THE COMMUTE
by MAMBFF
Disclaimer: The rights to "Vampire Academy" belong to Richelle Mead.
Chapter Five
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Rolling over in bed, I nuzzle my face into Dimitri's chest and breathe him in, as he lay on his back. We'd finished packing up my apartment late last night and today was moving day. I was excited, and couldn't wait to get going.
After noting that it was only 6:00AM, I decided to wake Dimitri for some early morning loving before our day was stolen by our friends as they helped with the move.
We'd fallen into bed naked last night after sexing each other up for a few hours, finally crashing around 1AM. Moving the sheets off of his body, he stirs slightly but doesn't quite wake.
Moving to straddle his hips, I pump his cock a few times and he groans, loudly, but still remains asleep. I smile to myself at how adorably oblivious he is to my ministrations. He was already at half-mast; morning wood and all. Moving over him, I lower myself over his cock and plunge him inside me.
"Fuck me!" He cries loudly, sitting up abruptly as his hands grip my hips as he buries his face between my breasts.
"That's what I'm doing, Comrade." I giggle, leaning forward to wrap my arms around his shoulders as his lips kiss my breast, up my neck until they find mine.
The only sounds in the room were our heavy breaths as we slowly move together. His lips trail down to my chest as he licks and sucks my nipples while I gyrate over him. Dimitri grips my hips, guiding me over him at a quicker pace and moments later I find my release, shuddering above him. He flipped us suddenly so I was now on my back as he thrust into me.
"Dimitri, harder!" I urged, as he pounded into me fast, complying with my request. I could feel my second orgasm approaching and pulled him closer to kiss him. Our tongues finding their way into each other's mouths as they imitated the ministrations of his cock fucking me.
"I'm coming, Roza." He croons into my neck as he thrust hard a few more times before I shudder through another release as my walls quiver around his cock again, and he follows seconds later.
"So, fucking good." I gasped, pulling him flush against me, not caring about the extra weight.
"Really great wake-up call, milaya." He smiles sweetly at me, rolling to my side.
After a quick shower, we dress quickly while Dimitri offers to head up the block to the nearest coffee shop to get some breakfast and really big coffees. I gather up the bed sheets we used last night and pack them up on the top of the last box left opened for that purpose and move it to the living room.
Twenty minutes later, as it is approaching 8:00AM, Dimitri returns, along with Ivan and his younger brother, Jared, who I had the pleasure of meeting Wednesday night.
Dimitri went to get the pizza and I hear him call out unexpectedly, "What the fuck?"
"Dimitri? What's wrong?" I call heading to the door to see him hugging the pizza delivery person.
"Roza, this is Jared. He's Ivan's younger brother."
"Hi, nice to meet you." I state, reaching out to shake his outstretched hand.
"So, why the hell are you delivering pizzas? Did Ivan finally fire you over at Academy Gym?" Dimitri jests.
"It's a long story, but the short version. Ava…" He begins, before looking at me to clarify his next statement, "…my girlfriend, who is a paramedic" he adds before continuing, "…broke her foot on the job, and can't work. So, while waiting for her Worker's Compensation pay to come in, we need to make up a little extra income somewhere, so a few nights a week, I deliver pizza." He explains.
"Thanks for helping out, Jared, with the move and all. How's Ava doing?" I query as Dimitri hands me a coffee and a bagel.
"She's in pain and really frustrated because she can't just get up and go." He clarifies.
After scarfing down our breakfast and pounding back our coffees, Dimitri and I start loading up the dolly that we borrowed from the building's maintenance closet to bring down stacks of boxes to Dimitri's truck. The thing that is making this an even smoother move is the fact that Christian is using his SUV to transport my sensitive items, like my television, lamps and other breakables.
Five hours later, we've all collapsed around Dimitri's, or should I say, 'our' living room after finally hefting the last few boxes in. His home office was big enough that we could store my old bed in there for now, as I won't need it.
"Well as a thank you for helping my girl move today, I'm buying dinner, so Jared, go get our pizza!" He jokes before adding, "Just kidding, I thought we'd order in some Chinese, that good for everyone?"
"Sounds perfect, Comrade." I reply, kissing him sweetly.
Dimitri, Christian, Ivan and Jared all head out to get our dinner. But I suspect it has more to do with the fact that they also wanted to pick up some beer.
"So, how are you guys?" Lissa interjects.
"Perfect, really. I'm also really glad to finally be away from Camille."
"What is with Dimitri and his bitch magnet?" She laughs.
"You know, he's always been a magnet for girls, not that he's ever paid them any attention." Mia interjects. "He never really gave them attention." She adds.
Mia is Ivan's girlfriend and today was the first time I'd met her. They live in the building as well, a few floors up. Or rather, Mia lived in the building before Ivan moved in with her.
"I'm not surprised, he's gorgeous, sweet, hot, gorgeous…" I mumble out and the girls laugh.
"Yeah, but he seems to have a specific radar for attracting crazy." Lissa adds.
"No shit, let's hope they're finally behind us."
When the guys return, we all dive into dinner and before I know it, everyone starts to make their way home. We thank them profusely for their help and I'm so glad to finally have time alone with Dimitri in 'our' apartment. Ivan and Mia are the last to leave and as soon as Dimitri locks the door, I'm on him like white on rice.
"Hey Roza." He croons as he lifts me, allowing me to wrap my arms around his shoulders and legs around his waist.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
The wake-up call I received this morning was so amazing. To see Roza above me, riding me like she was as she came apart in my arms was fucking beautiful. The way she throws her head back and her hair falls down her back. I can always feel the ends of it hitting my thighs. She especially likes to be on top and I love watching her.
After a rushed breakfast and almost six hours of moving, we'd finally finished around 4:00PM. Chinese take-out was the gifted meal to our helpers and as soon as the last stragglers, Ivan and Mia left, she couldn't get to me quick enough.
"Hey Roza." I croon, lifting her up as her arms wind themselves around my shoulders and her legs around my waist.
"I'm so fucking tired and sore." She whines adorably, nuzzling her face into my neck.
"How about we take a bath." I suggest, walking us to the master bath.
"You and me naked? How could I refuse." She giggles, adorably.
Letting her down in the bathroom, I start the water before she adds some of her coconut bubble bath. Something that's been here for weeks now. We strip and I help her into the tub first before stepping in behind her.
