Disclaimer: I don't own these characters Richelle Mead does!

Hey everyone! I know its been a while since i have updated and i am sorry, been slightly busy! hope you enjoy this chapter, i know most of you want a nice Tasha but you will hve to be patient with me, i have big plans! Review and Tell me what you think!

Chapter 9

I knew Dimitri would be at Tasha's room by now and I suddenly had the urge to be there. I could feel Lissa was already there so I pulled myself into her head. She was in Tasha's room alright and from the angle she was sitting I would say she was on the bed. I could hear Lissa's thoughts and she was worried about me and all she wanted to do was be with me, to comfort me but she wanted to know Dimitri's answer.

The door opened and Dimitri walked in, he looked at Lissa briefly and smiled and the same to Christian who was sitting beside her. Tasha came in the door minutes after Dimitri, I don't know why she hadn't been in the room but she smiled when she saw them there.

"Where's Rose?" Tasha asked confused as she continued to look around the room but she couldn't see me. I hated that she wanted me there but I couldn't be, for her own safety and my sanity.

"She's not feeling well." Lissa and Dimitri said in unison, I laughed to myself knowing Lissa was pumping herself up to hurt Dimitri if he said yes to Tasha, but her thoughts seemed certain that he would say no. Christian reached over and placed his hand in hers and smiled. In that one look I could see how much he loved her and how much he cared.

"Ok, I really wanted her to be here but I guess if she's not well it can not be helped." Lissa clenched her fist as she prepared herself for what was next. Dimitri stayed standing as Tasha sat on the sofa. "Dimka, I have known you for many years and I know how much you care about guarding. You are one of the best guardians I know and that is why I demanded you were assigned to Christian but there hasn't been a threat against him since he returned to the academy three years ago. That is why I want you to become my personal guardian, there will be no strings attached; I just want you to guard me. Who better to protect me than a great friend?"

Her monologue was finally over and both Lissa and I could tell she was trying to butter him up, trying to get him to do it out of kindness. Dimitri looked over at Lissa and Christian and I saw him sigh.

"No, Thank you." He said his voice calm but determined.

"I am so glad that you..." Tasha obviously hadn't heard his answer as she began to thank him. She had been so sure that he would say yes but what she didn't think of is that he could say no. "No?" she asked her voice both sad and angered. "No?" she repeated as if she was trying to believe it. "W...Why?" And here came the tears. I knew she would spring the tears to make him feel guilty.

"I am assigned to Christian, just because there have not been any threats, doesn't mean there won't be. I want to be faithful to my charge and if that means turning down your offer than I am sorry." I knew he was doing this for me, the whole 'faithful' part was meant at me, he knew I was listening through Lissa.

"But I love you Dimka!" Tasha whined as another tear ran down her scared cheek, I could see Dimitri was starting to feel bad but I could also see he wasn't going to crack.

"But I do not love you. My love is held by another and I will not abandon them." Tasha looked at him confused as she tried to think of the person he loved, but I could see she couldn't. Her confusion soon turned to anger and curiosity. I wonder what she would do if she found out? Kill them?

"Who?" she asked, I saw Dimitri was contemplating telling her but I didn't know if we could trust her or what her reaction would be. I didn't know if the dream was anything to go by but I knew it was the reason I didn't want her to know.

"You don't know them!" Dimitri tried to hide it but his face was showing he was lying, he was never a good liar and it was what kept getting us caught.

"Now Dimka, tell the truth. You know you can't lie!" Damn, Tasha has seen through his lies too. I saw Dimitri sigh and once again look back at Lissa. I could see annoyance and desperation on his face but he soon calmed. One again he sighed before looking back at Tasha.

"I love Rose and she loves me back. I love her too much to just leave and I care for Christian, I do not want to leave either." Dimitri left me shocked. It was like he hadn't even heard what Lissa and I had said the other day about the dreams. I could see disgust on Tasha's face and I knew she was angry.

"You're in love with your student!" she shouted. I could see the anger as it rose in her as she stood.

