#aurora writes

“I assume you’re staying at this hotel for the night too?”

“Yeah. Flew halfway across the country to get here. Not just turning around and getting right back on a plane. I need at least one more night’s sleep after tonight’s to be ready for that.”

Jimmy hummed and nodded. “Yeah, same here.”

The two of them were quiet for a few minutes, watching the dance floor.

Jimmy knocked back the last of his drink like he was taking a shot. “This is gonna seem really forward,” he said. “But you’re kinda hot.”

Tango snorted. “Shut up.”

“I’m serious,” Jimmy said. “You’re hot and I’m reckless. Figure I may as well say it.”

“Well. I’m flattered.” Tango bounced his eyebrows and took a long sip of his drink. Trying not to eye Jimmy too obviously out of his periphery. “Truth is, you’re kinda hot too.”

He pretended not to notice the way Jimmy lit up. “Really?”

“Ye-up.” He popped the P again.

Jimmy fiddled with the now-empty glass in his hand. “So… if I ask you to meet me in room six-forty-one after the wedding… what would you say?”

Tango thought for a moment, then knocked back the last of his own drink. “Join me at the bar for another drink first. Once I’ve got a little more courage in my blood, I might give you an answer you’ll like.”

“Deal,” Jimmy said, the word quick and eager. He pushed off the wall. “Can I take your glass?”

“Sure.” Tango passed the empty glass over as they crossed the hotel ballroom toward the bar. “What a gentleman.”

“I do my best. My mama raised me right.”

“Your mama raised you to proposition randos at weddings?” Tango asked, arching a brow.

Jimmy’s face darkened, going red. “Well… no. But…”

Tango laughed. “I’m messing with you, Jim.”

They reached the bar, and the mixologist gave them an expectant look. “What can I getcha?” he asked pleasantly, cleaning out a glass.

“I’m going to get a double of whiskey. Neat,” Tango said.

“Ooh. I’ll have what he’s having,” Jimmy said, setting the empty glasses on the bar counter.

The mixologist swept the empty glasses away and came back with fresh ones. He popped the lid off a bottle and poured them both a double of whiskey. “Enjoy!” he offered.

Tango took the one nearest him. “We will,” he said, raising the glass to the mixologist. Jimmy did the same and followed him away from the bar. Tango took a rapturous sip, feeling the whiskey burn all the way down. He couldn’t help but shudder slightly. “Oh yeah. That’s what I needed.” He raised up his other elbow and rested it on Jimmy’s shoulder. “Six-forty-one. After the reception.” He gave Jimmy a look. “I’ll see you there.”

—

Jimmy was waiting outside room 641 when Tango finally made his way through the maze of hallways and found the damn place. Still in his suit. Now that they were no longer in the half-light of the ballroom with the multicolored party lights swinging around, Tango could see that Jimmy’s suit was navy blue and his tie was damn-near canary yellow. He was leaning against the wall, looking down at his phone in his hand. The door was propped open by the metal loop that would normally hold the door closed like a chain.

“Glad I’m not overdressed,” Tango remarked.

Jimmy’s head whipped up. Tango was also still in his suit, having only gone back to his own room to empty his pockets to make sure nothing important in them would get pinched in the morning if Jimmy woke up before he did. “Not at all,” Jimmy replied.

Tango stepped right up to him, slipping into his personal space like he’d done it a hundred times before. He reached out and pinched the point of Jimmy’s tie—he wore a standard, wide tie where Tango wore a thin one—and brought it up to his eye level, examining the end as if he were simply curious, rather than knowing exactly where this rendezvous with a stranger was going. “Am I too close?” he asked quietly, giving Jimmy a look deliberately through his lashes.

“Honestly, you could be a lot closer,” Jimmy replied, tone casual but with an underlying, simmering heat.

Tango slid his other hand up the tie till he had a decent grip just below the knot at Jimmy’s throat, leaning in and pulling Jimmy to be closer to him. “And how about now?”

Jimmy hesitantly lifted a hand to cradle the back of Tango’s head. “Closer,” he whispered.

Tango yanked Jimmy in, letting their mouths crash together with reckless abandon. Jimmy made a quiet, whiny noise, his other hand finding Tango’s tie and loosening it a little.

He pulled Tango down the wall and pushed open the heavy hotel room door, batting the metal loop out of the way. The door swung shut behind them and Tango’s back collided with it. Jimmy’s tongue teased at his lips and Tango allowed it in. Jimmy scrambled to get Tango’s tie completely free, throwing it off to the side somewhere while Tango did the same to Jimmy’s.

Though Tango was slowed down for a moment. “What… how did you knot your tie?”

“Fancy one my brother taught me when we were kids,” Jimmy replied, breathing hard, as he helped Tango get the knot undone. “Only really use it for special occasions.”

“And to show off to strangers,” Tango teased.

Jimmy kissed him hard. “Maybe a little,” he breathed against Tango’s lips.

Tango snickered. “Meh. Don’t blame you.” He found the button of Jimmy’s shirt at his collar and loosened it first, despite his suit coat’s buttons also still being fastened. Jimmy’s hands were finding the buttons of Tango’s coat so Tango figured he’d keep his hands occupied higher up so they didn’t get hopelessly tangled.

Yet.

Jimmy’s quiet gasp of relief when the button was freed was all Tango needed to hear to know he made the right decision.

Jimmy undid the two buttons of Tango’s suit coat and Tango let his arms drop just long enough for Jimmy to push the coat off by the lapels. He took a tiny bit more care of throwing it over the back of the desk chair while Tango unbuttoned Jimmy’s coat. It was shucked off and joined Tango’s on the desk chair. As Tango was tossing the coat, Jimmy undid his own shirt buttons and then started doing the same for Tango’s. Tango took his cue to get his own shirt buttons free while Jimmy’s kiss kept him pinned to the door.

“God, you’re hot,” Jimmy whispered.

“Says the man chiseled like a god,” Tango retorted, nipping at Jimmy’s lips.

“Stop it, you.”

“Make me.”

Jimmy leaned back enough to break the kisses, one brow arched. “Alright. I see how it is. This how you’re gonna be all night?”

Tango bounced his left brow alone. “Only if you like it.”

Jimmy slanted a playful smile in Tango’s direction. “I think I can handle you.”

“One way to find out.” Tango unhooked the long piece of fabric that covered the button of Jimmy’s suit trousers. Jimmy’s kisses trailed down to Tango’s neck as his button-down shirt fell off and bunched up on the floor. Tango made a noise that was absolutely not a whine as Jimmy sucked a long kiss to the curve of where Tango’s neck met his shoulder. “I’ll be honest, Jimmy,” he whispered, words strained. “Impulsive hookups aren’t usually my style.”

“Me neither. But I thought you were hot and I was feeling bold.”

“Not… not complaining.” He caught his breath. “You are single, right?”

“Oh yeah,” Jimmy replied with a hint of quiet enthusiasm.

“Good. Me too. Not interested… in helping someone cheat.”

“Same.” Jimmy slipped out of his shoes as Tango got his trousers unbuttoned and let them fall down along with his button-down shirt, leaving him in just a tight, thin white T-shirt underneath, socks, and his underwear. Tango kicked off his own shoes and let Jimmy undo his trousers. They slid down his legs and he stepped out of them. He had on a tank top beneath his button-down rather than a T-shirt, and Jimmy played with its hem. “How do you feel about being picked up, handsome?”

Tango couldn’t help but snort. “If you’re capable of picking me up, go for it. I’m pretty small but I’m a little heavier than I look.”

