Uhm, Long Time No...Uhm...Yeah (Ravyn)

[Lucah Ivaskov]

It was funny how at some point you look back on how things used to be. Whether it be far in the past, or just a few weeks ago, everyone looks back and remembers. With all that had happened to Lucah in the past year, he'd done a lot of reflecting and wondering what had made him change so drastically. He went back a few years, before he met Belle, right when his outer shell began to fade. It was just about three years ago, he'd just turned sixteen and that was when he met the first girl that had gotten to him.

Ravyn.

How weird was it that she'd had winged flight as well? Maybe Luc had a strange bird fetish? Anyway, he'd met her when he was hanging out at the pond at Hammel, his usual spot. Something about her had him hooked, and it wasn't her personality at first. Lucah had been the ultimate playboy when he went back to Romania for summers back then. He'd mess around with some girls and then leave them in the dust because he could. Ravyn had been the first girl that he'd messed around with in the beginning but later started to sort of like. Now, it wasn't anything close to how it had been with Belle, but at that point in time, it was big.

The flashbacks he'd had going back to that time in his life, he'd found himself wandering back to the place that resembled where they met. Weird how she'd been the first one to block out the harshness that surrounded him. She'd been the first girl he actually started to respect. Unfortunately, it hadn't lasted long and after breaking it off, he'd stopped talking to her altogether. Every now and then he'd wonder how she was doing, but he never had the guts to find her.

Sitting at the lake, his knees pulled up to his chest, he looked out across the water and sighed. And to think, he'd thought it was Belle who had changed him, when really, it was the crack in his armor from Ravyn that had given Belle a way to pull him out.

[Ravyn Rozanova]

It was funny how a photograph could bring back so many memories. Ravyn had found herself reliving her past a lot in the past few weeks, mostly about her and Cam and how they used to be. Finally breaking everything off with him had been one of the hardest things she'd ever done, minus moving to America from Russia and trying to fix her relationship with her brother. And now, thinking about ending this relationship had made her go back to her first years at Hammel, when Lucah had first caught her eye. It had started off innocently at first, but soon lust got involved and they ended up having a wild ride, one that was quite dramatic and far too short for Ravyn's liking. He had been the first guy to really break her heart, but at the same time she felt like she had made an impact in his life. She had heard he had found a good relationship with Belle, although gossip had it that they had recently being going through drama themselves. Even though not all of her feelings for Lucah were positive ones, she hoped he was doing well.

So here she was, sitting by the banks of the lake, thumbing through old photographs of her first years at Hammel. She had stopped on this particular one because it was actually a really fond memory they had shared together - their first trip to an American zoo. One of the things they had really bonded over was their shared past in other countries, and going to a zoo for the first time together had been a great experience. She still had the giraffe he had bought her sitting on her shelves; she refused to get rid of it. She smiled a little sadly; she wished things could go back to the way things used to be sometimes.

When tears threatened to appear in her eyes she stood, folding her small scrapbook and sighing. Maybe climbing a tree would help her release her feelings. She meandered along the bank, looking for a good climbing tree when dark hair caught her eyes. She halted, completely frozen. Was it just a mirage? No, it was him. How oddly coincidental - she hardly had talked to him over the years since they broke it off, and now, here he was, the last person she should probably see in her time of inner turmoil over failed relationships. Still, she wasn't about to ignore him. Maybe it was a sign. Without a word, she walked up beside Lucah and sat next to him, gaze set on the water. "Hey," she finally said, looking up. "Long time no see." She tried to hide the feelings she felt, glad that her voice, at least, was level and calm. "How... Have you been?"

[Lucah Ivaskov]

As much as Lucah would like to deny it, he too still kept that silly little giraffe that they’d both gotten their first time at an American zoo. It had been a great day, one of the few he’d had before meeting Belle. One of the few he remembered when all of the darkness had taken over. It was around the time that Ravyn and Lucah started getting deeper into the relationship that he realized his fear of falling in love with someone. He feared that he would become his father and that resulted in him distancing himself from her and eventually just pushing her away completely. History did repeat itself after all. He regretted pushing Ravyn away because they’d shared so much in common, especially their cultures. Funny thing was that his father might have actually liked Ravyn because she was of a European background. At the time, he hadn’t even considered that.

