( *REDEMPTION )

lukyan-sokolov‌:

The other men are easy enough. For all his mother’s abilities, she’s predictable in the ways that matter, and a quarter of their guns are missing a part when the henchmen go to unload. Disposing of them is child’s play, even if he and Yuri haven’t yet fought together, not since they were younger. “What? What about the plan?” Well, at least this is… almost expected. Their plan is already a little messier than he prefers. His mother took her time, toying with the brothers, and their plan is contingencies on top of contingencies. “Go, I’ll catch up, you both have worked with each other more,” he says, twisting the arm of one of the henchman and jerking him in front as a shield to march closer to the stair as Yuri opens fire on the ones on the steps. Closer, and he shoves the henchman in, flying up the stairs to help clear a path for Yuri. He jerks his head at his cousin, feeling a blade slicing across his arm before he disarms it, hissing at the slow numbness creeping through his limb. “Go on, if she makes it out of here, we’re fucked. Don’t let them lead you into the outer rooms, they’ve got traps up and down the corridor just for you.” 

He wants this over, he wants this done, and yet his eyes lift to his mother’s for just a moment. Her whisper is lost among the chaos, but her gaze is knowing. Too much so for his comfort, and his lips curl into a scowl. “I choose them, I choose me,” he says aloud, knowing she can’t hear him. Her smile widens a fraction, eyes glinting and a murmur he can’t catch before she disappears, footsteps running after her. She’s protected, but… No, he knows it won’t be for long, he knows they are leaving here without her hanging over them or not at all. He isn’t sure where Yuri and Nikolai are for a moment and an elbow slams into his side, sending him careening into the railing. The butt of a gun catches his face before he can dodge, stars bursting behind his eyes. “Fuck, fuck.” Luke blindly flings a hand forward through watering eyes. He catches a sleeve, and then a wrist, and snaps it before yanking the man closer to punch, letting him fall to the heap on the stairs.

It’s blissfully silent now with the people in this room disposed, but he has no time to enjoy it before gunfire echoes from the doorway where his mother and cousins disappeared through. Luke wipes his face, taking the steps two at a time. The wound on his lip isn’t healing, his body busy with whatever coated the knife to catch him earlier, but he ignores it in favor of catching up. A line of bodies marks the path and he picks up speed, only pausing to swipe a gun from a body on the floor. He catches them further down and burst into the room, taking a shot at one of the wolves attempting to sneak up on his cousin. “Got your back,” he says with a grin, less charming with the blood coating his face.

@nikolai-sokolov​

Something clicks within him in the heat of the battle, the sickening sense of detachment he was trained with kicking in. His mind latches onto a singular goal, and everything else fades. His body is nothing but a mechanism to follow through the order. When his tunnel vision locks on the target, he needs to consciously remind himself– an anchor, a sense of home, somewhere to crawl back when there is no more blood to be shed. To relearn how to be human. He thinks of Yuri, whose freedom he is fighting for. He thinks of Lukyan, and how his cousin gets under his skin. He thinks of the severe, starving nights where he just couldn’t give up fighting. He thinks of Rafael, the branding touch and in that warmth, he realized he could never go back. 

And once more, Nikolai finds his way back to himself after slaughtering dozens of lives. Covered in blood, both theirs and his own, he drops the man he was pummeling until the skull caved in. The corridor behind him is littered with death. To his front is his aunt. He spits blood on the floor, his glare never leaving her. Even without her subjects, Anastasiya Sokolova is the queen of the wolves. She has dropped her thin mask, and underneath are the eyes with the dark, voracious wells of void their bad blood shares. There is no word exchanged between them. They don’t have to. They already know the stark malice in their hearts. 

They draw almost simultaneously, Nikolai with an axe he grabbed from a dead man’s hand, Anastasiya with her concealed revolver. The silver bullets graze past him as he charges forward. Anastasiya pulls out her favorite silver knife. She jabs, and he steps aside and grabs her arm. Her leg strikes the back of his knee, taking away his balance before throwing a spin kick at his chest. He blocks it with his other arm and flips her. They each take a few steps back, gauging each other in silence.