Jimmy bent down and scooped Tango up as easy as if he were a child. Tango’s head swam immediately with desire. Jimmy seemed to notice, because he smiled as he carried Tango over to the bed. “You still good?”

“Oh yeah,” Tango replied with a nod.

Jimmy kissed him, heated passion simmering between them. Tango hooked one leg up over Jimmy’s back and pulled so make sure they were right on top of each other. “Eager?”

“I think we’ve played around enough. Unless you want to keep playing.”

“Oh, baby, I’m happy to jump right in.” Jimmy sucked a hickey to the soft, sensitive side of Tango’s neck. “That okay? The pet name?”

“Perfectly fine. I like it.”

“Good to know.”

“So, what are we waiting for, Jimmy?”

—

“Where are you from? Where are you flying back to after the wedding?” Jimmy asked, twirling one of Tango’s wavy locks of hair around his thumb.

“It’s a little suburb called Stagerton. You’ve probably never heard of it.”

But Jimmy started laughing. “No way. Really?”

“Yeah… why?”

“I’m moving to Stagerton for work next month.”

Tango gaped at him. “You’re kidding!”

“Nope!”

They both laughed, trying to keep their voices down. The city outside was dark but the sun was rising soon. Tango reached up and brushed some of Jimmy’s flat, straight hair out of his eyes. “Well… if you’re ever feeling lonely in Stagerton, I live alone. You’re welcome to reach out. I could introduce you to some friends, if you want. Or we can just… do this again.”

Jimmy gave him a tentative but excited smile. “You liked it?”

“Of course I did. I told you I did while we were in the shower.”

“I know. Just wanted to make sure you meant it now that we’ve had a couple hours of sleep and we’re not just riding the high quite as much.”

“Mm. Fair enough. But yeah. I liked it. A lot. And I’d be down to do it again when you move to Stagerton, if you would.”

Jimmy smiled and brushed Tango’s bangs off his forehead, pressing a soft kiss to the exposed skin. “I’m down,” he said.

“I’ll give you my number before going back to my room.”

“And I’ll give you mine.”

Tango smiled softly. “See you in Stagerton, then.”

“See you then.” Jimmy closed the gap between them. “May I kiss you again?”

“I’m good for another round before breakfast if you are.”

“Oh, all the way?” Jimmy asked playfully.

“If you want.”

“Say less.” Jimmy’s hand slid down Tango’s bare back, disappearing under the covers.

—

Tango opened the door to his house, raising one eyebrow.

“I know. I’m late, I’m sorry,” Jimmy said. “I got lost.”

Tango’s face split into a smile. “Don’t apologize. Just glad you made it.” He took a fistful of Jimmy’s shirts—a white T-shirt with a soft, light blue button down worn loose over it—and pulled him over the threshold. Jimmy’s arms wrapped around his hips automatically, holding them both upright and steady.

“Miss me that much?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Or did you just miss my—”

Tango cut him off with a kiss as the front door slammed behind them.

Jimmy snickered. “Not wasting time, then,” he said against Tango’s lips.

“Nope.”

Jimmy tilted his head for a better angle. He backed Tango up another step into the entryway of the house to kick off his shoes. “How much playing around do you want to do before we get to what we really want?” he whispered.

“Mm… I wasn’t really thinking about playing around unless you think you need to. I was thinking we get to the good stuff and then I either make dinner for us both afterward or we get some delivery.”

Jimmy smiled against Tango’s skin. “Bold of you to assume you’ll be able to walk after we’re through.”

Tango nipped at Jimmy’s lips gently. “Delivery it is,” he breathed.

Jimmy chuckled. “God, I missed you.”

“For being a stranger you barely know. I think you just missed my—”

Jimmy cut Tango off with a kiss. “Doesn’t matter that I barely know you. I like your personality and your humor and your wit. I missed all of you. Not just the fun part.”

“Mm… I’ll believe you for now.”

“Good. Because it’s the truth.” Jimmy trailed kisses until he found Tango’s earlobe and tugged at it between gentle teeth. “Ready for me to show you?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Show me where, handsome. Living room, bedroom, somewhere else—just show me where.”

Tango clutched Jimmy’s shirts between both fists and began pulling him down the hall toward his bedroom. “This way.”

—

Tango woke up sore and satisfied. He hadn’t realized how pent-up he’d been, waiting for Jimmy to move to Stagerton. After they’d cleaned up in Tango’s shower, they’d collapsed into bed in each other’s arms to doze for a bit. The sun had changed angles, so it must have been probably a half-hour.

Jimmy was lightly stroking up and down Tango’s spine with his fingertips, just firm enough not to tickle. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of this,” he said softly upon realizing Tango was awake.

Tango couldn’t help but give Jimmy a bit of a sardonic look in return. “You’re a pretty good lay yourself, Solidarity,” he replied.

Jimmy smirked. “You’re damn right I am.”

Tango fluttered his tongue against the top of his mouth like a playfully seductive purr. “I like a confident man.”

“I noticed.” Jimmy licked the back of his lip and Tango giggled.

“Ready for some food?”

Jimmy opened his mouth as though to answer, looking away. The corner of his mouth tugged up. Then he shut his mouth and shook his head. “There’s a joke there but I’m gonna leave it for now. And just say yes.”

“Hand me my phone on the table and I’ll get a delivery order started.”

—

Tango looked around his house with his hands on his hips. Jimmy’s hoodie was draped over the arm of the sofa. He’d left it months ago and never took it home. Always claiming he “forgot” it. It still vaguely smelled like Jimmy, despite how much time it had spent on Tango’s body when Jimmy wasn’t here.

Other evidence of Jimmy’s consistent presence in Tango’s life was scattered around the house. The misplaced throw pillow on the sofa from Jimmy holding the pillow while he sat in his spot during movie nights and then put back in the wrong spot. The pair of fuzzy slipper socks on the floor near the fireplace too big to be Tango’s. The two place-mats on Tango’s small dining table that usually only had one. The extra dishes in the sink and dishwasher. The extra drawer in his dresser containing a set of clothes that weren’t his was a subtle sign, but Jimmy always left it cracked open slightly after he changed.

The quiet tapping of rain on the windows and roof filled the otherwise-silence besides the refrigerator’s consistent thrumming.

Knock-knock-knock!

Tango spun and hurried to his door.

He pulled it open and pulled Jimmy inside by the collar, slamming the door shut behind them. Jimmy snickered as he shook rain out of his hair. “Missed you too,” he said playfully.

They crashed together messily, tangling up in one another. Jimmy tasted like the vanilla lip balm he always used. He stayed remarkably steady, despite Tango trying to pull him deeper into the house, as he stepped out of his sneakers. He yielded to Tango’s tugging and flopped down onto the couch when Tango pushed him slightly. Tango climbed on his lap, continuing to kiss him.

“If this is how you react to me missing last week, maybe I should skip weeks more often,” Jimmy whispered teasingly.

“Mm-mm,” Tango replied, shaking his head. Jimmy snickered.

“How long we been doing this, now?”

“How long have you been living in Stagerton?”

“Four months of hooking up every Friday night. The fact that we’ve only missed one week is impressive.”

Tango stuck his tongue in Jimmy’s mouth to shut him up. “Mmhmm,” he managed to get out. Jimmy snickered out his nose, his hands roving over Tango’s back, eventually finding the hem of his T-shirt and slipping under it. His hands were really warm against Tango’s skin and his felt himself get a little weak in the spine.

