– DIMITRI –

I stared blankly at the empty stage as some loud filler song played before the next number. I wasn't sure what had just happened between me and Rose, but suffice to say, it didn't go as expected. Rose wasn't exactly above using her...natural assets...to persuade people, particularly me, but hot & cold had always been my modus operandi.

A sudden movement from the left caught my attention as Marie plopped down in the empty chair at my table. I was tempted to reject her free booze until I realized that she didn't have any this time. Her arms we splayed over the table, cradling her face though it was all but obscured by her disheveled hair. A moment later she popped back up, leveling me with a tired stare.

"I'm getting too old to work these shifts," she confided.

"What are you? Twenty-five? I'd hardly call that elderly."

"Twenty-four, thank you very much!" She almost looked insulted that I had guessed a year older, and as she pulled out her phone, I knew my punishment was to follow. "No luck tonight. Sorry. I'll do my best to calm her down a little. Do you want to drown your sorrows in whiskey or are we sticking to the nectar of the homeland today?"

My shoulders dipped, letting the weight of my disappointment come to rest. I wasn't exactly surprised, but I had really hoped that she would at least tell me to 'go to hell' herself. "Neither," I replied, shaking my head, "but I would like the name of the cheapest hotel around here."

"With or without bedbugs?" Marie's eyebrow shot up in the way I knew Rose had always envied. I wondered momentarily if it was annoying to her that she was still hopeless at it, especially when it looked like Marie had perfected it. Before I could answer, she continued, "Come on. I'll see if you can stay with a friend."

She walked away as quickly as she had come, and I followed behind using my long strides to close the distance between us. The door marked "Employees Only" opened without any hesitation and she passed through just as briskly, with me following only a moment later. I wasn't sure where she was leading me, but I could see various dancers walking about and assumed that we were somehow back stage. Almost without thinking, I began scanning the area for Rose.

"Jason! Hey! You still got that pull out couch?"

A man I vaguely recognized, though I had no clue from where, turned his head at Marie's shout. He looked me up and down briefly before speaking. "Yeah, what about it?"

"My friend needs a place to crash. You mind giving him a roof for the night? Hopefully he won't be here longer than a day or so."

"Why can't he stay with you?" He looked at me again, offering a half sincere apologetic look. "Sorry man, I don't typically take in drifters I don't know. I prefer not to be killed by ax murders."

"No offense taken," I retorted dryly. He was already chafing at my nerves and I wouldn't mind sleeping something a little more comfortable than a lumpy pull out couch. Sure it was better than a bug infested mattress, but only barely.

"Screw you, Jason. He's a friend of mine and I wouldn't ask if he could stay with me." Her voice lowered a little. "You know Ivy is dealing with some shit right now."

"Then how about I let her stay over and you can take tall, dark, and Russian here. Then I won't even have to pull out the couch."

His tone was playful, but his suggestion still infuriated me. With a mix of heartache and alcohol in my blood, I was liable to attack him. Thankfully, Marie beat me to the punch. Literally.

"Shit, girl! Have you been working with Ivy again?" He rubbed at his shoulder where he had been struck. "I was only messing with you."

"Well, don't. And even if I can't totally kick your ass, Ivy can and would be more than happy to. All I need to do is ask, so don't tempt me."

"Fine, fine." His pocket jingled as Jason retrieved his keys, eyeing me skeptically before pulling one from the keyring. "Apartment 4. Marie can give you the address. And I'm holding her personally responsible if any of my stuff goes missing so don't try it."

I accepted his reluctant gift with a just as reluctant grunt of gratitude. "Thanks."

"Whatever," he waved me off. "I need to get back on stage soon. Extra linens are in the closet by the bathroom, couch should be easy enough to find. You're welcome to the fridge but if you eat my lasagna I'll wake you up with ice water. My mom made it and I'm not planning on sharing."

I almost laughed, finding something in common with my host. I wouldn't share my mama's cooking with a random stranger either. "I'll pick up something on the way," I promised.

He nodded before looking away as if he had already grown bored of me, so with one last glance around for Rose, I followed Marie out the same door we had entered in. A piece of scrap paper with some hastily written directions and a take-out bag of burgers and fries later, and I was home sweet home in what had to be the hands down messiest apartment I had ever seen in my life.