I knew this was going to end badly for Dimitri, Tasha was probably hurt him or compel him and I had to be there to protect him. I pulled myself out of Lissa's head and opened my door, not caring that I had left it wide open, as I ran towards the guest housing. I was relieved that I was not stopped by anyone as I ran through the guest housing hallway.

Once I reached her room I didn't know what to do, should I just go in or should I kick the door down. I sighed as I turned the handle, letting myself in, peering around the corner of the door, to find Tasha pointing at Dimitri as she shouted.

"You would choose a seventeen year old whore who is using you for sex than come and be with me!" she shouted as she closed the distant, jabbing her finger at his chest.

"Roza is not a whore and we both love each other more than anything and nothing can break us apart!" Dimitri shouted back. I could feel his anger as I opened the door fully, Tasha's eyes caught mine and she turned to me.

"You! This is your entire fault!" Tasha began and Dimitri turned, noticing me he sighed. I knew he felt bad now for telling her because he knew what Tasha felt of me. But I could also see he was hoping she would understand, she was his friend after all.

"I told you how I felt about him and all this time you have been skewing him! I have treated you like my own daughter and this is how you repay me." She once again was giving out the guilt trip but I truly felt bad. I could see more tears as they ran down her cheeks. But the way she spoke to me made me feel less bad about it.

"I...I love him and I did not make him say no. It was his own decision, I would have let him go if that was what he wanted." I said, my voice was angered and I could hear fear. I was scared of what she might do and I was also scared for Dimitri.

"You love him." She let out a wicked laugh. "You have a crush. You are too young to know the meaning of true love. I, have love Dimka for many years so I know what true love is. You just want to break the rules and what better way to do It." she snarled at me, she was making me out to seem like the bad guy. "We all know your reputation, you're the school whore and every one knows it!" that stung, I had never had sex with Jesse or Ralf that was just a lie Mia made them tell. And if she thought of me as a daughter why would she say things like this to me.

"I am not a whore, I have given Dimitri my virginity and I would never change that, I love him and only him. If he doesn't love you in return then that is his decision and not mine. He has a mind of his own!" I can't believe I had just said that! Why did I? I was just so angry that she was being so cruel.

"The other day when I asked you why you were so happy, you lied to me, you all knew about this!" Tasha said turning to Christian and Lissa, I didn't want her to get them involved in this.

"They did it because I asked them. I didn't want to hurt your feelings and when you told us you were going to ask him to be your guardian...I...I didn't want to hurt your feelings." She laughed.

"So you lied to me. I would have rather known the truth before I was made to look like a fool in front of you all. You all knew how I felt yet you also knew how he felt." I hadn't noticed that Tasha had been etching towards me, it wasn't until I felt a hand come in contact with my face that I realised how close she was. The slap had so much force that it knocked me to the floor, I looked up to see Lissa had stood but was being held back by Christian and Dimitri was crouched by my side. While Tasha was looking at me in disgust.

"You bitch!" I screamed as my face began to sting. My hand clutched my cheek and I so wanted to get her back, no forget that I wanted to kill the bitch.

I stood and started towards her when I felt Dimitri's strong arms wrap around me pulling me back so I wouldn't hurt her. I knew he was stopping me so I wouldn't do anything I could regret later but I wanted to let my anger out for what she had done and said.

"Roza, Don't!" he whispered in my ear, I sighed and stopped. More tears ran down my chest as I turned and began to cry into Dimitri's chest.

"She is just a child and a whip, she will never make a good guardian if she cry's when she gets hurt." I felt more anger rise in Dimitri and I knew how angry Tasha was but that doesn't mean she could be cruel to both of us. I hated that I was crying but I couldn't help it, it wasn't because I was hurt it was because I was angry and hurt, why was she being so nasty?

"I love Rose and I am sorry that you don't accept that but I do, more than anything. I'm sorry." Dimitri said turning with me still in his arms as he pulled me out the door and out of the guest housing.

The fresh air was refreshing on my face and the coldness began to bite at my sore cheek but I ignored it. We continued to walk towards my room, Dimitri didn't let go of me until we reached my room. We sat on my bed in silence, I didn't know what to say and I knew Dimitri didn't either.

