A/N-Hey, it's me! I finally got this fic I've been working on for a while kinda done so I figured, why not post it? Couple of things you should know before you start. For those of you reading my story for the first time, welcome! Nice to have you on board with us. We understand you have many options and would like to thank you for choosing Learning to Love. Old-timers, just skip straight down to the part where I explain the story-this'll just be review.

First off, I suck at updating. And I mean, I'm really really bad about it. I have most of this story typed up but my life is hectic and I'm a lazy person. I just don't have the time for it. So my next update could be anywhere from tonight to two weeks from now. Sorry, it's just how I roll.

Second, don't flame me. All you'll get is a very sarcastic reply back. If you have something to say, say it nicely or just go read a different story. Trust me, I understand your pain. I've come across stories with horrendous spelling that hurts my eyes. Know what I do though? I take a deep breath, wonder why spellcheck is such a difficult concept to grasp and then I leave, instead of flaming. Believe me; most of the authors on this sight are at least twelve or older. If they haven't realized that spellcheck is a vital part of a story, they're not gonna listen to you.

Third, I am big on angst. There is a lot of heartache in this story and it gets pretty heavy most times. If that's not your thing, you're in the wrong story.

Lastly, I like reviews. Please review and tell me how I'm doing.

This is a break

And now for the summary…

This is a story of interconnected oneshots crossing four storylines and three pairings. It is canon all the way up to the end of Spirit Bound where it takes a different path because, no offense to any die hard Last Sacrifice fans out there, but I think Mead could have done better. This spans all the way from the beginning of Janine and Abe's meeting to about where Last Promise finishes.

The first story line is that of Janine and Abe-Their love, their parting, and their rekindling. It is the story of hopeless love and parting. Their heartache, their pain. The daughter they shared but never saw grow up.

The second storyline delves into the complicated relationship between Rose and her parents. How they began, how they fell apart, and how, ultimately, they learned to forgive.

The third follows, naturally, Dimitri and Rose. How a silent Russian warrior with no room for love came to be with a girl, wise beyond her years, who was just so sick and tired of loving and losing.

The final storyline is a series of vinettes that follow the pattern of the story. It traces the lives of two birds. See if you can guess which bird is which character.

Here we go! I hope you enjoy! ...Wow, this author's not is nearly as long as the entire paragraph

Learning to Love

"It is only through losing it that we learn what love is"

A chirp. A tweet. A song. The bird on the branch sings, perched on the few sparse trees found in the death of winter. Another bird lands, a miracle appearing through the unforgiving climate. Together they sing.

This town is colder now, the rare vegetation already patched with snow. But warmth can still be found, the local bar is open for the night. An elegant wave leads the way, a man's expensive boots clack against the pavement on their way to a heated fire. The doors slam open, heels clomp to the back. Heads turn at the gust of frigid wind, turn back to the monotony of winter in Russia. The man heads to the back room and leans against the counter.

"Ibrahim Mazur," he states disinterestedly, his fingers tracing the grainy pattern of wood. The sycophancy begins; the sickly sweet tone of the concierge makes his teeth hurt as he is ushered into an elevator, concealed behind hollow wooden panels.

Abe is a simple man. Simple but dangerous. Most know better than to cross him, else they find themselves suddenly lacking a vital organ. Things have a way of just happening around him, trouble has a way of finding him. Still, Abe is here for a different reason; just to stay the night before moving on to his next destination. A warm bed to sleep in, perhaps a warm body to share it with.

She is young, fresh out of guardian school, here for her first day off of work. Her curly red hair bounces as she turns, eyes darting and taking note of any possible threat. A guardian, Abe notes with a smirk. That wariness in her eyes is almost too familiar. He has left his own guardians behind. He does not need them; rather, he hires them for intimidation. Abe may not be a Royal, but he is not an easily forgotten Moroi.

This guardian is different; her lithe frame embracing the wall she leaned against. His stomach flutters, butterflies flap their wings. He squashes the feelings, he doesn't need them. The boots pick up their stride once more.

Janine Hathaway is going places. Everyone who sees her praises her dedication. If only there were more like her, they all say. But behind that emotionless mask, there is a person. A person who, for the first time, is learning what love is. Janine Hathaway has heard of Ibrahim Mazur, listened to stories of his more infamous exploits. She should know better than to get mixed up with him. But with his dark intense gaze fixated on her, she just can't seem to help herself.

They called him crazy to promise himself to her. They called her a fool to believe him. But a man lost cannot be expected to be sane. They were crazy fools but they were in love.