From behind him, the familiar footstep approaches and Nikolai doesn’t need to look back to know his brother. “Where’s Lukyan?” he whispers, his eyes not leaving Anastasiya even for a second. “you’re faster than I am. You take the offense, I’ll be the defense.” He strategizes, standing a few steps forward to the left. This reminds him of the training sessions they had kids.

@xwecpon​ 

Riiiight, the plan. Did they ever stick to plans at this point? They weren’t ones to follow the rules anyone. Besides if their main goal was to kill Anya, wouldn’t it be best to exhaust any means necessary to end it once and for all? This was Yuri’s mentality at the moment, especially since years of torment and running away was so close to coming to an end. It was now or never at this point. “Fuck the plan!” he yelled out. His expression turned into a concerned one as he watched his cousin fight off his own pack. This was too real...Snapping out of his thoughts, he listened to Luke telling him to go ahead. “You’re insane! There’s still so many of th—” He felt a pang of pain behind him, an attempt from one of her aunt’s henchmen to bash his head, but clearly they weren’t able to reach. A few punches thrown and a mini brawl out, Yuri eventually grabbed and lifted them by the neck, gripping it tightly before knocking them out completely. Taking note of what his cousin said, the werewolf sighed in defeat and began to make his way towards the stairs. “Fine! And got it...Got it! You better hurry up, you’re slackin’ bro!” While he was heading up, he heard commotion behind him and noticed that Luke covering for him. A bloody grin crept onto his lips as he gave a shrug, “—Okay maybe a little, but still get your ass over to us!” 

With that being said, he rushed off and on the way, he decided to pick up a brass knuckles and a blade for his weapon of choice should he face combat. He tucks the blade away for emergency backup, but uses the brass knuckle as it was better to be safe than sorry. Noticing a trail of bodies, Yuri followed it as it led him to Nikolai and Anastasiya. This was it—it was what they’ve been waiting for their whole life. “He’s fucking slow...” he whispered back. A means to say that he was on the way. He kept his gaze on his aunt who reeked of death and destruction, a part of him would have feared her...But he told himself there was no use if he wanted this to be over. Nodding in response to his brother’s plan, Yuri remembered it was just like old times when they trained. 

Yuri ignored Anastasiya’s words, something along the lines of being foolish, bringing up his mother, how a waste of potential he was. He couldn’t afford to be distracted and so, he went ahead and made the first move. If he could keep Anya’s attention on him then either Nik and or Luke can finish her off. He approached her slowly and analyzed her movements, before dodging her silver blade and throwing in a punch to her abdomen with the brass knuckle. The impact was brief as she was able to move away on time and felt a burn as her blade briefly came in contact with his skin. Stepping away, he hisses in pain and decided to charge head on as she used his height to his advantage to tackle her and slam her wrists on the ground in order for her to let go of the blade. “Take it!” he yelled. He succeeds in getting that away from them, but felt her kneeing him deep and throwing him off of her with his strength. “Shit!”

“Cheers,” he says sarcastically, clinking his drink and downing a good portion of it, deciding Yuri doesn’t look like someone who is a second away trying to cave his head in yet. He’s optimistic on his chances. “Yeah, that’s the guy. I forgot, they blur together after a point, but at least he made it farther than most.” Alexei isn’t the first person he’s killed on his mother’s orders, or in defense of her, or– well, he has a list of reasons, even if they feel like excuses in the end. Luke ignores the sigh from Yuri, shrugging. ”Spent a long time under her thumb, I did what I had to do if it meant surviving. Not ashamed of it. Not proud of it either, but…” He trails off and shrugs again, unwilling to explain himself to another cousin who probably wouldn’t see his perspective. “I’ll try to get answers out of him. Hell, with these ghosts, we might have a fighting chance now.” Sometimes he felt as though he and his cousins lived two different lives with the Sokolov pack, but listening to Yuri talk, his drink ignored in his hands, he feels an understanding for once. The same hopeless dread filling him must be echoed in his cousin. “Think we’re all too stubborn to let it continue, it’s going to end one way or another, I’m just not sure who of us is going to make it to the other side. Somewhat surprised I haven’t kicked the bucket yet as is,” he admits, a morbid amusement hitting him at the idea, bringing a grin to his lips. Hey, at least if he dies before this war ends, Luke can know he lasted longer than anyone expected, himself included. “She’s not that bad– Okay, well, I love her anyway. I’m looking forward to that future, I’d like to have it and put this whole thing behind us.” He pauses, unsure if he can push this question, but it’s been a long while since he spoke to Katia. “How is she holding up? Katia, I mean.”  

