AN – Thank you for the reviews, follows and favourites!

So, this is Art POV, there is a Celeste POV at the end. I didn't think this would be as long as this is but here we are. Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 19 – The Long Wait

Art POV

It had been three days since we arrived. Christmas day. Three days since that plane ride where I sat next to the women, I have loved for ten years. To say I felt awkward having to sit next to her for hours would be an understatement. We hadn't seen each other in ten years. I didn't know what to say to her. When I saw her in the gym, I was shocked. Complete and utterly shocked that I would just bump into her. What are the possibilities of that happening?!

I once again brought the letter I always carried out of my inside pocket, caressing the worn pages. It had been folded and unfolded so many times, I'm surprised it hasn't fallen to pieces yet. I had the contents memorised by heart though. I for the hundredth time unfolded it and read its contents. The last paragraph still confusing me. Even after ten years.

I will never forget these weeks we spent talking, getting to know one another. They meant more to me than you will ever know. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the help and support you have given me as I prepared to undertake my duty. I hope one day we will meet again and when we do, we will still talk like we did these past weeks.

I will miss you, more than you will ever know.

Stay Safe.

Always, Celeste

I ran my fingers over the words and asked myself the same question I'd asked myself since I received it. Does she feel the same? And now, does she still feel the same way? Rose has told me to speak to her, but can I? Can I drag ten years' worth of feelings up from the past and tell her how I really felt all those years ago? I knew I had been given a second chance, her being at the academy just walking into the gym, what were the chances.

I was sat in a small lounge area, other guardians around me therefore I hastily folded the letter and placed it back within the confides of my inner pocket. I sighed, I didn't want anyone to see it, it was private to me. So many decisions.

I hadn't been able to talk much to her on the plane. Too nervous about being overheard or saying the complete wrong thing and not being able to get away. So, I kept quiet. Conversing with the basics how have we been etc. I hoped she wouldn't take it the wrong way, but I just honestly didn't know what to say to her. She was even more beautiful than she was back then. She has lit up my darken world. Let's be honest, it has been dark since she walked out of it ten years ago.

I looked up as I heard the door open, a normal reaction for a guardian, and saw a fiery red-haired woman walk in. I'd seen that she was here. She had been in the briefing regarding the most recent attack. That poor family and those guardians all losing their lives. I sighed again. I knew for a fact that if Rose and Dimitri hadn't showed up when they did, I would have also been on the list of the dead.

Now that was a complicated scenario. You could see the love they share, I was glad he'd finally plucked up the courage just to tell her the truth, – yeah hypocritical I know – to go against all the rules that said he couldn't, they could fight the system, they belonged together. Saying that, looking at the women before me I couldn't help but laugh internally. Poor Belikov, if she ever finds out before Rose graduates, he is sure in for an ass beating. Janine Hathaway was a woman you did not want to be on the wrong side off. She scanned the room, looking dare I say nervous and undecided. She was fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. I don't think in all the years I had known Janine and we'd known each other a while, that I'd ever seen her nervous. Not even in battle.

''Hello Janine, are you ok?'' I asked from the chair I was sitting in facing the door. I gestured towards the chair to my right which she gratefully took with a head nod.

''I am fine. Just trying to decide on something.'' She sighed.

''Need any help?'' I asked. I was surprised she was sat here on Christmas day, knowing Rose was here. Surely, she would be taking the time to see her daughter. Although I knew from past encounters with Janine, she hardly saw her. She nodded, smiling gratefully at me and turned to face me full on. Taking a deep breath and a loud exhale she opened up. This wasn't the first time; we'd talked in depth before. So, this wasn't unusual for us. We were similar ages.

