So here it is. The epilogue to this little tale. Thank you so much to everyone who's come along on this ride with me. I was always adamant that I'd never write a fic where Rose or Dimitri were killed off, yet, here this story is. Thank you for giving it a chance.

Massive thanks and hugs to readingmama for organising this fic exchange. If you'd like to read the other stories in the exchange have a look here: www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/ community/ Fagetastic_Four/ 98339/ 99/0/1

Thank you very much to Maggie, Maria, LPlover93, Indie and Kayla for the huge number of WC's that enabled me to get this fic written, and to Chantel for the banner that inspired it.

Gabby, my fabulous recipient, I really do hope that you've enjoyed this story and that you're happy with the way it'll end.

And finally, thank you very much to everyone who's read, reviewed, favourite or alerted this story at any point.

If you still have any questions after this, feel free to PM me or ask me on facebook.

Epilogue.

22nd June 1966.

I probably wouldn't be this way
I probably wouldn't hurt so bad
I never pictured every minute without you in it
Oh You left so fast
Sometimes I see you standing there
Sometimes it's like I'm losing touch
Sometimes I feel that I'm so lucky to have had the chance to love this much
God gave me a moment's grace
'Cause if I'd never seen your face
I probably wouldn't be this way

Probably Wouldn't Be This Way – Leann Rimes.

From the side of the room he watched her.

A ghost of a man; tall, strikingly handsome, yet with features that echoed the sadness and loss the young pianist felt.

He always came to watch her play on the anniversary of his death - for a few minutes, he felt like he was close to her, even though he couldn't be seen.

For a few moments, the music swirled around them both, it's true meaning being shown as she played a darker, saddened version of the melody she'd created for him as a Christmas present all those years ago; and he was sure that if she just looked over, she might be able to see him. To catch his eye and see how much he loved her, that he hadn't truly left her, and that he wanted her to be happy and move on.

But she never did.

And until she moved on and he knew she was in good hands, he wouldn't either.

Despair clenched at his insides, if that was even possible, as he listened to the haunting melody and heard the familiar notes, signalling that it was drawing to a close. And that meant his time would be up for another year.

He always wished, always yearned that somehow she'd know he was there, would sense his presence somehow, but she never did, and as his ears picked up on the last few notes he recognised the feeling that always came as he faded. His time was up, and he desperately moved forwards, through the throngs of people who had entered the dining room to listen to the young, but well known piano player. A few people shuddered as he passed through them, feeling a sudden cold draft but he didn't look back. It wouldn't matter if he did anyway, they wouldn't be able to hear his apologies, and he didn't want to waste any of the little time he had looking away from his wife.

His heart felt heavy as her shoulders shook. The whispers of the diners didn't escape him as they murmured about how caught up the young musician was in her music, but he knew that they were sobs.

His hand stretched out, he was close enough to touch her, but he knew that it was useless. She wouldn't feel anything, except for a draft, and would probably blame it on the fact that the piano had been moved into a spot next to the window so that more guests could fit into the dining room to hear her performances.

She had worked hard to earn the level of recognition she now had. She had come back from Russia and worked hard, releasing her grief and channelling it into her music, using that and her desire to honour her husband's memory as her drive to succeed and become a professional musician. She no longer played as an attachment to the band; she was well known enough to be able to earn enough to play as a solo artist. However, she'd chosen to stay at the hotel as a member of the band, and to play solo if the desire took her.

Their song finished, and the young pianist sighed heavily, her fingers resting on the smooth keys for a moment before she wiped her cheeks dry and stood, ready to turn around and receive the audience's applause.

As she stood, something flickered in the corner of her eye. She glanced into the window and froze, her eyes widening in disbelief as she spun around sharply, hope thundering through her veins as the memories that had bombarded her during her performance faded away.

His gaze had been trained on her, his entire being yearning for an extra few minutes, just so he could see her a little while longer, even if she couldn't see him.

But it seemed like someone had finally heard both of their prayers as their gazes met and locked, longing, desire and most importantly, love being projected towards each other.

"Dimitri."

It was barely a whisper that left her lips, but he heard it and smiled at her, his message silently being passed across as he placed one hand over his heart, as tears welled up in Rose's eyes.

I love you.

"I love you, too."

Happiness filled Dimitri's being as the words left her lips. She knew that he hadn't wanted to die or to leave her the way he had.

He felt strangely… light, and realisation slammed into him. Now that she'd seen him, knew that he was looking out for her, it was time for him to move on. Even if he didn't want to go just yet, it was time.

Alarm filled Rose's body as she noticed the peace that overtook Dimitri's expression, but it was soon followed by understanding and acceptance. She was the one holding him back. It was time for her to let him rest.

She smiled as their eyes met again, and this time she didn't stop the tears from falling.

"I love you, Dimitri."

I love you, too, Roza.

The words, soft, rich, deep with his accent floated through her mind, and her eyes shut in silent bliss at hearing his voice one last time.

It was time for her to go and visit his family once again, and maybe this time, it wouldn't be quite as painful.

In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
And everywhere I am
There you'll be

There You'll Be – Faith Hill.

End A.N. Thank you to the fabulous Savage7289 for allowing me to copy this. It sums up everything I agree with much more eloquently than I could.

Well, nothing of mine has been pulled yet! I shall be participating in the FFN boycott this weekend for a couple of reasons. Not because they are pulling stories for content violation - we all read the terms of service and all know exactly what we're doing when we post MA/NC-17 material. What I don't care for is how this is accomplished on FFN.

Certain groups are participating in what amounts to cyber bullying. They aren't trying to protect anyone and they're not interested in "cleaning things up" or anything like that. They are just fulfilling their own needs for attention in a non-productive and abusive way, and FFN is enabling this by going along with their tactics. Several fics and authors have been pulled without notice or being informed of what had violated the terms of service or giving them a chance to either defend the story or rewrite it to fit those terms.

I also disagree with FFN decision to remove MA rated stories in the first place, though I agree it's their site and still their right to do so. I think they should reconsider, even if MA becomes a pay service, or a service where age verification is required like many other sites use.

So, though I am not involved in running it at all, those are my reasons for supporting the boycott. Please consider reading from other FF websites from Friday 8th June at 7am - Sunday 10th June at 7am. (Thursday, June 7 at 10:00pm - Saturday, June 9 at 10:00pm in PDT.) I will not be posting, reading, reviewing or accessing the FFN site in any way during those times.

It would also help if you would sign the petition: www (dot) change (dot) org/ petitions/ fanfiction-net-stop-the-destruction-of-fanfiction-net