Luc had tried to push back all thoughts of his previous years at Hammel from his mind. Which meant he’d tried to forget about Ravyn because the thought of her had him reliving the things he’d felt for her. Unlike his relationship with Belle, he’d gotten farther with Ravyn in the lust factor. Surprisingly enough, it had a strong effect on him. All of the other girls that he’d fooled around with meant nothing to him, but he’d dated Ravyn and developed stronger feelings for her than he had the others. He wondered if it had affected her the same way at times. Though, he didn’t like thinking of the lustful part of their relationship because that was a side of him she’d seen that Belle had not. And when he thought of Ravyn, he often got a glimpse of all of her.

His mind was far off and so was his focus, so when the voice had been heard, he started a bit. The voice was oddly familiar, too familiar for his taste. It wasn’t until she sat beside him that he risked a glance in her direction just to be sure it was who he’d been thinking of. Just his luck. Here was the girl who’d gotten through to him for the briefest amounts of time. Luc wasn’t sure if he should risk talking right away because his shock would seep through. So he waited a few moments, and finally took a deep breath before saying, “Ravyn, always a p-pleasure.” He stuttered a bit and ran his fingers through his hair as he tried to find an answer to her question, “I’ve been…uhm g-good, I guess. H-how about you?”

[Ravyn Rozanova]

Seeing Lucah sitting there sent a whirlwind of emotions through Ravyn's head. Sadness, anger, frustration, hope, nostalgia, and just a pinch of the old lust she had felt for him. He was still really handsome, she had no trouble denying it, but right now she just pushed aside the thought; the last thing she needed was more drama. Her entire ordeal with Cameron had left her feeling quite empty, but just the sight of Lucah made her feel... Better somehow. She wasn't sure why. Maybe the fact that he still looked and seemed the same, made her feel like she, too, would get over this hurdle at some point.

She ran her hands through the grass they were sitting on, finding it hard to look Lucah in the eye. They reminded her so much of Cameron's, that same shade of intense blue. She shuffled her wings a bit and glanced up again, making an effort to keep eye contact. God, that was hard. "We haven't... Talked in a long time. I heard you're going to University now, I thought I'd never see you again. I'm glad you're doing well." She was avoiding his question, but finally added,"I'm not... Doing so great. Drama, you know. I'm sure there are rumors going around." She sighed. She hated rumors, and the fact that she might be in them made her feel sick to her stomach. She picked at the grass now, setting aside her picture book and hoping she wasn't making a bad choice by talking to her old flame.

[Lucah Ivaskov]

Looking at her had been a mistake, a huge mistake at that. Her eyes were so painfully beautiful that he was reminded of when he’d looked into them for minutes on end, unable to get enough. She still looked just the same as she had three years ago. Still as breathtaking as always and he was sure she hadn’t changed a bit. Though seeing her did send a bit of a jolt of pain straight to his heart, he was happy to see her. Despite the fact that he’d actively spent time trying to avoid her, he had missed being around her. Their personalities didn’t clash and though he was sure she was still a little angry with him, he was sure she was still just as easy to be around.

At the first statement she made, he wasn’t sure what exactly to say. No, they hadn’t talked in a long time, mostly because he wasn’t sure what he could say to her in order to mend their broken friendship. It was just like Kiara, except now that he was older and more mature, it had been easier to mend those hard feelings than it would be with Ravyn. A little less than three years since he’d talked to her, how was that supposed to be fixed? It wasn’t as if he was that smooth with words when it came to apologizing. Sure, charming women was easy for him, but keeping them from slapping him…not so easy. “I may have graduated, but there are still people that I’d have wanted to see at Hammel. A-and my sister might transfer back soon, too. You’d have seen me eventually,” He said quietly.