''It's about Rose. I haven't seen her in years. I couldn't. Couldn't face it. I know she is here with the school and I desperately want to go and see her, but if she is anything like me, she will be fuming when she sees me and probably will not want to see me. Which I would understand. Lord Szelzky has given me the time we are here off so I can spend time with her. But I haven't seen her in years, and not properly since I left her at that damn academy when she was four, but I didn't know what else to do. I needed her safe. I made sure Alberta gave me frequent updates and hearing about all the things she did, the rebellious Rose Hathaway, well I didn't know what to think. Was it my fault? Most likely.'' She chuckled. ''Then when she ran away, I didn't know what to do. I was beside myself. When I got that phone call, my heart broke. I never thought I'd see her again. I thought for sure she and the princess would be found by Strigoi and be killed. I managed to contact someone who is good at finding people and enlisted their help. Which is how they were found. I so wanted to come and visit then, to see for myself she was safe, but I just couldn't.'' I breathed a sigh of relief as she finished, the pain was evident in her voice. Everything just falling out. ''I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say all that. I just don't know what to do for the best.'' She muttered running her hands through her short hair.

''I'm guessing there is much more to that story than you have just said. I know you haven't been involved in her life Janine. I am sure your leaving her at the academy was what you thought was best'' Janine nodded in agreeance. ''However, she has a right to be angry. To be furious at you. The best thing you can do is find her and tell her everything. Then once she knows, she can do with that information what she likes.'' I encouraged.

''I already know where she is. I bumped into Lady Ozera earlier and she informed me Rose would be joining them for Christmas. They are out at the abandoned cabin not far from the ward lines.'' She mumbled and placed her head in her hands sighing loudly.

''Janine. As your friend and once your superior I am ordering you to go and see your daughter. You are obviously broken up by being away from her and you won't know how she will react until you go. Go and repair the relationship you have. Or create one. For your own good. You will send yourself crazy with what ifs.'' I insisted. As I said the last words, I recognised the truth in them. I wouldn't know until I took that leap of faith. I had to talk to Celeste for my own good. I had to know what she was feeling, or what she felt back then.

''You know, Art. You are right.'' She said, standing from her seat. ''Thank you.''

''Don't thank me. Just remember she has a right to be angry with you. Just be civil.'' I muttered at the end with a small smile. I knew once Janine got angry herself, she would just react and not think. She was not the most level-headed person in some situations, especially regarding people she cared about. With a nod and a smile, she walked from the room. Leaving me back to my thoughts.

After a while I decided I would go for a walk in the hopes that fate decided to throw me a helping hand and I would bump into Celeste. Firstly, I made my way back to my room and picked something up I had brought years ago. Just in case and set off around the lodge. I decided to start inside. Just casually strolling. Eventually I ended up outside. The cool winter night, snow fluttering around and settling on the floor. I had to say it was beautiful here.

I had been walking and admiring the scenery for about an hour and was currently sat on a bench just down from one of the porches of the lodge when a voice floated towards me causing me to smile.

Thank you fate.

''Art. What are you doing out here? You will freeze!'' Celeste chastised coming closer to me.

''Just thinking.'' I shrugged as she sat beside me. I sighed internally at the sense of her being so close to me. Her body heat immediately warming my own. I itched to touch her. To see if that electrical spark I felt all them years ago was still present.

''In the cold? What could possibly have you thinking so in depth that you didn't even hear me call your name twice.''

''What?'' I asked. She'd called my name. How did I not register that? I was a guardian. I never let my guard down. Apparently, I had, and it was because I was thinking of the women sat beside me. Taking a deep breath, I continued quickly. ''You. I was thinking about you.'' I whispered so quietly I wasn't sure she heard though the wing but then I saw a shy smile grace her features as she turned to look at me, her eyes lighting up.

''Me? Why?'' She breathed. Oh, how I would like to hear that voice more often, in a much different position. I shifted slightly in my seat and internally chastised myself for my wayward thoughts. I sat in silence for a few seconds, trying to compose myself. I rubbed my hands which were clammy along my trousers and felt the earlier item in my pocket and decided it was a good place to start.

''I have something for you. A gift I brought a long time ago but never got the chance to give it to you.'' I sighed reaching into my pocket I retrieved the small felt box and handed it to her.

''Oh, you shouldn't have.''

