"So he kissed you again?" Lissa asked, over tea the next morning, eager to know the details. Rose nodded, leaning back on the couch in Lissa's living room, "Yeah."
"How was it?"
"It was..." Rose trailed off, thinking of the fireworks she felt when he kissed her last night. She shook her head, "It was good, Liss, but that's not the point." Lissa laughed, and said, "A hot guy your obviously crazy about wants you, and that's not a good thing?"
"It's hard for Moroi to figure out," Rose repeated her words from the previous night, "Dhampirs don't have that kind of.. luxury, so to speak." Raising a sarcastic eyebrow, Lissa nodded, "Yeah, god knows a Dhampir actually enjoy herself once in awhile."
"Hey, I enjoy myself," Rose grumbled, folding her arms, "Just not with Moroi men."
"What's this about Moroi men?" Christian's voice asked, as he walked in with Tasha. Rose could see Dimitri just behind them, and she bit her lip, not wanting to discuss this with them there. Unfortunately, Lissa beat her to answering, and said, "Adrian kissed Rose again!"
"Finally," Christian said, plopping down next to Rose, "What, was he a bad kisser or something? I knew it, all his bragging was a load of shi-"
"Stop!" Rose insisted, "We're not discussing this. I'm going to the gym." She stood, and Lissa smiled, "Come on, Rose. Its not a big deal, we were just kidding." Rose kept moving towards the door, and Tasha said, "Well, aren't you two dating anyways?" Freezing, Rose turned to her, frowning, "What on earth gave you that idea, Tasha?" This made Tasha smile, and she said, "Rose, I know when two people can't stop looking at each other it means something. I just assumed you were already together." Rose didn't smile this time, and she ground her teeth together, muttering, "He's just my Moroi. I'll see you guys later." She took off before anyone else could comment, and jogged towards the gym. As she got close, she heard footsteps behind her, and she stopped, turning to see Dimitri turn a corner. He offered a half-smile, "I thought you could use a sparring partner. Let out some of that pent up frustration." Rose frowned, but nodded after a moment, "Why not?" They entered the gym together, and started to stretch.
"Rose?" Dimitri asked, as they finished stretching. She raised her eyebrows, waiting, and he hesitantly said, "Your not pushing aside your feelings for Adrian because of what happened between us, are you?" There it was. All this time, Rose knew they would have to address their past at some point. Thankfully, she was well on her way to getting over it, which would make this a hell of a lot easier.
"Not really," she started, "I just want the best chance to protect him." Dimitri nodded, and said, "I made a mistake, Roza. I still regret it, but seeing you in a better place helps." Rose gave a dry laugh, and said, "Better place? What, mooning over you and mooning over Adrian is so different?" She let that comment slip out, and it almost surprised her, as she had never verbally addressed her feelings for Adrian with anyone like that. Then again, she had always been able to talk to Dimitri.
"Does he know how you feel?"
"He suspects. I have never given him much to go off of, though," Rose admitted, stretching out her back with a sigh, "Why does life like to screw me around so much?" This made him laugh, a rich laugh that made Rose smile in return, "Life just likes to see what new obstacles you can climb over, since you seem to climb over everything it throws at you." Rose laughed, nodding in agreement, "You got that right, comrade." Dimitri paused as he bent to stretch his legs, and said, "Its been a long time since I heard that. I think I missed it." Rose met his eyes, and sighed, "You really hurt me, Dimitri. But I'm glad we can at least be a part of each others lives now." Dimitri nodded, "Me too, Roza." There was silence for a moment, before Rose jumped up and shot him a killer smile, "Think you can take me, old man?" Laughter in his eyes, Dimitri jumped up and met her stance, and said, "When have I not?" Rose laughed, and shook her head, "Its been three years, Dimitri. This is gonna be fun."
After a lengthy, well matched sparring session, Rose felt like her nerves had cooled down a bit. Dimitri had improved since she last sparred with him, but so had she, and in the end they called a stalemate. She wanted to keep fighting, to determine a real winner, but there was a Molnija ceremony that afternoon, and they were both due to get two new marks each. It would also serve as a memorial for Guardian Mercer, so they were required to wear dress outfits, not just their guardian uniforms. Rose showered, and slipped into a simple black dress, pulling her hair into a high bun. She used only the slightest bit of makeup, preferring to look natural for the memorial, rather then done up. She looked at the back of her neck before she left her room - her black marks stood out. She rarely wore her hair up, reserving it for times like these. Her battle mark from the Academy stood out the most, just underneath her promise mark and surrounded by various other Molnijas. She smiled, remembering how hard a time the tattooist had fitting the promise mark on the back of her neck. Running her fingers over them, she left her room, thinking back about all the kills she had made, and the people she had fought with. Molnija ceremonies always sobered her mood - got her thinking about the past. Often, Mason's face popped into her head, and she knew that it would take awhile to forget it again.
