You, Me, and the shadow chapter two
M Rated
Thirty-four hours later
DPOV
Waking up from my nap with Roza, I'm ready to go.
We decided to get some extra sleep whilst we could because we won't be able to have any until we get on the plane. Even then, there are no guarantees. The last time Roza was on a plane, she nearly passed out in agony due to the constant barrage of ghosts. We're hoping that won't be the case this time.
Thankfully, Abe's sending one of his private jets to Missoula airport, so we don't have to worry about transport. Usually, flights would be able to land on the Academy's airstrip, but given that there's only a handful of people we can trust here, the airport is the safest option.
We want to get out of here with as little fuss as possible, and we don't want anyone aware of our plans. In fact, including Roza and me, only three other people on campus know we're leaving.
Alberta, Eddie and Christian joined us last night in one of the closed-off Moroi common rooms for dinner, wishing Roza a happy birthday and saying our final farewells. There were many tears spilt from both Roza and Alberta, and I could see that the boys were emotional too, but they tried to stay stoic.
It will most likely be after graduation when we'll be able to see them again, so a few months at least.
I was surprised that Roza wanted Christian there because even though I know they're closer than most think, I didn't know they were close enough for her to put him in the same category as Eddie. I should've seen it coming, however. I always knew they loved to argue, and looking back, I can see the familial affection behind it. The sly smiles and protective instincts. It was clear to see.
He keeps her on her toes with a witty repertoire, and she treats him like a normal person despite his family's dark past. So over the last few months, she's basically adopted him as her Brother, and I don't think he had a choice in the matter.
Family is the most important thing to My Roza; growing up without one, she had to make her own. So the bond she creates with her chosen few is incredibly strong. Sadly, those bonds can be broken.
Case in point, The Princess.
Now, that's someone who wasn't invited to our little get-together.
Roza didn't tell me everything that went down between them, and I know better than to pry, but after their last interaction, Roza has avoided Lissa like the plague. From what she's told me, I know that their friendship is over.
I don't know what's going on with Lissa, but she's already lost Roza, and Christian's getting close to walking away too. She'll lose everyone if she doesn't change her attitude soon.
Getting pulled from my thoughts by the sound of the alarm. I look over at the time, and the grin that forms on my lips is instantaneous.
In an hour, we'll be leaving. We'll be starting the journey that will change our lives forever. In an hour, we'll be free.
But before that can happen, I have the fun task of waking up the glorious creature that's currently curled up into my chest. As I take in her tousled hair and gorgeous face, I feel my smile widen further.
How the fuck did I ever get this lucky?
She's still naked after our activities a few hours ago, and my mind instantly fills with everything I can do to her. Oh, If we only had the time. Leaning down slightly, I brush a soft kiss against her cheek, earning a cute little nose scrunch in return.
"Roza, Detka. It's time to get up." I urge softly, but I already know it'll take more than that, so I continue. "Come on, Love. We have to leave for the airport in an hour. We have to get up."
Hearing the little groan, she releases, I bring my hand up to stoke down her cheek, but all she does is roll over, hitting my arm as she goes. Well, that wasn't necessary now, was it? Let's try that again, shall we? Maybe a few more incentives are needed? Hmm, what to do, what to do.
Rolling in the same direction, I press myself against her back and gently move her hair away from her face. Holding myself up by my elbow, I bend over her shoulder and start to lay kisses on her neck, nuzzling my face into her hair as I do.
"My Roza. Are you not going to wake up for me?" Slowing my movements, I make my way down to her collarbone, nipping sections of her skin slightly as I go.
Other than a few heated breaths, there's still no sign of her waking up, so I guess I will have to double my efforts.
Sliding down the bed a few inches, I make my way to her bare breast and take in the sublime view for a second. Her nipple's already erect, meaning if she isn't already waking up, she soon will be.
Letting my tongue slip out, I lick against the sensitive bud, looking up to her face in satisfaction when her body jolts at the sensation. Her cheeks are beginning to flush, and her mouth opens slightly in a silent gasp. By this point, I know her body better than I know my own, and by the looks of it, she's already awake, but I can't be entirely sure yet.