''Think of it as a Christmas present. I've wanted to give it to you for years.'' I whispered. Truthfully, I had carried it with me ever since I brought it. Just in case I got the opportunity to give it to her. I nodded in the direction of the box, encouraging her to open the lid and when she did, she gasped.

Sitting in on the foam lining was a small necklace. She'd once told me how she hated not being able to wear jewellery because of the job. It being a safety hazard and all. However, she had said she would have loved an Elephant necklace. Even though animals for a better word, hated us she had this fascination with elephants. She had said she had a few ornaments in her room. I saw the necklace in a shop window at court and didn't think twice about buying it for her. I just never got a chance to give it to her. Before we managed to see each other again privately, she had been given her allocation and been sent on her way.

''Art! I love it. Thank you!'' She exclaimed, throwing her arms around me. I returned the embrace quickly. Thank the lord for allowing me to hold her in my arm. I embraced her longer and tighter than strictly necessary, but I honestly didn't care. As she pulled away, our hands graced each other, and I felt that recurrent shock be sent through me and sighed. Thankful it was still there. I had missed it. ''Honestly its lovely. It's so beautiful.''

''As are you.'' I whispered and this time I knew it was inaudible to her. ''I am glad you like it. May I?'' I asked, reaching for the necklace as she handed it to me. I gently clasped the necklace in place, and she turned to look at me. Finally looking at it where it belonged filled me with joy. She was smiling happily, looking down at the necklace and it glimmered in the moonlight. I had to admit, it was beautiful. With the rhinestones placed over the elephant shape making it glitter.

''Shall we head inside? It is getting a little chilly out here.'' I mumbled, not wanting her to get cold because of me. She nodded, still holding on to the necklace tightly while she stood and headed towards to door. We both froze as we heard a voice echo through the darkness of the night.

''I hate you and don't follow me.'' It shouted. I knew that voice and I had to chuckle. Looks like her mother found her and it did not go well. Just as I thought. Celeste looked at me appearing perplexed and went to head in the direction of the voice.

''Don't, love. Let her be. I would say her mother found her, and she will probably want to be left alone.'' I mumbled.

''Yeah, I would say she would. They don't have the best relationship; hell, I don't think they even have one.'' She agreed as we walked through the door. I looked up and saw a young Ivashkov Lord heading in our direction. I knew his reputation and did not like the way his eyes lingered on Celeste. He eyed her closely, looking her body up and down and I couldn't help the low growl that came out of my chest.

''Lord Ivashkov.'' I bit out, trying to keep my voice level while I held the door open for him.

''Guardians.'' He chuckled looking at me then moving his eyes to Celeste as he winked at her. I clenched my fist by my side. Royals! I turned to Celeste and saw a faint blush leaving her face, was she really blushing at his interaction? I sighed angrily as the Royal looked back at me and smirked. Luckily, he didn't stick around for long and walked out onto the porch. I let the door slam shut behind me.

''Are you ok?'' Celeste asked, coming over towards me. Voice full of concern.

''Yes. Royal Moroi men just infuriate me how they can openly flirt with a woman like they expect something of them.'' I muttered through clenched teeth.

''Oh, don't worry. I wouldn't be interested in him at all. I'm not into younger men.'' She said as she gave me a look. Did that mean she liked older men? Like fourteen years older? Oh, I hoped she did. I decided to take my chance.

''Celeste. Would you like to get dinner with me tomorrow?'' I asked, hopeful. Her eyes shifted down to the floor as I looked at her. And I felt my hope decline. ''To catch up?'' I added in a hope I hadn't been too forward.

She raised her head to me again. Meeting my gaze once more and I could see uncertainty in her gaze. What was she uncertain about? ''I would love to Art.''

I smiled at her; a rare smile I only save for the people closest to me. ''Great. Should we meet in the foyer at 6pm?'' I asked. I wanted to say I would pick her up from her room, but I didn't want to scare her off.

''That would be perfect. I'll see you tomorrow?'' she asked, smiling shyly.

''You will. I can't wait.'' I said as she nodded and turned away from me to head back to her room. Before she got too far, she turned towards me again, her hand clasping the necklace and she brought it to her lips and kissed it. With one last smile she turned and walked away. What the hell did that mean?