“Wow, you looking on the bright side of things?” Obviously it was in a morbid way. “It would make sense why he’d appear before you.” In truth, Yuri would have preferred his family’s minions to haunt the fuck out of him and not Anatoliy, but life wasn’t fair to begin with. You win some, you lose some. “Whatever, you did what you have to do.” It was the most civil response he can give his cousin. He somewhat cut him some slack, after all they didn’t get to choose who they were born to. The three of them were met with an unfortunate circumstance and it was their parents. “Sure, but I’ll keep my expectations low. I’m over it.” And by over it, he meant the aspect of succeeding. He’d rather see it to believe it.

lukyan-sokolov‌:

His mother enjoys a show and tonight, they all have parts to play if they want things to go off without a hitch. Luke considers it lucky they’ve even gotten this far, dispassionate as he drags his cousin into the chambers. He lets the variety of plans fade to the back of his mind, inwardly pleased at Nikolai’s words though he rolls his eyes and shakes his shoulder as expected of him. “Shut up. Wow, I’ve waited a long time to say that, cousin.” This is no hard feat for him, Luke finds it easy to slip into the role his mother requires of him. She wants him to hate the months of undercover work, not realizing it was the only gift she had ever given him. Luke shoves Nikolai away from him, heading straight for Yuri. “I would be quite willing to cut your tongue out for the insults, cousin,” he offered with feigned amusement.

Luke pats his cousin down, ignoring the majority of the hidden weapons. Instead, he grasps a knife, one he doubts Yuri will miss, and yanks it out, tossing it on the floor and kicking it across the room. If it happens to land near Nikolai, well, none of them look at it twice given his cousin’s disposition and the armed guards in the room. Yuri spits at him, and he narrows his eyes. “Have you no manners at all still? I was hoping there’d be no hard feelings on this, you have an obligation to the family, too.” Luke lifts his eyes to his mother and inclines his head. “Shitty gift, but clean now. Well, in so much as someone like him can be.” His mother ignores his words, as if she expects no less, as if he no longer requires her attention when he’s following her orders. Its what makes this plan so easy, really.

Luke lets the armed guard return to Yuri, sliding to stand at his other side, as if to await further orders without letting either of his cousin’s out of his sight. In truth, he’s in position to yank the gun from Yuri’s head, and he makes eye contact with Nik as his mother, mid-monologue, strides into position. He nods his head.

@nikolai-sokolov​

Nikolai watches in silence, watching Yuri and Lukyan barking at each other. He checks the chain tying his hands behind. It should be loose enough for him to unshackle himself. Even though his system has flushed most of the drug out, he is not in his best condition. He counts the guards in and outside this room. They are greatly outnumbered, even with the element of surprise. If it were just him, he would have gladly taken that chance, however slim. But with Yuri on the line, he can’t risk it. Killing Anastasiya is not the goal itself. Nikolai is here to take back what was rightfully his brother’s– some semblance of peace and normalcy in life. 

“You two have spent too much time away from the family. That vulgar mouth of yours simply won’t do, darling.” Anastasiya laughs as she crosses her arms across the chest. Her gaze sets on Yuri, the knife on the floor and then on Lukyan, wearing that unreadable smile of hers. Sighing dramatically, she rests her hand on her cheek. “When will you children ever learn? I only want what’s best for you– but if you are so adamant and refuse to come back home, my hands are tied.” 

