Originally I wrote the first chapter for an assignment for class, but I have had a burst of inspiration and hope to continue this story. I apologize for the wait, and I don't know how consistent I can be, but I hope you continue to read and give me feedback for this story. I also apologize that this one is so short. I hope you enjoy, and I can't wait to continue to write! Happy reading!

Dimitri and I jumped into his car, and we were on our way. Even now, after years of dating and marriage, he still wouldn't relinquish the steering wheel to my very capable hands. I brooded for a moment over that.

"I know what you're thinking. Stop it" Dimitri said; smirking all the while.

Defiantly, I replied: "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm simply enjoying the view."

"Uh huh."

I rolled my eyes, "you just don't trust my driving."

"Not true," he laughed. "I don't trust other drivers. And as you know, my reflexes are much quicker than yours."

He winked at me which only made me more exasperated, yet melted me a moment later. "So where are we off to first Roza?"

I thought a moment. I hadn't gotten that far. "Um, well we could head to the mall and shop a bit. You look like you need new shoes." That was the other part of married life—I suddenly cared about the state of his shoes and other aspects of his physical wellbeing. Now that I thought about it, looking him over, I missed a bit more than just our banter. His physical stature was better than ever with all the guarding; which gave me a thought.

"Pull over for a second," I said. He looked puzzled but did as I asked. The road was fairly abandoned since we still weren't in the city, so as soon as he parked, I took off my seatbelt, grabbed his shirt, and pulled him in for the kiss I had been missing for the last couple of weeks.

At first he chuckled, but then his hands went into my hair, and he was kissing me just as fervently. The kiss lasted a long time, and I wanted more, but the side of the road wasn't the right place. So, regretfully, I pulled back and put my seatbelt on.

"You know, if you're that desperate, you could just take me now," Dimitri smirked, but his voice was husky.

I giggled, "You wish. Shut up and drive bud." Then off we were towards the city.

The rest of the drive we caught up on guardian stuff. We exchanged stories, and shockingly, we discussed books. That's right guys, he got me into reading. This man was really ruining my reputation. However, he still hadn't convinced me to read a western.

"I just read this fantastic book. I brought it back for you Roza."

I was suspicious. "Let me guess: another western. Not happening!" Dimitri looked flustered over this.

"Now hear me out," he replied, parking the car. "This one has aliens in it. So it isn't a true western. You should try it."

I put on my mock thinking face, "mmmm no. Not happening." I giggled as he sighed and gave up. We got out of the car, and off we went to look for shoes.

Dimitri has his way and habits, so he got the exact same shoes he gets every time we go out. This always dismayed me, since I liked looking at the new trendy workout shoes, but my Dimka is a simple man. Simple men don't change very often. I on the other hand, got some trendy purple Nike's. If you're going to be badass, you got to look and feel the part. You're damn right I'm going to tell my future students that. I refused to be a crusty old teacher.

It was moments like these that made me regret being a guardian. Here we were, a normal couple, and only for a short time. When we were done, we would go back to our charges and be separated for another period of time. It was almost like being a military couple. Actually, it is exactly like living as a military couple. Only we wouldn't be relieved for our whole lives.

Thoughts like this made me sad, but he reminded me of how grateful I am. Most female guardians don't get the possibility of being married, let alone knowing that one day, they would get to live with their husbands. It was tricky, but worth it. However, the subject of children weighed heavy on my mind. I wanted kids just as much as he did, but I knew it would be next to impossible to make it happen.

"Hey Dimka?" My voice was soft.

"Yes love?" he looked at me, and he seemed to soften as well.

"I love you," I whispered. Understanding crossed his features like he had been reading my mind this whole time. He pulled me close, in the shoe isle of all places, and whispered in my ear:

"I love you too."

And for a moment, all was well and right.