A/N:Hey-oh! Sorry for the wait, this one's a little longer than usual, but here is the next chapter~

For as much slack as Rose had been giving Lissa the whole way there, the party wasn't half-bad so far. The music wasn't just Top 40 garbage, the people weren't all sweaty horny barely legal-year-olds, and only one dude had spilled some of his drink on her shoes. Add to that the open bar? This was the most grade-A affair that Rose had been to since the yearend bake-sale she did to raise money for new supplies in the day-care. Much of their success had to go to Royce, who was attracting any woman that had ovaries within a 20 yard radius. They'd sold-out of Rose's home-made pudding cups within the hour. She was so proud of her baby.

And this was why Rose did not care for social gatherings. Her life was her son, so outside of her family and friends that knew that, she was sure that no one wanted to hear Rose rattle on about her 3 year-old's bake sale.

Okay Rose, enough of that. Tonight is a free night. She made a silent promise to herself to enjoy any company she got tonight, and give more time and attention to herself. Liss had chastised her for not wearing a dress, but come on. It was a house party. Then again, this was a real swank neighborhood, and most of this gathering was composed of what looked like well-dressed businessmen and classy uptown ladies. Rose was content in her dark jeans, royal purple silky blouse that showed off her shoulders and the girlies, and her matching (and surprisingly comfortable) pumps. She'd actually taken the time to blow-dry her hair while waiting for Lissa to arrive. Mia had been there to distract Royce so she could actually sit down and do that before she left. Most mornings was just a quick wash and a post-brushing while heating up some Eggo waffles for Royce. On Living it Up she had her hair tied and pinned back, so she didn't have to worry much about it. The rest of her day was spent back stage, so it wasn't imperative that her hair look like she gave it the time of day. Truthfully she wished she could, but 3 year-old boys do not just patiently wait for their mommy's to do their hair.

Rose was so tempted to order one or five drinks, but knew she couldn't do that. Despite being free tonight she still had to get up tomorrow morning and be a mother. So that meant no hangovers. She sighed, figuring she move away from the bar area before she became more tempted to get wasted. The dance area, which was just an open space of hardwood floor surrounded by speakers looked promising, but Rose was far too sober and not hype enough for any stranger-dancing. A sigh left her again. She glanced around for Lissa who said she was "going to say hi to the host and her boss right quick", who was apparently also here. Rose had never met either of them, seeing as how she has yet to drop by at Lissa's workplace. She just never had the time anymore.

Rose remembered when this used to be her life. She was always at every party, and everyone knew her name and begged her to stay out past 3am. It wasn't a legendary party unless Rose Hathaway had made an appearance. It was at one of those great parties that she'd met…him. And convinced herself she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, that they were destined to be. Well time sure did change a person, didn't it?

Gracefully, she made her way towards the stairwell that led upstairs, another open floor, albeit much calmer. The people up there were just chatting amongst themselves, as if there weren't couples making out downstairs on the balcony. She saw a table with snacks and directly bee-lined toward it. She sat on the edge of the table and completely picked up the box of Godiva. If anyone thought they were getting any of this, they must not like their fingers very much. This was crazy expensive chocolate, and Rose sure as hell wasn't about to let free food go to waste.

A man stumbled over to the table, grabbing a few chips and putting them all in the dip at the same time. Weird. After most of them made it to his mouth, he glanced over at Rose. She figured he just wanted to make sure she wasn't looking at him in some depraved manner (which I wasn't. Who was I to judge? At least he hadn't double dipped) but soon he was just staring at her squinty-eyed. "Do I know you?" The question finally left his mouth.

Probably. "I don't know you, if that helps." Rose didn't really want to be recognized at this house party. Either people loved her to pieces or wanted her in pieces. It was a double-edge sword.

"You look so familiar though…" He started to step closer, but someone else stepped between them. A tall someone else, Jesus Christ. Rose had to crane her neck up just to see his face.

Holy mother of pearl.

Rose was met with the most beautiful pair of eyes she'd seen in quite some time. Add to that the chiseled face, thick neck, and legs that went on for days, this guy might as well had just walked out of a magazine. His hair was tied neatly at the back and Rose's immediate thought was how it'd look tussled between her fingers. You'd think she hadn't been laid in years. Oh wait, I haven't.

