THE OTHER WAY ROUND
Chapter 29
(DICLAIMER- I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS. THE AMAZINGLY TALENTED RICHELLE MEAD DOES)
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DPOV-
The loud chatting voices filled my ears when I entered the novice common room. It was 7:15 pm (am for humans) and a list of students were called for a 'meeting' about god-knows-what reason…
I scanned the room with my eyes as I sat down on a 3-seater vacant couch in the corner, there were about 20 people in the room. A few were entering right now through the doors.
The girls were all gossiping about Christmas and the Equinox dance in one corner meanwhile all the guys were shouting and howling about some upcoming football game. And as for me- well I was sitting far-far away from both of these groups. Before Ivan and I left the academy I actually liked all the chatting and 'group things' I used to socialize a lot with guys and girls… but I think I've realized that these things arent going to get me anywhere. Now, I just want to be left alone. I need to just focus on my studies and about graduating with good marks to be Ivan's guardian.
I watched the door as it flew open before a very angry Viktoria bashed through the doors, behind her was Ivan. he looked somewhat tensed- and scared. I mean- its justifiable, Vika does look very scary when she's angry.
"what happened?" I asked cautiously as Vika stomped over and sat next to me.
"its better that you not ask, Dimitri" i heard a familiar voice say. I tilted my neck and saw Mike who I didn't notice at all, was standing behind Ivan. he came into view and quietly stood next to me "lets just say we gotta save Ivan before Vika kills him." he whispered in my ear.
Okay! What the hell is going on here?
"what's the matter with you two?" I asked looking at Vika, who had her hands folded over her chest a red angry mask set on her face, and then at Ivan, who was sweating from tension and nervousness.
"Dimka! Please ask your d*ckfaced bestfriend to stay the fuck away from me!" Vika exclaimed
"Language. Viktoria Belikov!" I scolded her immediately. Thank vlad no one in the room heard anything as they were busy in their own conversations.
"Vika- baby just listen to me!" Ivan said- more like begged vika.
"don't call me baby!" vika snapped, pointing her index finger at him "how bout you go and call Camille Conta that?"
"you know it was nothing! She just-"
"Gave you her fucking number!" vika interrupted him "yeah! Of course that's nothing!" (note the sarcasm)
"I-I didn't mean it like that! I-I just-" ivan tried to defend himself but vika was too stubborn to listen
"she gave you her number and told you that she's free after 9- INFRONT. OF. ME!" vika said gritting her teeth
"Yeah- but I-"
"And you didn't even do anything!" Vika chastised "oh wait- you did! You laughed! You fucking laughed! You didn't even say no!"
"she doesn't know that we're even dating! And its not like I was going to go or anything! it was just a joke" ivan argued.
Vika let out a humourless laugh "A joke? A JOKE? That girl is crazy about you since freshman year! You guys have made out in past for Vlad-knows-how many times. The whole academy knows it! You think it was a joke!?"
Ivan let out a deep sigh before kneeling down on the floor infront of her and gently grasped her hands "yeah but Im not that guy anymore! You know I cant stand Camille. Its always been you, okay… you need to know that. I know you've broken up with Rolan for me but I just need a little more time to tell everyone about us." Wait- Rolan? Rolan kislyak? Rolan was Vika's boyfriend?
How the hell did I not know this!
Vika was angry and mad, but she was upset too. This whole thing was making her very upset…
She bent down levelling her head to Ivan's "you told me that you cannot be in a secret relationship anymore- That's why I broke up with Rolan- for you! And now you're telling me you need time?" (A/N yes Viktoria broke up with Rolan. I'm very sorry for not writing that part in their POV.)
She harshly pulled back her hands from Ivan's grasp and sprang up from the couch. Ivan and I got up too, "take all the time you need, and when you make a decision- then talk to me"
with that she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her white knitted sweater and walked away from us, and stood next to some of the friends from her year.
Ivan slumped down the couch followed by me and Mike sitting on each end.
