Ch 10 - Being Unknown
Rose's Apartment - February 12th
Rose's alarm goes off and she groans as she rolls over to check the time. When she sees it's 1:15 am she grumbles some explicits and tosses her phone onto the floor. She yawns and nuzzles into her pillow deeper, sinking her shoulders back under the fluffy duvet. Just when she's about to drift back to sleep, her eyes snap open. She tries scrambling out of bed but the covers have somehow become a mess of knots and she ends up flailing around like a calf at a cattle tie competition.
After immense effort, Rose finally gets her upper half free and darts off the bed, kicking the remainder of the bedding away with her left foot as she scurries to the closet. She has been on early shifts all week, inverting her sleep schedule, but today is Sunday.
The day Dimitri is finally home.
And Christian too. Meh.
Rose tears through her closet looking for something to wear. Normally her standards are: clean. But today she wants to look nice. Not like she's trying to look nice, but with the air of someone who woke up effortlessly pristine, comfortable, and stunning all in one.
She catches a glimpse of her reflection in the full-length mirror on the door and thinks to herself, this is going to take a lot more work than she has time for. She settles on a maroon long-sleeve top with dark jeans that are almost a size too small, but make her ass look incredible. After record time grooming and finessing, she snags her long cream-colored coat and black ankle boots to dress up her look a little.
If they were meeting at the cafe, she'd be late. But luckily, since Dimitri couldn't meet until evening, he picked a restaurant close to her apartment building and she nearly makes up time by power-walking through the halls. When she arrives she instantly spots Dimitri sitting at a table in the center of the dimly lit room, his back to her—of course he's early. She smiles to herself and sweeps past the host stand to make her way in.
She waits until she's right behind him to say anything but he's already turning around. Dimitri always seems to know when Rose is nearby. "Hey Comrade."
"Hello Rose."
He's shaved his beard. His face is clean and clear, like it always used to be. She didn't actually mind his beard, at least not as much as her teasing let on, but this look just makes sense. It's more him. The Dimitri she'd fallen for those years ago. She stands there for a moment, and it's suddenly clear she's not sure what she's meant to do. Do they hug, does she shake his hand, should she just slap him on the back? Before the pause becomes weird, Dimitri stands and reaches his long arms around Rose for a light hug. Rose deepens it, nuzzling her nose into his shoulder and wonders if he's always smelled this damn good.
When he reluctantly lets her go, there's a moment where their gazes meet. There's a soft fluttering in Rose's chest accompanied by echoes of the past—moments in time where this closeness meant something. Moments that until recently she had pushed away, but now begins to cling to again.
Dimitri's eyes blink and Rose is pulled from the past, back to now. She gives him a sweet smile, slides over to her seat, and plops down, excited to finally talk to him face to face.
"You look nice," he notes and the soft flutters increase. Compliments aren't new to her, but when Dimitri says something she knows he means it.
"Are you saying I normally look like a hot mess or something?" She teases.
The corner of Dimitri's mouth rises. "Well, it's definitely a step up from the time you wore pants with fish scales all over them and a t-shirt that said: Crab Rangoon Whore."
"First of all, those were mermaid pants and they are iconic," she defends. "Secondly, that was the most hungover I've ever been and you're lucky I even made it out of bed that day."
Dimitri softly laughs and a wave of heat has Rose taking off her coat. As she situates it on the back of her chair she glances around. Rose has never been here before and takes note that it's kind of fancy. There are small tea candles lit at each of the tables, deep red booths lining the walls, and soft music playing in the background. It's almost…romantic. She notes again how close it is to her apartment and briefly wonders if that was the only reason he picked the place.
When a waitress comes by Dimitri orders a bottle of wine. Rose thinks it's a little much, knowing Dimitri will probably abstain, but when the waitress comes back and he fills up both their glasses she's pleasantly surprised. He seems so at ease tonight. It's not that he's uptight when they go out—anymore—but that's at their usual spot. A place he knows and is comfortable with. It's almost jarring to see him be himself here just as he is at the cafe.
As they take a sip, again Rose looks around and sees the restaurant filling with couples. Some are holding hands across the table, some are quietly laughing and whispering things to each other as they walk in. But the thing that resonates with her most is that none of them are looking at her and Dimitri. And it hits Rose, even if he is acting the same, this is different, it's more. Even more so, it's something she never thought she'd have. Sure, she'd fantasized about it back at the Academy, about one day the two of them being able to go out in public—but it was an impossible want. What they'd had between them was always something they needed to hide.
They've been going to the cafe once a week for months, but that's casual, secluded, innocent. Being alone with him, dressed like this in a place where others are clearly on a date and where their intentions could be assumed the same, it should scare her. But instead, it's freeing. It's a nod to the chance they should've had.
She smiles to herself behind her glass as she takes another sip, noting what a fantastic choice he'd made. Bringing her attention back to Dimitri Rose leans forward and says, "Sooo, tell me everything!"
"Everything?" Dimitri's brow quirks into amused suspicion.
Rose taps her forefinger against the top of his hand on the table, punctuating her words. "Every. Little. Detail."
Dimitri begins talking about his trip and Rose peppers him with questions. Despite chatting almost every day while he was gone, she realizes most of their conversations were light-hearted distractions and she'd missed out on a lot of what he had been doing.
Their glasses run out and Dimitri refills them, surprising Rose again. He's telling her about one of his evening strolls and the enchanting street he'd found himself wandering down when his hand lightly brushes against hers as she holds the empty glass. Dimitri's eyes brighten and Rose isn't sure if it's from the details of the quaint European street or the small spark their touch ignites.
The waitress comes back again carrying two plates of food. Rose starts to say, "Oh we didn't—" but stops when Dimitri accepts his.
"I hope you don't mind. I ordered something small to tide us over. I have something else planned for dessert."
Normally, Rose wouldn't allow this, knowing Dimitri would try to sneak something veggie-related onto her plate. But she notes how he's taken care of everything. From planning to all the details in between, leaving Rose with nothing to think about other than their time together. It warms her and the smile she gives him has Dimitri sucking in a breath.
They eat their meals as they continue to share details about their week. When Rose crosses her legs her foot gently runs up Dimitri's calf. As they continue talking he extends his other leg to tap his foot against hers. He laughs at something she says and Rose is so fixated she doesn't even notice how a few of the women in the room turn to gaze at him. One of whom's date claps back in disproval.
With their plates cleared and their glasses empty, Dimitri asks, "Would you like to go on a walk with me?"
