Disclaimer: I own the plot and idea. I do not own Vampire Academy. All rights go to Richelle Mead.
Well guys...we are nearly at the end. One more chapter and an epilogue after this.
Rose Mazur
"Old Man, you're not supposed to be out of bed." I huffed as I entered Abe's hospital room.
"Kiz, I'm fine! It's just a bump on the head. Relax, kiz. You worry too much." Abe rolled his eyes.
I was just about to reply when…
"Abe! What are you doing out of bed?" Aiden's voice came from behind me.
"Thank you, abi!" Aiden and I frowned, crossing our arms as the old man laughed.
"You two worry too much."
"You were unconscious for six hours," Aiden tsked.
"That's nothing."
"That is not nothing. Now get back in bed, or so help me, I will call mom back in here!" I put my foot down.
"Why must you bring out the Janine card?" Nicholas groaned from the couch.
"Because she's the only one who can keep him in line," I flashed a winning smile while Aiden grinned and Nicholas shuddered.
"Now, be a good old man today and rest. I'll stop by again during my break."
"And Mia's bringing the kids to see you. I hope you're ready for a Disney movie marathon," Aiden smirked as Abe's face lit up at the prospect of seeing his grandkids again.
"Can we watch Aladdin!?" Nicholas piped up, though shrinking a bit as we all turned to stare at him. "What? Genie's awesome!"
"I'll make sure that's in the pile," Aiden assured the guardian, making him fist pump in celebration. "I'm gonna grab some breakfast, do you need anything?"
I shook my head. "No, I'm going to head down there anyway after you get back. Thanks though. But Nicholas you must be hungry. You can go with, I'll stand guard."
"Sweet. Thanks, Rose." Nicholas groaned as he stood and stretched. The hospital cot he slept on as he took night guard over Abe could not have been that comfortable.
I turned and sat down at the seat next to Abe's bed, which he finally returned to.
"How are you holding up, Old Man?"
"Well Kiz, as we have established."
"Well, excuse us for caring. You lost a lot of blood, we were worried about you," I huffed.
Abe's eyes softened, all traces of mischief disappearing.
He reached over, and took my hand. "I'm sorry, Kiz. But really, I'm fine."
"Yeah, you better be," I grumbled, though I squeezed the hand he had taken. "We were scared."
"Hey, I'm still around. I have to be, you know? You're back, and your brother is too…and the kids…I have a lot to stay around for. Don't worry, kiz." And with that, he took me into his arms, into a hug.
One of our rare father-daughter moments. I hope there will be more.
"Kiz?"
"Yes, Old Man?"
"You know, I have the ability to move freely. I could move to Caelum, buy a house there no problem. But...your mother…Belikov…what about them?"
I sighed, knowing that I would have to discuss this with Dimitri soon…knowing that I couldn't be without him again, but also knowing that we had our respective jobs.
"I know. I need to talk to Dimitri about , maybe Mom can be swayed. Maybe test your luck again…propose for the fifth time. I mean, she can't say no again…right?" I laughed.
"How do you know that?" Abe raised an eyebrow inquiringly.
"I've read her journal," I smirked.
"Oh God. Our child knows my greatest shame," he shook his head.
"There there, Old Man. I'm rooting for you guys, so we can all be one big happy family," I smirked. "Next time you propose, I'll help set it up."
"Speaking of one big happy family, your mother and I want to speak with Belikov."
"Why is that necessary?!"
"Now now, Kiz. We just want to talk with the boy, get to know him on a personal level. Your mother has a few questions about your relationship during your guys' Academy days…I want to discuss a few things with him, nothing bad Kiz, stop giving me that look. Oh, and Aiden has expressed his feelings as well, he wants to talk with Belikov too, alone. Maybe you should take him to one of your brother's games. But after that, it will be fine! We can be a happy family, I can show off my brilliant children and son-in-law-"
"Son-in-law?!" I nearly screeched. Dimitri and I have not discussed that yet.
"Yes, lower your voice Kiz, we're in a hospital. Besides, we all know you two are headed that way anyway. Which brings me to my next point. Grandchildren. I want more of them and-"
Oh dear lord.
Dimitri Belikov
Best. Night. Ever
I know.
Roza…what a woman…
I know.
