[A/N] Hey guys, look who finally returned to this story. It's been an awfully long 4 months, and so I decided to make it up to you guys by...*dramatic pause*...giving you a pointless chappie filled with fluff. Hooray! *sarcasm*

This is kinda like a little marshmallowy treat before we get to the real drama...and there will be a lot of drama. Just sayin'

I really love all my fans, so here are some shoutouts to you people that truly deserve it :)

~shoutouts~

Princess Steffany, pinkemotwilghtlover, RozaIvashkov1452, Warriorsqueen, GBugg, ladyyuuki16, DhampireRose, Veroniiee, crazyjn121, MissHathaway, breanna826, frozenhurricane, Ananta, xoxdreamrrxox, anonymous, Marie Elaine Cullen, VampKnightlvr94, vampiregirlxoxo and RougeOlympian

Thanks you guys, I really appreciate the support and stuff :)

disclaimer-which-i-have-forgotten-in-the-previous-chappies-sorry: If I owned VA and NCIS, there would be a character called Kat who looks and acts exactly like me in both places. Seeing as there isn't, well, you can put the pieces together :P

Rose stared at the phone, unable to comprehend what she saw. NCIS wanted her. And not just any NCIS, but the one in Washington. The one on the other side of America. How did they assume she was responsible?

"That makes no sense," she spluttered out after several agonizing seconds. Kirova and Janine had pierced her with a glare, determined to find out the truth, whereas Lissa and Adrian had been shocked and Dimitri had just been sad.

Kirova pursed her lips. "Miss Hathaway, you are being formally requested by federal agents," she pointed out. "What have you done?"

Rose closed her eyes, feeling calming feelings coming from the bond. "I didn't do anything," she repeated through gritted teeth. "Why can't you believe me this once?"

Kirova's lips twisted into a grim smile. "Your history does not exactly boast an open, trustworthy attitude," she said, raising her eyebrows.

"How will she be getting there?" interrupted Lissa. The only thoughts swirling around in her head were those regarding a method to prove that Rose was innocent, to prove that Rose had nothing to do with whatever crime scene they threw at her.

Rose felt these thoughts through the bond and gave Lissa a grateful smile. She was glad to have such a wonderful, caring best friend.

Kirova narrowed her eyes. "She'll be getting there by the Academy's private jet, as is standard practice," she said.

Rose, Dimitri, Lissa and Adrian flinched. Rose didn't want to go through that headache again. She had to learn to keep her mental walls up properly.

"Who can I take with me?" she asked, flicking her hair out of her face.

"You are allowed to take one person who is not a student," answered Kirova, and Lissa's face fell visibly. Rose, however, was excited about taking Dimitri with her. They could be together far from prying eyes, behaving just like a normal couple.

"I'll go," Dimitri offered, acting completely professional. The truth was he was very excited about spending time with his Roza.

Lissa's mood lightened up as she thought of Rose's mentor going with her to keep her out of trouble. Janine also thought it was a good way to control Rose.

Adrian smirked knowingly and winked at Rose and Dimitri. On the inside, however, he felt really jealous and quite sad. Even though he knew Rose would accept Dimitri's offer (as would everyone else), a small, irrational part of him wished to go.

Kirova contemplated Dimitri going. "That's a good idea, Guardian Belikov. I'm sure you'll be able to keep a watch on Rose and keep her out of any sort of trouble."

Adrian sniggered before he could stop himself, and Kirova and Janine looked at him in disgust. "What?" he asked defensively. "I'm drunk, for God's sake. And I think Dimitri –"

"Guardian Belikov," corrected Janine, looking at Adrian disapprovingly. Honestly, she couldn't believe the fact that this imbecile was a friend of Rose's. She could only see the immature, irresponsible party-boy whom everyone made him out to be.

He rolled his eyes. "Guardian Belikov, whatever. I just think he should go with Rose."

Dimitri raised an eyebrow at Adrian's selflessness. He knew that the boy held lingering feelings for his Roza. Adrian looked at him in a way that suggested he was conceding defeat for the moment.

"I second that," said Lissa brightly. Adrian raised an eyebrow and shrugged. Lissa obviously didn't understand why they wanted to stay together. She thought he was the logical choice because he was a guardian. "Dimitri could also be like an official person there, so that people would trust what he had to say."

