Thank you all so much for the wonderful reviews! As you can see, I'm updating early because I have a family thing tomorrow! I'm not sure if I'll be able to update next weekend because then I have another family feast, but I'll do my best! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy.


CHAPTER 12

DPOV

Rose had fallen asleep before the movie was over. Her head was no longer leaning against my shoulder, but was now resting against the pillow. She looked peaceful. I was reluctant to wake her up now that she'd finally managed to doze off.

Shutting my laptop, I placed it quietly on the bedside table. I wasn't sure what to do next. Should I go downstairs and sleep on the couch? Maybe that was the better option – the right thing to do – but I didn't want to leave her alone right now. I guess that if I made sure to stay on my side of the bed it would be okay. I wasn't exactly doing anything wrong by that, was I?

I flicked off the remaining light and pulled the comforter over Rose so she wouldn't get cold. Then I sat at the edge of the bed and looked at her sleeping form, wondering if I was crossing a line if I slept in the same bed as her. Maybe I'd already crossed the line when I'd invited her to watch a movie with me in my room. You're just being her friend. There's nothing wrong with that, a voice inside my head whispered.

But a friend wouldn't be thinking about how beautiful she looked when she was asleep. A friend wouldn't be secretly looking at her in awe when she wasn't looking, a friend wouldn't feel this weird fluttering feeling in the pit of his stomach when she touched him.

I rolled my eyes at myself; I was being ridiculous. Suppressing a sigh, I looked away from her and lay down on the other side of the bed, making sure there was enough space between us. I rolled away, facing the wall, and closed my eyes, but found I still couldn't fall asleep even though I was exhausted. So I rolled back and stared at Rose again. She was frowning a little, and even then, she still was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen.

I hoped she wasn't having any nightmares about that asshole, Stan. Just thinking about the things he'd done to her and might've done if her mom hadn't showed up made me feel the anger bubble up inside of me again. And thanks to my initial anger, I'd suggested to beat the guy up, which I probably shouldn't have said. I didn't want Rose to think I was that kind of person, but the thought of her being hurt was just so maddening. I wished there was something I could do to help her. She'd said I had by being there for her, but it didn't feel like it was enough.

Even though my head was filled with worries about Rose, I dropped off eventually and when I opened my eyes again she was gone. I blinked a couple of times, taking in my surroundings, and looked at the alarm clock. It was still early morning.

With a heavy sigh, I sat up and rubbed my eyes. I pulled on some fresh clothes and went downstairs, hoping Rose was still here. I knew she was going to see her sister today – and her boyfriend, I guess. But when I got to the kitchen, there was no one there except Oscar. There was a note on the countertop, however, and I picked it up to read.

Thank you for last night. I'll be home before dinner. Have a good day, comrade.

A small smile spread across my face. I was relieved she seemed to be doing alright. I wouldn't know for sure until she got home, though. Seeing as I was all alone and didn't have to be in the bookshop today, I figured I might as well try to finish my project.

Quickly, I came to the realization that was not going to happen because my mind kept going back to the things Rose had told me last night. I could hardly concentrate on the task at hand. After a while, I just started doodling while my mind wandered off to Rose again. Roza, Roza, Roza… She was all I thought about lately. I didn't mean for it to happen, but sometimes I daydreamed about her when I should be working. This attraction thing was getting out of hand, I realized. I was skating on thin ice now. I'd even called her Roza last night; it had just slipped out of my mouth. Se hadn't seemed to mind, though. She'd even smiled that gorgeous smile of hers.

Just thinking about her smile made my heart pick up speed again, pounding in my chest like a hammer. I didn't know why that kept happening to me. Well, maybe I did know, but I didn't want to admit it yet. But it was happening more frequently now and that was troubling.

Blinking, I stared down at the piece of paper in front of me. When had I stopped doodling mindlessly and started drawing an actual face? A face that looked exactly like Rose's, framed with wavy long hair, complete with her plump lips and doe eyes.

"Jesus," I muttered, shaking my head.

What was happening to me? Why couldn't I get her out of my head? Letting out a frustrated sigh, I pushed my chair back and got up before striding out of the living room. I needed a shower – a cold one. Maybe that would help clear my mind.

I didn't feel much better afterwards, but at least I was cooled off. I was just getting dressed when the doorbell rang. Whoever it was, they kept ringing it incessantly so after pulling on my jeans I jogged downstairs, not bothering to put on a shirt.

"I'm coming," I called when the shrill ringing continued.

Cursing quietly, I unlocked the front door and threw it open. I wished I hadn't because Tasha stood in front of me, wearing the biggest smile ever on her face, even showing her teeth. Her black hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and I noticed immediately her skin was tanned. She looked relaxed and happy, which was strange for Tasha. Maybe her little vacation at the lake house had done her some good, but she'd come home way too early. The summer wasn't over yet so what was she doing here?