"you better have a plan to fix this" I said to Ivan, who looked like he just wants to go back to his room and cry onto his pillow.
He sniffled "I'll fix this, I promise."
I looked at my best friend, who looked so sad and broken. I don't know exactly what happened between these two but I knew that Ivan had no intentions to hurt Vika…
"I know you will" I said patting his knee "you know she's always been the one to reach the conclusions quickly. She's just hasty and a little upset, just wait for her to calm down"
Ivan just nodded his head.
"anyway… does anyone know what this meeting is about?" mike asked us.
Ivan just shook his head in a No and said "I just got a notice about coming to the novice common-room by 7:30"
"I thought this was just for us novices" I said quietly to which mike nodded
"I thought so too. But not all the novices. The list had only about 25 names. Some people are thinking they are cancelling the equinox dance but I think not-I think the school is upto something else." mike said which raised my suspicion
"Really? Like what?" Ivan asked him raising an eyebrow.
"maybe they are planning to send us away! To the royal court or back to our places- or something… I heard the strigoi numbers are increasing" mike said and shrugged.
"if they do decide to cancel the equinox dance, ill be more than happy! Who need a stupid school dance between all this drama" I said.
"Hush Dimitri!" mike quickly covering my mouth with his hand "if any girl hears you say that you are dead-meat! And anyway, that is not going to happen here, if they were cancelling the equinox dance they would make the announcement in front of the whole school. Its something else…" he said confidently.
Mike has always been the gossip king in the group. His shyness and innocence just covers up his detective-ISTP-personality. He just stands in a corner with his head low, looking all decent but has ears literally everywhere!
And if it's the latter… even though I want to go back to Russia more than anything, I still cant. I have a lot of catching up to do with my studies and training. Plus I have Ivan to worry about too.
"Well! I hope its not any of the above" ivan groaned "I just cant go home after everything. Mom and dad are going to kill me! and don't even get me started on the rest of my relatives…"
"that is true" I piped in.
"thank you, dimka!" he said sarcastically which made Mike and I chuckle.
Then I realized something…
"Wait- you aren't making your relationship official with vika because of them?" I questioned him.
He immediately sat up straight on the couch, avoiding the glare I was giving him "uh- yeah…" he said slowly "I mean- don't get me wrong! I love Vika but if I make it public then my parents will know- and if my parents will know then they'll be mad- and when they are mad they'll literally kill me!"
"You should've thought about that before you started this thing with my sister" I grumbled
"Dimka, please don't mad at me too, I swear! I'll figure something out! I'll tell them as soon as we are on good terms" Ivan pleaded
Ivan being worried about this is quiet justifiable… his parents are 'The Royal Zeklos's'. They won't like the fact that their only son is in a relationship with a dhampir girl…
"You are not even on talking terms with your parents" mike pointed out
"Not helping, Jackson!" Ivan snapped at him.
"Just stating the facts, dude!" mike muttered raising his hands up in surrender.
"I'm not mad at you" I said calmly actually I kinda am but I don't want him to get more worried "im just a little… irked by the fact that you haven't thought this through yet."
"I guess we're playing synonyms of the word 'angry' now" I heard Mike mutter, and im pretty sure Ivan did too because both of us were giving him a death glare.
Ivan turned towards me and said "I know I should've thought about it before but I was just too busy in getting Vika accept that she likes me, rather than thinking about the consequences."
"Well now you are in a fix." I stated.
He let out a big tired sigh "I know… I'll write a letter or something- once I get them to talk to me I'll slowly tell them about me and Vika."
"that's going to take a lot of time" mike argued "I don't think Viktoria is patient enough to wait that long."
"she waited for 2 years… im sure she wont give up now" Ivan said smiling.
"if you think that's going to work then go ahead, but just keep one thing in mind- if you hurt her during the process then you know what I'll do" I gave him a stern warning.
He was about to say something but suddenly the doors flew open, making everyone in the room go silent.
In a second a bunch of guardians walked into the room.
