"This is stupid..." Sydney adjusted her blouse to cover more of her cleavage. Not that she was showing much to begin with. I thought it was the most decent thing out of Viktoria's closet to go out in.

Viktoria laughed, "No, it's not. It'll be fun."

She eyed her and looked back at me, "Come on, Rose. You know I don't do this sort of thing." She looked on the verge of pouting.

"Which is exactly why we are doing it." I flattened out the dress I had picked out of Viktoria's closest. Luckily she was my size or I would have been looking scandalous. Perhaps even vulgar. "So you sure this place is okay?" That was directed to Viktoria.

She rolled her eyes, "I wouldn't dream of walking you all into a place that might be troublesome. We'd probably get thrown out or arrested because you'd beat up someone."

Sydney inhaled and sighed, "I wouldn't mind just a nice night indoors."

"I'm sure you always have a nice night indoors." Viktoria grabbed her wrist and trying pulling towards the door. She barely budged.

So I grabbed the other wrist. This time her feet started sliding across the floor, "Come on, Sage. We are doing this." We were going out tonight even if I had to force her. We only had tonight. Tomorrow was the big meeting with that creepy Maestro. We finally had Gabe out of the way for now too. Even if it meant leaving him with Oksana and Mark.

"Rose!" My name came out as a whining complaint.

Adrian walked in, "Is everything... okay?" He eyed us and rose a brow. "Oh."

Sydney broke free from our grasps and rubbed her wrists, "What?"

He smirked, "Nothing you just look... I mean you all look pretty... wow."

Viktoria batted her eyes, "I know, right?"

"I still feel too exposed. Are you sure this looks okay?" Sydney tugged her blouse up again.

I moved her hands away and adjusted it to do its prime purpose. Boost her goodies. "You look great." Light bulb! I turned her to directly face him, "What do you think, Adrian? Doesn't she look good?"

A soft grin spread across his face, "You look amazing."

She blushed slightly, "Really?"

"Really." He side stepped out of the way and gave a sweeping bow. "After you, ladies."

"Thank you, sir." Viktoria stuck her nose in the air and waltzed out with her head high. She turned to us, "You girls ready or what?"

I glanced at Sydney. She really did look very pretty. Her top was a fit, bright red top that faded into black. The v-neck line helped give the illusion of a bigger bust and the shape gave her a curve. Normally she looked too skinny to me. Something in her was changing. I nudged her, "So?"

She gave me a awkward smile, "As ready as I'll ever be." She looked sheepishly at Adrian, "Are you going to be joining us?"

He gave her a surprised look, "Would you like me to?"

"Come with us. I've never known you to throw out an invite to go out." I smiled triumphantly at my quick remark.

He shrugged, "I guess it wouldn't be the worst thing to walk into a club with three beautiful women on my arm."

Viktoria giggled, "Actually, I've got my own escort. Alek is coming." She brightened at the thought of him.

"Yea, and I kind of asked Dimitri to be my date." I batted my eyes innocently.

Adrian gave me a meaningful glance, "Huh."

"So that would make me and Adrian spares...?" She asked like she was unsure.

He scoffed, "Not necessarily." He held out his hand, "Sydney, would you like to be my date?"

She blushed, "Oh. Um, I... uh." She looked to me for help but I wasn't about to touch this one. I shrugged at her. Her response was to bite her lip.

He dropped his hand a little, "I'll understand if you don't want to. I get I'm not exactly your 'type'."

She got flustered, "And just what exactly do you think my type is?" She propped her hands on her hips.

"You know. The smart, intellectual looking guys that probably keep a spare dictionary in their pockets just in case. Maybe even wearing pseudo-intellectual glasses." He smirked at his oh-so clever remark.

I, on the other hand, was ready to smack him across the head. Was he purposely trying to sabotage himself? Sydney, however, had her own comeback, "And I suppose your type would be wearing a skimpy dress, eight inch heels, packed on makeup, and the reading skills of a second grade student, commenting every few minutes with 'Yea, totally'?" She spoke like she was smacking gum when made the mocking voice. It was pretty funny and I couldn't help but smile.

Adrian looked shocked. He put a hand to his chest, "Ouch. You got me, Syd. Good one." He kept his smug smirk on. "But you still haven't answered me. Or are you looking for something else to stall with?"