The rain grew a little louder outside, and they both took a brief moment to separate and look toward one of the windows when a flicker of light registered on their senses.

Thunder rumbled.

“Perfect weather,” Tango whispered. He ducked back in and gave Jimmy another firm kiss. Jimmy’s hands on his back pressed harder, holding him closer.

“Shirt off?” Jimmy whispered.

“Thought you’d never ask.” Tango stripped his shirt off. Jimmy did the same. Tango brought Jimmy’s head back to his own and kept kissing him. “I did miss you, actually,” he whispered into Jimmy’s mouth. For all that they were determined that they were just hooking up without any real obligation behind it, Tango liked Jimmy. He liked spending time with him. Jimmy was fun—both in bed and otherwise. They found themselves laughing a lot while eating dinner or watching a movie.

“Missed you too,” Jimmy whispered back. He rolled forward to take a turn to lick into Tango’s mouth, scraping against his teeth. His warm hand on Tango’s back slid down to his hip to hold them as close as they could possibly be. “How much do you wanna play before I carry you down the hall?”

Tango shrugged. “Gimme a minute to appreciate that you’re here again.”

Jimmy’s thumb rubbed back and forth on Tango’s back with a thoughtful hum as Tango tangled his hands in Jimmy’s hair, scratching a little at his scalp and tugging on his hair. He’d discovered quickly that Jimmy liked having his hair tugged on. Not pulled, but tugged. Something Tango was happy to oblige, keeping his pressure gentle but present.

Jimmy made a soft little noise and Tango pulled back. Both of them were breathing hard. Tango’s heart was pounding so loud in his ears he could barely hear Jimmy’s panting. “You’re so good-looking it’s not fair,” Tango whispered.

“Look who’s talking,” Jimmy retorted breathlessly, running his hand up Tango’s back. “Gosh—every time I look at you…”

The air grew tense between them as they held one another’s gaze, chests heaving from the combination of rushing feelings and kissing restricting their oxygen intake a bit. Tango blinked and took deep breaths. His heart was beating wildly, trying to escape his ribcage. Jimmy’s eyes had a glint in them that was almost feral.

Jimmy swallowed, thumb rubbing up and down over the crest of Tango’s hip bone. Tango scratched lightly at Jimmy’s scalp.

“Tango, are—”

“Jimmy, I—”

They both stopped, eyebrows raising.

“You first,” Jimmy said.

“No, no. You go first.” Tango nodded to Jimmy with his chin.

“No, please. You go first.”

Tango huffed. “I… I don’t want to cross a line here. But…” He took a deep breath, steeling himself. “Jimmy, I think I’m your boyfriend.”

Tension melted out of Jimmy’s shoulders. “Thank goodness. I was about to ask if we were boyfriends.”

Tango smiled and leaned in close. “Might as well call it what it is, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Jimmy held the back of Tango’s head and brought them together for another kiss. Tango hummed in contentment. “How… how long have we been a couple?” Jimmy asked softly, lips soft against Tango’s.

Tango managed a shrug. “Couple months,” he replied. “Since I cleared a drawer for you to leave some things behind and you intentionally keep forgetting your hoodie here.”

“I do that so you can wear it and think of me.”

“Exactly. Because you’re my boyfriend.”

Suddenly the ballroom chandelier was too bright, the smell of strawberries and champagne being all too much, the sound of the music turned from a sentimental, beautiful ballad to a mocking tone, as if it were telling you that you lost.

You were not enough for him to stick to you. Not enough for him to love. Even the fact that you were growing his child inside of you did not make him stay; you meant nothing to him. 

You felt your knees buck as you felt nauseous, feeling as if you were mere seconds away from fainting. Your eyes shut for a second and you embraced yourself for the impact with the floor — you gasped, your eyes shooting open, your chest heaving up and down, panting. 

You looked around the room, you were in your chambers, in your nightgown, a strong arm around your very pregnant stomach, a face nuzzled into your neck, snoring softly. The scent of your husband filling your nose. 

You shifted your head to look at his face, fast asleep. You let out a breath, still coming down from the gut wrenching feeling of betrayal you felt in your dream. It felt so real; so genuine, as if he would wake up and betray you like he did in real life. 

It made your dinner from last night want to escape you. You sat up slowly, leaning against the fancy headboard of the bed. Alexei's arm dropping from your waist to your lap. He stirred in his sleep, feeling you shift, he didn't wake from his slumber as he still felt your warmth near him. 

You let out a shaky breath, feeling tears well up in your eyes. You felt foolish, ridiculous even, for crying over such a thing. For being angry at him for such an act, an act he did not even commit. An act he would never so much as imagine committing. 

Your husband — your hardworking, devoted, uxorious husband — was right next you, lightly snoring, his chest heaving up and down slowly in a peaceful, rhythmic pattern — contrasting yours immensely — in a blissful state of tranquility. Completely unaware of the storm that raged inside you. 

The feeling clung to you, as if the dream had left a scar. Not Alexei — no, he would never allow for that dream to become reality; Count Vronsky might be many things, but unfaithful? Disloyal? Coldhearted? No, those words would never belong to him 

You were not unaware of how loyal your husband was, no, he made his intentions with you very clear, since the beginning of your courtship. He is to love and care for you, in sickness, in health, in happiness, in sorrow, in peace, in anger. Whatever it was; he was to love and care for you. 

He vowed to it. And everyone knew when the Vronsky's vowed to something — they would rather die than have that vow broken. 

You knew all of this, you knew, and yet you were still crying. What sort of wife doubts her husband? Even in the captivity of her own mind? 

Your oh so loving husband. The husband that goes riding with you when you feel like it, the husband that smiles at you adoringly as you speak about your daily activities, the husband that whispers sweet nothings to your unborn child before vanishing into a peaceful slumber every night. 

Natheless, the image of another woman in his arms, a content smile on his face, the look of love in his eyes as he stared at her. The thought haunted you, like a phantom, unwilling to leave you alone. 

You sniffled and wiped your tears with your hands, taking in a shaky breath. Ridding the tears that had no right to exist. Merely for more unjust tears to flow out of your waterline. Your heart burned in your chest, your stomach churned. It felt as if there was a pit in your stomach. 

Your baby came into your mind, all this unnecessary stress would be bad for the baby. His baby. You calmed yourself for the health of your baby. Though the calmness did not guarantee that the sorrow would dissolve. 

The light shone through the space in the curtains, softly whispering to you, telling you that it was morning. You hear soft noises from outside your chambers — the maid were already working. 

You looked back at your husband, the light softly hitting his face, making him look oh so beautiful. You were truly a lucky woman to have such a handsome Count as your husband. It made you insecure; he was so beautiful, he was adored by all the young debutantes'. Eyes filled with thirst to grab at him any chance they get, but he was a married man. 

You criticised yourself, comparing yourself to those debutante's, even though you yourself were one just a year and a half ago. 

You sighed softly as you slipped your legs off the bed, gently pushing yourself off the bed, waddling to the door, leaving Alexei in bed, fast asleep. You opened your door and peeked your head out, looking for one of the maids to help you change into your day gown. 

"Vanya!" You whispered as you caught a glimpse of her right before she put her foot down on the first step of the staircase to make her way downstairs. She furrowed her brows and looked for the source of the voice that had just called out her name. 

"Vanya" You whispered again, she looked at you, her face relaxing and a soft smile displaying on her lips. 

"Countess, you are awake, much earlier than expected" She smiled as she made her way to the door of your chambers. You smiled softly, a smile that did not quite reach your eyes.