Rose nods enthusiastically, needing to stretch a bit before her too-tight pants become a problem. Dimitri pays the bill and grabs a small bag beside him as Rose puts on her coat. As they go to leave together, Dimitri puts his arm around Rose's shoulders. It's so innocent, something she's sure he's done before, but when an older woman sitting at a booth near the door looks up at them and gives her an admiring smile, Rose's heart swells.
Once they're outside, Dimitri guides them to a path along the grounds and removes his arm to reach into the bag. What he pulls out has Rose squealing with excitement.
"I picked them up this morning," he says as he hands Rose an orange cranberry muffin. That statement sticks with her; maybe he hadn't actually said he couldn't meet until later, she just assumed. Had he intentionally chosen this time, this place, for a dinner? The weight of the muffin in her hand brings her attention back as he adds, "Emilia insisted she make them fresh. She said day-olds aren't good enough for you."
"Ohmygod she's a literal angel," Rose brings the muffin to her nose to sniff the heavenly aroma.
Dimitri pulls out another for himself, the pastry still warm. There's quiet between them for the first time this evening as they enjoy a few bites of their favorite treat.
Rose is the first to come out of their food hypnosis. "There are few things in this world better than sex," she says as she licks crumbs off her fingers, "and this muffin is one of them."
Dimitri glances down at her, the look in his eyes playful and wicked. "I don't seem to recall any complaints."
Rose bites down on her lip; the flutters from earlier have now become somersaults and she's trying her damnest not to swoon like some 1950s housewife. By some miracle, she settles her insides enough to squeak out, "Well, better than most sex."
They finish their muffins and after the wine and dinner Rose is stuffed. "Ugh, I didn't have time to go to the gym this morning. After this, I'm going to be in desperate need of some cardio."
Dimitri crumbles his napkin onto his empty pocket and pushes back his hair. "I'm sure there's someone who can help you with that."
Rose's eyes dart from the path to his face and stops walking, the challenge she'd been craving all week surfacing again. She wants to drag it out, wants to push him further over the line. So she tilts her head and suggestively asks, "Are you offering?"
Dimitri stops walking as well. He takes a step towards Rose and leans forward, recognizing that look. He's been on the receiving end of it enough times to know what it means, and this time he isn't holding back. "Maybe I am. Maybe it's time someone reminds you what better really is."
The familiar demur is gone and Rose's face goes completely blank. Dimitri isn't sure what this means. She's been teasing him all week and he'd been hesitant to lean all the way in, but now that he has he can't decipher her reaction. Has he gone too far? Should he take it back?
"Hey girl!" A peppy voice cuts in and Rose shifts a little at the sound. "It's been a while since we've hung out how have you been?"
Rose turns to see her friend Trish walking towards them. Dimitri notices Rose's voice is uncharacteristically quiet as she starts to answer, "Oh, um I've been good. How about y—"
Before she can finish Trish's attention has already moved on, her voice picking up a slight pur. "And Dimitri, hi. Haven't seen you around lately. I heard you were off on a European rendezvous."
"Estonia," is his only reply.
"Huh, could've fooled me. I would've guessed Greece or somewhere beachy with that tan of yours. Or maybe you just have more melanin than I noticed before." Trish playfully runs her dark hand along his arm, her eyes hooded as they lazily rake over Dimitri's broad shoulders and strong chest.
Her gaze flicks to the bag still in his hand and she says, "Oh Emilia's Cafe. Rose is always going on about their pastries. I keep telling her the French Bistro over in the East district has some of the best desserts. Amandine Patisserie, have you been?"
She's blatantly flirting with him, and Rose's mind begins to wander. It isn't just her reaction to what Dimitri said. Those words had practically incapacitated her; she still feels shock, excitement, want, need, urgency, terror all in one. She can no longer pretend it's just for fun or another challenge to meet. It's more. It's always been more.
But now with Trish here, something else is taking root.
Trish had asked Rose to fix her up with Dimitri at least a dozen times, and seeing her here flirting with the man Rose has been playing stupid games with for weeks, she suddenly realizes this new, brazen side of him isn't just about her. It's about Dimitri finally becoming the man he used to be. It should thrill her, but instead, she feels an insane surge of jealousy. That someone else might get to see this side of him too. And the possibility or likelihood that someone else already has.
Trish continues to gab, Dimitri replies politely, and Rose continues to seeth. Dimitri is clearly disinterested in what the Dhampir has to say, but Rose can't see past the dark thoughts clouding her otherwise lovely evening.
Dimitri glances down and notices Rose's fingers balled tightly at her side, her jaw is stiff, her expression still blank. He looks up to the blonde Dhampir, interrupting whatever she is droning on about.
"Guardian Abbot was it?"
"Trish," she replies, and it's clear she's irritated by his question.
Dimitri lifts the bag to throw in a nearby bin. "Right. Well, we've got to get going but if it's a recommendation you're looking for the profiteroles at Emilia's are great."
"Huh? I wasn't—"
"Have a nice day," Dimitri's tone is politely rushed as he locks arms with Rose and brushes by Trish.
When they are a good enough distance away, Dimitri lowly says, "No offense, but I never understood why you were friends with her."
Rose grits her teeth and replies, "Ditto."
Dimitri leads them down a new path towards Rose's building, walking quietly the rest of the way.
Rose begins feeling more and more wretched about her reaction. Not because she'd done anything to act out, but because she should be happy for him. Proud that he's finally at a point in his life where he can fully live without all that guilt and ugliness hanging over him—but she can't. And that most of all tears at her insides. She's been there for Dimitri through it all, encouraging and helping him. She's even tried to get him out there to meet someone new. He'd shut it down time and time again. But now she knows even that wasn't real. They were just subconscious security checks to reassure herself that he wasn't ready. If he's ready now, is that all tonight was? Practice? Testing out the waters with someone he's comfortable with?
No.
Her thoughts finally realign.
No, Dimitri wouldn't do that. He's intentional. He doesn't toy with people to get what he wants. He's caring. He's thoughtful and kind. He's done nothing but prove to me that he's on my side.
She takes a deep breath and lets it out, the ugly feelings fading with it. Dimitri wouldn't hurt me. They approach her door and she begins the search for her keys.
Up until now, everything they have done tonight has been innocent. There is nothing solidifying this is a date. So she wonders if she should ask him. If she should tell him what she is feeling.
She finds her keys quicker than usual and thinks about dropping them in again to give her more time to decide.
