A series of moments in Adrian's and Rose's relationship. Inspired by "Foolish One". Rating: general audiences

It was dark when Adrian Ivashkov first saw Rosemarie Hathaway, but there was enough light for his Moroi eyes to make out how gorgeous she was, black eye included. As their time at the ski resort passed, Adrian heard people whispering. He saw the way Rose looked at Dimitri Belikov – and saw the way Belikov looked at her – but he wasn't ready to give in yet. Even if it was just wishful thoughts.

"You're being foolish, dear," Aunt Tatiana admonished lovingly. "When will you learn your lesson?"

Adrian rolled his eyes. "There's no lesson here."

She looked at him knowingly. "There will be when she breaks your heart."

"I'd like to see her try."

Aunt Tatiana shook her head, and Adrian blocked out her words, ignoring the tiny part of his brain that said her words were reasonable.

"My cards are on the table, Rose," Adrian said. It had been a week since Rose had been back from Russia. She had made the joke about a proposal, and while Adrian had followed through with writing it, she hadn't said anything about it. "I like you; that's no secret."

Rose twisted her hands. "I'm not sure that I'm ready."

"Well, when you are," he said, "you know where to find me. I've waited this long; I can wait a little longer."

They lounged on the couch, Rose's head on Adrian's shoulder. It was comfortable. They were comfortable.

"What are we doing, Rose?" Adrian asked softly. "What are we?"

Rose pulled away so that she could look at up Adrian, biting her lip. "I don't know. I don't know what to call it."

Adrian knew about Rose's mission to restore Dimitri to his dhampir form. He also knew that her hopes had dwindled since learning that it required a spirit user, but still Rose couldn't commit to being his girlfriend fully. She still wasn't able to be 'his'.

"How did I not see it," Adrian grumbled. "The signs were all there."

"Adrian, please."

"Was it happening before you left Court?" Adrian demanded, needing to know the answer, no matter how it might destroy him.

"No," Rose said. "I promise."

He scoffed. "Your promises mean nothing to me. Not anymore."

"I swear I had the best of intentions," Rose said, pleading with her eyes. "It wasn't supposed to happen this way."

Adrian laughed humorlessly. "How was it supposed to happen then, Rose?"

"Adrian—"

Adrian shook his head. "I don't want to hear it. You've got him back on your arm. I was foolish for expecting anything different."