RPOV

It's been two weeks since I've been avoiding Dimitri. I was able to convince myself this morning to stop being so childish and go talk to him, make everything better again. I've had weird feelings, too. Like something big is going to happen. Not in a good way, either.

I had set my alarm pretty early, like I'd do if I had practice. I had a feeling Dimitri would be in the gym. I put some sweats and a t-shirt on and went to the gym and saw Dimitri beating the hell out of a punching bag. He was shirtless, he was sweaty, and he looked godly. His hair was tied in a loose ponytail. Opening the gym door, I stepped in. I could hear Dimitri's grunts everytime he hit the bag, I felt my heart pounding and my head started spinning. I forgot how overwhelming Dimitri could be sometimes. His muscles rippled and flexed with every movement he made. Shaking off the trance he put me in, I hesitantly put a hand on his back. He stiffened, then turned and saw me. His brown eyes lit up and a small smile came to his lips.

"Hi," he said quietly.

I felt my cheeks heat up a little. "Hi." Dimitri went over to his duffle bag and took out a water bottle. He took a quick drink, wiped his mouth, and put it back.

"How're you feeling?" he asked.

I shrugged. "Fine I guess," I said sheepishly. "No more morning sickness." (Let's just say Rose is about two months along)

Dimitri smiled, it was a little strained. "I'm glad." His smile dropped a little. An awkward silence fell between us. It was weird, Dimitri and I never had any awkward moments. "I-I'm sorry," Dimitri blurted. "about what happened with the Strigoi. I didn't mean to scare you I—"

"It's fine," I interrupted. "I don't mind."

"No, Roza, please listen." His voice sounded desperate. I looked up at him, those gorgeous brown eyes were begging and pleading. I nodded. "I was so angry and feeling so overwhelmed that you were taken. I blamed myself for anything that happened to you and the baby." His hands went to my shoulders, his fingers sort of digging in. "The other guardians were getting nowhere— I wanted to find you so badly, Roza. Lord Ivashkov helped a lot and even though I dislike him I owe him so much for finding you." Dimitri's eyes watered. "When I saw your face you looked like you saw a monster. I-I didn't want you to see me like that... If I'd known that was going to happen—" He broke down. Dimitri's body trembled, he hung his head, I could hear whimpers. Seeing Dimitri snap in anger was one thing, seeing him so vulnerable and actually crying was another. He fell on his knees. I wrapped my arms around Dimitri, he leaned in, burying his face in my neck.

I tried comforting him, but I couldn't find the words. I felt tears threatening to fall from my eyes. I knew Dimitri would blame himself for any harm the baby and I were put through. If this was the pain Dimitri was feeling for just a few Strigoi bites and his breakdown, I could only imagine what he'd do if Alexander had killed me. So I just kept holding him, one hand rubbing up and down his back. His arms had wrapped themsevles around me, gently but firmly.

"I'm sorry," I managed to whisper. Once Dimitri calmed down, he didn't move. I heard him sniffle a few times. I continued rubbing his back, resting my chin on his shoulder. "Feeling better?" I asked. It felt as if I were talking to a small child. He nodded. Removing his head from my shoulder, I saw his bloodshot and puffy eyes. Gently placing a hand on my cheek, he kissed me. It's been so long since I had contact with Dimitri that I put everything into that kiss. It sent electric shocks through me. Dimitri's soft lips moved against mine. His hands tangled themselves in my hair. He pressed his body against mine.

"My Roza," he murmured. When we pulled back for air, I could see a look of satisfaction and happiness. "I love you."

I smiled. "I love you, too." Dimitri gently tugged my shirt up, looking at my swelling belly. He brushed his lips against the swelling skin and put a hand over it.

"It'll be okay," he whispered. I nodded.

A WEEK AND A HALF LATER!

Since I was able to get back to Dimitri, we've been clinging to each other. He would eat with my and the gang at lunch, earning weird looks from guardians and studens alike. He'd walk me to class and to my dorm at night. Though he'd sneak in late at night and sleep with me. Even though we stopped our practicing, we still hung out in the gym before and after classes. Sometimes talking, joking, and spending some much-needed time together. Other times we just made out. I can't tell you how much that man can do to me. Dimitri also began coming to the ultrasounds. Everytime he'd see the baby's image, a big smile would come to his face. The nurses said it was still too early to determine the sex, but Dimitri and I said we'd like it to be a surprise.

Dimitri also came with me to the church. I would have frequent questions for Father Andrew about the prophecy. But he didn't have any new information to tell us. I still remembered from that dream, other Dimitri told of an upcoming Strigoi attack. How would Dimitri and I be able to convince the other guardians a gang of Strigoi was going to attack the Academy? And over my unborn child? Dimitri and I decided to wait until maybe I was a week or two away from my due date. Maybe that'd work.

Dimitri and I were in the gym, before school, making out. Dimitri had his back against the wall, far away from the gym doors, and I was straddling him. Dimitri, being a more experienced kisser, knew how to make me breathless very quickly. Once we finished, I rested my head against his chest. His hand running through my hair.

"Promise me you'll never cut your hair," Dimitri sighed blissfully.

I snuggled into his chest. "I promise." I didn't have to look up to see his smile. He kissed the top of my head. "Have you told your family yet?" I asked.

"No," Dimitri said. "I want to, but I can't."

I leaned back. "What do you mean you can't?"

Dimitri brushed his lips against mine. "Something's telling me not to. There's something big that's about to happen, I can feel it." He eyed me wearily. "Can't you?"

I shrugged. "A little."

"I don't want my family to get involved, whatever it is." I nodded. "And whatever it is, it's really bad." Dimitri's eyes hardened. "I'll protect you from it."

QUICKY A/N: CAN I GET ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT THE 'BIG THING' IS? IT'S SOMETHING REALLY BAD. I'M NOT SURE IF IT SHOULD BE ANOTHER STRIGOI ATTACK OR SOMETHING ELSE! I'D LIKE TO READ WHAT Y'ALL HAVE TO SAY. PLEAASE! I NEED SOME HELP!

:) :)

YOURS TRULY,

~SMITHY