"Excuse me," he said to the chip dude, and if she thought the stranger couldn't get any hotter, then burn her at the stake 'cause the guy had an accent. A Russian accent if her ears were hearing right. I always was a sucker for accents. She watched way more BBC than was healthy, and got a crack out of Steve Irwin whenever videos of him popped up on her feed. Well, you know, before he died. Seriously, what happened to the party girl in me?

Chip guy took the hint (if there was one) and went about his merry way. The hot stranger took a look at the box of chocolates that lay open on her lap and pointed. "May I?"

Rose found herself lost in this guy, unable to tear her eyes away. But the question eventually registered and she shook her head to try and dislodge. "No way buddy, these are mine." She made a point by shoving three in her mouth. Very attractive Rose.

But the man merely laughed, a sound richer than the truffles melting on her tongue. "I'll have to settle for this then." He moved his long arm to grab a cube of cheese from a tray on the table, along with some fruit.

"You eat cheese and grapes together?" Rose inquired before she could rethink it.

"Yes," he answered. "You know of cheese and wine?"

"Yeah?" What she didn't know was why this gorgeous man was still talking to her.

"Same concept," he winked, taking another mouthful of both. Oh lord, save me now. It had been a while since she'd been in the game, and she didn't even know what constituted as flirting anymore outside of blatant or crude pick-up lines. Who knows, maybe that guy that spilled his drink on her pumps earlier secretly wanted to bang.

"So I see you escaped upstairs as well. Unless, you're just up here for no reason. I don't know." Wooow, I could really use a drink or fifty about now. Put me out of my misery.

"I spend a lot of time on the loft." He finally looked away from her to gaze out at the condo. Oh so this was his house party. "Best place in this apartment. I felt the waterfall was a bit much, but it grew on me." His eyes fell back on Rose's. "Where are my manners? I didn't ask your name."

"Most people give their name first before asking for one," Rose replied, taking another chocolate out of the box.

"Forgive me, usually I would but I'd…like to remain discrete?" Rose wished she could raise just one eyebrow to display her incredulity, so decided to cross her arms instead. "It's hard to explain but…I'm someone, recognizable. And I'd rather not be recognized."

Ah. Rose understood that. She was glad no one at this party seemed to be religious followers of Living It Up or she wouldn't have been able to "remain discrete".

"My name is Dimitri."

Rose looked back into the strangers eyes. "I thought you wanted to remain discrete? Unless that's a fake name."

"That is my real name. I am sorry for not giving my last name, I'd be…more identifiable." He took the chocolate box off her lap and placed it on the table behind them. Rose was surprised she didn't have the instinct to break his fingers. That's new. She suddenly remembered her conversation with Lissa in the car before they walked into the apartment. I did promise…alright Lissa. If this goes badly you owe me a box of chocolate.

"Okay Dimitri." She hated to use her full name, but if this guy didn't want to disclose his identity, Rose sure as hell wasn't about to disclose hers. "My name is Rosemarie." She took the chocolate that still remained in her hand and placed it on her tongue suggestively. Her seductive prowess was slowly returning to her. And just in the nick of time. "Forgive me for not supplying my last name. I'm pretty identifiable myself."

"That's completely fine," he smiled. "It'd be unfair for me to ask for anything more, Rosemarie." Her eye twitched and she cringed on the inside. God I hate my name. "Would you permit me to call you Roza? Do not be offended, your name is beautiful, I just-"

"Permission granted," Rose interrupted gratefully. Anything was better than, ugh, Rosemarie.

"Well then Roza, what brings you to Rochdale? This doesn't seem like your regular hangout," he questioned.

Rose stretched her arms out in front of her before answering. "How would you know? Maybe I'm secretly a rich snob or the heiress to some fortune." Don't I wish. Then she could move out from her bum neighborhood and buy a house with a backyard or something, and finally have enough space for that dog both Royce and her so desperately wanted.

"Well, a rich snob wouldn't describe themselves as such. Trust me, I've met enough to know," he chuckled. Rose loved that sound, and if permitted, would listen to it all night. "And you're the one woman here who's not in a dress."

"I didn't realize it was such a formal occasion. I was told it was a house party. You have a very weird concept of house parties if you think dresses are a requirement."