Quickly getting back on task, I bring her nipple into my mouth, sucking hard, and I'm rewarded with a loud moan. Yep, she's definitely awake, even though she's feigning sleep. It looks like my Girl wants to play.
"My Roza. Are you still asleep? Do I have to try harder to see those beautiful eyes open?" I ask playfully, running my hand down her naked torso, hearing her whimper as I do, but her eyes remain frustratingly closed. I guess that's a yes to trying harder then. Well, don't mind if I do.
Raising to my knees, I place both hands on her body, grasping her breasts and squeezing them before lowering myself further down her chest, kissing and nipping as I go until I reach her navel. I trail my tongue over her lower stomach, watching as her muscles jump and constrict.
Hearing Roza gasp, I quickly flick my gaze up, just catching her eyes squeezing shut before her face relaxes back as she tries to carry on her ruse.
"Have you been watching, My Roza? Do I have to go even lower for you to wake up for me?" I still don't receive a response, but I catch the slight twitch of a smile before it's gone.
Ok. I may be enjoying this a little too much, but at least she is too—time to pull out the big guns. I have one surefire way that'll make her drop her act.
Lowering myself further down, I trail my hands down her chest, continuing the downward trajectory until I'm gripping her hips and my face's level with her soaked centre. She's, without a doubt, ready for me. It's satisfying to see the product of my actions spilling down her thighs, and my mouth's practically salivating, begging me to taste.
Looking up again to check how my little actress is doing. Her eyes are still closed tight, but the blush working its way down her chest gives her away. Returning my gaze down to the treat in front of me, I don't hold back. Moving with practised precision, I thrust two fingers deep into her, curving them upwards while simultaneously surging forward, sucking on her clit hard.
"Mitya. Fucking hell!" She cries, arching her back off the bed as she moans in pleasure. Well, that had the desired effect now, didn't it?
I continue my machinations for a few moments, keeping my eyes fixed on her. Her head's thrown back, and her mouth's open wide, releasing breathy pants as her body writhes beneath me. When she's close to the point of coming, I decide to fuck with her a little bit.
Pulling away from her just as she's about to reach her peak, I pull my fingers back until they're barely in her, stopping all movement and causing her to release a frustrated whine. Once it's clear to her that I've completely stopped, she looks down at me in annoyance. "What the fuck, Comrade?"
"Good morning, Roza." Throwing her a grin, I remove my fingers and start to get up, but as predicted, she stops me.
Flinging her legs around my torso, she sends me a narrow-eyed glare before releasing a sexually frustrated growl. "Don't you fucking dare, Dimitri Christoph Belikov. Get your arse back down there and finish what you started before I make you."
Pretending to think it over for a second, I shake my head, smirking. "No. I don't think I will." That just makes her tighten her hold. "Don't test me, Mitya. We both know you'll lose. Now, do as you're told. Or do I have to force you?"
Now that's tempting.
"Bossy this morning, aren't you, Detka." I chuckle, feeling very smug with how worked up I've managed to get her.
Moving further up the bed, I feel her legs loosen slightly when she realises I'm conceding. Bringing my lips to just above hers, I lower my hips so she can feel the full effect she has on me. Her breath catches in her throat when she feels the tip of my dick rub against her swollen clit.
Thanks to my little game, I've now got a sizable problem I need to deal with, so I don't plan on leaving this bed until I've satisfied us both.
"If you don't want me to be bossy, you shouldn't make me horny as fuck before trying to leave. That would cause you to have a very frustrated Rose on your hands, and you know you wouldn't want that. My level of sassiness for the day depends on your actions within the next few minutes, so choose wisely, Comrade." Her tone would sound serious if not for the breathy whimpers falling from her lips. I can see the challenge, but she already knows I can't keep my hands off her. I can't deny her anything, no matter how hard I try sometimes. She's just making a point, and I fucking love it.
"Oh, Roza. Be as bossy as you like. You're hot as fuck when you're being all demanding, but I think I'll choose the least sassy option for today. Only for me, though; I want everyone else to feel the full Rose effect."
Looking up at me, she smirks, throwing a wink in for good measure. "Then what are you waiting for?"
