A.N: Hey guys!!!
Here comes the date, I hope it will meet your expectation. As for the poll on my profile I give you a little heads up 59% are team Dimitri, 27% are Team Adrian and 14% are team 'either I can't choose'. As for me, well I'm confused to be honest at the end of Shadow Kiss I was 110% team Dimitri ( still very fond of my Adrian though) but now well…I don`t know, Dimitri still 'own' my heart but Richelle did such a fantastic job to make Adrian the knight now you know. And well i tell you right now my beta Megan is totally Team Adrian =D
Anyways I'll stop my rambling, you can just check the BP/SB playlist if you want, i updated it.
I hope you enjoy and don't forget to review please =D
Chapter 4:
I was getting ready for my date and as silly as it sounded, I felt slightly nervous about it. It was Adrian, my favorite stalker but still it seemed more serious somehow.
I hoped that the day would end way better than it started because today sucked ass. First the training with Stan turned pretty messy since it seemed we were both trying to take revenge on something. Then Christian snapped at Eddie when he tried to mettle in his relationship with Lissa. So, I had to be the pacifier, a role I never liked nor excelled in. Abe didn't call me AND I tried to find out which prison Victor Dashkov was in and I found nothing!! It was like the location was protected by freaking Homeland Security...What was it, Area 51??
Part of me was scared that Abe didn't actually want a relationship with me. Maybe he helped me only because he felt that he owed something to my mother, in memory of the past. I half expected her to come knock on my door anytime telling me that Abe phoned her and that I should stop trying to contact him. I knew it sounded juvenile and irrational but it would really crush me to be rejected by him.
All in All, it was a shitty day and nothing went my way, I just hoped it would be better tonight.
I didn't know how to dress either because being too dressed up would probably give him the wrong idea and too casual could be insulting.
I was relieved that Lissa kept all my belongings after I left the Academy. All I came back with were the clothes I had on my back and some of Dimitri's jewelry (which I needed to sell very soon, hopefully, it could help me with my Victor plan).
I finally settled for a pair of low waist black jeans and a silky red tank top with thick straps. It was pretty sober, but nice and not too revealing. Lissa even lent me a black cashmere shawl to go with it. I left my hair down and settled for some lip gloss, That was it, simple yet still sort of classy.
I was just finishing getting ready when I heard a light knock on the door. I couldn't help but smile! I was pretty sure it wasn't my mother because it didn't have that military feel like her knocks tended to have.
I opened the door to a smiling Adrian but it was not the kind of smile I was used to, I really couldn't put a name on it but it seemed to run deeper. I didn't know if you could call a bright smile 'serious' but it was exactly the case here.
"Rose you look stunning!" He said, bowing slightly before handing me a big bunch of flowers. They were daisies with a single red rose in the middle.
It was such a simple yet gorgeous bouquet that it surprised me. I'd always seen Adrian as being a very picky, luxurious man and these flowers were different, more like me.
"Thank you," I said feeling sincerely pleased and taking the flowers, "you are very good looking yourself!" I said quickly assessing him. He was probably the only man I could call the 'classy-casual' type. It meant that whatever he was wearing he always had this classy edge and this royal vibe. Even in my dreams when he was barefoot, the old pair of faded blue jeans, and black tank top, he looked far more impressive and royal than most the guys I knew when they were in tuxedos.
Right now he was wearing a pair of black dress pants, an emerald green button up shirt, and black jacket.
I let the door open and invited him in while I tried to figure out where to put the flowers.
"So what made you decide to get me daisies?" I asked curiously reaching for the big long box of smarties I had.
"Well…Two reasons really," he said softly leaning against the wall looking at me moving around. "Firstly, those flowers are simple there is no big fuss about them but it makes them even more beautiful… even more stunning because they don't need to be extravagant to be noticed, just like you." He said barely louder than a whisper.
I had been emptying the box when he said that and it almost slipped out of my hand. It was not something I expected. I swirled around looking deep into his eyes trying to spot any kind of joke or teasing but there was none. It was probably one of the most beautiful compliments anyone ever gave me.
"Thank you," I said with a small smile before rushing to the small sink to fill the plastic box with water. It was probably the crappiest, ugliest vase in the history of the world but it would have to do.
"Note for next time, I'll bring a vase too," he said chuckling as I put the flowers on the desk.
