AN- Thank you again for the reviews!
New chapter time! Sorry it took so long; split shifts are tiring.
This is kind of a filler chapter. I wanted this to happened and it took me forever to actually write it because I didn't know how I wanted to write it. So, it's probably rubbish but I promise I'll make it up to you in the next chapter. I hope anyway…
This has only been proofread by me so if any mistakes they are my own.
Chapter 8 – The Mistake
RPOV
I headed over the Lissa's dorm after she had finished at church, how she dared step foot in that place after what she did yesterday was beyond me. I'd given it a miss today, choosing to have a much-needed lie in. I'd received a note late last night informing me that training was cancelled this morning to help me prepare for my Qualifier this week. I didn't really know how to prepare for it, I'd get asked questions and depending on my answers I would either pass or fail. There were no knowing what questions I'd be asked so how could I prepare for that?
Lissa had been calling me through the bond all morning since I woke up, and maybe even before. She was desperate to see me, and I already knew what she wanted to talk about. Christian. I shuddered at the memory. I didn't want to hear about what happened yesterday; I saw enough that I know what happened. I could feel her mood through the bond though, she was happy, and I wouldn't ruin that for her. If she wanted to talk, I would let her. I still wished I could tell her everything about what was happening with me, but I couldn't.
I'd spent majority of the day yesterday in my dorm, going over morning training trying to figure out what that was about but came up empty. I guess I'll have to wait until we head off for the qualifier and see if the mood shifts again.
Rose, are you coming? We can have a movie day! Lissa said through the bond. I groaned, I know what type of movies she wanted to watch, and it was probably The Notebook. I'm pretty sure she's forgotten I no longer have a phone and that the bond only works one way so I literally cannot respond to her.
Entering the Moroi dorms some heads turned and starred at me. The majority of gossip about Natalie had settled now. I didn't get any more snide comments from the snotty royals which I was thankful for. Like with any gossip you just have to let the fire go out by itself. Heading up the stairs and towards Lissa's room, not for the first time I thought how different the Moroi and Dhampirs were treated. Lissa's dorm was well kept, newly painted and the heating always worked. The dhampir dorms were old and damp and the heating broke more times than it worked during the winter months. However, the school did provide heaters for when this happened thankfully.
Walking straight into Lissa's dorm, forgetting she now had Guardians with her at all times I was met with a fist flying towards my face. I went to react but at the last second the fist stopped, just inches from me. ''Rose! I'm so sorry. It was instinct.'' Came that familiar Russian accented voice I loved so much. Blinking a few times to regain my focus, I was met with concerned brown eyes.
''No worries, you didn't actually hit me, I forgot to knock so it was my fault.'' I replied, shrugging.
''She's just in the bathroom.'' He glanced towards the door. ''How was the rest of your day yesterday? Anymore disturbances?'' I shuddered at the memory. ''Sorry'' he chuckled.
''No, I didn't, thank god. Thank you for staying late yesterday. You didn't need to. It was your day off, you didn't need to do that.''
''Like I said yesterday, it was no bother. You needed the distraction. I didn't have anything else on. I'm just glad I could help. I'm sorry you have to witness that.'' There goes the hope that he stayed because he wanted to spend time with me. No matter how much I reminded myself that Dimitri didn't have feelings for me a part of me still hoped he did. The sick twisted torturous part of me read into his changed behaviour even though it was only hurting me. I sighed internally.
''Still, I'm sorry for taking over the majority of the few hours you had off from either training me or guarding.''
''Rose.'' He said, taking a step forward and placing a hand on my arm. I felt the usual electric current flow through me. When would my body stop reacting to him like this? ''I said it was no bother. You do not need to keep apologising. I had nothing else planned and I enjoyed it. I like training you. I enjoy sp...'' Having worst timing yet again Lissa walked into the room. Swinging the door open with a bang. Dimitri quickly dropped his hand and took a step back towards the wall again. Damn it Lissa, what was he just about to say?