Sliding her toned thighs from my waist to my hips, she grabs hold of my dick, causing me to jump at the sudden contact as a groan escapes me. Bringing me in line with her dripping folds, I take the initiative and waste no time thrusting in. Not stopping until her hips are flush with mine.
We each release a gasp of pleasure at the glorious sensation, and I immediately feel like I'm home.
I take a moment for her to adjust to my size, and when I feel her hips pushing against mine, I know she's ready. Pulling out almost entirely, I don't wait before I thrust back in, tilting my pelvis upwards as I do for maximum effect. I follow up the first thrust with a second, then a third, and she meets each one as she moves her hips in time with mine.
Neither of us can keep quiet as gasps, moans and pleasured cries reverberate around the room as we draw more and more pleasure with each push.
It only takes a few minutes before I can feel the familiar tension building as my stomach begins to tighten, with each stroke sending a tingle down my spine. I can tell she's close too.
Oh my God. How can sex feel this fucking good?
Feeling her legs tighten around my hips, I don't expect it when she uses her weight to flip us over, reversing our positions and making me slide deeper into her than before.
Shit! Ok, I'm definitely not opposed to the change of angle. It feels so deep.
Without missing a beat, she grinds down hard, digging her nails into my chest as she does, only adding to the unbelievable sensations I'm already feeling.
Watching her bite her lower lip hard enough to leave a mark, I can tell she's trying to hold back her sounds of pleasure, but I don't give a shit if someone hears us right now. I need to hear her. Roza turns eighteen in less than an hour anyway, so we might as well leave the academy with a bang. Quite literally.
Bringing my thumb up to her lips, I pry her teeth away before shifting my pelvis and thrusting up hard at the same time as she grinds down; the effect's instantaneous.
"Oh my God. Comrade. Fuck!" She screams, throwing her head back and shuddering. I don't blame her. That felt fucking amazing, and I can't stop the smug grin that appears.
"Just Comrade will do, Detka," I pant out jovially. Repeating my previous action, the giggle that falls from her lips is quickly lost in the following gasp.
We keep the rhythm going, with her getting louder each time until she's screaming the place down, and I'm beyond loving it.
It doesn't take long until I'm holding on for dear life, but I refuse to allow myself to cum before she does. She's grasping me so tight, and I can tell she's extremely close to breaking, so I reach out and press my thumb to the bundle of nerves between her legs.
"Cum, Roza," I grunt, holding off my orgasm as long as possible. "Cum for me." And just like that, she falls, as if all she needed was my command.
Throwing her head back, she screams my name into oblivion. Her thighs quiver, and her toes curl as I feel her muscles clenching down on me like a vice, causing an eruption of pleasure to burst through me as I follow her.
I think I pass out for a second, and when I regain some semblance of focus, Roza's lying across my chest, panting into my neck. Our chests stick together with sweat, but we just lay there for a few minutes, trying to catch our breaths.
"Well, that was eventful," she mutters with a breathy chuckle once our heart rates have calmed down. "Remind me it's my turn to do the wake-up call next time," she quips, looking at me with a sparkle and a massive grin.
"Oh, don't you worry about that, Milaya. I'll make sure you don't forget." Releasing a chuckle, I send her a wink, the smirk now permanently plastered on my lips.
Moving my hand to the back of her messy curls, I lean in and give her a gentle kiss before pulling away slightly and looking into her eyes. "Happy birthday, Detka."
I'm rewarded with the smile that's reserved only for me and another kiss. "Thank you, Mitya. I can't wait to start the rest of our forever together." Bringing her back in again, I try to show her how much I love her before I remember that we're actually on a timeframe here.
Pulling away, I look over at the clock on the side, and what I see causes me to bolt upright, bringing Roza with me as she looks on in confusion.
"Shit! I can't wait for that either, Roza, but for that to happen, we need to leave in like twenty-five minutes." I implore, nodding my head toward the alarm. Her eyes widen for a second before she jumps up off me, releasing my dick with a hiss. Getting out of bed, she runs towards the ensuite, leaving me lying there watching her.
"Aren't you coming, Comrade?" She throws back over her shoulder as she disappears through the door. It takes my mind a second to catch up, but when I hear the shower start, I race out of bed and follow after her.
