Rose and Dimitri talk everything out the next morning and decide that they're going to try and be a couple. They know it won't be easy, especially explaining everything to their families, but they don't want to wait any longer. Rose has loved Dimitri for over a year and she's so happy that she can finally call him her boyfriend.
They immediately let all of their close friends know and they all seem really excited for them. It obviously takes quite a lot of explaining for Lissa, Christian, Mason and Eddie but they take it a lot better than Dimitri did. Rose knows it's obviously going to take time for them to fully accept that she's the woman they used to know but she's okay with it. As long as they accept her in their lives that's all she wants.
The same day, Dimitri calls his family in Russia and lets them know, too. As he expected, they were all very accepting and said they'll welcome the new Rose with open arms. The one who is most excited, though, is Dimitri's mother. Dimitri tells Rose later that his mom was quite upset thinking Dimitri wouldn't have children after old Rose died and now she's ecstatic that there's another chance. Apparently Rose's new looks are even better than his mother could have hoped and she can't wait for them to have lots of beautiful kids. It scares Rose a little, she never saw herself has a child person, but after more thought she decides she's not against kids with Dimitri. Perhaps they will one day.
The last person Rose tells is her mom who, while a little hesitant at first, eventually seems genuinely happy for them. Rose has learnt that although her mom can be sometimes harsh and have strict opinions, she truly loves her daughter and wants the best for her.
"I knew you two would end up together again," she says, reaching out to pinch Rose's cheeks.
"Mom, stop," Rose whines. Her mom just laughs and pats Rose on the back a couple of times.
"I'm happy for you, really," she says. "I thought you two were great together the first time and even more this time. You're absolutely perfect for each other now, your personalities match so well."
"That's what I told her yesterday," Dimitri says, giving Rose an 'I told you so' expression.
"I never said we didn't!" she argues. Dimitri grins and pulls her into his side to kiss the side of her head.
"So... when are you two getting married?"
Rose is still shaking her head when she and Dimitri leave an hour later.
"I can't believe she asked us that," she laughs.
"I know, I'd like to date you for at least a few years before we get married," Dimitri agrees. He slides his hand into Rose's and tugs them into his duster pocket as they walk back to her apartment.
"This is going to last, right?" Rose asks.
"Why are you so unsure about how I feel for you?" Dimitri asks in retaliation.
"I don't know, comrade, it's just that I'm worried I'm not going to live up to the standard of 'our' old relationship and you'll get sick of me."
Dimitri sighs and pulls Rose to a halt, leading her around a corner so they're alone.
"Rose Hathaway, listen to me and listen well," he says. "I've already told you that I don't care that we were technically married before and I don't care about the relationship I had with past you. All I care about now is the relationship we'll build this time. I love you for who you are now. We are going to last because I am going to make sure we do. I'm in this for the long haul and I hope you are, too."
Rose feels her heart leap at Dimitri's words and she can't stop the joy from spreading across her face. She never thought she'd get to have this with him, she feels so grateful.
"I am, I promise," she says, taking Dimitri's hands in hers. "When I woke up I was so lost but I knew I had to find you. And when I did, you were so much more amazing than I could have imagined. I can't believe you love me, it honestly feels so unreal. I feel like I've grown a lot in the past year and I want to grow more with you. I love you so much, I just don't want to lose you."
"I know, Roza, I'd probably feel the same way if I were you," Dimitri agrees. He pulls Rose into his arms and she wraps him in a tight embrace, face planted in his chest.
"You were meant to be re-born, Rose," Dimitri whispers. "We're going to get it perfect this time. We'll be together forever, I promise you. Nothing will come between us."
And Rose truly believes him now. Her death may have been a tragic accident but in a way she's glad it happened, too. Dimitri's right, they're perfect for each other now and she's not going to let anything change that. She's so lucky that she gets to be with her soulmate twice and she cannot thank the universe enough for letting her be re-born with the man she loves.
Author's Note
Well, it's done! Thank you all so much for being patient with me and reading my story. I hope you guys enjoyed this and I'd love it if you check out my other works, too! Thanks again :D