I couldn't sleep that night. I laid in bed just staring at Dimitri. In just a few hours we would be risking it all. Our lives, our child, our friends. It was a hard decision but I knew it was right. In my heart I knew it was the right thing to do. And from the look of total content on my husband's face I would say he felt the same way too. I finally shut my eyes and let sleep pull me into its warm darkness.

The next morning I discovered that Alek had kept to his word. He walked in with a big, thick, hard case in his hands. He treaded carefully as he made his way through the house. He set it down gently in the living room and called us all out.

He slowly opened it with care, "These are the little suckers I promised." There were twelve bombs laying in safe set angles beside one another. He carefully picked one up using the very ends of his fingers. "They are pretty sturdy so we'll be able to carry them in by hand. But do not bang them on anything."

"Whoa." I picked one up and turned it slowly to get a good look at it. They were professional looking enough. Just a metal, rounded corner block with a small face of what looked like a digital timer. It was off. For now.

Dimitri grinned, "These look like over kill."

Alek shrugged, "It's better to be safe than sorry."

"We'd need to put some space between us and that building fast," Adrian was sitting back away from the bombs. Probably didn't want to get his hands dirty.

I placed mine back in the pack, "What are they?"

"Type 76, IEDs." He pulled out a small device that looked like a cell phone from the case. He handed it to Dimitri, "And here is your detonator, sir."

I gave him a blank stare, "IEDs? Could you clarify?" I was no bomb expert and I had no idea what the hell he meant.

"Improvised explosive device," Sydney took a seat beside me.

No shit. "How'd you know that?"

She shrugged, "You learn alot of interesting stuff when you read."

Dimitri was looking over the detonator, "What's the code?"

Alek handed him a piece of paper, "There you are. Keep it on you." Dimitri took a quick glimpse and then shoved it into his pocket.

Eddie and Mia were examining a bomb together. He looked up, "We're going to be squeezing into some tight spots. How do you expect us to keep from bumping these things?"

"That's what these are for." Alek started handing out a very thick, very plush material, "The bomb will be carried in that. It'll soften any impact the device may take. But you should still try to be careful."

"Got it, hoss." Mia and Sydney started placing the bombs in their soft cases.

Adrian leaned close, "Maybe I should do that?"

Mia scoffed, "Us ladies have it under control, Adrian. Don't worry about it."

"Yea, but you're getting me nervous from how rough you're handling them," he gestured to the already bagged bombs.

"Adrian," Sydney got so close to his face that he backed up a little from shock, "Stop worrying. It's fine."

He looked at her with obvious affection in his eyes. I recalled his memory I had jumped into. How close she was. The feel of her skin at his finger tips. The molten gold of her eyes. It was all there. In the way he was looking at her now. He suddenly backed away and smirked, "Alright but if you blow us all up and we survive, you and me, we are not friends anymore."

She laughed, "Wouldn't want that. We'll be extra careful."

"Thank God." He got up and walked into the kitchen.

I couldn't help it. I had to follow. When I walked in behind him he was already leaning on the counter in deep thought. "Hey."

He looked up at me in surprise, "Hey. Didn't see you come in." He tried to play off one of his smirks.

"I know. You look pretty lost right now. You alright?" I stood beside him leaning on the counter.

He nodded, "I'm perfectly fine, little dhampir."

"I don't know about that. You looked a little caught up in Sydney there for a moment." I smiled innocently as he gave me a glare.

"This is not the time to discuss this," his face went serious.

I rolled my eyes, "But it is a good time to discuss it." The words came out in a hard whisper.

He frowned, "Why? Did she say something?"

I smiled, "Maybe."

"Rose." His eyes were pleading with me.

I looked around and pulled him to a corner with me. "Okay. She told me this in pure confidence but I think you should know before you even think about giving up on her."

His eyes brightened, "She cares about me."

I nodded, "Yes. But she's confused and unsure of herself due to, uh, certain circumstances."

"She cares about me," it didn't seem like my last sentence had reached him at this point.

"Adrian, are you listening to me?" I shook his arm. "You cannot let on that you know. Or that I told you."

He smiled at me, "Thank you."

I shrugged, "It's no big deal. I just don't like seeing you hurt."

Suddenly he was hugging me. His arms tight around my waist and his head rested on mine. He smelled like cologne. It had been a while since I had that scent so close to me. He pulled away and examined me with care, "You are my new best friend."

"Ouch! And here I was thinking that all this time I was already your best friend." I gave him a shoulder bump.

He laughed, "But seriously, thanks. What you just told me means more than you know."