"Sit in front of me." She requests with a smile as I take my seat. Her legs wrap around me and I run my hands along her legs. When I reach her ankles, I run them back up to her knees and down again.
She starts running her hands over my chest, over my shoulders and into my hair, pulling it back from my face as I lean my head against her breasts. We relax like this for a short while before she grabs a loofah, soaps it up and runs it over my chest and abs before pushing me forward and washing my back. I return the favour and steal a few kisses in between.
We were both too tired from the move that we ended up going to bed shortly after our bath and slept through until the next morning. I was awake before Roza and got up to put coffee on. Now that she was officially here with me, I thought I would treat my girl to breakfast in bed.
Making up a favourite from when I was a boy, I make a couple stacks of blini. Similar to a pancake but much better, at least to me. With some cut up fruit and coffee on the side, I plated the meal and set it on a tray before heading back into our bedroom to find she'd curled herself around my pillow. Setting the tray at the end of the bed, I lay down, wrapping myself around her from behind.
"Wake up, milaya." I whisper in her ear before kissing her cheek. She squirms adorably, stretching like a kitten before turning in my arms to face me.
"Morning." She mumbles while stifling a yawn before adding. "What's that smell?" She grins, sniffing the air and sitting up.
"Get comfy, lean against the headboard." I state. "I made you breakfast in bed." I add sitting the tray over her legs.
"You're so sweet to me."
"Of course, I am, you're my girl." I state simply, like it's the most obvious thing in the world before leaning in to kiss her.
"Where's your breakfast?" She states playfully, even though there are two stacks of blini on that plate.
"We're sharing, obviously." I tease.
"These are so good, what is this?" She asks.
"Blini. A favourite of mine." I relay.
"You'll have to teach me to make these." She grins, with her mouth full, making me laugh.
After we finish our breakfast, Roza offers to clean up while I go for a shower. Just as I'm getting dressed, she storms into the bedroom and throws a cardboard box at me and starts screaming.
"Hey, milaya what's wrong?" I call to get her attention.
"How long?" She demands, standing there with her hands on her hips and her foot tapping in annoyance. Even though she's mad as hell, she looks fucking sexy.
"What are you talking about?" I'm completely dumbfounded when she chucks an envelope at me.
Pulling it off the floor at my feet where it landed, I read over it quickly.
Thanks for the other night and the one before that. Here's something to remember me by.
Love,
You Know Who.
"What the fuck is this?" I reply looking at her face to see her hurt expression.
"You tell me, she left you some lingerie as well." She shouts angrily signalling to the box to the left, on the floor.
Opening the flap, I look inside to see some black negligee thing. I look back at the note, not sure what to think. Roza left me in the bedroom and I don't know where she is. The thought that she actually thinks I would fuck around on her hurts me just as much as the asshole who is leaving shit at my door, is hurting her. They obviously wanted to fuck things up for us and well…it's working.
I wander into the living room and don't see her anywhere. 'She fucking left,' I realize, rubbing my hands over my face in frustration. Without another thought I head up the few floors in the elevator to Ivan's place and Mia answers. She half closes the door and looks at me pointedly.
"What did you do?" She stares at me harshly.
"I didn't do fucking anything! I was in the shower and when I come out, Roza is furious, throwing boxes and letters at me. Someone is trying to insinuate that I cheated on Roza with them, and it's not fucking true!" I reply harshly.
"I believe you Dimitri, but that girl in there is in tears. She's dealt with a lot of crap from girls trying to get your attention."
"I know that, but I've never wanted any of them, I only want Roza, I mean seriously Mia! I'm fucking in love with her, I would never hurt her like that."
"Give her some time, go home, try to relax and get rid of the fucking box."
"I'm keeping the letter; I want to see if more show up. Compare it…"
"That's reasonable enough, but just let her cool down, I'll talk to her okay." She comforts.
Mia has known me for a few years, even though I lived in New York this time last year, working for Victor Dashkov, Ivan would still come up some weekends for visits, or I'd come here. We'd all meet for dinner to catch up and I got to know Mia. She was good for Ivan.
Trudging back to the apartment dejectedly and decide that pounding the shit out of something sounds good. Changing into my work out clothes I head down to the gym. I text Roza to tell her where I'll be, so if she comes home and doesn't find me, she will know where I am. I get a reply and am severely saddened by the tone.
Rose: Do whatever the fuck you want, you seem to like that.
Dimitri: I've not been with anyone else Roza. I wish you could believe that.
She doesn't reply after that. I grab a towel and a water bottle and head down to pound something. I'm angrier and frustrated at whomever it is trying to screw shit up for us but whoever it is, is going to be sorry.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Dimitri was incredibly sweet, making me breakfast in bed. We ate quietly together, sharing kisses in between and when finished, I offer to tidy up since he cooked. As he heads to the bathroom for a shower, I go to the kitchen to see he's already done about ninety-eight percent of the clean-up. I smile to myself as I toss out the used coffee grinds after pouring myself another cup.
The garbage is full and I pull the bag out, tying off the top and decide to head to the end of the hall by the elevator to toss it down the chute. I almost trip when I open the door to see a small box outside the door with an envelope on top. It's not addressed to anyone and I have no idea if it's meant for me or Dimitri. I get rid of the garbage before picking up the package and heading back into the kitchen. I open the envelope and read the cursive writing and feel myself flare up in anger. 'He couldn't have, could he?' I think to myself, before struggling with the tape on the box to open it. What I find inside disgusts me and I storm back to the bedroom to confront him. Still in disbelief as I shove my discovery at him.
"What the fuck is this?" He states before looking up at me. I'm trying to be really strong right now and not let him see me crumble but I can't hold it back. I leave him to his 'gift' before storming out of the apartment. The next safest place to go is up to Ivan and Mia's and I know Ivan is at Academy gym today as he took yesterday off to help me move.
"Rose? What's wrong?" Mia comforts when she sees me in tears at her door.
"Dimitri, he…he…" I can't get the words out and she leads me into the living room. After taking a seat on the love seat, she sits across from me on the couch and waits for me to calm down so I can explain.
"Dimitri loves you Rose; he would never even think of being with someone else!" She states a little harshly after I've informed her of my discovery.
"That's why this hurts so much. God Mia, I know he wouldn't, I'm so fucking stupid, but just the idea that someone else is trying to make me think it, it is so infuriating."