"If his judgment wasn't screwed up because of Rose," muttered Adrian grumpily. Dimitri's sharp glare showed that he had heard, but luckily no one else had.

Janine sighed. She couldn't believe that Rose was already involved with the federal agents at the young age of 17. Guardians in the field had run-ins with them all the time because they forgot to contact the Alchemists, but Rose didn't have this problem. "I think Guardian Belikov should be going with Rose, and seeing as she's my daughter, I think I have the final say."

Rose shot her mother an ecstatic grin before she could help it, and her mother looked incredulous. Rose flipped her hair arrogantly. "Better than it being you," she quipped, covering up her feelings with attitude.

Janine rolled her eyes. Rose would be Rose, she supposed.

Kirova looked thoughtful. "Well, I presume that Miss Hathaway and Guardian Belikov are to go to Washington, then." A glance passed between the said people, conveying their excitement. "Guardian Belikov is also to remain in Washington for the duration of Miss Hathaway's stay."

Rose held her smile in with great effort. She was going to spend time in Washington, far, far, away from other dhampirs and Moroi, with her Russian God. She didn't think Kirova could give her a better "punishment."

"However, if Miss Hathaway is sentenced to any form of punishment, Guardian Belikov returns to St. Vladimir's," continued Kirova. The mood in the room turned grim at the mention of a punishment for Rose.

"You may all leave," said Kirova, gesturing to the door. They all turned to leave. "Oh, and, Miss Hathaway? You will pack and leave as soon as possible on the Academy's private jet. We will be arranging accommodation."

"Whatever," said Rose, tossing her hair on the way out, Dimitri hot on her heels. This was going to be the best trip ever.

Dimitri and Rose stood on the airstrip, waiting for the pilot to confirm their departure. Rose was saying goodbye to all her friends. Now that she was truly leaving, she wondered whether she'd ever see them again.

A wet person launched herself into Rose's arms. "Rose," she screeched, tears leaking from her jade green eyes and her platinum hair all ruffled. "I'll miss you, so, so much," she sniffed.

Rose stroked her hair. "Lissa, seriously, I'll be back," she promised, but she wondered who she was trying to convince…Lissa, or herself?

"B-but what if you d-don't-t," Lissa choked out, Christian coming up behind her and patting her shoulder awkwardly.

"I will," she said fiercely, as if saying the words could make them true.

Dimitri stepped forward. "Princess," he said slowly, "I will make sure Rose comes back," he said. Lissa brightened.

"Thank you!" she squealed, catching Dimitri off-guard by hugging him tightly. He looked surprised, but gently patted her back. Rose looked on, amused.

Christian stepped forward next, clasping Rose's forearms. "I-I hope you come back," he said uncomfortably. "For Lissa's sake."

Rose snorted. "Come here, Christian," she said, inviting him for a hug. He gladly accepted. "And yes, I know you'll miss me," she added cockily, causing him to laugh.

"If it helps you sleep at night, Rosie Posie," he teased.

She growled playfully. "What did you call me?"

He winked. "See you soon, Rosie Posie."

Dimitri chuckled once he was out of earshot. "He's just asking for it, isn't he?"

Rose sighed. "Yeah, he is."

Eddie grabbed Rose, jumping around with her in circles. "I'm gonna miss my little sister so much," he said.

Rose's eyes lit up at the words "little sister." "Oh Eddie, I'll miss you too," she said sadly, standing still and giving him the biggest hug.

Eddie pulled away from Rose, stroking her cheek in a brotherly way. "Enjoy yourself, Rosie," he said, shooting her a grin.

He then turned to Dimitri, glaring protectively. "Take care of my little sister, or else," he said fiercely.

Dimitri nodded solemnly. "I will," he said truthfully.

Satisfied, Eddie pulled away. "Love you, Rose," he called as he returned to the mob.

"Love you too, Eddie," she called at his retreating back.

Last of all, Adrian sauntered out to meet them, a half-empty bottle of vodka clutched in his hand. Dimitri rolled his eyes at his drunken appearance. Honestly, couldn't the boy stay sober for a day?

Rose, however, had no such qualms. "Adrian!" she called excitedly, giving him a hug. He lazily gave her a one-armed hug back, winking at Dimitri. Dimitri clenched his fists, the only sign that he was struggling to hold back his jealousy and anger.