At Lukyan’s signal, Nikolai crooks the end of his lips to bare the fangs. His eyes meet with Yuri’s for a split second, and he frees his left arm from the shackle. Before the guard nearest to him could react, he grabs their neck and snaps it in one fluid motion. The chain still wrapped around his right arm rattles. “…man, you talk too much,” he sighs at Anastasiya. The tension in the room snaps. The gunshots echo, the scent of blood burns in the air. Nikolai sees Anastasiya as the guards swarm around to protect her– her smile has not faded, her cold, unfathomable eyes fixed on Lukyan. Her lips move, whispering something.

Nikolai’s attention shifts to the knife on the floor. He dives to the floor and grabs it. He whips the chain at a soldier who was about to open fire, slamming it against the legs. Nikolai then drives the knife down, impaling the foot to the floor, and punches the man in the throat as he gets up. He yanks the chain off the arm and glances over at Yuri and Lukyan. He only has a fleeting second to mouth– don’t do anything stupid, before picking up the gun and fighting his way through the staircase.

@xwecpon​

The way the pack sees it, Yuri is the weakest link. They assume that he doesn’t have it in him the way that his brother and cousin does. However, what they don’t realize was that his hatred towards them and his family fueled stronger than ever. Therefore, he’d do anything to end it. However, that didn’t mean he had to be so out of character and so he took the insults and simply glared at Lukyan as he spoke. If he had dared him to do anything to him then for sure Anastasiya would have asked or a front row seat to it. It was all about remaining the way he was—weak and the epitome of what they thought his mother, Yekaterina, would be (they were oh so wrong). 

 “This isn’t my family.” he deadpanned, no longer showing any signs of emotion. “Kolya is my only family.” Because it was always those two till the very end right? And from there he waits, because at any given moment shit was going to go down. He remained attentive and made note of his surroundings. He refused to fuck this up as they all got one chance at this. He could only hope that this would be their only chance at succeeding. “You only want what’s best for yourself old hag.” Yuri muttered under his breath. and before he knew it the signal was done and off to the races they go. 

Without a second to spare, Yuri ducked and elbowed the man with the gun behind him, before reaching for his wrist and breaking it. Because he was built and taller, he used his strength to aim the gun at them before pulling the trigger for a headshot. With the adrenaline he was feeling, he helped Luke with the rest of Anya’s henchmen by fighting them off. When he locked his gaze on Nik, he frowned and noticed the direction he took off. “Yo we gotta follow him! He’s not fucking thinking again!!!!” A stab here, a bullet there, Yuri’s anger was boiling at that point as it became his fuel to do the damage. He takes a gun and begins shooting at the men by the staircase, covering his brother, but also trying to make way for him and Luke as they made their way in that direction. 

In his uniform, the paramedic hopped off the back of the truck and began closing it up. His shift was done for the day and he didn’t feel like heading home. Instead the werewolf walked the streets of Lethe to allow his mind wander in hopes of figuring out what to do. Pulling out his pack of cigarettes, he lit one up and took a long drag before exhaling the puff of smoke and setting his sight on a familiar face. “Inej.” he called out while he approached her. He wondered how she held up during the New Year fiasco. Although it’s been over a month, many were still scarred by the incident as it left them in haunting. “It’s late, what are you doing out? Were you at the gym?” 

Considering the amount of issues Luke had whenever he made an appearance at Terrance’s, he really should have just stayed away. He was a sucker for the beers, and a bigger one for the rare chance to watch other people without, you know, getting his ass kicked. Rare chance, because he seemed to make a habit of pissing off his cousins here most of all, and it was this reason alone that he eyed Yuri warily for several minutes before selecting the seat beside him. “You look like shit,” he retorts in English, going for a swift response rather than a clever one, waving a hand for his usual drink. The bartender recognizes him, and that’s a little unusual for him, but Luke doesn’t mind it. He does, however, take a swift glance around the room for listening ears before shifting to Russian with a sigh. “Not the best, no. You remember that guy from when we were younger, he was like a trainer? Forgot his name, Alex or something,” he muses about it for a moment and then shrugs it off. No matter. “He was trying to double cross my mother? I killed him a long time ago – oh, yeah, that was me if you didn’t know, she demanded it – and he made a reappearance. Can’t say I enjoyed that. Poor dude was only doing what we’re trying to do now.” He feels guilty a little, but he supposes that’s the price you pay for this life. Mostly, he’s tired. “We’re roommates now, or I assume that’s him who keeps writing rude messages on my mirrors - unless you’re sneaking in and doing it.” A question, but mostly a jest. He finds it easier to handle his cousin with some humor. “What’s eating at you?”