"Well, not to sound like a bitch, but it's working. You thought the worst of him and left."
"I know. I'm such a stupid idiot. I mean fuck, he made me breakfast in bed this morning." I state as another flood of tears escapes me.
Mia continues to try to calm me down but knows these are more tears of frustration and anger than tears of hurt from anything Dimitri did. I know he didn't do it, but it still hurts knowing someone is trying to convince us otherwise. I can't get the look on his face out of my head when he saw my anger, he thinks I believe he would have actually cheated.
We're interrupted when there is a loud knock on the door and it sounds impatient. I know it's Dimitri.
"It's him." I confirm as she goes to answer the door.
Their voices are muffled and I know she appeases him for now. When she returns, she offers to come down and help me unpack and I agree, only after she states that he's heading down to the gym to blow off some steam.
Just as we're getting ready to head down to mine and Dimitri's place, he sends me a text message and I'm such a bitch to him in return. I can't take it back; I've hit send and I contemplate telling him 'I'm sorry' but it won't mean anything in a text message. Damn me and my impulsivity.
An hour later, Mia and I have finished integrating my kitchen stuff with Dimitri's and we're breaking down the rest of the boxes.
"He's been in the gym for a long time." I state randomly when I realize he's been down there for at least an hour and a half.
"Why don't you go bring him some water?" She suggests with a small encouraging smile. I nod in agreement but decide to change. I've been wearing jeans and it's rather hot, so I leave my tank-top on and change into jean shorts instead before grabbing two bottles of water from the fridge. I lock the door after Mia as she heads back up to her place in one elevator and I take the other down.
Seeing him through the glass as he wails on the punching bag tugs at my heart. He's angry and I caused that. I'm nervous as I make my way around the corner to the doors. He's using a towel to wipe the sweat off of himself when I approach. He doesn't see me at first and I clear my throat to get his attention. He looks at me sadly and doesn't react much as I hand him some water.
"Thanks," He mumbles.
"I'm sorry I was such a bitch. You didn't deserve that."
"No, I didn't." He's being short with me and I only have myself to blame.
"I know you didn't cheat Dimitri…. Please look at me." I cry, trying to keep the tears at bay.
"I need some time Roza, please." He replies turning back to the bag, away from me.
"Please don't walk away." I cry.
"I just need to think." He explains.
"What can I do to fix this?" I query as he huffs roughly before replying to my question.
"You didn't even let me acknowledge anything or clarify anything. You just assumed and then left." He replied angrily.
"I was angry, but not at you." I explained. "I'm sorry. I was so stupid. Someone is trying to make me, US," I clarify, "… think that you cheated on me with them and I am angry. But I took it out on you. I know I was wrong." I confess, needing to feel a semblance of closeness to him but feel like I'm failing.
"You don't think I'm angry, Roza?" He replies. I know he's hurting too; I can see it in his face.
"I'll leave you alone." I reply rushing out of the gym to leave him to his punching bag.
When I return to the apartment, I throw myself into unpacking. I don't want him questioning whether or not I want to be here with him because I know I do. I head to the bedroom and unpack the rest of the boxes of clothes I have. He's made space in his walk-in closet. I hang the dress pants, skirts and blouses before unpacking the boxes of t-shirts, sweaters and undergarments into my dresser which is now across the room, mirroring his on the opposite wall.
After breaking down the last few boxes I hear the front door open and close and know he's returned. I want to give him space but need to see him too, I hope he doesn't regret my moving in now. In my haste to jump up and meet him, I trip over the broken-down boxes and fall over myself, hurting my ankle in the process.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh…" I scream in pain reaching for my ankle. Dimitri rushes down the hall and is at my side to see what's wrong. I look up at him pitifully trying not to cry at the pain. I've cried enough today already. So much so that I swear I'm dehydrated.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
I've been pounding on this fucking bag for over an hour now and I'm drenched in sweat. I chug the entire water bottle I'd brought with me and grab my towel. I wipe my face and brow when I hear a throat clearing behind me. Turning around, I see Roza standing there sheepishly holding out a bottle of water for me. I love her so fucking much, but the fact that she just walked out, without giving me a chance to reply to the accusations hurt more than she realizes.
She offered up her apologies and knew she was in the wrong but her lack of trust in me regardless of the accusation was hard to ignore. I understood she was upset too, but fuck. She admitted she was irrational and I knew we needed to talk.
Finally, after two hours or working myself ragged, I head back up to the apartment. After closing and locking the door, I toss the now empty water bottles into the recycle bin when I hear Roza call out in pain. I rush down the hallway to the bedroom to see her on the floor, grabbing her ankle.
"Milaya, what did you do?" I question worriedly.
"I tripped over the fucking boxes." She replies angrily, shoving the small stack away from her in irritation.
"Come 'ere." I murmur, picking her up off of the floor and setting her on the end of the bed.
"Dimitri, I'm so sorry, I was such an idiot. I shouldn't have left like I did." She cries, gripping at my shirt.
"I know milaya." I add cupping her face in my hands.
"Please say that we're, okay?" She cries.
"We will be fine. But I can't ignore the fact that it hurt that you'd assume the implication was truth before even letting me say anything about it." I explain.
"I know. I'm sorry. I should have explained before why I was leaving and I'm so confused. Why would someone do this? And who?" She mumbles, reaching down to rub her ankle.
"I kept the letter." I share. "I want to see if we get anymore, or to compare against people we know." I explain.
She nods in understanding as I look down to see a bluish, purple coloured bruise forming on the outside of her ankle.
"It hurts but I don't think it's sprained, I just fell on it hard." She adds.
"Can you walk on it?" I question, pulling her up by her hands and allowing her to settle her weight on her feet.
"It's sore but manageable." She confirms.
After setting her up on the couch in the living room with an ice-pack on her ankle and the TV remote, I head back to the bedroom to take my second shower of the day.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Stretching out on the couch with the ice-pack on my ankle is giving me some relief. Dimitri waltzes into the room twenty minutes later wearing only some dark grey sweats, no shirt and bare feet.
"How's your ankle?" He questions sweetly.
"Sore, but it will be fine." I reply, eyeing him closely.
He heads into the kitchen and returns ten minutes later with two sandwiches, some potato chips and drinks.
"Lunch?" He queries, handing me one of the plates from the tray he'd used to bring everything out here.
