ahh I'm terrible with responding to reviews. If I did not answer yours I'm terribly sorry! Please know that I appreciate every single one!

2 more chapters after this! I can see the end of the tunnel, kinda sad :(

Unbeta'd so please forgive the mistakes!

Next Update: Sunday the latest.

Disclaimer: Vampire Academy does not belong to me. Richelle Mead owns this great world and I'm just playing in it :)

Chapter Eight

Dimitri's hair tickled my shoulders as I awoke from my sleep. I felt rested and content to be in his embrace. I had left a text message to Janine to let her know that I wasn't coming home. Her response was 'be safe.'

I was safe- undeniably safe in Dimitri's arms. I could hear his light snoring as he snuggled beside me. I could smell his natural scent that clung to the sheets. I wish I could take the sheets home. I wanted to get up so I could take care of my morning needs but I was too comfortable in his arms. I was hot, not used to the extra body heat beside me, but that was easy to ignore. I would take the heat if that meant staying in his arms.

I slowly turned so I could look at his face and smiled when I did. His eyes were closed and his mouth was set in an adorable pout. I giggled as his nose twitched when his hair touched it. He groaned so I gently moved the hair away- it was obviously bothering him. He sighed happily when his nose no longer itched.

My fingers explored his face as he slept. I didn't apply too much pressure because I didn't want to disturb him. His strong jaw was softened in his slumber and his entire expression was relaxed in contentment.

My bladder couldn't take it anymore, so I got up from the bed and walked barefoot towards the bathroom he showed me last night. I made sure to grab my medication beforehand. It was relatively small—with only a small sink, toilet, and stand up shower- but it worked for me. I ignored the slight soreness of my body and tended to my needs and took my pills before debating whether I should take a shower. I decided that it would be wise to thoroughly clean up from last night's activities so I got into the shower.

The warm water cascaded down my face as I relaxed and gently massaged my scalp. Dimitri's soap and shampoo had a sharp masculine scent to it but I was giddy that I would smell like him. I quickly cleaned myself and tried not to wince when I touched the tender spot between my legs.

Once I was clean, I turned the shower off and grabbed the extremely large blue towel on the shelf above the toilet. It completely wrapped around my body and covered everything but my calves, shoulders, and arms.

I felt refreshed to start a new day. I felt different, it wasn't the type of difference that could be seen externally, but it was more within. I had given myself- mind, body, and soul- to Dimitri and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I padded towards the small bedroom and gently sat on the edge as I watched him sleep. I didn't know if I was supposed to wake him up but I knew that I had to get home.

I placed my hand on his shoulder. "Dimitri," I whispered, slowly shaking his body.

"Mmmm," he spoke before his eyes slowly fluttered awake. He smiled after blinking a few times and patted the space next to him. "Let's sleep some more."

I shook my head and giggled. "I should get home."

He lifted his upper body and wrapped his arms around my waist. I laughed more as he snuggled his face into my semi-wet shoulder. "Just a little more sleep." He lifted his head and pouted. "You showered without me?" he asked, looking saddened at the thought.

I kissed his forehead gently. I knew he wasn't upset, he was just playing around. "Yes I did. You could have showered with me if you had woken up."

He groaned and held me tighter. "That's very true. You better wake me up next time."I cuddled my body closer to his and froze when I felt the undeniable hardness near my hip. My body hummed at the realization that he was definitely up. "It's a morning thing," he explained.

"I know that. I may have been a virgin but I'm not stupid." I teased.

He chuckled and wiggled his lower half closer to mine. I tried not to moan. "I don't know what they teach you in Christian school. For all I know, they could have taught you that Immaculate Conception was the real thing." I knew he was teasing but I didn't know how to feel about that. I knew it was hard to believe that someone could get pregnant without sex but it was my Religion. I didn't take everything literally but that was a huge part of Christianity. "Wait," he frowned. "You believe in that part?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. I believe in the teachings but the stories...It's kind of hard to believe."

His hand came up to my face where he caressed it slowly. "I'm sorry if I offended you. I respect your beliefs and they're not so bad. Everything your father said yesterday was amazing and I get why people do the whole religion thing, but don't expect me to believe stories about arks, whales swallowing people, and virgins getting pregnant because there is only so much I can take."