''Rose! You're here.'' Lissa shrieked. I rolled my eyes at her and saw a smirk flick across Dimitri's face before he quickly slide his guardian mask back into place. ''What took you so long?''
''Lissa, I was asleep. I actually managed to get a much-needed morning off from being made to get up at the ass crack of dawn.'' I gave Dimitri a pointed look and he gave a small smile in response, trying to keep his composure. He knew how much I hated getting up early for practice. I wouldn't do it for anyone else, but for him. I mean I got to look at his body all morning, so I'd have to be stupid not to, right? ''As soon as I woke up and heard you calling, I started getting ready. If you remember I don't have any way of contacting, you to tell you I'm coming. One-way bond and no phone, remember?''
''Sometimes I wish the bond was both ways, it would make it so much easier.'' I for one was extremely happy the bond was only one way. She did not need to know just how screwed up my life was right now. Hopelessly in love with a man who was standing a few feet away who had made it clear he didn't have feelings for me. I'd killed a fellow student and friend. She really didn't need to know, and honestly, I don't know what her reaction would be to the Dimitri thing.
''Well I'm glad it's only one way, most of the time. It would be handy in an emergency but I'm glad you can't see into my head.'' I chuckled.
''Come on, what movie do you want to watch?'' She said, while dragging me to sit on the sofa.
''Oh, come on Lissa. I know you didn't ask me over to watch a movie.'' I said pointedly.
Lissa smiled. ''No, I didn't. I do want to talk to you about something but first we are talking about you. What's going on with you?''
''Wait? What do you mean?'' I asked in a slightly anxious voice.
''I may not be able to see your thoughts, but I still know you. Something is different. Your different. What's going on. Talk to me.'' Lissa asked, concern evident in her voice and through the bond.
''It's nothing Liss. Don't worry about me.'' I waved her off. I wanted to tell her. Tell her everything. I just couldn't. Couldn't risk it. She might tell and I wouldn't do that to Dimitri. He did nothing wrong. It was Victor and that stupid charm. How he couldn't see that I didn't know but it didn't matter, it wouldn't change the way he saw me anyway. I sighed.
''But I am worried. You've changed in the last few weeks.''
''I don't know what to tell you Liss. I guess I'm still coming to terms with everything. Killing Natalie and all the rumours surrounding that took it out of me a little and I'm worried about my qualifier this week.'' I replied, hoping this would be enough to justify my change. I'd thought I was hiding it well, apparently not. I'm also not that lucky.
''No, this change started happening before Natalie. You were touchy and on edge before then. It happened straight after the dance. After victor.'' I flinched. Why did my best friend decide to choose this moment to become watchful and observant? Why did she have to pick up on the one thing I didn't want to – couldn't – talk about.
''Liss. Really, it's nothing.'' I repeated shrugging. ''Right your turn. What did you want to talk about?'' I said eyeing her curiously. Trying to shift the attention off me, knowing full well Dimitri was probably listening to this conversation.
''Oh no. we aren't done with you yet.'' She muttered. Her mind was racing as she tried to figure it out. Trying to figure out what could have changed in my life. ''OH! WAIT! Is there a guy?'' She asked, eyeing me carefully. I sat there and stared. Shit. My mouth opened and closed a few times as I tried to figure out something to say and quickly before she realised the delay in my answer and took that as confirmation.
''Uh no. Of course not.'' I stuttered. Lissa was still watching me closely.
''Hmm...'' She murmured.
''What?''
''That wasn't a very convincing answer.'' She said gleefully. ''Spill.'' SHIT. I so did not need this. I looked around the room and caught eye of Dimitri. Double shit. He was staring at me. I quickly turned back to Lissa and put on my best convincing smile.
''Honestly. There's no guy. Trust me, I'd tell you if there was something to tell but there isn't. So just leave it, please'' I begged, shrugging. My eyes flicked to Dimitri again, but he was staring straight ahead, ignoring the room, mostly. I noted his hands were curled into a fist. Strange. ''Now, isn't there something you want to talk about?'' Trying the distraction technique again.
