Vampire Academy isn't owned by me. Richelle Mead wrote it. Take it up with her.

Lissa POV

Where could Rose be? I was so excited. I had finally talked to Christian about our relationship and he told me that he was happy for me. He told me he sensed my feelings and that he wanted me to be happy.

So now, I was moving through the trees looking for Rose. I knew Dimitri had brought her out this way. I was just hoping she wasn't still wild because I really couldn't wait to tell her. I was really nervous as to what she would say. I would be lucky if she didn't already know how I felt, but I kept pushing onward. I arrived at the cottage that used to belong to the guard dhampirs before the protection barriers were up. I took a guess and figured that's where Dimitri had taken Rose since the lights were on.

I walked over and passed by a window. There was a very strange feeling in my stomach as I peeked in to see if Rose was alright. I couldn't believe what I saw. Clothes were scattered all over the floor and two figures were moving on the bed. I recognized Rose immediately and felt the betrayal wash through me. I stared for a moment longer and Rose caught my eye.

I heard her whisper, "Lissa?" but I couldn't understand what was happening. That is, until the other person turned around and I saw that it was Guardian Belikov. I was in utter shock that they were together.

I shook my head and turned away, running back toward the Academy. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I raced to my room. I fell onto my bed and sobbed. This can't be happening! I screamed to myself. This can't be happening!

After all this time, why hadn't I seen it? Why hadn't I known? She could have at least told me; I'm supposed to be her best friend. I curled up on my bed and stayed that way. I felt dead; I couldn't move and it hurt to breathe.

She's in love with someone else, was all I could process. I was stupid to think she could ever love me; what am I compared to a strong, muscular, sun-walking GUY? I was nothing compared to that. I wasn't strong, I couldn't walk in the sun without getting my eyes hurt and I certainly wasn't a guy. I should have known she didn't love me, but I couldn't stop hoping that maybe she would.

Now I was lost in my own despair and I wasn't coming out any time soon.

Rose POV

Oh my God, Lissa had seen us! She had seen Dimitri and me having sex together! She had run off toward the academy! What if she was going to go tell? What would I do then? They would surely take Dimitri away from me.

I had to go after her. But Dimitri was so inviting. Ah, hell. Whatever happens, I love him and only him. Hours later, we were still together and no one had come to get us so I assumed Lissa hadn't told. But what was with the hasty leave? I had to go talk to her.

I slowly sat up and kissed Dmitri goodbye as I put my clothes back on and headed up to the academy. I went to the Moroii dorm and up to Lissa's room. Knocking softly, no reply met my ears. I quirked an eyebrow and was turning to leave when sniffles sounded from the other side of the door. I knocked again, but was once again, met with no answer.

I sighed and slowly opened the bond. Lissa was most definitely in her room and she was curled up in a fetal position. My eyes hurt. Wait, why did Lissa's eyes hurt.

Then there was a flash of a memory—it was me with Dimitri—and Lissa broke down into silent tears, making sure to keep everything quiet and muffled so that whoever was on the other side of the door couldn't hear her.Rose, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't be acting like this; I should be happy you found happiness, even if I never will now.

Lissa slowly lifted her head and looked to the door. They must be gone by now. Her head dropped back to the pillows and something cold welcomed her. Looking down, Lissa saw the knife she hid under her pillow in case of danger.

Reaching out, Lissa cradled it in her hands and I gasped silently as she slowly raised it to eyelevel. But I was worrying for nothing; she lay it back down on her pillow and stared at it speculatively. It's a weapon people use to kill others, but I don't wish to kill Rose or Guardian Belikov; it's not their fault I'm not happy. It's my fault. I waited too long; now I can't have my happiness. Oh Rose, why did you choose him? Why couldn't you have chosen me? I know I'm nothing compared to him, but you're my best friend… and I love you.

More tears cascaded down Lissa's cheeks as her sobs were renewed. I pulled back into my own mind and stared at Lissa's bedroom door in shock.

She loves me? I thought. Since when?

I gathered my courage and twisted the doorknob until the lock broke, entering the room slowly. "Liss?" I called.

Lissa's sobs stopped immediately and she put on a smile for me. "Hey, Rose." She said softly. "What's up? I'm sorry if I interrupted you and Guardian Belikov. I promise it won't happen again."

I shook my head. "Nah, it's fine. So, um, why were you out that way anyway. I mean, when I left you I was a lunatic remember?"

"Well, yeah, but I was just coming to tell you that I l-left Christian." I raised an eyebrow and she ducked her head to avoid my gaze. "It was mutual. We could both sense that something was amiss in the relationship and so w-we broke it off."

I knew instantly from her expression that something was wrong and even if I hadn't gone into her mind, I would have known she was hiding something from me. I lifted her chin to look at me and I felt a rush of warmth come through the bond. She must have fallen for me hard.

"Liss, I know there's more to it. Just tell me."

Lissa shook her head and I raised an eyebrow. Lissa had always told me when something was wrong. I stared into her eyes and surveyed the emotion in them. I could clearly see the love in them, but the betrayal was flooding through the bond in huge waves and I only felt a small hint of guilt for being the one that put it there.

"Please Liss?" I whispered, using her love for me as a manipulative. I felt her expression crumple sadly and she buried her head in my chest, hard sobs racking her thin frame.

"I'm sorry!" she wailed. "I'm sorry for everything. For not being happy for you and not being straight and-."

I put a finger to her lips and quirked an eyebrow. "Please get to the point, I'm getting confused."

Lissa nodded and took a deep breath before looking at me. Tears began forming again as she said, "Rose, I… I was c-coming to tell you that I-I l-love you." She turned her eyes downward and I felt rejection come through the bond.

I lifted her chin to make her look at me and said, "Liss, you're my best friend. I'll always love you first, alright?" She nodded, tears flowing down her cheeks as she realized I would only love her as a best friend.

"I'm sorry Lissa." Lissa merely nodded and I let go of her chin. She watched sadly as I walked out of her room.