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Chapter Text

Brandon

I have no idea why my idiotic and stubborn brother would go to states after Mia, right into the lion's den aka the Sokolov mansion. My head hurts just to think about what would happen. Haven't Nikolai already beat him enough? What's the point of going into his house with your already sprained wrist?

I almost cried when the Dr told us it was a sprain but he needs to be careful with everything for atleast four weeks. I told him I was going to London and to join me, he refused and this is where he came. I groan in frustration. 

It's not that hard to find the Sokolov's address. I walk up to giant mansion that looks like a castle from movies. An army of guards surrounds the whole area. All of them have visible guns and are wearing earpieces. There's even a drone that roams over the property. I stop at the main gate as the guard asks me my details.

"Your name, Sir?"

"Brandon King" 

"Reason for visit?"

To probably drag my brother back.

"I'm Mia's friend. I'm just here to visit her" 

I lie easily. I've been doing it for years.

"I'm sorry, Sir. You can't meet Miss Sokolov unless she has specifically mentioned your name to us" 

I understand they are doing their job but I'm frustrated right now.

"Is it ok if I call her?"

"I'm going to need to check your bag and your phone. And you have to go through with this metal detector before you call her" 

I nod my head and place my duffel bag in front of him. I don't have a lot of stuff. I don't intend to stay here.

The guard checks my phone, bag and hands it back to me. 

"Please go through the metal detector and then you can call Ms Sokolov. But I cannot grant you entry until she calls us or comes here herself" 

As I'm walking in to the metal detector, another guard grabs my hand. 

"Remove your watch" 

What does my watch have anything to do with this?

I shake my head. I cannot embarrass myself in front of the security. 

"No" 

The idea of taking the watch off infront of total strangers feels me with dread and fear.

"Take it off or I'll do it for you" 

"I'll wait outside till Mia comes here. I won't go inside but I won't take it off" 

"Why? what's special about it?"

The guy who was asking me questions earlier intervens swiftly.

"Let him go Mikhail. He is co operating, let him call Ms Sokolov" 

The guy who is still holding my hand, angrily says something in Russian and the other guy argues back. During their fight that guy, Mikhail, squeezes my wrist so hard, I wince in pain, trying to break my arm free.

I feel a warm hand around my waist and then I'm pulled back into comforting, familiar heat.

Nikolai pushes me behind him and stands tall in front of the guards.

"What the fuck do you think you are doing?"

The guards bow down and Mikhail starts talking.

"He was trespassing, Mr Sokolov" 

My jaw drops. He is lying.

"Was he?"

Niko glares at him.

"Yes, he was. He is even hiding something in his watch"

I clutch my watch clad hand tighter to my chest.

"Shut the fuck up. He is my...." 

He cuts himself off and my breath hitches.

"He is Mia's friend. He told you that already. Call her outside. How hard it is?"

He yells.

The earlier guard steps up.

"Sir.."

Nikolai raises a hand.

"I'm not talking to you, Igor" 

He turns to the mean guard.

"Do you think trespassers ask for permission and go through security protocols before entering premises?"

The guard shakes his head.

"You are fired" 

The guy looks at him wide eyed, I step forward. There's no need to fire him for something like this.

"I've been here for years" 

"That's why I'm only firing you" 

"There's no need to fire him" 

Niko grasps my hand in his own gently tugging on it as Mikhail glares at me.

We cross the main gate and I rip my hand out from his hold. He stops and looks at me.

Nikolai looks as wrecked as I feel. He has dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, the maddening glint in his eyes has mellowed down a bit. His hair looks finger raked. His knuckles are bruised. There are numerous cuts on his face, the one on his chin and temple look particularly painful. I want to run my hand through his hair and kiss those bruises. I wish I could take his pain away. 

But then I remember he made his own choice so I'm allowed to do the same as well. 

Nikolai doesn't look mad. He gently holds my hand and runs his fingers along the finger marks the guard just left. I hate the fact that I'm so weak and pathetic.

"He shouldn't have touched you" 

I take my hand away from his hold and instantly miss his warmth.

I'm a lost cause.

"You shouldn't care" 

He chuckles humourlessly.

"I have only one thought in my mind and that's you and you are saying I shouldn't care?"

"There's nothing between us now, not that it was before" 

He glares at me and takes a step towards me.

"You are mine and that's not going to change" 

"I don't belong to anyone" 

"Yes, you do. You just need a reminder" 

I'm only here to take Lan back and I'll do it even if I have to drag him back.

I sigh and take my phone out to call Mia. The sooner it gets over, the better it is for everyone.

And because I've never been lucky for a single day in my life Lan walks out of the mansion with Mia.

"What the fuck are you doing in my house?"

"What the fuck are you doing with my brother?"

They both blurt out at the same time.

Here we go now.

I run to my brother and try to pull him back as he stands toe to toe with Nikolai.

"Lan, let's go" 

"I'm not going anywhere" 

Nikolai takes a step forward.

"I'm not obligated to answer your question in my own house" 

An older couple around my parent's age walks out with Maya. I'm almost sure they are Nikolai's parents.