As she reached the ceremony hall, she saw Adrian, Lissa, Christian, Dimitri and Tasha standing at the doors, waiting for her. Lissa offered a smile, "I wish we could come watch." Rose smiled, nodding, "One of the few things Moroi aren't allowed to participate in. Must kill you." Christian laughed, nodding, "We'll wait for you guys at Tasha's."
"Did you want to come to dinner tonight, Rose?" Tasha asked politely. Rose hesitated, then nodded, "Sure. Thanks, Tasha." Tasha smiled, and walked away with Lissa and Christian, chatting about their ceremony. Dimitri waited next to Rose, and Adrian stepped closer, and smiled, "You will show up tonight, right?" Rose nodded, not smiling, and Adrian cast Dimitri an uneasy glance before touching her cheek, "I'll see you later, then." He turned and walked away without another word.
"Come on," Rose grumbled, and Dimitri led her inside the room. There were many guardians there, and they took their seats on the raised stage area, while Alex Castile came up to the podium.
"Today, we honor a fallen colleague, who died protecting several Moroi yesterday morning. Guardian James Mercer was a Court guardian, serving for the past five years under my command. He was an excellent guardian - his lost will be felt by us all. Please, raise your glasses to James Mercer." All the guardian's turned to the photo of James, and raised the supplied glasses that were filled with a sip of wine. Rose and Dimitri copied them, and at once, everyone mumbled his name, taking their sip of wine.
"We also meet to apply two new Molnija mark's each, to Guardians Rosemarie Hathaway and Dimitri Belikov, for their part in protecting the same Moroi." Dimitri went first, taking his two marks without a wince of pain. When it was Rose's turn, she gritted her teeth, bowing her head and hoping it would be over soon.
After their marks were received, Alex took the podium one last time, "The Strigoi's are gaining in numbers, and working together in large groups. We need to be ready. The gates will double in guards, and there are a few new sparring instructors being brought in for extra training. You'll receive your new schedules tomorrow morning. Just like that, the ceremony was over. Dimitri and Rose stood on the stage, other guardian's coming up to offer their congratulations, and others yet going to James's picture and murmuring departing words. There was food laid out, but Rose never felt hungry at these ceremonies. She was required to stay for awhile, so she settled into a chair at Alex's table, joining a discussion on new tactics to use against larger Strigoi groups.
"Hey Adrian, wait up!" Adrian turned as Lissa's voice rang from behind him. He turned, and saw Lissa wearing a nice, pale green dress with a red ribbon tied in her hair. Very Christmas-y. He was on his way to find Rose, to walk with her to Tasha's, so he too was already dressed up in a casual dress shirt and tight black pants. Lissa smiled, and said, "Looking for Rose?"
"Who else?" Adrian asked, and they started back in the same direction together. Lissa took a deep breath, and said, "I want to give you some advice." Adrian raised an eyebrow, and Lissa continued, "About Rose." Adrian raised an eyebrow, and grinned, "You want to give me girl advice, cousin?" Lissa laughed, nodding, "Yes, I think you need it." This made Adrian's smile fade, and he ran a hand through his hair, "I think you might be right. Well?"
"Push harder," Lissa insisted, "She wants you. I know she does."
"Pushing hasn't gotten me anywhere so far."
"Trust me, it has. Your name comes up an awful lot more then it used to in conversation. And I think I'm starting to be able to read her emotions, a little. At least, if I concentrate really hard, I can get a glimpse of what she's feeling. When she looks at me, its happiness. Christian, its a loving big brother kinda feeling. You, its love, and a whole lot of lust." Adrian laughed, shaking his head, "You better not tell her what you just said." Lissa blushed slightly, grinning, "I know. I just.. I want her to be happy. And she will be with you. You just need to make her see that."
"So your saying, that instead of backing off like I planned on doing, I should push harder?" He asked, and Lissa nodded firmly as they reached Rose's door, "Tonight's a good opportunity." With that, she knocked on Rose's door. Rose opened it after a moment, and gave them a big grin. Her hair was down in wave, and she wore her favorite red sweater with a short, frilly black skirt. Lissa said, "You ready to go, Rose?" She nodded, and said, "Just let me take this damn bandage off, its killing me." They walked in as she went to the mirror, and lifted her hair, slowly peeling the bandage from the back of her neck with a grimace on her face.
"Wow, not much room left," Lissa commented, coming closer to look at the new marks. Rose shot her a proud grin, and Adrian touched a tender mark softly, "I like them."
"Me too," Rose said softly, lowering her hair, "We honored James Mercer at the ceremony too." Lissa nodded, frowning, "I wish we could have come for that, at least. He died to save us."