There was Guardian Petrov, Guardian Castile, Guardian Bonville, Mason, Stan and…. Rose.
I breathed out a sigh of relief in my mind when my eyes finally fell on Rose.
She was wearing the same light blue wide-legged pants she was wearing this morning but instead of her black shirt she was dressed in a crisp white one with a black long overcoat. Shirts look so good on her… though the black one really brings out her dark eyes and long hair… but the white brings out her lightly tanned skin…
Yeah… im a lovesick puppy!
She looked so tired and flustered, it my heart sink a little to see her like this.
I saw her beautiful dark eyes scanning the room, and quickly averted my gaze when she looked in my direction.
I still can't look at her in the eye after what I'd done this morning.
I still can't believe I did that! can I be any more stupid?! How could I just pull her up against me and say such things to her?
I wasn't watching where I was going when my body collided with her. Thank vlad for my instincts and fast reflexes, I caught her in time. I wanted her to open her eyes when they were shut close but when she did- I wished she hadn't… I instantly got lost in those dark brown orbs…
I still remember how her small beautiful body fitted so perfectly in my arms and how her long silk-like hair felt when they were tucked between my arm and her body… how they made the hair on the back of my neck rose…. How it felt so perfect! Like it was meant to be….
Or how her light jasmine and mint scent made me want to drool. And how her soft pink plump lips looked so gorgeous… I still remember how they felt against mine that night… I still remember how she tasted so sweet in my mouth… I couldn't even believe myself when I asked her what was going on in her pretty head. I just called her pretty! I mean- she's pretty- no she's gorgeous, but I shouldn't have said that!
"Dimitri put me down! I'll hurt you!"
I was going to put her down because our closeness was driving me crazy, until I heard her say those words.
I should've just put her down when she asked me to but NO! I pulled her up against me! I caged her body in my arms…
The loud thumping of her heart when her front was pressed against mine, it is still ringing in my ears right now.
How she told me to put her down but it seemed like she didn't want me too.
But I should've! I should've put her down rather than do something like that!
I'm the one always overstepping the boundries, I can't even see the line of professionalism of our mentor/mentee relationship from where I am standing right now.
Thank heavens! Mike came just in time, or else I would've completely lost my control and would've kissed her or worse…
I used to have such good self-control and patience before I met Rose... I used to calm and professional about everything, but now- its like my control and patience just poofs away whenever I look or talk to Roza. She always makes me loose my control…
I felt her gaze lingering on me, boring holes in my skin but I kept my eyes down looking at the floor, oh look! That's an interesting stain there, on the carpet.
When she finally took her eyes off me I slowly looked up and saw that everyone was seated down on the couches and chairs and not sitting on the top of the tables and stuff, guess I zoned out there for quiet long…
I saw all the guardians standing in a straight line in front of all of us. I hesitantly looked at Rose. She was looking straight ahead, she had her emotionless-guardian-mask on. My eyes suddenly fell on the little streaks of hair escaping from her high ponytail, flowing freely in the air because of the wind blowing in from the open window.
I felt a nudge on my shoulder. I averted my eyes from Rose and looked at Ivan who was giving me a 'are-you-serious' look. "you're staring" he whispered to me (A/N oh how I hope Dimitri says 'im just looking at what's mine' but I guess that not going to happen so soon :( )
"I'm not" I grumbled, irritated by the smirk that just spread on his face.
"Not in my wildest dreams I thought I would see the day when Mr. Dimitri Belikov falls hopelessly head-over-heels in love with a girl" ivan teased, quietly bumping his shoulders into mine.
"Say one more word and it'll be your face and my fist" I warned him trying hard not to blush.
"calm down dimka! You don't want your lady-love to see you so angry and flustered now, do you?" Ivan said and shrugged.
I decided it's the best for me and the rest of my leftover patience to not say anything to him.