Luc knew Ravyn well enough to know when she was avoiding the question. And he also had heard a few rumors here and there about her. Did he believe them? Not entirely. All of the bad ones seemed a little extreme, and he’d learned not to trust rumors. There was obvious sadness in her tone and she seemed reserved. The sad expression on her face had him wanting badly to comfort her like he used to, but it seemed inappropriate. Hell, she’d probably smack him if he tried. “I’ve heard a few, but I’m fairly sure they’re not true,” Lucah replied looking down at his hands. “Well, I know it’s been a while and everything, but if you need someone to talk to…you know I’d be happy to help…”

[Ravyn Rozanova]

Ravyn really had gotten over most of the anger Lucah had left her with. Sure, there was still a little heartache and bitterness, but most of her anger now came from the fact that she had been an idiot and had fallen for another 'bad boy', whose effect on her she was only now beginning to fully realize. Cameron and Lucah weren't a lot alike, but they definitely had their similarities. Ravyn wondered why she had been drawn to either of them. Was it just their looks, or was she, deep down, as 'bad' as they? Is that what attracted her to them? It made her mad with herself for not knowing. She hated her uncertainty.

Ravyn wasn't the best with words. She always either never said the right thing, or babbled on about something until she wasn't making sense anymore. It wasn't helpful that she felt the need to resort to Russian to really be able to explain her feelings clearly. Trying to talk to someone you hadn't really seen in almost three years was difficult, to say the least. Still, she found comfort of sorts in his cool presence. Cool, quite literally - she could feel the coldness of his skin from where she sat. It was nice after being in the sun for a while. "I'm... Glad to hear you aren't leaving Hammel behind completely," she finally said. "I'm sure there are a lot of people that will miss you." Would she miss him? It was weird to think, considering they hadn't had contact for so long. But she had always known he was there, that he was around in case she ever did find the need to see him. The thought of him being gone made her even sadder than she already was.

"Oh, I hope they're not too bad..." Ravyn murmured about the rumors. She had tried to stay as far away from them as possible, but she was sure they would catch up to her at somepoint. At least Lucah sounded like he didn't believe them, and she gave him a small smile. "It's really not that big of a deal. Just... Well. Breaking up with someone is hard," she sighed vaguely. He would know. They had been there." Comfort from anyone would be welcome at this point, but she was so unstable with her emotions at the moment she was afraid she might break into tears at the first sign of a hug. She hated crying. "I... Really appreciate that, Luc," she said, looking back at the ground. "I'm sorry I haven't talked to you since.... Well, you know. But if you ever wanted to be friends again..." she trailed off, hoping she didn't sound desperate. She just really needed a sense of security, a sense that she could be friends with someone again even after a failed romantic relationship. "I'm here for you too," she finished with an uncertain shrug.

[Lucah Ivaskov]

Lucah snorted, “I wouldn’t say a lot of people would miss me. Maybe the occasional one or two, but no more than that.” How could anyone miss someone so completely incapable of keeping friends? She of all people should have known that very few would miss his sulking presence at Hammel. He’d admit that he wouldn’t miss very many people there. Especially that annoying roommate he’d been stuck with. Would he have missed Ravyn? After three years of very little contact, you’d think he’d be fine with it. But the reality of the situation was that he may not have talked to her, but he’d kept a close watch to make sure that she was doing alright. He didn’t like the thought of leaving her behind completely. He’d always wondered if they’d be able to be friends after what had happened and that was what kept him always close to her in some way. So the answer, was yes, he would miss her if he left Hammel behind.

Hesitantly, Luc reached for her hand and patted it, “Don’t worry about it, they could be worse.” He really didn’t understand how to cheer people up. Comforting was not his strong suit, but at least he was trying. When she explained in the most vague way possible what was wrong, he nodded slightly. Oh yes, breaking up with someone was hard. Just look at how him and Ki had gone about it. Both of them trying to make the other break up with them first. Funny, yes, but still difficult. “Breaking up isn’t supposed to be easy. Hence the reason it’s called breaking up,” He stated with a shrug. What more was he supposed to say to that? When she started to apologize, he just shook his head, “Why are you apologizing? I’m the prick that was making it nearly impossible to talk.” Lucah scratched the back of his neck, “Well, uhm, thanks. I mean…I really do want to be friends. I…I missed you, Rae.”

