THE OTHER WAY ROUND
Chapter 28
(DICLAIMER- I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS. THE AMAZINGLY TALENTED RICHELLE MEAD DOES)
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RPOV-
"why do you look like someone ran over your cat?"
It was about 7:30 in the morning. I was sitting in my cabin filling out some paperwork, which was fucking boring!
I mean- how can something be this boring?!
All I wanted to do for today was- wake up late, hit the gym and have a full breakfast! But asif my luck was that good (note the sarcasm)… now im up early against my will, doing paperwork!
I just want to bang my throbbing head on the desk and pass out for a couple of hours!
"Rose? What's wrong?" Mason asked again. I looked up lazily from the file, he had his hands gripping my desk with his body was hovering over me.
"what?" I groaned rubbing my temple. Trust me! I love mason to death! He's my bestfriend but right now I just don't want to talk to anyone! Especially not my overconcerned bestfriend.
His eyes widened when he saw my face. Oh shit! He knows!
"are you drunk?!" he asked- more like yelled.
"don't yell!" I groaned again, rubbing my paining temple.
"why would you drink so much! you are obviously hungover, we have a meeting with alberta in 20 minutes!"
Okay… Mason has a point- I shouldn't have drink that much. but after dropping Dimitri, I just couldn't help myself so I dug out my closet and found my secret stash of alcohol.
I had a little- okay! A lot of vodka, but hey! Its not my fault that my alcohol intolerance has gone down. I mean- if the 17 year old Rose would've drinked this much she would've woken up fresh as a daisy… guess im growing old…
"im sorry okay- I didn't knew that I would have such a hangover" I said to mason.
He shakes his head muttering "stupid" under his breath.
I buried my head in my hands and massaged it my pressing the butt of my hand against my temple.
"okay! Ill get you a lemonade for your hangover meanwhile you apply some makeup on that tired face of yours- and then we'll go to the meeting. Deal?"
"deal" I mumbled. He picked up the stack of files and walked out of my room.
Cmon rose! Lets do makeup!
I opened the last drawer of my desk and took out the little pouch I always keep. There was a couple of hair clips, a hair tie, a compact powder, mascara, a small comb and a half empty strawberry lip gloss… looks like im running out of lipgloss now!
I usually don't care much about my appearance but I still keep this pouch in my cabin in case of any grooming emergency, especially when I have guardian meetings.
I got up from my chair and went towards the face mirror hanging in the corner of my cabin. I start off by applying compact on my face, especially under my eyes and over my right eye. Good thing is that my black eye was fading quickly- now it looked more like discolouration rather than a punch. I still remember how my mother burst out laughing when I told her that someone gave me a black eye. She is not the one to laugh quickly but I guess it reminded her of the time when she punched me, accidentally.
After applying my mascara and lip gloss I pulled out my hair tie from the messy bun I made this morning, my long untamed curls cascading down stopping right at my waist. My hair sure were getting longer in the past few months. I pulled my hair in a high ponytail and tucked my black button-up shirt properly inside my light blue wide- legged jeans, before running a hand down on it, trying to get rid of any wrinkles.
"someone looks good!" I turned my neck and saw mason leaning on the doorframe with a glass of lemonade in his hand.
"give me that" I grumbled before snatching the glass and gulping the cold liquid down in one go. I instantly felt better…
"feeling better?" mason asked me
"loads."
"should we get going then?"
I nodded at him.
"what's today's meeting about?" I asked mason as we walked towards the meeting room.
"I have no idea, but its probably about Christmas or the upcoming equinox dance" he shrugged.
I hummed in agreement.
"can I ask you something?" mason asked suddenly, scratching the back of his neck
"you're my best friend Mase. You can ask me anything!" I replied
"why did you drink so much?" he asked quietly.
Oh no… anything but that!
"um- what?" I tried to act confused. "I know you rose, you are not the one to drown yourself in alcohol! did something happen yesterday?" he asked, his face full of concern.
Uh! I hate lying to mason or my friends but what can I say? That I was drowning myself in alcohol because of Dimitri? my student?
But…It is true, isnt it? My subconscious taunted.
Not entirely! I was also stressed out because of my fight with lissa…
Okay- maybe a little more about Dimitri but honestly after what I said to him last night, I deserve a little vodka! My words came back in my mind like a bullet…
I don't regret saying yes to be your mentor. I don't regret breaking any rules for you. I don't regret giving up my post as lissa's guardian to be your mentor and I don't regret falling-"
Thank vlad! I didn't continue further. What was I even thinking!
I was literally about to say that I don't regret falling for him… im so stupid!
My feelings for Dimitri are getting way out of control, and it will mess things up If I don't stop right now! But no matter how hard I try I just cant get that russian's image out of my freaking mind!
