Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 21 - Upon Reflection

After a long breakfast with Abe, I headed back upstairs to our room. Walking in, the bathroom door was shut, and I could hear the shower running. Dimitri must be back from training. Given I'd not yet showered, I thought I might join him.

Locking the door to our suite, I shed my clothes, stepping into the bathroom. Dimitri was in the shower; eyes closed shampooing his hair. Naked, with the water running in little streams down his taut, toned body, I couldn't help but admire how incredibly handsome he was. The definition in his arms, his flat toned stomach, and abs, his amazing legs. Everything just screamed masculinity.

Looking at him, I still found it hard to believe he was mine. He could have any woman he wanted, but somehow he'd chosen me.

"Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to join me?" he asked, eyes still closed.

"Well if you're inviting..." I said, opening the shower door and slipping in beside him. Rinsing the last of the suds from his hair, Dimitri opened his eyes and moved to one side, pulling me to him and under the stream of water. "Hmm that feels nice," I murmured against his chest as his hands wandered over me. "How did training go?"

"Really good," he said distractedly, getting the soap and lathering it onto a washcloth, before starting to wash me gently. "I think I can do some real good here. How are your ribs going?" he asked as he gently washed over them.

"Not too bad. I know the Doctor said a week, but I really want to do some training. Do you think you could plan a modified program for me? Even if there's no sparring?"

"I'll see what I can do," he promised. I knew he missed us practicing together, too. Besides, there was already enough of a division between myself and the other Dhampir here. I wanted the chance to gain their respect and show them I'd earned my molnija. And I still had finals to think about. Well if I returned to St. Vladimir's that is. After what I'd overheard Lissa say, even that seemed in flux. It was a conversation Dimitri and I had to have, and I knew it. But I thought we'd just get through today first.

"You're thinking about your mother aren't you?" he asked.

"How can you tell?"

"Your whole body just tensed up."

"I'm sorry, I'm just worried she's going to freak out."

"Well if she does, we'll handle it. You're nearly eighteen. I know it would have been better if it had all happened after you graduated, but I don't care. I've never been so happy. I didn't even know it was possible to feel joy like that you bring to me," he said, leaning down to kiss me. "We're meant to be together, Roza. Once you believe that, the rest is just details."

I could feel tears welling in my eyes. Dimitri was right. With all the uncertainty right now, the only thing I wasn't questioning was him or our love. Trust him to find the perfect way to put my mind at ease.

"I just love you so much," I told him, tears slipping down my cheeks. "I can't even explain just how much I love you!"

"I know Roza. I feel the same way," he soothed. We stood there in the warm water, my head against his chest, arms around his neck. Eventually, he asked me "Are you ready to get out?"

"Yep. Only if you dry me off."

"It's a deal," he said with a beautiful smile.

Turning off the tap, Dimitri opened the shower door, standing aside to let me through. Stepping out behind me, he fetched a large, warm towel from the heated towel rail, wrapping me up in its warmth. I watched him grab another towel and rub it over his body, quickly drying himself and wrapping it around his hips before returning his attentions to me.