"Well, the little one does not allow me to rest in comfort." You joked as you put a hand on your stomach and rubbed your swollen belly. Vanya smiled at you, looking down at your bump and then back at you. 

"I would like to get ready for the day" You smiled at her, and opened the door slightly more. She glanced inside to see the Count still in bed, deep in slumber. She looked back at you and furrowed her brows, you never wake before the Count, it was either the both woke at the same time, or the Count stayed in bed with you until you woke. 

"Uh yes, Countess, right away" Vanya shook her thought away and looked down at the floor as you opened the door slightly more for her to enter, closing the door after she entered. You guided her to your boudoir that was connected to the bedchamber.

Vanya's gaze on the floor until she reached the familiar tiles of the boudoir, to respect the Count's privacy. She headed straight to the dresses and chemises and petticoats, skipping the corsets because you were nearing your due date, meaning you were too big for corsets. 

She helped you dress, wearing a blue dress with fur lining around the collar of the dress and the sleeves of the dress. You had asked her to not put any jewelry on you, you felt overwhelmed enough. After changing you guided Vanya out of the bedchamber and she helped you down the staircase to the commons. 

You sat yourself at the loveseat near the big window, overlooking your beautiful garden, a book on your lap and your eyes still tired from the lack of sleep and the feeling of insecurity. You watched how the cold, Russian, autumn breeze made the trees sway, your flowers swaying in the process as well. 

"Countess, I must suggest that you breakfast" Polina, another house maid, said walking into the commons. You looked away from the window and looked at her. 

"Is it ready?" You asked putting a hand on your stomach and pushed off the loveseat with as much energy you could muster up. 

"Yes, ma'am, would you like for one of the men to wake the Count?" She asked as she held the door open for you to head out the commons and walk to the dining. 

"No, that is not necessary, I would much rather have him well rested" You said simply and walked to the table, allowing Polina to pull out a chair for you and help you sit down. 

"Very well" She said simply and left you alone to eat all by your lonesome. Leaving you alone with your thoughts. Not the best idea with the storm raging within you since even before you woke up. 

-

Alexei grumbled something under his breath as he stirred awake. His arm naturally going to feel you, touch you in some way, but he was met with a cold spot in the bed, and not your swollen belly. His eyes shot open, and he sat up, looking around the room to find you. 

He sighed and rubbed his face in his hands to wash away any feeling of fatigue so he could go on with his day. He removed the soft quilt off of him and got off the bed to get ready for his day. Slightly concerned about your whereabouts.

Since he had married you, he had never woken up in an empty bed, you were always beside him, but he did not worry his mind too much about it; he knew you'd be at home. 

He made his way downstairs, stopping at the end of the stairway, thinking about where you would be, that is until he saw Polina. 

"Ah Polina," He called out for her, Polina stopped in her tracks and turned to the Count. 

"Good morning Count" She greeted him with a smile. He nodded back as a greeting.

 "Would you know where my wife is?" He asked as he looked around the first floor of the house, as if in search of her. 

"She is in the dining, breaking her fast" Polina explained and nodded slightly towards the doors of the dining, down the hall. Alexei nodded, as if thanking her and walked away, walking with a purpose to see you and his child in the dining. 

He softly opened the doors and turned to the table to see you, poking your fork into your egg. He smiled softly and made his way to you, slowly, so as to not startle you. 

"Good morning, my dove" He said softly and kneeled down beside you, his hand already on your belly. You turned and smiled at him, a smile that you gave to Vanya when you woke that morning. 

"Good morning" You smiled at him and greeted him back. He kissed your cheek and then bent down slightly more to place a kiss on your belly. 

"Good morning to you too, kroshka" He mumbled against your belly as he planted his kiss. You smiled, your heart feeling heavy. This was the man you were doubting. The man that came straight to you after waking, to kiss you on the cheek, and to kiss your belly, to greet you with a sweet tone on his lips. 

You picked up your fork again and poked it into the sausage on your plate. Alexei stood properly and sat on the chair next to you, nodding at the servant who was in the dining hall to get him his food. He turned back to you, a soft look in his eyes. 

"You did not wake me, serdtse moyo" He said, watching you carefully as you ate. Making sure you had enough nutrients to carry on your day and carry his child. 

"You looked so peaceful, I did not want to interrupt" You said simply, not even sparing him a glance. Alexei raised a brow at your tone and your action, confused. 

"Very thoughtful of you," He said softly, trying to understand you. Ever since the doctor had told you that you were with child, he had been extra careful with his actions and words around you. Knowing how his brother's wife acted when she was with child, he learned his lesson. 

A maid had come in with a plate of food and placed it in front of him. He picked his fork up and started to eat, right after taking a sip of water to quench the dryness of his throat. Eating in silence, which would usually be calming but at this moment it felt as if tension would not leave you. 

"How did you spend your morning my love?" Alexei asked, trying to make conversation to ease the tension. 

"Just some light reading" You said simply, which wasn't technically a lie, you had tried to read but your thoughts were too loud for you to properly comprehend what was going on in your story. Alexei nodded at your answer, expecting you to continue speaking about your book, explain the plot and your side commentary.

But you just stopped speaking, eating your eggs. 

He looked at you, watching you deliberately. You didn't spare him a glance, making his heart hurt and his head think about everything he's done since yesterday to make you act so cold towards him. 

"Are you alright?" He asked softly, his hand reaching for your hand that was on the table. Softly rubbing your knuckle with his thumb. You finally looked at him, your eyes held a sadness he couldn't bear to see. You tried to hide the sadness with faulty joy. 

"I am fine, why?" You asked, masking the pain you feel in your heart and the pit in your stomach. 

"Are you tired? Did the little one not let you rest?" He asked, his hand going back to your stomach to feel his child. You shook your head, heart warming at his concern. The eggs taste bittersweet on your tongue. 

Your heart was warming up and crumbling all at the same time. You wanted to tell him that you were fine, that you were happy and content, to tell him about your dream and have him tell you he'd never do something so cruel to you. 

But shame filled you. The thought of telling him that you doubted him, the look of hurt on his face if you were to tell him, you feared that you could not handle it. 

"I am fine, Alexei, please calm your mind" You chuckled as you looked at him with a smile on your face. The smile on your face told him to not worry, but the look in your eyes told him that something was wrong. But he let it go, not wanting to make you uncomfortable. 

"Very well" He mumbled and continued to break his fast, his hand still on yours. You finished up your food and stood up from your seat, Alexei's gaze moving from his plate to you. 

"If you need me, I will be in the commons" You said simply and waddled out of the dining room, leaving Alexei in the dining by himself. The act made Alexei's heart crumble in his chest. You had never left him to eat alone, you had either waited until he finished eating to leave the dining together, or he would finish before you and do the same for you. 

Alexei watched you leave and once the door shut he turned to the servant who was in the corner of the room. The servant himself looked confused at your actions, it was very unlike you. 

"Do you reckon I did something that upset her?" Alexei asked the servant to see what anyone from an outside perspective had anything to say about it. The servant looked down to the floor before he spoke. 

"No Count, it is not in my recollection, perhaps it is the gloomy weather that has made the Countess act this way" The servant answered with proper thought. 

"Hmm perhaps" Alexei mumbled and looked down at his glass of water. He stood up abruptly and left the dining, leaving his food half finished. 

"Feed the remaining to Frou-Frou, will you please" He said to the servant as he made his way out the doors, wracking his mind as to what he could have done to make you act so cold towards him. He went to the commons, following you, and sitting on the seat opposite to the loveseat you were sat on. You were once again reading your book. 