"Yeah sorry," I said grimacing. "I'm not used to getting flowers…except from you," I added joking.
"And that's just a shame," he said and I could hear the clear disapproval in his voice.
I shrugged dismissively reaching for the shawl. "You said the first reason but what is the second one?" I asked, changing subject walking out of the room.
He followed me out walking by my side. The air was still a bit cold for end of May but the shawl made it very agreeable.
"Well the second reason is the meaning of course." He said giving me an amused sidelong glance. "The flowers needed to convey the right sentiments."
"Which are?" I asked but I wasn't really sure I wanted the answer.
"Well that will be your job to figure out my little dhampir," he said teasing. "A little bit of work won't hurt you."
"That has not been proven." I said with a slight pout making him laugh.
We were near the administration building when Adrian stopped me putting his hand on my shoulder.
I frowned and looked up at him.
He smiled, "Do you trust me Rose?" He asked mysteriously.
"I…guess," I said warily. It was true that Adrian was one of the people I trusted the most but he was so exuberant sometimes, so crazily original. I was scared we would end up on the Mexican border completely drunk with tequila…maybe not such a bad plan based on my shitty day…shitty weeks really.
"Please don't spoil the surprise," he said taking what looked like a black tie from his jacket pocket.
"What do you want to do with that?" I asked pointing to the tie. "Strangle me? I don't think you'll be strong enough." I said half joking trying to hide my discomfort.
"I could never hurt you Rose." He said so seriously, more seriously than I ever heard him before. "I just want the surprise to be total, let me blindfold you."
I felt my heart tighten in my chest. Someone else also made that same promise to me in what seemed to be another lifetime and nobody ever hurt me more than that person.
I nodded slightly giving him permission to actually take away the sense on which I related the most.
"I would never let you fall, I'll never let you down Rose," he said fondly after knotting the tie.
"I know…'' I said not really sure if I liked the idea on how much I trusted that half crazy Moroi.
Adrian wrapped an arm around my shoulders as I wrapped mine around his waist mainly to help my steadiness. Although, I could feel his muscles tightening slightly under my touch and I had to admit shamefully and selfishly that it felt good to have this effect on someone. It was exactly the way I used to react each time Dimitri touched me.
We walked like that for about 10 minutes. I registered that we entered and exited the building again based on the gentle wind caressing my skin.
"Are we there yet?" I asked in an annoyingly childish voice.
"Yes we are," he whispered so close that I could feel his warm breath on my face.
I could feel him standing behind me and he softly removed the tie from my eyes. What I saw took my breathe away.
"I--Oh my." I said with wide eyes. This was a part of the campus I had actually never seen before. I could see the glass patio where I had the hot chocolate with Dimitri pretty far on my left side. I assumed we were behind the guardian administrative building, but who would have thought that that rear end was so beautiful?
"Do you like it?" He asked expectant still standing behind me resting his hands on my shoulders.
I looked around still in awe. There was a small pond, much smaller than the other one on the other side, but with the trees and flowers, the full moon reflecting in the water like a sliver lining it was simply magical. There was also a beautiful white kiosk on the bank. The kiosk was illuminated with strands of fairy lights and there was a table set for a candle lit dinner…I called Adrian extravagant, I never thought he could be a romantic.
"It's beautiful," I said sincerely and I felt his hands relax on my shoulders.
"Come on," he said standing by my side and taking my hands to intertwine our fingers.
I looked down at our hands with surprise and as silly as it was, I felt like I was cheating on Dimitri, somehow betraying his memory…Our love.
"You want me to let go?" Asked Adrian and I could hear the underlying pain in his voice.
I looked up and met his eyes, "No…it's nice." I said with a small smile not wanting to hurt him. I wanted him to be happy, he was a good man, he deserved to be happy.
He flashed his million dollar smile and gently pulled me with him to the kiosk.
God help me not to break his heart. I thought as he pulled my chair out to gallantly help me sit.
Once we sat at the table a young man I had never met before came from the glass patio with a big platter setting a plate in front of each of us.
"Spaghetti and Meatballs?" I asked truly surprised. I expected some persnickety food like caviar (ewww), Foie Gras, lobster, but certainly not some basic Italian food like spaghetti and meatballs.
"Yeah," he said with a small smile while serving us some San Pellegrino sparkling water, he really went to the details. "Don't you like Italian?" He asked but I could see that he already had the answer to that.
