Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy or anything surrounding it (but I do own this plot :D)
DPOV
I'm not going to lie: opening the door to father of the woman you had just slept with is not one of the most comfortable of moments in your life.
What made it worse, was the fact that the father in question was an international mobster, known for making people disappear very quickly and in a fascinating variety of ways.
"Ah, come now, Dimitri – how many times need I remind you to call me Abe?" he said patting my shoulder whilst inviting himself in. I snapped out of my preliminary shock and closed the door, following him into my living room.
"D, who was i-shit." Ivan muttered much before, I imagine, his brain began processing and – more importantly – censoring his thoughts.
Abe just looked as cool and as amused as ever as he stopped behind the couch opposite Ivan with his hands concealed in his blue trouser pockets, his wrists tucked through the slit where his blazer came past his hips and, to complete the look, a bright orange scarf partnered his navy blue suit whilst the golden jewellery sparkled like the devious and almost child-like glint in his eyes. "Mr Zeklos, a pleasure as always. How are you feeling?"
"Peachy." Ivan answered, looking at me with a considerable degree of alarm.
Abe chuckled slyly – evidently enjoying the discomfort in the room. I resisted the full scowl and settled on the narrowed eyes as I managed to form a coherent sentence. "Is there something you wanted, Abe?" I asked, adding his preferred name to try and score some points in my favour.
He blinked, making Ivan even more uncomfortable than he was – which didn't seem possible but Ibrahim Mazur would have succeeded nevertheless – and turned on the back of his heels to face me, "Yes, sorry for the intrusion. I am on a mission from a Miss Vasilisa Dragomir. She is rather concerned about the whereabouts of my daughter and I was wondering if you knew her current-"
"Comrade, Lissa unleashed a SWAT team to come and find me; prepare for Zmey waltzing in at any given moment." It was in that moment that Rose walked into the room, effectively cutting off her father, still looking down at her phone. She looked up and met the eyes of the rest of the room, "Ah…"
"Little girl," Abe smirked before his calculating eyes narrowed and shifted between both Rose and I. "Well," he remarked casually but there was a dark tone underlying his seemingly colloquial temperament, "that explains that." He explained, leaning back on his heels slowly and pointing my chest. It was at the point that I remembered that I was still shirtless and Rose was in my shirt.
Suddenly I felt very exposed.
Rose, however, was a bundle of confidence as she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "Spare us the lecture: I am nearly nineteen." She said glaring whilst I pulled a t-shirt out of the dryer and onto my torso in a very quick haste.
Abe's usual smirk returned and I all but sighed in relief. "Ah, there is my kizim." Rose rolled her eyes again before walking fully into the living room and plonking down opposite a still uncomfortable Ivan.
"So, old man, have you come to escort me off the premises?" Rose asked and Abe chuckled. "Lissa was a little worried, but she was okay." She informed me, but I had a strong feeling she under-exaggerating. I communicated my scepticism through a raised eyebrow and she scowled. "Fine, she was a lot worried."
"Oh, I can vouch for that." Abe said, clearing his throat and settling himself beside his daughter, who looked a little sick at his comment.
"How bad was she?" she asked but I very much doubted that she wanted an answer. Abe – sharing my sentiments – looked at her pitifully and Rose sighed, "Oh, I feel terrible."
"I very much doubt that." Abe quipped, glancing over at the empty plate on my coffee table that once held a stack of mince pies, then up to Ivan who was currently enjoying the last one in silence.
Rose snapped her head over to her father and attempted to raise an eyebrow. "And why is that?" Her tone was sarcastic but bordering on angry at the accusation against her.
Abe diverted his gaze from Ivan calmly, "Well, for you to feel 'terrible', you would have to seriously regret what you were doing, and that seems unlikely." His eyes danced with amusement as he teased with his scowling descendent.
"Oh, lay off, old man." She said and he smiled.
"Hmmm, perhaps just this once," his eyes flicked over to me before returning to Rose, "because it's Christmas. But I would still like to have a little chat with your little boyfriend here." He said glaring at me directly and I was a little too preoccupied in my own fear to notice Rose's reaction to that particular request, though I couldn't imagine it was anything bar annoyance. "Oh, and I wouldn't let him anywhere near your mother anytime soon..." He added taking a sip of my coffee as I paled further still at the fact I had a little too wishfully overlooked.