"Thank you." I reply watching to see where he sits. I'm thankful when he sits right beside me. If he were any closer, he'd be on top of me, and I wouldn't argue with that.
We're both ignoring the elephant in the room, knowing we have to talk more, but I'm just thankful to be in the same room as him at the moment. When we're finished lunch, he puts our plates on the coffee table in front of us before turning back to me.
"I love you Roza. It's that simple. I've never entertained the idea of anyone else since the first moment I talked to you on that fucking train." He pleads with me.
"I love you too, and I'm so sorry I was such a bitch. But just for a moment, put yourself in my shoes. There is a string of psychos after you and they don't care that you're with me, they still try!" I explain.
"I've never given them any indication that I'm interested." He adds.
"I know you haven't, but for girls like that, ignoring them only makes them want you more. Wanting what they can't have."
"Oh, milaya." He pauses, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "Promise me if anything else shows up at the damn door that you will come to me first?" He urges.
"I will. I can't say it enough, how sorry I am." I try not to cry, again. "I'm so sorry, Comrade." I blubber.
"I know Roza." He replies, cuddling me against his chest comfortingly. "Whoever is doing this managed to get into the building, which is even more disturbing." He stated.
"Well, let's try to narrow it down?" I suggest.
We go over the possibilities listing off the girls who have been vying for his attention the past few months. Avery Lazar is at the top, along with Tasha Ozera. But Tasha hasn't tried anything else for a few weeks. So, Dimitri wants to rule her out.
But I explain that maybe her lack of trying at the office is because she's been planning this. He agrees and we add that tidbit of information to the list. Camille is the newest addition and we figure that out of those three, only Camille knows our address. The fourth on the list is 'unknown'. For all we know there is a tenant of the building who's after him or someone else completely and we don't even know it.
The ice-pack has melted and there's nothing left of it, so I push it aside and cuddle up to Dimitri on the couch. He lays back and I snuggle closer to him, facing him on the couch as he holds me and tucking my face into his neck, breathing in his woodsy, pine and cloves scent. I pull back slightly when I can hear the rumble of his voice as he starts speaking.
"You've been apologizing to me, but I'm sorry too." He states, cupping my face with his left hand.
"Why are you apologizing to me?"
"Because, it's not your fault that you reacted that way." He reasoned. "That package was sent to get that kind of response out of you. That is not fair to you and I'm sorry Roza."
"I love you, Dimitri."
"I love you too." He adds before bringing me closer.
His lips descend on mine and we lay on the couch kissing, fondling and groping for the better part of an hour when he accidentally kicks my sore ankle.
"Fuck!" I screech.
"Shit, milaya, I'm so sorry."
"It's okay, but maybe I should be on top?" I flirt as he sits up suddenly, allowing me to straddle him.
I pull my tank-top off and my bra before bending to capture his lips once again. His hands move up the skin of my thighs before cupping my sex and rubbing his palm against me hard, causing me to grind down into his hand.
"You know… what the best part…about fighting…is?" I get out between pants.
"What?"
"The make-up sex." I reply, a huge grin on my face. He smiles in return as I stand from his lap, careful of my ankle, before slipping my jean shorts and underwear off. I help him tug off his jogging pants to see he's not wearing any boxer briefs.
"You want it slow and soft, or hard and fast?" He questions, pulling me back over his lap, so I'm hovering over his hard cock.
"I want you to fuck me…hard." I reply as he guides his hard shaft into me while I lower myself.
"I love watching you ride me like this." He pants, thrusting up into me from below.
After my first orgasm, I climb off of him and get on my hands and knees at the other end of the couch, signalling I want him to take me from behind. He slips in easily and pounds hard. The only sounds in the room are our panting breaths and the slapping of our flesh as his hips and thighs meet my backside and thighs.
"I'm so close." He pants out.
I feel my second orgasm approaching as his hand slips around to rub my clit. It sends me over and I start coming on his cock as he slows his thrusts, succumbing to his own pleasure seconds later. Just as he pulls his jogging pants back on, there is a knock on the door.
"Seriously? I'm fucking naked!" I blurt as he grabs my shorts and underwear, tossing them at me.
We must be taking too long as the knock sounds again.
"Just a minute!" Dimitri shouts, hoping to appease our visitor until I get my clothes back on.
I settle back into the couch, and rest my foot on the elevated pillow before he opens the door.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
As I wait for Roza to re-dress herself, I watch with admiration as she covers her perfect breasts with her bra, then tank-top. She sees me watching and gives me another quick flash before covering herself once again. I shake my head, grinning the whole time. Once she's situated, I swing open the door to see Mia standing there.
"Hey." I greet politely, inviting her in.
"So, how are things?" She questions meekly.
"Really great." I reply, a smug smile on my face. She starts laughing hysterically.
"What's so funny?" Roza calls from the couch.
"That, right there…" She begins, pointing to me. "Is the face of a man who just had phenomenal make-up sex!" She laughs once again.
"Busted!" Roza blurts out, joining in the laughter. I just shrug, unapologetically.
"What can I say, I love my Roza." I state simply.
"You guys are too adorable. I'm glad you worked your shit out."
"It wasn't without injury." Roza adds, pointing to her ankle.
"Please don't tell me you hurt yourself during make-up sex!" Mia calls, as she moves to sit on the couch.
Roza snorts and giggle laughs at that. I find it incredibly adorable, before she adds, "No, I got this rushing out of the room when I heard him come home earlier. Didn't make it past the broken-down boxes." She finishes as I head back to the bedroom to put on a t-shirt.
"You're looking a little rumpled there, girl, looks like you got some good lovin'," I hear Mia tease as I re-enter the living room.
"No, I got fucked, nice and hard." Roza confirms before she and Mia are both in a fit of giggles. I leave them to their girl-talk as I head into the kitchen and grab us each a beer.
"So, any idea who was behind it?" Mia questions as I take a seat next to Roza after handing out the beers.
We give her the run-down of our theories and the girls/women who have crossed our paths the past few months. Mia nods in understanding and says she'll keep an eye out before heading back to her apartment, knowing Ivan will be home shortly.
With the weather being as nice as it is, I suggest to Roza that we grill up the steaks in the fridge and she happily agrees. Her ankle is tender but she can walk on it, so she starts preparing a salad as I get the steaks marinated before heading out onto the balcony to start the small Bar-B-Q we have.