~ROSE~

Marie was asleep by the time I came home, her shift ending about an hour before mine. Dimitri had left sometime after I had texted her and while I was curious to know if she knew where he went, I wasn't curious enough to wake her up. She was sassy on her best days; wake her up and she was downright bitchy.

Instead, I grabbed the last of the sweet 'n sour chicken from the fridge, going between that and my silent phone. I kept waiting for something. A call, a text, I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it never came. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was. When he wanted to be, Dimitri could honestly be just as stubborn, if not more so than me. I must have been on edge, anticipating his next move.

With a sigh, I dropped my fork into the sink and the empty white box into the trash. It needed to go out but I didn't have the energy to walk two flights of stairs at 4am so I let it stand. If I was lucky, Marie would be annoyed enough by it in the morning and I wouldn't have to do it at all. My cheap bed felt like heavenly clouds as I fell into the blankets and I was thrilled to put an end to the day.

But...I couldn't sleep. I kept tossing and turning, flipping the pillow to find a new cool place to rest my head. The thought crossed my mind that what I really needed was a warm body. Once the thought was there, it was hard to put out of my mind, but even my own hand wasn't enough to relax me tonight. Frustrated, in more ways than one, I finally gave up on the idea and flipped on the television. I don't know how many infomercials I watched before I finally drifted off, but the next thing I knew, I was standing on wooden deck, overlooking a wide expanse of spruce and snow. I reflexively hugged my arms to my chest, trying to rub warmth into them even though I didn't feel cold. Why wasn't I cold? I should feel cold.

My question was answered a moment later when I heard footsteps behind me.

"You know, the first time I saw you, I knew you'd be trouble."

"Then why did you talk to me? I was perfectly content to ignore you."

Adrian gave a sly smile. "I knew I was unforgettable. When did you start to remember?"

Though we seemed to be the only ones caught in this spirit dream, I could see moments projected from my memory and onto the familiar surroundings. Over by the old shed where Eddie had surprised me and Mason with a snowball sneak attack. The moguls where Mason had missed one turn and nearly broke his ankle for it. I knew if I turned around, I would see the hallway where, if you went ten or so yards in and turned left, and then maybe walked another 15 feet...I kissed Mason. Heartbreak and alcohol might have clouded my judgment on that one a little, but I could almost feel the way his lips worked against mine and how different – how wrong – it felt in comparison to Dimitri.

Maybe I should been over it. I mean, it had been years since Mason had died, but it only felt like weeks to me. The memory was still too fresh and raw. I still hadn't really cried of the loss of one of my oldest friends but it seemed almost inappropriate to do so now. The mourning period was over, right? Everyone else had already come to peace with his loss, and now it was time to move on. The world didn't stop just because I wasn't there to witness it.

"At the reception. During the attack."

"Is that why you left?"

I winced. "Maybe?" Not really. I wasn't really afraid of Strigoi, or at least no more than any mortal should be. I was more fearful about living than dying. Dying as a guardian was easy, living as one was the hard part. I left because I was confused, worried, and yes, maybe even a little scared to see how I could fit in in that world.

"Really?" Adrian seemed as skeptical as I was.

I didn't answer, my silence more telling than anything.

"Look, it doesn't really matter why you left. The real question is if you are coming back. Lissa misses you, everyone misses you. Even Belikov has been more broody than normal."

I gave a sharp laugh, "Yeah, I know. He showed up at work tonight."

"Work? I knew I should have volunteered for the trip."

I knocked my hip playfully against his, pushing him off balance for a moment against the railing we were both looking out over. "He said that the guardian council wants to give me my marks. I couldn't care one little bit about those, but I'm kinda pissed that he only came on their errand."

Adrian let out a sigh, wrapping one arm around my shoulders as I laid my head against his chest. "Give the poor man a break. I think he was trying to give you some space. Trust me, his aura is even more of a mess than yours. He probably would have snapped in another day or so and stolen a car or something to get out here."

I smiled at straight laced Dimitri ever doing something as reckless as grand theft auto. "You think he actually knows how to hot wire a car?"

A rumble sounded in Adrian's chest. "If he doesn't, I'm sure your dad could teach him. Granted, Abe could probably lend him one...but what's the fun in that?"

