A/N: New Story! Dimitri survived the attack, this is a month after; Rose is 18, they are secretly together, Lissa doesn't know, no one but Adrian, and Alberta do.

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy, but I do own the plot line and Seneca Ackes.

I finally put it all together,
But nothing really lasts forever
I had to make a choice that was not mine,
I had to say goodbye for the last time

- Call me, Shinedown

RPOV:

I skipped into morning practice, excited to see my Russian God. I'd missed him last night as he had a night shift, and couldn't wait to see him again.

As I reached the open gym doors, I slowed down and stealthily sneaked in. Dimitri was reading one of his numerous westerns, and I could hear the soft strains of his music. He was completely unsuspecting, or so I thought.

Just as I was within a foot of his chair and ready to spring, he said without turning around, "Roza what are you doing?" amusement clear in his voice.

I huffed with annoyance, straightening from my crouch. "I was going to attack you," I said a bit grumpily, walking over to the front of his chair. He looked up at me as I stood in front of him, a smile lighting up his face as he gazed at me.

"Oh, Roza," he said, standing up. "You should know by now that you can never sneak up on me; I'll always know you're there."

My heart skipped a beat when he called me by my Russian name. "Well, you never know Comrade. Someday I might." I grinned up at him as he came up to me. He brushed a kiss on my lips, then pulled away. I knew we couldn't kiss properly with the door open, but the teasing kiss just left me wanting more.

"Alright, Roza, laps, then we'll fight." Dimitri said, stepping toward the track.

"Race you!" I called, sprinting off toward the track, Dimitri hot on my heels. (A/N: Dimitri hot on my heels...hehehe XD)

As soon as my feet hit the track, I took off, running my laps in a race against Dimitri, who was gaining on me. We ran, neck and neck, until the last lap, when he began to pull ahead.

Oh no you don't! I thought to myself, forcing my legs to run even faster. We ran at top speeds until the finish line. Both of us streaked over it, trying to slow down. We stumbled to a stop, and Dimitri bent down, resting his hands on his thighs, breathing hard. I simply flopped on the ground panting.

"That was a tie," he gasped out, looking at me with pride and love in his eyes. I grinned at him, and nodded, unable to speak.

After a few moments, Dimitri straightened up, and stretched out a hand to help me up. I grabbed it and hauled myself up, stumbling slightly against him. He wrapped his arms around my waist to steady me. Lingering there a beat longer than strictly allowed, he released me once I was steady.

We made our way back to the gym, and combat training started. It went just like any other day, although the sexual tension was heightened tenfold since we hadn't seen each other last night.

At one point, Dimitri pinned me, holding me down with his full weight. Our eyes met, and it was like a fire was lit between us. His lips crashed down on mine furiously. I pressed myself closer as our lips moved in sync. A warm feeling spread across my entire body, encasing me with wonderful, tingly feelings that only Dimitri could bring out. I never wanted this to end.

But, it had to. Dimitri forced himself to pull away reluctantly. He hovered over me, his hair loose and hanging around his face, a smile sparkling on his lips. He was a god.

"Roza," he whispered, his love shining from his eyes. "I love you, forever and always, no matter what."

My answering smile was just as brilliant as his. "I love you too. For all eternity."

On my way back from training, I was suddenly pulled into a clump of trees, completely out of sight. I quickly spun around to see my attacker. The person I saw surprised me.

It was Seneca Ackes. She was a non-royal Moroi, with a bit of a reputation for being shady. (A/n: think of her as Abe's competition) My eyes widened. "What do you want?"

Seneca smirked. "It appears as if you pissed off someone veeeeeeeeeeeeeerrry important." she sneered. "I was asked to let you know that unless you leave Dimitri Belikov and disappear off the face of this earth, there will be no Dimitri for you to save. And if that's not incentive enough..." her smirk broadened. "Well, I'm sure you have plenty of friends. Like the Dragomir Princess. Heard you guys were close. And what was that other kid? Adrian? Heard he's a looker. And who else, who else. Hm. That Strigoi wannabe? Christian, is it? Oh, and the list goes on and on!"

Ice filled my veins. No. She couldn't hurt them! "Who wants this?" I asked, covering my fear.

Seneca looked at me cruelly. "Let me put it this way, little girl: they wanted it enough to go to me. And I'll tell you this, too: I never go back on a promise, and I never forget. And if you even think about going away, then coming back: I have eyes everywhere. I give you a week. Get out before then, or else..." she walked away, smirking.

