AN – Thank you for all the lovely reviews! I try and update as often as I can, it literally just depends how crazy and stressed I am at work.

Here it is. As promised only a few days wait. I am trying my hardest to update frequently. Hopefully I'll have the next chapter out in a few more days as I have a few days off work now. I was hoping to get this up earlier but decided to nap instead.

Only a short chapter – like I said in the previous one this was meant to be on the last chapter.

DISCLAIMER – VA belongs to Richelle Mead.

Chapter 7 – The Change

DPOV

I'd been called to Alberta's office late last night and I'd thought a lot about what we'd discussed before practice with Rose today. I knew as soon as she asked, I'd do one part of it, but the other I still wasn't sure about. It had played in my head until I finally fell asleep. Dreaming as usual of a brown haired brown eyed beauty.

Heading back to my dorm after running from the gym in a haste I got a text from Alberta asking me to go and see her urgently. I'd replied saying I would and would be there shortly. I needed to shower before I headed over there. After pinning Rose the final time, I'd gotten caught up in my memories. I was in awe of how far she had come in her combat skills, she really looked beautiful while fighting. For a second I forgot the decision I'd made, all that slipped from my mind as she was laid there beneath me. All I wanted to do was kiss her, then I felt her hand on my chest and the memories of what I'd done came flooding back and I regained my grasp on reality. Well most of me had, a certain part of my body hadn't, and I needed to go deal with that before I headed over to see my boss.

After showering quickly, I headed over to the admin building. Being called to the head of guardians was always anxiety provoking recently. Every time I'd been called to see Alberta my first thought was has Rose finally told. I always dreaded the walk over, yet every time it was always to do with a shift change or something else guardian related. It had been three weeks, if she hadn't told by now, she wasn't going too, surely. She really meant it when she said she wouldn't tell.

Knocking and entering when allowed. I saw Alberta sat behind her desk with a concerned expression on her face. ''Dimitri, thank you for coming so quickly. Sorry for the late hour. We need to talk about Rose.'' She said, gesturing to the chair in front of her desk. Instantly my heart dropped into my stomach. She'd actually told. Why the sudden change of heart?

''Of course, Alberta. What about her?'' I asked apprehensively, while taking the seat. I was getting fired. I was being sent to jail. I deserved it; I know I did. My mind was travelling at a hundred miles an hour. Looking around the room expecting to see other guardians here to escort me to the cells I was surprised to see we were alone. Maybe she had them wait somewhere else so not to alert me in case I'd run. She didn't need to worry though, I wouldn't run.

''I'm concerned about her. Ever since Victor kidnapped the princess, she has been different. Not her usual high-spirited self. I think it's affected her more than she let on, as well as her killing Natalie in the cells. Has she spoken to you about it? I know you are close.'' She said, eyeing me closely as she spoke her last words. I relaxed slightly in my chair at her words.

''I don't know what to say. I've picked up on it to, but she won't speak to me. She promised me she'd talk when she was ready.'' Alberta sighed at my response. A flick of emotion crossed her face as she leaned over the desk and pinned me with her gaze.

''Look Dimitri. I'm going to be honest. I know something is going on between the two of you.'' I tensed back up; this was it. '' I don't know what, but I've seen the way you both act around each other. The looks you give each other when you think no one is watching. I see everything. Whatever has happened or is going on with her, you are the only one who will be able to get through to her. Her qualifier is this week. I'm giving you special permission to leave a day earlier, I've seen to it that the Badicas put you up for the night so it will give you time to try and get through to her. The storm is coming in earlier than expected as well so you can use that as an excuse if she asks but please use this time. Help her. Whatever she needs. I've never seen anyone look at each other the way you two do.'' I sat there, shocked, letting out a relaxing breath as all my muscles relaxed at the admission that can come out of my bosses' mouth. She knew and what was more surprising is she seemed strangely ok with it, or it sounded like she was. I only nodded in response; not sure I could ever talk yet. ''You leave on Monday.'' She said, the clear dismissal in her voice.