She exhaled sharply, "I'm not stalling."

"Then why haven't you answered?" He took her hand this time. Even I was a little taken back by how forward he was being. "Do. You. Want. To. Be. My. Date?" He stepped towards her leaving very little space between them. It was enough to make me and Viktoria trade glances.

Her cheeks quickly stained a soft pink and her eyes scarcely widened. It took her a moment to pull herself together but she finally relaxed. A small smile played on the curves of her lips, "Okay. Yes."

He kissed the back of her hand, "Thank you."

She looked confused and startled by the gesture. I was amazed at his courage. After all that talk the day before about how 'they just couldn't be' he sure was putting on the moves. I took her hand and led her behind me, "We'll be waiting in the living room for you guys. Be quick. Don't want to stay out too late." I smiled big and walked out while Sydney kept close behind my heels.

When we got into the living room I found Dimitri sitting back with one of his westerns in hand. He glanced up at me and nearly dropped the book. "Roza. You look gorgeous." He stood and wrapped a hand around my waist, separating me from the girls. He pulled me close and looked me over. "Don't cause any trouble on your night out."

I shook my head, "Wouldn't plan on it. Besides, you're going with us."

He gave me a confused look, "I'm going?"

"Yea, you're my date. Otherwise I'm going stag." I pouted.

He smiled, "What about Sydney? Isn't she going solo too."

"Oh, she has a date." I tried to disguise my mischiveous smile.

"Who?" He really did look puzzled.

I cleared my throat, "Um, it's kind of Adrian."

His eyes went wide, "Really? Who did that?" He gave me a concerned look, "Do they know they are each other's dates?"

"Yes! Adrian asked her and she said yes." I gave him my best sincere smile.

His brow rose and fell, "Wow. Who would have ever paired those two together?" He gave me a knowing smile.

I shrugged, "Fate works in funny ways."

"What about fate?" Alek walked in and posed. He had every reason to do so. His clothes were really nice. The grey shirt he wore was obviously designer. Something I'd expect Adrian to have in his closet.

I nodded in approval, "Don't you look nice?"

He grinned from ear to ear, "I thought I'd try to dress it up a little considering the girls were doing so." He looked at Dimitri, "You're just going in your duster?"

I laughed. I had nearly forgotten he was still wearing it. Dimitri was wearing a plain white shirt and jeans with his duster. All he needed were boots with spurrs and a cowboy hat to be a real life cowboy. He looked himself over, "You don't like my look?"

Alek shrugged, "Well, I guess you can pull off the western look pretty well."

"Western?" Dimitri almost laughed out the words. "The only thing even mildly western is my duster."

"Exactly." Alek shrugged. "But hey, it's your thing."

Dimitri nodded, "It works for me."

I couldn't agree more. One of the many things I loved about him was his look. I looked around at our group. All of us looked ready. All except maybe Sydney. She was quietly sitting on the opposite couch with her hands neatly on her lap. She looked the part but she was still acting like the meek, quiet, little perfectionist. I shot her a smile, "Are you excited?"

"Excited isn't exactly the word I would use." She weaved her fingers together.

I thought about it. "What word would you use?"

She shrugged, "Nervous, I guess."

"Nervous? What's there to be nervous about?" Viktoria placed a hand on her shoulder. "Is this about Adrian?"

Sydney's face reddened. "Not precisely. There's more to it than that."

I took a seat beside her, "Out with it."

"Well, I've never actually danced before." She looked shyly to the ground.

Viktoria scoffed, "That's it?" She stood up staight in front of us. "It's easy." She waved it off. "Don't even worry about it."

I scoffed, "Let me get this right. You know how to drive a standard car and mix chemicals together but you've never ever even just once tried dancing?"

"That doesn't help." She crossed her ankles together. "What do I do at a dance club if I don't know how to dance?"

I dropped my head and thought. "Okay, so you're good at nearly everything, right?"

She shrugged, "Kind of."

"It's just like anything else new." I turned my knees toward her, "Think of it as counting. Music goes by counts. Yea?"

She nodded, "Yes. So?"

"So, just count the beats and move with it. It's easier than learning how to ride a bike." I double back, "You do know how to ride a bike?"

"Yes, Rose." That made her smile.

I patted her knee, "So we're good?"

