Does Love Really Fade? {Vampire Academy}

The Meetup

Wow, I completely lost track of how long it had been. Things got busy and I got into writing another story (which I might be posting soon but I'm not sure on the timeline there). Hope you enjoy!

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My leg was bouncing as we drove towards New York. Sure, I'd known we were making this trip for a week now, but that didn't make the thought of my worlds colliding make me any less nauseous.

"If you keep shaking your leg like that you're going to put your foot through the floor," Lissa said, her voice tinged with amusement.

I  sighed and put my hands on my knees to hold myself steady.  "Of all the things I imagined happening when you guys kidnapped me, this was not one of them."

"Kidnapping's a little harsh."

I attempted to raise my eyebrow, but as usual the other followed.

"Fine." She relented, raising her hands, "But we had a good reason, and we would have let you leave after you heard us out."

I shook my head, but couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips.

"Are you really that nervous about this?"

My eyes darted to the front of the car where Dimitri and Lissa's other guardian, Harrison, were sitting. Then I looked back at Lissa, "Not really, it's just weird. It's like if we had brought Christian to meet Jeremy or something."

She considered my words for a moment before nodding, "I get that. But it'll be fine. We'll avoid talking about the whole vampire thing and focus on them."

"They're probably planning on keeping the focus on you and everyone else in my life."

Her eyes shot towards Dimitri in amusement, and I was very much wishing I hadn't told her about the kiss in the gym. Oh, I can't wait to hear about what they think about that.

I glared at her and mouthed Shut up. I was pretty sure she understood my message because she laughed at me. Then she grabbed one of my hands in hers and rested her head on my shoulder, "You'll be fine, this is just your best friend meeting your two other best friends. They're not going to ask you about the secret vampire society you're part of. They're just going to talk about the wedding then we'll exchange Rose stories. No big deal."

I snorted, "Better be careful about which ones you tell, I've got a reputation to uphold."

---

My fears melted away when Jacee and Evelyn walked into the diner (late, of course). I jumped up from the booth where I was sitting with Lissa and wrapped them both in a hug, "I'm so sorry I left without any warning."

Evelyn gave me a look that told me I should be sorry while Jacee shrugged, "It happens."

Evelyn shook her head, "What Jacee means is that we want answers and also some drama."

"It's my fault." Lissa said, stepping in, "When we lost contact with Rose three years ago I searched everywhere for her, so when we finally found her here, I didn't want to lose her again. Plus, it lined up with my family about to make some really bad decisions that I knew Rose would want to say something about."

"It was kind of a ticking clock situation. It's all sorted out now, but it made me realize how much I missed everyone. Even the idiots."

I knew Evelyn and Jacee weren't totally satisfied, but we'd given them enough that they let the subject drop for now. Instead, they turned to Lissa, "So, Lissa, right?"

She nodded with a smile, "It's nice to meet you guys. Thanks for taking care of Rose."

"Not that she needed it, apparently. Little miss badass out here can take care of herself." Jacee grinned as we sat down in the booth. I took the chance to make eye contact with Dimitri, who was sitting at the counter with a coffee in front of him and a book he wasn't actually reading in hand. Harrison was behind me, sitting near the entrance of the building. It was broad daylight, but Lissa was the Dragomir princess and a council member so we weren't taking more risks than necessary.