"I'll miss you, Little Dhampir," he said, taking a swig from the bottle in his hands. Rose groaned and yanked the bottle away, causing him to pout. "Rosie, give my baby back," he slurred, reaching clumsily.

She moved it out of his reach. "Ass. You know this shit isn't good for you." She tipped the bottle upside down, the clear liquid tumbling to the ground.

Adrian squealed and, in a burst of energy, managed to knock the bottle out of Rose's hands. It went flying and hit Kirova in the head with a loud thunk. Rose and Adrian collapsed into laughter, giving each other a high-five. Kirova grumbled angrily, and Dimitri struggled to hold back a smile. He gave Rose the most disapproving, mentor-y look he could manage, but she just stuck her tongue out at him.

"As much as I hate to admit it, I'll miss you too, dipthong," said Rose, flicking him on the forehead.

He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. "I'll visit you in your dreams, Little Dhampir." Then, to no one in particular, he murmured, "If you get any sleep."

Rose, understanding what that meant, smacked him on the back of his head. "Ass," she muttered under her breath.

Adrian winked at her and Dimitri. "Keep her safe, Belikov," he warned, swaying slightly.

Dimitri nodded tightly. "I will, Ivashkov."

Adrian pointed a finger. "That's Lord Ivashkov to you, bitch," he said drunkenly.

Rose rolled her eyes and pushed him onto Christian, who was waiting for them at the front of the mob. "He's your responsibility now, Pyro," she said proudly. He flipped her off.

The pilot emerged from the plane. "Guardian Belikov, Miss Hathaway," he began, "the plane is ready for you to board."

Dimitri and Rose nodded solemnly and turned to board the plane. Just before she stepped on the plane, though, someone grabbed Rose's arm. Rose turned into the uncomfortable face of her mother.

She did a double take. "Mom?" she asked, wondering what the hell her mother was doing here.

Janine sighed. "Rose, I know I haven't been the best parent, but…" she paused, her brow scrunching up in frustration as she debated how to put her feelings into words. "I'll, um, miss you."

Rose was surprised, letting her shock take over her face. "I'll, um, miss you too, I guess," said Rose awkwardly, playing with a lock of her hair.

Oh, what the hell, Janine thought, wrapping her arms around her daughter for the first time in fourteen years. Rose was shocked but glad that her mother was finally showing a hint of the affection she always desired.

"Take care, Rosemarie," said Janine, letting her fingers rest on Rose's cheek for a few seconds. She then turned to Dimitri.

"If any harm befalls my daughter, and I mean any, then you can kiss your sorry ass goodbye," she growled threateningly, looking just about ready to punch Dimitri in the face.

It was an almost comical sight to see the 4'9" Janine Hathaway threaten the 6'7" Dimitri Belikov. But he stood his ground, and looked her in the eye. "I'll keep her safe, Guardian Hathaway," he vowed, knowing he was promising this to himself as well.

"Oh, you had better," she warned, stepping away from them so that they could board the plane. "Bye, honey," she called to Rose, waving.

Rose smiled, thankful that her mother had finally come through for her. "Bye, mom."

Once within the confines of the aircraft, Rose peered out of the window. She saw all of her little gang standing outside, waving erratically. Mia stepped out from behind Eddie, and he put an arm around her. Interesting, thought Rose to herself.

"Please fasten your seatbelts," came the recorded voice on the plane. Rose and Dimitri strapped themselves in, Rose still looking out of the window. The plane left the airstrip with a loud whoosh, and soon Rose couldn't see St. Vladimir's Academy anymore amidst the green of the Montana forest.

She knew what was to come, and so did Dimitri. She struggled to put up her mental barriers, already beginning to feel the pounding headache and see the ghostly black shapes. Just before her mental barriers were fully up, a thought of Lissa's floated through the bond.

I love you, Rose.

[A/N] See? Total fluffy marshmallowy shit. I warned youuuu :P

Anyway, next chapter will come, sometime. And it will be a hell of a chapter, where some secrets may be revealed...

xx
kat

ps. I'm not gonna abandon this story, but updates will be irregular and choppy. This is the story I'm writing right now when I'm bored, but You Did WHAT? is my main priority now, so yeah. Bear with my awesomeness XD