I throw the steaks on and listen as they sizzle on the grill. Roza pops her head out the door a few minutes later handing me another fresh beer and a plate for when the steaks are finished.
"Thanks, milaya." I call as she heads back inside.
"You're welcome."
"I love you." I call, with a smile.
"I love you too." She replies, her voice echoing from the kitchen.
No relationship is perfect and this was our first real fight. But we both acknowledge that we need to listen to one another and take things with a grain of salt. It's like gossip. Just because someone says something, doesn't mean it's true. Like Avery and her delusions of us or Jesse thinking that Roza was his. We will definitely have more hurdles in our future but the key is to deal with them together.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Things have been rather quiet when it comes to the 'stalker' issue. We've not received any more boxes or letters. At least not yet. But I can't help but think, in the back of my mind, that a storm is brewing. I'm brought out of my thoughts when there is a knock on my door.
"Isaiah? What can I do for you?"
"Sorry to bother you Ms. Hathaway, but Mr. Belikov has requested you join him in his office." He states. I notice he has a look on his face that I can't quite read. Annoyance maybe?
"Thank you." I reply simply as I stand from my desk after saving my work.
Isaiah watches me as I head over to Dimitri's office. I wave to Lissa as I pass, and she motions for me to go right in.
"Hey, Roza!" He greets kindly as I close and lock the door.
"Hey Comrade, what's up?"
"Lissa and I are headed to New York again. Leave tomorrow morning." He informs me.
"Mikhail Tanner?"
"Exactly. End of the season, and he wants to give us the presentation for the fall/winter line so we can start talking ideas and what not."
"Fair enough." I nod in agreement. "Was that all?" I add.
"Actually, there is something I wanted to discuss with you, somewhat work related." He begins as he comes around his desk and leans on the front, legs crossed at the ankle. "I wasn't going to say anything, but Lissa also pointed out things she's noticed, as well as me, and we, more so I wanted to talk to you about it personally." He finishes, pulling me to lean against him.
"What's wrong?" I question, a little worried.
"Nothing detrimental to your position or anything, just certain behaviour we've both observed."
Dimitri goes on to explain how on a few occasions, if he and I are talking by his office door, he's seen Isaiah glaring at him. On other occasions, he's noticed how Isaiah touches me when it's not necessary at all. Lissa has noticed this as well, more so the 'evil' looks he's cast towards Dimitri.
"Normally, I would just shrug it off, but just this morning when you guys were semi-huddled over your computer as you showed him something, he glared at me through the window in your office, and then put his hand on your shoulder, like he was sending me some kind of message, all the while, still smirking at me."
"I honestly haven't noticed it Dimitri."
"Maybe it's the whole protective boyfriend in me, but I hate that he even touches you to begin with. It's not necessary and could be construed as sexual harassment."
"Hey, I get the discomfort on your part, I mean I hated it when Tasha would do that, and that's when we were barely dating. If I…actually, WHEN I notice it again, I'll make a point of telling him to keep his hands to himself."
"Thank you. And…I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be controlling, but something about that kid just bothers me."
"I'm sure it's just harmless infatuation, but I will draw the line. It's hard to call him out on something unless I catch him in act, so to speak."
"I know. But if you have any questions, Lissa said she'd fill you in on the things she's seen."
"I trust you, but I wouldn't mind knowing about what she's seen."
"Is he your permanent assistant?"
"Actually no, I've not had any other floaters yet, maybe Alberta just assumes he's a great fit?"
"Maybe, but perhaps you could send her an e-mail. Acknowledge he's been doing a good job but you'd like to try another assistant to compare before you decide on anyone permanent." Dimitri suggests.
"It couldn't hurt." I agree.
Dimitri kisses me sweetly and even taps my ass for good measure before I head back over to my office. I can't help but eye Isaiah with a little suspicion.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
It was becoming a major concern of mine when I would see Isaiah through the blinds of Roza's office, only to see him smirking at me as he touched her in some way. Although, in this instance, he was touching her shoulder. I know deep down, that it was probably irrational. He acted like it was some kind of competition for her attention.
If he only knew, 'he wasn't even in the running', I think to myself. I watch from my office doorway as Roza ensconces herself back in her office, closing the door and even the blinds. 'Yes, thank you,' I think. Privacy while she works is important. It makes me wonder how many times he's spied her through the window, or watched her work.
Now that Lissa and I are heading to New York again tomorrow, I have to work through lunch, as does Lissa. Roza, the love of mine that she is, gets us all lunch and helps us with the account so we can be finished on time.
When Roza entered my office with lunch, I noticed that her office door had been closed, and now that I was seeing her out and thanking her for lunch, the door was open.
"Wait!" I call in a hushed whisper, pulling on her hand to stop her.
"What?"
"Your door is now open and it was closed when you arrived." I whisper. We can't see in past the doorway as she had closed her blinds as well, obstructing our view.
"It was, what the fuck!" She states in an angry whisper, before marching over. I follow behind to see if we can find the reason.
"Isaiah!" She calls as we see him hunched over her computer.
"Ms. Hathaway! I'm sorry to be in your office, but there was a problem with my computer syncing your appointments, and I wanted to see if it would allow me to add them to yours." He explains.
"There is no reason for you to be in her office! If YOUR computer is not working, then you call IT. You don't enter her office and start snooping around on her computer. I don't care what your excuse is, it's a breach of privacy!" I state rather coldly. I can feel Roza running her hand along my back to help calm me.
"Mr. Belikov…" He begins, as though he's going to give me a talking to.
"Isaiah, that's enough. Mr. Belikov is correct. No matter the issue with your computer, you never have the right to just enter my office without my permission. Especially when I'm not here!" Roza fights back.
"You can leave now." I state simply as he scuttles past, giving me another evil glare as he does.
"Isaiah, that's enough, you don't need to be giving Mr. Belikov evil looks, you're the one at fault here, not him!" Roza shouts. He looks taken aback and finally extricates himself from our presence.
Once he is gone, Roza closes the door and moves over to the phone on her desk. I watch as she dials in a number and waits for the person on the other end to pick up.
"Alberta, hello, Rose Hathaway, here." She greets. I smile to myself when I realize she's foregoing the e-mail altogether, to contact the head of the PA department personally.
"So, what did Alberta say?" I encourage when she finally hangs up.
"I will still e-mail her with my concerns and what I caught him doing, but she will assign someone new to me come Monday morning."
