Timeline Restored

More Obstacles

Dimitri POV

Having her in my arms normally fills me with such peace but this time I was fearing that she was pushing herself too hard with this. We had thought the Russian guardians would be the easier of the bunch as they were more likely to face attack. Russia is teaming with Strigoi given the longer periods of darkness. While the Academy is safe given its military style security, the rest of Russia was not so safe and attacks are frequent. I know Rose's magic is a large cause of her current situation, not to mention the stress she is under from Court and these guardians. I also know my earlier actions regarding Tasha are a large contributor to her present state. How is it that I cannot bring myself to completely remove Tasha from my life? It's not like we were ever a real couple. For the longest time, she was nothing more than an acquaintance, later turning into the girlfriend (one of many) of Ivan. Looking back at that time, I recall blurred images of her looking at me with the affection she should have been showing her partner. Her mental state after they separated was also not the best, going so far as to stalk and intercept many of his later flings. It was the actions she took against the niece of the Queens best-friend Priscilla, which led to her moving to America.

But why does it feel like there is also more to that story than what I am able to recall? Is this what Rose meant? Could this be why Rose said that she thought there was more to my history with Tasha than I realise? Babushka had always been strict with my compulsion training, trying her best to make me impervious to Moroi compulsion. Now I know that a spirit user is more adept in that area, but is it possible Babushka saw that I would be compelled? Is that why she trained me much harder than the girls? Had Tasha compelled me?

Shaking off my thoughts, I dedicated myself to caring for the woman in my arms. My world. Roza is so caring. Always putting things and people she perceives as more important ahead of herself, to the point of neglecting her own needs. That is why I plan on taking a more active role tomorrow. If she doesn't like it, then I'll just have to show her who is really the boss in this relationship. Dominance is something I know she enjoys. Something I've tried before with other partners (to various failing degrees) and that I would never consider doing with anyone but her in the future. Already having performed a few scenarios, I am no longer afraid of harming her in the ways I was before.

FLASHBACK

Rose had long wanted to try and make one of Dimitri's fantasies come true. And tonight was the night. They had plenty of conversations about the fantasies each held. Some more easily fulfilled than others. She remembered him telling her about how he had often needed to guard Ivan in strip clubs, watching as he received lap dances before going upstairs for 'more'. It confused Rose why he paid for such things. From all Dimitri said (and if Jesse was any indication) he'd have had his pick of women. Everything made more sense when he explained that Ivan sometimes just wanted plain sex, no strings attached. She knew enough of Adrian's reputation to know that voicing their name would be enough for many to have expectations, regardless of what he may have said up front. Her curiosity was piqued however at the wistful look in her lovers' eyes when he talked about how it looked fun, that he was always on guard (particularly due to the poor lighting) and so never had one himself. Dimitri has had partners in the past while Rose had not, but it had been about release rather than any real connection and so could not ask for such a thing. Even with Rose he struggled to voice his desires without shying away. Always used to him being so sure of himself and open, it was a look she was not used to seeing on him, but loved him nonetheless

Rose desperately felt the need to have Dimitri dominate her. Since becoming a real couple the need had become almost desperate, especially when he lets his dominance slip with how he speaks to her or controls her to a small degree in the bedroom. She was positive he wants to be that way with her too, both too afraid to broach the subject. Realising that if she wants that to ever happen, she must be the one to make the suggestion. Before broaching the subject to Dimitri she decided to first seek out someone she hoped would know where she could get a few items. The problem with that was that she was afraid it would get back to her father. The conversation would be embarrassing enough to have with his long time guardian and friend. Chickening out she decided to instead first approach Suzanne who had some helpful hints about how to talk to a new partner about such things. Reassured by her advice she told the woman of her growing need to be dominated, only trusting Dimitri to do so.