I paced the length of my room, like I had been for the past hour. Hell, the past day. Ever since I left Celeste after inviting her for dinner with me. Was this a date? I sure hope it was. Did she think it was a date or just a meal between friends? She didn't give me an answer until I said we would catch up, maybe she just saw me as a friend. I sighed and ran my hands through my hair. Again.

I had thirty minutes until I had to head to the foyer to meet her and I was beyond nervous. I'd managed to get us a reservation at an elegant restaurant here. Mostly used just by the Moroi but I wanted to impress her. They were usually fully booked but being the ex-head guardian had its perks and they managed to get me a table in the corner, secluded away from curious looks, or at least I hoped we wouldn't be seen too much. I wasn't ashamed. I just knew how judgy the Royal Moroi were. They believed Guardians sole job in life was to protect them, we weren't allowed a life of our own.

Deciding to leave my room early to avoid wearing a whole in the carpet from my pacing I headed towards the foyer. As I made my way down my corridor, I saw Dimitri in front of me, returning to a standing position. As I got closer to the room, he had just risen from I saw the room number, 405, and I knew who that room belonged to. One thing academy Guardians needed to know, where all the students were located.

''Evening Dimitri.'' I said giving him a side eye and curious look.

''Art.'' He mumbled in surprise. Spinning to look at me like he had just been caught red handed.

''I'd ask what you are doing, but I don't think I want to know.'' I mumbled chuckling, as I took a closer look at him, I could see pain in his eyes. He was hurting. ''Dimitri, what is wrong?'' I asked seriously, nodding up to corridor so we could continue on our way.

''Honestly, I have no idea. We were fine. Absolutely fine. Then yesterday at Tasha's it all went to shit. I need to talk to her.'' He sounded defeated.

I looked around, knowing we couldn't have this conversation in a corridor where anyone could overhear us. Locating a small lounge area, I nodded towards it. Entering the door and finding it empty I spun on him. ''I know. I saw Janine just before she went to see her. How is our little munchkin?'' I asked.

''No clue on that regard. Probably not great.'' He mumbled. Wait, what did he mean? What else happened. As if sensing my internal monologue, he continued. ''It was a compete mess. We were sat around having dinner and it was fine. Then Tasha started saying things and Rose took them the wrong way. Although if I was in her position, I would have taken it the same way as well. Then her mother showed up and she didn't know what to do so she ran. I followed her and she shouted at me. Said she hated me.'' He sighed, sadness leaking on every word he uttered. ''I just had to speak to her. We tried to in training today. We decided to have a session before it all happened and honestly, I was surprised she still wanted to go but I was late, and she got the wrong idea. Then when I was explaining it too her, other Guardians walked in so we couldn't. I know I shouldn't off but I invited her to my room tonight so we could talk in private. I'm just glad she's giving me a chance to explain, but I didn't give her my room number, so I just put it through her door.'' He shrugged.

Wow. I was not expecting all of that. Here I thought she was shouting at her mother last night. When actually it was Dimitri. It was such a mess. I saw him in the meeting earlier constantly checking his watch and sighing quietly to himself with a pained look in his eyes but never thought anything off it. I would have never thought anything like this was going on. If I did, I would have found him earlier to talk it through.

I knew there was more to this. More to the whole situation. What did Tasha say to make Rose react so badly? It must have been bad, that was for sure. I hoped they could sort it out. ''Look Dimitri. I won't tell anyone. By now you must know that. But I have plans right now.'' I hated saying that, I wanted to be there for my friend, but I also couldn't pass up this opportunity. ''But if you need to talk about this some more, after you've spoken with her. Call me. I hope you can work it out. Just explain to her, tell her the truth and I'm sure it will work itself out.'' I said.

''Oh? Got a hot date?'' He asked.

''Well, I hope.'' I muttered before I could stop myself.

''Celeste?'' He asked with a raised eyebrow. How the hell? ROSE, DAMN IT!

''How did you know? No, let me guess. Rose?''