"I hate that I'm not going to be here tomorrow, or maybe even Thursday. What if he tries something with you?"
"Dimitri. I understand your concern, really, and I'm not trying to undermine you but I'm his boss, if he so much as looks at me funny, I will give him a piece of my mind. Also, now that Alberta is aware of his actions, she may just pop up for a surprise visit!" She explains, smiling wickedly at the end.
"I love you." I state simply, leaning over her desk to kiss her. Just as I go to pull away, she stops me, pulling me around her desk so we can enjoy a few more moments of uninterrupted making-out.
"I love you too." She smiles, once she finally pulls away.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Dimitri, being the sweetheart that he is, walked me to the train this morning before rushing home to wait for the car-service that was taking Lissa and him to the airport.
When I walked into the office, it wasn't the same. He's had to go to New York before but after the 'incident' with Isaiah yesterday afternoon, I'm nervous about how he will react today when he sees that Dimitri, nor Lissa will be in the office.
Maybe I'm overreacting, thinking the worst, but I honestly had not noticed the way Isaiah would treat Dimitri. It was almost as if it was jealous behaviour. Being that I'm really early, as always, I decide to head to the tenth floor and have a personal one on one with Alberta.
"Good morning, Rose." Molly greets.
"Hi Molly, is Alberta available for a few minutes?"
"She is, go on in." She nods.
After knocking on the open door to signal my presence, Alberta waves me in and asks me to close the door.
"I'm so sorry about Isaiah, Rose." She begins.
"It's not your fault, don't worry about it. I've made the notification to you and sent the e-mail after he left work yesterday." I explain.
"Yes, I got it. I was just about to attach it to your file. I noticed there was an update on your account, an address change?" She hints, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Dimitri and I moved in together a couple weeks ago." I confirm.
"That's fantastic Rose. He's such a looker that one!" She teases.
Most people, if they were to overhear this conversation, might think that Alberta is crossing a line in regards to personal privacy, especially on company time, but she was my mentor when I first began and more importantly a great friend. So, it's almost like we're having girl-talk. Technically I don't start for another twenty minutes either, so we can freely engage in a little off-topic conversation.
"He's incredible. You know this morning, he even walked me to the train, knowing he had to run back home to catch the car-service taking him to the airport."
"So chivalrous too. You got yourself a good one."
"I know. Thanks Alberta. Also, if something happens with Isaiah today, do you mind if I call you direct again?"
"Of course, dear!"
"I'm not expecting anything to happen, but when he sees Dimitri and Lissa are out of the office, he might get ideas, who knows." I add.
"I understand your concern, of course. I checked out his file again yesterday after you made your complaint, and although I cannot share any personal information, there is nothing untoward listed to be concerned about. So, try not to worry yourself too much. Like you said, it's likely he has a crush on you."
"Crush or not, that's no excuse to invade my personal office unless he's given permission to do so." I relay. "There are always whispers of competitors wanting info on accounts, so for all I know he's trying to steal account information to take back to another advertising agency." I add
"I agree. That's possible. But from what you've said, he didn't get past the login screen." She replied.
"True." I nod. "Maybe I'm overreacting." I retort, laughing it off.
"Hope all goes well and just work your little heart out." She smiles.
"Thanks Alberta. Also, feel free to make any surprise visits." I hint with a wink, before finally heading up to my floor.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
Even though the flight is just about two hours, it feels like it's taking five to get there. Lissa notices my annoyance and reassures me that Roza is a tough girl and will, I quote, 'slap a bitch', if necessary.
"Very true!" I agree with a small laugh. "I just don't trust Isaiah at all, he's acting so suspicious." I add.
"I talked to Rose this morning while you were getting coffee. She was on the train, so I told her about what I'd seen Isaiah doing."
In the privacy of my office more than a week ago, Lissa confided in me that she was uncomfortable about the way she'd seen him react towards her. I asked her to explain what she'd seen and she went into detail about the first time it really bothered her.
After lunch one day, Roza had returned to my office with coffee for the two of us as we both had time left on our lunch. When Isaiah noticed this, he made a point of touching her arm and telling her he could have gotten that for her. I remembered this incident as it had happened before as well and I was standing at my door when the exchange took place. That was when I really started paying attention to his interactions with her.
"I know she can handle herself but I also know you'd feel better if you could at least monitor him in the office with her, especially after the incident yesterday." Lissa adds.
"Thanks for that."
As we descend into the airport, we wait for the flight attendants to give us the 'okay' to disembark. There is a car service waiting to take us to Mikhail Tanner's offices and once we arrive, overnight bags in hand if needed, we're ushered up to his office.
"Mr. Belikov, Ms. Dragomir, always a pleasure!" Mikhail greets us excitedly.
Mikhail took it upon himself to schedule twenty-minute meetings with the other clients who signed on with me last time I was in New York, just to go over the basics of their accounts and touch base.
Those clients are more okay with the FaceTime or Skype aspects of our meetings but a face to face now and then can't hurt. Lissa and I muddled through those meetings rather quickly while she took diligent notes. After the last client, Mikhail had lunch catered and we ate in the boardroom while general chitchat ensued.
Once lunch was accomplished, the presentation was underway for Mikhail's Fall/Winter products. Once again, Lissa took diligent notes and we brainstormed the different themes and ideas Mikhail wanted to see portrayed in this campaign. He even went so far as to start throwing out ideas for the Christmas campaign. Of course, those would be revisited but it never hurts to be ahead of schedule.
By the time 5:30PM rolled around, everything that needed to be accomplished was and we were free to head home that night if we chose. It didn't take much convincing on Lissa's part either, which made me happy. We both avoided calling Roza so that I could surprise her. If we were lucky, we could get home by 9:30PM or 10:00PM, at the latest.
After a quick flight home, the car service dropped Lissa off first at her apartment and I helped her up with her bag before the driver took me on to my place. When I entered the lobby of the building, I gave a small wave to the security attendant sitting behind the front desk and he acknowledged my presence as well before heading to the elevator banks.
When I unlocked the door, the scene before me had me worried. Roza sat on the living room couch with Mia, wine glasses in hand. I could see Roza was upset, maybe had been crying and in front of her on the table was another box while she held the letter in hand.
"Dimitri!" She cried, setting her wine glass down and literally jumping over the couch to get to me.