I started to shake. No. No. No no no no no no. Not Dimitri. Or Lissa. Or anybody else. I needed to get away. But first, I had to make sure that Dimitri didn't follow. I knew perfectly well that what Seneca said was true; I also knew it was totally impersonal; she was just the executioner. Which also made me realize there was nothing I could do. Whoever did this, they gave Seneca something big. Threatening the Dragomir Princess, and the Queen's nephew? Yeah, something huge. Which meant I had to disappear asap.

I took a deep breath, and went Adrian.

As soon as I stepped into his room, I knew exactly what I had to do. I hoped he understood, since I couldn't really tell him the truth without putting him in danger. So I seduced him, so to speak.

I, of course, didn't want to actually have sex with him; I only wanted that with Dimitri. My heart ripped open a bit more when I had that thought. I could never make love with Dimitri again. Hopefully, he wouldn't even want to look at me by the end of this. I swallowed, and put on a seductive look.

I turned to Adrian and smiled my man eater smile. "Hey Adrian," I purred, walking slowly toward him, swaying my hips.

Adrian gulped. "Rose," he said, his voice shaky.

I trailed my finger down his chest. "What do you think about you and me, getting together tomorrow night?" I looked up at him through hooded lids.

He swallowed again, his Adam's apple bobbing. "What about – what about Dimitri?" he breathed out, struggling to maintain his composure.

I rolled my eyes like the thought was ludicrous. Inside though, I was falling into pieces. "Who cares?" I smiled at him. "We are soooo over." I blocked all thoughts of my betrayal to him from my mind. I hoped Adrian was intoxicated enough to not see my aura, and judging by his glazed expression, even if he wasn't, he wouldn't notice anything at this moment in time.

He nodded. "Okay, okay, where?" he asked eagerly.

I hesitated. "In my room." I replied. I glanced at the clock on his wall. Shit. "But, babe, I must go to class now. See you tomorrow night." I reached up, standing on my tippy toes and squelching any thoughts of disgust going through my mind, and kissed him.

I left Adrian stunned in his room. Next step, going to Lissa.

I came up to her at the tail end of breakfast. "Hey, Liss, can I come over tonight?" I asked happily. God, I wanted to die.

Lissa nodded eagerly. "Of course!" she exclaimed. I didn't get the chance to talk to her any longer because I had to go to class.

The day seemed to fly, and suddenly it was time for me to go to Lissa's. At the afternoon practice, I distanced myself, hoping to plant a seed of doubt in Dimitri's mind. By the end of practice, however, I got the distinct feeling that he figured it was just one of my moods. I sighed. He won't tomorrow.

I made my way to Lissa's room, already prepared for what I was going to say.

Once there, I hung out with her for a couple of hours, catching up with her. I wished I had more time before I had to say goodbye, but I knew Dimitri would keep her safe.

When the time came for me to meet Adrian, I looked at Lissa, feeling terrible for lying to her. "Hey, Liss, would you mind if I skipped out early? I was planning to meet with Adrian..." I trailed off, hoping she got the hint.

Her eyes lit up with happiness. "Oh, I'm so glad you're finally giving him a chance! Just make sure you're protected. Okay?" she said quickly, practically jumping with happiness. I simply nodded, feeling worse than ever.

I hurried over to my room. Just as I took off my shoes, Adrian knocked on the door. I opened it hurriedly, putting a smile on my face.

"Hey," I breathed. "I thought you wouldn't show up." I hoped, anyway.

Adrian grinned. "Nope. No way would I miss a chance with you, little dhampir." I waved him in, and he walked in, looking around. I sat on my bed, not knowing what to expect. He finally turned to me.

"Rose," he began. "I really, really like you, you know that, right?" I nodded, and he continued. "Well, I want this chance to be more than a casual fuck. I want to have an actual relationship with you." I swallowed, and nodded. "But could you at least stay with me tonight?" I asked, giving him puppy eyes. Adrian looked at me for a long moment, then nodded, stripping down to his boxers. I changed into a t-shirt and shorts, then both of us slid into bed. I knew that as soon as somebody saw Adrian slip out of room tomorrow morning, rumors would be everywhere; Dimitri was bound to hear. I knew he wouldn't believe them, at least not until he heard Lissa and christian talking about it. I would make sure it happened.

I fell asleep in another man's arms that night, thinking of ways to say goodbye to the love of my life.