"Thank you for coming out with me tonight," Dimitri says as Rose turns her keys to open the door. Then he adds, "I missed you."
Rose's eyes peer up, the look on Dimitri's face telling her the one thing she needs to hear—not just as my friend. Dimitri's eyes have always expressed more than his words, Rose has never known if it is just her or if others recognize this too, but right now there is so much they are telling her it becomes hard to breathe.
He lifts a hand towards her face, and ever so gently tucks a tendrile of hair behind her ear. Another innocent gesture, but his hand never leaves her. It glides down her soft waves, the back of his fingers running along the smooth skin of her neck before turning over to curl around it.
"Do you…" As she speaks, he's slowly leaning closer. "Do you want to…come—"
Before she can invite him in, Dimitri delicately eliminates the last bit of space between them to press his lips to hers. His kiss is so soft, yet impassioned, like it's the first and only piece of chocolate he'll ever taste. He kisses her slowly, because there is no place he'd rather be. He's not buying time for something else, the next thing. It's only this moment, only her. The feel of him against her has her lost in a way she's never been before as the space between them explodes, sending a booming shockwave through her chest. It's been so long since she kissed Dimitri, this Dimitri, and she's forgotten the staggering effect his touch has on her. It leaves her mind in such shambles that she knows if he were to break away and ask her what 2 + 2 is she would say his name. Maybe it lasts a minute, or maybe an hour, all she knows is this kiss and how warm his skin is when he brushes against her is everything she's been craving, the only thing she'd wait forever for—it's all she's ever wanted.
When he gently pulls away her head is spinning. She's trying to anchor her mind but she can't stop staring at his impossibly soft slips, his strong jaw, his pulse racing along his neck. He's still only inches away and for the second time that night, she wonders what is it about him that smells so damn good.
"I'll see you tomorrow," his voice is rough and she knows she's not the only one affected.
Rose nods, unable to speak, and latches onto the door frame for support as Dimitri slowly backs away. She doesn't even have time to register disappointment that he's not staying or that she didn't have a chance to invite him in. All she can think about is that kiss.
Dimitri takes at least five steps backward before finally turning, not wanting to look away from the enrapturing sight before him. Rose is fiercely beautiful in a fight, amusing when she is frustrated, adorable when she teases him, but this…nothing compares to the way she looks right now, reacting to the way he kisses her. He knows if she told him to leave and never come back, he'd dream of that look for the rest of his life.
He turns over his shoulder again to say, "Bye," and Rose just lets out a soft hum in response. When he's finally around the corner, Rose peels herself out of the doorway to roll into her apartment. She gently closes the door behind her, and slides down it, finally succumbing to her legs turning to goo.
/
Rando Court Council Room - February 13th
Rose bursts into the room 20 minutes early. The shift will consist of her and some of the other Guardians standing silently along the wall while the Council participates in the Annual General Meeting. Princess Marie Conta will be leading the agenda this year while Lissa shadows to learn the ropes. According to Lissa, it will consist of a review of their financial audits, and an outline of activities from the past year; other boring words Lissa included were income and expenditures, assets and liabilities, bla bla bla. Not only is this shift going to be painfully dull, but also long seeing how it's meant to last for five days.
Yet, here she is, early enough to spend a few precious moments with her best friend before they are both dragged into monarchal hell. Lissa squeezes her friend tightly and thanks her for attending with her.
"Yeah, well I thought having the Queen as my best friend would at least come with some perks, like getting me out of mindless shifts like this."
Lissa looks sheepish as she replies, "I know it's selfish, but I'll feel better knowing you're here. Plus, wouldn't that be favoritism? Something you cursed me out about when I offered you one of the suites across from mine."
"That's different!"
"How?"
"Because that would put a huge sign on my chest that says, 'look at me, I'm the spoiled little Dhampir girl who's too good to sleep where you sleep'. This I could've gotten away with."
"Favortism is favortism."
"If you say so, your Majesty." Rose bows dramatically.
Lissa looses a small raspberry and Rose comments on how unqueenly it is of her when in walks Christian and Dimitri. Before either of them can say anything, Lissa dashes to Dimitri and wraps her arms around his middle for a hug. Rose expects him to look caught off guard by her friend's display of affection, but she's surprised when instead he returns her hug with a small smile.
Since last night, she's pictured that kiss over and over in her head, replaying the look he gave her just before. The one that blared the feelings he harbors for her—but also how much he hungers for her. That look is ingrained in her mind and was all she could think about this morning as she made her way to her shift, but now, seeing him with Lissa, embracing her and caring for her as well. A different way than Rose, a reflection of the way she cherished her friend, it gives her a new image to daydream about, one that warms her soul.
Christian makes his way to Rose, standing next to her with an awkward hello.
"Hey there granola breath. Hope you're not too jelly that your girlfriend greeted your Guardian before you," she jests. "You'd think after being away for two weeks she'd at least want to say a quick hi."
"She can say hello to whoever she wants to, it doesn't bother me. And we just saw each other last night." His cheeks redden and his eyes darken as he looks over to Lissa. "And this morning."
"First off, ew," Rose fights off a gag. "Secondly, how unlike you. I remember when you threatened to kick Adrian's ass just for breathing near her."
"You of all people should know Dimitri is not Adrian. Besides, shouldn't you be the one who's jealous?"
"I never get jealous." A bold-faced lie. "And if I can share Lissa with you, I can certainly share her with Dimitri."
Christian moves his gaze away from the pair across the room to look directly at Rose. "I wasn't talking about Lissa."
An argument is on the tip of her tongue. Some kind of excuse or deflection to hide it from him. But the knowing look on Christian's face as he carefully watches her evokes Rose's quiet reply, "Touche."
His grin widens, his face wearing the look of someone who just found the last piece to their 5000-piece puzzle. He gently nudges her shoulder with his fist and she returns it with exponentially more force.
When Dimitri and Lissa join them Christian is rubbing his arm, Rose standing by with a suspiciously innocent look on her face.
Lissa curls an arm around Chris' waist and his frown disappears. As Dimitri approaches, a kaleidoscope grows inside her, the feeling of butterfly wings fluttering around her stomach and chest. His smile is warm and genuine, his voice almost shy as he says, "Hi."
Rose replies with the same, trying hard not to bite her lip. Dimitri's lips part as he takes a breath to speak and Rose's eyes follow the movement. Before he can say anything else Lissa excitedly jumps in again, asking the two men more questions about their trip. Rose lets out a small laugh and Dimitri turns to their friend to answer.