"Roza, what's wrong? What did the letter say?" I question, hugging her to me.
"I'll leave you guys, let me know if I can do anything." Mia interjects before letting herself out.
"Come and see." She adds, tugging my hand to sit next to her on the sofa.
She hands me the letter first, and I look down at the page before me.
Another memory for us to share. I'm still thinking about you. I know you're thinking of me.
Love,
You Know Who.
After reading the letter, I look up to Roza to see her biting her lip.
"What was in the box, milaya?" I probe as she hands it to me, the flaps open.
It would appear that a pair of boxer shorts were sent this time.
"Okay, that's it, we're going to the police. We need to know what to do to get this under control." I explain.
She wipes her cheeks and chugs back the last sip of her wine while I take down the last of the wine from Mia's glass.
Roza is quiet as I lead her to the parking garage.
"We're taking my truck. I put the boxes and letters in a bag" I explain as I rev the engine a little. "When did you find the box?" I ask as I hold her hand over the console while stopped at a light.
"Mia invited me for dinner tonight and when I got home, around 8:15PM, it was sitting there. I called Mia and asked her to come down to be with me. I wanted to wait for you but I couldn't."
"It's okay milaya, I'm glad you weren't alone when you opened it."
"I'm just confused by it, I mean it's not threatening, it's just personal and the implications are fucking pissing me off." She exasperates. "There's nothing to say who the letters are for." She adds.
"Hopefully we can get some answers by making a report. Getting a professional's opinion on the situation." I add as I finally pull into the Chicago PD lot. I park in a visitor space and shut off the engine.
Roza waits for me to help her out of the truck, and it's expected, as she has a hard time jumping down from the cab of the truck. She's gripping the bag fiercely as I set her on the ground.
"I love you, Roza." I state, kissing her rather roughly. "No matter what." I add.
"I love you too." She replies, kissing me back intensely.
I lead her into the precinct where we're greeted by an officer behind a front reception desk.
"Hello, what can I do for you?"
"Hi, I'm not sure who we need to speak with but we're both, as a couple being stalked by someone, anonymously and we've received letters and gifts at our door with no delivery address on them. We want to make a report of this activity and find out what we can do." I explain, looking at Roza who has a look of determination on her face.
"Let me page Detective Croft for you." The officer states, signalling for us to take a seat.
~VA TC VA~
Rose
Seeing Dimitri come through the apartment door was such a relief and after he saw the new letter and 'gift', his idea to go to the police had me determined.
While we waited in the reception of the precinct, he held my hand and gave me a reassuring smile.
"Hello, I'm Detective Hans Croft, how can I be of assistance?" We hear. He's not a large man, about 5'8 or 5'9 in height, blondish-grey hair, around fifty-two years of age.
"Detective Croft, my name is Dimitri Belikov, this is my girlfriend, Rose Hathaway, and we believe we're being stalked by someone maybe more than one someone." He starts. "We have in this bag a couple letters and surprise gifts that have just appeared at our door." Dimitri explains as the detective shakes our hands in greeting.
"Come with me and let's get the whole story." He nods as we follow him through a hallway to an elevator where we ascend to the 7th floor.
"Can I get you some coffee?" He adds pointing to the full pot on the sidebar of the interview room.
"Yes, please, black." I state as Dimitri agrees.
"Okay, tell me everything." He initiates, once he sets two fresh cups down in front of us, the coffee steaming.
Dimitri and I go back and forth between the two of us in regards to the discovery of the first package, the fight that ensued and our reconciliation at the fact that we realized we would never cheat on the other.
I hand over the bag with the boxes and letters for Detective Croft to look over, but not before he puts on gloves.
"Has anyone else besides the two of you touched these?" He questions referring to the letters and boxes.
"Not that I'm aware of." Dimitri explains.
"The second box was handled by my friend and neighbour, Mia, she was inspecting it for any marks or anything, but that's it." I explain before Detective Croft reviews the letters and then the 'gifts'.
We wait patiently as he seems to be thinking before putting the items in evidence bags and pulling a fresh page from his leather-bound file carrier. It's small and thin, just like a thick folder. He makes a few notes before returning his gaze to us.
"Do you have anyone that you suspect that could be behind this?" He begins.
"Well, we've sort of made a list. But the reasons for these suspects have more story behind them." Dimitri articulates.
"Okay give me the list and then we'll get into details." Detective Croft nods.
We explain the list we came up with including Tasha Ozera, Avery Lazar, Camille and even including an 'unknown' category. The detective nods while taking notes before replying.
"And what about men?"
"What do you mean, what about men?" I question, slightly confused.
"After looking over the letters and the gifts, it would appear that the perpetrator behind this is not only concealing the who but the gender as well." He begins. "The handwriting, while cursive is not specifically identifiable as either male or female. While the context of the notes is certain to exclude who exactly the note and gift are intended for. There is no address to anyone by name. Which makes it unclear if the messages are for you, Rose, or you Dimitri." He informs while looking at us for our reaction. Shocked faces are what he finds.
"I never even considered the possibility that it could be a man behind this, now that list is even bigger!" I cry in fear. I also feel a little ignorant that we didn't come to this conclusion either.
"This is not something you could have foreseen and it's not a guarantee, but we have to think of all the possibilities." Detective Croft states.
"I realize that and I have three more names we can add to that list right now." Dimitri states.
"Hit me with it." He states, pen at the ready.
"Jesse Zeklos, Mason, and Isaiah…." Dimitri states looking to me.
"We don't know Mason's last name but he works at a pub up the street from our work, 'Guardian's', and Isaiah is my personal assistant at work, last name Wilson." I add.
"There is one other bit of information though." Dimitri interjects.
"What's that?" Croft questions.
"Jesse Zeklos is a distant relative to a good friend of mine, Ivan Zeklos, and his brother Jared. I don't believe they've seen each other in years, but the name Zeklos, is rather formidable in town." He finishes.
"I'm sorry, I didn't tell you, Roza, -" I cut him off.
"It's okay. Really. Not like it's come up in conversation." I reply, gripping his hand more firmly in mine in reassurance.
We give him the rest of the details for Jesse as well while the detective makes at least two pages of notes.
"Now we also have to add 'unknown' to that list for the males, for all we know it's someone you've not physically encountered yet."
Again, we nod in understanding.
