Two years later…

My feet pounded down the hallway as my breath came out in sporadic gasps. I had less than 10 minutes before everything fell apart. I crashed into the stairwell door and leap down each flight of stairs with a hard smack at each turn. My lungs were burning from the smoke upstairs, but I could not focus on that at the moment.

'Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck' I chanted in my head with one goal in mind.

I heard the fire alarm go off in the building right before I burst through the doors and ran into the sunlight. There were no Moroi on the streets, thank God. The one good thing that has happened for me so far. But I also knew that the dawn just means that he will be here any second. I couldn't even stop to take a breath, I knew I had to MOVE.

My feet automatically turned in the direction I knew was my last hope. 'Don't screw this up. Please, be there. Please.' I begged to any god that was out there listening.

I passed many faceless people as I made my way down the streets. I knew I looked crazy, I knew they had questions, but I could not focus on that right now. Less than 8 minutes now. I skidded to a halt in front of the doors and my heart fell when I saw no one behind the windows. The sun had just risen, how could they have left already?!

Practically panting, I looked around in a panic to see if anyone was around that could help me. Or maybe I could find a way to break into the building? I was getting desperate. I had promised him that I would not screw this up and here I am all disheveled and losing hope fast.

My eyes landed on a small box on the sidewalk by the door with a note taped to the top. My name was written on the outside of the paper. Slowly, with shaky hands, I approached it and opened the letter.

Rose -

If you're reading this, then I know something terrible happened and this box can save you. Don't worry, I made sure it is his favorite. I'm not expecting payment, but I'm sure you can think of something.

- C

I felt like I could finally breathe. I knew he was probably being dramatic, but this guy is once again saving my life. I smiled to myself 'Now I'm being dramatic.'

Without even looking inside, I grabbed the box and started making my way back to the building in a full on sprint. I heard people calling my name, but I ignored them. If he wasn't back already, there could still be a way to salvage the evening.

I ran inside and did not even try the elevators, knowing that running up the 4 flights of stairs would probably be faster right now. Dimly, I was aware that the fire alarm stopped so I knew someone must be inside.

I was back down the hallway and realized I never grabbed my key when I finally got to the door and saw it was already open. I moaned and started yelling at myself for messing everything up. He was home.

I slowly pushed the door all the way open, and clutched the box closer to my chest. The air was still a little dense with smoke, but I knew there was no fire before I left. I made my way around the corner and peeked into the kitchen where I saw him fanning off the smoking mess that was on the counter with an old dishtowel. His back was to me but I could still imagine the look on his face.

I was about to clear my throat when he called out, "Rose! Where are you?!"

I walked into the kitchen and softly placed the box on the table, "Hi Dimitri."

He whipped around with the dishtowel landing lamely on the floor and crossed over to me before I could even blink. His arms wrapped around me and his head landed on my shoulder and I could feel him physically relax. I brought my arms up and held him just as tight before I started apologizing.

"I'm so sorry Dimitri. Everything was supposed to be perfect when you got off your shift. I was going to have dinner made and a cake ready and I was going to dress nice and I couldn't even do that and now I ruined everything and-" My rambling was cut off when he started laughing into my hair.

"Oh Roza I told you I didn't want anything," he pulled back and his eyes were shining, "It's just nice to be home with you." He kissed my forehead gently before giving me one last squeeze and moving back to the counter to look at the slowly smoking mound.

I groaned. He has gotten so cheesy over the years. To everyone else he is so stoic, but in the comfort of our own home it's amazing how much he unwinds. I think all that time with Adrian is starting to rub off on him. What was once a terrible idea has actually proven to be quite a success. At first, Adrian would make comments about me or pick on Dimitri and get no response. It seemed that Dimitri's tactic for handling Adrian was to remain as silent and unyielding as possible. After a few months of listening to me retort and talk back to him, Dimitri started reacting to Adrian and a weird relationship started to grow from there. I have never heard them talk nicely to one another, but there seems to be a mutual respect somewhere between them.