Her eyes were closed, but Katia was far from asleep as much as she pretended to be while Yuri was getting ready for bed. When he finally begins to make his way under the sheets and voices that she didn’t have to stay awake for him, Katia smiles gently while curling into his side and drapes an arm over his chest idly. “And yet, I did.” Is Katia’s playfully smart reply. They went through this routin often and she never gets bored of it, because Katia knows well in her heart that this is what true love is. Besides, she never minded staying up for him since it made her feel better and allowed her to relax easily when she knows he got home safely. “It was the usual. Stalked some people, caugh some bad guys red-handed. All in the same of justice… Depending on the person, revenge.” She chuckles with exhaustion lacing into the sound. Her job was dangerous, as Yuri as repeatedly reminded her, but all in all, Katia had always found it entertaining. Katia tucks herself deeper into the warmth and comfort that Yuri radiates. “What about your day?”

“Indeed you did, aren’t I the luckiest man in the world.” he mused while humming lowly and keeping his arm gently tight around her. Yuri loved the ongoing support Katia provided to him on a daily basis. He’s beyond lucky, let alone grateful to have this woman in his life. Regardless of what got throne in his way, knowing that he had her to come home to was what kept him going. She was the reason as to why he hasn’t given up on himself and it took a lot for Yuri to accept that. “Lethe should start awarding you with medals of honour or key to the town. You’ve been doing too much.” It was good that his girlfriend found something worth doing that she was proud of. He’s gone past the worrying and came to terms that this was what she wanted to do. Who was he to stop her? “Well for starters I’m glad that it’s over…” he murmured. “Further, I’m relieved to know you’re okay from your endeavours.” 

Yuri sluggishly got ready for bed. It was a long day, let alone a hell bent start to the year as he hasn’t been resting well. However, it seemed to come with the territory of being a Sokolov. It was evident that he was still experiencing the repercussions from the shades that haunt him till this day. His father, his past, it was as if it were brought to the surface and he certainly didn’t need that, especially when he wants to be able to take on his Aunt head on. Although all this was happening, it was being with her that made it all worth it for him to keep going. Slipping into their bed, Yuri inched closer to Katia and planted a kiss on her forehead. “You didn’t have to wait up on me.” he murmured as he got comfortable to cuddle next to her. “Hope your day went well.” 

Yuri would’ve expected to relapse after the Winter Festival incident, but instead the paramedic picked up extra shifts and would return home to Katia to keep him grounded. It was a routine, but he knew that eventually he would have a to break it. Instead he opted to go to Terrance’s and have some drinks here and there. It was enough to make the time go by and he had his songbook out trying to write a few potential lyrics for his next project.

Nikolai grimaces, a pang of anger clenching his guts. Or perhaps it was something softer he could not put his finger on. “…it’s not too late.” He mutters. “I’m doing this so that you don’t have to lose anything. You deserve a better life than whatever this is.” Nikolai gestures around where they stand. His arm covered in his own blood, unconscious bodies all around, weapons in the crates… this is not the kind of life he wanted for his brother. Nikolai slaps way the hand, clicking his tongue. He hates when Yuri messes with his hair. “My life is… well, it is what it is. I’ve been worse. Way worse.” Everyone in their family wanted them to become soldiers. To tell the truth, Nikolai wouldn’t mind that kind of life, dying fighting someone else’s battle. But Yuri, his little brother is different than him. And if Yuri wants what’s beyond that cold, barren horizon they grew up… it’s his job to make that happen. “…one last kill, and we can be free.” He sighs. Optimism is not his brand, but they are indeed closer than they ever were to finishing their family feud. 