Our laughter eventually dissolved into silence, punctuated by the occasional creak of wood or the hiss of wind. As close as we currently were, I felt nothing romantic for Adrian. I was glad the awkwardness of his persistent chase was finally behind us, because his easy friendship was so much more welcomed at the moment. No pressure, no begging, no guilt, just acceptance.

"So if I come back, and that is a big if, mind you," Adrian smiled, acknowledging the conditional terms of my words, "If I come back, can I hide out at your place if things get to be too much?"

Adrian's arms opened invitingly, pulling me in to his embrace. "I'll do you one better: come back, and if it gets too much, I'll personally pay for your ticket back out there to Vegas."

I looked up at him, finding complete sincerity where I expected empty promises, and smiled. "First class?"

He squeezed me once more, chuckling into my hair. "I wouldn't dream of anything else. However, you are probably wanting your rest now."

I nodded, somewhat reluctant to let go of this moment of peace. "I'll text you."

As the scenery glittered and faded around me, I could see one last coy smile. "Sure you will."

I didn't even have time to insist that I would before he disappeared before my eyes, leaving me in an inky black abyss that faded into a much more normal dream that included hot naked guys on unicorns.

The next morning, nearly noon with my messed up schedule, I was met with the best scent in the world. Bacon. Thank God Marie was better at cooking than I was. I could barely boil water, but give this girl some bacon and eggs and she could make a breakfast that could cure the world's worst hangover. My plate was hitting the table the moment I walked into the kitchen.

"'Morning!"

"Good morning sunshine." Marie took her place across from me. "Sleep well?"

"Umm, yeah. I guess." I spoke around my forkful of scrambled eggs and cheese. "Why?"

"'Cause we're having company over later."

"Marie...no."

"Uh uh. He flew all the way out here to see you, the least you can do is talk to him. Now, do you want to invite him over or will I?"

My fork clanged to the table, my appetite suddenly gone. "And if I don't want to see him?"

"Not an option," she smiled deceptively sweet as she took a big bite of her meal.

I rolled my eyes, pushing away from the table and crossing my arms like a petulant child. She ignored my little outburst, knowing exactly how to handle me after years of living together. Annoyed that my antics were completely inept when it came to her, I finally gave in. "Fine. I'll text him..."

"... and I will too, just to make sure you did."

I glared at her, making her laugh. "But one meeting. He can say his peace and then that's it. No more teaming up against me. You're supposed to be on my side."

Marie reached out, taking my hand across the table. "I am on your side. That's why I'm doing this."

It was too early for so many emotions. I could feel my eyes misting up as I confessed my worries to her. "I don't know what to do. I don't know where I belong. My past is there, but I'm not sure I fit in anymore. Plus, I don't want to leave you here. You've done so much for me and I can't just walk away like that meant nothing to me."

"Oh goodness, you don't need to worry about me." Marie waved her hand in front of her face, effectively brushing aside my worry. "Besides, I've been thinking..."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I never really had the chance to finish school and I think I'm finally ready to go back. I don't want to be a Vegas bartender forever. I can't imagine you want to spend the rest of your life dancing for drunken bachelor parties."

"Oh, God no." The idea was about as horrid as they came. Sure, it was easy money and I didn't mind actually dancing, but it got old after a while.

"Well, let me put your fears to rest. If you decide to go back East, if you decide to stay, then I will be fine. I've been looking at the UNLV and they have a decent Social Work program."

Marie always talked about opening a home for young women who found themselves pregnant with no one to turn to. She didn't want to let another girl suffer a lonely night on the streets, fretting between her unborn child and the premature death of her childhood. She would be an amazing mentor for them. "You sure about this? Are you ready to take that leap?"

She gave an easy smile. "Are you kidding? If I could pluck you off the streets and make you decent for civilized company, some preggo delinquent should be no problem."

"Let me know if you ever need a recommendation."

"I guess the better question is: are YOU ready to finally move on? Especially now that you've learned who you are. Are you ready for that?"

"Correction." Bits of toast sprayed from my mouth, much to Marie's distaste, as I replied, "I know who I was...but yeah, I think I'm ready to figure out who I am."

Of course, Marie had somewhere to be the moment Dimitri knocked on our door. I rolled my eyes at her lame excuse as she pushed passed me.

"Be good you two!" She called out behind her.

I cringed, resisting the urge to hide my embarrassment behind my hands. "Sorry about that."

