I couldn't keep the smile off my face. The grill that Dimitri took me to was one that I had been to before. It was dressy but still casual enough for a first date. I wore a dress that I hadn't worn in over a year. It was black and came to mid-thigh with a swoop neckline. I was a little hesitant because it showed off my scar, but I shoved that hesitation to the back of my mind.

I shouldn't hide it. I shouldn't hide something so important. I knew that some people starred when they saw it, but I knew Dimitri wouldn't.

And he didn't. He was charming and helped me with my coat, pulled my chair out for me, and even helped me up onto the bar stool. We could have chosen a booth, but the tall tables gave us a bit more privacy. Our meal was good and we kept up our game of questions, learning more about each other.

We each had a drink, keeping it to just one. As the night went on we went from being on either side of the round table to beside each other, bodies turned towards each other.

"You really ate it?" I chuckled.

"I did. I didn't know it was a dolphin," Dimitri said with a grimace. I shook my head and tucked my hair behind my ears. We were leaning towards each other, his hand just resting on my knee. It was bold but I had told him earlier in the week that I liked a man who was forward.

"You know, I don't think we can really count this as a first date," I said, twirling a strand of hair around my finger.

"Oh? Why's that?" Dimitri asked with a raised brow and a smirk.

"Well, the first date could technically be at Hop's. We shared drinks, ate food, and talked about really deep stuff."

"True. And the second?"

"The other day. I couldn't say it would be a traditional date, but you did kiss my cheek when you got out of the car," I said with a small shrug. It was a stretch, but I liked the banter.

"So this would be the third date?" Dimitri with a smirk.

"I would say so," I chirped smiling at him. Dimitri's lips quirked and he leaned towards me, resting his other arm on the table. I leaned into him too, my knee brushing against his.

"So, the rule of waiting until the third date to kiss the lady wouldn't apply here because it is the third date?" Dimitri mused.

I pretended to think and then smirked again. "That's correct."

Dimitri's eyes almost had a sparkle in them as he lifted his hand and tipped my chin up the slightest bit, pressing his lips against mine. I sighed quietly against his lips, licking mine when he pulled away. He leaned down again and pecked my lips again.

"I think I like the idea of this being the third date," Dimitri said quietly, his accent rolling over his words. I smirked at him and picked up one of the funnel cake fries we ordered and dipped it in the chocolate.

"Me too," I giggled as I bit the fry.

Dimitri picked one up too when a waitress came to our table, setting a cosmo on the table.

"Oh, we didn't order this," I said politely.

"Um, no," the waitress said awkwardly, "He did," she said pointing across the room. I followed her finger and my eyes fell on the man, my body tensing up.

"Please take it back to him," I said with a tight smile. The waitress nodded and took the drink away, leaving us.

"Prick," I muttered under my breath, downing the last of the glass of wine I had been nursing.

"I think I'd have a different word for him, but I don't think you're ready for that just yet," Dimitri said, resting his hand on my knee again.

I shook my head and looked at him, trying to soften the scowl on my face. "Sorry about that," I said quietly.

"No reason to apologize, Roza. You did nothing wrong," Dimitri said gently, "Do you know him? Your whole demeanour changed."

"I knew him," I said plainly, grimacing as I watch the owner of my unwanted drink approach us, drink in hand. I groaned and looked at Dimitri, my face falling and my brows pinching in despair.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered and turned to look at Adrian when he stopped at our table, setting the drink in front of me.

"It's rude to reject a drink," Adrian said with a smug grin.

"It's rude to abandon your girlfriend two weeks after having a heart transplant," I returned bluntly. Adrian sighed.

"C'mon, you know that I couldn't refund those tickets," Adrian said but I shook my head. He could, he paid extra money for those tickets to be the best. He ended up taking a 'friend' that I had had suspicions about with him instead on our trip to Italy.

"Adrian, I'm clearly on a date," I huffed.

"Yeah, the wrong one."

"Could you please leave? Rose has made it frank that she doesn't want to see you," Dimitri pipped up. Adrian looked at Dimitri and raised his brows.