I think it all came from the incident a little over a year ago. It happened when Adrian wanted to try to go out with some humans from the university and ended up forcing Dimitri and 3 other guardians to shadow him to a bar after their last night class. Lissa had a test the next day and did not want to join, so I ended up coming with her back to Court and helped her study all night. It was not until the next day that we heard what happened.

It was around 3am, and Adrian and decided it was a good idea to go outside to smoke one of his terrible cigarettes. He slipped out the back without telling any of the guardians and was alone in the alley for all of 2 minutes before the Strigoi appeared. The details of the attack are hazy because by the time Dimitri went looking for Adrian, one Strigoi had already drained him of enough blood that he had blacked out. Two other Strigoi were there and ambushed Dimitri the second he took a step outside. Dimitri barely got the Strigoi off Adrian in time before collapsing himself. The other Guardians eventually went looking for the pair as well and found Dimitri with a large neck bite that was badly bleeding. Wrapping him up as best they could, they gathered Adrian and Dimitri and started rushing back to Court. Along the way, Adrian woke up and saw Dimitri in a near-death state. Although he was never good at healing, he was able to stop the bleeding on Dimitri's neck before he passed out again.

I really believe he saved Dimitri's life that night, although Adrian insists that it was Dimitri that saved his. Since Dimitri was not dead when Adrian healed him they did not form a bond, but they did become a lot closer since then.

"So what was this supposed to be?" Dimitri asked, snapping me back to the present.

"Your Birthday Cake…" I whispered.

Dimitri started laughing, "Oh Roza I can't believe you tried baking. You know what happened last time."

"The same thing happened last time!" I yelled and threw my hands in the air, remembering my attempt at making lasagna a few months ago. I ended up getting caught up in a movie and the whole thing bubbled over and practically set the oven on fire.

"Don't worry, it's the thought that counts. We can order something." He said, slowly pushing the burned cake remains into the sink. It was not smoking as much anymore.

"Well actually, I think Christian has something here for us," I said, looking back down at the box and lifting the lid. Inside was a beautiful cake covered in chocolate icing and white writing that read Happy 26th Birthday Dimitri!

Dimitri came over and looked in the box with me. "Mmm… is that chocolate cake with chocolate icing?"

I smiled, "Only one way to find out." I scraped my finger along the side of the cake and gathered icing on the tip. I lifted it to Dimitri's face and his eyes danced with humor before he closed his lips around my finger. He gently sucked on it, running his tongue against the pad of my finger before smacking his lips.

"Delicious," he growled, then captured my lips with his. I could still taste the chocolate on his tongue.

I moaned into the kiss and then pushed him on his shoulder to make him back up. He lifted his head with a smirk on his lips. "I'm supposed to have a whole dinner and dessert planned and ready for you," I scolded and closed the lid on the cake box. "Now go make yourself comfortable in the living room and I'll call you in an hour."

Dimitri stood in silence by the table as he watched me try to organize myself in the kitchen and pull together any hope of a birthday dinner. I walked to the pantry and picked up a box of Angel Hair Pasta, deciding it may just be easiest to make spaghetti with sauce the way he likes it when I felt his presence behind me.

I froze, knowing what was coming. I could feel his desire radiating off him in waves. I could never get sick of this man. "If I remember correctly," he breathed on my neck, "the birthday boy gets to decide what he wants to do for the day."

I smiled, and slowly placed the box of pasta back on the shelf. "You're right," I teased, "but don't you want a nice meal before anything?" I walked back into the kitchen, excited about what he would do next.

He followed me into the kitchen like he was stalking his prey and I couldn't help but play with him a little. I opened the cabinet and pretended to reach for the high dishes when I felt him press against my back as he reached above me and brought the dishes down on the counter for me. He didn't back away from me once they were down, but he ran his fingers down my spine as he gently brushed the hair off my neck and kissed the Molninja marks.