''I know what you're doing. I will get to the bottom of this. There's a guy I know it. I want you happy Rose.'' She murmured. ''but yes. There is something. Something about me and Christian.'' I didn't actually think the distraction and begging would work. I thought she'd keep on at me until I broke.
''Oh, I know.'' I said before I could stop myself.
''Know what?!'' she shrieked.
''Oww!'' I yelled. ''Uh, bond remember?''
''Oh. My. God. Please tell me you were not in my head?''
''Uh, sort of?'' I shuddered again. ''I managed to get out before anything happened, but it was pretty clear what was happening. Next time, warn me so I can at least try and block you out.''
''Oh! I'm so sorry, I didn't even think. Stupid bond.'' I nodded in agreeance, stupid bond indeed. ''How much did you see?'' she asked sheepishly.
''Not much. I managed to get out before too much came off with some help, but you really need to get a less itchy bra!'' I giggled at her discomfort. Least she doesn't have to witness my sex life, if I had one. I had to get some payback somehow. ''So, how was it?''
''Rose!'' now it was Lissa's turn to get anxious. Ha Karma is a bitch. ''It was good. Really good. Much better than Aaron. Christian actually knew what he was doing.'' She giggled and with that we spent the next hour talking about it. Well she did the talking. After she was done talking, she sighed. ''One day it will be you talking about this to me. I hope you find someone soon, maybe this new guy your being so secretive about? I can't wait for you to experience it. Is that weird to say?'' she chuckled.
Again, I felt guilty. I couldn't tell my best friend that I had actually experienced this. Not that there was anything to tell anymore. I was alone in my feelings so what was the point in telling her? I dared another peak at Dimitri, his mask was firmly in place, his hands still curled into a fist but were now shaking. Damn it Lissa! She's probably made him feel guiltier than he needs to.
Suddenly a knock at the door rang through the room and Dimitri sighed quietly and moved from his position.
Oh my god. I forgot he was in the room Lissa said through the bond, looking ashamed. I can't believe I just said all that in front of him!
I just rolled my eyes at her as Dimitri opened the door. Guardian Matthews stood behind, presumably to take over for Dimitri. I could hear them talking quietly in the corner, probably Dimitri giving handover. Before he left, he turned to me.
''Oh Rose. We leave tomorrow for your qualifier. The storm is coming in sooner than expected.'' He said.
''Oh ok. Has it been moved up?''
''No. We will be staying at the place it is being held overnight and then driving back after you've had the qualifier. Be ready to leave at 2pm.''
''Are you going to tell me where we are going yet and who it is with?'' I asked in an exasperated voice. He wouldn't tell me and the fact we were now staying overnight was not helping my nerves.
''No. I will tell you on the way. Relax. You'll do fine.'' Ugh. Why couldn't he just tell me. I sagged into the couch in annoyance. ''Princess. Matthews.'' He nodded as he left the room.
ROSE! Lissa shouted in my head causing me to flinch slightly. You're still coming tonight right? To the party? I sighed. I didn't even want to go anyway. This was the perfect excuse not to go but I knew Lissa wouldn't let me skip it. So, I just nodded. Not wanting to alert Matthews. YES! It's going to be so much fun! She continued in my head, I rubbed it slightly. She was giving me a headache.
''Don't worry Rose. You'll do great in your qualifier. It's normal to be nervous.'' Matthews said in a reassuring tone. ''I was nervous before mine too.''
''Do you know who it's with? He won't tell me and that's making it worst!'' I whined.
''No. He's keeping it a secret from everyone. I think only Alberta knows.'' She shrugged.
''Who was yours with? What was it like?'' Matthews sighed.
''We had the head of guardians come to visit the school I was at. He along with other highly ranked guardians administered the qualifiers. I got the head of guardians. I was shitting it when I walked in. I saw him sat there and I couldn't stop staring at him!'' she sighed again, a faraway look in her eye. I felt like there was a story here, but I didn't want to pry.
''Uh huh.'' I said, eying her curiously. She blushed slightly in response and shook her head. I always liked Matthews; she was easy to get along with. She'd been allocated as one of Lissa guardians while at the academy, so I saw her a lot. We treated each other as friends for the most part and often chatted in the gym during training.