"The grown-ups are talking, comrade," Adrian fired back and I lifted the drink he ordered and tossed the contents in his face.

"Leave," I bit out, "I don't want to see you."

Adrian scoffed and wiped his hand over his face, the waitress trying to hide her shock and amusement. I set the glass down gently on the table and turned my attention back to Dimitri. Adrian muttered to himself as he walked back to his table, a few of his douchebag buddies training their necks at their table.

"That was entertaining," Dimitri said finishing off his drink too. I frowned but he brushed his knuckle against my cheekbone. I smiled softly at him and licked my lips.

"I don't suppose hoping for a fourth date is out of the question?" I asked with a smirk.

Dimitri chuckled and brushed his thumb over my bottom lip. "You seem to keep me on my toes, Roza. I can't imagine what could happen on a fourth. But I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store," Dimitri reassured. I laughed and ate a few more fries, licking the chocolate from my fingers.

"How about we go get a coffee?" Dimitri asked after a moment.

"I'm up for that," I said with a grin. Dimitri nodded and stopped our waitress as she walked by, asking for the bill. She came back shortly, setting it down on the table. I apologized quietly for the mess, but she chuckled and said that it was the best thing the staff had seen all night. Dimitri paid our bill and helped me put my coat on, holding the collar away from my neck so I could pull my hair out.

"Thank you," I said softly. Dimitri slipped his hand into mine as we headed for the exit, lifting our hands and kissing the back of my hand. I made me blush, and I wasn't sure if it was a real tender action or if it was to rub it in Adrian's face as we passed.

I sighed quietly when Dimitri pulled up in front of my parents' house. Coffee was a nice way to end the night, and I was starting to get to the point where I could barely keep my eyes open.

"I'm not proposing this as a date idea, but how about you come to the gym one day and we can do some boxing? I don't have a traditional ring, but we do have a room designated for sparring," Dimitri offered.

"You're serious?" I asked, my eyes widening, "Nobody at the old ring will box with me!"

"I'm not fantastic at it, but it would be good to get back into it. Can't build your stamina without practice," Dimitri said kindly. I grinned and leaned over the console, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"That would be amazing!"

Dimitri returned my embrace awkwardly, mostly because of the lack of space. I pulled back and smiled up at him.

"Walk me up?" I asked. Dimitri nodded and unbuckled his seatbelt, climbing out of the car. I met him in front of it and we walked up together.

"Hi baby!" I squealed quietly when I saw Meeko's eyes and ears peeking up in the glass of the door. I could see his tail wagging and I could hear his cries of excitement the closer we got.

"Want to meet him?" I asked Dimitri. He nodded and I told him to brace himself as I unlocked the door, opening the door while putting my hand down to block Meeko from bolting out the door. Once we both slipped inside, I let Meeko go and he howled and carried on, squeaking, and crying as he jumped up, mashing his snout against Dimitri.

"That's how he kisses, by the way," I chuckled. Dimitri chuckled and cooed at Meeko, petting him and rubbing his ears. Meeko made grumbling noises and leaned against Dimitri's legs, tilting his head up and looking at him with his pathetic eyes.

"He's gorgeous," Dimitri said softly, kissing Meeko's head.

"He is. If it weren't for all the hair, he'd be perfect," I chuckled, rubbing the top of Meeko's head. Meeko looked up at me and nudged my hand with his snout, grumbling at me.

"Yes, I'll let you outside," I mused, leaning down and patting his butt. He snorted a huff and pranced down the hallways in into the kitchen, going straight for the backdoor. I chuckled and turned to face Dimitri again, laughing at the fur that Meeko left all over his pants.

"Duct tape is better than a lint roller," I chuckled pointing at his pants. Dimitri shrugged and stepped towards me, cupping my neck gently as he pulled me closer. I smiled up at him and looped my arms loosely around his waist.

"I had a good time tonight," Dimitri breathed.

I licked my lips. "I did too. I had a great time," I said with a smile. Dimitri smiled down at me and I could feel his breath fluttering over my hair and fair.