Standing and heading towards the door I was surprised when she spoke again. ''Oh, and Dimitri.'' I turned to face her with an eyebrow raised ''If you hurt her, I will hurt you. They will never find you again.'' She threatened, causing me to shudder. If she only knew how much I had already hurt her. ''I've seen the way you look at her. You've changed since you brought her back. You're freer when you are around her. Hold on to that.'' She continued in a friendlier tone.

''I think it might be too late, but I'll try.'' I muttered, almost inaudibly or so I thought.

''And why is that?'' She asked, her eyes glued on me, taking in every flicker of emotion or reaction.

Walking back towards her, deciding on telling her as much as I could. ''I said somethings after the kidnapping that I don't know if I can take back. Even if I wanted to. She's safer this way.'' I shrugged ''Being with me, it would wreck her reputation before she has even made one.'' I said sadly.

''Dimitri, if you think that girl will care about her reputation over being happy, you are mistaken. Hell, she took the last Dragomir away from the academy with no regard for her own reputation just to keep her safe. Surely, that should give you an idea that she doesn't care about that. As long as the people she cares about are safe, that's all she's concerned about. You happen to be one of them people now. She cares for you; I can see it in her. She's changed since she's known you. She doesn't go around making out with other boys'' that caused me to flinch harshly, making Alberta chuckle. ''Sorry.'' She muttered before continuing. ''She was reckless and insubordinate before you brought her back and started training her. You ground her.'' I suddenly had a flashback to something my babushka had said, about grounding Rose as well.

I wanted to believe Alberta was right. When I was looking for Rose and the princess, I'd read both of their files, so I knew what Rose was like before. I didn't understand how someone could be so irresponsible to take the last remaining Dragomir away from the protection of the academy. I thought Rose was a child who had chosen to put a member of a royal family in harm's way for no reason at all. Alberta was right, Rose didn't care about her reputation, otherwise she wouldn't have taken the princess away. I should have known.

''I think I may have some grovelling to do.'' I replied in shame. ''I need to think this over.'' I still didn't know if I was going to pursue her again after this conversation, I needed to think it over, but talking was helping. It was nice talking to someone who was an outside source, not concerned about my own happiness. Even if it was strange talking to my boss about this.

''What exactly did you do? What did you say to her?'' Alberta said in a slightly more intimidating tone. ''Please tell me the only reason she is acting different is because of what happened and not because of something you said.''

''I didn't tell you the whole truth about the kidnapping.'' I whispered in a shameful voice I'm surprised she heard.

''Yeah, I know. Whatever that charm was, I'm guessing it wasn't an attack charm? It wouldn't have taken you that long to break through. I've seen you fight. I know she's good but she isn't that good. Yet'' I knew that, I knew when I said the lie it was a long shot to it being believed. I thought I'd gotten away with it, apparently not. I sighed.

''I won't go into the details, but it wasn't an attack charm your right. Somethings happened and when we eventually talked the morning of the cells, I pushed her away. Told her I didn't feel anything for her. That that happened was only because of the charm. I lied to her.'' I whispered. Knowing Alberta was a smart woman and she'd figure out what I wasn't saying, I just hoped she wouldn't figure out the whole truth otherwise she very well may arrest me.

''You lied to her? Why? You know how charms work. Whatever happened, and I do not want to know. I'm better off not knowing.'' She empathised. ''Neither of you knew what was happening. The charm would have controlled you both until you managed to disengage it. So why push her away?''

''Because of her. Because of her reputation. Because I felt guilty over what happened and couldn't see it was the charm. I thought it was all me, my fault, but now, three weeks later I can see more clearly. Yes, the guilt is still there, weighing me down but I can see what my mama and Roza said, and now you. I'm an idiot.'' I said, stuttering over the last words, grasping at the little strength I had remaining. No way was I going to breakdown in front of my boss. I meant what I said, I knew it was the charm, I think I've always known I just couldn't see past my own guilt. Alberta stood and came around her desk, pulling a chair over and sitting in front of me.