But I did know. I knew because I felt it in him. I saw it on his face every time he looked at her. And even though she said she was confused it was becoming more and more clear that she cared for him. More than she admitted to herself. I stayed behind as he walked back into the living room to join the others.

I ran my hand along the counter enjoying the coolness as I went along. The surface was smooth and clean. Olena was the best stay-at-home mom ever. Her cooking, cleaning, caring, teaching and love was all I ever hoped for in a mother when I was growing up. But I was fortunate enough to have a hard ass as a mom. And dirty dishes just weren't her thing. Unless she was the one making them dirty.

Speaking of dirty dishes, I was beginning to get hungry and wouldn't mind dirtying a few of my own. I opened the fridge and looked inside. It seemed like there was so much food but nothing to eat. Typical.

"Find anything good?"

I jolted up and ended up bumping my head, "Damn it!"

A hand began to rub the hurt spot, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you." Gabe had a look of embarrassment on his face.

I shook my head, "It's fine. It won't kill me."

"Still you should put some ice on that." He turned and started fumbling through the cabinets. He pulled out a wash clothe and filled it with ice before handing it to me.

"Thanks." I placed it slowly on my bump. I could already feel it swelling.

He sighed and rubbed his face, "I'm sorry, Rose. I just had to leave the living room. Bombs." He shuddered.

It was funny. Without his hardened Strigoi figures I was starting to notice he reminded me of Dimitri. A younger and more boyish version but still it was like looking at his younger brother. I laughed.

"What?" he smiled.

"Nothing. It's just that I never pegged you for being someone who doesn't like bombs." I took the ice pack off my head. I was starting to get a headache from the cold.

He shrugged, "I don't think anyone likes bombs. But some people can tolerate them better than others."

I nodded, "True."

"So what were you looking for? A snack?", he asked as he closed the fridge door which I had left open.

I gestured to it, "Yea, but there's nothing good."

He opened it and looked inside, "What are you talking about? There's plenty in there." He pulled out an apple and took a bite out of it. It was so crisp that it crunched loudly as he bit into it. It made my mouth water.

"On second thought, hand me one of those apples."

"Here you go." He tossed me one and I caught it easily. It was a bright red and shiny one. Small but it looked good. I took a big bite and savored the juiciness that followed the crunch. "They're pretty good. And healthy for baby."

I nearly choked on my apple, "Huh?"

He chuckled, "I'm not stupid. I know you're pregnant. I can see your tummy. And you don't seem like the type to just let yourself go." He took another chunk out of the apple and smiled.

I placed my hand over my stomach, "Yea, I guess I'm starting to really show."

"Which is why I must say this," he sighed and put the apple down. "You don't have to go through with this. There are bigger things in life to deal with than my problems."

"I know. But as of lately it's one of the top priorities. It's the right thing to do," I smiled down at my little bump. "Dimitri loves you. You're like family and we do anything to keep our family safe."

He nodded and looked taken by my words. "You two deserve each other. He's a lucky man."

I felt myself blush, "Some days I think I'm the lucky one."

He chuckled. "Have you thought of a name?"

"I'm sorry?"

"For the baby?" He gestured to my stomach.

I felt like smacking my palm to my face, "Oh! Right. Well, no. I mean I think of a few but none really call out to me. I want something that's going to have meaning."

He nodded, "Boy or girl?"

"Don't know yet. I was thinking it might be fun to leave it all to surprise," the excitement was starting to show in my voice.

"You're right. That would be exciting." He picked the apple back up and examined it. He stayed silent for a moment then sighed, "If things go bad in there you have to run. No matter what."

Shock hit me as Dimitri's words flooded my memory. If we do what we're planning I need you to promise that if anything goes wrong that you'll run. Even if I'm in danger. "Gabe..."

"And I know how you operate. You have this thing like everyone's safety is in your hands but the truth is everyone is stepping out there with the knowledge that they could very well die. But you, you're different." He turned the apple so that the unbitten side was visible to me. "You are carrying a innocent life. An unlived one. And even if every last one of us falls I need you to run."

My heart dropped. I didn't even want to think of anyone getting hurt. How could I leave them all behind if I knew it would mean their certain death? Dimitri, Adrian, Eddie, Gabe, Mia, and Alek. I couldn't understand how I was suppose to leave them behind if anything were to happen. But I made a promise. And I planned on sticking to that promise. "I was right."

He looked confused, "About what?"

"About you. You're alot like Dimitri in some ways. I always thought you reminded me of him. Now you've just proven my point." I looked down at my own unfinished apple, "You just take care of yourself out there. This is for you after all."