I'm really feel stuck now.

His dad hurriedly walks down the stairs and holds Niko back.

"Stop Niko" 

"How are you ok with him in our house?"

"He is Mia's boyfriend" 

"Not one I approve of. He is a psychotic" 

Niko all but yells.

"As if you are any better. At least I have better reputation than you do and I definitely look better"

What's the need for saying all of this right now? Lan always tries to attract trouble.

The argument goes on and on with me and Niko's dad trying to pull these two away from each other. They look like they are going to tear each other's throats out.

Mia silently cries while her mother and sister hold her. 

I'm about to step in between them. I don't mind getting punched again if that's how they'll stop. But then I notice something glimmering in a corner. 

Is that Mikhail?

Is he pointing a gun? 

From where I'm standing I can't tell who is he aiming for. He adjusts the nozzle and I panic.

I have to do something.

With all my strength I push Lan down on the ground. Niko and Kyle look at me as if I've grown two heads. I don't waste a single second and tackle them both. If the pain blooming at my side is any indication I am few seconds late. 

But at least everyone else is safe. 

My body feels hot as I land on the floor. I feel something soaking My clothes, something warm and sticky. My vision instantly gets flooded with Lan and Niko's face. 

Lan looks furious and heartbroken, all at once.

"What did you do?"

Why does it hurt to breathe?

"Don't fight, Lan" 

Someone is yelling in the background to get an ambulance, someone is saying not to let him go. I don't know what they are talking about.

Niko looks like he is having a breakdown with tears streaming down his face.

"Why did you do it?" 

I raise my hand and cup his cheek gently, my hand trembling. Some of the blood gets smeared on his cheek.

I'm ruining him even on the verge of death.

"Please... Please don't leave me, baby." 

I smile at him or try to. But whatever he sees makes him sob.

"I can't live without you anymore, lotus flower. Please don't be this cruel" 

I rub my thumb on his cheek.

"Don't cry" 

"Don't leave me" 

I want to tell him how I feel. Maybe I won't get the chance again. 

Pain shoots from my side and my body jerks forward. Lan is pressing something on the wound with utmost concentration.

I don't think I have much time left.

I hold his cheek again, this time I'm already braced for the pain.

"I love you" 

I whisper with all my strength.

Niko just cries harder. 

I made him cry. 

"Please don't....baby" 

I can't hear half of his words.

I hear a "stay with me" when I close my eyes. 

I see all the moments that made me happy up until now. My parents, Lan, Glyn, my uncle and aunt, my cousins, my grandparents, my friends and Niko. Somehow even in my dreams his presence is all consuming.

I don't see the black ink or that horrible woman. It's like my body is trying to make me happy in it's final moments.

A while ago I read somewhere that you see all the happy moments before you die because your body is trying to remember all the similar experiences to get you out of it. Your mind and body are not prepared for your death. 

I feel something drop on my forehead, it's Niko pressing his forehead against mine. I can tell without looking and somehow I'm proud of that.

My body starts getting colder and I hear Lan shouting at someone. Niko's hands are trembling as he clutches my neck tight in his grip, his thumb against my pulse. 

I go slack in his arms as darkness engulfs me.

It's finally over.

Chapter Text

Landon 

I've been in the Sokolov mansion for two days. Mia's mom is ok with me but her father does not like me at all, I think his brute son takes after him. The first thing I did was to let them know that their son has beaten me up.

What? They should know about his shenanigans.

Mia already informed me that he would be coming here for a few days. 

Good, I was waiting for a chance to corner him, so what if this is his own house?

I've observed him looking at my brother on more than one occasion. 

He needs to stop doing that.

My brother is not gay and even if he is, Nikolai is not his type. He would never look at him.

But as I walk outside the mansion to take a stroll in the garden, I spot my brother and Nikolai arguing about something. I definitely did not imagine him holding my brother's hand. He sees me and stalks forward, I do the same.

How dare he?

And what the fuck is Bran doing here? 

Why can't he just stay still?

Our fight might have turned into a physical one if Bran and Mia's dad weren't holding us back.

I hear Mia's cry but I'm too far gone.

Suddenly my brother pushes me on the ground. 

What the hell?

Before I can react, a gunshot rings out and my twin collapses on the ground. Blood instantly pours out of him. I get in front of his face.

"What did you do?"

He clutches my hand tightly.

"Don't fight, Lan" 

He whispers.

Is that important right now?

Rai is telling someone to get an ambulance, a few front door guards have tackled the shooter on to the ground.

I'm going to fucking kill him.

I take my jacket off and press it against the wound. He is losing too much blood.

Nikolai looks like he is in pain. My brother holds his cheek.

"Why did you do it?"

"Please don't leave me, baby" 

Why is he calling my brother baby?

Nikolai starts sobbing.

"I can't live without you anymore, lotus flower. Please don't be this cruel" 

I don't even have it in me to be mad. 

Where the fuck is the ambulance?

Bran talks in hushed whispers as his body jerks forward in pain.

I press harder on the wound.

I hear a distant 'I love you and stay with me' but I don't concentrate on it.

Later, I'll ask him later.