Rose seemed to get over her irritation and grimaced, "Yeah… I think that would be in everyone's best interests."
"Not mine." Ivan spoke up for the first time, catching the attention of the entire room, "What? I'd love to see Dimitri get beat up by Rose's mom. And possibly get it on camera." He said hopefully. Abe and Rose laughed as I smacked the back of his head and sat down next to him. "It's only fair since you've got your grandmother beating me up on tape." He grinned at me and I narrowed my eyes.
Abe let out a hearty laugh and Ivan's face fell, realising that not everyone in the room knew about the event, "Ivan, you should know better than to get on Yeva Belikova's bad side." He said grinning deviously.
"That would imply that she has a good side…" Ivan mumbled and Abe laughed again. All the while, my eyes had found Rose's and we were having our own little conversation. It was one of the many things I loved about my Roza: her ability to convey so much without saying a word. It wasn't as though she was trying; it was just that I could read her so well. How the outwardly fierce bravado smothered underlying emotions, but could not keep completely suppressed.
I knew this because I knew that she too could see past my mask.
Not matter how we disguised ourselves; it would always end up being a mere reflection. I could tell she knew I was hiding something, whether or not she had worked out what it was, was still unknown, but the concerned curiosity that flashed in her eyes – even for just a second – was enough to enlighten me of her deduction.
"Oi, lover-boy," I was, quite literally, slapped out of my haze. My hand went instinctively to my victimised cheek and I glared at Ivan and the offensive hand. "They do this all the time, it is so annoying." Ivan explained to Abe and I saw Rose bite back a laugh out of the corner of my eye; I lowered my hand, still scowling at my best friend.
Abe chuckled, "I can imagine. I remember when I was dating Jani-"
"I'm stopping you right there, old man." Rose's pointed warningly, effectively interrupting Abe's anecdote.
Abe laughed again. In all the years I had known the man, I had never known him to laugh this much. Sure, the sly chuckle from time to time frequented my attention on the rare occasion that it occurred, but with Rose, he seemed lighter – freer – like, just for a moment, he was just a normal guy. I glanced back to Rose and smiled. She was really something else.
"I thought you were here to drag young Rose away from us?" Ivan commented returning with a new box of pies.
Abe smirked, "I was sent to locate Rosemarie; Vasilisa's instructions made no reference to any sort of 'dragging'." He said snatching up a mince pie as soon as it left the box before Ivan could even frown in protest.
"How many of those have you had, Ivan?" Rose asked glancing at him humorously.
Ivan just shrugged. "It is Christmas: I spend Christmas eating from 9 in the morning until I feel sick, watching crappy and sappy Christmas rom-coms, all with my main man, Dimitri." He explained, slapping my back affectionately. I shook my head and shrugged when both Rose and Abe looked at me for confirmation.
"Fair enough," Abe shrugged, finishing the small pastry, before rising and walking to the door.
"Old man?" Rose said following him with her eyes.
He glanced back and smiled, "Whilst Master Belikov was stumbling upon seeing me at the door, I invited myself in with a couple of things." He said holding up a bag I had failed to notice upon his arrival. He swaggered back and dumped the bag on the table, clearing his throat, "When Vasilisa first informed me of your absence from her little gathering, I had a fairly good assumption of where you were," he paused glancing to the both of us.
Ivan sniggered, I blushed and Rose huffed, "Quite the detective, Zmey."
He grinned, "Quite so." He mused and I saw Rose roll her beautiful eyes as I resisted the urge to shake my head. "Anyway, knowing that I brought along a few bits and bobs." He said pulling out the largest turkey I had ever seen. Ivan immediately stopped eating the current mince pie.
"What the hell?" Rose exclaimed as my eyes nearly fell out their sockets.
Abe just chuckled, "Well, I hadn't counted on Mr Zeklos wolfing down three boxes of mince pies, but nonetheless, I figured you might want some dinner." I was still in shock of the large bird currently occupying the entire surface area of my coffee table; my coffee now nowhere to be seen.