"Guardian's don't look at it that way. You don't owe them gratitude," Rose said, as they left her room. Dimitri and Tasha were staying fairly close, so it only took them a few minutes to reach their room. As Lissa knocked, Adrian pulled Rose aside, and said, "I'm sorry about last night." Rose nodded, lowering her eyes, "It's okay." He forced her chin up so she was looking at him again, and he brushed her lips, saying, "I'm not sorry about kissing you. I'm sorry about how it ended." Rose was saved from replying by the door opening, and Adrian put a big smile on his face, hugging Tasha. Rose watched with a frown. Adrian really looked great tonight, she thought, his shirt stretching against hidden muscles as he hugged Tasha. Tasha smiled at Rose, apologetically, and as they hugged she whispered, "I hope I didn't offend you earlier." Rose shook her head, smiling, "No, Tasha. Its just a touchy subject. I shouldn't have overreacted." They went inside, and Dimitri took Tasha's hand as they all went to the dining room table, "We have some news."
"I think I can see it," Adrian grinned, staring at their auras. Tasha laughed, "We're pregnant!"
"What!" Christian exclaimed, jumping up and hugging his Aunt tightly. Lissa clapped her hands together, and Rose just looked at Dimitri, earnestly congratulating him. She knew a family was something he always wanted. He smiled back, excitement showing in his normally impassive eyes. Tasha kept going, "Not only are we pregnant, we're expecting twins."
"Oh my god!" Lissa finally exclaimed, "You HAVE to stay in Court, Tasha. You'll need all the help you can get!" Tasha nodded, "We're making arrangements to do just that. Dimitri will become a Court guardian until a time we decide to move away again." Rose, who was seated next to Tasha, hesitated, then reached out to touch Tasha's belly, "I've never known someone who's pregnant before. What does it feel like?" Tasha smiled, putting her hand on her now obvious belly as well, "It feels amazing."
"You better take good care of little Rose," she replied, causing Tasha to peal out laughter. Dimitri shook his head, "One Rose is all we need." This made everyone laugh, and a timer went off in the kitchen, signalling dinner was ready. Lissa helped Tasha get it together, and Christian shook his head, "Twins. Wow." Dimitri nodded gravely, "It was quite a surprise."
"When is she due?" Adrian asked.
"Four more months," Dimitri explained, "We've known for awhile, but wanted to wait to tell everyone until we were sure of our plans." Adrian nodded, smiling, "That's about when my sister Ana is due - I believe Tasha and her are friends. Ana will be very excited. She's been asking about you, Rose." He turned to Rose, who smiled, "Tell her to feel free to send Patrick over for some good old fashioned Auntie Rose time soon." Adrian snorted, "Last time Patrick had some 'good old fashioned Auntie Rose time', he went home and managed to take down his dad in ten seconds of wrestling. I don't think she'll be sending him for Guardian lessons anytime soon." Rose offered him a cheeky grin, and Christian laughed, "You taught the kid how to fight?"
"He asked," Rose exclaimed defensively. Tasha and Lissa returned with the food, and dinner was underway. Adrian, to Rose's right, poured her a glass of wine, before pouring everyone else but Tasha some, and Rose tasted it, eyes widening, "This is delicious."
"Adrian brought it," Tasha admitted, and Rose rolled her eyes, "Should have known."
"Hey," Adrian said indigently, and Rose just took another sip. It really was good - expensive good, judging by what Adrian usually bought. Dinner tasted delicious, and Rose found herself enjoying herself much more then she thought she would. It felt good to see Dimitri and Tasha so happy - after they talked earlier, Rose felt like Dimitri was a chapter she could close in her life. Finally. Adrian kept close to her side, throughout dinner and a few drinks afterwards, and when it came time to leave, she stood, stretching with a yawn.
"Going already?" Lissa smiled up at her. Rose nodded, "Work in the morning. Want to be awake for it." She hugged Tasha and Dimitri, thanking them for dinner, and Adrian stood up as she went to put her coat on, "I'll walk with you." Nodding, they said their final goodbyes, and headed out the door.
"The wine was a nice touch," Rose said conversationally, after a few minutes of silence. Adrian grinned, "I was hoping you'd like it, its one of my favorites." They reached Rose's door, and she shot Adrian a thankful smile, pulling her key out.
"Be careful at training tomorrow, okay?" Adrian asked, catching her hand and kissing the back of it. Rose laughed, feeling a bit bubbly from the wine, "I'm always careful, Ivashkov." He merely smiled softly, and said, "Its Christmas Eve tomorrow. Will I see you?"
"Only if I'm still invited to Ana's," Rose confirmed, and Adrian shot her another brilliant smile, "Okay. I'll see you later, Little Dhampir."
So, I am kinda sad about the number of reviews I have! :) I thought that, perhaps, I would offer some incentive. If you review each chapter of my story, I'll review each chapter of a story you wrote! (Or a few one-shot stories, you get my drift! I'll make sure its a fair return.) If you have a preferred story you want me to review, message me the name, but if not I'll check out your profile and give you some reviews back! :) It seems like a great way to generate a few more reviews for everybody. I don't expect lengthy replies for every chapter, just a little info on how your liking the story, maybe what I would be doing better or worse, you know?
Hope I hear from a few more of you readers! Can't wait to review some of your stories as well.