There are a few more rounds of back and forth across the group, casually catching up, and Rose notes how easy it feels. If they were back at the Academy, or even starting shift with another Moroi, Dimitri would be against the wall, silent and observant. But today he's engaging, not just polite but genuinely interested in talking to her friends. It's then Rose realizes how close he and Christian have actually become and in her mind, everything just fits.
Chris looks at his phone and notes they only have a few minutes before the others arrive. Lissa starts ticking off agenda items with Chris, reminding herself more than him what all will take place, and Rose siezes the opportunity to speak directly to Dimitri.
"Ready to be a statue for the next four hours?"
Dimitri shrugs and moves a little closer to Rose before quietly saying, "The view could be worse."
Rose has always hated their Guardian uniforms. They're stuffy, do nothing for her figure, and lifelessly plain. But the way his eyes trail over her now, it's as if she's wrapped in the finest silk.
She swallows and lets out a nervous hum, her mind having a hard time jumping from one moment to the next. Normally Rose's witty comebacks would rapidfire given the opportunity he left open for her, but Dimitri is the one person who can throw her off, especially when this side of him comes out unexpectedly. Hearing some rustling down the hall, Dimitri takes a couple steps closer to place his hand on her shoulder as he says, "Have a nice shift." Again, Rose is brought back to thoughts of the past, thinking about how strange this is. Dimitri, in uniform, touching her. In front of other people! That's when he does the unthinkable. Dimitri leans down to kiss her.
It's quick, a brief brush of the lips in greeting and farewell, but a flicker of the feeling he left her with last night steals her breath. Before she can catch it, he's already moving to take his position on the other side of the room.
Lissa's jaw is nailed to the floor and Chris just smirks, walking to the table to take a seat. Both girls are stunned still for a few seconds as people begin to file in. Realizing she only has a few seconds, Lissa rushes to her friend's side to whisper-scream, "Excuse me! When did this happen?!"
Lissa's voice jolts her out of her daze and Rose looks down so no one can see her mouth move. She whispers back, "I think I'm dating Dimitri."
Lissa gasps, "You're what?! When did you—"
"Your Majesty, good morning," Marie Conta greets, and Rose immediately takes her place against the wall behind them.
The other royals slowly enter the room and form into small groups to chat before the meeting begins. The other Guardians make their way in as well and Rose quickly pulls out her phone before things officially kick off.
Last night was one thing, it was at the end of a date, they were alone, she should have expected it. But now, Dimitri has completely caught her off guard. Without even thinking too much about what his actions mean, Rose still loved it, BUT the scales are uneven and she isn't having it. She will not be the only one distracted and off balance. She decides it's time for him to get a taste of his own medicine—a Rose-sized dose of it.
She goes to her messages and quickly types it out. Rose looks up at him as she hits send, not wanting to miss his reaction.
[R]: That was nice Comrade. But next time you're kissing me on the lips, I want you to move up to my belly button.
Dimitri pulls out his phone and looks down at it, but there is nothing on his face that gives away a reaction. He puts his phone in his pocket and goes back to standing still, Guardian mask fully on. He looks powerful, commanding, the famed Russian God. But that's not what Rose wants right now. She wants him hot under the collar, picturing her beneath him (or sitting on top of him). She wants him face red, fists tight, unable to stand still. A portion of what he has left her feeling twice now.
The council members start to take their seats and Rose puts her phone away, pressing her back into the wall. Princess Conta and Lissa make a quick speech and the meeting begins. Rose tries to listen to the meeting, thinking maybe there would be something important to be in the know of. But within five minutes she is already bored. Her eyes scan the room and despite all the blank looks on the Guardian's faces, it's clear she's not the only one who's tuned out.
Her gaze constantly drifts back to Dimitri and after 40 minutes of no change, she begins to wonder if he'd even seen her message. Maybe he checked something else.
That's when his eyes finally flick to hers. It's so brief that no one else in the room would notice but her. But there's a shift, and she knows…he read the message. Her skin burns under the want and voracity of his gaze and she channels every ounce of her training to remain still.
For nearly three hours, they are stuck in this room. Occasionally meeting knowing glances but unable to do anything about it, and Rose thinks this might single-handedly be one of the most erotic things to ever happen to her.
When the first meeting adjourns and they are finally permitted a break, the Guardians and Moroi pair off, talking about the last agenda item or making plans for lunch. Rose has just enough sense of self to glance over to Lissa. Hearing her engaged in conversation with Princess Conta, her eyes lock on Dimitri across the table. He's already waiting for her attention. They slowly walk to the back of the room, agilely weaving between the other attendees without looking away. When they are finally close enough to speak, Dimitri dips down with a wicked grin and lowly says, "That was naughty, even for you."
Rose's soft response is a pur, "How will you punish me?"
Something resembling excitement sparks in Dimitri's eyes as the small smile on his face grows. Someone brushes against his back as they walk by, and another almost steps on Rose's shoe. Remembering where they are and what they are supposed to be doing, the pair takes a small step away from each other, but Dimitri's smile doesn't fade. "Want to go somewhere with me?"
Rose's stomach flips as she practically cheers, "Yes!"
/
Fifteen minutes later Rose is standing in the middle of a smelly gym, arms crossed over her chest, her expression that of a pouty toddler.
This is not what she had in mind.
They have about an hour and a half break for lunch today, so when Dimitri stopped by a quick sandwich shop and grabbed two to-go, she figured they would be for after…well after. But when he started walking the opposite way of her apartment, disappointment flooded every ounce of her.
Now as she stands here, glancing around at the worn equipment, she racks her brain trying to figure out why he would bring her here. Why he would bring her to a gym at all, but also why this one? It was one of the older, smaller ones so it was rarely used; mainly out of convenience from a few Dhampir who lived close to it and needed a quick session in-between shifts. Right now there are only three others here and Rose is considering bailing in protest.
But then, Dimitri comes back from the equipment room and Rose's expression lights up.
"If you're up for it, I thought we could start with these?"
Focus mitts and a kicking pad. Rose sprints to the wall lined with shelves of wraps and quickly fastens them on. Dimitri does the same but slips the mitts on over them.