''Sorry, I don't know where my head just went.'' She muttered as she slammed her guardian mask in place.
''Sure'' I muttered, and she gave me a small smile. ''So, what kind of questions did you get asked?''
''Oh no. I'm not helping you. I didn't get any help. It's only fair!'' She said teasingly. I just groaned.
''Ugh. I best get going.'' I said giving Lissa a pointed look. I honestly had no idea how she was going to slip her guard again. She'd slipped it once this weekend, they were going to keep an even closer eye on her.
See you later! She said through the bond. I shrugged still not believing she would slip her guard. I hoped she didn't because then I could leave and try and get some sleep before we left. I wasn't going to get much if I stayed late at this party.
I woke from the nap I decided to have instead of doing some training to at least get some sleep in before this stupid party. The last thing I wanted to be doing was sneaking around before one of the most important tests of my life, but I knew Lissa would just keep shouting me through the bond and I would never get any sleep. So, it was best just to endure her and let her get her own way. I'd go for an hour or so, then leave. I couldn't afford to be tired. I knew my qualifier wasn't until Tuesday, but I couldn't risk giving a bad first impression if I was staying in the same place this guardian was. Why oh why couldn't Dimitri just tell me who it was. I sighed in agitation as I got out of bed and headed for a shower.
I really was not in the partying mood. I used to be, before we ran away. I used to always be up for a party and was usually the one dragging Lissa. Now I couldn't care, didn't care. I didn't care about making out with other boys. Or getting drunk. None of that bothered me anymore. I didn't even need to pretend to not know the reason. I knew the reason. Dimitri. He had changed me. Made me want to be a better person and then broken my heart.
Looking through my wardrobe I didn't have any nice clothes. They were all back in Portland. I would have worn the dress I wore to the dance, but that got burnt. No. Don't think about that. You need to move on. He doesn't feel that way about you, so you need to get over it. I eventually decided on black jeans and a crop top.
As I got ready my mind drifted back to the conversation I had with Dimitri before Lissa interrupted this morning. I knew I shouldn't keep thinking about him and that I should move on, but I couldn't get him out my head. He was acting so strange this past day. He hasn't asked me how I was since before the dance and now all of a sudden, he wants to know. I couldn't understand it. He said he liked training me, that he enjoyed it. I wondered what he was going to say if Lissa hadn't interrupted us. He was going to say he enjoyed spending time with you the treacherous voice in my head whispered. No, I definitely couldn't think that. He had made it perfectly clear he didn't like me or feel anything for me. I was his student and that was all. Just a quick fix for his desires. I kept reminding myself that, but it still hurt. I believed him, how could I not. He hadn't given me any reason not to. But he has. That voice whispered again. He's changed recently. Maybe he regrets it, maybe he realises it was a mistake and that he does actually have feelings for you. Ugh. SHUT UP. Great. Now I'm screaming at myself. Who knew heart break could make you go insane?
Completing my look with knee high boots and applying minimal makeup, just some mascara and my favourite lip gloss, I left my room via my window, scaling the building and headed across campus to the Moroi dorms with no issues. Walking through the common slowly to soak up the remaining sun. I loved this time of day; the sun was just rising so I was able to bask in the glow of the sun. I missed the sunlight, missed the way it heated my skin even in the colder months.
Luckily someone had wedged a ground floor back window open for people to sneak through, so I quickly climbed through. A quick glance at the bond showed that Lissa was already at the party. I couldn't believe she had slipped her guard again. They're going to put her on lockdown or something. How was she doing it. I quickly brushed through her memories and saw that she hadn't just slipped her guard. She'd compelled him. Damn if she keeps doing that she's going to get in some serious trouble. Shaking my head, I entered the common room and at least tried to enjoy the party. Heading straight over to Lissa where she was with Christian, Mason and Eddie. I plastered a smile on my face, ready to act like I was having a good time. I refused the drinks offered to me after only having two, using my qualifier as an excuse for not drinking anymore. Much to the dismay of my friends.