"We realize that no threat of violence or harm has been made but it's unsettling that someone is able to get into our apartment building, unnoticed by our own neighbours." I exclaim, looking over at Dimitri worriedly.
"Okay last question, the sizes on these items, the lingerie is a…." He begins, rattling off the size of the negligee and boxers.
They were sizes that would not fit either of us and while they might have been something we would wear, the sizes mattered. But it was important to note that Dimitri rarely wore boxers. He preferred boxer briefs.
"So, they know you, but not well enough to know personal details, that's important."
"Does this mean that it could be someone who we've interacted with but not necessarily even realized could be a threat?" I wonder.
"Possibly. It also means it's more likely infatuation with the idea of you and not because they know you."
"That might rule out Avery." Dimitri interjects. "We went out on a couple dates, she knows my build, I can't see her using that size of boxers. I mean…come on." He replies signalling to his stature.
"She's still on the list, but I'll put a question beside her name." he pauses. "So, I guess you want to know the next step for you to take?" Detective Croft queries.
"Of course."
"Well, so far we have what is called a case of intentional infliction of emotional distress, and harassment. Because there is no threat of violence, it's a civil case."
The wheels start turning in my head and I look to Dimitri worriedly.
"Roza? What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking I need to call my dad, or better yet, my brother. They handle civil suits 97% of the time."
"Your father is a lawyer?" Detective Croft queries.
"Yes, he and my brother both."
Detective Croft hands us one of his cards and asks us to contact him if anything else should arise. I take note of the information on the card and we agree while I inform him that I will e-mail him the contact information for my lawyer once I've made contact.
I made a point of explaining that it's a delicate dance between my father and myself. He apologizes for the fact that he can't do more at this time. Unless events should escalate and critical violence could occur. He keeps the evidence and logs it before we take our leave.
"So, how you feeling?" Dimitri asks as he helps me into the truck.
I wait to answer until Dimitri is behind the wheel. "I'm a little relieved actually that we've been able to talk this out and a little scared. The possibility of it being a male never occurred to me." I explain, chewing my bottom lip in irritation.
"We'll get through this, together, that's the important part. They are not going to win. Are you…" he begins before looking over at me while we wait a light.
"Am I what?"
"You're going to contact your dad or brother for help?"
"I think I need to. The more people in my corner, the better. I mean I may not be the prized daughter, following in his footsteps, but I know he still loves me and wouldn't want to see any harm come to me."
"Well, I'll be with you, every step, milaya." He confesses, kissing my cheek as we pull into the underground parking garage for the apartment building.
~VA TC VA~
Dimitri
The past few hours have been intense and I wish I could find a way to help Roza relax. I was feeling hungry, so while Roza went to have a shower, I made something to eat. Just a simple sandwich and a bottle of water.
After depositing my plate into the dishwasher and recycling the empty water bottle, I make my way to the bedroom to see how she is doing. I find her in the bedroom as she's pulling on one of my t-shirts.
"Hey, you get enough to eat?" She questions as she tosses her clothes in the hamper.
"Absolutely. You wanna cuddle up in bed…" I hint. She laughs at me before pulling off the t-shirt she just put on.
"What are you doing?"
"Why did I put on clothes. Come here…" She purrs, tugging me closer by the bottom of my dress shirt a mischievous smirk on her lips.
Without bothering to unbutton it, I pull it off over my head and toss it as close to the hamper as I can before her hands fumble with my belt. Before I realize it, my pants are at my ankles, along with my boxer briefs.
After kicking them off, my lips are on hers as our tongues battle for dominance. My hands are running along her back and down as I cup her ass. Walking back toward the bed, I lay her down before crawling up her body, my lips leaving a trail from her hip bones, belly button, and rib cage until my lips find a nipple, bringing it to hard peak. She's aggressive and pulls my body flush to hers as she spreads her legs. I nestle between her thighs and can't help but thrust against her at the feel of her soft skin.
"Dimitri…" She pants.
"What milaya?"
"I need you, now. No more waiting." She pleads as I kiss her soundly, her hands weaving into my hair. I line up my cock with her hot core before slipping inside smoothly.
"Ughhh…" She cries.
"Fuck Roza, I swear it gets better every fucking time." I pant.
"Dimitri, harder!" She cries as my pace quickens. I start pounding into her as her heels dig into my ass, urging me on.
She pushes me off slightly before moving over onto her hands and knees and we're joined again quickly, our pace takes off on its own as the sound of our sweaty skin slapping, echoes around the room, along with our cries of pleasure. I feel her come around me and I spill into her moments later before she turns under me again, pulling me down beside her.
"I love you so much." She cries, kissing me with an aching passion.
"I love you too, so fucking much." I reply, as our bodies continue to writhe together on the bed.
If our lips are not attached, then our bodies are and this goes on for hours until we finally collapse at an early 4:00AM. Work is going to be long, with so little sleep. But we'll muddle through it. We always do. The important part is that we will always do it together.
The next morning, the blaring alarm wakes us and it takes a pot of coffee to make us somewhat coherent.
"I'm so fucking tired." Roza whines adorably from her perch at the breakfast bar.
"Me too, milaya, instead of lunch today, we'll nap." I conclude. She smiles at that and I note how beautiful she looks. But then again, she always looks beautiful.
We're quiet during the commute into work and still stop in at Starbucks for more coffee before heading into the office. I've been holding her hand all morning but as soon as we step off of the elevator, I know I have to release her hand, and I do so reluctantly. As we're heading down the hallway to our offices, we spot Arthur heading our way.
"Dimitri," He greets a little solemnly.
"Arthur, good morning." I greet as Roza stops with me.
"I need you to come to my office. There's been a complaint made against you in regards to conduct."
"What? Who?" I reply heatedly.
"Isaiah Wilson reported that you treat him unfairly and threatened him."
"That's bullshit! Arthur. Isaiah is the one who crossed a line!" Roza defends.
"I don't believe it but I have to take it seriously and follow protocol, I will listen to your rebuttal in full, but please come to my office." He amends.
We don't bother stopping at our offices first we just follow Arthur to his. Not only is this going to be a long day but I want to punch something, especially if it's shaped like Isaiah Wilson.
~VA TC VA~
Author's Note: Please share a few comments on what you think is going to happen next!
I'd love to hear your theories.
This will be the last chapter for TC until I catch up on BTTS. Thank you for the follows, comments, reviews! I appreciate all the feedback.