He smiled. ''Yeah. I only found out when she came and took the seat next to me on the plane. She was shocked I didn't know. Go for it Art, don't let her get away. You deserve happiness.'' He said, nodding towards the door. ''Don't want you to be late.''

I laughed. ''Ok, I'm going. I just hope I don't blow it.''

''You'll be fine. Go!'' With that I walked from the room. As I turned to shut the door, I saw Dimitri looking down sadly. I really hope he would work it out with Rose. Those two were meant for each other. I headed back towards the foyer. Picking up my speed as I didn't want to be late after my unexpected stop. Luckily, I left a lot earlier than I needed to.

As I reached the foyer, I stood to the side of the room and waited. I knew which direction she would come from. Presuming she would come straight from her room which she did. As she stepped through the door my breath caught in my throat. She looked absolutely beautiful. With a dress that rested just above the knee. It was red and clung to her body like another skin on the top half then flared out at the bottom. It had a sweetheart neckline that shown off her amazing breasts but not too much and there nestled on her chest was the necklace I brought her. It completed her look, along with the black heels she wore. I knew she would have a stake on her, but I didn't even want to think about where she was hiding that. I fidgeted slightly, having to rearrange my trousers slightly as I walked up to her. She was breath-taking.

''Celeste.'' I muttered in greeting with a wide smile and held out my arm for her to take.

''Oh, why thank you Art.'' She replied, placing her arm in mine.

''You look absolutely stunning.'' I said, leaning in to give her a peck on the cheek. When I pulled away, I saw her blush a deep red and a smile graced her lips.

''Thank you. You look devilishly handsome as well.'' She said shyly.

Heading in the direction of the restaurant I had booked I began to get nervous. ''I hope you like the restaurant.'' I muttered as I continued leading her in the direction.

''I am sure I will.'' She smiled.

We ceased conversation for a while. Walking in a semi comfortable semi awkward silence. Why was this so awkward? Why did it feel so awkward? We made it to the restaurant and was promptly shown our seats. Unfortunately, they had to move us from the corner seat, into the middle of the room, due to another customer. Probably some fancy ass Moroi demanding they have that space. I sighed internally. They come first.

Gesturing to the chair as I pulled it out, I helped Celeste into her sat and then took mine. As we waited for our server to arrive, I noticed the stares had already started. I could see the guardians and dhampir staff around the restaurant giving us sympathetic looks.

''Are you alright Art?'' Celeste asked.

''Yes.'' I sighed. ''I had hoped we would be somewhere a little more private. Not with all the eyes on us.'' I muttered. ''I am sorry.'' I looked down ashamed.

''You have nothing to be sorry for. They should keep their judgements to themselves. We are just two people having a meal together.'' She sighed.

''I know. I just had hoped to talk to you, just not with everyone watching us, like we are the next round of gossip for them to spread.'' I explained.

''Well. Why don't we leave and head somewhere else? If its private you are looking for, we could go back to one of our rooms?'' She said with a coy smile and a wink. She winked at me. And saying to go back to our rooms. Does that mean I am not setting myself up for failure, that she actually liked me?

''Are you sure?'' I asked.

''I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't. It has been a long-time since we spent any time together and I also want to spend time with you, preferably away from the watching eyes of the Moroi.'' She whispered the last part.

''Hello. My name is Anna and I'll be your server tonight.'' A young woman, maybe twenty came up to us. I turned to Celeste, raising an eyebrow leaving the decision up to her.

''Actually, we are going to head out. Sorry for the inconvenience.'' Celeste said, with a smile that could lite up a room, hell it lit up my heart. I looked towards the server after I managed to pry my eyes from her smile and bless her, she looked so confused.

''I am sorry we wasted your time. It was not our intention.'' I said as I raised from my chair. I pulled my wallet out and handed the women a twenty-dollar bill.

''Oh no, I couldn't take that. You didn't buy anything.'' Anna said, pushing the money away.

''Please, it is the least I can do for not ordering anything and I am sure these others don't tip well.'' I whisper. Pushing the money back towards her which she accepted this time.

