Dimitri's Point of View.
The next two days passed in a blur, now Roza was back up and on her feet, we spent as much time as we could with my family, making the most of our time before we had to leave for the Academy again.
I hated to admit it, but I seriously had no idea how I was supposed to keep my hands off Rose for the next few months. I had no doubt that we would have a few stolen kisses during practice, but I just wanted to shout my love for her from the rooftops.
I had gotten so used to holding her hand in public, and waking up with her warm body in my arms; I didn't know how I would live without it.
I didn't voice any of my concerns, of course. Rose had enough to worry about at the minute without my uncertainties plaguing her mind.
We had all just finished our final meal together, when Rose excused herself to go and pack her bags for tomorrow, I told her I would join her soon.
I had just finished helping Mama with the washing up when she broke the comfortable silence we had been working in.
"Dimka, can I speak with you for a moment before you head upstairs?" She had her loving smile lighting up her face, I sure would miss her.
"Of course, Mama." I said as I pulled a chair out for her and took a seat of my own.
She cleared her throat and began talking, she seemed almost nervous, which was very unlike her. "It's been so good having you and Roza here Dimitri, I'm so glad you have her in your life."
I had no idea where this conversation was going. "Thank you, Mama; I'm glad you like her too."
She smiled once more, and almost looked like there were tears forming in the edges of her aging eyes. "Mama, is everything okay?" I said while taking her hand into my own.
"Everything is more than okay, Dimka." She said while she pulled something out of her pocket. When she placed it onto the table in front of me, I saw that it was a small velvet box. My chest tightened. She opened the box. "This ring has been passed down through our family Dimka, my grandmother gave it to Yeva, and Yeva gave it to me. Babushka and I both agreed that you should have it, and give it to Rose."
"Oh Mama, it's beautiful." It truly was. It was a gold band with three dazzling diamonds set in a line, I could almost imagine Rose wearing it already. "Are you sure you want to part with it though?" I felt horrible asking, but I had to be sure she was giving it to me for the right reasons.
"Yes, Dimitri. Me and Yeva have been discussing it for some time, and you know I'd never be able to give it to you without her approval. But Roza has been a part of this family from the moment she walked into the door. And she makes you so happy, Dimka, anyone can see it."
"Thank you, but Mama, Roza hasn't even graduated yet." I hated to admit it, but I knew Roza wasn't ready to get married yet; we would have to wait until she had graduated and we were living together.
"I know, Dimka. But at least you will have it for when the time is right. You two were made for each other, and one day she will wear that ring." She took my hand once more and put the closed box inside it, I slipped it into my pocket.
"You're right. Thank you so much Mama, this means so much to me, and when the time comes I know it will mean the world to Roza that this ring was yours." I said while pulling her into a tight embrace.
"You are welcome, my son. I am so proud of the man you have become." She said before kissing my cheek.
I thanked her once more before heading upstairs and into mine and Roza's bedroom .I opened the door to see my bedroom looking like a bomb had hit it. I couldn't stop my eyes from widening. Rose looked up as I walked in, her hair was tied in a bun on the top of her head, and she was wearing nothing but one of my shirts, which fell down to her knees. She was surrounded by clothes.
"What on earth are you doing Roza?" I asked, letting a hint of amusement fall into my voice so she knew I wasn't annoyed with her.
"I'm packing of course!" She exclaimed. "I have no idea how I did this before; I just can't seem to fit everything in this stupid bag!" She said while angrily tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
I couldn't help but laugh at her. "Don't laugh at me Mr. Perfect; I know you packed like three days ago."
"There's no harm in being prepared Roza. Come on, let me help you." I said while gently pulling her hands away from where they were stuffing clothes into an already overflowing bag. She huffed out a breath before falling back onto the bed.
"Firstly, it helps if you fold the clothes before putting them into the bag, Roza. It means they won't get creased, and they all fit together better." I carried on folding her clothes and putting them into the bag, I could feel her eyes following my every movement, and I just hoped she was watching what I was doing so I wouldn't have to do this for her next time.
I finally zipped up her bag and raised my eyes to meet hers, only to find her smiling mischievously at me.
"I have never seen a bag packed by a neat freak before, it was interesting." She said in a teasing tone. I rolled my eyes and sat down on the bed next to her.
"You're welcome, Rose." I said in a sarcastic tone.
She took one of my hands and held it between both of hers, her hands were so small compared to mine, she was so fragile and yet so strong. "Was that sarcasm, Comrade? You've been spending way too much time with me."
I smiled and pulled her into my lap before lightly kissing her. "Too much time is not enough time spent with you." I felt her smile against my lips as she threaded her fingers through my hair. I traced my hands up her smooth legs until the travelled up the shirt she was wearing and rested on her bare stomach. I felt her shiver at my touch and I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction that I could still get that reaction from her.
She pulled away after some time and rested her forehead against mine. "I can't believe we have to leave tomorrow. I'm excited to see everyone back home, but I'm going to miss everyone here so much." I sighed and brushed my thumb against her cheekbone.
"I know Roza, but you'll feel better once you're back with all of your friends, and we can come back once you graduate, if you want." I assured her.
"I suppose you're right, I really hope we can come back soon, it's been better than I could ever imagine." She said as she climbed off my lap and got into bed while yawning.
"Me too, Roza, me too." And it was true, I couldn't imagine my home without Roza in it now, she was part of this home just as much as anyone else now.
We both went to bed soon after that, we had to be up early in the morning to leave for the airport, and that would be hard enough for Rose, so it was important she got a good night's sleep.
Soon we would be back at the Academy, back to being student and mentor. I had to keep reminding myself that it would only be for a few months, we've lasted a lot longer than that before so God knows we can last a few more months until we leave the Academy for good.
I fell asleep soon after my Roza did, it was hard to stay awake when I was in my own personal heaven.
So there we have Chapter 28! I wrote this chapter really quickly so I'm sorry that it's short! Thank you so much to everyone who has followed, favourited and reviewed this story, I appreciate every single one of you! I'll try and have the next chapter up soon. Please let me know what you thought of the chapter, I really hope you enjoyed it!
