Sorry! I tried to get an update yesterday, but my dad put on Dancing with the Stars and then American Idol, and by the time those were over, it was time to get in bed. xP But I'm going to attempt to get plenty of updates in when I get home from school now. XD

After she was out cold, I decided to carry Rose back to her room with Lissa so she wouldn't see anything that might tip her off to what her surprise could be. But, I also felt a little off…I knew it was from me staying up so late now days so I could do my duty as guardian. Several times, Tasha caught me and demanded I go back to bed, but I refused, feeling the instinct to protect the two Moroi.

On top of that, I was just plain exhausted from having taken care of Rose so many times. I didn't blame her for anything; I never could. But, like always, it was taking its toll on me. Then, I glanced at my alarm clock, decided I couldn't sleep anymore, and showered and got dressed, mapping out in my head what I wanted to do.

Quietly, I opened my door and crept to the girl's room, listening to their conversation as I walked to the doorway. Rose was still in bed and looked slightly annoyed at Lissa talking to her, but other than that, was fine.

"What am I? Something to be passed around?" Rose complained.

"Not a something, but a someone," I finally said from the doorway.

Her eyes snapped over to mine. I kept my face blank and controlled, not wanting to give anything away to her about later. I wanted this day—and night—to be perfect for my special girl.

Her eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here…And how did I get in my own bed?"

I saw Lissa roll her eyes, exasperated. "Talk all you want, but if you're not ready in fifteen minutes, I'm leaving without you." She left, the door closing behind her.

"I'm here to see if Lissa actually got you up, and I carried you here last night when you were out cold," I answered her earlier question.

I walked over to her window and pulled the curtains aside, allowing sunlight to pour in and wake Rose up more. I watched as she blinked and glowered, whining, "Dimitri! Shut the curtains."

I allowed a small smile to play at my lips before I left, not wanting to get sidetracked, and, knowing Rose, it was possible. My eyes felt heavy and I was just plain tired, but never let it show. As I made my way down, Tasha was waiting for me at the bottom.

"What do you want?" I asked warily.

"You should stay here while I take the girls shopping," she suggested.

I shook my head. "No. I can't leave you unprotected."

She put her hands on her hips. "You seriously want to come shop with three girls, two of which are teenagers?"

"I have sisters at home, in case you forgot, remember?" It was then that I had the feeling someone was listening in. Rose. Damn it.

I ignored her and tried to finish talking to Tasha. "I didn't forget," she laughed. "You know, and it's probably none of my business, but Rose looks a bit down lately, like something's up with you guys. Like she's being abandoned…?"

I let out a breath. "I guess you could say that," I said carefully.

"So, why don't you? And don't say it's about your duties; I'm sure I can teach Lissa some martial arts."

The feeling that Rose was there got stronger and I shifted my weight nonchalantly, hoping that Tasha wouldn't notice. And that the conversation wouldn't take a turn to my plans. My eyes strayed to the stairs, away from her eyes.

"Dimka, she loves you, I can see it. Don't ignore her."

Even though I didn't want to hint Rose about what my plans were for tonight, I couldn't help but feel like I had to talk to Tasha; my abrupt manner would just tip her off to something. I thought about what I had planned, and felt very nervous about it, wondering if she had been with any other guy before me.

"I was actually planning something tonight, but seeing as you can't go out in the night because of the Strigoi, I don't think I can do everything I had originally thought." I frowned slightly, knowing I was half lying to myself.

Tasha shook her head at me. "Oh, don't give me that again. Seriously, I can take Lissa to a secure environment, and I can call you if something happens to us; I promise it's not…Dimka?"

This conversation had gone further than I had had wanted Rose to hear, and I gazed at her hiding spot, knowing she was there. I felt slightly disappointed and very frustrated with the complications.

"I think we have someone listening to this. Rose, get out here," I said severely.

She kept her head down as she walked down the stairs, my glare boring into her. "Rose, how long have you been there? No lying." She knew anyway, that if she lied, I could easily detect it.

Her nose scrunched up just the slightest and didn't answer me. She was disrespecting me and she knew it. Fed up with her and everything else going on, I spun around and stalked out of the room, slamming the kitchen door shut as I made my way outside to cool off for a bit.

I gulped in a deep breath of fresh air and tried to get a hold on myself, wondering that the hell was wrong with me today; it was Rose's birthday and I had surely put her in a foul mood. I slammed my fist on a tree and leaned my head against it, breathing heavily, frustrated and confused.

I don't have much to say. XD It's my "zombie" week where I feel like an utter zombie. LOLZZ!

SONGS:

The Boxer- Simon and Garfunkel

Better Days- Goo Goo dolls