"Good night, Roza," he whispered.

"I'm really starting to like my Russian name," I smirked.

Dimitri hummed and leaned down to kiss me, lingering for a few moments. I pressed my lips firmly against his and our lips started to move. It was slow and sensual, but it made my heart flutter in my chest.

I pulled back I sighed quietly, smirking a little. Dimitri hummed again and shifted his hand on my neck, pressing two fingers against my skin.

"Are those palpitations or just me?"

I laughed and pressed my face into his shoulder. "It's just you," I snickered. Dimitri laughed too and kissed the top of my head.

"Good night," he whispered.

"Good night, Dimitri," I said as I bit my lip, watching him walk back to his car. I waited until he drove away before kicking my shoes off and walking to the back door to let Meeko out. I ran my hand through my hair and walked upstairs, changing into sweatpants and a t-shirt before going back downstairs to let Meeko in. he pranced in happily and went straight to the living room, jumping up on the couch, curling into a ball and looking at me.

I shook my head and let him be, scrounging through the cupboards for something salty to snack on. I would be going to bed soon so I could get up for work, but I needed something quick before bed. I found some pretzels and walked towards the stairs, clapping my hands as I went. I heard Meeko's feet hit the floor as he followed, rushing up the stairs ahead of me. I set the pretzels on the bed and went into the bathroom to wash my face, scampering back into bed once I had finished.

I curled on my side and snacked on the pretzels while scrolling on my phone, feeling the bed shift as Meeko climbed up. I reached behind me and patted Meeko's fur when a text popped up on my screen.

Lissa: How did it go?"

I grinned as I stuck the pretzel between my teeth so I could type.

Couldn't have gone better. Except Adrian crashed it!

Lissa: Oh god no! What happened?"

I dumped the drink he set me on him when he was a dick to me and Dimitri ;)

I could practically hear Lissa's laughter as I watched the chat bubbles move on my screen.

Lissa: I don't think that was enough!

I grinned and typed that I was heading to bed before setting my phone on my nightstand, closing the bag of pretzels and tucking them under my bed. I felt the bed shuffle again and Meeko's head resting on my knees when my phones buzzed on my nightstand.

I reached for it and clicked the lock button.

Dimitri: Home. Sleep well x.

I smiled at my phone and typed a quick response.

Thank you. You too xx.

I flipped through the mail as I walked back to the car, ripping the seal on one addressed to me. I hadn't changed my forwarding address because I still had my apartment, it was just vacant for the time being. I pulled the contents out and unfolded the piece of paper that was attached to a card.

Dear Ms. Rosemarie Mazur-Hathaway,

The family of your donor has wished to pass along their holiday wishes. They have done so for all of the recipients of their child's organs, though you are the only one they have not met in person. They have asked that I pass along the card in hopes that it reaches you.

I apologize if this upsets you, but I figured there was no harm.

Merry Christmas!

Nurse Jenkins.

I smiled softly to myself as I read the note. Nurse Jenkins was my favourite nurse, and I made a point to find her whenever I met Mason for lunch. I had initially declined to meet my donor's family, mostly because I was a complete mess. I flipped the card over and read the inside. The card was beautiful, with a Christmas theme with glitter on the front.

To the recipient of our son's heart.

We want to wish you the merriest of holidays and another prosperous year. While we continue to mourn the loss we have suffered, we find joy in knowing that another person in this world is living and breathing.

We know that the last year was probably the hardest you've had, but we have kept you in our thoughts, praying that you have been healthy and strong.

If you ever want to meet us, please do not hesitate to reach out. We would love to meet the person who has the most important part of our son.

Best wishes to you and your family,

Sergey and Anya Zeklos.

The swirling calligraphy was breathtaking, and I bit my lip as I read the words again. There was a number at the bottom of the card, shining up at me in the gold ink. I closed the card and tucked it into my purse, opening the door of my car.

I set my purse down and rested my head back against the headrest, swallowing gently. The card made me feel a little emotional but in a good way. It made me feel warm inside. I glanced at the time and sighed, turning the key in the ignition, and pulling out of the parking lot so I could get to work.