"What-"

"Dimka!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me and kissing me soundly. I put my hands on her arms, pushing her off of me. "I've missed you!"

"Tasha," I said, not nearly as enthusiastic as her. "You're back."

She grinned from ear to ear. "Yes, I am. Have you missed me?"

I wanted to say no, but that might be rude. Honestly, I hadn't thought about her since the moment she'd left. I guess I was too busy thinking about Rose nowadays. Before I could form a response, however, Tasha pushed past me inside and walked into the living room.

"Is Rose here?" she asked.

I frowned, moving around the couch so there'd be a little more space between us. "No."

"Good." She sighed and then walked over to me. I stepped back, but she immediately closed the distance between us again. "It wouldn't be proper walking around shirtless with her around, hmm? But it's definitely a nice view for me."

I almost shook my head at myself. I should've put on a damn shirt. "Uh, Tasha," I started carefully. "What's going on? I thought we were on a break. I thought you'd be gone until the end of summer."

Tasha started to wrap her arms around my neck. "I know, but I believe I've given you enough time to figure things out."

I tugged her hands away. "Yes, I actually have figured things out."

Tasha's smile widened and I dreaded the next moment. She probably thought I'd be giving her good news, but it was just the opposite. For her, of course. For me, breaking up was good news.

"Enough talk," she said suddenly as she grabbed my face with both hands and crushed her lips against mine, pushing me down onto the couch. I was completely caught off guard, which was why I was so slow to react and push her away once more.

"Oh my God!"

Both Tasha and I were startled by the new voice in the room. Blinking, I pushed Tasha from my lap and she nearly toppled onto the floor as I scrambled to my feet and glanced over at Rose, who stood in the doorway. She was staring at us, mouth agape.

"I'm sorry," she said, her cheeks flushing red. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"No, no," I said quickly. "You're not-"

Rose glared at me. "I'll just leave you to it."

Ignoring my protests, she darted out of the room as if she couldn't get away from me fast enough. I was momentarily frozen, still picturing her glare. Why did she glare at me? Was she mad? Without so much as giving Tasha a second glance, I ran after Rose. She was almost at her bedroom door when I stopped her.

"Rose," I said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She turned around swiftly, crossing her arms and giving me a defiant look. "What?"

I was speechless for a moment. "I… I didn't know you were coming home so soon," I said at last. I almost cringed at my own words. That obviously hadn't been the right thing to say because she was glaring at me again.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said sarcastically. She no longer looked embarrassed. "I'll make sure to stay out longer next time so you can finish without getting interrupted."

"It's not what you think," I said awkwardly.

She arched an eyebrow at me as she looked me over. I shut my eyes and suppressed a sigh, wishing I hadn't been so careless and put on that damn shirt before opening the front door.

"Please," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Don't lie. At least lock the door next time or give me some warning so I don't have to walk in on you when you're about to have sex with Tasha." She paused, scowling at me. "With Tasha, for God's sake! I thought you were going to break up with her."

"I was – I mean, I am," I stammered. "I am going to break up with her. She just caught me by surprise."

Rose scoffed again. Clearly she did not believe a word I was saying.

"I was just getting out of the shower when she rang the bell," I explained. "I didn't even know she was coming." I took a small step forward, trying to hold her gaze to show her that I was being sincere. "Really, Roza, it's not what you think." When she said nothing, I started to plead. I didn't know why it was important that she knew there was nothing going on between Tasha and me. "I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry you saw that. I didn't mean to upset you. But it's not-"

"Alright, that's enough," Rose cut me off fiercely. "You didn't upset me, okay? Just because you saw me cry last night doesn't mean I'm some fragile little doll you need to protect all the time."

I looked at her, confused. "Roza, I don't think you're-"

"No," she said firmly, shaking her head. "I'm not finished yet. It's not because I was assaulted that I can't handle other people having sex, alright? I can handle it, trust me. You just go ahead and have sex with Tasha for all I care!" She was glaring at me again. She was so furious she was actually struggling to get the words out of her mouth. "Just… Just make sure to lock the door next time – or move it to the bedroom where I don't have to see you two!"

I stared at her in shock, unable to form a reply. With a huff, she spun on her heels and slammed the door shut in my face. Even though I had no idea what I was going to say, I reached for the doorknob, but then I heard her lock the door. Did she just really lock herself into her bedroom so she wouldn't have to face me?

"Rose," I said through the door, my voice pleading again. "Roza, please open the door."

There was no response, of course. I knocked a couple of times, desperate to explain myself. Rose had never been angry at me before, let alone fought with me, so I didn't really know what to do right now to make this right.