''Please! Have another drink Rose.'' Lissa pleaded with a tilt of her head. Suddenly having more to drink sounded like a brilliant plan.
''Ugh, Fine!'' I exclaimed. Wondering over to the table to grab another drink.
After around another hour the music was getting louder as well as the party goers, how this party hadn't been broken up yet I didn't know. I'd had more drinks than I had planned and was now subtly swaying as I walked, heading back towards Lissa and my friends when I bumped into something. I looked up and saw Jesse. Ugh.
''Rose!'' He slurred. ''Shall we pick up where we left of the other month?'' He asked with a twinkle in his eye.
''Ugh. Go away Jesse.'' I said pushing my way past him. Unfortunately, he grabbed my arm and spun me back around to face him a frustrated look on his face.
''Suit yourself, blood whore.'' He sneered.
Seriously? My anger started to flare now. ''How the hell can I be a blood whore if I'm refusing you? Grow up and accept the rejection!'' I attempted to move away again but he just grabbed me. Again. I was seriously going to punch him if he didn't let me go.
''Oh, come on, don't be like that. I know you like me really.'' He scoffed.
''Oh yeah. I'm going to like the guy who spread rumours about me around campus. Not once but twice.'' I sneered back. Jesse rolled his eyes and pushed me up against the wall, leaning in. Oh god no. I knew I use to think he was hot but man I was so wrong. He hands rested on my hip against my bare skin which made me cringe. I tried shoving him away, but the alcohol had weakened my coordination and strength, so he didn't budge. Just as his lips brushed mine, he was suddenly ripped away from me and there stood Mason. ''Mason!'' I screamed, smiling up at him in a drunken haze. ''Thank you. Jackass.'' I muttered towards Jesse as me and Mase walked away.
''What did he want?'' Mase asked. I just looked at him like he was insane for a second.
''Uh, wasn't it obvious. You did pull him off me.'' I snickered, hitting his arm. It was when he stumbled a little that I realised he was just as drunk as I was.
''Yeah. Good point.'' He muttered. I noticed we had walked past our friends and was making our way out of the room.
''Mase. Where are we going?'' I asked.
''I want to talk to you. I feel like I haven't talked to you in ages. Not properly anyway.'' He said. I guess that was true. I'd distanced myself from most of my friends recently. Not entirely, but now I realised I'd done enough to make them realise something was up. First Lissa this morning, now Mason wanted to talk to me. Ugh, I hope the alcohol would at least let me keep my mouth shut.
We walked into an empty common room off the main room. It was the abandoned room me and Jesse had once been in. He led me to the couch and sat down, pulling me down with him so I was seated close to his side with ease. The room was starting to blur slightly. I really had drunk too much. I needed to get back to my dorm and sleep this off before I left later. I didn't even know what the time was, it must be like ten or eleven, which meant I'd only get two or three hours sleep before I had to leave. Oh god, why did I drink so..
''Rose.'' Mason said, interrupting my thoughts. ''I want to say something. Something I wouldn't usually have to guts to say if I was sober.'' Oh no I thought. This wasn't him being concerned about me. I knew he liked me. I knew he wanted more than friendship with me, but I only saw him as a friend. I did not want to have to deal with this right now or ever. ''Rose.'' He took a deep breath. ''I like you, more than a friend. I know we graduate this year and it would be hard, but I like you. No.'' He shook his head and continued. ''I love you. I've loved you for years. Your beautiful, extraordinary. We make each other laugh. So, why I had a little Dutch courage..'' He chuckled nervously. ''..I wanted to tell you how I felt.'' He stopped talking and looked at me and I could see it. I could see the love he had for me in his eyes.