''I don't know everything, but from what you've told me and from what I'm presuming in my mind. I'm going to agree with that statement.'' I looked up at her questioningly ''Yes, you are an idiot.'' She chuckled at my shocked expression. ''Look, I can see you are struggling with whatever has happened. Just try and work past it. Talk to her, whatever your feeling, let her in. For both of your sakes.'' She smiled softly as she reached and wiped a tear I didn't realise had escaped down my cheek.

I straightened up, realising I was in fact in my boss's office sharing things I should not be feeling and things she should certainly be reporting. ''Sorry.'' I muttered. Slamming my mask in place the best I could. ''I didn't mean to unload on you like that. I think I just needed someone to talk to who wasn't my mother. She only wants my happiness, but you, you only want Roses. So, thank you.'' I said, giving a small smile.

''No problem. You are right. I do want Rose's. And now I know what I'd already presumed, I think you are the reason she is like this. I always wondered why it hit her so hard. I know Natalie was her friend, but she wasn't overly close with her. I think that it is affecting her but mainly it is whatever has happened between the two of you, and you...'' she pointed towards me. ''...need to fix it. At least talk to her. Properly, let your walls down and tell her the whole truth. Let her decide how she feels about it once she knows. But Dimitri...'' she reached over and placed a comforting hand on my arm. ''...she isn't the only person I want to see happy. I've picked up on your mood change since that night as well. I want you both happy. I owe you a lot for bringing her, them, home.'' She said softly. I wondered for not the first time why Alberta never had children. She would have made a wonderful mother, but I guess. In some ways she was a mother. A mother to all the children left at the academy but especially to Rose. ''Oh, and don't think I missed the slip up on Roses name earlier. I heard you call her Roza.'' She said smugly. ''Now go, you have to be up early to speak to someone special.''

After my talk with Alberta I'd laid in bed going over everything she had said, and I'd realised I had been stupid and selfish. Not giving Rose the choice in the matter and just thinking I knew what was best for her. However, the guilt of what happened was still consuming me. I couldn't see past it, maybe talking to Rose properly about it would help, laying it all out in front of me and letting her see how much what happened was torturing me. She at least deserved to know the truth about my feelings. If Alberta was right and I was in fact the reason for her mood change, which I knew I was, I would do anything to help her.

I'd awoken this morning with optimism that I would be able to help but I didn't, I didn't even know what had happened this morning, but I was sure it hadn't helped. I reminisced about having her in my arms again. At first when she hugged me, I was shocked but quickly folded her in my arms, hugging her tightly on instinct. The feel of her as she melted against me after what she had to witness was euphoric. Her smell consumed me; I missed that smell. When I nuzzled her neck and realised what I'd done I'd pulled away automatically. Regretting it immediately, my arms had felt cold when I let her go. It had been three long weeks since I held her in my arms, and I missed it.

Missed her so much. Honestly, I was miserable, Alberta was right about my mood change as well.

I'd tried, I tried talking to her, but it backfired. Apparently, she was angrier at me than I thought she was, I deserved her anger though. I'd done nothing but hurt her. I was determined to keep trying. I'd decided in this moment as I ran through the conversation with Alberta for the millionth time, and the multiple I've had with my mother that I was going to tell her the truth. She deserved the truth. Having Alberta agree with my mother and Rose about the charm helped me to start to forgive myself for what had happened. Even if I was a long way off yet, it was a start. I decided I'd use the drive back from the Badicas as my chance to tell her the truth. I knew it was cruel to corner her like that, but it was the only way to ensure she would have to sit there and hear what I was telling her. I wouldn't do it on the way or before. She needed to focus on her qualifier, she didn't need me confusing things even more before then.

AN – Ok so I didn't plan on the Alberta – Dimitri heart to heart but once I started writing I thought it fit well that it would be Alberta to help Dimitri see it wasn't his fault. I don't know why. She always comes across as the mother hen to me. I've always kind of seen Alberta as someone who sees all and picks up on things so thought she'd originally imply she knew something.

I've never done a flashback before so was having trouble getting it to sound alright. Hope it's not too confusing.

Not entirely sure when I will update again. Probably a week wait this time as I'm day on day off day on for 3 shifts next week. I've had to change shifts due to back problems.