to the pretty lady too."

Kenzie stuck her tongue out at him, "I got here first! Right Anya?!"

Vampire Academy

Anna's smile faltered a little at Basil's comment but she hid it with a laugh, "Yeah well.... maybe I don't always do as well as you think."

She smiled again as Basil mentioned their adventure, "It is pretty sneaky... Actually, you mind if we go by the library? I know they do study hall in there but I think it would be useful for you to learn some first aid. If you get hurt and I'm hurt as well and am unable to help you myself or I'm unconscious from blood loss it would be good to know you could stop the bleeding or make sure neither of us get a nasty infection... I know it's not as fun as practicing fighting but you did so well yesterday that I don't think missing a day would hurt."

"Anna!"

Anna paused in her stride and glanced over her shoulder, Jace was catching up to her and Basil and his Guardian was Jordan apparently, he'd probably been reassigned when Jenna had.... She avoided that thought and blushed a little, "Umm... hi Jace."

He looked a little embarrassed, "I'm not interrupting right? I mean, I know your watching your ward but do either of you mind if I walk with you?"

Anna shrugged, "I don't mind if Basil doesn't... We're just headed to the library. Weren't you hanging out with Rae though? Won't he have something to say about you talking to a Dhampir?"

Jace shrugged, "Rae's a friend, not my keeper.... So, what do you say Basil?"

~*~

Sebastian frowned as he watched Gunner come in, yep... he was looking pretty dark and gloomy too... if not worse than Anna. He only seemed to get worse when he nodded at Gabby and followed her out. Seb shook his head and finally spotted Serena. "They left you behind huh? Don't take it personally, they both looked pretty... down."

He shook his head, "Do you know what happened there? They were fine before training, a little nervous on Anna's end maybe but fine..." He ran a hand through his hair, it was times like these that despite his excitement to learn to use the stake he wanted to follow after his friends. Something was going on and he was being left out of the loop.

He grabbed his things and headed with her towards the gym. He pulled his mind back to the present with a smile, "So... how did stake training go on your end? Kill any dummies?" He was still a little amazed at how skilled she was. The way she carried herself and the quiet way with which she spoke completely hid how lethal she could be.

Vampire Academy

-_-

Vampire Academy

Anna noticed the look on Gunner's face and felt bad, anxious... what if he WOULD have made an exception for her? What if, as they usually did, they figured out some way around the situation of both of them being Seb's Guardians and protecting him or each other? Maybe he would have... but her better judgment told her that he wouldn't have. That if he agreed to anything it would be a 'during their last year' kind of thing... something that would be over once their childhood was. She sighed and rubbed the back of her neck wishing, not for the first time, that she'd been born Moroi. Things would be so much easier... The bell for the end of class rang, signaling time for her to meet up with Basil and take her into the woods to train.

She glanced at where Gunner had disappeared into the boys locker room and sighed softly, looked like they wouldn't be walking to the Moroi classes together after all. She headed from the gym after changing and towards the Moroi class. She scanned the room for Basil and spotted Jace setting with Rae. He smiled at her, still not hiding his fangs and raised a hand in greeting. She felt a smile tug her lips despite her mood and nodded back at him before heading to Basil, "Hello again..."

~*~

Sebastian spotted Anna as she came in and frowned. Her aura was dull and gray, full of sorrow and apprehension. Something must have happened with Gunner because Anna was never THAT grey... she bounced back too fast. Still, her aura did lighten a bit and go a little warm around the edges when Jace greeted her. Seb frowned, since when did Anna know Jace? He would have to ask Serena if she knew what was going on because obviously he'd missed something. He'd ask Anna or Gunner if he had to but if Gunner was in a similar mood to Anna's.... Well, he'd rather avoid that conversation.

Vampire Academy ~ Rememberance

Anna poked her tongue out at Gunner but quit making faces... Especially since the minute they all got inside they were basically ambushed. Sebastian's little sister, the youngest of the siblings and the one that took the most after him ran up and hugged him around the legs. "Hello Kenzie," he greeted.

McKenzie looked up at Anya and half hid behind Seb's legs, "She's pretty...."

Seb laughed, "So are you." He picked her up and sat her on his shoulders just as his father was coming down the stairs.

"Put her down Sebastian, that's hardly appropriate for inside the house." He smiled politely at Anya, "Welcome to our home... Sebastian chose well I see, you're quite beautiful."

Obviously this man was where Sebastian got his looks from... the same dark hair and the same eyes... Even the same build and facial structure. The only difference, the man wore a suit and it was apparent he'd taken quite a while on his appearance. Everything was immaculate and in it's place. Seb's own gaze darkened, "Father... speaking of appropriateness..."

Mr. Lazar chuckled, "Forgive me... I have a taste for beautiful things... I collect art you see. Perhaps I will have Sebastian show you after dinner... For now, let us have your things put away." He clapped his hands and two Dhampirs came from seemingly nowhere. They weren't Guardians... obviously this was there job instead. They took the bags from Gunner and Anna and gestured for them to follow.

Anna grimaced but did as she was asked, giving Anya and Seb an apologetic look. Mr. Lazar waited till they were gone and frowned, "As happy as I am that you brought Anya to meet us, did you have to bring the novices? They are not Guardians yet, they've no reason to be here."

Sebastian tensed up, "They are my friends as well as Anya's... she wouldn't have been comfortable without them."

His father smiled again but Sebastian didn't relax though the tension in the room itself did seem to lessen, "Very well... come on then. We've had dinner prepared, though we only set enough spaces for ourselves and Anya... I'll have to have them set more places for the-" He caught himself when he looked at Anya and smiled again, "Excuse me... for YOUR friends. I'm sure that if you deem them worthy of such high praise then they are indeed excellent and promising Novices."

He swept an arm towards the dining area, inviting them in. Sebastian sighed and slipped Kenzie from his shoulders, "Sorry birthday girl..."

Kenzie pouted but the minute her feet touched the floor she was clinging to Anya. "Daddy says your gonna marry Sebastian one day."

Sebastian coughed on his glass of water he'd picked up from the table, "Um... Kenzie... not everything Daddy says is erm..." He looked at Anya, "I mean... I wouldn't mind-" He took another drink, tugging at his shirt collar nervously. It suddenly felt hot in the room.