Not really reading; you were stuck on the phrase ‘Was it a vision, or a waking dream? Fled is that music:—Do I wake or sleep?’ not fully able to comprehend or understand what the book was trying to say, for your mind was much too occupied from your dream.

It did however seem as if the world was telling you something, was it just a dream, or was it a vision? You had asked yourself, over analysing everything in your life. Was the world trying to tell you something by sending you signs? 

Don’t worry too much of it. It was just a visio- dream. Just a normal dream.

Alexei watched you closely as you were in reverie, hiding behind the newspaper, pretending to read and glancing ever so often at you to see the state that you were in. Trying to understand you and what was going on in your head. 

You had not turned your page for a while, and Alexei, knowing that you were quite a fast reader compared to the other ladies of the season, was worried. Were you not actually reading? 

“Milaya moya, what is that you think so deeply about?” He asked, breaking the silence and tension in the room. You jumped slightly, startled, putting a hand on your sternum as a reaction to the shock. 

“Ah, Alexei, you startled me, I did not notice you” You laughed slightly, looking at him. 

‘I did not noticed you’

But you always notice when he walks in the room. Your eyes always light up, your smile always deepens, and your shoulders relax knowing that he was there to take care of you. 

Your words upset him, he knew something was clogging your mind, he just did not know what exactly it was. He was determined to find out and rid you of those thoughts to make you happy, to see you happy. 

“I was rather silent, I suppose” Alexei said, pushing his thoughts of sadness away, trying to figure you out. 

“Now, my love, do tell, what is bothering you” He said, putting the newspaper down onto the seat and getting up, making his way to you, kneeling right in front of you so you would meet his eyes. 

“I have told you, I am f-” You started but Alexei cut you off, softly.

“And do not say that you are fine, because you seem very enervating” He said and softly placed one hand on your knee and the other on your stomach. 

“I do not wish for you to stress, my dove, it will only cause you and the child harm, so please do tell me what is causing you to be so burdened. Put it on me so I can carry that burden for you” He said softly, his eyes sincere and carrying a pain, and empathy, a mixture you never want to see in his eyes. 

You looked down, feeling your eyes start to water, your throat started to burn, your eyes stinging slightly. You did not want to meet his eye, you felt shameful. Felt disgusting for feeling the way you feel. 

You trusted him, you really did, but the dream, the vision, felt so real, so genuine, it was hard to not brood. 

He reached his hand up to your cheeks, cupping it right after pushing a stray strand fall from your beautifully plaited hair. 

“Darling,” He said softly, reminding you that he was still there. To listen, to hear, and understand you. You swallowed and licked your lips. You looked at him, through your eyelashes, his eyes boring into yours. His eyes, so blue and clear, every single feeling of concern and sadness engraved into them. 

You cleared your throat and shook your head. 

“I would like some time alone” You whispered and looked back down to your lap, watching his hand on your knee, his thumb rubbing the fabric of your dress. 

The hope in Alexei’s eyes left and he felt his shoulders slump. He licked his lips and stood up, lending out a hand to you to hold. You looked up at him when you saw him stretching his hand out for you to use to get back up on your feet. He had a soft smile on his face, calming your nerves. 

“Then time alone is what you shall get” He said and nodded to his stretched out hand for you to grab onto, to help you stand up. 

“That is with me at a safe distance” He quickly added as you closed your book, putting it to the side and putting your hand in his, allowing him to pull you up. He led you out of the commons and walked the hallway. 

“Where would you like to go for some time alone?” He asked, still holding onto your hand gently, taking smaller strides than normal to match your pace. 

“The garden” You whispered, looking around your home, as he nodded and led you to the doors to the garden. He held the door open for you and allowed you to head out first, you walked along the pathway, walking to the gazebo near the garden wall. He followed suit. 

- 

An hour passed, you had watched the leaves on the tree fall due to the weather; thinking to yourself that you’d have to ask one of the men to clean it up. You watched how your flowers were slowly decaying, some surviving due to the fact that winter was not that close. 

The Count had watched your every step, every content smile, everytime you put a hand on your stomach when you felt your baby kick. 

He watched as you threw two or three pebbles into the fountain, watched as you smelled your flowers, watched as you swung the leaves on your willow tree. He adored you, he yearned to be beside you, to help you; but he respected your wish to be alone for some time. 

But now that some time had gone by, he felt as if it was time to talk to you again. The once very pained look in your eyes had become less weary. You looked content, but something was still bothering you. He walked to the rose bushes, lined up beautifully near the fountain, picked up a red rose and walked towards you with a purpose. 

You sighed, feeling the feeling inside of you slowly dissipate, but somehow remnants of it remained. You were bathing in the cold-warm light of the sun when a rose appeared in front of you. You furrowed your brows and looked at the individual who had just offered you the rose. 

You tilted your head slightly to look past the rose to look at your husband who had a small, soft, smile on his face as he gazed at you lovingly. 

“A rose for your thoughts” He said and lowered the rose from right in front of your face, and handed it to you normally. You took the rose from him and inhaled the scent of the sweet rose. Your eyes closed peacefully. He admired you as you did so. 

You opened your eyes again and looked at him; the pain in your heart had lessened by now, your eyes now holding some form of happiness, a feeling of content. 

“Would you like to tell me what is bothering you?” He asked softly, his hands behind his back, enlocked with one another, waiting patiently for your answer. You sucked in your cheek and looked at the rose in your hands, feeling the texture of a petal between your thumb and index finger. 

You nodded softly and looked back up at him. He smiled and offered you his elbow to hold onto. You softly wrapped your arm around his elbow, the rose in your other hand as he led you to the gazebo. He pulled out a chair from a little tea table there. 

“Sit, you have been standing for long enough” He said and helped you sit down. Once you relaxed onto the chair, he kneeled down and put his hand on your knees, dirtying his nice dress pants. 

“Alexei, your trousers” You said watching him get on his knees in front of you to be on eye level with you. 

“Doesn’t matter, what matters is whatever that is bothering you” He said, cupping your face in his hands. You sighed softly and leaned into his hand. He looked at you attentively, ready for whatever it is you were about to say. 

“I had a dream” You started, looking straight into his eyes. It was time for you to be brave and swallow whatever bitter taste there was in your mouth. 

Alexei nodded, urging you to continue. You deep breath and continued,

“I had a dream where you were in another's arms” You said, your voice lowering as you spoke, the confidence dissipating as you admitted to him. Alexei’s brows furrowed and he tilted his head, utterly confused. He opened his mouth to say something but you cut him off.

“We were at a ball, perhaps it was Viscount Motka’s function — that is apart from the point —. You were dancing with another woman, it made me feel… feel rather strange” You said, taking a deep breath before continuing to tell him how your dream made you feel. Alexei looked pained. 

“Please do not be cross with me, I do not mean to doubt you, but it seems as if the dream has shaken me quite a bit” You said quickly, trying to comfort him. 

“I feel atrocious just feeling this way, I do not want to feel such a horrible emotion. I do not even know how to describe it —” You started, ranting slightly, he cut you off by placing his lips softly on yours. 

A kiss.

Your eyes fluttered close and you kissed him back. It was rather odd, you usually partake in such endeavours in the privacy of your bed chambers. His hands cupping your face had never left you. He pulled away and laid his forehead on yours, nose nudging one another. 

“My dove, now why on Earth would you be so perturbed over a dream?” He asked, slightly chuckling at your silly antiques. You pouted as he chuckled, and he stopped right away. 