This past week I've tried my best to stay away from him- to maintain a professional relationship between us but after he accidentally injured himself, my feelings came rushing back!
Im Rose Hathaway Mazur… A fucking guardian- how can I be so vulnerable and soft when im around Dimitri? im not supposed to be vulnerable!
"earth to rose?" I heard mason's voice, which snapped me back from my 'wonder-land'
"what?"
"you zoned out there, you okay right?"
"yeah- im fine. Don't worry bout it" I said waving my hand.
We walked towards the meeting room in odd silence.
When we reached mason opened the glass door and gestured me to go in first.
All of the guardians were already present there. My eyes fell on Alberta sitting at the head of the long table giving us a warm smile. I gave her a small smile in return and sat next to her on my normal chair whilst Mason sat across me.
Soon the meeting began. Alberta started talking about the royal court and the things that are happening there. Apparently there has been a lot of strigoi seen outside the court borders so the alchemists and the court members are putting up extra wards and more tighter guardian security so maybe in the future some of us will have to go back there if the situation gets worse and blah blah blah!
Meanwhile, I was sleeping with my eyes open, like a fish.
Trust me, I'm not usually like this during meetings and stuff but my headache was coming back and I was so vlad-damn sleepy! If only I could just curl on this cold…uncomfortable chair…
I was in my own sleepy world until I felt someone kick my shin hard.
My gaze immediately snapped to guy sitting infront of me. Mason was giving me a 'don't sleep!' look.
I straighten up on the chair while trying to stifle my yawn. "Rose what do you think?" I heard alberta ask.
I turned my neck towards her and then back to the guardians who were waiting for my answer. Oh shit!
What do I do now? I didn't even heard what she asked- im so done today!
I shot mason a pleading look. He looked a bit startled at first but then said "uh- Alberta I sort of zoned out there. Can you please repeat what you just said?"
And that is my childhood best friend folks!
Alberta didn't looked too pleased but nodded. I mouthed a 'thank you' to mason.
"I was saying that last evening I went through the junior and senior novice files- there progress reports with their grades and stuff. And I have to say that all the novices are doing very well."
Alberta means Dimitri too right? I mean- I don't really know how he's doing in his other classes…
I felt Alberta's eyes on me. she had a small knowing smile on her face "and yes- by all the novices I mean every student is doing better than usual." She said, her eyes never leaving mine.
Oh yeah! Alberta knew what I was thinking- she always does.
I couldn't help but sigh in relief. This means that Dimitri is doing well in his classes. And if it goes like this- he could easily graduate with high distinction marks!
"as I was saying- I talked to headmistress Kirova about this and she has very kindly gave us the permission to take the novices for Christmas shopping in the coming week." Alberta started "but only the novices who have scored 90% above will be allowed to go."
I was really happy that kirova actually thought about the novices for the first time but 'the 90% above' clause was really not needed. Its bad enough that more than half of the moroi students are enjoying the luxury and spending holidays back at the royal court whilst all the novices are stuck in the academy.
"what about the others?" guardian Loveta asked with concern. She was a very sweet guardian- I mean she can kick ass but she was very close to the students of st. Vladmir's.
I knew that almost every guardian on the table were feeling sorry for the other novice students who wont be able to go, even alberta. Kirova can be a real bitch sometimes…
"they will just have to stay here." Alberta said and let out a sad sigh.
"but cant we convince Kirova to let them come with!?" I found myself asking "they would feel bad and left behind!"
Okay! Ill admit it. I am concerned for the other students but more than that- im concerned for my student… im afraid that Dimitri doesn't have enough marks and then he wont be able to go with his friends. He deserves a little fun… he needs it- to be away from the academy even if its just for a few hours. He needs to let loose a little and have a good day with his friends.
"Rose is right!" mason exclaimed "there must be some way we can convince Kirova?!"
"im afraid I've tried every possible way to convince her. And plus we don't have much transportation and funds for all the novices." Alberta answered
I hate to say it but she was right. the academy just had 4 suv (s) and there were atleast 80 novices.
"well… what do we have to do?" I asked her
"I have made copies of the list of students' names who will be going with us" alberta said and opened a blue file taking out the copies and passed it along to all the guardians at the table.
I quickly scanned the whole paper-
Mike Jackson (97%)
Malcolm Wells (93%)
Viktoria Belikov (98%)
Meredith Stewart (92%)
Annie Quell (95%)
Savannah Blakeley (96%)
Amber Rose (93%)
Dimitri Belikov (90%)
I instantly stopped reading when I saw Dimitri's name on the list. I read the list again from the top just to check if I read it wrong but no…
Dimitri's name was actually on the list and he got 90%
I don't think ive ever been prouder.