I mean.... It only makes sense to shower together, right? It saves time and water.
We ended up leaving the academy half an hour later than we initially planned, but it was completely worth it.
As we pull away from the gates, Roza looks back and waves at Celeste, who's conveniently the one on duty, thanks to Alberta. We know we can trust her discretion, and after she's shouted a loud goodbye, we continue down the road. The Academy's becoming smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror by the second.
"Are you ready to start our new adventure, Roza?" I ask, reaching out, taking her hand in mine, and resting it on her lap.
"As ready as I'll ever be. As long as we're together."
"Always, Roza."
The airport
We soon arrive at the airport, and surprisingly, we seem to be on time.
I quickly find the prepaid designated space that Alberta organised, and once we're out of the car, I put the keys under the tire arch so a Guardian from the Academy can come to collect it.
Gathering up our stuff, we make our way to the airport's private departing lounge. The plane's already here awaiting our scheduled flight time, which should be around fifteen minutes. All we need to do now is check in and go.
This is it. I'm going back home, and I'm taking my whole world with me.
RPOV
Looking through the window to the plane parked on the tarmac, I feel the nerves start.
I don't know how this flight will affect me since all the weird shit started, but I guess we're about to find out. This will be painful if I react the same as on previous flights. The one good sign is that I've been outside the wards for nearly an hour now, and it's yet to affect me. So fingers crossed.
Making our way through the private terminal, one of the women on the courtesy desk calls to us, or should I say, to Dimitri, asking for our information and travel itinerary.
Heading over to her, Dimitri puts our bags down, but he keeps my hand firmly placed in his as he fishes through his duster for the requested documentation.
I glance in the attendant's direction and immediately wish I didn't bother. She's giving him that look as she takes in Dimitri's figure hungrily, and I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up in aggravation. I squeeze his hand slightly tighter, trying to ground myself.
You see, I'm not a jealous person by any means, but I am a territorial Bitch. Especially where Dimitri's involved.
"And where are you flying to today, Sir?" She asks, her voice overly sweet as she attempts to push her near non-existent breasts upwards. It's a poor attempt at flirting if I've ever seen one, and my eyes almost slip from my head with how much they're rolled.
"We're flying to Russia via multiple stop-offs to see our family." It makes me smile when he says our family because, that's right Bitch, it's our family. The fact that he hasn't looked up at her once during this whole encounter makes me want to laugh, especially with how annoyed she looks because of it.
I remain silent as I watch her try - yet catastrophically fail at flirting with my man.
"Oh, isn't that lovely? Is this your plane? Or is it perhaps your company's?"
Nope, I can't hold it in anymore. Sniggering from my place at Dimitri's side, I follow up with another eye roll. This woman's the term gold digger at its finest. It seems my outburst is completely ignored, as her focus doesn't leave Dimitri.
"No, it belongs to my Father-in-law. We'll be seeing him on this trip as well," Dimitri adds, still obliviously unaware of her flirtation attempts as he looks through the papers in front of him.
"Oh, are you married? How long have you been together?" She asks, looking only slightly dejected but still hopeful. Still seemingly ignoring the person holding his fucking hand.
Erm, hello..... I am here, right? Can she see me? What do I have to do? Put on a shiny costume and do the fucking Irish jig?
"You do see me standing here, right, Mitya? I'm not a figment of your imagination?" I say in the most sarcastic voice I can manage, dramatically patting myself up and down as if making sure I'm not invisible.
"Of course, I see you, Detka. You're all I see." He declares like it's the most obvious fact in the world, which causes me to grin. And that grin only gets wider when the woman behind the desk suddenly looks my way in shock.
"Hi. Yeah. I'm here too. You've only been holding my passport for about five minutes. And to answer your question. No, we're not married. Not yet, at least." I'm guessing even she can hear the love in my voice.
"Maybe not, but we will be very soon if I have my way, Roza," Dimitri adds casually, leaning over to kiss me on my temple lovingly.
The woman behind the desk just looks down and blushes, stamps the necessary documents, quickly muttering, "OK, that's all in order. Both of you have a lovely trip." She then hands over our papers and leaves the desk for some area in the back. And the whole time she's doing it, I'm smirking gleefully.