“It felt real, Alexei. I was hurt” You pouted deeper and your eyes were sad. Alexei felt his heart crumble at the look on your face.

“My darling, I would never do something like that to you. They could torture me for days to do so, and I would not. My respect and love for you is ineffable” He said, a smile on his face, feeling a lot better about the whole situation. 

Not the issue of you being sad, but the fact that he can help you feel better. All this time he had thought he did something wrong, that he did something to hurt you — and if he did, he would never find a way to forgive himself. 

He could now do this favourite thing; to show you how much he loved you. 

You looked down at the rose on your lap, feeling abashed. Alexei moved one of his hands to your chin to tilt it up, making you look at him. 

“Do not doubt my love for you.” He said simply, his eyes so loving, so soft, so delicate. His touch on you is so intricate, as if he would touch you any harder, your skin would bruise, as if you would break into pieces. As if you would slip through his fingers like sand. 

He moved his hand to hold your cheek again, this time firmly as if it would prove anything. He started,

“From the moment I close my eyes to the second I open them again, you are there. You are in every single thought I have, in every single thing I look at. Your smell does not leave me, no matter how far I am from you. Your smile– engraved into my head and it brings me strength when you are absent from my side. 

So do not for a moment even consider that I do not love you because you are the better part of me. And if you ever so find yourself doubting the love I have for you, do tell me and I will spend every waking moment on this earth proving my love to you.” He said, looking so deeply into your eyes, his face mere millimetres away from yours, eyes holding so much love, so much adoration. 

You felt a tear escape your eye and he wiped it away. He removed his forehead from yours and tilted your head down slightly to set a kiss on your forehead. He stayed there, kissing your forehead for a bit and then moved to put his forehead on yours again.

Looking at you with the same look in his eyes. You smiled softly at home, you heart content, the pit in your stomach long gone, the pain in your heart and head, all gone. 

“I love you” You whispered, looking deeply into his eyes. His smiled deepened and he kissed the top of your nose, which was now cold from the chilly autumn breeze. 

“Apart from that, why would I want to dance with another, when I married the best dancer?” He asked, trying to make a joke to lighten the air. You let out a small laugh and shook your head, he laughed softly, his heart warming at the sound of your bubbly laugh. 

He let go of you and stood up, lending out a hand for you to hold. 

“It is getting colder outside, shall we go in, my Countess?” He asked sweetly. You smiled and put your hand in his, he pulled you up. You wrapped your arm around his bicep, your other hand gripping the rose he had given you.

“We shall, my Count” You said softly laying your head on his shoulder as he guided you back in the house. Leaving all your doubts and weariness outside. 

This Time

Rumi grunted, desperation and frustration bleeding through as she struggled to push against the intense force of Gwi-Ma’s vortex of fuchsia flames. But despite pouring out every iota of power she could draw out from her being, she could feel herself being pushed back ever so infinitesimally.

And it was enough to morph her desperation into fear.

She wasn’t going to make it, and judging from the way Zoey and Mira were calling out to her with worry evident in their voices, she wasn’t the only one who thought so.

Her arms began to lose strength, and falling onto one knee as she slowly approached what she began to believe was her end, he crossed her mind.

His arrogant and flirtatious demeanour that never failed to strike a nerve in her, his adorably goofy moments that she couldn’t help be amused by, his enthralling chocolate brown eyes with a golden gleam that always seemed to draw her very soul in.

“For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re a mistake.”

And his beautiful voice which uttered the very words that had rocked her world to its core. That gave her a sense of acceptance. That, for the first time in her life, made her feel she was more than enough, knowing what she was.

Feeling the rattle of her sword cracking, she grit her teeth in a wince.

This was it, it’s over—

Suddenly, she was falling forward from the sudden lack of pressure, landing on her hands and knees. Finding herself staring at the ground, she blinked in an attempt to regain herself, to comprehend. When she did, she noticed how the thousands of people in the audience had fallen into a new lull, clearly different from earlier. Curious, she raised her head…

… and came face to face with those enthralling golden eyes that gave her her answer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jinu watched, astonished and dumbfounded, as she emerged from the crowd, baring her heart and soul for not just everyone present in the stadium, but the whole world to see.

Her demonic patterns unshielded from her usual long sleeves, her slow yet confident strut towards the stage, and her crystal clear voice resembling the lilting hum of angelic euphony.

Unafraid and unashamed, ready to face her inner demons, running no longer on her mind.

He could feel the stares of his fellow group mates on him, awaiting his orders as though expecting him to plan their next attack. And admittedly, he should have. But the words lodged stuck in his throat, rendering him speechless as he witnessed her and her girls quickly approaching each other from different ends of the stage, swiftly striking down the demons that rushed at them, obstructing them from reuniting with one another.

He alone remained still as the trio began advancing toward Gwi-Ma, doubts and hesitation plaguing his mind, holding him back.

He had vowed vengeance upon Gwi-Ma, for manipulating and deceiving him, for stealing what he had treasured most. He had abandoned everything — sympathy, sadness, kindness — for the sake of that one goal.

Then he met her, and it changed everything.

At first, it was merely amusement. Like a game of cat and mouse, toying with her till his plan would come to fruition.

Then, he learnt her darkest secret, and that amusement turned into… something more. He did things he did not understand himself, behaved in a manner he normally wouldn’t, spoke with a genuine lightheartedness he had long forgotten.

It brought back to the surface something he had buried a long time ago.

He had dared believe for salvation when Rumi made her offer, which resulted in his devastation when he believed it lost as things took a turn for the worst for her. For them.

He had foolishly opened his heart once more despite knowing the vulnerability it would entail, and that led him to being hurt again.

He thought his resolve had steeled when he ultimately chose to see through this plan, as orchestrated by him from the very start.

It wasn’t till Gwi-Ma finally attacked her, when he felt something deep within him stir once more.

And when he saw her slowly get pushed back, that something snapped.

Suddenly, everything else — his desires, his vengeance, his losses — didn’t matter anymore.

He barely caught the yells of his bandmates as he vanished from his position in a cloud of smoke, before reappearing before her.

The best thing that happened to him for the first time in centuries.

His hope.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the back of her mind, she registered the shocked gasps from her girls, and the disbelieving exclamations from his guys, but all of that reduced to nothing more than a numbing hum at the sight of the unusually weak curl of his lips as he stared back at her.

“Jinu…” His name fell from her lips before she realised what she was doing, as she automatically picked herself up and stumbled forward, a human hand and a pale clawed one trembling around his figure as the pink flames slowly began consuming at his being.

She could practically feel her heart sink at the soul-crushing sight, heavy breaths leaving her in harsh gasps. The trepidation she had felt earlier didn’t even come close to the absolute despair that clawed at her now, much more painfully than any wound ever inflicted on her, and more intensely than any negative emotion that plagued her heart every time Celine rejected her. More gut-wrenching than the fear that once gripped her at the prospect of being revealed.

Plunging her into an unfathomable darkness.

Despite herself, in the instant, she recalled every time she watched a Korean drama revolving around tragic romance with the girls, and every time she saw the heroine’s tearful heartbroken state whenever their beloved sacrificed themselves for her. She (and Mira) scoffed each time then.

Now? Those actors and actresses had not done this unspeakable emotion any justice. Seeing the flames slowly erode him seemed to form a new crack in her, bit by bit, as though slowly losing a part of herself as he did.