Atleast he'll get a little break now!
"why are you smiling rose?" i lifted my gaze from the paper and saw alberta cocking an eyebrow at me
"uh- the novices have really got excellent grades this term" I lied smoothly and thankfully Alberta bought it.
Phew!
"we have total of 30 people going; 5 guardians, 7 morois and 18 novices." Alberta announced.
"wait- morois? are moroi's coming too?" mason interrupted.
"Yes" alberta answered curtly.
"who are they, if you don't mind me asking" I asked politely because alberta looked like she was ready to snap any minute.
She sighed "some moroi students, Vasilisa Dragomir and Christian Ozera"
Lissa's name sent chills down my back. I couldn't help but frown a little. Lissa and I always go Christmas shopping together… we would start making a list from November itself- well she makes the list I just listen, we decided that this time we will buy matching pyjamas and get cute plush toys from miniso…
"now, every car will have one guardian- except for your car Rose, Mason will also be there because you will have 3 moroi and 4 novices in your car" alberta said to me
3 morois… just what I needed! (note the sarcasm)
But atleast ill have mason…and hopefully Dimitri…
After discussing the seating arrangements and the place we will be taking them I walked out of the meeting room with a huge smile on my face.
"how's the headache?" mason asked walking next to me
"almost gone, just a teeny tiny left" I teased him. he rolled his eyes at me "you know, ill tell Christian about you 'late night solo- parties'"
I turned towards him with my eyes narrowed in slits "no you wouldn't"
"oh yes I would" he said letting out an evil laugh "christian would be so pissed at you, rosie"
"he will not be pissed at me masey!" I said confidently.
He will be pissed- oh scratch that- he will be raged if he learns that I drunk so much vodka! He treats me like a little sister- oh and what an overprotective and overconcerned brother he is!
"we'll see that" mason tapped my nose with his finger and walked away.
Great! Now he'll tell Christian and ill get a nice big lecture!
I checked the time in my wristwatch. It was 8:25 am (pm for humans). I didn't had any practise today with Dimitri because of his arm so maybe ill just hit the gym myself.
I hope he was doing good… what If the pain got worse? Doc didn't even gave him any pills…
Should I go see him?
No I shouldn't.
But what if he really need me?
Yeah… I should probably go.
But what if he doesn't need me?
Huh! Since when did I became an astrologer? I cant just know If he needs me or not just by standing here!
Okay! Ill go see him.
I got out of the main building and started walking towards his building.
Okay. But what will I say to him?
Maybe… hey! Just wanted to check on you since you pulled a muscle and stuff- thanks to me pushing you constantly!
'oh shut up!' I yelled at my subconscious.
I'll just go to his dorm and ask how he is and if he needs anything. Yeah! Perfect.
I walked inside the 'special novice' building and hurriedly started climbing the stairs.
When I reached the second staircase a hard body collided with me, making me stumble back. I felt my legs slipping from the edge of the step I was standing on. I let out a yelp of surprise as my body arched backwards. There goes my workout for today- and maybe a month.
I closed my eyes as I braced myself for the fall and a broken hip, but it never came. What came, was a big and strong pull, breaking my fall.
Suddenly I inhaled the strong scent of a very familiar mint aftershave. The one that made me drool…
I slowly opened my eyes and met with a pair of enchanting chocolate brown eyes, which sent chills down my back. Shoulder length hair framing a gorgeous face, which gave me goosebumps, his luscious lips turned upwards in a smile, which made my heart beat so bad. i still remember how those lips felt against mine that night... Unable to say anything I let in a sharp intake of his scent, which made my heart ache, but its hurts so good…
My hand was tightly gripping his white school shirt. He looks so good in that uniform. uh! The things I would do to him…
My left leg was wrapped around his right leg. I was practically hanging in the air.
"Good morning Roza" he said, his voice was husky, which turned me on so bad! His smile was now changed into a smirk.
I released the breath I didn't realise I was holding "H-Hey" I stuttered. Since when do I stutter?!
"im sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you" he said.
Don't blush! Don't blush! Don't blush!
"its okay" I managed to say "you're up early."
"yeah… I have a little study session with mike" he said looking deep in my eyes
"oh that reminds me- I saw your marks today…"
He cocked an eyebrow "you did?"
I nodded.
Yeah! Just so you know, I was still in his arms hanging 10 feet above in the air, having this conversation with him.
"yeah- well I had a meeting with the guardians so I just saw your marks in a student file"
"how much was it?" he asked innocently
I huffed "not gonna work, comrade" I said smirking "you'll know when the results come out- just know that I feel kinda proud today"
He gave me a beautiful smile "that's all I need to know"
My heart fluttered after hearing him. why is he such a cutie! Why cant he be a heartbreaker kinda guy like the boys his age?