"I can handle that."

He smiled and traced my lips before softly lowering his head. Our foreheads touched as we stared into each other's eyes. "I love you," he whispered.

I would never get tired of hearing him say that. "I love you too."

"Are you sore?" he asked.

"A little, but it's nothing I can't handle," I admitted.

He nodded slowly before kissing me chastely. My lips immediately tingled and demanded for more. I applied more pressure and got what I wanted. I completely forgot that I wanted to go home.

I moaned as Dimitri's tongue gently opened my lips. I sucked his tongue before gradually moving my tongue with his. My body shuddered as Dimitri held me closer. I could feel my body awakening, wanting more of him.

He rolled me over so I laid on my back as we continued to kiss. His hardness settled in between my legs and I moaned louder as my hands reached his hair.

This wasn't as gentle as it was the night prior. His kisses were harder, almost brutal in their passion, but I loved it. My towel flung off my body as he ripped the sheet of his. My fingers practically clung to his back as he bit my shoulder.

I was dizzy with arousal as his fingers prepared my body. His fingers worked me over until I whimpered from the sheer bliss.

We rolled again so I was able to straddle his lap. His eyes were dark, dangerous in their passion. "Condom," I gasped, as I felt him throb again my leg.

He lifted himself off the bed- still straddling him- and was able to retrieve the box. He smirked as he rolled the rubber on. I lowered my eyes to watch him. I needed to learn how to do that.

He gently lifted my hips and must have felt my hesitation because he grabbed my face with his palms. "Trust me, okay?"

I nodded slowly as he lowered me onto him. A long, drawn out moan left my lips as he fully sheathed himself in me. I gasped at the feeling with the new position. He was able to hit every tingly spot with me on top.

I didn't hesitate as I slowly lifted myself back up before lowering myself again. "Yes," I gasped as I rocked a little before repeating the action.

Dimitri placed his hands on my hips and helped me move further. "Fuck," he groaned.

My pace increased as I felt the glorious tightening in my stomach. My arms wrapped around his neck as I kissed him aggressively. My almost dried hair clung to my body as I bounced faster.

The legs in my muscles began to tighten but it didn't stop me from moving. Nothing could stop me from moving.

"Just like that. Roza, God, you feel so good," he mumbled against my lips.

The pressure built as I continued to ride him. The slight soreness didn't detract from the blissful emotions. I finally broke apart as his fingers rapidly moved against my nub.

I shook on top of him as my orgasm took control. I continued to moved and felt when Dimitri reached his release. His hold on my hips became painful but that only added to my orgasm.

I sighed as the feeling of satisfaction settled in my bones. He kissed me softly before removing himself from my body. "I'll be back."

I flopped my head on the pillow and watched Dimitri- buck naked- walk to the bathroom. His firm butt flexed with every moment and I couldn't tear my eyes away. He had a beautiful body.

I heard the shower running for a few minutes before he returned back to me. He had put on another pair of shorts so he wasn't completely naked this time. "Do you want something to wear?" he asked.

"Please. I don't feel like wearing my bathing suit."

He smiled and went to his drawers to choose something for me. He tossed me a shirt and shorts that were way too big for me. I got off the bed to dress myself quickly. Dimitri had already placed his black t-shirt on so we were ready to leave.

He came towards me and hugged me from behind. "Did you take your medication?" he asked before kissing the back of my neck.

"Before my shower," I told him.

I felt his smile before he let me go. "We should get you home. I'm sure your parents will want you back."

I agreed so we left his boat, locked up, and walked hand in hand to his car. I smiled through every process. It was much cloudier today but I didn't let the bad weather kill my mood. My cheeks hurt from smiling too much.

We reached the car where Dimitri placed soothing music on. "Are you hungry?" he asked. My stomach growled as a response. "I'll take that as a yes," he chuckled.

I laughed with him. I hadn't realized how hungry I was but I was starving. "Can we get some breakfast burritos?" I asked.

"Of course, anything for my girl."