When she's lined up and ready, bouncing on her feet with anticipation, Dimitri calls out a few combinations, basic ones he started her on back at the Academy. She doesn't sigh or comment on the rudimentary choice. She follows instructions and launches into her attack. Rose's knuckles smack against the mitts and Dimitri is impressed by the power and focus behind each strike. He calls out more complex combos, Rose turning up her speed to match the pace of his mitts. She jabs and crosses, he blocks and dips. Soon they fall into a rhythm of pure focus and dexterity—no longer needing to call out the next combo but just following each other's moves.
They do this for almost a full half hour before switching to kicks. One of her strikes almost knocks Dimitri over and the look of satisfaction on her face ignites a challenge within him. He calls out a move she hasn't done before and when she struggles, he takes the time to show her. After another 20 minutes, she has it down and they both head to the showers grinning.
When Rose comes out of the girls' locker room Dimitri hands her one of the sandwiches. As she takes it from him she tells him, "Thank you." He nods and begins walking, they have about 15 minutes before they need to be back, but Rose stops him, gently tugging him by the wrist.
His shoulder pulls back first, then his arm, and his eyes fixated on Rose's warm hand wrapped around his wrist slowly begin to trail up. Rose's hair is damp, loosely pulled out of her face, her cheeks still flushed from the hot shower, and there's a sweet genuineness to her expression that enraptures him.
"I mean it Dimitri," warmth and sincerity radiate from her, "Thank you for this."
The pride weaving through her words and the way she's looking at him right now cause his heart to swell, it's almost too much and he forces himself not to look away.
This wasn't a fight or a full sparring session, but to them it's a big step. One Rose had been dying to take, and Dimitri had finally been ready to give.
He takes a breath, settling his hammering heart and nods again. Still holding her gaze, he slips his wrist out of her fingers to entwine his hand with hers, then adds, "Thank you, Rose."
She had been patient, and he had been steady. Neither getting frustrated or overwhelmed by the pace.
The two of them leave the gym and eat their subs on the way back to the council room, walking hand in hand the rest of the way.
/
Over the course of the next three days, Rose and Dimitri's schedules are packed. The only thing they have time for outside of work and sleep are quick breaks for food. But each day they use that time to their advantage and slip away to the gym together. Day 2 Dimitri already ditches the mitts and has just enough time to work with Rose on hand-to-hand blocks. Day 3 he feels comfortable enough to have a match with her, but they keep it to short rounds with point scales, rather than until failure. By Day 4, they are both anxious for something more.
The smaller gym is quieter but further away, so they decide to maximize their time they'd go to one of the bigger gyms near the council room. It's buzzing at this hour, but to Rose's surprise, Dimitri isn't bothered. After getting changed they meet in the back and lay out some mats in a makeshift ring. Before Rose has finished laying down the last one, Dimitri springs at her. She just barely dodges out of the way and whips around to face him.
"What the—"
Dimitri stalks around the mats, sizing up his opponent. "Haven't I told you before? Always be ready for the unexpected."
"Oh so now we're getting a lesson from Zen Master Belikov? When did you—ACK!"
Dimitri darts at her again and despite facing him this time she still only manages to avoid his strike without initiating a counterattack. He's fast. Really fast. And she does her best to keep her face composed despite being caught off guard. The last thing she wants to do is discourage him because he thinks he's scared her. Dimitri is finally ready and Rose isn't stopping until she's won.
She makes a wide step left, taking herself out of the center of the circle before pressing closer to him. Her goal is to get him on the defense, knowing his offense is nearly impossible to counter. He notes what she's doing, but instead of attacking her again he bites, curious what tactic she will use.
Rose launches at him, throwing a variety of combos with her arms. He easily blocks, just as he did the other day, but when she thinks she has him honed in on the rhythm, she swings the new kick he'd taught her directly at his hip. He manages to block it but the force throws him an inch off balance and she uses the advantage to drop down and swipe his other leg out from under him.
Dimitri's back hits the mat but he deftly rolls away before Rose can pounce on him. An instant later he's on his feet, but she's successfully put him in the center of the mats.
"Not bad," he says, and Rose responds with a series of kicks high enough to graze his left shoulder. With great effort he ducks and weaves, realizing she hadn't been using her full speed in their other sessions. Clever girl.
Rose spins around, gaining momentum as she drives her knee up towards Dimitri's groin. His eyes go wide and he catches it just in the knick of time. The first bead of sweat drips down his neck. She flashes him a devilish smirk and he pushes her leg back with furious force. Rose goes flying backwards, her bottom slamming down onto the mat. Dimitri reaches for one of her sprawled legs but Rose pulls it away and whips the other into his bicep. He stumbles to the side, but only long enough for Rose to stand. They look at each other for a moment, plotting their next move, then simultaneously spring. They grapple and kick, a mess of limbs at first, but eventually it becomes a dance. The two warriors spinning and striking with precision and lethal grace.
After some time, Rose has gotten more hits on him than she ever has before and she thinks she's about to finish him, when Dimitri surprises her again. She's made a mistake, drawn in by the thrill of landing blow after blow and has allowed herself to get too close. She's within his long reach now. He can see the moment she realizes it, her confident expression turns to alarm and before she can amend her error, he's already on her.
Within an instant, Rose is pulled into his arms and out of pure desperation, she decides the only way out is to take him down with her. She throws all her weight at him and knocks her feet into his shins, sending them both tumbling to the ground. Their shoulders land hard on the mat, and she sees a window, scrambling to untangle herself and get away. But Dimitri's recovery is too quick. He latches onto her arm and yanks her against him, her back slamming into his chest as he pulls them up to their knees. His strong arms encircle her, one of his hands moving up to grip her tightly by the chin. The fight is over. In this position he could easily snap her neck or drive his weapon into her chest if he still had one.
She breaths hard against him, her chest bobbing under the weight of his heavy bicep. He's waiting for her to call yield, but Rose is too stunned to say anything. This is the first time in a long time that anyone has beaten her…and she loves it.
The loss isn't followed by disappointment or anger—only excitement. She finally feels challenged again and it's thrilling. Dimitri's grip around her chin loosens a little, his fingers gliding along the curve of her jaw. It's then she takes in every bit of space occupied by his body. His sturdy chest heaving against her back, his powerful thighs holding hers in place, and something else pressing into the base of her spine telling her she isn't the only one stirred by their position. Dimitri looses a long breath that tickles against Rose's ear.
"Do you yield," he whispers, his lips brushing against her hot skin.
"Do I have to?" She turns her face slightly towards him, his nose rubbing along her cheek.
He lets out a small, breathy laugh and the sound reverberates into her back. Rose's eyes close as she tries to memorize this moment and the feel of that sound.