How can he always say the perfect things at the perfect time. And why does his words affect me so goddamn much?
Why does he have to be a gentleman?
Yeah… but lets face it- fuck the bad boys… gentleman are always a girl's first and ideal choice!
But its not like he cant be 'bad'… he can be a real badass at times.
He is confusing… one second I feel like I got him all figured out- but the very next moment he surprises me…
This guy is everything I should stay away from- but I just keep getting attracted to him!
"what's going on in that pretty head of yours?" Dimitri asked me softly.
Did he just call me pretty?
Don't blush! Don't blush! Don't you dare blush Rosemarie Hathaway Mazur!
"nothing…" I mumbled the lie.
"you want to keep hanging in the air or should I pull you back up, not that I have any problem but my arm…"
His arm? Then realization hit me like a thunderbolt!
Holy fuck!
He was holding me by his right arm…
The arm that got injured yesterday!
The arm that was holding my 60 kg body (yeah im gaining weight, I know!)
"Oh Vlad! Pull me up! Shit im so fucking sorry!" I shouted unwrapping my leg from his, searching for the ground to stand on, but I couldn't reach it! He was a feet taller than me, I was literally hoisted up by his body.
"Dimitri put me down! I'll hurt you!" I exclaimed trying my best to catch the ground.
Then he did something that shook the daylights out of me. He tightened the grip on the side of my waist and pulled me up.
But not how I expected.
He pulled me up, but I was still in the air, my feet just hanging mid-air.
My front was pressed against his, my heart thumping loudly in my chest, which im pretty sure he heard.
I don't even know how he's holding me up with just one injured arm. I think I should increase the number of weights during training…
"You could never hurt me, Roza" his voice was dangerously low and husky which gave me mega-goosebumps. His touch on my skin was setting fire inside me, I knew this shirt was too thin! . Oh vlad! If I could just kiss him right now…
I swallowed the hard lump down my throat and opened my mouth to say something but stopped and watched him as his gaze quickly shifted from my eyes to my lips.
"put me down" my voice was down to a whisper. Don't put me down please!
"DIMITRI IS THAT YOU?!" A loud voice echoed down the staircase.
Dimitri quickly turned us around to the other side and dropped me down. I tried my best not to stumble but still ended up banging my head in the wall
"Ow!" I muttered rubbing the back of my head.
"shit! Did I hurt you?" he asked worriedly
"you could never hurt me, comrade" I repeated his lines with a chuckle.
He was about to say something but a voice interrupted him "there you are! What took you so long?"
I turned my head and spotted Mike standing down on the staircase, grinning at us.
"Hey! Guardian Mazur" he said waving his hand
"uh- hey mike!" I waved back like a fool.
"Dimitri you're late for our group study! Everyone is waiting for you!" mike exclaimed
"sorry, got caught up with something" I felt his eyes on me but I didn't look bad. I was still in shock with what just happened- or what could've happened if mike hadn't interrupted us. Im such a bad person! I should be the one in control… I should be able to stop the things going one between us! Dimitri is a minor- he's still a kid. I cant do this to him!
"okay- well ill just go. You coming right"
"ill be right behind you" Dimitri answered Mike.
With that Mike walked down the stairs leaving me and Dimitri alone.
"why did you came here?" Dimitri asked me "did you need something?"
I lifted my head up to look at him, but didn't look into his eyes "uh- yeah, I just wanted to know if you needed anything- any pills or a muscle spray for your arm."
He nodded slowly "its paining a bit- but nothing I cant handle" he said assuring me.
I nodded "okay- well I should go!" I said giving him a tight smile and started walking down the stairs
"don't fall again Roza" his teasing voice stopped me mid-way "I wont be there to catch you this time"
I turned around and saw him standing with his hands stuffed in his pockets, smirking.
"I don't fall, comrade" I said turning back again and walked down the stairs.
But who am I kidding?
I'm falling… I'm falling deeper and deeper in this dark hole called love everyday… and for a fact I know that he won't be there to catch me this time.
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Author's note-
Well! Helloooo my creatures of the night!
First of all- sorry again for the late update but I had a week full of surprise tests at my school- which are thankfully over now.
Please tell what do you think about this chapter and the "little *ahem* intimate *ahem* moment" Dimitri and rose shared, in the reviews. Please do tell me if you have any ideas to add further in the story!
We know that despite trying hard- our lovely couple just cant seem to keep their hands off each other in the academy so what will happen when they go in the human world for 'christmas shopping'?
Will they come closer than ever on this little innocent trip or will chaos erupt- making both of them fall, hard?
If you wanna know, you gotta keep reading…
Until next time…
~K