"This isn't my party, my friend Ivan threw it for me. Said I needed to socialize more before I become a robot."

So his friend threw him a party at his condo? He must be really worried for him. "I know the feeling. My best friend is the one who dragged me here tonight. Not-! That I'm not enjoying myself. It's great. The music is great. Great food too." Had she said great too many times? "It's all…great." Okay, she had definitely said great too many times. What was this man doing to her? She felt like a bumbling bloody teenager all over again!

"No worries if it's not to your taste. It's not particularly to my liking either, though I've definitely been to worse."

"Please," Rose scoffed. "I have the track record for worst parties ever."

And like that, they went back and forth with stories and tall tales of some of the worst nights out of their lives. They eventually migrated to one of the couches that was a two-seater and sat down to continue their discussion. He offered her his drink that he hadn't touched yet, but Rose declined, sipping from her Dr. Pepper can.

"One, I don't accept drinks from anyone else but friends and family unless I've seen it made in front of me."

"That is good. You are cautious around strangers." He smiled, taking a sip of the drink himself. "And two?"

"I don't drink."

He chortled a bit on his drink. "Most of those stories you've just told me included a substantial amount of alcohol, as well as some more illicit drugs."

"That was when I was young and stupid." Rose waved off his comment.

"And now?" His voice was so close to her, she had to blink a few times to realize he had only been a few inches from her face. When had we gotten so close? Not that she minded. Taking a few breaths, she could smell the most enchanting scent on him. Like firewood and aftershave. Yum. "And now?" he repeated. Rose thought about her answer, debating if she should say anything or not.

"Well now…I'm older. And, a m-"

"Rose!" She turned to see Lissa coming from the staircase, bee lining towards her. "There you are, you told me you'd be at the isle downstairs."

"Change of plans," Rose sighed. She straightened up, moving back a few inches from her new companion so they weren't so intimate looking. "Or er, location."

"Rose?" Dimitri questioned, looking at her. Darn it Liss.

"Uh yeah, it's short for-"

"Mr. Belikov?" Lissa asked.

"No, not even close." But Rose realized she wasn't talking to her, but to Dimitri. "Oh you meant Dimitri. Mr. Belikov you said? As in-"

"Vasilisa, nice to see you," Dimitri greeted her.

"Okay, not as in Lissa's full name." Rose was so confused as to what was going on.

"Maybe some proper introductions are in order?" Dimitri chuckled. So he was actually going to tell Rose who he was? Even though he went through so much to keep it a secret? "I am-"

"Dimka!" Oh for heaven's sake. Now some guy was strutting up the stairs and jogging to where they were seated. "Oh, I see Liss found you." His eyes grazed around the group until they had landed on Rose. "And you found some nice company." Ignoring his friend for the moment, he took Rose's hand in his own. "Pray tell, what is this little rose's name?"

Before she could slap her face in exasperation, Liss burst out into laughter beside her. "Liss, bathroom?" Not waiting for an answer she grabbed her arm and dragged her back downstairs, assuming there was at least one bathroom somewhere.

"There was one upstairs you know? Actually there are two upstairs-"

"And how would you know that?" She finally let Lissa start leading since she had no idea where she was going. For a simple condo, the place was as big as a house. Or a mansion to be more accurate.

"Ivan is a good friend, and Dimitri's best friend. I've been over here a lot for personal meetings or just plain hanging out. I wouldn't recommend him as a dating partner though, he's not exactly…"

"Boyfriend material?" she offered smirking.

"Exactly. He's a bachelor through and through. But since we're on the topic…" They finally reached a door that Lissa quickly pulled Rose into, shutting it behind them before turning on the lights to reveal a bathroom the size of a room. "I see you were chatting up my boss."

"That was your boss? As in the big boss man of Buria Inc. that you PA for?"

"Dimitri Belikov, CEO, twenty-eight, likes art shows and western novels." Lissa was apparently making a verbal profile of the guy.

"Anything else?" Rose chuckled at her friend's obvious ambitions.

"Single and ready to mingle." She waggled her eyebrows for effect, making Rose laugh harder. She wandered over to the couch (a couch in a bathroom, really?) to plop down near two huge mirrors with a counter.