''Thank you, kind sir. I hope you have a lovely rest of your day.'' She said with a genuine smile. The first she has actually been able to give I would say.

I walked around the table, leading Celeste out of the restaurant.

''Your place or mine?'' She asked.

''I don't mind. First though, shall we get Pizza?'' I replied.

''Yes! Make it yours. I have a roommate.'' She mumbled; annoyance clear in her voice. It shocked me that she would have a roommate. There weren't that many female guardians. I gave her a look. ''Ok, that was a lie. My room is a mess. So, yours it is.'' She smiled, laughing mischievously.

Stopping at one of the pizza joints we grabbed two pizzas and headed back to my room. This was not how I thought tonight would go. I wasn't expecting anything but having her alone in my room. Well we had never done that before. Usually we always met in public places, usually the coffee shop outside the guardian building at court.

As we headed down the corridor to my room, I walked past the room that belonged to Dimitri and wondered how his talk with Rose was going. I didn't hear any shouting so that had to be a good sign, if she was there already that is. I hoped they could figure whatever it was out. More than anything though, I hoped my own talk with Celeste would go the way I hoped, and she would reciprocate my feelings.

Using my key card to open the door, I stepped back and let her enter first. Following closely behind her I quickly scanned the room to ensure it was clean and tidy, not that I expected it not to be. Luckily everything was put away.

I headed over to the sofa and opened the pizza boxes on the table. ''Help yourself.'' I said gesturing to the steaming pizza. Celeste took a seat on one side of the sofa while I headed over to the cabinet and grabbed two glasses for the bottle of wine, I had also picked up on the way back to the room. Pouring us both glasses I headed back over to the sofa and handed one to Celeste.

''Oh, this is so good.'' She moaned. I tensed at the sound. The sound doing things to my body that should be illegal. How can one sound turn me on so much. She reached for the glass of wine after she swallowed her bite and took a sip. ''Thank you.'' She said, looking at me sideways.

''No problem. Let's eat. Then I would like to talk to you if that is ok?'' I asked which she nodded and reached for another slice of pizza. We ate in a comfortable silence, sharing idle chit chat and catching up about the small things that had happened.

After we polished both pizzas and the wine, I decided I would open the next bottle hoping to get some Dutch courage for what I was about to admit to her. I grabbed the open bottle and took it to the table so we could both help ourselves. I shifted on the sofa, not really knowing how to begin. Taking a deep breath, I did just that. Begun.

''So, it's been a long time.'' I started. ''Sorry about dinner tonight. I wanted it to be special.'' I said with a sheepish grin. Wow I really had no game whatsoever. I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't repulsed by me.

''I know Art. Ten years. I hated leaving. I really did. Leaving you behind but I had to. I had to go where I was needed.'' She mumbled. ''And don't worry about dinner. Honestly, I preferred this, it just being to two of us.'' She returned coyly. Wait, she hated leaving me behind. She didn't want to leave me. Did that mean she felt the same way. This was driving me crazy; I was once again reminded of the advice I gave Janine yesterday. I was driving myself crazy with not knowing. I just needed to know.

''You hated leaving me?'' I asked shocked.

''Of course! It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I couldn't bare it. Couldn't bare the possibility that I may never see you again. But they come first.'' She said, repeating the motto that us guardians live by. ''But sometimes, I wish they didn't.'' She whispered.

''Celeste.'' I said, turning completely to face her, taking her hand in my own. She turned to me, eyes raising slowly until they met mine and what I saw there shocked me. She wasn't hiding behind her walls; she was an open book and I could clearly see hope written in her eyes. But hope for what. Taking a deep breath, I finally told her everything. ''I didn't want you to leave either. Hell, if I could I would have kept you by my side the whole entire time and never let you go. Those few weeks with you.'' Here it comes, deep breath. In and out. In and out. ''They were like nothing I had ever experienced before. I fell for you; I knew I shouldn't. I was your superior, the highest rank a guardian could get. Which is why I never acted on it and it is something I will regret for the rest of my life. Celeste, I love you. I have since the first time you walked into that room at the academy for me to conduct your qualifier and it only grew as I got to know you.'' I said, holding her gaze with mine. I could see a new emotion in her face now. Shock.