“No…” Barely noticing the crack in her voice, her hands slowly trailed upwards to his face, ghosting across his cheeks but never touching, as though dealing with a delicate piece of art. “No. No no no no… this isn’t— this is not what I wanted… I-I didn’t—”

As she struggled to find the right words in the diminishing time he had left, the words stammered forth, barely forming a coherent sentence. Her tumultuous thoughts came to a screeching halt when his clear voice cut through.

“I’m sorry… for… everything.” His usually confident and smooth words were unfamiliarly weak, unsure, even pained. As though something other than the incendiary flames burning into his back was torturing him.

And judging by the sheer remorse in his golden eyes, she knew what it was.

“No.” Her rebuttal gave him a start, anguish rising in him at the conceived idea of her rejecting his apology, till he heard her next words.

“I wanted to set you free.”

The firm assuredness of her words washed away any doubts that had begun to take root and all the pain that lingered, replacing it all with a peaceful closure he never knew he needed.

Years of seething in hatred, wallowing in hopelessness, and a life of solitude in a world of devour or be devoured, among beings that would never consider even trying to empathise with another’s feelings.

Suddenly, those words — her words — seemed to remove all those burdening emotions, like a great blue ocean washing over him in the gentlest of waves, enveloping and drowning him in an abundance of love that would forever fill the gaping hole in his being.

And its name was Rumi.

“You did.” She rose her head to return his gaze with a look of confusion which he couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at. He was more than aware of the irony of his situation and his words, but it made them no less true.

“You gave me my soul back.”

Like a lost child that eventually finds their way back home, he had found his humanity once more, guided by her gentle and loving light.

Rumi’s eyes took on a glassy texture as tears began to well up in her eyes, and they captured the way the ends of his lips curled upwards into the softest and most genuine smile she had ever seen grace those pale luscious lips.

“And now… I give it to you.” Before she could register that declaration, a bright light appeared in the centre of his chest, increasing in size as light blue wisps began to flow out and entwine itself around Rumi.

Finally comprehending what he was doing, Rumi rushed to stop him. “No, Jinu! Stop! If you do this, there’s- there is really no coming back—!”

“If I have to go anyways, I’d rather give myself to you, than to let him take anything more from me… including you.”

Rumi watched on helplessly, as what remained of his physical form rapidly dematerialised, continuously dissipating into luminescent streams of light. Whatever she was going to do, she had to do it now.

There was still so much she wanted- no, needed to tell him. But what should she say?

I’m sorry I couldn’t save you? That would only make him feel worse.

I promise I’ll win? That sounded like an empty promise of consolation that hardly seemed appropriate for the moment.

And then there were the three words hidden deep within her heart that… simply couldn’t be said aloud, no matter what. And they both knew it. It was a line neither of them could cross.

So instead, she took in a deep breath, a step forward, a step closer to him, carefully cradled his cheeks in the palms of her hands — as though terrified by the possibility of him crumbling away at her touch — and leaned forward in a swift motion.

Jinu’s eyes widened at the delicately soft and warm sensation that pressed against the edge of his lips, just barely stopping short of full-on contact. His mind vaguely noted the outburst of varied reactions from their audience and respective allies, but none of that mattered as his eyes met hers once more while she slowly pulled away, her tears now budding into clear beads at the edge of her eyes.

Brows furrowed in a clear sign of contemplation, carefully choosing what to say, what she eventually went with was, “Jinu… thank you. For saving me.”

For a moment, he didn’t react, seemingly freezing at her words. Unexpecting, but not at a loss. As his vitality waned from his soul being split two ways, he gathered the last of his strength and replied.

“I’m glad I did this time.”

Realisation dawning on her at the unspoken implication behind his words, Rumi’s eyes widened, before narrowing into a fond gaze as she bowed her head forwards once more, this time with him mirroring her.

The action brought their foreheads together in a light tap, noses touching and breaths mingling with each other. Wanting to savour the glorious sight of this ethereal woman till the end, without breaking eye contact for even a single moment, Jinu whispered, “Thanks to you…”

Truly, all because of you…

“I’m finally free.”

His words ended with the breathy blow of a light breeze, as the last of his physical form completely disappeared, revolving around her in the form of glowing wisps, leaving behind slightly burnt remnants of the blue and purple knotted strings to fall. She reflexively reached out and caught it before it reached the ground.

Feeling his very soul float around and assimilate into her, she slowly closed her eyes to revel in the feeling of him, prompting the budding droplets to stream down her cheeks.

The sensation of his soul offered to her felt like a pleasant embrace around her, just like how his arms that circled her shoulders and held her close to him back at the bathhouse. His soul became a part of her, filling the aching hole in her heart, making her feel so complete like never before.

And his power that now surged through her veins felt like a tender kiss, serving as a reminder that he would, from now on, always be with her, to protect her and fight alongside her.

To fill her with so much unconditional love she only ever dreamt of.

Channeling her newfound power into her hand, she clenched it into a tight fist, before her sword reappeared, this time with a different edge and glowing brighter than ever before.

As she adjusted the weight of her new blade in her clawed palm, she could almost feel him right behind her, his hand in hers like on that night they floated in the sky surrounded by prismatic lights, the other a reassuring palm on her back, and that sinfully saccharine voice whispering the kindest words.

“Now, save them, just like you did for me.”

She raised her sword up to face-level, turning the flat side of her blade towards her, letting its surface lean against her lips in a firm kiss.

Her eyelids finally fluttered open, as though a heavy burden had finally been lifted off of her, renewed determination positively shining in her chocolate-brown eyes in a sunny golden gleam.

“This time, for sure.”

☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

Yes, so I think you can tell from this, how much Jinu’s sacrifice and consequently the end of their love story broke me.

I’ve hardly ever written hurt/comfort or angst, or major character death, so… I hope this didn’t suck.

"You got anything good," the tall man asked, walking towards the bag Smii7y brought in. Wildcat, also known as Tyler, was Smii7y’s second in command. He has known Wildcat since Smii7y first started his record. They didn't have the best lives, but he was glad that Tyler had stuck by him throughout everything. The taller peered over the table, eyeing the new treasure that the shorter brought into the base.

"Of course, the fucking Millers are so fucking easy to steal from," he responded taking a diamond out of the bag. Smii7y felt Tyler playfully mess his hair around, before pushing his head away to get a better look inside the bag. Smii7y laughed at Tyler’s eagerness.

"Oooooh goodies," a voice cheerfully said as he saw the bag.

"Ah ah ah, Marcel you know you can't have anything I take," Smii7y said. Marcel, also known as Basically, was the newest member of his little gang. He was almost finished with his training, but Smii7y knew he wasn't ready to go out.

"But Smiiiitttty you hardly ever let me go out and steal," Marcel jokingly whined using a different version of his nickname. Smii7y rolled his eyes playfully.

"And the reason for that is that you're still the newest one here and you're not ready," Smii7y casually replied, making Marcel pout.

"Come on Marcel, maybe you'll go on a heist soon," someone added from behind the three. Evan walked closer to the group standing in the middle of the room. Smii7y smiled at the entrance of the familiar Asian man.

"Evan, you know that'll never happen," Marcel dramatically complained, making Evan chuckle. Smii7y knew Evan just as long as he knew Tyler. He's been there from the beginning and was probably his first friend in this business. He would consider Evan to be his best friend, but he wouldn't tell Tyler that.

"Anyways, I've been thinking of trying something bigger, something more grand if you will," Smii7y grinned.

