Yes, I understand that I'm such a bad updater.
My top priorities are my more popular stories :)

There's a few explicit scenes, but it's so mild, you won't notice. (They get a little more descriptive later on ;D)

The bed shook. Shook me out of my slumber. It felt like I had only slept for a few minutes. Time-wise. My sleep, however, was satisfying, the first real, warm and cosy sleep that I'd had in too long. I rolled over, grounding my eyes for a moment, expecting Rose to be asleep. She wasn't.

She jumped onto me, her arms around my neck tightly, already crying and pressing her face into my chest.

"Dimitri, Oh my god!" she was rejoicing. I couldn't believe this. This was really happening. We were together. I didn't want her to get too worked up, so I attempted to calm her down, only to get distracted by her now open eyes.

"I know, even I can't believe," I said in a daze. Rose was with me. She was. With her eyes totally opened! This seemed so unreal.

"I thought you were gone forever, and you're here...and I love you!" She blabbered, weeping happily.

"I thought I was, too, Roza." I gazed into her warm, deep brown orbs and I swear I almost drowned.

"Are you okay?' she suddenly asked. I almost laughed at her.

"I'm the best I've ever been, Rose, relax." Rose began to breathe normally again and glanced down, inclining her head slowly towards mine. I needed to stare into her beautiful eyes just for another second, so I, too, moved slowly. She cupped my face in her hands and then finally, the moment we were waiting for: when our lips just barely touched. The euphoria that spread over me told me to kiss her harder, more passionately, and grip her tighter, never letting her go. I moved on top of her and reached for her thigh so we would be more comfortable, pulling it around my body, as well as the other leg. Out of the blue, her hands were sliding off my shirt. I threw it out of the way and slithered my hands leisurely up her stomach, slipping her shirt up as I went. Soon enough, we finally finished undressing and continued the foreplay, murmuring out sacred love words and discovering each other once again. Long after, we got down to the business, and I realised how much I needed her. More than I had ever imagined. Whenever I thought the word 'future', the first thing I imagined was Rose. She was meant to be in it. When I'd concluded bestowing myself upon her, and my body had nothing left to give, I fell against the bed, and put my arm around Roza, who was already cuddling up against me. I looked down at her to the moisture had built up in her eyes again.

"I love you, Roza," I said, and meant it with the whole of my warm, beating heart.

"And I love you!" she whispered, giving me a dainty kiss on the cheek. But she went blank. Her features turned distant and her eyes shot back, forth, around, but...they weren't exactly looking at the room.

"Roza?" No answer. "Rose?" I repeated her name again, but she still didn't respond in any way. Had she slipped into a coma because of some form of post-shock? What if I could never talk to her again and tell her how much I loved her? I shook her frantically. She blinked and discontinued my questioning by covering my mouth with her hand.

"Chill. Don't worry. I need to see Lissa." She hoisted up the covers a little more.

"Do you want me to come?"

"You can if you want, but I suggest you should catch up with that... conversation with my mom about us while she's staying here." I think I chuckled just a little, but I kept my mood how it was supposed to be. "But she won't be staying long; I'm back." Her lips trembled slightly and she gazed up at me so, so lovingly.

"You're right, I should." I feigned gloominess – too dramatically for my taste – and Rose evidently believed it.

"I'm not saying I want you to, it's just that she's not going to be here for a while, so..." she trailed off. She worried too much, even after I'd told her I was okay too many times.

"No, no, I understand, Rose. It's just not going to be the most pleasant discussion."

"It'll be okay... hey, I'll go, too! I won't be long with Liss." I knew exactly what to do that would confirm Rose's attendance in Janine's dorm.

"I want to -" it worked " – just come with me to see Lissa, and we can face Hell together!" she laughed, also seeming a little shocked by her actions. She probably hadn't genuinely released a laugh in a while. I smiled, too happy for her.