"Good evening! students" Guardian Petrov started "thank you for joining us at such short notice. I know you all must be thinking about why we have called you here. We have a very good news for all of you students. As we all know that Christmas is around just around the corner and so is your Equinox Dance, and your Headmistress Kirova was very kind enough to give us guardians the permission to take you to Rimrock Mall-"
As soon as Alberta said the words 'Rimrock Mall', the room filled with loud sounds of shouting and cheering, in blink of an eye.
The guardians all looked startled and so was Ivan, me and Mike.
"Finally, a break from this prison!" I heard Mike say as he sat back comfortably on the couch.
"yeah!" Ivan agreed with him.
I was not very thrilled with the idea of going to a mall but a day far from this vampire academy is all I wanted. And I do have to get Christmas presents for Ivan, Mike, Vika….
And Rose…
I already thought of what I would give everyone- everyone but Rose…
I just want her present to be perfect! She has done so much for me, since the day we met… and the least I could do is give her a Christmas present to show my gratitude.
Between all this commotion in the room, I found myself looking at Rose, who was already looking at me.
I just froze there.
I have no idea on what I should do! Should I smile? No! that would be too stupid, considering how what happened this morning.
And I don't trust my nervous side. Its better not to do anything.
Just as I was about to avert my gaze, I saw her giving me a smile. Just one small smile that made my heart flutter like it had grown wings and was ready to jump out of my chest any minute and fly away!
She looks like an angel while smiling…
I found myself smiling back- just a small smile. But who am I kidding! I was doing a happy dance in my mind. Atleast she is not mad at me for this morning!
"Silence everyone!" Alberta's loud words quickly made us avert our eyes from each other. Roza's guardian mask was on again and there was pin drop silence in the room.
Rose then started talking- explaining us every single thing. It honestly fell like a 5th grade picnic but I didn't mind hearing anything that Roza says, vlad! I really am turning into a lovesick puppy. I tried my best not to look at Rose the entire time.
According to whatever I managed to hear, On the 8th of December which is the day after tomorrow we will be going to the mall. We have to eat our dinner, which will actually be our breakfast since we will be following the human time table, and report at the academy grounds at 10 pm (am for humans) because Rimrock is pretty far from here.
After telling a few more things the meeting was over and the guardians walked out of the room.
As soon as they left everyone started talking. The girl's all squeakled in joy and started talking with their friends. I saw Vika giving them a fake smile of joy as everyone discussed about what they would buy.
"I think im gonna go" I said to the 2 boys sitting next to me.
"wait- ill go with you too!" mike said getting up
"ill go with you three!" ivan said getting up from the couch too.
All of us walked out of the room.
My eyes instantly fell on a familiar silhouette standing walking slowly towards the forest when we walked out of the building.
I knew it was Rose. Her shoulder fell tiredly as she pulled down her hair tie down, freeing her long, wild, untamed but beautiful curls, which danced freely in the air.
"why'd you stop?" I heard mike ask.
I turned his head towards him "ill catch up with you later?" I said ivan and mike .
By the time they nodded and I turned around, Rose was already gone in the ground behind the school.
I quickly started walking, following her. I had to keep it a little normal since there were a lot of guardians present around.
When I finally reached, I saw Rose walking in odd directions. There was something in her hand which I couldn't see because her back was turned against me.
I tip-toed up to her and stretched out my arm, giving her a little tap on her shoulder.
When she turned around- very quickly, may I add. I was met with a beautiful face holding up a silver stake in her hand in a offesive position. If that's how she wants to say hello…
My dhampir reflexes quickly kicked in and I got hold of her right arm which was holding the stake and swiftly spun her around, catching her off guard. I brought her right arm to her back and caged it between my front and her back.
Her long dark brown hair flowing all over my duster because of the wind, her back was pressed up to me. I could hear her uneven breathing.
I slowly lowered my head down and pressed the side of my head to hers, feeling her silkiness of her dark waves. I silently breathed her scent before whispering in her ear…
"its against the rules to catch your student off guard, Miss Mazur" my voice was husky and low.