"I don't think he'll appreciate you trying to set him up with one of your girlfriends." She didn't know much about the man, but he gave off that kind of vibe.

"It's my job. What do you think the 'p' in PA stands for? If I don't assist him in his personal affairs, he'll remain a bachelor forever with his next to non-existent social life!"

Well, seemed like they had another thing in common besides busybody friends.

The door to the bathroom opened and a couple of girls came stumbling in, completely absent to Rose and Lissa's presence. Despite their fancy attire they were behaving like young girls, giggling and tripping over themselves. One of them stumbled over to the other side of the bathroom that Rose had yet to see, but could distinctively now hear the sound of throwing up.

"Ew," Liss replied simply. Rose's phone decided just then to buzz.

"Mia you've saved me from vomit, what's up?" Rose sighed happily.

"Uh, unfortunately more vomit," Mia retorted. Rose stood up immediately. "Before you freak the flip out he's okay. He said he felt better after throwing up, and he's fallen asleep on the couch."

"Okay," Rose replied, sinking back down. She saw Liss mouth 'what's up' to her but she just waved her hand in disregard. "What color was it?"

"The throw up? I'm sorry, I tried not to look too hard. It looked kinda pink though? From what I could see before I started gagging."

"It mighta been the Pop-Tart he ate on the bus. He got halfway through it before I realized he had pulled it from his bag-"

"How did he eat it without you realizing?"

"I was on a work call," Rose answered dryly. "And he's my little spawn. If he wants to do something, he's going to do it."

"True enough."

"He knows he gets queasy on the bus though. And all that jumping he did when you came over probably didn't help."

"Well, just thought I'd let you know. You can stay longer if you want, the little bugger is passed out."

Rose thought about it for a moment before deciding. "Nah, I think I'll head back."

"Alright, see you soon." They hung up and Rose was met with Lissa's pout.

"I'm sorry," Rose apologized in advance.

"Did something happen?" The pout was replaced with a genuine look of concern. "Is Royce okay?"

"Yeah, he threw up, but he's fine. I'm gonna go back though, you know…"

"I understand." Liss smiled and pulled her friend in close. "You are such a great mother, you know that right?"

"I try my best," Rose chuckled.

"You do more than that," Lissa praised. "I'm proud to be your best friend. And I have the cutest nephew in the whole world."

"Damn straight," Rose grinned. At the sound of more heaving both Lissa and Rose discreetly left the bathroom and headed for the main room. They went to the front closet where their coats were, and Lissa took her car keys from her pocket.

"You can take my car. I'm going to stay a little longer if you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind, but are you sure? I'd have your car until tomorrow."

"That's fine, I'll have Ivan drive me back, or even Mr. Belikov." At the mention of his name Rose couldn't help the small grin that creeped onto her face. She immediately scowled, but Lissa had already caught sight of her small show of affection. "And while he's driving me I can chat up a certain someone and set up a-"

"You will do no such thing, you hear?" She snatched the keys from where Lissa was dangling them and adorned her coat. "I mean it Liss, the last thing I need is you playing matchmaker."

"But-!"

"And don't tell him about Royce."

Lissa walked Rose to the door. "You haven't told him already? Weren't you guys chatting when I found you? 8/10 of your conversations are about the little angel."

Ugh, she really did talk about Royce a lot. "I was trying not to be a boring mom. I was about to tell him, but then you came, and that Ivan guy came. Look, I'd rather tell him myself. I mean, I doubt I'm going to see him again outside of your company picnics which I'm definitely going to, so there's no need to mention anything to him."

"Can I tell him about your show?"

"No. I don't like the idea of him watching me from behind a screen without my knowing."

"He might already be doing that," Lissa smirked.

"He didn't recognize me so I doubt it," Rose countered, sticking her tongue out for full-effect.

"Why are you making this difficult?" Lissa sighed, shaking her head.

"I'm Rose Hathaway. It's what I do. Also, tell Dimitri I like his condo. And the waterfall is overkill but pretty." With a wink and a carpe diem (she couldn't help herself), she bid Lissa goodbye before she could get another word in (deciding not to give her farewells to the two men) and headed for her car. Rose of course knew how to drive, just couldn't afford a car. She would also have nowhere to park the stupid thing in her neighborhood, and figured she'd be better off just saving on gas and insurance. Both her job and the daycare were deeper in the city than her apartment, so the commute by bus took at least an hour. But both were in close enough proximity to each other that if need be, Rose could be off the set and in the classroom in no more than fifteen minutes (and that's running in heels).

