And, here is the first of two new chapter uploads. Chapter 15 will follow. These just flowed out. I'm about a quarter of the way through the next chapter.

Thanks to all that have reviewed/Favorited/Followed. Thank you for all your kind words and suggestions.

I have a new reading recommendation. It's a story about Sonya and Mikhail. At first, I was hesitant, as it's not a Romitri story. However, I have to say I was blown away by this writer. I've only read the first chapter, and I'm hooked. I believe they uploaded the entire story at one time, and it appears to be 22 chapters. Once I'm done writing my next chapter, I'm headed back to binge read the story. It's called "Undying Love (Sonya & Mikhail's Story - VA Fanfic) by Llaria6. Please give it a read and leave them a review, if so inclined.

Translation: Hvatit - Stop (it)

DISCLAIMER: I own only the plot. Richelle Mead owns everything else.

Chapter 14: All in the Family

After three months, "Uncle Vanya" was set to open on Broadway, with Dimitri Belikov staring as Mikhail Lvovich Astrov. He had ended up not needing to audition, as the producers had seen his work in "The Wanderer." They were impressed enough to hire him based on the film. They had been in rehearsals for a month prior, working 10-hour days; 6 days a week. Rose had rarely seen him but was herself immersed in her classes. Her semester was coming to an end, and she needed to study for her finals.

In one of their brief phone conversations, Dimitri had informed Rose that his family would be traveling to New York for opening night. He was excited to introduce them to Rose. She felt as if she already knew them all, and she was just as excited to meet them, if not a little nervous.

Dimitri had secured tickets for all her friends. Lissa had sent her plane to California to collect Mia, Eddie, Sonya, and Mikhail. Jacob, Mia and Eddie's son, had stayed at home with Eddie's parents. Tasha and Ivan would also be in attendance, as well as Christian, Lissa, and even Adrian. It had taken a little time for Adrian to warm up to Dimitri, but they soon found common ground in their love for Rose. Adrian was also bringing a date. This would be the first time any of their friends had met the elusive Sydney Sage.

The evening before opening night, Dimitri was having dinner catered in his apartment for Rose and his family. It would be her first introduction to the rest of the Belikovs. She was looking forward to hearing more stories about Dimitri and his childhood from his mother and sisters.

She had decided on a pair of black, skinny dress pants with a sleeveless, black cutout tunic. She chose her red Decollete three inch Louboutin heels, realizing she might end up on her feet for a while. Rose went with a minimalist look to her makeup, as usual, and flat ironed her usually wavy hair. Looking in the mirror, she inhaled deeply, trying to calm her nerves.

Grabbing her clutch, she walked down the stairs to find Lissa in the living room, leafing through a magazine. Raising her head at the sound of Rose's approach, a wide grin appeared. "Rose, you look stunning!" Rose looked at her sheepishly. "Oh, don't tell me you're still nervous?" Lissa cried.

"Of course I am, Liss! It's Dimitri's family! What if they hate me? What if they think I'm only with him because of his status?"

Lissa shook her head softly, "Oh, Rose. There is no way that anyone would believe that. All they have to do is see the way you look at him."

"How…how do I look at him?" she asked.

Lissa chuckled lightly, "Like he's the only person on the planet."

Rose blushed, realizing she was probably right. She had felt herself mooning over Dimitri during some of their rare dates. She wondered who could blame her. The man was panty-dropping gorgeous with a fantastic personality and enormous heart.

"Yes, well, that still doesn't guarantee his family is going to see it."

"Rose Hathaway, this is not the woman I know! You're a self-assured, confident, intelligent woman who Dimitri is lucky to have attracted. Don't worry. They'll like you because he does."

Rose hugged Lissa before she could finish. "Thank you for saying that and reminding me," she whispered.

"Anytime. It's what best friends do. Now, go! You don't want to be late and risk his family's wrath," she teased.

Rose gently smacked her on the arm before turning and walking to the elevator. After the ride down, she exited and slipped into the back seat of the waiting sedan.