A quiet chime cuts in from Dimitri's wrist and he takes another deep breath. He desperately wants to kiss her right now, he can't remember a time ever wanting it more, but he knows if he does it now, he won't be able to stop. He grasps for a sense of self and finally says, "You do if we are going to make it back to the meeting on time."
Her eyes still closed, Rose nods causing Dimitri's fingers to move further down her neck. "Okay," her voice is a silky sigh and Dimitri's pants begin to feel tight. "I yield."
With those three words, he slowly releases her creating just a breath of space between them. Enough so they are no longer entwined tightly together, but not enough to stop whatever is happening below his waist. He sits back onto his heels and leans forward in the guise of placing a hand on her shoulder. He tells her to go ahead and shower and that he'll pick up the mats.
She nods again, an air of intoxication to her as she slowly gets up off the ground and staggers toward the locker room. Dimitri sits there for another minute, thinking about anything other than the exhilarating woman he just had wrapped in his arms. When the situation is tame enough to get up he quickly puts the mats away and heads into the showers, blasting himself with ice-cold water.
The next four hours of the council meeting are even longer than the first day. Every time he looks over to Rose he has to fight the urge to fidget. He tries to concentrate on the conversation happening at the table, but his mind keeps going back to the gym. He channels his control, avoiding thinking about the one thing he knows he'll be obsessing over the rest of the night. Instead, he thinks about the fight, the technical aspects of it, the voracity each of them showed, and the success of the day. He'd attacked her with full force, he hadn't held back, and Rose was okay. There wasn't a single moment where she looked afraid or like she was brought back to that night by the river. And neither was he. It was like it used to be. He knows this may not always be the case, that healing is never a lateral journey, but he can still be grateful for today, and the triumph Rose had once again helped him accomplish. That they'd accomplished together.
Later that night after Rose and Dimitri have escorted their charges home, Dimitri receives a text from Rose.
[R]: Hey, want to have dinner at my place tomorrow?
Tomorrow is the last day of the meeting marathon and Rose and Dimitri will finally have an evening off. He can't think of any better way to spend it than with her.
[D]: I'd love to. Shall I pick something up after shift?
He lists out of few of her favorite food spots when she sends:
[R]: I'll cook for us!
Dimitri stares at his phone. Rose, cooking for him. As lovely as the idea of that sounds, the execution part…not so much. He begins to wonder: is she feeling guilty about going out on his dime? Does she feel like she has to return the favor? Regardless of what it is, Rose in the kitchen sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
[D]: You sure?
[R]: Yeah :)
A few minutes later:
[R]: Can you use pizza sauce on pasta? It's the same thing as spaghetti sauce right?
[D]: I'll grab the ingredients.
/
To their relief, meetings adjourn early, giving Rose and Dimitri extra time to spend together. After leaving Christian with Lissa and her extra guards, Dimitri heads to the market to grab a few things and goes straight to Rose's. His knock is answered with a faint "Come in," from across the apartment.
Reluctantly he lets himself in, going directly to the kitchen so as not to disturb whatever she is doing in her room. He begins pulling ingredients out of the shopping bags. Rose appears, a mischievous grin on her face as she skips into the kitchen.
"Sorry about that, I was looking for something and it turned into National Treasure in there." Rose walks up behind him, running her hands lightly down his arms in greeting.
"Something?" He's suspicious, looking over his shoulder at her as he places the last of the groceries on the counter.
Rose leans up on her tiptoes to playfully whisper, "something," as she plants a small kiss on his cheek. He smiles back, one of his warm genuine smiles she's only ever seen when he's alone with her. Rose glides to stand beside him and looks at the ingredients on the counter. "So, what are we making? Ooo is that bacon?!"
Dimitri explains the steps to Pasta Carbonara and lets Rose choose her duties. The Dhampir fall into their roles, carefully working around each other and soon the small kitchen is filled with a soft tune Dimitri is humming. The crackling and sizzling sounds of bacon in a pan and the light clanking of the whisk hitting a bowl are his backup singers and house band.
Rose is easily distracted by the gorgeous Russian man in her kitchen and keeps finding excuses to leave her station to be closer to him. First, she reaches across him for a second spatula, then below him for a dish towel—any reason she can find for touching him. There's a moment she considers flicking the towel to swat him in the ass, but seeing how meticulously he's stirring the mixture in his hands she thinks better of it.
Dimitri tries his best not to micromanage but has to discreetly nudge her back to the stove when he can smell the meat is almost done. As much as he wants to keep letting her hands wander, the last thing they need is a meal of burnt bacon and overdone pasta. Anyone who knows her will tell you a hungry Rose is not a pleasant Rose. She goes back to her task and eventually moves on to the next.
With his arms around her, Dimitri helps Rose drain the pasta, careful not to spill the water, and saves just the right amount in a small bowl. When he goes to move away though, Rose doesn't let him. She wraps her fingers around his forearms and steals a few kisses along his jaw, his neck turning the slightest shade pink. He puts the pot down into the sink and dips to return the favor, but before he can catch her, Rose slips out of his arms and goes to the fridge to grab the cheese. Even a blind man could see there's an agenda behind the way she bends down to reach inside the fridge. When she catches Dimitri looking she gives him a wink, then tosses the door shut.
She is having entirely too much fun, but Dimitri doesn't mind. Because so is he.
By the time the meal is ready Rose's stomach is growling, desperate to try whatever is making the delicious aroma now filling her home. They sit at her bar, twirling their pasta and complimenting each other on a job well done. Eating and laughing like any normal couple would.
Where at the start of the week, Rose had been confused, unsure what Dimitri's actions meant and how she should respond, the last few days it's become clear. In the past, Rose would have let her feelings take hold of her, push their boundaries and create an explosion between them. With all the tension over these several weeks, it wouldn't have taken much to light that fuse. But Dimitri has taken steps to correct their past mistakes. He's gone out of his way to show her a side that she was never able to have. Not just with him, but with anyone.
This year Rose has been able to explore her sexual boundaries, decide what she wants and pass on what she doesn't. And now, Dimitri is allowing her to explore her emotional boundaries at a healthy pace and without the restrictions of the past. Rather than making a rash decision driven by pent-up lust and jealousy, Rose can clearly see that Dimitri wants this too. That, without question, they are on the same page.
It makes every moment, no matter how small, that much more special to her. Because there are no more doubts and second-guessing behind everything she does.