God, I can't wait to do it again…and again…and again…
Hey stop thinking about us! Think about Roza, she could be tired…
…or sore…from our-
Stop that! Now get up and let's greet the girl!
Wait…where'd she go?!
My eyes shot open as the rational and primitive male parts of my brain shut up. My hand met sheets instead of the warm, supple body I had expected and craved.
Shit…did we fuck up last night?
What did you do?!
Me? It was you who took over last night! All confident…maybe she didn't have a good time…
Oh I highly doubt that do you not remember the way she-
I was taken out of my panicking when I heard the door being opened, seconds later Roza padding into the room, placing two take out boxes on the table before removing her shoes.
"You're awake!" She beamed.
"You didn't leave," I sighed out a breath of relief.
"I just went to get us breakfast," she giggled, bringing the boxes and herself back to the bed.
"I've learnt I don't like waking up without you," I groaned, wrapping my arms around her small frame, dropping a kiss on her shoulder.
"Flatterer," Roza playfully rolled her eyes. "You know you've slept alone for far longer than you have with me."
"Mmm," I mumbled, too busy placing kisses on every available spot of bare flesh that I could find. "Those were horrible years I hope to forget…and never have to repeat again."
"Behave," she chided playfully before handing me a box. "We both have work soon."
"But I'll see you tonight?" I asked, opening my box of food.
"Of course. I'll text or call you later in the day. See if we can meet up for dinner?" Roza smiled hopefully.
"I'd like nothing more," I smiled, pressing one last kiss to her luscious lips before we dug into our food.
Vasilisa Dragomir looked around the cafeteria as Agents and Guardians alike flooded the space for their lunch break. While the battle was over, and there were people being treated in the very full hospital, Court was still on alert. Robert Doru's body had been found, retrieved and was being prepared for burial, but there were some Strigoi who had escaped the fight. They had been informed that there was little chance that they would return, but people were still being careful.
She couldn't help but be drawn to one of the table full of Moroi, no matter how hard she tried. Her attention on a couple; the man with black hair and blue eyes, smiling down at a woman with hazel eyes and multicolored hair. Quite literally, the woman's hair, which was natural apparently as a result of her mixed background was a beautiful blend of blond, bronze, deep auburn, and some brown. She vaguely felt her phone vibrate, no doubt her William wondering where she was, since they agreed to meet for lunch ten minutes ago in one of Court's most chic cafes.
She mindlessly typed out a reply, telling him she was running late in a meeting and promising her beau that she would join him soon.
She looked on as Christian put his arm around the girl's, Angelica, Lissa vaguely remembered, shoulder and pulled her close and whisper something in her ear. Obviously she had no idea what he said, but judging from the way Angelica ducked her head as Christian ran his fingers along her neck, it was something intimate and meant only for her. The group of friends they were sitting with crassy let out some inappropriate jokes, causing both Christian and Angelica to sarcastically retort back in perfect synchronicity.
Sighing, Lissa shifted in her spot, exhausted. She hadn't gotten a good night's sleep, spending most of her night tossing and turning, replaying her conversation with Rose over and over. Now, she was suddenly filled many unpleasant and uncomfortable thoughts; the most prevalent one being, she was jealous. That one threw her for quite the loop because she hadn't gotten jealous of anyone in years, and why would she be? She had friends, connections, and William. Sure he was a bit of a square, but he was decent enough. But here she was. Positively green with envy, almost overwhelmed by it. She stared at Angelica again and though she wouldn't go so far as to say she envied her specifically, it was hard to not want what she had. Christian was obviously smitten with the girl, judging from the way he looked at her. It was obvious that Christian's group of friends were also incredibly fond of her.
But perhaps what stung the most was when Rose Mazur entered the cafeteria with her partner, and after getting a take out box of food, went over to Christian's table; laughing with and hugging the girl for a brief while before heading on her way.
In the light of the cafeteria, Lissa had to admit that Angelica was a beautiful woman; anyone who said any different was lying. She was that blend of classic, elegant beauty but with fresh – faced bohemian vibes. Of course, Lissa herself was beautiful; captivating many with her angelic features. But in that moment, she felt small and insignificant, feeling that she didn't come close to being as beautiful as Angelica.
"Hey Lissa."
She jumped in her spot at that familiar voice.