My heart squeezed when he said his girl. Was that what I was now? We had never had any type of conversation where discussed what we meant to each other. I loved Dimitri and wanted him forever but I wanted our desires to be vocalized. "Am I your girl now?"

He turned his head to me and smiled. "You were always my girl."

I blushed at his response. "Oh, it's just that...we've never really made any verbal commitments to one another."

He frowned in thought. I noticed we reached the drive through window.

"May I take your order?" the nasally voice asked.

Dimitri looked at the speaker box. "Ya. Can I get five breakfast burritos, four hash browns, and two orange juices?"

"Okay, will that be all sir?"

"Yes."

"That will be $15.50."

Dimitri drove towards the first window and paid the money. "I didn't realize you doubted what I wanted with you." I didn't doubt anything but I had a silly fantasy that he would ask me to be his girlfriend. The movies always showed scenes like that.

We drove up to the second window where Dimitri grabbed our food. He placed the food in my hands before driving to a parking space. He turned to face me again. "I know how it's supposed to go. I ask you if you want to go steady and you respond with a happy yes but I never felt like I had to do that with you because...what I feel for you...is more than those words. I intend on having you forever, if you want that and I thought you knew that."

"I do," I assured him quickly. "It's just; I've never had a boyfriend so I always thought they would ask if they wanted to be my boyfriend."

He smiled at me. "Roza, will you be girlfriend?"

I bit my lip to stop the smile. "Hmm...I guess."

He laughed loudly before smacking his lips with mine. "Good, now let's eat."

We ate quickly before driving towards my parent's house. I hoped that my parents were still sleeping but I doubted that. I just hoped Abe wouldn't hurt Dimitri in any way. My mother seemed okay with everything but Abe had to be another story...

We arrived and I debated whether to invite Dimitri inside but he turned the car off so I was assuming he wanted to come in.

He followed me to the front of the house and we entered together. Janine was crying in the dining room table as Abe comforted her.

My heart clenched at seeing my mother upset. "Mom?"

Her head lifted and smiled at us. Her eyes were swollen and red but she tried to hide her distress. "Hi sweety, I didn't think you would be home so soon." She looked at Dimitri. "Hello Dimitri."

"Mom, what's wrong?" I asked.

We walked towards them but Abe answered. "It's nothing dear. How was your night? I hope Dimitri kept his word and respected you." Abe narrowed his eyes at Dimitri who smiled slightly.

I blushed and Abe noticed the action. "I see...well, I hope he intends on marrying you since he's defiled you."

This is not happening. I don't think any daughter would want to have a conversation that involved their lack of virginity in front of the man who helped with that.

Dimitri didn't seem upset. "If Rose wants to marry me then I would be completely happy to buy a ring tomorrow."

"Don't be ridiculous, I'm eighteen. Let's just calm down."

Abe's eyebrow rose. "Yes, but if you think you can have sex then you're old enough to get married."

Dimitri shrugged.

Mom's sob echoed throughout the room and the conversation about marriage and defilement ended. "Mom?" I placed my head on her shoulder in some type of support. "What's wrong?" I whispered against her head.

"Don't listen to your father. I knew you loved Dimitri and I'm glad you were able to really be with the person you loved. Life is too short to wait for something like that."

I caressed her hair as she sobbed harder. "Janine," Abe spoke. "Let's try to calm down okay?"

She just shook harder. I turned my head to Abe. "What did you do?" I asked, suddenly angry. What was going on before I came in?

He shook his head quickly. "It's just some financial problems. You shouldn't worry about these things Rosie, and your mother knows this." He looked at her while he spoke. My heart sank when he mentioned financial problems. I knew this was about me.

She nodded her head and wiped her tears. "Your father is right. I'm sorry you had to see that."

"No," I said slowly. "I think I should know. If this is about my treatment..." They were both silent. "Mom, tell me."

She sighed. "We've been trying to save but we just don't have a lot of money. The credit cards are already maxed, I just." More tears flowed from her eyes. "I just don't know how we can have this surgery," she whispered softly.

I nodded slowly, taking her words in. Her face was haggard and her eyes had dark circles around them. I knew my mother was literally killing herself with shifts while I frolicked around the beach. I felt like a terrible daughter. "Then we don't have to have it."