"Good evening, ma'am," Hans said as he pulled into traffic.

"Hiya, Hans," she replied. "Do you think there will ever come a day when you call me Rose?"

"I'm afraid not, ma'am," he answered, dryly.

Rose chuckled quietly, watching the city scene pass by. She was so caught up in watching the city come alive under the setting sun, she failed to realize they had reached Dimitri's apartment building. Hans already had her door opened, his hand proffered to assist before she had collected herself.

"What time shall I retrieve you, ma'am?" he asked.

"Uh, I'm not entirely certain. Let's say eleven, as usual. If anything changes, I'll let you know," Rose offered.

"Very well, ma'am. Enjoy your evening," Hans said stoically, before sliding back into the driver's seat and pulling away.

Rose turned and walked into the lobby. Simone was at her usual station. She smiled as Rose approached the desk. "Hi, Rose! Are you excited to meet the family?"

"Would it be awful if I said that instead I was absolutely petrified?" she said, wincing.

Simone laughed, "Of course not. I have to say though, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I met them briefly when they arrived. They were all incredibly nice and seemed very down to earth. Except when he's with you, I don't think I've seen Dimitri smile that much."

Rose felt her shoulders relax slightly with Simone's words. Deep down, she knew, based on what Dimitri had told her, along with the kind of man he was, his family would be nothing but incredible.

"Thank you, Simone. That helped. I guess I should head up then," she said before turning toward the elevators.

"Good luck," Simone said.

Rose smiled in acknowledgment before stepping onto the empty elevator. She tapped her foot nervously as she rode the fifty-three floors to the penthouse level. As the doors opened, Rose stood briefly, frozen in place. As the doors started to close, she rushed up, placing her hand between the sliding doors. Prying them back open, Rose stepped out and walked down the hall to Dimitri's door. Brushing off her clothes, she raised a shaking hand to rap lightly on the cold, metal surface.

Rose could hear mumbling and then heavy footsteps before the door opened. Dimitri stood in the opening, and she felt her breath hitch. He stood in all his six foot plus glory, his hair pulled back at the nape. He was wearing a gray button shirt, the sleeves rolled up onto his muscular forearms. His black slacks hung perfectly over his hips and long legs. She felt her core tingle at just the mere sight of his beauty.

He must have seen the look of wanton lust in her eyes, for he suddenly exited out the door, closing it behind him. Clutching her face between his hands, he pulled her to his lips, crushing hers in a mind-blowing kiss. Before she felt her knees might give out, she grasped his biceps, holding on for dear life.

It wasn't until they both heard a light cough behind them that they quickly broke apart. Peering around Dimitri, Rose saw a young woman, with dark brown eyes and hair quietly laughing. "Zdravstvujtye," she said.

Dimitri lowered his head to Rose's ear, whispering, "That's 'Hello.' It's pronounced zdrah-stvooy-tee."

"Zdravstvujtye," Rose replied, peering around Dimitri once again.

The young woman laughed, "Very good! With a little work, we'll have you sounding like a native in no time," she said, her accent heavier than Dimitri's. "I'm Viktoria, Neanderthal's youngest sister," she said, extending her hand.

Dimitri scoffed, "Hilarious, little sister."

Rose laughed, grasping the younger woman's hand in greeting. "I'm Rose."

Viktoria looked at her, her eyes raking her from head to toe. "Well he wasn't lying when he said you were beautiful," she said as her eyes met Rose's.

Rose blushed and looked up at Dimitri. He too had a tinge of pink in his cheeks. "Thank you," she said.

Viktoria laughed, apparently enjoying the reaction from Dimitri. "Well, are you two lovebirds going to stand out here all night making out, or are we going to eat? I'm starving!"

Laughing, the three made their way inside. Closing the door behind them, Rose felt Dimitri take her hand in his as he led her to the kitchen. She could see an older woman scurrying around the kitchen, pulling out dinnerware. Two younger women, both closer to Dimitri in age, were standing nearby at the ready. Out of the corner of her eye, Rose saw a much older woman seated in the armchair facing the kitchen. Her old eyes were staring hard at her. She felt a small shiver course through her body as she followed Dimitri into the kitchen.

