I would have had this posted sooner, but my glasses got set on fire so it's a little hard to see currently.

Enjoy!

Dimitri POV

I pulled Rose closer as her shoulders shook; she kept wiping her cheeks with the back of her hands, embarrassed to let the tears fall. I sat her on the couch by the fireplace, feeling the chill on her skin when I held her. She was still too pale, the exhaustion showed on her face—she shouldn't be out of the hospital, but I couldn't bring myself to regret her presence with me. Saying goodbye to Rose had been difficult, and forcing myself to leave her side after almost losing her was painful. I couldn't say when exactly my feelings for her grew so strong, but there was no denying what I felt was more than passing infatuation.

When I had held her ice-cold body and felt no pulse, I knew I cared for her more than I had another. At some point, I fell in love with Roza and had to walk away from her.

Rose's forehead pressed against my shoulder as her fingers buried in the front of my shirt, an iron-like grip so I wouldn't leave her side. I knew I wouldn't be able to do so again.

"I didn't get to say goodbye," she mourned, the words forced out between sharp breaths.

I shifted and drew her closer, allowing her to press up against me completely; Rose's arms instantly locked around my waist. I laid my cheek on top of her head and returned the embrace. "I'm so sorry, Roza."

My heart broke with each pained sound that escaped her—the grief of losing her best friend again.

"He knew this would happen, and didn't let me say goodbye. He's a dick. He should have said something."

I tilted my head but didn't pull away. "Mason knew?"

She didn't loosen her hold, only turned her face enough to peer up at me through tear-filled eyes. "He gave me a choice to come back or stay with him—said that things would be different if I came back."

Stay with him… The meaning behind her words stilled my heart. Rose had died—was dead when I pulled her from the water. The paramedics all wore grim expressions at the scene, working on restarting her heart despite none believing there was a chance. I knew they were close to calling it when Rose's heart began to beat again.

I tightened my hold and buried my face in her neck. I didn't know what to say, torn between wanting to comfort her and being grateful that she chose to come back.

"Why did you leave? Did you even fight Abe?"

Again, my heart stilled, dropping like lead in my chest. "Your father restricted me from visiting and threatened to call the police if I didn't leave. I was allowed to say goodbye, which is why I was there when you woke up." Pure luck gave me that chance, though it felt like a knife through my chest when I left. "I was going to wait a few days before I tried again–"

"You said you wouldn't leave." Her dejected tone made me wince.

"I know. I didn't want to. I…" the words caught in my throat, held back by doubts. Would she even want to know how I truly felt?

Rose suddenly drew back, roughly wiping her face with her sleeve. "It doesn't matter. Abe's made up his mind—I'm right back to square one—new therapist, new babysitter, and no freedom. The only thing that's changed is that I am alone now."

"You aren't alone," I tried, my fingers brushing her leg. I missed holding her close. I wouldn't leave her again. "Roza–"

She stood suddenly, no longer looking at me. "I came here mainly to let you know what happened." Her fingers twisted the hem of her shirt. "I'm sorry you didn't get to say goodbye to Ivan…And thanks for pulling me out of the water."

"Wait, Rose. Please."

A bang at the front door made us both pause, eyes on the hall as they knocked again. "Belikov! I know she's here!" Abe shouted from the porch.

Rose's shoulders dropped, and a deep sigh blew from her mouth. "I guess times up," she glanced over her shoulder at me, a fake smile on her lips. "It was fun while it lasted, comrade."

It was her goodbye.

I panicked.

Rose stepped away from the couch, but I caught her wrist, tugging her back towards me. I stood and wrapped my arms around her. "You aren't alone," I declared, repeating it so she knew it was true. "I'm not leaving you; I might not work for your father anymore, but I'm not leaving you." I allowed enough space between us so I could look into her eyes, "You were dead when I pulled you from the lake, and I thought…" The memory of that night was still too painful to focus on. "I can't bear to lose you like that again—I refuse because I care about you."

Her eyes were wide, not even blinking as I spoke. "Dimitri–"

"I love you, Roza."

Rose finally blinked, still staring up at me with a look of surprise. I couldn't tell if it was a good reaction to my confession, but I wouldn't take it back; voicing my true feelings was like lifting a weight from my shoulders.

"I love you," I told her again, allowing everything I felt for her to show—everything I had tried to hide before. "I'm not going anywhere."

The front door opened, and footsteps moved into the living room; my mother walked in with grocery bags in her arms and a confused expression as Abe and Pavel followed behind her. Her face lit up when she saw Rose, relief shined in her eyes—a stark contrast to the anger in Abe's.

"Rosemarie." Abe stood a foot away with his hands on his hips and a look of disdain directed at me. Often the man looked well put together, yet his hair was dishevelled, and the buttons of his vest were undone revealing the plain grey shirt underneath. "You can't just disappear like that!"

Rose hadn't responded, only shifted her gaze from me to her father. She slowly pulled away from me, breaking all connection until I felt her fingers curl around mine. "Abe," she growled, her voice a rasp from crying.

"Don't Abe me!" he retorted, "Do you have any idea the mess you made? They were going to call the police!"

"Maybe if you stopped trying to control everything about me, I wouldn't have disappeared!"

"You are still healing! You died–"

"I know!" Rose snapped, "I know what happened!" Her hand shook in mine but she held on tight as if I was all that kept her steady. "I know I died, okay, and I needed the one person that I could talk to but you sent him away. So yeah, I snuck out just so I could get out from under your thumb, old man!"

Abe's expression became slack, appearing lost for words. "I–Rose, I'm just–"

"I know you think you're trying to help, but right now, you are no better than Janine."

