ASHES TO ASHFORD

CHAPTER 1

Today was the day I had been dreading the most. My sweet, loving, gorgeous, kind-hearted Mason's funeral. I don't know how I'd been coping the last few days. All I could picture in my head was Isaiahs red eyes, Mason's ocean blue ones and the sickening crunch that sounded when his life had been taken from him.

I was dressed in a simple black dress, it reached mid thigh. It was tight around the bust, emphasizing my assets but not in an inappropriate way for a funeral. It puffed out from the waist and had medium width straps, and tied behind my neck. I wore a pair of buckled 3 inch black heels that were patent. But you could still see the circles under my eyes and my skin looked a bit paler than my usual tanned complexion. I couldn't care less. I was numb inside.

In the beginning, I'll admit I was using Mason as a distraction from Dimitri and Tasha, but the truth was I had grown to love him. And today it hit home. I was never going to see him again. I feel so guilty; Mason had gotten killed trying to protect me. Stupid Boy! Why did he have to do that? He went and let his feelings for me get in the way and that had cost him his life.

That's exactly why Dimitri didn't want to do anything about our relationship. He knew that if he let himself love me it would get in the way of our duty to Lissa, to protect her. He wouldn't jump in front of her in the event of an attack, he would jump in front of me. I shook myself out my reverie and made my down to Lissa's room. I knocked on the door, she opened it and stepped out with Christian at her side. She wore a knee length dress and Sparky wore a suit. Black of course.

"Hey" I said quietly. I couldn't even summon the strength to be myself.

"Hey Rose, how you holding up?" she replied, I could feel how concerned she was through the bond.

"Ok" I lied. "Let's go"

We made our way down to where the funeral was being held. I scanned the room, searching for familiar faces. I caught sight of Eddie, Mason's best friend. I gave him a sad smile and a weak nod, and then found my seat. I also saw Dimitri looking stoic and solemn, as he stood against the wall with the other guardians. He nodded at me but I could see the concern in his eyes. The priest guy began to talk. "Family, friends, loved ones. Today we are here to celebrate the life and mourn the death of the beloved Mason Ashford". He droned on that way until it was time for me to give my speech. I clambered on stage, behind the podium and stole a glance at Mason. Tears welled up in my eyes. I cleared my throat.

"I know you have heard a lot of speeches today. And I'm asking you to hear just one more. Mason was one of my best friends, maybe even closer than some, and soon enough he became more. I'll admit I wasn't completely in love with him, but had we been given the chance I would have. His smile could light up a room and he had a personality to match. We were always getting into trouble since we were kids. From starting rumours about certain guardians" I coughed "Stan" everyone chuckled and Stan shot me a weak death glare. "To putting mento and coke bombs in the guardians' toilets" everyone snickered including me.

"I think deep down, I've always loved Mason, and I always will, but I don't think it could ever be enough. He gave his life for me by putting himself in the path of the attack." Everyone gasped quietly.

"He was my first kiss and I was his last." I murmured into the microphone. I saw tears in everyone's eyes but I continued. "You know the first thing I did when I got back from Spokane was rack my brain on ways to end my life, so that I could see him again. I even got so far to the point that I was in the bathroom, blade in hand, ready to be with him again." I could hear the muffled sobs of the audience.

"I just miss him so much." My voice broke on the last word. "I'll never forget Mason, he'll always be in my thoughts. Always. "I concluded weakly. The tears were like a waterfall pouring down my cheeks, leaving wet trails.

I silently walked to where Mason lay, finally resting at peace. This is it. I thought as I bent down to press my lips to his stone cold cheek, for the last time. I walked back to my seat quietly and was silent after that.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All VA characters belong to Richelle Meade, but we will add some of our own later.

Hey ; ) This is our first fanfic , comments and criticism will be appreciated. But pls don't flame, it's not attractive!

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K & L