Realizing she wasn't going to come out, I sighed and said loudly through the door, "Just so you know, I don't think you're some fragile little doll. And I know you don't need my protection." I leaned my head against the door. "I just wanted to…" I paused, not sure what I even wanted to say. Eventually, I settled for another apology and then I left her alone.

On my way downstairs, I stopped at the bathroom and pulled on my shirt. I hoped Tasha would've left by now, but she was still in my living room. Her back was to me.

"Tasha," I started, exasperated.

Swiftly, she spun around. Her face was contorted with anger as she held a piece of paper in her hand, shaking it vehemently. "What the hell is this?"

I frowned, confused. "I don't-"

But then she held it in front of me and my eyes widened when I saw it was my sketch of Rose. "I thought you'd figured things out!"

"I have," I told her.

"Then why do I find drawings of Rose?" she exclaimed in outrage. I wanted to point out it was just the one drawing, but that might piss her off even more. "You never drew me before!"

I shrugged awkwardly. "Well…"

Tasha let out a frustrated cry as she crumpled the piece of paper. I winced, automatically wanting to reach for the paper so she wouldn't tear it into pieces, but maybe it'd be better if she did. I shouldn't have drawn Rose, even I knew that much.

"I can't believe this," Tasha growled. "I leave town to give you some space so you can think about what's really important in life and then I find this on your desk?" She threw the crumpled piece of paper on the floor. When she looked back up at me, her eyes were ablaze with anger. "Are you in love with her?"

"No," I said quickly. Too quickly. "I was only doodling. It means nothing."

Tasha crossed her arms, scoffing. "Do you think I'm stupid, Dimitri?"

"No," I repeated, crossing my arms as well. She glared at me, but it didn't affect me at all. "Tasha, I think we should break up."

Her eyes widened in shock. "What?!"

"I've tried to tell you before you left town," I explained, "but you wouldn't even let me speak. I've been thinking about this for a long time now. I don't think we're going to work out. I'm sorry."

I probably should make it sound more like I was actually sorry and look contrite, but I was done pretending. I just wanted to be done with her.

Tasha's jaw clenched. "So you are in love with her."

"This has nothing to do with Rose." I made sure to look her in the eye when I said, "I was already doubting this relationship before Rose came along."

Tasha's nostrils flared. Scowling, she said, "You're lying!"

I shook my head. "I'm not." Realizing I was being a little bit harsh, I said in a gentler voice, "Look, I wish I felt the same way, but I don't. I can't be with someone I don't love."

"So you're going to be with Rose then?" she demanded.

I refrained from rolling my eyes. "Tasha, please. Don't be ridiculous."

"What?" she taunted. "It's not true then? You don't love her?"

I glanced away. Why was she doing this to me? "Tasha."

"When she got home and saw us, you ran after her immediately, completely forgetting I was even here!" she shouted angrily. "If anything, that drawing proves it!"

I scowled at her. "Lower your voice."

She gave me a defiant look. "Why? Are you afraid she's going to hear us?"

"No!" I lied.

I tried to look indifferent, but I was pretty sure she saw right through me because she was smirking at me. Usually, I was better at keeping a straight face, but I guess I was too upset right now to keep my features in check.

"Then what's the problem?"

I couldn't quite meet her gaze. "Just…don't."

"I knew it," Tasha sneered. "I knew it from the moment you took her in! I knew she was going to wrap you around her little finger and-"

"Stop it, Tasha!" I exclaimed, my head finally snapping up.

"She's a minor, Dimitri," Tasha said, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. She was really enjoying this. "So if you're thinking of dating her – that silly little girl – just remember it's illegal."

I stared at her, feeling the anger bubble up inside of me. I didn't care if she insulted me, but I wasn't going to allow her to insult Rose. It was time for her the leave – before this fight escalated even more. It surprised me I'd even managed to stay calm until now.

"Get out," I growled, fixing her with a glare.

"Fine," Tasha spat, giving me one last withering look before storming out the door. "You're not worth my time anymore."

I was relieved when I heard the door slam shut. To make sure she was truly leaving, I watched through the window until she'd actually driven her car down the road and disappeared from view. And hopefully, from my life.

Picking up the crumpled piece of paper, I straightened it out and stared at my sketch. Tasha might be a bitch, but she was right about one thing. Maybe. Probably. I wasn't ready yet to admit it to myself. Heaving a sigh, I placed the drawing on my desk and left the house. Maybe a walk would help me clear my mind.

RPOV

When I finally came back downstairs, Dimitri was nowhere to be found. A part of me was relieved that I didn't have to face him yet and apologize for my childish behavior, but another part of me – the bigger part – was sad because I was probably the reason why he wasn't here right now.