"Rose," she started sheepishly. "I thought you had left the cafeteria."
"We forgot napkins," Rose smiled, waving a fistful in her hand.
"Oh."
The former best friends, practically sisters, stood in awkward silence, until Lissa couldn't take it anymore.
"Look, Rose," Lissa said, suddenly wanting to come clean. "It's been a long time since we've spent any time together, and that we've both changed. I know," she sighed and then went on in a rush, "Rose, I was a bitch and I know I've said this before, but I'm sorry for hurting you the way I did."
Awkward.
Rose simply raised an eyebrow, though hesitantly, hope bloomed in the dhampir's chest.
"We're both older now, Rose. I can see it in you, you've done so well in life, and you're so happy. I'm glad that you've found your happiness. But…but you've made me realized I've regressed." Lissa fidgeted, that natural confidence she had exuded around others had completely dissipated. "I thought about what you said, Rose. And you're right. I've spent so much time during these past few years running from the past, hiding from my problems and forcing myself into a lifestyle that I would have never wanted, because I couldn't see what I had done. I didn't want to believe that everyone I once loved left me behind, that I had caused others' pain. I became someone else to help me deal. You were right. I didn't need your forgiveness or Christian's. I needed my own."
Rose looked at Lissa and suddenly she didn't see the woman that looked down upon others and spent her time playing puppet to Tatiana. Instead she saw someone who had taken a wrong turn in life, and was now searching for what she thought was missing from her life.
"Lissa," Rose began softly, before pulling her former best friend into a hug. When she looked at Lissa, she saw a girl who was righting the path, righting her own wrongs. She saw the fear of rejection, the belief that it was too little too late for forgiveness, but she also saw the hope for another chance buried beneath that as well.
"I'm sorry, too. We were both very unfair to the other. I know that I hurt you as well."
Were they back to being best friends?
No.
Would they ever be once again?
Most likely not. Too much time had passed, and while both women had said what needed to be said, they had grown apart, and were headed in different directions in life.
But had the path been righted?
Yes. And that was enough for Rose and Lissa.
"The Strigoi who have been turned back…are they alright?"
Rose smiled at Lissa's question, already seeing some of the old Lissa coming back.
"It's a mixed bag. Some immediately broke down, some are despondent, and some are doing okay. More and more psychologists and psychiatrists are coming in, so hopefully everyone will get the help they need."
"What about Sonya?"
"She reportedly burst into tears the moment she was turned back and realized what happened. She was inconsolable before Guardian Tanner burst into her room. Since then she's clung to him, and confided in him. But recently she's gotten better, seeing a doctor willingly and talking about what she needs to talk about."
"I'm glad."
"Yeah."
Both women smiled at each other before Rose turned to leave, stating she needed to get back to her partner. Lissa waved and watched Rose walk out before another figure caught her eye.
Angelica was staring at her. Her face help no hostility or smugness, only serene curiosity, making Lissa involuntarily even more jealous. The moment Lissa's eyes met hers, she smiled a bit before looking away, Christian capturing her attention once more.
Lissa bit her lip as she caught the way Christian looked at Angelica. William sure as hell never looked at her that way. Sure, he was the perfect gentleman, holding the door open for her or helped her with her coat, and he was decent enough in bed, but he never looked at her with such intensity and dreaminess as Christian was currently doing. She thought for a moment and realized that in the four years she'd known and been involved with William, he'd never proven his love to her beyond a superficial level. Sure, he told her he loved her plenty, and showered her with gifts and affection, but he didn't know her in the way two people in love were supposed to know one another. And when he gazed upon her sweetly, who was he really looking at? Lissa, or "Li-Li?" William didn't love her. He loved the idea of her and the image she had projected out to the world for so long. He loved a farce.
With an even more painful realization, she acknowledged not only did she not mind that so much, but that she didn't love him either. She cared for him, yes, after four years of constant companionship he'd definitely grown on her, but she didn't love him. Lissa hated to be alone; she feared it, and had been ever since her family passed in that fateful accident. But she was never alone. Rose had always been with her, and then Christian. And then when they both left she surrounded herself with others and William, and being with these phonies had looked like a better alternative, at the time, than being alone.