Dimitri still hasn't even looked up at her once, and that fact causes me to chuckle to myself once we're alone.
"What?" He asks, looking at me in confusion, proving that he's so adorably oblivious that it's silly.
"Nothing." Reaching up on my tippy toes, I brush my lips against his. "You're cute." I giggle, making him frown slightly in bemusement.
"Erm.... Thanks? You're cute too." Oh, you poor, too hot for your own good, Snickerdoodle.
Shaking my head happily, I wait until he's got everything together before I pull him towards the door leading to the plane.
Making our way across the tarmac to the plane's steps, I look up for the first time only to find my Father, Abe, waiting at the top, and I instantly freeze.
He's not supposed to be here. He's supposed to be waiting for us in Russia. What the fuck?
Thanks for the fucking warning, Dad.
This will be my first time meeting him in person, so anyone would understand why I'm nervous. I mean, we did get to know each other quite well in those hours-long video calls, but even still, this is the first time I'm actually meeting him.
Dimitri's in front of me with his hand in mine, and he must feel my hesitance at the bottom of the stairs.
"Come on, Roza. It'll be all right. Look how excited he is to meet you, Milaya." I look up at Dimitri's words, and I can see Abe bouncing on the balls of his feet in anticipation, with very obvious tears in his eyes as he looks at me.
He does look happy. He also looks just as nervous as I am, which makes me feel slightly better.
Dimitri waits for me to be ready, so when I feel like I can move again, I nod, and he gently pulls me forward.
Making his way up the steps, I'm having a mini panic attack as I follow behind him. Forcing myself to take some deep breaths, I try to sike myself up.
I'm Rose Hathaway, for fuck sake. I'm my Comrades Roza. Badass novice and strigoi slayer extraordinaire (Ok, that last one might be pushing it, but oh well). I can meet one man without having a mental fucking breakdown. Even if it is my Father.
"Zmey. It's good to see you. Where's Pavel? I know he must be lurking nearby if you're here," Dimitri enquires halfway up the steps, not sounding the least bit intimidated over meeting his girlfriend's Dad, not that I'd expect him to be. I know their history, and it's refreshing to hear Dimitri be so calm and jovial with the man who gave me life.
"I'm right here, Dimka. I can't trust him to go anywhere on his own. You know that." I hear calls from somewhere in the plane, causing us both to laugh and making Abe scoff.
"Hey, just because you're my Brother doesn't mean I won't make you disappear. Just remember that." He shouts cheerfully, flipping Pavel off where he must be sitting inside.
"Mmhmm. Whatever you say, Ibrahim." Is the only response he receives, in a tone that sounds overly bored like he's been hearing that threat for years. And amazingly, just like that, my nerves are gone, replaced with contentment, acceptance and amusement. This is my family. I can do this.
As Dimitri reaches the top of the stairs, he reaches out to shake my Father's hand but quickly gets pulled in for a fatherly embrace instead.
"It's good to see you, Dimka. It's been far too long, Son. Your Mother misses you." Abe says gently, patting Dimitri's back fondly before pulling back and looking at me, smiling with a look full of love. "And I see you've been taking care of my Rosemarie here. Thank you."
I roll my eyes at his statement but don't say anything as I watch the little reunion in front of me.
"I know. Mama reminds me every chance she gets. And I try my best, but Roza doesn't make it easy on me sometimes. You'll see what I mean soon enough."
"Hey. I am standing right here, you know." I declare, feigning annoyance, but I know Dimitri can tell how happy I am just from my tone of voice.
Throwing me a knowing smile, he gives me a barely discernible nod in Abe's direction. Nodding my head at him, Dimitri simply walks into the plane, letting go of my hand after one final squeeze, leaving me face to face with Abe. I need to do this alone, and Dimitri knows it.
"Baba. It's nice to meet you in person, finally." It feels strange calling him that, but it was his request, so I don't mind.
"My Darling. It's so good to see you in the flesh and not through a screen like I've had to do for eighteen years." Pulling me in for a firm cuddle, he holds me as if afraid I might disappear. It's stronger than I expected for a Moroi, to be honest, but far from unwelcome.