Dimitri looked at me with a soft and amused smile. "She doesn't strike me as the subtle type."

"Yeah," I agreed, "She's about as subtle as I am."

He didn't argue, and took me up on my offer for some water before we awkwardly sat across from each other on the couch. It was second-hand and hardly attractive to look at, but it was comfortable and big enough for when we were gathered around the latest episode of The Walking Dead. At the moment though, it felt way too small.

I shifted uncomfortably, not any more sure than he apparently was on how to start this. After watching the numbers on the clock change a few times, Dimitri cleared his throat.

"So...I'm sorry; I don't even know what to call you."

"Honestly, I don't really know either. I've been going by Ivy here, since that's what everyone knows me by."

"Would you like me to call you Ivy?"

The question took me aback for a moment. His question was completely sincere, and I knew he would if I asked. However, my name – my new name – sounded so wrong on his lips. I shook my head, only flashing my eyes to his for a moment.

"Rose then?" He questioned, as if needed confirmation.

I silently nodded, even though it wasn't quite the truth. I'd prefer him to call me Roza, the way he had on those few but special moments between us where we were completely open with one another.

Dimitri gave a big sigh, but it sounded more in distress than relief. "So. Rose...

He trailed off again and I ventured to look up from my hands to see why. The cushions underneath me shifted as he turned on the seat to face me properly.

"You know what, I'm sorry. I had this whole speech planned out, and now that I'm here in front of you, I have no idea what to say."

I licked my lips, biting down on my bottom one for just a moment until I saw his eyes flash to the movement. "What...what do you want to say?"

"Come back. Please." He stopped, looking almost as surprised as I was by the hasty but honest confession. Then, as if throwing caution to the wind, he continued quickly, "I want to beg you to come back and not just to get your marks. I want you to stay. I know I told you to go, and there are so many reasons for you to leave and never look back but I hope that this is enough reason to stay. We love you. We miss you. We want you to come home."

"We?" It was a small question, but the pain behind it was real.

He nodded, solemnly. "Yes, we. Lissa. Eddie. Even Christian, though I know you'd have to beat the admission out of him. We all miss you. We all love you."

I took a deep breath, and he took my hand.

"But mostly me, Roza." My heart went still. "I love you. I miss you. I...I need you to come home. I don't expect you to feel the way you once did about me – I know that isn't realistic or fair to you – and I can't promise that I won't still love you regardless, but I need to know that you are okay. I need to be able to see you every once and a while. I would rather have you as a friend than as some distant memory. I've already lived without you once...I can't do it again."

The room went silent for a while after that. I was completely speechless, and while thoughts were running a million miles an hour through my mind, nothing seemed to make it past my lips. I could see the mounting tension and fear building in Dimitri's eye with each passing moment, and just before he slipped his hand from mine in defeat...I spoke.

"Okay."

"What?"

I mentally chastised myself for not being more eloquent after his speech, but repeated myself anyways. "I said, 'okay.' I'll come with you. I'll go...home." The last word felt a little odd, but it didn't change my mind.

After the initial shock wore off, he laughed. It wasn't the laugh that I had gotten a few times back at the academy when something I said had taken him by such surprise that he didn't know what else to do (though, I'm sure there was still a bit of that surprise in there somewhere) nor was it the easy laugh we shared on occasion while training. This laugh was one of pure, unbridled joy. I could see his hand and arms flex, reaching out and pulling back from me over and over again as he fought the apparent urge to hug me.

So I went to him instead, scooting close enough for him to wrap me in his arms as his smile and deep laughter grew, body shaking. I couldn't help but laugh with him.

He didn't press me for anything more, no heated kiss or urgent passion erupted between us, but I did feel him tuck a small kiss between the strands of hair at my temple and hear a soft whisper.

"Thank you."

Author's Note

LONG LIVE ROMITRI! I told you I wouldn't keep them apart long :) And how is that for Dimitri laying it all on the line?

However, what does this mean for Rose? What does this mean for their relationship? We aren't quite at happily ever after so hold on tight!

Thank you again for all your love and support! You guys are always there with a kind word of encouragement and it really makes a big difference when the going gets tough. If you haven't done so already, I'd love for you to favorite, follow, and review. Many of you have also shared this story with friends and that means the world to me. Thank you again and I'll see you guys next week!