Pulling her gaze from the old woman, Rose turned to face the others. The older woman working furiously there stopped as they approached. Her face lit up in a smile as she made her way around the island toward Rose. Stopping in front, she placed her hands on Rose's arms. "You must be Dimitri's Roza," she said. Before Rose could reply, the woman had pulled her into her arms, embracing her tightly. "Thank you," she whispered into her ear.

Pulling back, Rose could only reply, "Yes, I'm Rose. You must be Olena, Dimitri's mother."

She nodded. "It's so wonderful to finally meet the woman who has captured my son's heart. Come, let me introduce you to everyone," she said, taking Rose by the hand.

Pointing to the woman standing at the sink, "This is my daughter, Sonya." Indicating the other woman standing near Viktoria, she said, "That is my other daughter, Karolina."

Rose nodded toward both women, a small smile on her lips. "Zdravstvujtye," she said.

They both laughed, "Not bad. Could use a little work. I'm sure my brother will be glad to teach you," Sonya said, a smirk on her lips. Rose blushed, not sure of her intended meaning.

"And, this is Dimitri's grandmother, Yeva," Olena said, leading Rose toward the older woman in the chair.

"Zdravstvujtye," Rose greeted the elder Belikov.

Yeva snorted in derision, looking toward Dimitri "She doesn't even pronounce it correctly. Why couldn't you find yourself a nice Russian girl, grandson?"

Rose looked questioningly toward him. He shook his head as he looked at her. Her attention returned to the older Belikov when she continued, "This one seems weak. She will not be able to bear your life. You must let her go before you ruin her innocence."

"Babushka, hvatit!" Dimitri said, his tone harsh and demanding.

Rose could sense the tension and nervously looked toward Dimitri. When she could find no answer there, her gaze turned toward the others. None would look her in the eye.

Turning toward Yeva, Rose walked closer. "I might not know Russian, but I know when I'm being talked about. Weren't you ever taught that if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all?" her voice tight and controlled.

Silence blanketed the room, as Rose and the older woman stared at each other. After a few seconds, Yeva's eyes lit up as a smile formed on her wrinkled lips. "I am glad to see I was wrong. She is strong. She will be your strength, as you will be hers."

Rose looked toward Dimitri again, looking for answers. Dimitri smiled, walked up to Rose, as his arm slid around her. "My grandmother said that she was worried you might not be strong enough to share my life, with what I endure. But, now, she says she sees she was wrong. She said that we will be each other's strengths."

Before Rose could reply, Yeva stood up gingerly before starting to shuffle toward the kitchen. "Come, let's eat. I am starving."

Rose's eyes grew wide as she looked at Yeva. "You speak English?" she said, shock in her voice.

Huffing, she replied, "Of course. I was not raised in a self-centered country where they believe their language is the only one."

Rose snorted, "Yeva, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

"I am no Humphrey Bogart, and you are most definitely no Claude Rains," she scoffed.

Everyone burst out laughing. Dimitri pulled Rose tightly to his side. Bending down, he whispered into her ear, "I think you have charmed the beast."

Looking into his eyes, she replied softly, "I thought I charmed you long ago?"

His eyes grew a shade darker, as his eyes studied her lips, "Oh, Roza, you have no idea."

Rose felt herself shiver, as his hand slid lazily across her hip. Coughing lightly, she pulled back, before saying out loud, "So, I think Yeva said something about food? Anything I can do to help?"

"No," Olena spoke up. "Everything is ready. Everyone can come serve themselves."

After everyone had laden their dishes with food, they sat around the dining room table, eating and sharing stories. Rose laughed as his sisters shared tales of playing dress up with Dimitri, or about his one-man productions he'd stage in the backyard in the summers.

"So, Dimitri was always an actor, then, I surmise?" Rose asked.