"Dimitri I..." I turned to face him and saw he was watching me, I could see he was hurting, Tasha was his friend and it hurt that she didn't except us. I couldn't finish my sentence, I just froze. He gently brushed his fingers to my check before he cupped it in his hand and pressed his lips to mine.

A tear ran down my cheek, I loved him so much and I hate to see him upset.

"I'm sorry!" I said as more tears ran down my cheeks, I truly was sorry because I never wanted it to turn into a fight; I thought Tasha wouldn't act like that. I thought that her more than anyone would be happy for us, like she said I was like a daughter to her.

"It's not your fault, we knew there would be people who wouldn't except our relationship, it just hurts that Tasha is one of them." I sighed as I wrapped my arms around him, pulling myself close to his chest as his arms wrapped around me.

"You didn't have to stay because of me, you could have taken her offer!" I knew he should of, think of how much of an opportunity it was but he stayed for me. I couldn't help but feel guilty that I have now broken up Dimitri and Tasha's friendship. All over Love!

"I know I didn't but I love you Rose, I could never leave you." Once again he pressed his soft lips to mine when the door opened. We both looked up to see Lissa who had worry plastered over her face.

"How fast can you run?" she asked, at first it sounded like a stupid question but once I heard her thoughts I sprung up from the bed.

"BITCH!" I snarled as I ran past Lissa and down the hall.

I was aware of Dimitri and Lissa behind me, she began to explain to him and once he understood what was going on he sped up his pace, running past me making it look effortless. I could see he wasn't even getting tired and I couldn't help but feel envious as I began to tire out. This is not the time to be ogling your boyfriend, I thought to myself. I continued to run, Lissa gasping for air behind me as I caught up with him. He stopped as we got to the guardian building; then he turned to me, still not out of breath like Lissa and me.

"Rose, Let me sort this!" he was wearing his guardian mask, I knew better than to argue with Dimitri but I couldn't help it.

"But Dimitri I..." I began but he cut me off.

"Rose, please, I can handle this better than you will." He looked around us and placed a quick kiss on my forehead before opening the door and heading towards Alberta's office.

I sighed, I wanted so much to be in there with him plus he is a rubbish liar so I had to be in there. I reached for the door handle but Liss grabbed my hand to stop me. I glared at her, the look usually scares her senseless but today she just returned the look. I sighed, I knew if I went in there it would only make it worse but I couldn't help but think.

It was then Tasha appeared, walking out of Alberta's office, a slight smirk on her face as she walked towards the door. She pushed it open and stopped once she saw me; I knew she was going to say something so I prepared myself with many replies.

"Rose, I hope Dimka accepts my offer after all he won't be able to stay here!" she smirked at me before walking off. I wanted so much to jump her, to kick her ass or rip out her dark hair. But I knew it would only make the situations worse and we couldn't have that.

I knew if I stood around any longer I would go insane, I was not the most patient person and knowing Dimitri could lose his job made me want to do everything I could to help him. But Alberta was his friend, one of the only guardian's I have seen him talk to the most, surly knowing our secret she would keep it to herself?

That was it for me; I lunged for the door, swung it open and ran towards Alberta's office. Knocking lightly on the door, I heard her tired voice and I entered. Dimitri was in the chair in front of her desk with a frustrated expression on his face and Alberta sitting in the chair behind the desk, looked annoyed for the interruption until she noticed it was me.

"Well, Miss Hathaway, I guess you've heard the accusation." I nodded in responses I didn't know for sure what I should say, I guessed Dimitri hadn't told her the truth because of his expression but I waited for her to give me a clue before I said the wrong thing.

"Guardian Belikov tells me that you and he are not in a relationship more than a teacher and student should be." I nodded again but I could see that she wanted words instead of nods.

"That is true, Guardian Belikov is a brilliant teacher but I wouldn't dream of taking it further than a teacher – student relationship. Not only is he older than me but it is forbidden." I hated what I was saying but I knew I had to for her to believe me. I saw Dimitri's face relax slowly as he saw Alberta was beginning to buy my lie.