"Okay, we'll do it together. But we still have various other people to tell. No more secrets; no more lies," I said and embraced her small body, suggesting we get dressed. I took Rose's hand before we reached the outside, deliberately wanting to be seen. As we strolled towards the med-clinic, whether for my sudden return or our intimacy, people watched. I smiled at them and glanced at Rose: she was frowning, abruptly gloomy, so I gripped her hand tighter in mine, giving it a fruitful squeeze. Her glower diminished instantly, her chin lifted higher and she smirked.

We'd asked for Lissa's room, and after receiving brief direction, we were heading towards it. Rose rushed ahead of me, so I paused briefly to give her some time, before I entered.

" – that you're here to protect me and be my best friend again." That seemed enough of a conclusion.

"May I?" I asked.

"Go ahead," Rose murmured and stepped back. I kneeled down to look Lissa in the eye. It seemed a little old-fashioned, but I couldn't have cared any smaller. I kissed the top of her hand and bde my gratitude quietly.

"Lissa, thank you for saving my soul, my life. I owe you." I did.

"No, no! You don't owe me anything!" she protested. "I did what I did because I owed Rose and I know how much you two care about each other. I know how it feels! I didn't do it for me, I did it for Rose and for you. She's saved my life plenty of times before, so I should save hers. I really hope you understand this. You owe me nothing!" I let out a deep breath, not enjoying how women could be so stubborn. I pulled Rose beside me. I supposed that I would have to learn and accept it: women were indestructible.

"Thank you. If you need anything, just tell us," I insisted warmly, truly meaning it.

"I know what you need to do: you need to stop worrying about this and move on. You've thanked your brains to bits and you should rest them, before I have to heal them myself, and I don't think I'm up for that!" she giggled merrily at her own joke, and looked hopefully around.

"Lissa, are you going to be alright?" Rose unexpectedly asked, staring worriedly at her companion.

Lissa appeared puzzled. "What? – oh, yeah, I'm great!"

"We should...head off," Rose finally said, and I could see her apprehension, loud and clear. "We have a few...errands to run. You'll be fine by yourself, yeah?"

"Yeah, Christian will be here any second. He went over to the booths to feed."

"Oh, okay...I'll see you later, Liss."

"Bye, Lissa, and thanks." I smiled, because there wasn't enough 'thank you' in the world that could supply the load I needed to give. She should've been my hero, I thought, but she's not. Rose was. In every way. She hadn't lifted my body back into life, but my soul. She lightened my heart. Therefore, she had to be my hero!

"See ya'! Love you, Rose!" Lissa called, quiet now, as I took Rose's hand and led her out of the building.

"Where would she be?" Rose was enquiring about her mother. I appeared thoughtful for a moment.

"Hmm, probably in the guest dorms. Her usual suite." Waiting for us. I almost laughed, and Rose looked up to me, grinning.

"You know everything, it's why I love you." I kissed her quickly to hide my smile that would would've given Janine and I away.

As we walked up to the second floor, Rose began to bite her lip and mutter incomprehensively.. I attempted to calm her down and soothe her.

"It's okay, Rose, we're doing this together. Though, let's try and make it quick so we don't get killed," I joked. I was a corner away from saying before I laugh, but obviously changed my mind.

She sighed, "let's do this." I confidently knocked on Janine's door, standing a step behind Rose. I nodded at her.

"Rose! I'm so glad you're safe! Do you know how dangerous that was?"

"Yeah, I know," she muttered. Janine's features took on a hard look as she glanced down at our hands.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" she asked, and gestured for us to come inside. I let Rose in first.

"Is my acting good enough?" Janine whispered almost inaudibly.

"Perfect, just keep up a good argument," I breathed in reply and answered her previous question loud enough for Rose to hear. "Yes, Janine, there is."

"Well! Tell me, then."

"Janine," I began, and let my words flow swiftly, "Rose and I have been through a lot of...unfortunate happenings together and facilitated each other through hard-hitting areas. We also understand each other like nobody else. We love each other and that's the way it's going to be." The situation was false, but it didn't mean my words were, too. I was now pretty much talking to Rose, without actually confronting her. Janine shook her head.

"Dimitri! Rose is seven years younger than you! Seven!"

