CHAPTER SEVEN || fragile

When I wake up, my head is resting against Dimitri's warm chest. I breathe in deeply, wanting the moment to never pass. His arm lies softly against my waist, sending delicious shivers through my body. I'm about to close my eyes again when Dimitri starts stroking my hair.

I smile into his chest and snuggle further into the warm. It's like we've simply moved together automatically, our souls craving each other's even during sleep. Even our legs are entwined together; keeping us locked here.

Dimitri's fingers run through my hair in a tender caress and I hear him chuckle lightly as I sigh contentedly into his body. "Good morning, Roza." He tells me lightly.

"Do you ever sleep?" I ask him, deciding that I could stay in this position for the rest of my life.

"Guardian secrets. Oh, and you snore like a lion by the way." I can imagine the adorable smile on his face, but I stay buried in his chest.

"A lion? I would say something more graceful, like a gazelle."

"You're too ferocious. A lion cub, then."

I laugh loudly. "If I'm a lion cub, you can be a dark horse. Like, all your cowboy dreams can come true. And horses are cool because… they are." I blush from my awkwardness and hear Dimitri chuckle. The sound vibrates through me; as beautiful as music.

"Are you going to start the field experience today?" Dimitri asks me carefully. "Alberta said you can have a couple days free if you would like."

I'm tempted to take a day off, just so that I can stay here for longer, but I know how important this is for me. "I want to do the best I can in this. I need to be the best guardian possible for Liss."

I feel Dimitri nod and I almost melt as he presses a delicate kiss to the top of my head. My whole body goes warm. I love you. As much as I want to stay here forever, I know I need to go meet fire boy. I'm slightly frightened by the onslaught of questions I will get later- regarding my 'episode'- but I know that I can get everyone to forget it if I distract them with my amazing guardian skills of standing in a corner.

I'm about to roll out of bed, then I remember. I feel the uncomfortable weight of the bandage on my wrist and the slight damp beneath my sleeve. I wonder if Dimitri has noticed, but I know by his carefree expression that he has not.

I try to look at my arm underneath the bed covers, but it's too dark. Swearing silently in my head, I decide that if I move quickly then he won't notice. I roll out from his hold and slyly hide my arm slightly under my t-shirt. Moving quickly, I slip into the bathroom and let out a long breath I didn't know I was holding.

I wash and prepare for the day quickly; taking a few moments to fix up and hide my arm. Gently, I peel back the bandage, cringing at the sting from dried blood gluing my cuts to the material. I rinse away the mess and squeeze some antiseptic onto my fingers before generously applying it to the wounds. With as much care as possible while in a hurry, I stick on some plasters, trying to get them to fit without overlapping. I wrap a thin bandage round it all, just in case the aggravated cuts start bleeding slightly again.

I slip on a hoodie and chuck the bloody top straight into the bin, knowing it's too risky to put in the laundry basket that I sometimes share with Liss.

Absentmindedly, I open the cupboard and glance at the piece of broken razor sitting on the top shelf. With pursed lips, I hide it beneath my moisturiser, worrying that somebody would see it there. As my fingers touch the blade, it's like an electric current runs across my body. I shiver, remembering the feel of the edge biting into my skin.

Finally just shaking my head, I walk into the main room. Dimitri has made the bed and he's standing next to the front door, waiting for me. We smile at each other, feeling the connection between us that the night seemed to have strengthened. The previous invisible string that held is together is now an invisible rope- practically unbreakable. The only way to lose the connection between us would be for one of us to let go, but the memories will always stay. Love never fades.

Realising Dimitri has changed clothes and, judging by the slightly damp hair tied at the back of his neck, I wonder how he manages to get ready so fast. Guardian secrets. I need to find out some of those.

Before we're about to leave, Dimitri takes my hands in his. Our eyes meet and hold. Emotions whirl through our faces; love, happiness, strength, trust. We stand together for a while, both wishing it could be like this all the time. We release our hands at the same time, giving each other wistful glances.

We walk together until I find Christian, who was by Lissa's side, as always. Dimitri gives me a subtle nod and politely greets Liss. I watch him leave, wishing he could stay, but since it's field training I know he has random novices to attack.

Eddie gives me a small wave, standing in his protective guardian stance over the table. Not in the mood to talk to anyone yet, I tell him that I'll take far guard. I lean against the wall, realising how hungry I am.

With a sigh, I know that I won't be able to get food until dinner, when fire boy decides he's a little bit peckish. My stomach growls in frustration, so I wrap my arms round myself, hoping it stays quiet for a few more hours.

A few minutes later, Christian comes over to me, wanting to go to the feeders. We walk together in a comfortable silence as I continue watching the environment for any incoming attacks.

What I didn't expect was Mason standing out in the distance. I freeze, my eyes locking in the almost flittering figure. It had to be him. There was no excuse this time. Clearly, I could see his red hair, frozen even in the soft breeze. His colours are slightly watered down, but I can still tell that he's wearing the same clothes he died in.

I push back the stinging tears threatening to fall. Fear starts to creep its way into my mind. Panic twists through my thoughts.

"Rose?" A voice asks. Christian. He stands in front of me, now blocking my vision of Mason. "You okay?"

"Can we go to my room quickly? I- I need to pick something up." I choke out, still frozen. Although he is unsure, he nods.

I barely acknowledge that I'm moving, but I soon find myself locked once again in the bathroom. Christian waits outside.

An empty yet fearful feeling sits inside me. But it's okay.

This time, I know how to make it go away.

With calm hands, I open the cabinet and pull out the razor.

A/N Sorry this chapter is really sucky- I'm not feeling too well today. Thank you to everyone that reviewed! You are all so lovely; I want to give you all cookies and massive bear hugs. :')

Unfortunately, there's a chance that I won't be able to update for a few days. At the very most, I won't be able to update until Sunday. Sorry, everyone.

Reviews mean loads to me and they only take a few seconds. Pretty, pretty please. :') And please tell me what I should do to improve the story! I love constructive criticism. :)