It could be Tasha, too, of course. After I'd locked myself into my bedroom like a petulant child, I'd heard them shouting at one another for a while. I hadn't exactly heard what it was about because I was too busy trying to ignore them, but my name definitely dropped somewhere during their yelling match. I was pretty sure Dimitri had broken up with her after all, which made me feel even worse for shouting at him.

Maybe I'd exaggerated a little bit. Maybe he did have an explanation, but even so, it shouldn't matter because, frankly, it was none of my damn business. I shouldn't have gotten angry at him. This was his house so I had no right to tell him what he could and couldn't do.

I didn't know why I'd gotten so upset at seeing them together in the first place. Maybe because Dimitri had me convinced that he was breaking up with Tasha. It shouldn't matter to me whether he broke up with her or not, but apparently it did matter. I realized I was being completely unreasonable, but I felt betrayed and…jealous. The latter was probably the reason why I got so mad when Dimitri tried to explain himself to me.

There was absolutely no way of denying that I was attracted to Dimitri, but I didn't know when it had become such an issue. An issue I couldn't ignore or pretend it didn't exist. Because I had a boyfriend and I wasn't being fair to him. Either I needed to get over this thing I felt for Dimitri or break up with Mason. But could I do that? I'd be breaking my best friend's heart. And for what?

It's not like I was going to act on whatever it was that I felt for Dimitri. Because that'd be absurd. He was seven years older than me. Why would he want to be with a stupid little girl like me? A girl that threw tantrums when she didn't get her way. I wasn't mature enough for him. Even entertaining the thought of us together was ridiculous. It had to stop. Right now.

Suddenly, I caught sight of one of Dimitri's drawings on his desk. I inched a little bit closer. Usually, he never left his sketches in plain sight; he didn't like for anyone to see a work in progress. Apparently, that wasn't so uncommon among artists according to Alberta.

The paper was a little bit crumpled. Straightening it out, I gasped as I stared at my own face. My face drawn on a piece of paper. It looked exactly like me; almost like a black and white photograph. I knew I was pretty, but damn, did I look good on paper! Or maybe he just drew you without your flaws, Rose…

That might be closer to the truth, yeah.

I blinked, unable to tear my gaze from the sketch. Before I had time to process what this could mean, the door swung open and Dimitri stepped into the living room. Without thinking, I ran towards him and flung my arms around his neck, relieved he was home.

"I'm sorry," I murmured into his ear. I pulled away slightly to look at him, biting down on my lip. One of his arms was still around my waist. "I'm so sorry."

He gave a slight shake of his head. "No, I am sorry. I-"

"You don't have to apologize to me," I interrupted. "You didn't do anything wrong. I, on the other hand…" I gave him a mirthless smile. "I shouldn't have yelled at you. It was disrespectful." Dimitri was shaking his head again, but I continued anyway, "This is your house and…" I paused, not sure what I wanted to say anymore. "I'm sorry, okay? I guess you're right. I was upset." I could hardly tell him that I was upset because I was jealous so instead I said, "I just think that you deserve better than Tasha, that's all." It wasn't a lie – I did think that he deserved better than Tasha – but it wasn't the whole truth either. "I promise it won't happen again."

That's when I looked down and saw flowers in Dimitri's hand. They were daisies – and a whole bunch of them, too. Dimitri looked a little bit embarrassed when he handed them to me.

"I know you're not a flower kind of girl," he said, "but I didn't know what else I could do to make it up to you. I'm sorry. I just… I don't want us to fight, Roza."

I looked down at the flowers with a smile as a warm sensation spread in my chest. "Did you pick them yourself?"

He nodded, giving me a sheepish smile. "I broke up with Tasha – and it's for real this time. She isn't coming back."

I thought about the drawing again. Could it be that they'd fought over that? Could it be that Tasha had seen his drawing of me? Was that the reason she'd been yelling my name?

"And for what it's worth," Dimitri murmured, moving a little closer, "I really don't think you're some fragile little doll who needs my protection."

My smile grew a little wider. I couldn't meet his gaze, though, because I was still ashamed of slamming the door in his face earlier so I stared down at the flowers in my hands instead. "I heard."

"I mean it," he said, his voice so fierce it made me look up at him at last. "Roza, you're one of the strongest people I know."

I was pretty sure I was blushing furiously right now. Not wanting him to notice, I closed the distance and wrapped my arms around him, careful not to crush my flowers. Closing my eyes, I pressed my lips to his cheek. "Thank you for the flowers, comrade."

"You're welcome." His voice sounded a little muffled because his face was buried in my hair. "Are we good?"

I wasn't quite ready to pull away from him yet so I murmured against his shoulder, still smiling, "We're good."


They had their first fight! Man, what jealousy can do to a person! But the way they made up was kind of cute, don't you think? And yay! Dimitri finally broke up with Tasha. Was about damn time! :D

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on the chapter! Have a wonderful weekend! :)