“It sounds simple because I dumbed it down for you.” He jokes dryly. “Obviously there will be a detailed twenty-five point plan. Knowing Anya, she won’t let her guard down easily, but she is not immune to the false sense of victory” says Nikolai. “For that, whatever happens– you need to wait for the right moment. Whatever happens to me.” 

Yuri stared at his brother, the kind of expression that wore heavy guilt and exhaustion. They’ve been at this for over thirty years and he’s heard the same reasoning over and over again. It was always what he deserved, not what they deserved. “I stand by my decision Kolya.” Maybe if he was young and naive, he would have let his older brother and cousin deal with it on their own and leave him out of it. Sometimes it was best to not know what’s going on. However, Yuri was tired of the back and forth torment his family had done to them, that he wanted it to end. “I know...” he muttered once more as he looked at him. “But you’re better than before and you deserve more.” They became who they were because of their past, it was not like they had a choice. While most people assume they could just walk away from it all, no one understood how it was easier said than done. “We gotta make this count. This has to end now.” 

Date: Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020  Time: Evening Location: Terrance’s

@xwecpon​

“Is this seat taken?” the fae asked with little intention to wait for a reply before she plopped down on the chair next to Yuri’s. She took a swig from her beer and stretched lazily on her seat, having just ended a Jiu-Jitsu class about half an hour ago, still feeling the pleasant soreness in her muscles. There was nothing festive about spending a Wednesday night at a bar with someone as surly as the younger Solokov and frankly, that was exactly what Inej needed right now. The whole holiday cheer seemed to have taken over the town and Terrance’s remained one of the very few places that hadn’t been blasting Christmas music 24/7 for the past weeks.

Scrolling through his phone, Yuri took a swig of his beer before diverting his attention to the familiar face next to him. “You do realize that if I said yes Inej you would still take a seat.” Tucking his device away, he turned to face the fae and greeted her with a warm smile. “Are you enjoying the holiday cheer?” He then looked around Terrance’s and noticed how it still looked the same despite Christmas coming up in two days. However it made sense, as it would have been certainly out of character if it were decked out in holiday gear. 

date: december 15, 2020 time: 9:13 pm location: elyas’ house for: @xwecpon​

“Thanks for coming,” Elyas immediately greeted his friend as soon as he opened his door, coming face to face with his friend. He took a step aside to give space for the visitor to enter if needed. If his text prior of an ‘emergency’ didn’t display his distress enough, it would’ve been the misplaced hair that gave it away fully. The vampire possessed the ability to effectively hide his emotions to display a nature of peace and serenity, but his current demeanor wasn’t a supporting evidence. However, Yuri’s presence minimized some of the stress that was rattling him up. “I know I said it was an emergency.” Elyas went into his living room to pick up a box from the ground, one that was filled with ornaments and lights. “And it is.” With a heavy sign, he turned around to face Yuri. “I bought a Christmas tree, and I have no fucking idea how to decorate it.” He nodded towards the naked pine tree, waiting to be clothed by the festive decorations that was currently sitting in the box in his hands. 

“I’d hardly call myself a leader, but I appreciate your sentiment.” Noah smiles, politely deflecting the flattery. He doesn’t need his undead sense to tell him that the man was at least somewhat genuine– he has been dealing with vain compliments and praises all his life, watching his sister navigating them like a seasoned sailor. He doesn’t trust them at face value. It turns out, Noah is a lot more skeptical than he cares to show. “Fair enough, I shall be candid, if you say so.” Noah nods. He leans toward the werewolf, wiping off the courtesy from his face. Beneath his perfect mask lies his true nature. “Both you and your brother are brutes, and I do not trust for a second that you are here for anything else but your own interests, even if your presence itself wreaks havoc to this town.” He articulates his hushed words in a swift and sharp tone. “Which, to be fair, is not a surprise. But my personal opinion is biased, to say the least, since your brother was behind one of many attempted assassinations on my sister’s life. I’m sure you’ll understand how much weight such transgression carries.” 

