'She wasn't supposed to know.'Punch 'she wasn't even supposed to see it...' Punch 'She fled from the common hall crying...' double punch.

His mind reeling with events of the past day, he let out his frustration on the old punching bag, that he had patched up at various places at different points of time. It was old, but sturdy , battered and scratched, but stood witness to various situations that had troubled the young man and he lived through it all.

'Way to establish an image... I wasn't there to aid her...' Punch 'I wasn't there to stand by her...', Punch.

He hadn't come to know of the situation until a few hours ago, and the guilt that attacked his conscience was leaving him frustrated.

The brats had easily messed up all that he had so carefully planned. His charge was distressed and in no condition to understand and act on proper reason. He had seen her break before. The girl had only seen a few things and could be broken as easily.

Taking her up as a charge, had brought much more than only responsibility upon him. He had made it his personal goal to keep her safe, to keep anyone safe from them and he was determined never to fail again.

But that wasn't it. He hadn't been in a good place or a better state of mind, when he had been informed. The entire previous day had been quite troublesome and its effects still evident in his actions, his temper flaring as he thought back the situation he had last been in.

flashback *

"Dimka, are you free?", said a grinning Natasha Ozera, whom Dimitri had found on the other side of the door, as he stood at the gate answering the repeated knocks that had disrupted his unrestful slumber.

"Why do you ask?" He questioned, trying to keep his tone polite, lest he offend the woman.

"I just wanted to hang out with you for a while." She replied a little too cheerfully for his liking.

He was well aware of the fact that a simple 'hang out', didn't really mean a hang out, but session of him avoiding Tasha's offers and unwanted advances.

" I'm sorry Tasha, I'll have to let this opportunity pass, I just returned from a long shift and have another in a few hours, so I'd like to catch a quick nap." He replied neutrally , trying to channel an ounce of remorse, but none came.

"It's all right Dimka, no need to go out, I can just hang around in your room while you rest." She said, wriggling her way into the room and making herself comfortable near the foot of his bed.

The woman's blatant disregard, equally surprised and annoyed him.

" I don't think that will be a good Idea Tasha. "He stated sincerely, still standing beside the door holding it open, hoping that she'd get the hint.

Tasha being the stubborn person she was, didn't leave. Tired as he was, unfiltered thoughts made was to his mouth and slipped his tongue.

" Tasha, I'm not into you, we were and have been friends, I don't want to , and can't take it any further than this."He said, observing her reaction , which surprisingly remained unchanged.

"I'll be there to help and support you in need but never as a partner, just a friend.

I am not in love and cannot fall for you. I know this and hope that you understand." He added in all honesty.

"I would never want you to waste your time on me. There are people out there, better than me, who would care for you, and love you, more than you would imagine, value you for what you are worth, treat you so much better. Its just that I am not that person for you. Can never be. Will never be. "

He concluded, waiting for her to speak.

Only she didn't, instead she jumped up from her place on Dimitri's bed, and almost pounced on him, desperately gluing her lips to his.

" This is not right! "He exclaimed aghast, pushing her away ." I don't want you like that Tasha. "He scolded.

The hurt evident on her face, soon turned into a mask of neutrality as she, simply turned, picked up her bag, stood in front of him, slapped him across the cheek, and left without a word.

*flashback ends*

Moments later, he had recieved a message from Ivan informing him about the days events, specifically things related to and around Vasilissa.

Needless to say that lost was his sleep and peace, gone was his calm, the messy situation overruling all reason and he had headed to the gym to clear his mind.

RPOV

"Rose, wait." Ivan said, as I was about to enter the gym.

I was surprised at his interruption , since the last time he lost control, the man hadn't even been able to look me in the eye but here he was now, talking, to me.

Waiting for him to continue, I stared at him. Unable to find words, he left delivering advice or perhaps his orders, but the way he said, it looked like mere request.

"Please take it easy on him."

I knew what he meant the moment I entered the gym, to be greeted with the sight of a furious Dimitri beating the hell out of a punching bag.

Lost as he was he didn't see me enter.

"Good afternoon comrade!"I greeted, as he continued to work out without paying me much heed.

" That's rude don't you think. " I continued,recieving no reply.

" So, I assume I'm off training today? "I questioned." I'll be with Lissa. "

Heading towards the door, I was stopped by his words.

" Stay... Please... stay. "He said between breaths, panting. His hair matted to his forehead, wet as if he had recently showered.

It had been less than a week since we had been training, but I had already come to the conclusion that, it was hard for us to ignore what the other said, without a valid reason.And there generally was one.

XXXXX

That's all for now. Thanks for the support and all your kind words. Looks like the next update will be on this Wednesday, for I'm almost back to being me.

Have an amazing time ahead!

-Katnipsc. :)