She put her address into her phone's GPS and cruised along listening to her music (that consisted of a mixture of classical rock and Bruno Mars). Over an hour later, and after half an hour of looking for freaking parking about ten streets away, she climbed the stairs to her apartment. She opened the door, surprised to see the lights were still on. Taking off her heels her feet breathed a sigh of relief as they always did. "Mia?" She slung her coat on the first hook by the door and walked to the living room.

"Hey Rose," she greeted from the couch. She was reading from a textbook, her iPad on next to her. By her feet was Rose's little angel, curled up under the throw.

"Aw, look at my baby." His little feet were sticking out from the bottom of the knit cloth making Rose want to tickle them so bad. But it was bedtime, and she was not about to wake him.

"I gave him some antacid before he fell asleep. He woke up before but passed out again," Mia let her know.

"Yeah, he doesn't sleep straight through very well when I'm not home." Rose brushed the hair out of his eyes, seeing him breathing evenly. It's due time for a haircut mister, Rose thought to herself. "Thanks again Mia for watching him."

"No problem, just did some studying after he concked out." She held up her veterinary book before placing it back down. "How was the party?"

"Okay, as parties go," Rose answered. "I got to eat Godiva."

"That's a win in my book," she giggled quietly as to not wake the boy. "Did you meet anyone?"

"What? I didn't go there to meet some guy," Rose countered.

"Someone's being mighty defensive. I could have just been talking about new friends, or someone you recognized." Mia smirked. Rose didn't answer, just curled up in the arm chair adjacent to them. "So?"

"So?" Rose returned.

"Did you meet anyone?" The smirk was still there, so Rose knew her question still had romantic implications.

Instead of answering with sass which was her go-to defensive move, she stood and picked Royce up from the couch. After she had him in her arms and halfway down the hall, she turned and stuck her tongue out at Mia.

Safely inside Royce's room, she dodged some train tracks and Legos that were strewn everywhere. If I step on another Lego this week, I swear I'm sweeping all of them into the trash. Finally reaching his bed with little injury (a doll's hat had found its way wedged into the sole of Rose's foot), she tucked him in.

Before she could kiss his head and depart, his eyes fluttered open. "Mommy?"

"Yeah sweetie?"

"Mommy's home," he said softly, grinning.

"Mmhm, I'm home baby." She pushed his hair back to rub his forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"Mommy, throw up," he exclaimed.

"I know, Auntie Mia told me. Do you feel okay now?"

"Okay," he responded unperturbed, pulling his arm out of the blanket to give a thumbs-up. He snuck it back inside where Rose tucked it back in. "I love you Mommy," he whispered, his eyes drifting back closed. It was moments like these that kept her from ever regretting getting knocked-up at twenty by the asshole.

"I love you so much. Goodnight baby." She gave him a big smooch atop his head and quietly creeped out the room, silently cursing as another toy got stuck on her foot. This boy is cleaning his room tomorrow.

After bidding Mia goodnight and offering her the couch (which she declined, saying she was gonna head home and study while drinking wine. How she did it, never ceased to amaze her), she changed out of her party clothes into a tank and some flannel bottoms before flopping into bed. She had taken Royce to daycare that morning, gone to work, then ran back over to the daycare to take Royce home, prepared his dinner before changing to head out with Lissa to this party and driving back just to look for parking for a year. Goodness to say she was tired.

Another day down. Rose sighed happily as the cotton from the comforter surrounded her in warmth, the faint smell of her scented candles still filled the room.

She was suddenly warped back to earlier in the evening, sitting on that two-seater with Dimitri, easily chatting about nothing. He smelled so good. As exhausted as she was it took everything in her to fall asleep and stop thinking about the man she had met tonight.

We're gonna get some Dimitri POV next, and a wrap-up of the party. But I know what you guys want. Some more Romitri. All in good time my friends (meaning probably some more in the next chapter haha). As always, thanks for reading and look forward to more~