RPOV
My graduation is in a few days, and I'm nervous. Nikolai, in a way, is like a combination of Dimitri and I. He can be calm and sweet, but when he's hungry or needs to be changed he gets impatient and cries. Dimitri claims that Nikolai's appetite is like mine, he eats and eats and is completely fine. The one thing I noticed about Nikolai is how he looks exactly like a miniature Dimitri—Nikolai has the same eyes as Dimitri, the same tanned skin, and the same hair. The only part of Nikolai that resembled me was Nikolai's big eyes.
Dimitri ha handled parenthood gracefully. He's the most amazing father. If I had stayed up late trying to take care of Nikolai, Dimitri would tell me to rest up and he'd stay up all night taking care of him. When I'd get back to the dorm I shar with Dimitri, and Dimitri's gotten off his guard shifts early, I'd see him feeding Nikolai or putting Nikolai down for a nap. It's amazing how quickly Dimitri adapted to taking care of our son.
. . . :) :) . . .
I had finished my classes for the day and went back to the dorm. Dimitri had told me before I left for classes that he'd be getting off his shifts early. Dimitri's mother, Olena, had been a big help by taking care of Nikolai while Dimitri and I were out. When I opened the door, I looked around for Dimitri. I knew Olena probably left when Dimitri arrived, but it was strange seeing the dorm quiet.
When I checked the bedroom, I saw Dimitri's long form on the bed, Nikolai curled up on Dimitri's chest, asleep. I nearly cried at the sight of that. Dimitri had changed into sweatpants and a short-sleeved t-shirt that clung to his figure. Nikolai wore little footstie pajamas and had a binkie in his mouth. Nikolai shifted a little; lifting his head up, Nikolai looked at me tiredly. I gave a small smile, walked over, and kissed Nikolai's forehead. Nikolai's little hand reached over and touched my face as he rested his head back on Dimitri's chest and fell back to sleep.
"Roza." I turned and saw Dimitri looking at me with a small smile. He looked at Nikolai and gently put his hand on Nikolai's back. "He's a blessing."
I smiled. "He is." Gently scooping Nikolai off his chest, Dimitri sat up and kissed me lovingly. Dimitri stretched and yawned. "Did you have a nice rest?" I asked.
Dimitri nodded. Nikolai's head rested on Dimitri's shoulder. "It was. . . .quiet," Dimitri mumbled. "Mama left once I came and she told me to give you a hug for her." Dimitri thought for a moment. "I'm going to put Nikolai down and I need to talk to you about something."
Before I could answer, Dimitri went and put Nikolai down in his crib. Nikolai didn't seem to mind at all. Once he was in his crib, Dimitri grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room for a moment. His face was serious, but I was confused and a bit wary.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Have you thought about having more children when you're older?" Dimitri asked.
"More?" I looked at him confusedly. "I don't know," I said slowly. "Um, I'd like to, uh, have more kids one day but I don't know now."
Dimitri nodded. "I'll let you think about it." He paused. "Do you love me?"
"Yes," I exclaimed. I gave him a shocked look. "Why would you even say that?!"
Dimitri gripped my hands firmly. "Tell me," he said urgently.
"I love you," I said in all honesty. I gave him an exasperated look.
Dimitri leaned and kissed me, more intensly this time. When he pulled back he kissed my cheek.
"Why would you ask me that?" I whispered. "Do you think I stopped loving you?"
Dimitri shook his head. "I know you still love me...I just needed some reassurance." He looked at me with a small smile.
"I'll always love you," I said; I gave Dimitri a quick peck on the lips.
A big smile came upon Dimitri's face. "Good." I caught a hint of something in his voice, though I couldn't put a finger on it. But before I could even open my mouth to say something, Nikolai's cries echoed from the bedroom. I told Dimitri I'd handle it. Dimitri nodded, the smile never leaving his face.
QUICKY A/N: SORRY IF THIS CH. WASN'T GOOD OR ANYTHING. BUT I'D APPRECIATE IT IF YOU WOULD REVIEW & LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. THE NEXT CH. IS THE EPILOGUE, & I'M DEPATING ON WHETHER OR NOT TO MAKE THE EPILOGUE A TWO-PARTER. LET ME KNOW ON WHAT YOU THINK DIMITRI SHOULD DO FOR ROSE. I REALLY LIKE THE REVIEWS YOU GUYS ARE GIVING ME, IT'S REALLY NICE. :)
:) :)
YOURS TRULY,
~SMITHY