[Ravyn Rozanova]

"I'm sure Belle would miss you," Ravyn blurted before she could think about what she was saying. She swallowed, realizing it was probably a bad thing to say - she had heard about the rocky relationship, and shouldn't have brought it up. "And, you know..." She was drawing a blank now, only too late registering the fact that she didn't know how many friends Lucah really had. "And... I would miss you," she finally said sheepishly, gaze locked on the ground. She, too, had kept an eye on Lucah, not making contact but making sure he was doing okay. They shared so many similarities and had had such a strong (if short) relationship, she still felt a connection to him. She didn't realize how much she had missed him until now. That, plus the fresh heartache from Cameron, was almost too much for her to bear. She glanced away from him as her eyes misted over again, refusing to let him see how much she was hurting.

Once she gained control over herself again, she turned back to those icy eyes that she now saw showed the same hesitation she felt. It made her heart pound a little faster. She watched as he patted her hand, and was surprised by how much it effected her. She didn't feel better, not really, but the fact that he was making an effort made her gape at him for a few moments before she shook her head and sighed. "Well, I'm glad they're not too terrible," she replied. "Cameron and I have a hard enough time dealing with our problems in private, the whole school doesn't need to get involved." She managed to let out a small, humorless chuckle. "I suppose that is why it's called that," she agreed. "Lots of things break." Her heart, for one. Even though she had been the one to start the entire thing, it didn't make it any easier. "I guess... I feel like I should have made a bigger effort to talk to you," she said quietly. "I saw you around, but I was always afraid to talk to you. I don't know why. And I don't know why I decided to start talking to you now... But I'm glad I did." She offered him another small smile. He did want to be friends? She let out a shaky breath, but froze at his last sentence. The way he said it, the nickname he used - he sounded just like Cameron had, that first time she had gone to him after their 'first' break up. And they had ended up... Well. Many flings had happened after that moment. She desperately hoped this wouldn't end up the same way, she already had too many other feelings to sort out. But she had to admit talking to him again felt wonderful. "I missed you too, Luc," she said, reaching over to place her other hand on the one he had patted hers with. "Look," she said, grabbing her photo book and handing it to him. "There are... A lot of our old pictures in there. You know, back when..." She trailed off. She didn't need to say when. "But, remember those giraffes?" she asked, flipping to the page with the picture on it. "I still have mine," she admitted with an embarrassed chuckle.

[Lucah Ivaskov]

Lucah hadn’t meant to, but at the name he winced. Just her name had him cringing because he wasn’t sure what would come of their relationship. It was in that awkward in between stage where he wanted to be with her, and he was sure she wanted to be with him, and yet he was terrified of dating her. Sure, he loved her, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t screw things up for a tenth time. “Maybe,” He grunted trying not to think of what it would do to him without having Belle around at all. And as she continued, his mind slowly left the thought of Belle and went back to the memories of him and this beautiful girl next to him together. It was funny how they’d made such a great couple before Luc got scared of the commitment (a reoccurring problem it would seem). “Y-you would?” He asked in surprise, his eyebrows pulling together.

Once she turned away he was almost relieved because it gave him a moment (a very short moment) to compose himself. As mentioned before, Lucah didn’t comfort anyone, so on the rare occasion that he attempted it, a lot of people were pretty shocked. It was sad that his ex girlfriend who knew that he did have a nice side was even surprised by it. When she said Cameron’s name, Luc tried not to tense, but his jaw did set with just a teeeensy bit of jealousy. Ridiculous, yes, but he wasn’t a big fan of Cameron to say the least. Especially hearing it in the context of her being upset and heartbroken. Lucah found it a little difficult to speak, so instead he just listened to her and tried not to think of how hard he wanted to hit Cameron if he hurt Ravyn. “I’m glad you did too…” He said more relaxed than he felt. Her admittance to missing him had a more strange affect on him than he’d expected. Why was it that her missing him sent his heart flying just a little bit? Oh great, just what he needed. As a distraction, he took the photo book from her and looked down at it, “You still have these?” He asked admiring the photos of them. When they’d both been happy. The little giraffe had him smiling wider, “I still have mine, too. It’s sitting on my dresser in my dorm room.”