"Yes, I thought a lot about that, but I decided that it didn't matter, when you were with someone you loved." I turned to Rose, who was sniffling a few tears. I'd have liked it to be toward me rather than her mother, and as I looked in further, I saw that she was smiling slightly, s I figured for the rest that it was myself. I wiped her small tears away, shaking my head.

"Right, so you two are going to run off like Sonya and Mikhail? Leave princess Vasilissa unprotected again?" Rose unexpectedly jumped up before me.

"You can't even say that! I will not run off and leave Lissa unprotected! I'm more than that, I'm glad you think so much of me, mom!" she yelled. I felt a twang of sorriness for Rose, having to endure this kind of a hoax, but I sat her down and let her keep control of herself. It's for the best.

"Look, I know you're not happy about this," I said, smiling.

"You're damn right I'm not!" Janine added a sprinkle of Hathaway attitude, sounding a lot like Rose.

"Yes, yes, I know you're not happy about it, but that's not going to change how we feel. You have no control over our relationship." She really didn't. Legally. I somehow knew Rose would point this out.

"Yes, I do!"

"Not anymore. I'm eighteen." I internally laughed, for she did correct her mother. "You have no control over my actions and really, you never did." I nodded at Janine, telling her to finish up.

"I don't like this, Rose."

"Well, I do. I'm actually happy when I'm with Dimitri. What, don't you want me to be happy?"

"Of course I want you to, but this is...wrong." Rose shot up, fierceness shown all over her features and led me to the door, looking down at her mother then. I stepped back behind Rose again. I nodded my head at Janine for a second time around and grinned.

"No, it's right, get used to it." Rose spun on her heels, and began to walk away fast. I inclined my head to Janine and she gave me a thumbs up.

"God, I'm glad that's over," Rose rejoiced quietly.

"Same," said I, for her benefit. "You took it well, Rose." I pulled her into my arms. She pressed her face into me and wrapped her arms around my waist like chains.

"Not as good as you, though, You're a pro." A tiny laugh slipped past my lips; I wasn't a 'pro'...I just knew. I followed Rose obediently up the hall until she spoke.

"Mmm, what should we do now?"

"I'm almost positive that we have some various discussions awaiting us." I really didn't have to talk to anyone, maybe just Janine . The insults had to hurt her. Meanwhile, Rose was talking about catching up with Adrian Ivashkov. I never really had a good relationship with him, what with his affection for Rose.

"Then, I'll see you soon."

"I don't want to leave you," she mumbled and reached up to put her arms around my neck. I felt as if she were struggling slightly, so I grabbed her to lift her up to my height. Her legs wrapped around my thighs slightly and her lips attacked mine feverishly. Her lips were so soft and warm, and my senses were so alive that I could feel the very texture of them. I could have held her there for hours, but I had to let her go.

"Neither do I," I finally replied, caressing her blushing cheeks and melting in her deep eyes that held so many emotions. I walked away, back in the direction of Janine's dorm, taking a last, momentary glance at Rose. She wasn't looking at me, she wasn't looking anywhere! Her lips were slightly asunder and she giggled, walking in the opposite direction, her footwork so faintly uncoordinated. I stared right after her, unable to restrict myself, my eyes raking down her body. I bit my lip felt the almost unnoticeable tightening of my jeans. I hated moments like these, but really, I couldn't help it: Rose was just so damn gorgeous. I attempted to calm myself down, banishing thoughts that wouldn't help.

"You can't just stand there all day," a voice stated behind me, causing me to jump. I did not turn, however, still soothing myself.

"Maybe I can."

"Are you going to convince Rose not to hate me after that?" It was Janine, and she was scarcely 5 feet behind me. I built up the strength to turn around.

"She can't hate you. And if she's mad at you, she'll let it go."

"Rose isn't the king to let grudges go."

"I know, and I wouldn't call this a grudge. The next time you see her, you can confess everything, and tell her you didn't mean any of it, unless that's untrue."

"The next time I see her is going to be in a little while."