Lissa's heart started racing and she broke out into a cold sweat as realization after realization came at her. She rushed out of the cafeteria and into a hidden little hallway, letting her feelings and thoughts take over her, not noticing an observant pair of hazel eyes watching her.
She saw how badly she'd treated the two people she loved the most in the world.
She couldn't blame them for leaving.
She knew that she'd hurt them.
She could finally admitt that she was not the person everyone believed she was.
She saw everything.
Faces of old friends like Adrian and Eddie flashed in her mind, along with countless Moroi's. Flashes of her schmoozing and laughing with them, discussing the most frivolous topics came back to her.
God, she'd been such a bitch; she was such a bitch. And even worse, a fake bitch.
Her breathing slowed back to a normal rhythm and she felt herself calm somewhat, though she was still shaken by the revelations and sunk to the floor as she tried to compose herself. Over the years, Lissa had never taken the time to do much self-introspection. When everyone thought you were perfect, you began to believe and there wasn't much need reflect on your own character. She thought back to the cafeteria, to seeing the happy couple touch and converse softly back and forth she was filled with another unexpected feeling.
Longing.
She didn't necessarily long for Christian back or to be Angelica either. What she did long for was what the two had. For what Rose and Dimitri had rekindled. That unconditional love that brought about a sense of completeness, that sense of belonging, that sense of acceptance. Unconditional acceptance. She wanted someone to love her for her, not a perceived version of her. Lissa knew she wasn't perfect. She was very self-conscious, and a worrier. She sometimes forgot to take her medication, and could be extremely irritable and selfish. But then nobody was perfect, and people fell in love all the damn time. She needed someone to love her, the real her and all her faults…to love her in-spite of them.
"Uh...Lissa?" Christian approached his ex-girlfriend nervously, replaying the moment Angelica had all but shoved him from his seat, demanding that he talk to Lissa.
"You both need to talk," she said, her tone soft as she shot him an encouraging smile. "I'll be waiting when you're done."
"Christian?" Lissa straightened up and got to her feet.
Christian couldn't help but wince internally at how unsure and small she sounded. He may have moved on from Lissa, but he did not like seeing her hurt.
The exes stared uncomfortably at one another for a good while.
"Lissa, I," Christian began.
"Christian, there is something," Lissa started at the same time.
Lissa shifted in her spot and then took a deep breath. Seeing Christian look as uncomfortable as she felt actually helped settle her nerves. She straightened her shoulders and resolved to follow through with what she wanted to accomplish by talking to Christian. He didn't immediately tell her to go to hell which gave her hope that he'd at least listen.
Christian stared at Lissa as a range of emotions flashed across her face. It was plain to see that there was something that she wanted to say to him, so he let her.
"Do you want to start?"
"Thank you," Lissa breathed out. She wasn't sure she'd have been able to listen to what he wanted to say without blurting out her part. "Thank you for giving me this chance. I never thought I would have this chance."
She stopped and took a deep breath and looked at him. She was struck by how handsome he was, how blue his eyes were as always, and how he had bulked up some throughout the years. She suddenly remember all the good times they had had together, all the times it was just them alone, and he held her, his snarky demeanor gone and his eyes light and happy. However, there was now a greater sense of contentment that surrounded him.
God, she'd been so stupid.
"You've changed," she started quietly.
"I have," he answered simply.
"I'm...I-I'm happy for you," she said.
The words were hard to say, but Lissa meant them completely. She let out a huge sigh, but she immediately felt as if a weight had been lifted off.
Christian was in disbelief. He hadn't expected that to be the first thing to come out of her mouth.
"I hope you will forgive me?" she persisted.
He took in her form. He watched as her eyes filled with tears, but she stood tall and firm in her spot, looking him directly in the eye. He blinked a few times and then took a few deep, cleansing breaths.
"Yes."
And with that, an immense amount of relief was felt on both their parts as soon as the words left his mouth. Unbelievable really, how a few exchange of words could change the mood. Christian tipped his head back and leaned against a wall of the darkened hallway. He stared up at the ceiling, and blew out a long breath. Lissa stood up even straighter, a small smile on her face, feeling like a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
He looked at Lissa and said, "I truly never thought that we would have this chance again. I can't say I ever expected this turn of events." He smiled then, a true smile, which Lissa returned.