"Of course I do!!" I said looking at the plate with the scent of the wonderful oregano sauce filling up my nostrils almost making me drool. "But…But how did you know??"
"That my little dhampir…It's a gift," he said tapping his temple gently.
"Of course," I said rolling my eyes but it gave me a chill. I knew he couldn't do it but Oksana and crazy Avery could. Adrian would probably be able to do it one day and that was scary because there were certain things in my head I'd rather die than let him see. I could only see good things in his eyes when he was looking at me, seeing the repulsion would kill me.
"Nah," He chuckled "I heard you talk to Lissa once about how when you were starving while held hostage in Spokane, it was the memory of the meatballs pasta from some little restaurant in Portland so…" he pointed to my plate. "Here we go," he added with a wink.
"You remember that?" I asked startled.
"Of course!" He said like it was an evidence. "I remember everything you said."
"I--" I shook my head I couldn't believe how caring he was, it was actually getting harder and harder to play detached because now if I ended up hurting him it would hurt me deeply too. I simply nodded concentrating on the food. "Let's eat before it gets cold," I added pointing to my plate.
Adrian nodded apparently seeing my discomfort.
We ate mostly in silence when the dessert came, I almost squealed. It was tiramisu and I loved tiramisu!
He was just so sweet with me but I couldn't help to think that Dimitri was still around and what if I could save him? What would happen to Adrian then?
I didn't even notice that I sighed out loud.
"What is bothering you Rose? There is so much sadness in your eyes…" He reached for my hand from across the table. "If it makes you sad to be here with me …" he took a deep breath. "I don't want you to be sad, not because of me." He stood up, "let me walk you back to your room, we can't say we didn't try."
I looked at him agape. "What?!" I asked stupidly staying on my chair. "You think I'm sad to be with you?" I shook my head.
He shrugged slightly but sat back down.
"No it's…" I thought for a minute I didn't want them to know that Dimitri was still running around, at least not yet. I needed to put my plan in action and see if it was possible to do anything. Part of me knew that if they found out about Dimitri they would think I was crazy to do all that just for him….and maybe I was.
"It's what?" He encouraged me.
"Well you are a very good guy, you're kind and caring and good looking," I said grimacing.
"And it's bad how?" He asked chuckling but I could see the real wonder in his eyes.
"I don't want to hurt you, I just don't know if I can...if I ever could offer you what you deserve and…you deserve so much more than a 'maybe one day'," I said honestly. "I haven't moved on, and I'm not ready to. I would go crazy thinking I'm leading you on," I added, my voice shaking.
He nodded. "Ok," he said simply. "But I never thought that one date would be the beginning of a relationship Rose. Knowing how passionate you are, how you put your heart in everything you do, it would have been insulting to even think you could move on like that." He reached for my hand again. "You didn't promise to marry me Rose, you didn't sign a contract with your blood," he added chuckling. "Consider me warned ok? I know what I'm entering and what if we just took things slowly…friends?"
"Friends?" I asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah special friends, spending time together, enjoying each others company no strings attached. And if it has to happen than it will and if it doesn't well…That's life. " He said with his goofy grin.
I chuckled too. "I just don't want you to get hurt."
"Let me worry about that ok?" He asked standing up opening his hand. "Dance with me little dhampir."
I took his hand and stood up. "But…there is no music." I said surprised.
He winked at me and reached for a little remote that was in his other pocket. He pressed a button and I finally noticed the little radio discreetly hidden beside my his chair.
Nick Lachey's voice filled the air and for once I did recognize the song, it was 'Run to me'.
Very fitting I thought as he wrapped his left arm around my waist, holding me tight against him, so tight I could smell the woody, mossy odor of his pricy aftershave. I would recognize this sublime aroma everywhere it was Xs for Men by Paco Rabanne.
We danced for a little while and I had to admit it did feel nice. Adrian was a very good dancer and being in his arms was pleasant, knowing that someone cared about me that way.
"May I hold your hand walking you back to your quarters?" He asked with so much courtesy it made me laugh, so 18th century. "As friends of course."
"Of course…" I said and I couldn't help but blush slightly as his fingers intertwined with mine.
We walked back in silence actually enjoying each others presence, it was not awkward and I liked that.
"Well thank you again. I really enjoyed myself it was one of the best evenings I have had in a very long time." I said sincerely.