He smiled, "Well not just for me. I'm not so full of myself to think that we're destroying Maestro's company just for my sake."

I nodded, "You're right. That would be pretty conceited of you." We laughed and I took another bite out of my apple.

"Sounds like someone's having a good time in here," Dimitri walked in with a smile on his face.

I bumped him with my hip, "Me and Gabe were just enjoying a snack." I held my apple out to him, "Want some?"

He took a bite of it. "Thank you," he pressed a kiss to my head.

Gabe tilted his head back to the living room, "How's it going in there?"

His expression turned serious, "The bombs are all packed and set. All we need to do is strap up and wait."

"I best get to it then." I jogged to the stairs and was startled when a hand reached out and stopped me.

"Wait." Dimitri wrapped his other arm around my waist and pulled me back against him. "Remember what we discussed."

I shut my eyes, "I know. I promised."

He released me and I was able to turn around to look at him. His face was grim and nervous. Any hint of that genuine smile from the night before was long gone. I reached out for him and he instantly took my hand and pressed it to his cheek. He shut his eyes for a moment and I decided I would too. The darkness helped to calm me. I felt him pressed his forehead against mine.

"I'm scared." The words shook as I spoke them.

He forced a laugh, "Me, too."

I scoffed, "You're lying. You're not scared of anything."

"There are some things that scare the hell out of me," he chuckled.

I pulled away just enough to look him in the eye, "Such as?"

He cupped my face, "You."

My heart skipped. "You're scared of me?"

"I'm afraid of the things you might do." He half laughed, "The trouble that likes to follow you around."

I rolled my eyes, "Yea, I'm just lucky I guess."

"Just be careful. Don't do anything based on your Rose logic. Nothing wreckless." He pressed his lips firmly against mine. The taste of his mouth was sweet and warm.

I nodded, "I won't. I'll be careful."

He released me and gently urged me up the stairs, "I'll see you when you come down." His eyes lingered on me long after I turned my back to him. I could feel his gaze.

I shut the door behind me quietly. The clothes I had set out earlier were still thrown on top of the dresser in its uneven pile. I began to undress, just throwing my clothes every which way. I'll clean that up when I get back home. It gave me a reason to have to come back.

"Rose?" Sydney's voice was at the door.

I sighed, "I'm getting dressed." I was able to jump into the black pants with ease.

She cleared her throat and was silent for a while, "I would really like to talk to you before... before.."

"Before I leave?" I opened the door wearing a sports bra as my top.

She looked anxious, "Yes. Do you have time?"

I stepped aside to let her in, "I can always make time for a friend."

She walked in still staring at the ground. She sat down on the edge of the bed and started fiddling with her nails.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" I pulled my shirt on and sat beside her.

She opened her mouth to say something but immidiately closed it. I let her think on what she came to say. Rushing it would only make it harder. She finally sat up straight and took in a breath. "It's about the mission."

I smiled, "What about it?" I doubled back, "You are not coming. Before you even ask."

She smiled and shook her head, "No, it's not that."

"Then what? What's bothering you?" I tilted my head so that I could slightly see more than her profile.

She inhaled and exhaled in a quick breath, "Just becareful when you get on there. There are literally hundreds of things that can go wrong. And with your track record I just want you all to be extra careful." Tears were starting to well up in her eyes. She sniffed and rubbed her eyes. Of course. She wouldn't want anyone to see her cry.

I laughed softly, "I'm going to be fine. And you know," I leaned in closer, "Adrian's going to be okay too."

"I know, I know." She sniffled a little harder and a tear escaped her eye. She quickly wiped it away. "You all always seem to come out okay." She laughed unsteadily.

"It's okay to be scared, Sydney." I rested my shoulder against her's. "Believe it or not I'm pretty scared myself."

She scoffed, "Nervous maybe but I doubt you're scared." She dropped her head, "You're always so brave. Me? I think I'm pretty useless. All I can do is help plan and then watch from the sidelines hoping that I did a good enough job with the planning that you all come out alive. I'm just a pathetic coward."

I pushed her kind of hard and she fell off the bed. I stood over her and stared down at her with frustration radiating off of me. "You will never call yourself a coward again! Do you understand me, Sage?"

She looked too shock to even respond. "But... but I ..."

"You are not a coward. You have done so much, even risked you life at Our expense. Even while you were an Alchemist." I took in a much needed breath. "And pathetic? You would risk your life on this mission if we let you. You are not a coward. You are not pathetic." I stuck my hand out to help her up.

She looked at it unsure and finally took it. She pulled herself to her feet, "But, Rose, I am useless."