I made it just in time and hauled ass inside, tossing my purse on the table as I headed onto the floor. Mia had a pinched smile on her face as she spoke to the person in front of her. I could tell that she was all of five seconds from lobbing a snarky remark, but the person waked away after a moment and she sighed.

"That bad?" I asked.

"They smelled horrible," Mia groaned quietly. I chuckled and sat down at my station, taking half of her work pile. Mia looked at me with relief, her side of the table almost falling onto the floor. It was busy, people trying to get their last-minute gifts. It was only two weeks now, and the pressure was on.

"Did you finish your shopping?" Mia asked as she fought with the tape dispenser.

"I think so. I'm not sure about one, but otherwise, I'm done. You?"

"Nope. I will be rushing to get shit for Friendmas. Don't be surprised if you only get a gift card," Mia chuckled. "Which gift are you unsure of?"

"Well, it's for someone new," I said with a slight raise of my brows.

"Oh?"

"I just started seeing someone, not sure if we're gift exchange ready," I said with a chuckle. Mia smiled at me. She had been there through the anger and disappointment when I found out that Adrian had left the country while I was still in the hospital. She was there while I cried, held my hand and told me how much of a douche he was and promise to punch him in the balls the next time she saw him. She hadn't seen him since he left, but I knew that the promise was still there.

"And it's going good?" Mia questioned as she smashed the tape dispenser against the counter, smiling to herself when she fixed the jam.

"Yeah. We went on a date on the weekend and it went really well. He passed the Meeko test," I chucked.

"Oh, well that's good. Can't have Mister not liking the new man," Mia drawled with a bobble of her head. I chuckled and set a few parcels to the side, saving them for last because they were the largest. I blew threw them, mostly because I needed to do them quickly.

I was impressed with how quickly the pile shrank, but my pants were now covered in glitter from the ribbon. I shrugged and rubbed my hands against my pants to get rid of what was left and started doing the labels.

"Ou! Yummy daddy is back," Mia said quietly. I furrowed my brows at looked at her before looking in front of me.

"Hey," I said with a smile, shifting on my chair. Dimitri smiled at me and set a takeout bag on the counter in front of me, dipping down to press a chaste kiss on my lips.

"What's this?" I asked.

"Surprise. You said you had a long shift today," Dimitri said. I peeked into the bag and groaned, breathing in a deep breath of the disgustingly delicious food.

"I can't believe you remembered me saying that," I laughed as I closed the bag so the chilli cheese fries would stay hot.

Dimitri shrugged, smiling at Mia when he noticed her staring. I cleared my throat and gestured to Mia.

"This is Mia. Mia, this is Dimitri," I said introducing them properly. Mia smiled and nodded her head, glancing at her out of the corner of her eye.

"I did have another reason for coming, other than hand delivering you food that your mother would throttle you over," Dimitri chuckled, leaning on the counter. I raised my brows at him.

"How late are you here?"

"Eight," I said.

"How about we do the boxing tonight? I had the room booked for a session, but it got cancelled."

I grinned at him and nodded my head. "I'll have to swing home first, but I can be there by nine-ish," I said.

Dimitri nodded. "Perfect. I won't keep you because I know your busy, but I thought I'd pop over on my break," he said.

"Thank you, I will really enjoy these," I said clutching my fries. Dimitri laughed and kissed my cheek before leaving. I grinned at myself and tucked my fries under the counter, preparing for the bombardment I was about to endure.

"Yummy daddy is him!?"

"Not yummy daddy, yummy uncle," I corrected with a snicker.

"Whatever, he's hot!" Mia exclaimed, setting the scissors down loudly. I shrugged and went back to wrapping. The quicker I finished my set, the quicker I could scarf down my fries.

Tah-da! Another one done. I took Mr. Meeko down to the Christmas parade down the street, and we discovered that the really, really loves firetrucks. Screamed his head off the whole time they drove by.

Only 22 more days until Christmas!