"Oh do tell Smii7y," another person, who went by the name of Scotty, said joining the room. Scotty, also known as 407, was their hacker. He'd find out people's security and disable them as much as he could. He licked him up somewhere along last year.

"I want to steal from the Keyes residence," He revealed. Smii7y expected laughs and cheers however the room went completely silent.

"No," was the first thing that came out of Tyler's mouth.

"Wait what? Why," Smii7y laughed out in shock at his friend’s sudden disagreement.

"Because you know how dangerous their security can be," Tyler argued.

"So what I've dealt with is so much worse than that. I can definitely handle a few security cameras and alarms," He argued back. Smii7y was very confused. Usually, his friends would fully be on board with trying out a new venture. For them to suddenly shut down his plan was extremely out of nowhere.

"He's not ready to see you," Marcel mumbled softly.

"Wait, who's not ready?" Smii7y asked, Smii7y never heard of another person being at the Keyes residence. He thought there were only Mark and Angela Keyes who lived there, but there was another? Smii7y needed to know more about this mysterious boy.

"No one," Evan said, shooting a glare toward Marcel. Marcel avoided his gaze nervously. Smii7y raised an eyebrow at his friends. Smii7y knew his friends were hiding this person from him, something that only fueled his burning curiosity.

"Come on guys you can tell me," Smii7y said, getting excited about the possibility of meeting someone new, he was looking for someone new to mess around with.

"No, because we know what you'll do considering your past," Jay said, making Smii7y smirk.

Smii7y was prone to find someone, either male or female, to lead them on and leave them high and dry. It started when he was 15 and has been doing it for 2 years. He found it so much fun to manipulate them into falling for him, it was his favorite pastime, behind stealing of course. "Whaaaat me never," he denied, still wearing a smirk on his face.

"I'm serious Smii7y if you go to Keyes you'll regret it," Tyler threatened.

"Alright, alright I won't go to Keyes's residence, I promise." Smii7y rolled his eyes annoyed. He smiled sweetly and crossed his fingers behind his back, he was not going to give up that easily. His friends nodded in confirmation before diving into a conversation. Smii7y didn't miss the threatening glare that was thrown his way from Tyler, but he decided to ignore it. Smii7y ran his hand through his rough silver hair, fixing his messed-up hair into something neater. Smii7y smiled, Now he definitely has to meet this person whom his friends are oh so trying to protect.

—-

John hates school, but he hates staying home more than actually learning. Of course, he doesn't really learn anything. He's learned everything since he knew how to talk. It's a bit over-exaggerated but he still knew a lot of things. He wasn't even supposed to go to school either, but he managed to convince his parents that attending school would allow good publicity.

He even got to choose what school he went to, something that he never knew would ever happen. Of course, he chose a public school, much to the dismay of his parents. But he convinced them by reasoning that one day when he took over the business, he could scout out potential people to work for them at his school. They patted him on the back and said how proud they were that he was thinking of the business. But John wanted to make a life of his own, hoping no one would recognize him, but his parents insisted the limo driver take him.

He didn't make many friends, only a couple. His first friend was a guy named Cameron, but he calls himself Fitz. When he first stepped out of his limo Cameron approached him and said: "I am now your new best friend, oh rich person." Being Fitz's "new best friend" caused him to meet his other friends. There was Eric, or Swagger, who he has to admit is a bit crazy all the time. But he was high all the time so John couldn't blame him. If he could be high all the time, he would probably be happy. Then there was Mason, or Zuckles. He was the guy everyone made fun of but still is a cool guy. John then met someone named Tobi. She was very good friends with John’s group of friends, and she sometimes hung out with his friends. However, she was usually gone hanging out with her girlfriend instead, but she was always a blast to be around and was super funny. Lastly, there was Jay or McCreamy. Those are the main guys he hangs out with. Of course, he also has Tyler, Marcel, Scotty, and Evan but they hardly have time for him. He will always consider them close friends, but he likes the group he's with now.

"Hey hey John, watch me make this in Swagger's mouth," Fitz said excitedly as he held a piece of popcorn. Swagger was asleep with his mouth open, and they always took the opportunity to just throw random food in there. "And he shoots... and he misses," Fitz said pouting as the popcorn landed on his cheek.

"Alright, alright let a professional handle this," Zuckles said as he took aim.

"And he misses as well will anyone put their popcorn in Swagger's mouth," John said in an announcer voice making them chuckle.

"Clearly it's all up to me," McCreamy said as he took aim. He tossed the popcorn, and they all watched in anticipation to see if it would land or not.

"And it's good!" John cheered as it landed in Swagger's mouth. They watched Swagger blink awake. John found it comedic at Swagger’s delirious state of mind.

"What?" Swagger asked, sleepy as he chewed on the popcorn.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," Fitz said dreamily.

"What year is it?" Swagger asked. He blinked slowly and turned his head around. John found it comedic, fighting the urge to laugh at the delirious man.

"It's still the same year dude," John laughed.

"Oh wake me up never then," Swagger mumbled, trying to go back to sleep. The boys all laughed at Swagger’s neediness to sleep.

"So, John, how are the rich parents?" Zuckles asked, turning over to the blond.

"You know the same, gotta act super posh and all that," John said, taking out his vape and taking a hit. A sweet watermelon taste filled his senses, and he felt the nicotine calm his nerves. Swagger peeked an eye open and held out his hand to John, asking for a hit. John laughed as he handed the sleepy man his vape. Swagger took a hit and lay down on his back, blowing the vapor into the air.

"It must be nice to have rich parents," Jay sighed and John slightly flinched; however, it went unnoticed. He focused intently on Swagger’s vape cloud floating into the air.

"Oh yeah, I get to do anything I want and have anything I want," John said sarcastically. Of course, John wanted to tell them his life was hell. That he was struggling to just pass by each day trying to be the perfect son his parents wanted him to be. Isn't it why they had personally selected their best genes just to be in him? He was supposedly the perfect son and yet he rather be anything than that. Maybe the doctors messed up and gave him the want for freedom. Swagger returned the borrowed vape back to John, seemingly finished with it. John grabbed it and stared at it in his hands, flipping the cartridge over and over again.

John must have had a distant expression on his face because Fitz noticed something was up with John. "Hey, are you okay dude?" Fitz asked softly. John looked over at him. He noticed Fitz wore a weird expression; it was different from his normal joking and fun personality. This was something out of curiosity, concern, and strangely enough, understanding. John was about to reply when a limo had pulled forward. He quickly stashed his vape and mumbled a small goodbye to his friends. They waved at him as he entered the car.

"You have an appointment with the Thompson's son and then later you have piano lessons. You'll be able to do your homework after the lessons and then you have a free day young sir," his limo driver said as John settled into the luxurious car.

"Alright thank you, Kevin," John replied in a monotone voice.

John noticed from the rearview mirror that his limo driver was frowning at him. He loves his staff; they take care of him. They always seem to worry about him; he considers them his real family, not the parents who quote on quote raise him. But every time he ever showed kindness towards the staff he was reprimanded with the words: "Don't be nice to the help. They get paid for what they do, that's why they're the help."

Overall he hates his family and their beliefs in everyone. They believe that anyone who isn't rich isn't an important person. That is why his parents didn't know his school friends. They only know Tyler, Evan, Scotty, and Marcel but that's because their parents are among the rich. They're pretty much the only friends he could have but he's glad to have this part of his life a secret.

"We'll be arriving in ten minutes young sir," his car driver said but John didn't respond. He might as well merely stare out the window for the rest of the ride. He knows he isn't going anywhere soon.