"Why do you keep putting yourself down?" I wanted to reach out and shake her but she was so skinny I was afraid I might snap her. "You're smart, brave, kind hearted, and you can even compete with Adrian's sarcasm and wit." That made her laugh. I couldn't help but laugh a little too. "We're lucky to have you."

Her face reddened, "You think so."

"I know so." I sat back down and offered her her seat back.

"You're not going to push me off again, are you?"

I frowned, "Not unless you say something I sincerely disapprove of."

She smiled and took the seat. She sighed, "I would really like to help. It's hard just waiting. And the waiting hasn't even started yet!" She threw her hands in the air in exasperation.

"I know!" I mimicked her action and she laughed. "You should say something to him before we leave."

She shot me a surprised look and then looked away, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Do I have to push you off the bed again?"

She scooted away from me, "Rose. You know I can't. Even if I did admit to having feelings for him I don't have the nerve to tell him."

I was really starting to get irritated. I sighed out of aggrivation, "He loves you." The words came out sounding frustrated.

She made a face that looked like someone had just slapped her. "He...he... luh...luh.."

"Loves you," I completed her sentence seeing as that she was at a loss for words. "And you should let him know how you feel. He could die tonight you know."

"Rose!" She looked so upset by that.

I shrugged, "I'm just saying! Any one of us could die tonight!" I crossed my arms over my chest. "You want to prove to yourself you're not a pathetic coward? Then get your skinny ass down there and talk to him."

"Everyone's down there." She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Then pull him aside!" I nudged her.

She shook her head, "Don't you think that'll look weird?"

I rolled my eyes, "You two are alone all the time talking. Why would it be weird?"

"Not all the time..." She looked to the ground.

"Would you please stop stalling and go already before you run out of time?" I stood up before she finally did.

She started for the door and then stopped and turned to me, "What do I say?"

"Anything. Everything. Just let him know how you feel."

She dropped her head, "I can't do that..."

"Why not?"

Her eyes shot up to my face so fast that it took me a moment to notice the tears in her eyes. "You know why."

That one statement went a long ways. All the explanations that she had ever given me ran through my head. All her Alchemist talk. All the things about Them and Us. Vampire and human relationships were frowned upon everywhere. There would be so much friction on their lives if they showed anyone their love. But wouldn't it be worth it all? Wasn't having the person you love worth every pain and suffering? It was for me.

"No, I know you think you know why. But trust me, love is worth it. It's worth it all." My heart warmed thinking about Dimitri. At first we were both cautious about anyone finding. But then something changed all that. Life changed it. It gave us the option to fight for it. And that was easy enough because Dimitri and I loved a good fight. It only made us stronger.

She looked to the ground again and leaned on the edge of the door. After some serious thought she nodded, "Okay. Okay." She smiled, "I'll see you when you come down stairs."

I smiled back, "Okay. I'll just be a few more minutes." And just like that she was gone.

I laid back and let myself sink into the bed. The pillow still smelled like Dimitri. I pressed my face into it an inhaled deeply. He was the only one who smelled like him. I curled up with that pillow wishing it was him. And for everything to be okay. That everything would still be okay when we got back. I looked around the room as I laid there. The thick curtains, the wooden dresser, the metal framed bed. Even the brightness of the walls. Everything was just soaked into memory. "And it'll be the exact same when I get back." I pulled myself out of my day dreaming and slipped on my shoes.

My feet were light as I quick stepped down each stair. I ran my hand along the railing just so I could remember the feel of the wood beneath my hand. When I reached the bottom I took in my surroundings. An arm snaked around my waist and pulled me back. I was so lost that I hadn't noticed until I was pressed up against another body.

Dimitri's smile caught my eye from over my shoulder. "It's amazing how we really start to notice every little thing in times like this."

I nodded, "I was just thinking that."

He chuckled and kissed my head, "What did Sydney want?"

I turned to him, "How did you know Sydney went to talk to me?"

"Because I'm the one who told her where you were." He gave me a questionable look, "Why? What did she say?"

I shrugged, "Just that she wants us all to be safe." I didn't think I had the right to out her. Not to someone other than Adrian. Speaking of which, I was really hoping she had talked to him.

He nodded, "She did seem pretty nervous about something when she came down."

"Yea. She's pretty much a nervous wreck right now. She really wants to do more," I started playing with my ponytail.

"She's done enough," he tucked a loose strand behind my ear. "I'm sure she'll be fine once we all get back."

I rested my head on his chest, "I hope so."

He tilted my head up to look at him, "Hey. We'll be fine. As long as we follow Sydney's plan I think this'll work."

"I think so too." All we could do was hope.

By Shadow Kissed Mori