The ballroom was housed in a building all to itself, on the far east side of the Court. It was huge - built to accommodate a large portion of the world's Moroi population at once, if necessary. Therefore, it was more then big enough to host all of the available guardians for their New Years Eve ball every year. Of course, not all guardian's got to go - many stayed within their schools, and at least one guardian had to be left with their respected families. Rose had never gone before - then again, she had never really had the urge to. The last few years, she barely knew anyone who would be there, and had instead spent the time with Eddie and a few others playing poker. This year, however, she felt like a princess as they walked into the foyer, and down a grand staircase. Alex shot her a sideways grin, and said, "Happy you came?" She nodded, smiling back, "Just don't get any smooth ideas, Castile. Now, where do we sit?" Alex led her towards the front of hall, winding through the many round tables, and pulled out a chair for her. Their table held mostly guardians of the same rank as Alex, and their dates. Along the front wall was a long rectangular table, where the most important guardians would sit. Rose spied Alberta occupying a chair, and gave her a wave. They were mostly people in charge of schools, communities, or higher-ups from here in court.
"You look stunning," Alex broke her thoughts, as he sat next to her. She laughed, "You mentioned that. Now pour the stunning girl some wine." As he followed orders, Rose looked around, trying to spot anyone she knew. Here and there, a Moroi sat with a guardian, making Rose smile. All the power to them. She used to think Moroi/Guardian relationships were a waste of time. But.. that was before.
A ways across the hall, she could see the back of Dimitri's head, and the side view of Tasha's growing belly. Eddie had opted out again, claiming his odds were much better this year at their annual poker game without Rose there. And very close to the head table, she spotted short, curly red hair, and caught a drift of a Scottish accent. Hello, mother. She figured she could make it through the night without having to do the awkward mother-daughter dance - it was a packed hall, after all.
Dinner was lavish - it almost made her wish she hadn't skipped out the past few years. She was surprised the guardian's got such a nice dinner, but then again, they risked their lives every day for the Moroi. It was the least they could do. Alex was an amiable companion, never pushing his attraction to her too far, which Rose was thankful for. She didn't want to deal with her boss in that kind of situation. As soon as the plates were cleared, a group of musicians started up, playing a nice, soothing rythym.
"Wanna dance?" Alex grinned, pulling her up. She rolled her eyes, "Do you think I know how to dance to this?"
"I'll lead," he said, walking towards the nearly empty dance floor. Rose felt many pairs eyes on her, and she grinned, knowing she looked great in her dress. As Alex pulled her close against him, she saw the amusement in his eyes, and he smirked, "I'm glad I'm the boss, there's some fellas who would like to skin me alive right now."
"Better give them a show, then," she smirked back, and she was spun away from him. He caught her hand, pulling her closer quickly as the beat picked up slightly. They danced for a few songs, and as the band slowed the pace once more for a slow waltz, Rose felt a tap on her shoulder. Surprised, she turned, and saw Dimitri's brown eyes watching her. He flicked them over to Alex, and said, "May I cut in?" Alex politely nodded, stepping away, and Rose bit her lip as her hand was caught in Dimitri's. She placed the other on his shoulder, and he drew her in slowly, smiling, "You look beautiful, Roza." She lowered her eyes, blushing - apparently he still had that effect on her.
"Where's Tasha?" She asked, after a moment or two.
"She was tired, and went to lay down."
"She's getting big," Rose mumbled, trying to imagine carrying all that weight in front of her. Dimitri nodded, his face lighting up, "My family is very excited. I believe Christian is already making himself 'World's Best Uncle' mugs as well." Rose nodded, grinning - she knew how excited everyone was.
"Did I ever tell you how happy I am for you?" She asked suddenly, meeting his gaze. He shook his head, "You didn't."
"I am." She took a deep breath, and said, "I really, truly am." He smiled, and touched her cheek, kissing her forehead, "Your in my heart, Rose. That means a lot to me." She smiled warmly at him, and as the music died down, he stepped back, bowing formally, "I'll leave you to your date. Thank you for the dance, Roza. Goodnight." She nodded as he walked away. Turning, she looked for Alex - time to socialize. She knew that was why he wanted her there, to show her off. She made up her mind - she was going to do him proud.
Socializing is exhausting. She had never had a problem before, but forcing conversation with strangers was much different then talking with friends, or people you knew. By the fifth or sixth table they visited, Rose was beginning to get worn out. Alex noticed, and grinned, "You've done your part well, Hathaway. This is the last one, then we'll call it a night?" She nodded gratefully, and they walked over to a table with two guardian's, and their dates sitting. And her mother.
"Rosemarie. I see you've decided to come say hello," Janine Hathaway commented, sipping a glass of champagne. It looked strange, seeing her mother doing something so, well, tamed.
"Mother," Rose said casually, "I see you've decided to come visit me. Oh, wait - your here for the ball. My mistake." Janine frowned, "As a matter of fact, I'll be staying here for awhile. Lord Szelsky is on an extended business visit. I hope you'll spare me a few moments of your precious time, so I can see how your training is going." Rather then be rude, and make a scene, Rose gave her a stiff nod, turning to the only other person she knew at the table. Rose recognized one of the two guardians as Ana's guardian Jameth, and she smiled a real smile this time, "How is Ana?"