"Oh my, yes," Olena said, her face shining with pride. "We knew early on he was gifted."

"Have you had a chance to see his latest film," Rose inquired.

"Yes, Dimitri flew us to Moscow for the premiere," Viktoria said, excitedly. "Have you seen it, yet, Rose?"

Rose smiled as she looked at Dimitri, "Yes, Dimitri took me to see it a few months ago. I thought it was incredible. I thought he was incredible."

Dimitri was holding Rose's gaze as he said, "It was her faith in me that gave me the courage to go after the part in 'Uncle Vanya.'"

"Ugh, I think I just got a cavity," Viktoria cracked.

Dimitri shot his sister a teasing glare, "Watch it, little sister. You might be as good a fighter as I, but I can still put you in your place."

"That's right! I forgot Dimitri had said you were very skilled, Viktoria. Have you decided what you'd like to do for a career?" Rose asked.

"Actually," she said, grinning, "I have been accepted at St. John's University. I'll start in the Fall studying Criminal Justice. I'd like to work on my citizenship while I'm studying and then get my Masters in International Law. My goal is to get an internship with Interpol and then one day be an actual agent."

"That sounds incredible!" Rose exclaimed. "Wait! That means you'll be living in New York?"

Viktoria was nodding enthusiastically, "Yes! I'm so excited! I'll be able to see you and Dimitri, plus living here!"

"Mama," Dimitri said, quietly. "Are you all right with this?"

"Yes," she replied. "It's what your sister wants. As scared as I am for her, I know this is what she wants."

Dimitri nodded, solemnly. "Well, okay. Viktoria if this is truly what you want, then I will support you. Whatever you need, you only have to ask," he said, his face softening toward his little sister.

They continued to talk and share stories until late in the evening. As it grew closer to the witching hour for Rose, she pulled Dimitri aside. "Comrade, I'm afraid I have to leave. Hans is coming any minute. Besides, you have a big night tomorrow. You know great stage actors need their rest," she teased.

"You're probably right, Roza. Come, I'll walk you down," he said, as he stood and started to guide her toward the door.

Rose stopped, turning around, "I'm so sorry, I have to leave, but I'll see you all tomorrow night at the opening. It was such a pleasure to meet you all."

Olena stood, walking over to Rose. "It was a pleasure dear." She took Rose's face into her hands, kissing her on both cheeks. Pulling her into a hug, she whispered into her ear, "Thank you, again."

Rose pulled back slightly, a confused look on her face. "I don't understand. You said that before. What have I done to earn your thanks?"

Olena smiled gently, "You saved my son."

Pulling away, she walked over to her son, "Be the gentleman I raised and escort your lady to her car."

Dimitri replied, sheepishly, "Yes, mama. I was just going to walk out with her." Turning to Rose, he asked, "Are you ready, milaya?"

Rose nodded, waving goodbye before exiting the apartment. Dimitri took her hand in his as he led her to the elevator. "Did I not tell you that they would love you?"

"They are wonderful, Dimitri. Even Yeva, once she warms up to you," she joked.

Dimitri laughed, "Yes, she is not easily won over. I was surprised she took to you so quickly."

They entered the elevator quietly, exiting as the doors slid open once again. Dimitri took her hand, strolling toward the lobby doors. Not wanting to be caught by any lurking paparazzi, Dimitri pulled Rose behind a tall plant inside the entrance before he took her in his arms. Lowering his face to hers, he brushed his lips lightly against her cheek. "I'm glad you liked my family, Roza. It's important to me that you feel comfortable around them."

Rose signed, reveling in the warmth and strength of his arms. "They are great, Dimitri. I expected no less, considering the type of man you are," she said, her hands running up his arms until they rested on his shoulders.

Still brushing his lips against her forehead, cheeks, nose, and jaw, he continued, "It'll be great that Viktoria will be here, too."

"Hmmm," Rose mumbled, her eyes closed, enjoying his caresses. "Dimitri?"

"Yes, milaya?" he whispered.

"Shut up and kiss me."