Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Academy, any of its characters or content.

Chapter 4:

'Winter storms have come, and darkened my sun. After all that I've been through, who on Earth can I turn to? I look to you, I look to you. After all my strength is gone, in you I can be strong. I look to you, I look to you. And when melodies are gone, in you I hear a song. I look to you.' Whitney Houston.

"Rose. I don't really know how to tell you how I feel as I've never tried to put it into words before. I love you. The reasons I love you are completely crazy, and I could never explain them in the right way, in a way that would make them understandable. You are my life. Like I told you after Natalie was killed, I love you so much, so much that I would go against everything I've ever been taught and known to keep you safe. I would go against my oath to keep you safe, I'd throw myself in front of you rather than my charge because I can't bear the thought of you being harmed. I love your laughter; it lifts my heart and makes me happy, even in my darkest moments when I question everything I stand for. I love your witty comebacks and sarcastic humour, they're as much a part of you as you fierce protectiveness towards those you love and care about, and your deep rooted personal loyalty which has given you friendships that will last you for the rest of your life. I love that you fight with such passion, not to kill, but to protect, and that while you are so, so strong and dependable, you're still vulnerable and you're not afraid to show it to those who care about you. You make me laugh, you confuse me, you anger me, you make me fall in love with you all over again each day and it only builds with each moment, never detracting. You're not fake. What we see is the real Rose, and I'm so thankful that I get to see it everyday."

His hand reached out to gently stroke my face and I leaned into his touch, letting his words flow over me and settle into my heart. "I love you even though I know it's wrong, but I can't stop myself. I try to push you away and it almost works, but all that has to happen is for me to even think of you, and my willpower crumbles. You make me understand. You understand me. You accept me for who I am no matter what my faults or short comings are, and from day one, you've made me respect you. When I first met you I didn't really know what to think as the reports I'd been given of a sulky, uncooperative troublemaker were a complete contrast to the feisty, caring, protective novice I found, who was so selfless that she'd allowed her reputation and even her future be put at risk to protect, not only her best friend but her charge as well. As time passed, I got to know you and see the sides of you that you didn't show to the outside world, and I began to understand your motivations- again I was struck by your selflessness as you sacrificed yourself time and again for those you cared about. And yes, though it's all I keep saying, it's all I really can say. I started to fall in love with you, and then when I stopped fighting it, I fell completely, irreversibly, head over heels in love with you.

I wish that I could marry you, that I could give you children and the life you deserve and I hate myself everyday for depriving you of that chance. And I want you to know that I would never force you to stay with me if you didn't wish Roza, and I will never get in your way if you want to have children. And I want you to know, if you choose to stay with me, I'll raise them as if they were my own." My eyes flew open, meeting his as the meaning of his words sunk in. I shook my head ready to tell him that I didn't want to have children if they weren't his, but he silenced me, placing a finger over my lips. "All I can say is that I love you Roza, and I always will."

At this point, I'd completely forgotten that Lissa and the others were still in the room as my eyes were locked on Dimitri's chocolate brown ones which were watching me with such tenderness and love that I couldn't believe. Slowly, I reached out and cupped his cheek in my hand, pulling him gently towards me until our lips met.

The kiss was sweet, gentle and warmed my insides. After a few seconds I felt Dimitri's arms move around my waist, pulling me securely to his chest as the kiss deepened and my fingers reached up to twist themselves into his hair.

It was only feeling Lissa's amazement, hurt and understanding through the bond that made me remember that the others were still there and that, to their eyes, what had started as a joke had turned into something completely unexpected. I ended the kiss and pulled back slightly, motioning to the others with my eyes so Dimitri would understand. Again, I stroked his cheek before turning to face the stunned and questioning gazes of Lissa, Christian, Adrian and Eddie.

'The only barriers that can hold you back are the ones you put up yourself.' –Unknown.

Awww, I just loved this chapter :') let me know what you think! Was it too lovey dovey? Also, in the next chapter, should I write out how Rose & Dimitri fell in love, or skip the re-telling and go straight to people's reactions?

Thank you for reading xx