"Very well," he replied, "Celebrating the New Year with her family." Rose nodded, "Good to have a night off, isn't it?" James laughed, taking a sip of his wine, "There were more then enough guardian's there tonight, I wasn't needed anyways."
"Wait, isn't it just you and Guardian Kinsky?" She replied with a frown. As far as she knew, Ana only had two guardians. How is that more then enough?
"You don't know?" James replied, frowning as well, "Is Lord Ivashkov no longer your charge?" Rose felt her stomach drop, and she sat next to James in an empty chair, "Tell me."
"Lord Ivashkov returned earlier this evening, and is spending it with Ana," James explained slowly, still confused. Rose just stared at him with a surprised look, and finally, Alex excused them, taking her arm and pulling her out onto the balcony.
"What's wrong?" Alex asked, in a worried voice. Rose just shook her head, eyes still wide, "He's back. He's back, and he didn't tell me." Alex nodded, finally understanding, "I see. What are you going to do?" Rose glanced up at the clock - 11:30. Frowning, she said, "I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow, to see him. Its late." Alex looked at the time as well, and sighed impatiently, "Are you not Rose Hathaway?"
"Excuse me?" Rose asked indigently, and Alex made her sit on a stone bench, "When have you ever been this indecisive before? You love the guy, you'll want to find him before midnight. New Years. When else will you get a chance like this to make things right? A New Years Eve kiss is the easiest way to consolidate hurt feelings. Take it from an expert." Rose raised both her eyebrows, and with a slight smile she asked, "Your helping me, why?"
"Because you're a great guardian, and if your moping around all the time your no use to me," Alex said, a grin on his face. Rose laughed, and kissed his cheek, "Thanks Alex. I have to go." With that, she stood, not bothering to wipe the dirt from the back of her dress, and she went down the outside stairs. She had to figure out the fastest way to Ana's house, which was basically on the other side of Court. Obviously. It took at least fifteen minutes, running, to get to the other side. That is, if she didn't meet any obstacles. And if your not wearing heels and a floor-length gown. Muttering to herself, she sat in the grass, unstrapping the heels as fast as possible. Then, she hesitated. God, this was going to hurt.
She took a bobby pin from her hair, and ripped the plastic protective piece covering the end of the metal off. Using the sharp side, she ripped it into her gown, making a tear around her thighs. She used the tear to rip the fabric all the way around, until the dress was no longer floor-length, but almost too short in some places. Oops.
Not bothering to gather the material, she left her shoes as well as she hopped up and started to run. Having her legs free made her much faster, but being barefoot was a challenge. Running through the courtyard by the dining hall, she saw a door open, and Eddie happened to walk out.
"What on earth are you doing?" He asked in amazement, staring at her grass-stained knees, bare feet and torn dress.
"No time," she breathed, skidding to a stop, "What size are your feet?"
"10," he said, looking ready to burst out laughing. She shook her head, "Damn, too big. Have you seen Adrian?" Eddie's face perked in understanding, and he shook his head, "Sorry, Rose, I haven't. Good luck - oh, and you have ten minutes, if your aiming for midnight." Swearing loudly, she left a chuckling Eddie, racing towards the Moroi apartments. She passed the Dhampir building, and ran straight to the guard in front of the next building.
"Hathaway?" A skeptical voice asked. She was breathing hard, and her wavy hair was windblown, cheeks bright red.
"No time," she breathed, "I need in - Ivashkov suite, first floor." The guard checked the list as they always did - confirming you really did know that person and what rooms they occupied. Rose tapped her foot impatiently, before she slammed a fist into the window, "Come ON!" The guard gave her a startled look, and let her in without another word. The plush carpet felt wonderful on her aching feet, but she didn't stop to look at the damage, instead ran to the usual door, pounding on it. Inside, she could hear talking, and suddenly, Patrick's little voice starting up, "Ten! Nine! Eight!..." She pounded again, and the door opened mid-knock to reveal Ana's husband Nicholai, looking surprised at her state. Rather then speak, she pushed past, spying Adrian with his back turned. Ana saw her over his shoulder, and covered her mouth, hiding a huge grin as Patrick continued, "Five! Four! Three!..." Adrian turned, looking to see who interrupted their countdown, and looked shocked when he saw her. Rose launched herself into his arms just as Patrick yelled, "ONE! HAPPY NEW YEARS!"
"Rose?" Adrian gasped, just managing to catch them before they tumbled to the floor. Around them, Patrick and Ana were letting loose streamers and confetti, but they were oblivious to everything but one another. Instead of replying, her lips found his, and despite Patrick's loud 'Eww' in the background, she pulled him closer, continuing the kiss. It took him a second, but he finally kissed her back, and she felt a flood of relief hit her. He was home. And this time, she wasn't going to let him go.