For a second that look reminded me off how Dimitri looked at me the night of the charm, but then I reminded myself that, that was just lust. The two emotions must just look similar. That's all he felt for me. I needed to move on from him. He'd never feel the same way that I do. I looked at Mason. Someone who loved me for me. Why couldn't I feel the same about him? He was a nice guy. A good guy. I would be lucky to have him. I loved him, but as a friend. Could I ever be romantically interested in him? I wasn't sure. I'd never thought about it. I know Lissa always thought we'd be a good couple, but I just never saw him that way, but now I was thinking about it. I didn't want to ruin our friendship. But maybe we would be good together? And if not, at least I'd given it a shot, right?
''Mase. I think I've known that for a long time. Or had some suspicions. I don't know honestly. We've been friends for so long, I've never thought of you that way before.''
''I just wanted to get it out in the open, and I know we've been friends for a long time, but I would really like to take this step. It's up to you though.'' He said, shrugging. I could still see a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
''Thank you. I just wouldn't want to ruin our friendship if we did take this step and it didn't work out. What would happen then?'' I asked. May as well be truthful with him.
''It wouldn't change a thing. I'd just be happy knowing that you know, and that we at least tried.'' He said in an increasingly hopeful tone. I turned to look at him. Really look at him. He was cute in a geeky kind of way. He was well built, not as built as Dimitri but still attractive. No stop comparing him to Dimitri, I chastised myself.
I continued staring at him and realised he was in fact very attractive and I'd be a fool to pass this opportunity up. He just said if it didn't work out, we could remain friends. I hoped that was true. Or maybe it was the damn alcohol clouding my judgement. Whatever it was. I knew deep down I would regret what happened next. I slowly leaned in and kissed him. He responded instantly. It was strange kissing him. We'd kissed before, years ago, we decided we wanted to be each other's first kiss but we'd both improved since then. As the kiss continued, I sat and straddled his lap without breaking the kiss. My hands coming to rest in his hair and I pulled slightly causing a moan to come from his lips. We broke the kiss to breath, and he moved down my neck, giving me gentle kisses. I didn't have to same reaction I had before. It didn't tingle the same way. Didn't shock my body the same way as when I'd kissed Dimitri. In fact, none of this felt the same as it did with Dimitri.
Ridding my thoughts of Dimitri and choosing to focus on Mason. I was here with Mason not Dimitri, it wasn't fair on him to think about someone else right now. Masons hands slid down to my bare waist and again I noticed no shock when he touched me. Our lips met again, and he kissed me fiercely, hands wondering beneath my top and pulling upwards. I didn't want to go too far tonight; I wasn't ready for that, but I let him rid me of my top. As we broke the kiss for him to discard my top onto the couch beside us, I heard him gasp as he took me in. I was wearing one of my better bras tonight, so I knew I looked good. It went better with my top. He tore he's eyes away from me, looking at me back in the eyes with the love he had for me clearly showing. Smiling and leaning back in to continue kissing him, I reached for his top and unbuttoned it. I might not want to go far tonight but I wasn't being the only one topless right now. As I unbuttoned his top and pushed it off his shoulders, I heard a squeak behind me, but chose to ignore it.
After a few seconds I noticed a presence behind us. I knew without looking who was behind me. I always knew when he was here. I froze and pulled away slightly, Mason obviously not hearing moved his lips to my neck. As I turned, I saw the last person I wanted to see. Dimitri. I was shocked, not because he was here but it was like a bucket of cold water had just been chucked at me and I realised what I'd done.
How could I off done this? I knew I didn't like Mason in this way, and I was leading him on. It wasn't fair on him at all. I knew deep down it was going to be a mistake before it even happened. What was I thinking? I knew I loved Dimitri. So, what was this. Some rebound because I couldn't have to one I loved? Probably. I'd been cursing Dimitri for just using me but in truth, right now I was no better, I was using Mason to get over someone else. As I stared at Dimitri I really took in his face. His mask was down, and I could see his emotions clearly. Hurt. Grief. Sorrow, all flicked across his face until he noticed me staring and slammed his mask in place. I glared at him. Why would he have those emotions, I was seeing things. The alcohol must be clouding my judgement. Yeah that was an understatement of the night. It was definitely clouding my judgement. Ugh I wish Mason would realise someone else was in the room and leave me alone. I tried pushing him away slightly, but it was useless.