He sits back, retracting his spikes and concealing them behind his polished smile. “On the other hand, in the perspective of the Deputy Chief, you are as much a citizen as any other person in this diner. I will not let my personal opinion get in the way of doing my job.” He shrugs. “I’m quite certain you have a comment or two about the police department as well, and my ears are always open for feedback.” 

Tightly gripping his fork and butter knife, Yuri knew this conversation took a turn once Noah leaned forward and dropped his guard. Now this was what he eventually expected down the line from the interaction. After calling him and Nik brutes, it would have been the perfect timing for him to stab the Deputy Chief in the throat. Lich or not, he didn’t give a fuck, so as long as he doesn’t finish his sentence. To Yuri, there was no use in riding it out when he’s already well aware of what him and the rest of the town perceive him and his brother. Instead, he listens, unfazed, and nods along as if he were truly interested in what was said. In actuality, the werewolf was tuning him out and waiting for his turn to speak.  “What a small world.” Yuri finally replied as he picked up and ate the last piece of pancakes. He then smiled as he nodded in understanding, he can appreciate the honesty at this point. “I understand. Your sister is here no? I’m sure she’s not of importance anymore, cause if she were then she wouldn’t be alive.” It was the honest truth, Nik wouldn’t leave any unfinished business behind. 

Nikolai studies his brother with no discernible expression. “I’m not pointing any finger. I was the one who wanted you to have a life outside the family business.” He says with a soft sigh. “No, you’re–” Nikolai lets out a disgruntled noise as his brother misses the point, “you’re more important to me.” He grumbles under the breath. The whole point of coming to Lethe was because he wanted Yuri to be safe and happy– going after Anastasiya is neither of those. He couldn’t care less about dragging Lukyan through the mud, but Yuri? He would very much like his brother to stay out of this mess. “Lukyan ‘capturing’ me, and letting Anastasiya use me as a bait to lure you out.” He speaks flatly as if he was reading an obituary from last week’s newspaper. “When she lets her guard down, thinking that she had won, we kill her.”

The last thing Yuri wanted was to argue with his brother in their aunt’s stations out of all places. However, he needed Nik to grasp that his intentions no longer mattered anymore, not after what had happened to all of them. “It’s too late for that Kolya, especially since Katia is involved. Losing you and her is not an option. We’re in this together at this point.” He then stopped in his tracks and let out a sheepish smile as he reached out to ruffle his brother’s hair. “I know.” Shaking his head, Yuri added, “You’ve been looking out for me this whole time. It’s about time you also look out and focus on yourself. Your life shouldn’t just revolve around this. Look, we just gotta kill the bitch and we’ll be free. We’re close to our goal Kolya, it’s all about executing the plan.” Learning about said plan caused a wave of concern to wash over the youngest Sokolov. “It sounds simple...But knowing Anastasiya, she has to have a dozen back up plans.” Yuri had faith in his brother and surprisingly in Luke too, but he had to overthink this. “Will she let her guard down?” 

“Good to hear. I’d be screwed if it took longer. Imani would have def. figured it out and locked me up in her apartment.” It was no secret that his older sister could be a bit much when it came to him. He was a grown man but she was always worried about him getting into trouble. Sometimes, a guy just needed to get himself out of sticky situations and figure these things out on his own. “You think it’d be weird if I just chilled here for a while? A secret type thing.”

“Sometimes, all that juice makes me feel things and I feel normal again… I just wanted to see if I’d be back to where I was.” Truman looked down at Yuri’s handiwork. “Nice work, man. Thanks… and yeah he didn’t fuck me up too much…” He paused. “You’ve been watching out for me… Did you and Imani talk recently or something? You joining us or is it just cause you’re a good guy.” Then it hit him. “Yo, is this about your girl?” Tru had a conversation with Katia some time ago and as far as he knew, Yuri and her were quite close as a couple. 

“Let me guess, you’re not gonna tell her about this?” They were both the youngest sibling and so he understood as to why Truman would do such a thing. He’d done a lot of lies in his time with Nikolai, especially when it came to his addiction. “Nah man, I get it. Best here than out there.” If they were caught in this mess, there was no way there’d be any leniency for the both of them, especially Yuri.