She didn't say anything. Just continued to stare at me. After what felt like an eternity but in reality, was probably only a few minutes a wide grin spread across her face and a lone tear slipped from her eye.

''No. Don't cry.'' I said, raising my hand to wipe the tear. ''Please don't cry. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything.'' I said going to move my hand as another tear slipped down her cheek, I wiped this one away also. ''Shh, please don't cry. I am so sorry.'' As my thumb wiped yet another tear away, she leaned her head into my hand.

''Stop apologising.'' She muttered through a teary smile. ''They are happy tears.''

''They are?'' I asked, I felt a small smile spreading across my face.

''Yes Art. Happy tears. Ecstatic tears. I thought it was just me. You never said anything. I thought it was just some stupid high school crush, but it kept growing. I am pretty sure I fell in love with you the same day you did me. When I walked into that exam room and saw you. It was had to concentrate on anything other than the way your lips moved and wondering what they would feel like against mine, against my body. Then all those meetings, I found myself wondering the same thing, hoping that you would, but you never did. So, I just thought you didn't want me.'' She admitted shyly.

A large smile spread across my face as I stared at her. She just said she loved me. She had loved me all this time and neither of us were brave enough to tell the other. We could have saved so much wasted time.

''Did we really just waste ten years because neither of us could tell the other the truth?'' I asked, causing a rich laugh from her.

'' I guess so.'' She mumbled. There were other reasons behind me not saying anything back then as well. But those could wait for another time. Right now, I wanted to do the one thing she had wanted me to do for a while. What I had wanted to do since she walked into that exam all those years ago. It was why I could never report Dimitri and Rose, because once upon time that could have been me. If I had been around her any longer back at the academy, I doubt I would have been able to control myself. So I didn't blame Dimitri for not being able to stay away.

We had moved closer together since we started this conversation. I took her face in both of my hands and saw her take a deep inhale as I brought my lips to hers for the first time. And if I am being honest. It felt like home. Like I had found the missing piece of my soul.

Celeste POV

My heart sored with his admission. I'd been thinking about him more and more ever since my talk with Rose just before her qualifier. Then again in the clearing when she should have been in bed, after I admitted my feelings out loud for the first time. For years I had tried to forget him and all it took was one small mention and the memories came flooding back.

When I walked into that gym the other day and saw him standing there, I couldn't believe my eyes. I'd heard about the attack at this point. About what happened and who was involved, and I sobbed. For a moment when we were all being briefed, and they mentioned his name I thought he had fallen as well, and my heart couldn't take it. I very nearly fell to the ground but managed to stay in control. When it came to light that Rose and Dimitri had got there just in time, I was glad. But also ashamed at the relief I felt. Poor Rose being subjected to that situation at such a young age. I'd come so close to losing him. So close to never getting a second chance of telling him how I felt. I'd decided last night, after he invited me out that I would just tell him. Little did I know he was going to do the same.

As his lips finally met mine, I felt complete. After ten years of yearning and wondering I finally knew what his lips felt like against mine and let me tell you. It was better than my imagination could ever have imagined. My lips moulded to his as if they were made for him.

His hands moved from my face, leaving goose bumps down my arms and came to rest on my hips, gripping tightly but not too tightly to cause pain. Just the right amount to be pleasurable and I moaned into his mouth, causing his grip to tighten slightly. One of my hands rested just below his hair line on his neck, pulling him closer to me, the other ran down his back.

Suddenly he lifted me effortlessly to straddle him. I pushed myself down, hard onto his knees and felt him harder beneath me causing a groan from deep in his throat. I felt him stand, my legs wrapping around his waist automatically as he carried me. I felt the bed beneath me, and I froze. My nerves kicking in.

Parting from the kiss to breathe, he trailed kissing down my neck, suckling gently sending shockwave straight through my body. There were many things I had to talk to Art about. My past. And he needed to know this before anything else happened.