I heard her breathing getting hitched and feel the goosebumps rising on her right arm. I didn't know I affected her this much…
"a strigoi doesn't care about rules, Mr. Belikov" she replied back in her 'Rose-Hathaway-snarky tone'
"You are not a strigoi, are you?" I asked with the same snark.
"Who knows?" I felt her shrugging "I may be, one day" (A/N OH LORD! Did I just gave out a huge spoiler? Well I did now!)
I quickly spun her around her again, our fronts pressed up slightly against each other. She looked startled by my sudden move. I released her from my grip and took a few steps back.
"don't say that" I said pleadingly
"I have no interest in turning a strigoi but it happens to guardians all the time" she said in a 'matter-of-fact' tone.
"Yeah! but you are not like the other guardians!" I argued, I cant even bear the thought of Rose turning a strigoi… she is not weak to turn into one "Roza… trust me when I say that, you are the most strong and amazing guardian I've ever met! You are not weak… you just cant turn into a strigoi."
A small smile spread over Rose's face "well that is quiet true… I'm a very strong guardian" she said with sarcasm which made me chuckle a bit.
"nothing like that will ever happen to you" I said quietly as we began walking away from the ground, back to the academy.
"I hope not" she said "then who will take care of Lissa and you!"
Her words made me smile "I can't imagine anyone else doing that…but you."
My eyes were right ahead on the path but from the corner of my eyes I saw Roza's cheeks reddening up a bit…
"but say that I do become a strigoi…. And come infornt of you- what will you do?" she asked with curiosity.
What will I do?
The right thing to do will be to not think twice and attack her- kill her but…
I can't kill her… I can't kill Roza…
How can I?
My heart hurts whenever I see her sad… It pains me to see her in pain…
I can't even see her wounded- how can I just kill her?
What will I do?
"I- I" I tried to say something but the words got stuck in my throat. How can I just say that I'll kill her?
I can't.
I looked down at Rose studying me very closely with an unreadable expression on her face…
"think about it… and let me know by tomorrow" she said.
There goes my sleep…
"should I drop you back?" I offered.
Her smile returned again "thank but I have to go to Christian and Lissa's"
"Are things good between you and…." I trailed off
She let out a deep sigh "im afraid not… Christian called me to talk about something, that's it."
I could sense the sadness and defeat in her voice….
"things will get better" I said quietly "everything will be okay…"
"since when are you quoting me, comrade?" she teased me
I just chuckle a little.
I saw that we were already standing infront of my building. I looked back and saw Rose standing in a perfect guardian position; her hands behind her back, her posture straight but her eyes had tiredness.
She really needs to sleep a little…
I noticed a few guardians standing a bit far from us, watching us , which explains Rose's sudden change of posture.
"Good night! Guardian Mazur. Thank you from escorting me back" I said loud enough for the guardians to hear.
I didn't miss the small smile that spread over Rose's face, which was gone in a second.
She nodded curtly "Good night, Novice Belikov. Tomorrow in the gym before school." she said, I could sense a little bit of teasing in her tone but I quickly nodded back and walked inside of my building.
Right now I just wanted some sleep- fuck food!
But I know that wasn't going to happen anytime soon because of what Rose told me to think…
If my dreams weren't enough… tonight Rose is going to be in my thoughts too...
But who am I kidding?
She's always in my thoughts…
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Author's note-
Heyoooo! My creatures of the night!
Happy Sunday! (yeah… tomorrow's Monday and its going to suck!)
I apologise for the late update- its been a very lazy week *awkward emoji*
Thank you for reading this story and supporting it constantly! We have crossed 7000+ views! So thank you veryyy much for that!
in the next chapter, we will have a little heated gym session, a little reconciling between two friends and part one of the Christmas shopping! Which is going to be amazing!
There will be A LOT of teasing, blushing, crying, screaming, hugging, turning on, fighting… but more that that there will be our all time favourite Romitri and Dragozera… and hopefully some Ivantoria (fingers crossed)
Its going to be a hell of a trip!
So if you wanna know… you gotta keep reading…
Until next time…
~K