They finish eating and as he rises from his chair and swipes her empty plate away, he leans down and kisses the top of her hair. Rose doesn't protest, she hates doing dishes and is perfectly content to let someone else do them for her. Especially if it allows her to sit there and take in the view: Dimitri's sleeves rolled up, his hair tucked neatly away from his face, droplets of water occasionally splashing his collar and bare arms.
Rose reaches towards the jar of candy on her counter and pops a green apple hard candy into her mouth. She grabs two more and raises a brow at Dimitri in question. He nods towards the coconut-flavored one and after unwrapping it she tilts her arm back to toss it into his mouth. He pauses on the dishes just long enough to dip down and catch the candy on his tongue. Rose shoots her fists into the air in celebration and Dimitri flashes her an amused smile as he picks the dishes back up.
It dawns on Rose that Dimitri has yet to kiss her on the lips since she sent him that text, and she has a sneaking suspicion why. She decides it's time to reveal what she'd been looking for before, and slips off her chair to head to her room. She tells him she'll be right back, stealing one last glance at the achingly handsome man standing in her kitchen.
Dimitri finishes up the dishes in the sink and loads Rose's dishwasher. There are things he wants to tell Rose tonight, things he has been waiting the right moment for, and now as the dinner is winding down he replays them in his head, hoping everything comes out right. He's wiping down the counters when he hears a small "ehem," from the other side of the room. He looks up and sucks in a deep breath that doesn't leave him.
Rose is standing there, her hair pulled up in a messy bun wearing a familiar gray sweatshirt with Cyrillic letters etched into the breast—and nothing underneath.
Dimitri swallows, forcing the breath out through his nose, unable to string together a coherent thought.
"I assumed while you were here you'd be wanting to take back what belongs to you." Rose's voice is pure silk.
Dimitri's feet move on their own, leading him out of her kitchen and into the small living room.
"Is that so?" He's completely forgotten everything he planned to say and can only think about her long, bare legs and how soft they would feel under his hands—or how devastatingly crushing they would feel wrapped around his hips.
It takes every ounce of will he can muster to tear his gaze away from them and look up to her face. When he does, familiar brown eyes are waiting for him, searching for answers, demanding a response.
Those eyes, ones that had once been his fall, his desire, his obsession, his comfort, and now the only things rooting him in place. As they gaze into his, somehow sweet and alluring, he makes his way closer and closer to her. He aches to give them what they are asking for, aches in places he didn't know were inside him. So when he's finally standing before her, he gives her honesty without holding anything back.
Dimitri lifts up a hand, lightly grazing his fingers along the worn fabric on her shoulder, one last innocent touch to give her a final choice. "Like many things I once considered mine, Roza, this is now yours."
His fingers move down her arm until reaching her hand. They wrap around her soft palm and raise it up to rest on his chest. His heart is beating so loud he doesn't know how she can't hear it.
Rose's lips are impossibly pink and Dimitri barely registers the sound of her breath hitching when his eyes flick to them. She hasn't moved and Dimitri realizes she's waiting. There were so many times before when Rose had been the first to react, pushing and seizing an opportunity to make Dimitri respond. But he knows she needs him to be the first one to move. He needs to show her he wants this too.
So he does.
Dimitri lets go of Rose's hand to wrap his fingers around her neck, his thumb tilting up her jaw as he leans down to kiss her lips. They taste sweet, like apples and peppermint. His tongue lightly brushes along her bottom lip, indulging in another taste and Rose lets out a soft moan in reply.
Dimitri's feet move on their own again, guiding them further across the room. He's moving fast, hurried, desperate to have her closer. Rose's back and Dimitri's forearm simultaneously press against the wall, pinning her to him. She yanks his hips towards her, rolling her stomach along the seam of his jeans as he devours her mouth. A few whispered Russian words flutter against Rose's lips. From the roughness of his voice, they could be curses or prayers.
The sound spurs Rose on and she moves her grip from his waist to his shoulders to hoist herself up. Effortlessly, Dimitri hooks an arm under one of her thighs and pulls her up onto him. He wraps his other arm around her back and moves his mouth down her neck, afraid of kissing her perfect lips too roughly now with her straddled around him.
With her mouth free she gasps for air, her heart on the verge of careening out of her chest. It was never like this with anyone else. Even the ones she considered good, there was always something missing. It was comfortable. But Rose doesn't want comfortable. She wants passion. She wants someone who will kiss her like it's the only thing keeping them alive.
And right now, Dimitri is starved. He hadn't realized how much so until now. There were moments over the past several months; when she'd tease him, when she'd look at him how she used to, when she'd tackle him to the ground, when she'd text him things to make his blood boil. They had all left him wanting; awakening something inside him he thought he'd never have again. Never deserve again. And now with her body entwined with his, the smell of her hair, the taste of her skin, his senses are overloaded. Nothing else matters but her. Nothing else exists except his unwavering desire to please her. To make her feel things he knows only he can.
His rough kisses begin to move down further but are interrupted by the thick collar of the sweatshirt; there's a small moment of frustration, but that's when he remembers—despite the heavy fabric between them up top, she has nothing else on.
He untangles a hand from her thick hair and slowly traces the outside of her exposed thigh. He looks up at her the closer he gets to her waist, no longer asking for permission, but commanding her attention.
When her eyes meet his, there's something dark there waiting, but she's not afraid. This is exactly what she craves. This version of him that is somewhere in between. A person he's been scared to unleash but Rose trusts him to unbridle. He's talked about the other version of him before, about how ashamed he is of who he became, but there are still parts of him that he needs to embrace instead of running from. Parts that challenge her, excite her, thrill her in a way that no one else has matched.
His fingers creep under the sweatshirt at an aching pace, etching small paths along her stomach that burn exquisitely. He is so agonizingly close to touching her where she desperately wants, but he doesn't yet. There's something else he wants first.
He needs to prove to her that he's ready, that he's no longer operating on autoplay or running from the side of him Rose has been asking him to show. He knows it isn't just about sparring, or flirting, or sex…it's more than that. It's proving to her that he can handle what comes with fully living his life. With being able to let go and not live in constant fear that this would be the time he went too far.
There are no words for it now. Only actions. As her eyes gaze into his again, he lets her see him—all of him. There's a brief moment of shared understanding between them and when Dimitri is satisfied that she's here with him, he acts. His fingers leave behind the soft teasing gestures and move down to unleash everything she craves.