"Tell her in a little while, then."

Janine frowned and shook her head. "You make no sense anymore, Belikov. You've gone mushy." She laughed and returned to her dorm, preparing and packing to fly back to Europe. I turned around and strode into the empty staff lounge. The first thing I needed to do was eat. I usually had a patient appetite, but now, I was evidently ravenous. I'd only eaten just a little when I'd come back to the Academy. Then, for the following half hour, I settled on a couch in the centre of the room, just thinking once again of my miracle, and Rose. My chances of actually surviving that were so very rare, almost nonexistent! And then Rose, the woman who had risked her career and life to rescue me. I had never truly loved anyone before her, I had felt only affection. I never knew it got more extreme and beautiful. I'd had so many chances before her, but I'd always believed that my career was my top priority. But love altered that. Rose assisted me to realise that it really, honestly wasn't. It was around the time that I began to perceive and pay attention to everything she did that I knew I was changing my life to keep her there. I also grasped this knowledge when I started to recognise the little gestures Rose made, like the way she would flip her hair over her shoulder, the softer sound of her voice and the light in her eyes when she was happy with me, her occasional self-consciousness around me or even what hand she used to tie her hair up. I'd even been interested in reading her records, just to know everything I could about her. I'd lain awake during the nights, thinking of her, wondering if she honestly loved me, or if I was wasting my time obsessing over her presence. On the night of the lust charm, I'd revealed everything, and it seemed as though she'd done the same. At that moment, I could hardly believe I had resisted her. And now, it was too late to turn back, and to be honest, I didn't desire to at all. So I turned back and headed up to my room.

"God!" Was the first thing I Heard from Rose, who was currently pacing angrily across the room. "You wouldn't believe what happened! All of these idiots started asking me stupid questions, like if I was going to commit suicide or turn Strigoi. I've never seen such gullible douches in my life, always spreading rumours!" She looked as if she were on the verge of tears. "They just piss me off so much! How could they believe the crap that's coming from themselves?"

"I don't know, Rose, calm down." I halted her, forcing her to sit. I knew she could get fired up easily, and that was the last thing I wanted. All of her stress lately must have added to it, thus making it worse.

"I will not fucking calm down!" she shot back, her eyes taking on some kind of a mental, fiery glow. It was rapidly growing hotter and angrier. "I cannot stand what they're saying and why they would think such fucking lies!" Rose struggled beneath my grip, her body trembling, and it all felt too familiar.

"No, Rose, it's happening again!" The madness. I'd never even thought about it until now.

"No! NOTHING is happening again! I'm just so pissed off and I – just, _ cannot believe it! I'm really going to kill them!" she screamed, and as I was desperately trying to make sense of her words and believe her, she'd loosened my grasp, slipped away and sprinted down the hallway. I chased after her, listening to the revolting phrases ejaculating from her mouth. This was going to be bad, even if I got there in time to remove her from the public.

" – think about those rumours, now, huh?" Rose shrieked, howling with raucous laughter. I wrenched her away from whatever she was attacking, only concentrating on her, for if I lost my focus, we were both screwed.

"Let go of me, you bastard!" she shouted, writhing against me.

"I'll let you go if you can control yourself." Which wasn't likely.

"Let me go! He deserves it! He CAN'T believe the rumours. I'll make him forget!" I'd totally disregarded the boy on the floor. The poor kid was spotted with blood and twitched vaguely on the ground. It really demonstrated what Rose could do in just seconds of blind rage.

"Shit," I cursed in Russian, as I felt it was rude to use words like that to women in English, no matter how crazy they were thinking. "Rose, how could you do this?"

"He deserved it!" she moved harder within my hands.

"It's...inhumane!" I yelled and began to pull her to the doorway.

"I'm not going!" she protested stubbornly, kicking my shins. "I have to kill the fucker!" I could see very well that she wasn't going to cooperate so I grabbed her, flinging her body over my shoulder. She beat my back fiercely.