"What else you go in there, Poppins?" Ivan asked shooting wary looks at the dead bird, as if it were to suddenly sprout wings and dance out of the window.
Abe grinned toothily as he pulled out a plethora of various festive novelties – including a pair of reindeer antlers which were apparently purchased as more of a joke however they made themselves a comfortable home on Ivan's head – before pulling out a small wrapped gift.
"And this, is for you, kiz." He said extending his arm towards a surprised Rose. She smiled before, like my own gift, ripping it open excitedly. There, she pulled from the paper and into the light a dark string that cradled a small, circular blue object.
A Turkish nazar.
I did not know much about the object, but my grandmother had once explained to me the significance with which it held. Thinking of babushka, my mind wandered – as it often did on Christmas – to my family. How it would be if I was still there: waking up to the smell of my mama's home-cooked delicacies; wandering down the stairs with innocent anticipation of what was to come; being satisfied by the affections of home and a good family. All of a sudden, I almost liked the idea for having something to protect me – something to look out for me; to give a sense of security that I had long since lost when I left the comfort of my family.
My sombre thoughts threatened to water my eyes, but it was Rose, my very own angel, that unwittingly brought me out of my depressive state. "Abe, this is beautiful…What exactly is it?"
Abe smiled brightly, "A nazar, kiz. It is a gift from the old country. It is amulet believed to protect a person from the evil eye." He explained, "Rather fascinating I daresay." He grinned wickedly and Rose rolled her eyes.
"Thanks, old man."
"Anything for you, my dear." He all but bowed, evoking another look of exasperation. "Well, I shall leave you kids to it."
Rose stopped admiring her gift and glanced up, "Tell Lissa I will go over later; I still want to give my presents."
"I fear that may interfere with her schedule, but I will tell her nonetheless." He informed before turning to Ivan and me, "Farewell Dimitri, I am most looking forward to the upcoming chat between the two of us; such things to discuss…" he trailed off a little, his face seemingly casual but one look at his eyes told me he was very, lethally serious. I gave a firm nod and resisted gulping. Roza was worth it a million times over. He smirked victoriously before striding to the door, calling over his shoulder: "Oh, Mr Zeklos: do lay off the pies!"
As the door closed, I got up and sat down next to Rose as Ivan went to inspect the bird. She met my eyes and smiled, "Put it on me?" She said teasingly, knowing all to well what had happened the last time she got a necklace.
I scowled playfully, but complied, tying the string in a small knot on her neck. "Have you replaced me so soon?" I murmured and she turned so that she sat in my lap.
"Never, comrade. I shall save yours for very special occasions." She whispered in my ear and I brought my mouth to hers in a moment of bliss.
Short-lived as it was…
"You guys are unbelievable…" Ivan grumbled, cradling the turkey in his arms and shuffling over to the kitchen.
Christmas Day, that year, passed in a sweet and delightful light and I cherished each part of it: watching, with great amusement, as Rose and Ivan tried to shove the massive turkey into the oven; listening to Rose rant about why brussels sprouts have a place reserved in hell for their decidedly 'despicable' actions on Earth; chuckling as she dyed a sleeping Ivan's hair bright red with a can of spray-hair-dye bought from the store round the corner. It was, in its own wacky way, a perfect way to pass the festive season.
Rose did end up going to Lissa's. According to her, Lissa was absolutely delighted and everyone there loved the presents; apparently Lissa actually cried when Rose pulled out the collection of little baby onesies she had gotten for her best friend and Christian nearly wet himself when he pulled out the leaflet tucked into his card which gave detailed instructions on how to use a condom.
Ivan and I passed the last part of the day as we always did. He was still on a non-alcoholic 'penance', as he so poetically put it, but as it turned out, you didn't need alcohol to find Ivan's incessant running commentary through all my films incredibly entertaining; no less witty either.
"…and of course she is going to forgive him! Yeah, just ignore the fact he is a massive knob and kiss him, girl. Christmas is saved!" he cheered flopping back against the couch, "Man, some of these films are so predictable."
"Really, I hadn't noticed." I stated, the sarcasm blending with my native lilt effortlessly.
Ivan flashed me a smug grin that gave him his naturally cheeky demeanour, "Good thing I'm hear to sort you out then." He winked and I shook my head, pushing myself to my feet to pop the disc back in its case.