"Me too Rose, I really enjoyed every minute of it," he said nicely.
As he leaned down to hug me I stood on my toes and kissed his cheek.
He jerked up eyes wide with surprise and touched the spot with his fingertips as if my kiss burned him.
He seemed completely dazed.
"Sleep well," I said with a small smile walking into my room, leaving him in the corridor.
As soon as walked in my cell phone started to ring I hurried and answered without even checking the number.
"Hello?" I said warily because the amount of people having my number was pretty limited and it was very late in our world and still very early in the human world.
"Finally reaching you little girl," said Abe with some laughter in his voice. "I was about to give up. Why out so late?"
"Zmey!!" I shouted too pleased to have him on the phone. He didn't give up on me after all. "It's Friday night I was out with friends. I can sleep in the morning." I said sitting on my bed.
"So I heard you were eager to talk to me," he said seriously. "You apparently have the answer to my question and I like to have my curiosity satisfied so Rose…Why were you in Baia?"
I took a deep breathe before answering. "I once talked with Dimitri about if we were to be turned Strigoi one day and we both agreed that we rather be dead than to be changed. I…" I cleared my throat. "We agreed we would do that for each other, I had to keep my promise."
"Did you succeed?" He asked and I could hear no judgment in his voice.
"I thought I did." I said without even thinking.
"You 'thought'?" he asked confused.
"It's a long story," I said cursing myself. "I also wanted to thank you. Thank you so much," I said and I didn't realize how much emotion I had in my voice.
"What for?" He asked sounding taken aback.
"For trying to keep me safe, for helping me when I didn't realize I needed it, for not giving too much away to my mother and for trying to get the information you know I'm longing for." I bit my bottom lip. "So thank you."
"You…you're welcome," he said and I'll be damned but there was emotion in his voice.
"Oh just one more thing," I said jumping up. When he didn't say anything I took it as an invitation to continue. "I think you were wrong."
"Wrong? Me?!" He asked chuckling. "That would be a first so please little girl tell me where I was wrong."
"Well old man I think you were wrong considering first love. I know for a fact that sometimes it does last for a lifetime!" I said with a sure voice. "I could see it in someone's face recently that even after 20 years it was still there, the lovestruck smile or even someone taking inconsiderate risks for someone he loved in another lifetime." I smiled and I was sure he could hear it in my voice. "So some first loves do last."
Abe was quiet, quiet for so long that I thought he hung up on me.
"Abe? Are you still with me?" I asked frowning.
"If I remember correctly I never said that your first love wouldn't last forever or that it wouldn't be the strongest love you'll ever have experienced." He said the voice lower than usual probably under the emotions. "I just said that you would love again…eventually even if a part of you will always belong to someone else."
"I see…" I said and I understood what he just said, a part of him still loved my mother and probably always would. "Can I ask you a question?" I tried.
"You can…I'm not saying I'll answer though," he said matter of factly.
"You know where Victor is in jail right?" I asked trying to do my best to sound neutral.
"I…Do," he said warily. "Why?"
"Can you tell me where please?" I asked really trying to hide my eagerness.
"There is no point in me telling you Rose." He said, his voice colder now. "He wouldn't give me any information and I offered him a lot of things. What could you possibly offer that I couldn't?"
I just wanted to talk to him, maybe just beg him I was pretty sure he would enjoy that, having the power over me was worth something. "I can't offer more but… tell me please." I said and I couldn't help but to sound like a begger because it was exactly what I was doing, begging.
"I'm sorry Rose but no I won't tell you and," he sounded even colder. "Now you should just forget about these bedtime stories and grow up. Not every story has its happy ending. Concentrate on the tangible, on what is good in your life."
"I…" I started. I was about to tell him to 'fuck off ' but I did see the real concern and worry in his eyes back in Novosibirsk. I knew it was only worry talking.
"Don't be like Don Quichotte Rose, fighting some imaginary battle. It will not end well. And I won't help you on this path." He sighed. "Go to bed it's time."
"Don't talk to me like I'm a child old man! I know what I'm doing!" I said briskly because I hated to be talked down to, rightfully or not. "I just wanted to thank you so thanks…and have a nice life," I added before hanging up and turning the phone off.
With his help or not I was going to find out where Victor was incarcerated. It would just be longer than what I expected. Damn Zmey senior!!