She shrugged, "I guess all I can do is try."

"Yea. What's the worst that can happen?" I knew Viktoria was only trying to help but that was the worst thing to ask Sydney. Because Sydney's mind works around that one question. What's the worst that can happen? And I'm more than positive that all the bad scenarios that could possibly go wrong were running through her head at that exact moment. Sydney's face confirmed it.

I lightly shook her by her shoulder, "Sydney?"

"Huh?" She looked lost in thought.

"You okay?" Stupid question.

She nodded slowly, "I think so."

"Well you better be. I didn't get all dressed up for my date to up and cancel on me." Adrian came gliding down the stares. His maroon button up looked smooth and soft. The jeans he wore had to be new or he took very good care of them. No fades or tears. Not even a slight sign of normal wear.

Sydney sank a little deeper into the couch. "I'm not."

He rose a brow, "Not what?"

"Cancelling. I'm not cancelling." Her words sounded rushed. She tried for a smile but it looked more nervous.

He put on one of his grand smiles. "Good." He stuck out his arm for her to take, "Ready?" She hesitantly took his offer. I could sense that she was a nervous wreck but on the surface she was playing it cool.

I felt Dimitri pull me back against him. His chest was firm on the curve of my back. The connection was strong, even through our clothes. He wrapped his arm around me and rested his hand over my stomach. He splayed his fingers out and inhaled deeply. He put his lips near my ear, "Are you sure you're up for this? We could always change our minds and stay in." His lips grazed the back of my ear and I felt little tickles of electricity run through me.

"We are going out tonight. Who knows how many chances we'll have to do this considering how unpredictable our lives are?" I rested my head back on him. At that moment I wanted to melt into him. I wanted to just stay in and wrap myself in his warmth. But we had already made up our minds. One way or another we were doing this.

The ride over to the club was short and actually kind of fun. We all tossed the usual banter around. Well everyone but Sydney. She sat beside Adrian quietly. Her stare far off and thoughtful. She was always thinking. Always analyzing everything. It was written all over her face. Shown in her every action. But that's not what concerned me. No. What had me was what she might be thinking about. Sydney's mind worked every angle. And if it wasn't the night club bothering her then it had to be one of our many issues at hand. Finding a way of keeping her safe, figuring out what to do with the Maestro situation, what to do with Gabe once this whole endeavor was over, and maybe she had a little of me on the brain.

My 'condition' was growing slowly but surely and the tiny bump on my stomach made it clear. Every now and then I'd catch someone looking at it. I didn't know if that should make me worry or it should comfort me. It's like they were all aware of how delicate my state was but they weren't going to say anything just yet. Timing is everything. And I wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. There was still too much to be done.

The club was just like any other club I'd been to. The music was loud, the bar was lit and crowded, and colorful life flashed around. The smell was all too familiar as well. Smoke and alchohol. I got minimal flash backs of Adrian's earlier habits. Although I do admit he had been cutting down more and more lately. The other smells I caught ranged between sweat, perfume, and cologne. It was almost nausiating.

We found a corner table near a group of people who looked alot like tourists. They were smiling and hugging. Proclaiming cheers and snapping photos. I tried my best to turn my back to them and block them out. Didn't want any stranger company.

"Anyone want a drink?" Adrian was leaning forward so we could hear him.

I leaned towards him, "Water for me."

He smirked, "I figured." He looked to the others, "Any others?"

Viktoria looked at Dimitri and then back to Adrian. She looked mildly nervous. "Could you get me a beer?"

Adrian's brow rose as he glanced over to big brother, "Uh, I think you should clear that with your brother."

Dimitri was already looking at her with a silent warning in his eyes. "I don't think that's the best idea."

She slumped, "Whatever. A soda then." She rolled her eyes.

I grabbed Dimitri's hand, "Come on. One shot won't hurt. Besides, we're here to keep an eye on her." I smiled sweetly.

He glared down at me and shook his head, "Do you think that's smart?"

I shrugged, "We're here to have fun, not to be smart."

A small smile grow just on the corners of his lips, "Just one." He pointed at Adrian, "Make that two."

"Two?" I gave him a smile.

He nodded and mocking repeated me, "One shot won't hurt."

Viktoria beamed with victory, "Thank you, Dimka!" She hugged me. "You're awesome."