"Rose! Don't say that!" I had forgotten that Dimitri was here. He grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "You're going to have the surgery."

Janine smiled sadly. "We are definitely going to do our best. I already contacted your grandparents and they said they would get back to me. They can put a second mortgage on their house and I'm sure everything will be fine. You guys just caught me in a bad time. You didn't need to see my silly breakdown."

I knew what my mother was doing. She was trying to save me from her pain. But I was over causing so much anxiety to everyone I loved.

"I don't want that." I took a deep breath before continuing. "They shouldn't have to take out money from the bank after spending 25 years paying off that house. My conscious won't let me. We can post pone the surgery, we don't even know if I will be accepted. I can take a personal loan. I'm 18 now and if I live I can spend the rest of my life paying it off, but I'm done with you having to suffer so much. You don't deserve this."

I felt Dimitri's lips on my head. "I'll be right back," he whispered. I didn't stop him and watched him leave the house before facing my mother again.

"You don't deserve this Rose! You're dying and all you can think about is saving me from a few grey hairs. Its fine Rose, we will figure this out."

We both knew it wasn't going to be that easy to figure it out. No one spoke as I looked into my mother's eyes. It broke my heart to see her in so much pain.

The noise near the front door distracted me. I turned to find Dimitri walking back with a leather check book in his hands.

He smiled at me and placed the check book in front of my mother. "Write down what you think you will need; including credit card debt. I'll be happy to pay for everything." I couldn't believe what he was doing. The amount was in the six figures and I couldn't let him pay for all of that.

I placed my hand on the check book and slid it back to him. "Thank you but we can't accept that."

He looked at me in disbelief. "Yes you can."

Abe walked over and stared at the booklet like it held the answers to all our prayers- it really did.

"Dimtiri-"

He cut me off. "I'm doing this so there really is no point in arguing. Write down the amount."

I shook my head in astonishment. He walked around the table and wrapped his arms around my frame. "Let me do this for you," he whispered before placing a kiss on my cheek.

His warms hands caressed my face. "It's too much," I whimpered as tears started to form. He had given me so much- his time, his friendship, and his love- and now he wanted to give me my life.

I felt the tears pour out and he kissed them softly. "Nothing is too much for you."

I shook my head. What did I ever do to deserve someone like him?

I watched as Abe patted Dimitri's shoulder. I could see the tears in my own father's eyes. "Thank you."

Dimitri smiled behind him before looking back at me. "It's nothing, honestly. I have enough money to go around."

"It's not nothing," Abe spoke. "You're giving my girl the chance to live."

"I would give the world for that. I don't think I could survive if something happened to her so I guess I'm saving my own life then."

His words warmed my heart. I could hear the love and passion in his voice. I couldn't deny him anything- this was no exception. I placed my face in his chest as I tried to control my emotions. He repeatedly kissed my head as I cried. I smiled and thanked God for bringing him into my life.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"You're my girlfriend. It's the least I could do."

I laughed at his attempt to make me feel better- it worked. I looked back at his face and gently kissed his pouty lips.

I felt the small body collide with ours as Janine wrapped her arms around Dimitri. It was awkward because Dimitri was still holding me.

"Oh, thank you so much! I promise we will pay you back!" Janine smiled into his shoulder.

Dimitri snorted. "I won't accept it."

Janine smiled harder. "We'll see about that."

She stopped hugging my boyfriend and grabbed the check book and walked to my father. They spoke quietly as they decided what they should write down. Their eyes gleamed and it looked like a million pounds had been lifted off their shoulders.

"They haven't been this happy in so long," I commented.

Dimitri placed his nose in my hair. "I'm glad they are," he whispered against my ear. "Are you?"

I nodded and placed my own nose against his neck. "I'm always happy with you around," I admitted.

The truth was, I couldn't imagine not having him in my life anymore. I smiled into his neck as I realized that if- in two weeks time- I didn't get accepted or died because of complications I would be happy. I would be happy because this illness brought me Dimitri and Dimitri gave me love. That's all anyone could really hope for in their life- whether their life was short or long.

Dimitri is just a sweetheart.

Reviews would be awesome and I would love to know what you thought!