"Rose, if you are in a relationship that is more than you are telling me, I would appreciate it if you do tell me. I understand if you are trying to protect Guardian Belikov and I know how great a guardian he is but he is also my friend. Miss Ozera came to me with this information out of anger. I can see how much of an influence Guardian Belikov has had on you since he has become your mentor and for that reason anything that is said in this room will stay between us."

I didn't know if I could trust her, I looked at Dimitri, my face was giving away nothing but as Dimitri looked at me I could see he was fighting with his decisions. When he looked back at Alberta I was surprised at what he said next.

"I trust you not to tell. Like you said we are friends and I do trust you but I know you will understand why we must lie." Alberta looked at him confused for a second but Dimitri's face stayed composed.

"Are you saying you are in a relationship?" Alberta asked. I held my breath seeing what Dimitri's answer would be, surely he wouldn't tell her. Would he?

"Yes, we are!" A cough escaped my lips; I couldn't believe he told her, how he knew she could be trusted. I could see she was surprise by his sudden change of story but I couldn't help but notice the faint smile on her lips.

"I can't say I did not expect it. But I would like to know who else knows and why Miss Ozera came to me with what she knew?" I sighed and sat in the chair next to Dimitri, I wondered what my mother would think of how well Alberta was taking this.

"Lissa, Christian and Adrian and Janine know about our relationship." I said before Dimitri could. Alberta seemed surprised when she heard my mothers name but didn't mention it and I saw confusion on Dimitri's when he heard Adrian's name; I guess I forgot to tell him.

"And Miss Ozera?" she prompted and I was glad Dimitri answered this one.

"Miss Ozera offered me an opportunity to become her personal guardian, I turned it down because I am already assigned to Mr Ozera, I believe him being younger and more vulnerable needs me more than she does." Alberta nodded but I could see she was still confused about how that has anything to do with our relationship and Dimitri saw this too so he continued.

"She told me she loves me but I told her how I could not return the feelings. She is a close friend of mine and I have known her for years, I trusted her but instead she became angry and hit Rose. Miss Ozera had said some cruel things to both us but I never thought she would go this far. I know she did this so I would lose my job here at the academy giving me no choice but to take her offer." Once again Alberta nodded, processing what Dimitri had just said.

"Are you saying you love Rose?" She asked but I knew already she knew his answer. Dimitri looked over at me and smiled, the love evident in his eyes.

"Yes, I am." Alberta nodded again and turned to me.

"And you Rose? Do you love Guardian Belikov?" I looked at his sparkling brown eyes and knew I couldn't say no.

"With all my heart!" I said smiling at him as we got lost in each others gaze. I heard Alberta sigh and that made us turn our attention back to her.

"I know I should say that I do not condone this relationship, but I can see how much you love each other and how much of an influence you have on each other, that I have to say I am happy for you both. But I also have to say that you have to be careful, if someone finds out then it could be worse than this. I suggest that you stay apart for a while, not like not speaking but no touching or anything else in public for a while. At least until Miss Ozera leaves or thinks that I have made you separate."

I could see what she was saying and I could see how it would work, I knew I could see Dimitri at night and at morning practises but during the day it will not happen. It would be a challenge but it would work, we would make it.

"Ok, But what do we do if Miss Ozera take this information higher than you?" I asked, knowing that even I couldn't talk Dimitri out of that one.

"Dimitri, Janine and I are some of the most respected guardian, we would say it was not true and they would believe us. Three is bigger than one and considering the Ozera family history there would be less influence on their side."

Ever since Christian's parents have become Stigori, the Moroi world has begun to shove them out of the royal circle. This is because the other royal's believe they are a danger to their families because of his stigori parents that have threatened to awaken him and that he might awaken himself to be with them. They do not want a family of ticking time bombs in the court or least of all king.

"I just wanted to check." I smiled at her before standing and making my way towards the door, vaguely aware of Dimitri behind me. "Thank you, for everything!" I said to Alberta before I opened the door, my voice was full of sincere thanks, and I just hope we can trust her. Dimitri has already lost one friend he does not need to loose another.