The two of them let out little laughs, feeling freer all of a sudden. "Thank you, Christian. Truly. for listening to me, even though we both know I don't deserve it-" she went on but her stopped her right away, knowing what she was going to say.
He had grown up some in the years they had been apart. He went to school and lived free from judgement that had followed him and hindered him from his parents' actions. He made friends and met a hell of a woman. He traveled and cooked and savored every minute of his new life. His second chance.
"Everyone deserves a second chance, Lissa," he told her.
Lissa couldn't help but let a few tears fall at the sincerity she heard in Christian's voice. She resolved right then and there that she would not waste another minute. People could change. There was still hope for her.
"Your girlfriend…she's very beautiful and it's obvious you love her very much," Lissa told Christian when he turned back to her.
"Yeah…she is" Christian smiled easily.
Lissa thought back to the woman she had seen earlier. How striking she was and how her aura was pure and happy, with a touch of mischievousness and eclectic spunk, how she threw back one liners without missing a beat, how she effortlessly commanded Christian's attention.
"You're very lucky, Christian. I really am happy for you. And Angelica is a lucky woman as well, to have you."
"I know," Christian stood up straighter, anxious to get back to his friends and girlfriend. "Lissa, I know you. I know who you are. Don't let royal phonies turn you into someone you're not. I know you are better than what you've allowed yourself to become. All of us deserve to be happy…I hope you find the path that's right for you," he said sincerely.
Stepping forward, he kissed her quickly on the cheek, knowing that one day their paths would cross again, and that next time he saw her, it would be as friends. "Be happy, Lissa."
Lissa wiped the tears out from beneath her eyes. "Thank you, Christian," she whispered, even though he'd already turned to walk away.
Three Weeks Later...
The job was done.
Slowly, Court had been cleaned up and Moroi had begun to return. People had been discharged from the hospital, though most were still recovering from scars, physical and mental. In the weeks following, there were no signs that another Strigoi attack was imminent, and Robert Doru's body had been laid to rest beside his brother's. Soon, Court returned to normal, with Guardians guarding and Moroi gossiping. Only the addition of more patrol shifts and the Agents and Guardians of Caelum hanging around gave away that anything was amiss.
But that was weeks ago, and today the Caelum Guardians and Agents were going home.
"Ahem."
Rose herself away from Dimitri's lips, though she really didn't want to, to look at her partner.
"We're all on the plane and ready to go." Ben's lips twitched as he struggled not to laugh at his partner's disheveled hair and smeared lip gloss.
"Right, okay." Rose smiled, still trying to catch her breath from one hell of a goodbye kiss.
"That would involve disentangling yourself from Dimitri, love. Oh, and mate," Ben smiled at the Russian, "I would wipe that lip gloss off your face before you go back to work."
And with that, Ben laughed and turned to ascend up the stairs of the awaiting plane. The air field was filled with Guardians and Agents alike, saying their final goodbyes.
"Shit," Rose mumbled as she tried to wipe off the sticky substance from Dimitri's lips with her fingers.
"It's okay," Dimitri smiled sadly. "I can get it off later. You have a plane to catch."
"I know," she pouted slightly, sadly unwrapping her legs from Dimitri's hips.
"Wow, Rose," Eddie joked as he appeared. "that's one hell of a way to say goodbye."
"Don't be jealous," Rose laughed as she went over to hug her oldest friend, giving him two friendly kisses on the cheek.
"Ew. I didn't say I wanted any part of that," Eddie faux complained.
"Well too damn bad," Rose smiled, pinching his cheeks as he groaned. "Be a good little Eddie Weddie, okay?"
"Roza, stop harassing Eddie…and come back here so we can say goodbye properly," Dimitri uttered the last part softly.
"And groping each other in public wasn't enough of a goodbye?" Eddie snorted as he walked away, giving the couple their moment.
The two smiled longingly at each other as they held hands, Rose resting her head on Dimitri's chest.
"Let's just make this quick, okay?"
"Okay."
"Goodbye, Comrade. For the final time."
"Goodbye, Roza. For the final time."
Well, I hope you all thought the Lissa story line came to a close nicely. (Don't worry we shall see more of her in the outtakes)
And our dear Romitri...they sure know how to say goodbye don't they? Haha. (Please don't kill me)
And with that, I wish you all a good day/night wherever you may be.