DPOV
I'd just settled into bed when I got the call from Alberta to go and break up an after-curfew party over in the Moroi dorms. It seemed that the seniors had decided to have a party after hours but had forgotten to keep the noise down. I quickly changed and met Stan and Matthews downstairs and made our way to the Moroi dorms.
As soon as we entered the common room everyone went quiet in a wave. It started with the people closest to the doors once they noticed us, then it gradually worked its way to the back of the room.
''Party is over! Please make your way back to your dorms immediately!'' Stan bellowed.
Everyone quickly ran from the room, dispersing quickly heading to their own dorms. I noticed the princess walking towards me and as she passed me, I intercepted her. ''Princess. How are you here?'' I asked perplexed.
She looked at me like a small child who had just been caught doing something she shouldn't be. Which is exactly what she had been doing. ''Urm..'' She stuttered. I knew immediately what she wasn't saying. She had compelled Hayes again, like she had done the previous morning. Poor guy.
I looked at her with sympathy. I knew it was hard on her now. With guardians always around her and her not being allowed to be a normal teenage because we were always around her, but it was for her own safety. ''It doesn't matter. Just go back to your dorm and don't tell anyone.'' I murmured. She turned, but just before she hurried away, I stopped her. ''Oh, was Rose here? I can't see her.'' She looked around and I had my answer. I had hoped Rose wouldn't have been so stupid before we headed off for her qualifier later but apparently, I was mistaken. ''Where is she?'' I asked.
''I saw her head into another room with Mason. After Jesse cornered her, maybe she was upset? I don't know. That was the last time I saw her. She headed through that door.'' She said nervously while pointing to the back of the room to a door that I knew lead to the same abandoned common room I'd once caught Rose in with Jesse.
''Thank you.'' I muttered in response. ''You can head back to your dorm now. And princess, make sure Hayes doesn't remember anything, ok?'' she nodded in response and turned and hurried away with a small smile.
As I headed towards the door the princess had pointed out my heart rate increased. What the hell had Jesse said to her? I wish he would just leave her alone. I knew the rumours he had spread about her when she came back and the ones most recently, she didn't need that right now. I was glad Mason had got her away from him. I still couldn't believe she was here tonight. She knew we was leaving for her qualifier later. How could she be so irresponsible and come to a party before that?
I gestured to the remaining students to leave as I made my way to the back room. Turning I saw Stan and Matthews leading the remaining party goers out of the room. ''You make sure everyone gets back to their rooms ok, I'll check the rest of the rooms to make sure we haven't missed anyone.'' I said. I didn't mind Matthews finding Rose, but I knew if Stan did, he would punish her for it, even though there had been many students here tonight. They both nodded and turned, escorting the remaining dhampirs to their dorms.
Reaching the door and twisting the handle, pushing the door open with a squeak, I froze at the sight before me. I hadn't been heard entering the room, which right now I was glad for because in front of me was Rose with Mason.
No! No this couldn't be happening I shouted in my head. I stood and stared for a few seconds, my heart breaking while I stared at the women I loved in another boys' arms. I'd lost her, she'd moved on. I was too late. I'd waited too long. I should have told her the second I decided she needed to know the truth, then this wouldn't have happened. How could I off been so stupid.
Suddenly Rose froze herself and pulled away from the make out session she was currently having and turned. Facing me I could see the shock on her face as she took me in. We stared at each other for a while and I quickly slammed my mask in place before she could see how much this was affecting me. If she had moved on, I couldn't let her know the truth now. Couldn't mess this up for her. She deserved to be happy. Even if I never would be again. She continued staring at me, the shocked expression quickly turning into a glare.
I felt like crumbling to the floor in a heap, but I had to remain strong and get her out of here. I saw her push against Mason slightly, but it didn't do any good, he kept his lips firmly against her neck. Increasing my already high-strung emotions but this time in anger.