I gently pulled away, "I know, I know." Wish I could have a shot... or two.

Adrian clasped his hands together, "Well alright. Here we go. Alek?" He looked down at Alek who quickly waved him away. He turned to Sydney, "And I'm guessing none for you either?"

She smiled meekly, "I'd prefer a water."

He nodded, "So I have us down for two shots, two waters, and a glass of Jack for me." He smiled big and turned to walk to the bar.

"Do you think Adrian drinking is going to affect anything?" Alek addressed that to the whole group once Adrian was out of ear shot.

I shook my head, "I wouldn't think so. He's just getting himself one glass."

"For now." Dimitri's words were low.

Sydney cleared her throat, "You all should have more faith in him than that."

She caught me off guard, "What do you mean?"

"He's trying. You all should know that quitting a habit isn't as easy as just stopping cold turkey." A few strands of hair fell down and across her face, which was refreshing compared to the usual neat and tidy styles she used.

We all stayed quiet for a moment. Dimitri broke the silence, "She's right. He's been showing some great progress these past few weeks."

I considered it earlier only now were my thoughts being realized by everyone else. He was settling down, gaining control on his life. Yes, it was a slow process but at least it was happening. "So does anyone have the guts to dance?" I eyed Dimitri.

He shook his head slowly, "Oh, no. I only agreed to come. Dancing was not part of the deal."

"Fine. Any other takers?" I looked to the girls.

Viktoria immediately shot up, "I'm in!" She flashed Alek a big smile. "You?"

He shook his head, "Yea, I'm just going to chill out with the guys."

"Sydney?" She turned her puppy dog eyes on her. "Pwease?"

She groaned, "If I must..."

She clapped her hands excitedly, "Yes! Let's go." She pulled her up and grabbed me before I could think about giving Dimitri a kiss. Which, admittedly, was on my mind.

We were on the floor, dancing and moving. Even Sydney got the hang of it just a few beats into the song. It was simple but the fact that she was dancing at all showed she was trying. Viktoria was quick to dismiss any guy trying to steal a dance. I was busy trying to fend off guys trying to squeeze their way between me and Sydney. She was too shy to do it herself. She'd be the kind that politely made remarks about how she didn't want to.

Sydney wiped her forehead after three songs, "I think it's time for a break!"

I nodded, "Yea, I'm getting pretty worn out too."

"Ahhh, already?" Viktoria looked like she had plenty of energy to burn.

"Yea, already." I laughed. "We're going to sit out for a while. You can keep dancing if you want."

She smiled, "I'll stay within eye shot. Promise."

We walked back to the table and watched as Viktoria blended into the crowd. Dimitri stood and helped me to my seat. Not that I needed the help but he was always so sweet. Chilvary wasn't dead.

"Have fun?" He leaned so close to me that his chest was pressed against me. I wanted to sink into that feeling.

I winked, "You know we did." I nodded towards Adrian, "Sydney's got some moves."

"Is that so?" Adrian watched her from the corner of his eyes.

She shook her head, "I'm not that good. Honestly, it's pretty simple." She smiled sweetly. I couldn't tell if she was blushing or if it was from the dancing.

He grinned at her, "May I have the next dance?"

She reddened even more, "Uh, sure." She took a quick swig out of the bottled water Adrian had bought. "I just need a quick rest. It's pretty crowded out there."

"Let me guess, Viktoria wasn't ready to come sit down?" Alek's gaze was off on the dancers.

I nodded, "She said she was going to stay within eye shot." I looked over and spotted her quickly. I pointed her out, "She promised."

He grinned, "That girl could dance all night if you let her." His gaze was softened as he watched her.

"She's always full of energy." Dimitri laughed. "For as long as I can remember she's always been so full of life."

Alek nodded, "Yea." He sounded airy and light.

The fast paced song slowed to a softer tempo. Adrian glanced at Sydney, "I don't suppose you'd feel comfortable dancing with me now."

She stared down at her hands, "Would you?"

He smiled. "I would." He stood and put out his hand for her to take.

She looked at his hand for a few moments. Lost in thought, no doubt. Then she took it. It was one of those things I'd never thought I'd see. Sydney couldn't have been thinking clearly. Perhaps not at all. If she had been she would have never come out with us. Never agreed to being Adrian's date. Never danced out there. She wouldn't be taking his hand now. Not if she remembered all the things she was taught. But maybe that's why she was doing it. After everything we had learned, all that we have gone through the truth was that we were the closest people to her now. She's alone in this world. We were all that she had.