"I have a different course in mind," he whispered seductively, and my knees practically gave out. What started out as a terrible night is quickly transforming into one of our best.

I slowly turned around and looked up at Dimitri. He slowly smiled, drawing the sides of his mouth up into a hungry grin. My breath was coming in gasps as we continued to gaze into each other's eyes. Dimitri slowly brought his head down to me and left his lips a breath away. The anticipation was making me tremble.

"Dimitri," I barely whispered. I wanted to meet his lips with mine, but the intense look in his eyes told me he wanted to be in control. My body ached for his touch and I could feel myself growing more and more desperate. "Dimitri, please… touch me."

"Roza," he sighed, letting his lips gently brush against mine as he said my name. That slightest contact sent sparks between the two of us. We both shook in anticipation.

Suddenly, he lifted me onto the counter and locked his lips with mine in a kiss that immediately sent sparks to my core. I loved when he commanded the kiss and took control like this. He gently tugged on the end of my hair, forcing my chin up to give him access to my neck. He kissed across my jaw and down my neck, stopping to suck on that sensitive curve that lead to my collarbone.

His hands slid down the side of my body and gathered my shirt into his fists before he ripped it off in one quick motion. He smiled appreciatively before letting his hand wander behind me to undo my bra clasp. Letting it fall from my shoulders, I threw my bra to the floor and dared Dimitri with my eyes to touch me. He did not disappoint. His mouth lowered onto my already hardened nipple while his hand massaged and teased the other one.

I clawed at his back, raking his shirt up into a bunch until I pushed him back to make him take it off completely. I needed to feel his skin on mine. He threw his shirt to the floor and then walked into my arms to give me a hungry kiss. Our chests pressed together and I wrapped my legs around his waist. I loved being on the counter - our height difference was not as drastic and it lined us up perfectly for more… exciting… activities.

Dimitri and I have not had one night together for the past 2 weeks. Our schedules have been so off the past few days that we have probably had all of 5 hours together that we mostly spent sleeping. Today was my first day off in weeks and I had planned on spending the day preparing for Dimitri when he got off his shift so we could enjoy the night together, but my disaster of a cake interrupted that. Fortunately, it seems that Dimitri could care less about that. After 2 weeks apart, I could feel how much he missed me.

"Dimitri," I growled, nipping at his earlobe, "enough playing around. I need you now."

"Your wish is my command," he whispered against my lips, lowering his hands to the button on my pants. In less than a second, he had my button and fly undone and hooked his fingers around the edge of my jeans. I lifted my ass off the counter to give him more room, and in one quick motion, he removed my pants and panties at once. I was now completely naked in front of my birthday boy.

His eyes danced with excitement as he walked back to me and captured my lips once more. One hand snaked into my hair as the other traveled down my body and found the one area I needed him to touch the most.

He moaned in appreciation. "So ready Roza.

"Do something about it Dimitri," I pleaded, lowering my hands to his pants. I was frustrated that he was still keeping himself from me. I needed to feel my man.

He allowed me to remove his pants and lower his boxers before pulling me to the edge of the counter and giving me a deep kiss. He slid into me so quickly we both gasped from the sensation. We held still for a moment, enjoying the feel of each other again, before I started rocking my hips to get him moving. He got the message loud and clear.

Dimitri thrust into hard and fast as he continued to kiss along my neck and shoulders. His hands rested on my hips, helping to set the pace. I bit down on his shoulder as I felt myself reaching my climax.

"Dimitri… I'm…" I gasped, knowing he would know what I meant.

"Yes Roza," he panted, giving two more thrusts before sending us both over the edge.

We stilled, our heads resting against each others shoulder as we regained our breaths. He pulled out of me, giving me a lingering kiss that curled my toes.

"Happy Birthday," I whispered, kissing his nose.

"Don't think for a second I'm done with you yet," he threatened with a devious look in his eyes. With that, he scooped me up and carried me bridal style down the hall and into our bedroom. His birthday cake left forgotten on the kitchen table.