''Art…'' I breathed. He pulled away and looked me straight in the eye and I could see how much love he held for me. Don't get me wrong I could see a lot of lust, a hell of a lot of lust but I could also see love. And that was something I'd never seen before from a man. He looked at me, gazing as if he could see right through me. He was laid slightly off me, only half covering my body. When he read my expression, he moved completely off me. A look of apology crossing his face. He thought he had done something wrong, pushed me to quick. The truth was I wanted to, more than anything, but I couldn't. Not until he knew everything. Because the truth was, he might not want me afterwards and that thought saddened and scared me. I sat up, quick to reassure him. ''No, Art. Don't.'' I said with a small smile.

''Are you ok?'' He asked.

''Yes. More than ok. I've wanted that for years.'' I said with a sheepish grin, so much like the one he gave me not long ago. ''I just don't want to go too fast. Can you just hold me tonight? If that's ok? I want to fall asleep in your arms.'' I mumbled lowly.

''Of course. Come here.'' He moved so he was laying on the bed, resting his head on a pillow.

''Ugh, don't you want to change first? That can't be comfortable.'' I muttered laughing at his expression when he realised, he was still in his jeans. ''Eager much?'' I laughed. He gave me a pointed look and then I realised I was also still in my dress.

He got up from his place on the bed and walked over to his dresser when he brought out Pyjama pants and a t-shirt, he then grabbed another t-shirt. ''Do you want pants too?'' He asked with another pointed look. I nodded, to which he picked up another pair and set them on the bed next to me. ''I'll leave you to change.'' He said as he headed to the bathroom.

''Urm, Art?'' I asked just as he was walking through the door. ''Could you help me with my dress?'' I asked coyly. I had struggled to get the zip fastened earlier. He nodded and walked back towards me. I stood at the side of the bed and turned to face away from him. He didn't say anything, but I felt his hands through the fabric of the dress. He slowly unzipped my dress and his hands made contact with my bare skin sending a familiar shock of electricity through my body. I sighed.

After the dress was all the way down, I felt his lips press against my lower neck at the bottom of my promise mark in a sweet gesture and then the sound of the bathroom door clicking shut. I quickly changed, resting my dress on the sofa to not crease it and then laid on the bed and waited for Art to come back.

After a few minutes, probably wanting to give me enough time to change he opened the door and headed back over to the bed and laid down beside me. No sooner had his head touched his pillow, I moulded my body into his side, resting my head over his heart, hearing the gentle beat beneath my ear. ''You aren't mad, are you?'' I asked as the irrational fear crept into my mind.

His arm wrapped around my body and pulled me closer to him. ''Why would I be mad?'' He asked, pressing a kiss into my hair.

''For stopping. For just wanting to be held.'' I whispered into the darkness.

''Never be afraid to tell me to stop. This is a partnership. If that's something you would want.'' He muttered the last part.

''More than anything.'' I said back, pressing a kiss to his chest.

I knew we still had plenty to talk about, hell I was keeping some pretty big secrets which he deserved to know and I would tell him in due time until then, I was happy in the man I loved arms for the rest of the night. I snuggled closer to his body and let the beat of his heart sooth me to sleep.

The next morning, I awoke to the sound of Art's phone ringing from the bedside table. Not moving too much, just enough to reach it he answered. I looked over at the clock and it was 11am, which was 11pm human time. We'd slept really late.

I felt Art stiffen beneath me and hang up quickly after a 'be there soon'. I raised my head to question him before I even got a word out, he spoke which sent me straight into action.

''We need to go. Now. It's urgent.'' He exclaimed, jumping from the bed. Following him, I gave him a quizzical look as if to ask for more information. He sighed. ''Some students are missing.'' And I knew, I knew he meant Rose is missing.

AN- There will be another Celeste/Art POV I'm just not sure when. I wrote most of this on a night shifts on my breaks (when I got them) so if it's a little flat, blame the tiredness.

I hope you enjoyed it. Next chapter is nearly finished and will be the talk between Dimitri and Rose. Again.

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