Within seconds she's already clawing at his shoulders and mewling his name. The sounds drive him further and he can't help the wicked grin that grows across his cheeks. Rose gasps at the sight, almost cumming from the look of smug satisfaction written in the man below her. By sheer will, she unlatches her fingers from their death grip on his shoulders and drops a hand between them to unfasten Dimitri's pants. There's the soft sound of his zip dropping then Dimitri's heart is stilled by the feel of her hand.
His fingers pause only for an instant to unscramble his thoughts and Rose bites down on her lip, unrelentingly gripping him tighter and flicking his tip with her thumb.
Dimitri's fingers plunge deep into Rose as he lets out a deep moan. She rolls her hips and the tips of his fingers brush against her in a way that tightens a growing coil inside her. Without warning, his fingers leave her and he's wrapping them around her hand, pulling his cock towards her.
Rose doesn't want to wait any longer either, she's on the verge of pushing down onto him and letting him fuck her against the wall, but stops him just before she lets things get to that point. Of all days this would be the one her absentee roommate would walk in unannounced and once they start, she doesn't want to be interrupted.
"Wait," she whispers and Dimitri stops moving, hovering at the precipice of everything he already knows her body has to give. "Not here," she pants out and there's a moment of confusion etched across his face. It looks like he's forgotten where he is and Rose lazily smiles at how enraptured being with her makes him. He blinks a few times, his focus steadying and his grip around her body tightening.
Dimitri starts to walk them towards her room as Rose tilts her mouth to nip at his ear. This time the Russian words are clearly a curse.
When he gets to the bed he lowers her down to kick off his pants and remove his sweater. He can see Rose's chest heaving through the nostalgic sweatshirt as her eyes trail down his sculpted chest, the deep cut of his lower abdomen, and further still.
There's a brief moment where he considers leaving the sweatshirt on her, the sight of her in it bringing about a boyish fantasy, but then he remembers what's underneath. It has been so long since he's seen her—the last time through tainted eyes.
He leans down to the bed, his hands sliding up her smooth thighs, then the curve of her hips before curling his fingers into the hem of the sweatshirt and lifting it up over her body. Before it's even all the way off a jolt of electricity shoots from his head straight to his cock. She is the most beautiful, intoxicating woman he has ever seen.
He tosses the sweatshirt away and when his hands are back on her, her skin is on fire, every part of her burning under his searing gaze. He begins kissing every inch of her body. His ache for her is bordering painful, but he can't help himself. He's greedy and famished at the same time. He would worship every part of her all night if she'd let him.
When his lips skim the small space between her ribs he wants to move them lower still, wants to taste something other than the smooth skin of her belly. He's been thinking about it ever since she sent him that damn text. But the way she's moving under him, tearing at his arms, he knows that will have to wait.
Dimitri moves back up towards her face, stopping only briefly to show her left breast appreciation. She lets out a breathy giggle as his tongue traces around her nipple, making him smile against her warm skin. Rose's fingers entangle themselves in his hair and he knows right now if she changed her mind and wanted to stop, this would be enough, this would be everything. But she doesn't. She shows him by lifting her hips towards him again, and he responds by giving her what she wants.
There's a collective moan as he settles into her and Dimitri pushes himself up just enough to catch the euphoric expression on Rose's face. The last time they were together like this, it was Rose's first. Things needed to move slowly and cautiously so it would still be enjoyable for her. But this time is different. This time she wants, needs more. The first powerful thrust surprises her and Rose's eyes go wide as a gasp seizes her.
The next few moves have her chest rising off the bed towards him. Dimitri wraps a hand around her arched back, pressing her up against him with breathy kisses along her neck. Normally, this is the part where Rose has to guide her partner to the pace she wants, but Dimitri is already there, bearing into her with excruciating reverence that has her crying out his name. He pulls up one of her legs behind the knee and rolls inside her in a way that has her grip in his hair tightening and her teeth nipping at his shoulder.
Every moan has him sinking deeper. Every clench of her fingers has him shifting pace and position. Both of them moving in a synchronization of passion and pleasure. As if their bodies are screaming to each other: more, more, more.
Each motion between them leaves Rose on the verge of falling apart, but the combination of Dimitri's strong arms and sweet kisses somehow keeps pulling her back together. She turns her lips towards his ear, kissing his lobe this time before her whimpering plea, "Say I'm yours, Dimitri. Please."
Dimitri's body tenses above her, and when he speaks his voice is thick with longing. "Roza. My Roza."
It's then Rose finally notices the heaviness of his breaths against her neck and the furious banging from inside his chest. She loosens her grip on him and moves her hands to his arms, giving her enough space to roll her hips into him a few times, the amorous sensation causing her head to drop onto the pillow.
Dimitri rears back, his hair flinging out of his face so Rose can finally see it. His eyebrows are curved downward, his mouth open but his jaw somehow still tight, and his eyes—there is so much emotion in his eyes she doesn't understand how one person can harbor it. She can see it all. The want, the need, but also the fears of the past, the longing of the now, and hope for the future. It's verging overwhelming, his strong chest heaving and his arms nearly shaking. Rose leans up and wraps an arm around his neck, pulling herself onto him so that she's in his lap with him supporting them from his knees. He doesn't stop as she pulls him close, cradling his face against her chest. Her hands glide into his hair again, gently kneading at the same pace he's still moving inside her.
Rose is like a balm, light as air in his hands, but wrapped in her arms he feels like he could break beneath the weight of the love he carries for her. This feeling of being with her is something mankind could only dream of, and when she touches his skin and stares in his eyes, he feels more like a person than he has in his entire life.
He can feel the waves of sweet release finally about to engulf her, so he tilts his head up and kisses her again, deep and hard—he wants to taste it on her tongue while he feels it wrap around him.
And he does.
A/N: So this is not at all how I originally planned this Ch. Mads and I had many talks about there being sprinkles of jealousy and sexual tension leading to an explosive moment between them. Which is very on point for canon Romitri, but after writing it, it didn't seem to fit the overall themes of the story as well. And I rewrote this version of Dimitri dating Rose instead. I still have the other version if anyone is interested, but I think this one turned out much better - and sweeter :).
I listened to Hozier's Unknown/Nth about a thousand times writing the love scene - and before any of you fellow Hozier fans come for me yes, I know it's technically a song about betrayal. But some of the lyrics just scream Dimitri to me and even made it into this chapter.
There will be just 2 chapters of this story left, and an Epilogue I'm working on that will probably come at a later date. Thanks to everyone still reading and bearing with these annoying update issues.