"How was the drive? Was it difficult leaving everyone? Tell me everything about yourself, Rosemarie. I want to know it all." He's talking animatedly like he's too excited to keep it all contained. It's almost like he's been thinking up questions for years, which in all honesty, he probably has. That still doesn't excuse the fact that he just called me Rosemarie.
"Ok, Old man. First thing. Don't call me Rosemarie. Ever." Patting him on the back before pulling out of the hug, I throw him a cheery smile. "Second. I only said goodbye to a select few people I'll see again in a few months, so it's not that bad. And third, the drive was fine, thanks for asking." I keep my tone casual, leaning in; I peck his cheek. I pat his head playfully before sidestepping him and entering the plane without waiting for a response.
I go to sit down next to Dimitri, relishing the feeling of his hand finding mine again. I think I shocked Baba because it took him a few seconds to follow me, sitting in a seat across the aisle with an amused smirk filling his face.
As I'm making myself comfortable, a large man (nowhere near Dimitri's size) comes towards us before kneeling in front of my seat. From a certain angle, he looks strikingly like Abe.
"Rose. I'm your uncle Pavel, and I've been waiting a long time to meet you. I'm also that idiots Guardian, but I mainly just try and keep him out of trouble. Don't let him tell you any different." Laughing at that, I move forward, embracing him. I feel him stiffen slightly, but he soon relaxes as he returns my hold.
"It's nice to meet you, Uncle Pavel. I'm sure Dimitri would say the same thing about me, though," I say as Baba playfully scowls at his Brother.
Pavel's clearly a man of few words because he simply chuckles, stands and moves to his seat. I'll have to break through his tough Guardian exterior, but I doubt it'll take me long. It never usually does.
"I quite like you making trouble, Milaya. It makes for one hell of an interesting day, as long as it's not directed at me." Dimitri adds quietly, pulling me out of my thoughts with a giggle. He's absolutely beaming, but then his face turns serious as he appraises me.
"You're quieter than usual, Detka. How are you feeling? Any symptoms yet?"
"No. Nothing. I feel fine. It might have something to do with recent events, but I think it's too soon to say. I think I'm just slightly overwhelmed with everything; it's a lot to take in." I answer, trying to remain as vague as possible as I give him a look, and he seems to get it straight away.
"What recent events?" Baba interrupts, concern evident in his voice mixed with something I can't quite identify. Something in his eyes tells me he knows much more than he lets on.
I don't want to discuss all this on a plane, surrounded by people I don't know or trust. I don't even know if I fully trust Abe yet if I'm honest. I've only just met the man.
"Can we talk about this later, Baba? I don't feel comfortable discussing my personal business around strangers." I request, pointedly looking at the flight crew and the other Guardians he brought with him.
"No problem, Rosema... Erm, Rose. We'll talk properly back at the house in Baia, Kiz." I nod in his direction and lean into Dimitri's side as I feel his lips press against my temple.
I'm glad Abe didn't push the matter because I'm unsure what I'd do if I become riled up. Especially at thirty thousand feet up. I appreciate him respecting my boundaries too. Though I know I'll have to reveal some things eventually, I'd prefer to do it on my own time.
"Well, this birthday's been eventful so far. Two hours in, I've met a Parent, an Uncle, and I've left my old life behind." I remark with a sigh. I'm not sad or anything; as I said, it's just a lot to take in.
"Do you regret it, Roza? Leaving, I mean." Dimitri asks, his tone muted like he's holding his breath, awaiting my answer. I know what he wants my answer to be, but I also know that he will drop everything and follow me anywhere if I ask him to.
Looking around the plane for a second; it contains my family. My Father. My Uncle. My Soulmate. It includes some of the people who love me, no matter what. So I don't even hesitate over my answer.
"Never." I don't have to say anything else. That covers it. There's nowhere I'd rather be than right here in Dimitri's arms.
Snuggling back into him, I close my eyes and listen to Dimitri release a relieved sigh. He moves his arm to my waist and clicks my seatbelt in place, locking me in beside him.
Listening as the plane's engines burst into life, we begin the taxi down the runway.
I'm finally free. On our way to our new future. Together.
Translations
Detka – Baby
Milaya – Dearest/Honey
Kiz – Baby girl