The accusation was a harsh blow, striking Abe. He dropped his eyes to his feet, brow creasing, and stepped back. "I see." Slowly, he lifted his chin; all his previous anger had melted away, leaving weariness and grief. His lips parted, looking for the words to reply but nothing came out. Finally, he composed himself again, his tone softer, "It doesn't change that you should still be in the hospital. You can hate me all you like, but I am trying to help you."

Rose's body became tense, her defences increasing; she held so much anger towards her parents, and I didn't blame her. She was already so worn that I worried about her overworking her body. The emotional drain from the loss of Mason was enough that I wanted to protect Rose from any other stress.

"You're right," I interrupted, surprising father and daughter alike. I squeezed Rose's hand in reassurance. "Rose should be back at the hospital, and I will take her back when she's ready."

Abe's lips pressed into a thin line. "You no longer work for–"

"I'm aware. I'm not speaking as your employee." I shifted closer to Rose, glancing at her to find her eyes already on me, "I'm speaking as Rose's friend, and as someone who cares for her, deeply."

Relief caused a smile to tug at the corner of her lips.

"Very well." Abe inclined his head to Rose, "I will be at the hospital, waiting." I was surprised Abe stood down so easily, dipping his head as he shifted on his feet and placed his hands in the pockets of his trousers. "When you return, I would appreciate it if we can talk, Rose, and you can tell me what you want to do."

"Okay," she agreed after a moment of hesitation.

"Good." Abe started for the front door, only to pause and look at me over his shoulder, "Don't take too long, Belikov."

"As soon as Rose is ready," I responded firmly.

His lips twitched, and then he left. Pavel offered Rose a soft smile before following, leaving us alone in the living room. My mother had disappeared into the kitchen during the argument; I was grateful for a moment alone with Rose. She was silent, eyes on the wall with a pensive expression.

"I'm sorry if I've overstepped," I apologised when the silence became too much.

A laugh escaped her. "As a friend that cares deeply for me, I appreciate it," she replied. Rose turned to face me, eyes meeting mine, "You love me, huh?"

I swallowed. I hadn't intended for my confession to be followed by her fighting with her father. When I thought of declaring my feelings, it would have been when we were alone; I would have attempted something more romantic. I didn't regret saying it, though. "I do, Roza. I love you."

"I guess it's good you don't work for Abe anymore."

"I did plan to quit once we returned to the city."

Rose frowned. "I've ruined your Christmas Eve." She stepped back, dragging a hand through her hair, "I should go."

I followed her and cupped her cheek with my palm. "You haven't ruined anything." I took in her features, caressing her cheek with my thumb. I almost lost her. "Having you with me is all I want."

"I love you, too," Rose announced, "I have for a while."

I dipped my head down, kissing her. It began slow but quickly became passionate. It was desperate yet full of love; a reassurance to us both that Rose had survived. It was how I wanted to kiss her when she woke up in the hospital. I didn't want to let go.

When we broke apart to breathe, a smile appeared on her face. "I could just stay here, you know."

"I wish I could say yes," I admitted with a sigh, brushing my lips over hers again, "but you need to go back to the hospital."

"I'm not that bad."

I chuckled. "Roza, you've been out of breath since you got here, and look ready to pass out."

"I just need a nap."

"You need to rest and be monitored," I replied firmly, "As much as I want you to stay, I need to know that you are okay first." I ran my fingers through her hair, brushing it from her face. Despite having her alive and warm in my arms, my mind continued to remind me of that night—the wet curls splayed across the ice. It felt like a blessing to feel her shoulders rise with each breath she took.

"Okay, comrade," she agreed, understanding in her eyes. "I really am sorry that I scared you."

I smiled despite myself. "Please, don't do it again."

"Trust me," she responded with a rueful smile, "I won't be testing death anytime soon."

"Good."

Her eyes drooped, peering up at me through her lashes. "I don't have to go back right now, do I?"

"I meant what I said to your father," I assured her, "You can stay here as long as you need."

Rose sat in the passenger side seat, staring out the window at the hospital. She was looking for something but had no luck. "They aren't there."

"Who isn't?" I questioned, relaxed in my seat. We arrived ten minutes before, and Rose hadn't made a move to leave the car, so I waited.

"The crows." She reclined against the seat, closing her eyes, "I know they are there, but I can't see them…It's strange."

"It will be an adjustment."

"Tell me about it. Everything will be different." Her voice shook, "How do I go from seeing the dead to nothing?"

I took her hand in mine, bringing our intertwined hands to my lips to kiss her knuckles. "You take it one day at a time. I'm always here; you aren't alone in this."

Her smile almost reached her eyes. "Thanks, Dimitri."

"I can come in with you," I offered, nodding towards the hospital.

Rose looked at the window again, staring at the towering walls. "I think it's better I do this myself." She turned back to me, "Can I have a good luck kiss?" Rose leaned over the centre console, her lips meeting mine with a soft sigh. Her hand traced my jaw and down my neck.

"If you need me, call me," I reminded.

"I might call you just to get more of this," she teased, pressing her lips to mine one more time before she pulled back. "I'll call you later to let you know how it goes."

I lifted her knuckles to my lips again, "I love you, Roza."

The smile those words brought was blinding, reaching her eyes. "I love you too, Dimitri."

Neither of us could put it off much longer, our hands separated and Rose climbed out of the car. I remained seated in the car, watched as she entered through the front, and continued to wait. I couldn't bring myself to leave.

So much was unknown.

I wanted to believe the best, but doubt steadily grew. Nothing would change overnight. Despite how much had changed for Rose since she woke, no one else would understand how different everything was—how different she was.

The clock on the dashboard ticked, time passing as I stared at the hospital and wondered what would happen next.

There was nothing I could do except wait.