''It's after curfew. You need to head back to your dorms! NOW!'' I shouted, I hoped she didn't hear the break in my voice. I just had to keep it together long enough to get her back to her room. At my outburst Mason had finally realised they had been caught and detached his lips from my Roza's neck. Thank god. If he'd continued, I would have dragged him away from her. My anger was barely being contained. The only thing preventing me from snapping was remembering that this was my fault. That Rose wouldn't have been doing this if I hadn't lied to her. I only had myself to blame for this. And really, what did I expect. Her to stay alone for the rest of her life. She was a beautiful woman, any man would be lucky to have her, did it just have to be this boy. Well, it could have been you a voice sneered in my head you had your chance and you fucked it up.
''Guardian Belikov, I'm so ss-sorry.'' Mason stuttered.
I held up my hand, stopping him from continuing. ''Save it. Just get up and go back to your dorm. I'll deal with you when we get back.'' I said bluntly, not even wanting to look at him after what I'd just witnessed. Mason quickly unwrapped Rose from his lap and hurried out of the room. What a gentleman I thought. Didn't even wait for the women he was just groping to get dressed and follow him. I sighed. ''Get dressed Rose. You need to at least get some sleep tonight.'' I was trying my best not to ogle her. She was wearing the same bra she wore the night of the lust charm and it was distracting me. My memories really didn't do me justice and seeing her like this again was too much. I needed to get us out of here.
''Not like you haven't seen it before'' She muttered. Always so quick with the come backs.
''Dressed. Now.'' I said sternly. Not wanting to think about the time I'd seen her undressed any more than I already was. She quickly did as I asked and got off the couch putting on her top. God, it barely covered her.
We left the common room and headed back towards the dhampir dorms in silence. As we walked, I noticed she was stumbling a little. Great, she was drunk as well. For a split second I thought that maybe Mason had tried taking advantage of her and that thought angered me. I'd have to talk to her about it and find out. If he had, I would deal with him.
She could hardly walk straight so in the end I placed an arm around her waist to stabilise her. Taking her round the back in order to avoid the dorm matron and got her back safely to her room before anyone could see her. Depositing of her on her bed where she passed out quickly. I made sure to set her alarm for 1.30pm to ensure she woke up in time for our 2pm departure. She would get two hours sleep, probably more than me since I'd be replaying the last 20 minutes in my head until we left, and I could at least attempt to clarify what had happened. If he'd hurt her in any way he would pay. Just thinking about someone hurting her was infuriating.
I made sure her covers were pulled up tightly around her. She sighed when my hand caressed her cheek slightly. I lingered there, pushing the hair away from her face. ''I'm so sorry for what I said. I love you, Roza.'' I whispered as I continued stroking her cheek. ''I wish I'd told you the truth sooner.'' I leant down and pressed a feather light kiss to her forehead and turned away and left her room. Knowing that I'd lost her.
I didn't know what I'd hoped that that was. I hoped it meant nothing that it was just Rose letting off some steam like I heard she used to, but I knew Mason had feelings for her. I never thought she'd reciprocate those feeling. Either Mason had taken advantage of her because she was drunk, or she had done it because she was drunk or - and this was probably the worst thought - she had feelings for him that I hadn't picked up on and she'd done it because she'd moved on. I vowed to myself I would find out. I would find out and depending on her answer I would tell her the truth. If she had feelings for Mason, I would leave her be, if not, if it was just because of the alcohol I'd tell her. Tell her everything. I couldn't live in denial anymore.
AN – For the next story I write I am definitely writing the whole thing before I post the first chapter. Writing them as and when is all good but I hate making you guys wait and never knowing when I'll update mainly because I never know how crazy work is going to be. Thankfully COVID is low in my area at the moment so it's crazy but not as crazy as it has been the past few months.
Next update - Who knows when that will be. I'm on leave next week so should be then.. But I need to write it first. Does anyone know whats going to happen?
Just a quick question. I'm thinking of writing a VA Fanfic but with some true stories in it. So, it would be all human and Rose would be a nurse working through COVID. I think it may help me write about it, but I don't know if people would actually want to read a real-life reflection of what working through COVID was like and fighting an invisible enemy. Let me know what you think?