Dimitri ran his hand over my cheek, tearing me from my thoughts. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

I took his hand in mine and weaved our fingers together. "Me too. Are you at least having some fun?"

He nodded, "It's been interesting so far. I enjoyed watching you dance." He smiled.

"You were watching us?" I turned my body so I was facing him straight on.

"Of course. I'm always watching you. It's impossible not to." His gaze was deep and loving. His eyes soft and warm. Even in the dim lighting of the club I could recall the many shades of brown and amber in his eyes.

I leaned my forehead on his, "You're amazing, you know that?"

"I try." His lobsided grin teased me just inches from my face.

"The thing is, I don't think you even have to try." I leaned just a little closer to him. His lips were so close.

He slid his arm around me and rested his hand on the small of my back. "You have no idea." He breathed the words out. It made goose bumps rise up on my skin. I couldn't stand it. I pushed on and pressed my lips to his. His grip tightened around my waist, pulling me closer against him. It was warm and intoxicating. More than any alcohol or narcotic could possibly be. I wanted to wrap myself in that warmth.

But the scream that echoed over the loud music and crowded voices shattered the moment. Pulling us from the blissful peace and hurling us into battle mode. My vision spun in swirls of colors as I tried to pinpoint the cause of the scream. First thing was first, making sure it wasn't Viktoria or Sydney.

By sheer luck I spotted Viktoria close by looking around like she was trying to distiguish the source of the scream as well. Adrian and Sydney weren't too far from her. He had her shielded behind him as he scanned the area. His gaze froze and focused on one spot in the restrooms direction. He looked up at us and gestured that way. Undoubtledly a suspicious aura.

Dimitri caught on quicker than I had and was up and over the rail, rushing forward. We cut through the crowd with such agility. My effirt being clumsy and bumping a few bodies here and there. Dimitri, oh, he was just as graceful and smooth as ever. He made a gorgeous bee line straight at the few bodies occupying the hall leading to the lavatories. But it was there he stopped abruptly.

I reached behind him in a split second and found his reason. On the floor, in the middle of the crowd, there was a girl. Her lifeless body sprawled on the ground with blood trailing from her throat. Her eyes wide open, terrified. Her mouth a gaping. Her once pulled back black hair was a mess and falling out of what looked to be a bun. Her skin is what really drew my attention. She's so pale. Like she was drained of all her blood. I felt my stomach curl and lurch. Sure enough I had puked.

"Roza!", Dimitri grabbed me. His arms encircling my waist and pulling me up. "Take her." He passed me off to someone. I didn't realize it was Alek until I was staring into his face as he practically carried me to a nearby table.

He reached into some glass and pulled out the ice. "Eat some of these."

I put a few cubes in my mouth. It tasted bitter from the liquor it cooled but soon was masked. The cold was comforting to my stomach and my emerging headache. "Wh... Where's Dimitri?"

"He's back there." He pointed at the thinning bodies crowded around the dead girl. Dimitri stood out due to his height and his duster. He was kneeling beside the girl, looking intently at her. Most likely trying to pick up any clues he could before the authorities showed up. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine." I tried to stand but he made me sit down.

Viktoria ran towards us, "Rose! Alek! I'm so glad you are safe. Did you see...?" Her words trailed off as she caught a glimpse at Dimitri. We could see the girl's legs peeking out. One of her shoes was missing. "Is that a...?"

Alek cupped her face, "Viktoria, look at me." She turned to him wordlessly. "We have to get out of here." He looked back at me, "Are you okay enough to leave?"

"What about Dimitri?" I wasn't sure if it was my voice. It sounded so far off.

"We'll meet back up with him at his family's house. I'll text him." He pulled out his cell phone.

But before he could even manage begin, Dimitri was heading towards us. He threw my arm over his shoulder and lifted me into his arms. "Let's go." I felt to my body go limp and weak. He looked down at me. His expression was unreadable. He was straight faced and calm. I couldn't bare to watch him like that. Not after seeing that girl. He frowned as he looked walked on.

By Shadow Kissed Mori