"How are you feeling, Ive? Any better than before?" I asked, glancing over my shoulder as I closed the case.
Ivan just shrugged, "Yeah, I'm doing okay. Getting shot isn't exactly the joy it is made out to be in the movies, but I feel stronger now for it." He said, clenching his fist and patting it against his heart as he over-dramatised the situation. I cocked a brow and he grinned again, "What? When have you ever known me to take anything seriously?"
I laughed and tossed the case away, "Touché."
"Indeed, though in all seriousness (ha, ironic), I am okay. Personally, I just think the hospital is making it a bigger deal than it is to get more money. Stupid not-free medical care." He grumbled before catching me smiling. "Hey, I am not joking here! Where is our Sir Beverage with his fancy report when we need him?"
I chuckled before the full realisation dawned upon me, "When did you know about that?" I asked quizzically.
Clearly, this was the desired response if my best friend's grin was anything to go by, "I, D, am taking a history course." He beamed and I cocked a brow.
"You're taking a history course?" I asked slowly.
"Yup" was the chilled response.
"You hate history."I pointed out, just in case he had forgotten that small trait in his personality. We had done world history at school together and whilst I was pretty interested, Ivan made it very clear that he did not share this opinion.
He shrugged. "Meh, it's kinda grown on me, mate."
I frowned again before racking through my brain to find any reasonable, rational and logical explanation for what in God's name was going on in front of me. Then it clicked. "Tell me you didn't…"
Ivan looked up innocently, "I don't know what you are talking about." I sighed and shook my head as Ivan laughed beside me. When we were in the hospital whilst Dr Olendzki was discharging Ivan, she left an application form for a local college course studying world history. Naturally, Ivan wanted to grill every detail out of her in his usual flirtatious and charming manner and she complied, seemingly unaware or uninterested in Ivan's tone.
So, naturally, he had taken it a step further.
"I never knew British legislation could be so interesting until she explained it to me after the first lesson." He grinned and I shook my head again.
"So, is that why you are so displeased with my obedience in keeping you in your bed?" I asked and he tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Maybe…" he shrugged and I chuckled lightly, "Or maybe I just hate having you round all day." He grinned and looked at him pointedly. "Ah, you know I'm only kidding. I have no idea what it is, but I am really liking this girl, D-" He cut himself off and his eyes widened in horror. "Oh no…This is not good…"
I frowned curiously, "What?"
He diverted his far off gaze to me but the horror still remained in his deep blue eyes, "D, I like her. As in, like her. I am turning into you! Oh, man, you gotta help me." His voice was laced in panic but all I could do was smile. "This is not funny!"
That did it. I laughed, "I think we'll have to disagree."
He scowled, "That's it – consider yourself officially unfriended." He grumbled and buried his face into his hands. "Urgh, this is a disaster. What am I supposed to do? She is beautiful and intelligent and, like, 25."
"You're, like, 25." I pointed out and was met with another scowl.
"You really are enjoying this, aren't you?" he accused and I wasn't about to lie. I don't think I was capable of lying at that moment: Ivan was always teasing me about my affections for Rose, so I was very much holding out for the day that I could return the favour, as it were. Thus, I shrugged. "You bastard." He grumbled and I smiled.
"Merry Christmas, Ive." I winked as he stood up and wandered over to the bathroom.
"Yeah, right…" he muttered and I chuckled again before another cry was heard from the bathroom: "Dimitri Belikov – why is my hair red!?"
"I had nothing to do with that…" I said in my defence as a glaring Ivan's head appeared poked from inside the bathroom door.
Realisation lit up his features, "Oh, this means war, young Rose. This means war..." He continued to mutter curses about the love of my life whilst slipping back into the bathroom. Moments later I heard the shower turn on and Ivan did not emerge for another two hours.
I suppose you don't always appreciate things; days go by and you think no more than, at that moment, they were good days to be with friends, family and peers. Once you get into a reasonable state of security, your mind tricks you into just assuming that it will stay that way. Christmas day that year was just another good day that I spent with the two most important people in my life.
What I did not realise, was just how quickly everything could fall apart…