[Ravyn Rozanova]

Their relationship really had been great while it had lasted, Ravyn felt. It was sweet and fun with just a hint of physical and sexual tension, enough to keep her on her toes but not too much that she was overwhelmed. And besides, she had been only almost sixteen at the time, so she hadn't had a lot of previous experiences in relationships that lasted more than a couple weeks. At the time, the world had felt perfect. Then she had hinted at getting more serious and the entire thing crumbled in her hands and she was left broken-hearted and alone. She had been mad at him then, yes, but she now understood his need for freedom and not wanting to get too serious with anyone. She knew now how scary it could be to depend on someone too much. That's what had happened with Cameron, and why she herself had broken it off. "Yeah, I would," she said, nodding slowly. "I guess it sounds weird, but you not being at Hammel is just... Weird." She made a vague hand motion, shrugging again. "Even though we never talked, I still knew you were there, you know? In case... Well, in case we ever decided to be friends again," she mumbled. Or anything more.... a voice whispered in the back of her head. She brushed it away. The last thing she needed was to fall for yet another guy, especially one she already had history with. But the coldness radiating off his skin was so familiar and somehow welcoming...

She bit her lip before glancing back at him again. God, she had forgotten how beautiful he was. Even though she knew behind that angelic face was a boy with many inner turmoils, she couldn't deny her physical attraction to him. She caught the movement of his jaw after she mentioned Cameron's name, and could only wonder what he was thinking. Even though she was obviously emotionally distraught over the entire ordeal, she had brought it upon herself. She knew she had. And she hated herself for it. At least Lucah wasn't upset over her talking to him after all this time. In fact, he said that he was glad. Ravyn didn't know what to think about that. "Yeah, I still have them," she admitted sheepishly as he flipped through the photos. "I like thinking about how easy and carefree life was back then, you know? Back before all... Well, back before all this drama happened," she sighed. She grinned at him when he said he still had his giraffe. "You took it to college with you?" she asked, feeling a blush rise on her cheeks. "That's... You're so great," she laughed. "I would've thought you'd thrown it out ages ago." Her hand rose unconsciously as she brushed a few stray strands behind her ear, suddenly feeling self-conscious under that icy stare. "Are you seeing anyone?" she blurted before she could think of the consequences of asking such a question. Her blush deepened, and she looked away, adding,"I mean, I heard about you and Belle, but there are just so many rumors that I don't know what to believe. I just want you to be happy, you know?" She stopped, unsure of what else to say. She wished she was better at handling these sorts of situations.

[Lucah Ivaskov]

Lucah hadn’t thought much about their past relationship in quite some time. He’d been too busy dealing with all of the others to really have time for thinking about his first real relationship. But when he flipped through his old notebooks of lyrics and random poems, he often found himself thinking back to his muse at that time. Ravyn had inspired quite a few poems and lyric tidbits. Some of them were all about happiness, others were about something a little more physical. When they’d dated, Lucah had felt a strong sense of desire, he still did just sitting beside her. Often times he would think of just how much fun being with her had been. Before everything got serious, it was a great high school relationship. But as soon as she started talking about commitment, he froze, for lack of a better term.

“Being away from Hammel is a little weird. I’m still trying to get used to all of the new people and most of them not being metas,” He shook his head slightly. It was a lot to take in, a reminder of how school had been before he manifested. In case they wanted to be friends again…but what if he’d wanted another chance with her? Lucah tried to abandon that thought quickly and nodded, “Yeah, I know what you mean. I have to admit, I did still watch over you. You know how I am, over-protective and all.” Luc laughed quietly and looked at his hands. God why did all of the memories from their relationship have to flood his mind now? All he could think about was how they’d been back then, smiling and happy and it was all just easier.

Looking back up, he tried not to focus on just how beautiful she was. She always had been gorgeous, but now was not the time to be thinking about that. It wasn’t fair. He just needed to make up his mind and stick with one girl already! Yes, he was young, but at this age his father had already been married to his mother and they were on their way to have children. Still, it was a little too young for children yet. This was America after all. “It is nice to think about the past, but then when you’re brought back to the present it just seems to make everything that much more sullen and awful. At least that’s how it is to me,” He shrugged as he stared out across the lake. Her question had him glancing sidelong at her and smirking, “Well it’s no rhino or crocodile, but it helps me remember one good day I had before everything turned dark.” Lucah noticed her blushing and it sent his heart beating rapidly into his chest. Well hell, this wasn’t helping. Her next question though had his face turning grim and serious. Was he seeing anyone? No. Not at the moment, but he was still pining over Belle. That being said, he was happy being just friends with her, he needed to experience life more with other girls before he settled down. Funny how his old flame came into his life right as he was wanting to find someone else to make him happy, one that wasn’t as fragile as Belle. “What you heard is probably right, at least most of it is. I’m not seeing anyone actually, just got out of a relationship with another girl because neither of us was really into it,” He shrugged it off and looked across the lake again, eyes fixated on the ripples in the water. Luc couldn't bring himself to ask her the same question.