Dimitri and I continued out of the guardian building in silence, I was surprised at how well it actually went, I was still trying to processes what she said. Lissa jump up from the steps as she heard the door open behind her, I could feel through the bond how anxious she was to know what was said.

"Well?" she asked as we had reached her. I smiled and I felt her feelings suddenly lighten.

"Alberta knows but everything's fine, as far as Tasha is concerned we are no longer a couple." She nodded at what I said; I could tell she understood that I was telling her that this is how things had to be for now.

"Is Alberta going to say anything?" Before I could answer her, Dimitri shook his head.

"Alberta is my friend and I trust her." Lissa just nodded in responses and we began to make our way back towards the Moroi dorms. It was past curfew so Dimitri escorted us, taking Lissa back before me.

It wasn't until we got to my door that I didn't want Dimitri to leave, I wanted nothing more than to sleep, wrapped in his warm arms but I knew from now on this could not be. I smiled at him as he did back before looking around. He stepped in to my room and closed the door behind him, kissing me intensely. I knew it would only be a kiss but I couldn't help but want more and both of our bodies were giving us away.

I pulled away to breath, both of us were breathing heavily but we couldn't resist kissing each other again. This time my arms wound around his neck, pulling his face closer to mine as his arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer to his body. I once again was the one to pull away.

"Dimitri we cant, not tonight!" I hated saying it but we both knew we couldn't. Tasha would find any opportunity to catch us, especially by now if she has found out that Alberta has told us to separate. Dimitri realised this too.

"This is going to be so hard!" he wined like a child. I had to laugh; I have never seen him like this before, all pouty and sad.

"I know but we have too, Tasha will leave in a few days and then we can go back to sneaking around." Dimitri smiled as I said sneaking around and he brought his lips back to mine, at first I responded but then I pushed him back knowing I would get carried away. He sighed once again but I saw his eyes were showing understanding.

"I guess now is not a good time to give you your Christmas present?" Christmas present? How had he managed to get me a Christmas present? I rolled my eyes and smiled knowing I too had gotten him a present on our little trip to the mall.

"If you want to give me a present you can, but I hope you are talking about the type of present you can wrap?" he laughed and pulled out a small blue box which was wrapped with a white ribbon and a bow. I smiled at how pretty just the velvet box was and I couldn't wait to see what was inside.

"It's just a little something I saw and thought of you!" he said handing me the small box. I took it willingly and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards my bed where we sat.

I slowly untied the ribbon and placed it on my bedside table. I hesitated before slowly flipping the lid open and my heart fluttered as I saw the small gold bracelet that was set with small hearts that had small diamonds placed in the centre.

"Oh, Dimitri its beautiful." I said launching myself at him, wrapping my arms around him and kissing him passionately on the lips. I loved him so so much. Dimitri laughed and pushed me away, reaching for the box and taking out the delicate bracelet. His hands were as usual warm against my skin as he stretched out my arm and clasped the bracelet around my wrist. It looked beautiful against my slightly tanned skin and the diamonds made the hearts glisten like the moon.

"Now you have a little bit of me where ever you go!" he said and I couldn't help but kiss him again. It made me feel silly for what I had gotten him; I now wish I had spent more on his present.

"Now, I did get you something that I knew you would like but now it seems a little silly compared to this." I said getting up and going to my wardrobe, I knew he would never have looked there if he had been snooping to see if I have bought him one, but I knew he wasn't like that anyway.

"I already have you, what more can you give me?" I shook my head at his lovey dovey remark; of course he was just trying to make me feel better.

I pulled out the small present bag from behind a pile of shoes and walked back to the bed, I handed him the bag and tried my hardest not to laugh. Dimitri opened the bag and peered in curiously, I was surprised when he laughed.

"Just want I needed." He said as he pulled out a new western novel, at least this one wasn't battered. I had noticed it when we went shopping with Victor and I had to get it, I knew it was right up his street and by the look of his face he was happy. He pulled me on the bed from my standing position and kissed me fiercely.

I knew we shouldn't but it wasn't long before the kiss heated up, becoming more passionate as we began to tangle our bodies together. It had been such a long day that I was glad to have a moment of true happiness to end the day and at this moment I didn't care if we go caught.