"Put me down! He deserves it, he does!" She cried in frustration, completely giving up the fight. I felt pity and love for her. Rose had just been controlled by something out of her power, and it was hurting the creatures she'd sworn to protect. I set her down in my room and locked the door. She shuffled towards the bed as I pulled out my cell and rang the med-clinic.

"This is Karen in the medical clinic."

"Dimitri Belikov here. I need assistance in the student kitchen. I won't be there. I'm keeping Rose here, so she doesn't go looking for anyone again. I'm sure you'll find the boy. And go down there immediately. "

"Okay, right away." I hung up and approached Rose, who was endlessly crying. I felt on the verge, too. The sight was heartbreaking. I stroked her exposed cheek.

"Rose?" I asked, wanting her to come to me. I wanted to help her, make her feel like no matter what she did, I would always be there for her. She didn't respond, so I folded her in my embrace, pressing my face into her hair. She turned towards me finally, and I held her tighter while she wept.

"I'm a monster," she sobbed, her breath becoming more heavy.

"You're not, Rose, don't say that." She looked up at me through her wet lashes for a moment, before turning her eyes downcast.

"But I am! Look at what I did! What I'm doing. I could have killed him so, so easily. I would have!"

"I know, but it's not your fault. You couldn't control it. It's over and it's not happening again," I assured her.

"Yes it will. But why did it take so long?" she sniffed.

"Maybe the power was dominated by stronger emotions?"

"No, maybe it was just me. Maybe I'm with this forever. Maybe it's permanently stuck inside of me. Or it's just my normal self."

"Rose...what you did wasn't normal." I comforted her as best as I could, and she sighed.

"I know, it was just completely fucked up." A laugh slipped through my lips as she once again described something in a few words what I spoke in an agonizingly long speech. Amazing!

"What's so funny?" she growled, irritated now.

"You always seem to know to express everything precisely in a matter of words. Fucked up is the exact phrase I would have chosen if I had a slack vocabulary." I probably did have a lousy vocabulary, for I still swore like a teenage boy. But I wasn't telling Rose that.

"Dimitri?" Rose looked sheepishly up at me.

"Yes, Roza?" I was hoping for her just to calm down and think positive about herself.

"Why do you bother? How can you love me after what a horrible bitch I've been to you, and everyone else – not just now, but other times, too! How can you love me? I'm not that great, Hell, I'm not even that damn good, I'm horrible!" she cried. I gawked at her. I think the spirit was messing with her thoughts. She doubted our love. I made sure that would never – ever – happen again.

"That's the silliest question you've ever asked me. Why do I bother? I bother because you are the most tough, beautiful and considerate person I have ever met. I could go on forever about every little thing I adore about you. You could go to the lengths of the world to do whatever you believe in. And you did that to save me. You see right through my soul, and you know me better than I know myself! And you love me even though I read 'cheesy' novels, right?" At least I tried to lighten the mood.

"Right," she grumbled. I didn't do very well.

"You love me for who I am, flaws and all, I take it. I love you the same way. I don't want you to change anything about yourself. This may sound sappy, but I really do love everything that is you. And that's why I bother. Do you understand?" I really hoped she did. Her face seemed defeated as she tried to make up her mind, and finally settled on one.

"Of course I understand. I love you, cheesy novels and all," she mumbled quietly, wrapping her arms about my neck and nuzzling her face into my throat, kissing.

"I love you, too. Now, it's been a long day and you have to be tired," I suggested. Rose covered her mouth, yawning.

"Now that you mention it, I am drained."

We showered and readied ourselves for one of the most rewarding sleeps of our lives. Rose concluded in wearing adorable red underwear and a matching tank top. I instantly pulled her towards me as we'd lain on the bed. I'd kissed her and ran my fingers through her hair until she fell to sleep, and very soon after, I was dead to the world.

WOW! My posting this was actually delayed, due to a huge Flame War I was in! (It's a Cyberfight!)

It was so great, because I won.

Here's a question for the readers: is anyone here a Troll? (That basically means they get into - or start - a lot of fights on websites)
Here's an answer: I AM! :D It's too tempting to pass up.