[Ravyn Rozanova]

"I can't imagine being around non-metas now," Ravyn replied, pulling her legs up against her chest and resting her chin on her knees. Especially for her, it would be awkward being around 'regular' humans, considering her ability was so visible. Sure, she could hide her wings if she really wanted to, but it made her look like she had a hunchback, not to mention it was incredibly uncomfortable to keep them tucked to tightly against her back for long periods of time. They were out now, sort of spread out against the grass; she was fine with having them out around Lucah, or any meta-human really. She loved her wings. She glanced over at Lucah, eyes widened at his admittance. A small smile crept up her face. At least she knew now she hadn't been the only one watching over the other. "I... That's kinda flattering, Lucah. I appreciate it. I wish we both hadn't felt like we couldn't talk to each other though; I could use more friends..." She trailed off. Was just friendship possible with Lucah? Maybe it was worth a shot. She really didn't realize how much she had missed him.

"Things were definitely more simple in the past," she agreed. Back before Cameron, and school drama, and all this other stuff that had happened to her recently. Back even before Lucah was pleasant to think about sometimes, just because at least back then she was in Russia in a loving family. Now the only family she could see often was her brother, whom she somehow managed to both love and hate at the same time. Talking to Lucah now was just like reliving the past, and she had to admit it was a welcome relief; if she could just forget about the present for the time being, maybe she would be able to get over Cam faster. Even now, she felt herself being drawn again to the boy beside her. Would it really be that easy to move on? She laughed lightly at his comment; the 'manly animals' was an inside joke of theirs, one she had forgotten until she had begun flipping through that scrapbook. She listened as he explained his situation, wishing the heat would leave her cheeks so she could look him in the eye again. "Oh," was all she could really think to say. "Well... At least it sounds like you're able to move on?" she asked timidly. "I don't even know what my love life is anymore," she admitted with a dry laugh. "But I'm done with my flings with Cameron. He needs to find someone that can handle his... Intensity." Even though he hadn't asked, she felt like she should share her own status.

"So I guess we're both just kind of drifting along," she commented. Her heart pounded. Would it be a bad idea to ask him if they could see each other again? She couldn't see the harm, since they were both alone and obviously aching for some reminders from the past. "Maybe we could hang out sometime," she said slowly, picking at the grass again. "You know. Just catch up, maybe go on a hike or something. I need to get away from Hammel. I'm going crazy there." Which was what had brought her to the lake today. But she wouldn't mind going out again tomorrow...

[Lucah Ivaskov]

“I-it’s different. I mean, not horrible or anything, just different. I guess for you it might be a little different because the only way I’m noticeably a meta is if someone touches me or sees me freeze something…” He sighed. Some non-metas could be brutal upon finding about someone who is a meta. His own father for example. Dimitri hadn’t tried to kill his son, but he wasn’t happy to have this abomination for a son by any means. Lucah couldn’t imagine not being a meta. How boring of a life that would be. As he glanced over at her, he took in the sight of her wings. They were so beautiful, just like her and they just suited her so well. When she looked at him, he turned away. His admittance wasn’t something he’d wanted to admit to, but he had nonetheless. “Friends are overrated,” He said darkly, but sighed and added, “Sometimes.” Lucah did care for the friends that he had, though it seemed like some friends were very fake at times.

Luc nodded slightly. Things had been easier before all of the drama he’d gone through with Belle and before all of the drama that happened between him and Ravyn. But before that…when he was in Romania, things had not been easy. His father actively made his life hell after his mother died and even before she had died he’d been hated by his father. Life truly never had been easy for Lucah, but he didn’t like complaining about it. He had so many good things in his life. Like Jezebel. Lucah would do anything for that little girl and would go after anyone who harmed her. Jezebel reminded him so much of his mother, and that was often what kept her in his memories. “Oh yes, I’m moving on. It’s just sad I guess, all breakups are.” He looked at her as she spoke of her own love life. Flings. Such a familiar thing to him. Before Ravyn that had been all he’d taken part in. Luc didn’t really know what to say to that.

But was thankful when she continued. He nodded and glanced at her again. Just before he went to ask her if she wanted to hang out, she beat him to it. At that, he smiled and watched her, picking up on the nerves. “A hike sounds nice, there are plenty of places to do such things. Would you be free tomorrow?” He asked moving a little closer to her on the grass, taking confidence from her suggestion.

[Ravyn Rozanova]

She nodded, biting her lip. "I don't know what I'm going to do for college," she sighed. "If I go to U of V or something, people are going to find out about my wings sooner or later. Probably sooner. And well, you know how some people are. I'd be teased constantly." She rolled her eyes. She wasn't looking forward much to high education anyway - she didn't know what she wanted to do with her life, but it had never involved spending years and years researching and going through the tortures of finals and tests. He looked away, and her brow furrowed in concern. He was so distant, she thought. She wished she could make him happier. "Friends can be harsh," she slowly agreed. "But if you can find true ones, then it can really lead to wonderful relationships." She shrugged a shoulder. It was hard for her to say, considering what she had been through lately.

She knew the major details about his past, but he always got so angry when he talked about it, she had never asked him too deeply. Her own family was messed up, but even with her dad nonexistent in her life and her brother being... Well, being the way he was, she had managed to grow up without too much bitterness. Her mother and grandparents had been wonderful to her, and she had found a home in Hammel. Lucah didn't have such a stable background, or close friends. It made her really sad. She hesitantly reached out and rested her hand on top of his, like he had done not too long ago. "Life just sucks sometimes," she summed everything up.

She didn't realize she was holding her breath until she let it out after he replied. Meeting up with Lucah again. She never thought it would ever happen. A smile crept up her face. "I'm not doing anything tomorrow, no," she replied. "Other than the usual homework, but that can wait." Her heart leaped as he scooted a little closer. They were on the same page, she could totally tell. She didn't know how she should feel about that, but she knew what she did feel - butterflies. When was the last time she had felt butterflies? "I know a place up in the hills a little ways, a few miles from here. There's a nice hiking trail, with a creek alongside it and a waterfall at the end. How does that sound?"

[Lucah Ivaskov]

Lucah frowned and shook his head, “They only judge because they wish they were given the advantage that we have. They’re afraid of us, it’s the only reason they make harsh comments.” And Lucah hated it. “If you do come to school where I am, you know I wouldn’t allow for any harsh words to be said about you,” He said simply. It was true, he’d never let anyone harm Ravyn or get away with saying something hurtful. Overprotective instincts ran deep in him and Ravyn was one of the people he was so overprotective of. When she agreed with him, he glanced up with an arched eyebrow. True friends? That seemed like a fairytale to him. He’d tried before, but making friends just wasn’t something he could do. “The problem is that I’m far too cold hearted to maintain and wonderful relationship. You know that as well as anybody Rae.”

Avoiding his past seemed to be the only thing Luc was really good at. He’d never been one to openly converse about how much he hated his father or how much he missed his mother. He never opened up about how their maid had become a second mother to him and that his father had threatened so many things against him. No one knew the extent of which he was rebelling against his father. Luc had already done something unforgivable. Denying the arranged marriage to Vasilissa was one thing that his father would hold over him until either of them died. And damn was Dimitri good at holding grudges. “Agreed. And it doesn’t seem to get much better,” He sighed, but was comforted by the softness of her hand on his. It was so familiar and it sent his heart flying.

Lucah’s smile widened when she confirmed that she was free the next day. He’d get to see her two days in a row! Why was he so excited? What the hell was wrong with him? Ah hell, who cared! “Well when we get back, maybe I could offer some help on the homework. After all, I am a genius,” He smiled and the tension he felt before evaporated. “Hiking trail, hot day, beautiful girl and water…can’t say that I’m against it,” His smile turned mischievous and he nudged her gently.