The blood does not stop, not even for a second and that scares me. Nikolai has his hand on Bran's throat, checking for pulse while his hands shake badly.

I close my eyes at the pain in my chest.

He is not leaving me.

What will I do without him?

He is my other half, a part of my soul, if he isn't here that means I won't be here either.

Nikolai howls in pain and it's more animalistic than human. He clutches Bran tighter to his chest, his cries getting louder.

Call it twin telepathy but I feel the exact moment the fight leaves his body. 

Nikolai

Lotus flower is ignoring me.

All because of that fucker Landon.

I hate being away from him but when I called my dad for advice, he told me to give it a few days.

I'm not that patient.

I'm going to keep calling him.

But as the car stopped in front the house, I spot Bran on the entrance.

What is he doing here?

Am I being delusional again?

I watch carefully trying to differentiate between reality and hallucination.

That's when Mikhail holds his hand.

How fucking dare he? I've had enough.

I stalk forward and my baby yelps out in pain. I hold his other hand and push him behind me. 

Mikhail is getting fired today.

I pull him with me and run my fingers over the mark Mikhail left. 

I'm going to...

Bran pulls his hand away and reminds me, we are not together. I'm about to pull him closer when Landon walks out of the house.

Landon fucking King is in my house? 

So this is why Bran is here? For his brother.

And here I was getting too ahead of myself.

I stand toe to toe with Landon. 

I'm ready to rip his head off. But my dad holds me back, Bran does the same for his brother.

How is my dad ok with him being Mia's boyfriend?

Before I can throw him out, Bran pushes him down and I stare at him.

What is he doing?

But then he lunges forward and tackles both me and my dad as a gunshot rings out.

I watch him drop down on the floor as crimson flows out of him.

No, no, no.

Landon and me are in front of him.

"What did you do?"

His brother asks. He tells his brother not to fight. Then he turns to me and I'm already begging.

"Why did you do it?"

I start sobbing like a baby.

I can't lose him.

He clutches my face in his hand and admits.

"I love you" 

All the breath whooshes out of me.

I've wanted to hear that for so long. 

"Please don't... baby" 

This cannot be the last time he says that to me. He closes his eyes and I urge him to stay with me. I drop my forehead against his and whisper his name like a prayer. I clutch his neck with my hand, my thumb over his pulse.

It's low.

Fuck.

He goes slack in my arms as I lose his pulse. I howl in pain like a wounded animal.

My chest hurts.

Landon is shouting at someone but everything is buzzing around me.

I bring him closer to me.

I'm going to follow right after him.

He can't leave me alone. I won't let him.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, I refuse to leave him alone. My dad just pushes my hand away and press his fingers to Bran's neck.

"We have a pulse. It's faint but there. We shouldn't waste any more time" 

I feel a newfound energy surging through me as I get up with him in my arms. Landon ties his jacket around the wound.

"We're going to the hospital. Just keep breathing for me" 

I know he can't hear it but I still tell him.

Landon gets into the driver's seat, my dad helps me settle in back seat with Bran on my lap and gets in the passenger seat and starts barking orders on the phone. Even though Landon drives like a man possessed it feels like forever when we reach the hospital.

The staff gathers around us and they ask me to put down my lotus flower.

I clutch him tighter. 

They are going to take him away from me. 

My dad puts a hand on my shoulder.

"They need to treat him. You want him to get better, right?"

I reluctantly place my entire life on a white sheet and press a kiss to his forehead.

"Come back to me"

With that he is out of my sight, behind the OT door.

The surgery goes on for hours, somewhere in that time my mom and sisters arrive at the hospital as well. I'm standing at a quiet corner desperately praying for a miracle. My parents try to give me some coffee and water, I refuse everything. I just want him, nothing else.

A few chairs away from me, Landon has gone deathly still since we came to the hospital. He hasn't talked to anyone not even Mia. 

We stay in that suffocating silence for a few more hours when finally the Dr. walks out. 

My mom takes the lead.

"How is he?"

He looks at all of our anxious faces.

"The operation was successful." 

I hear breaths of relief and thank yous. My knees are threatening to buckle in sheer gratitude.

He is alive. 

He came back, for me.

"The bullet pierced his left side, thankfully it was a few inches lower than his heart or we wouldn't have been able to save him." 

My breath hitches at the information.

"We have secured his left hand for now as it might be painful for him to move it. No rigorous activities for a few weeks. The patient will regain his consciousness in a while. You can meet him then but don't stress him out. He'll probably be a little dizzy from the anaesthesia" 

For the first time since we got here, Landon thanks the doctor and goes straight into Bran's room.

I hate that I don't have that kind of access to him.

My dad pulls me aside for a while.

"Are you ok now?"

I nod my head at him.

I wouldn't have been able to do it without him.

"Is he your boyfriend?"

"Not officially but he is mine" 

He is not going anywhere especially after today.

"He took a bullet for you. Needless to say I already like him." 

"He could've died, dad" 

My voice cracks. My dad holds my nape to ground me in that moment.

"But he didn't. He is ok now" 

I just nod my head. 

"Let's get you coffee" 

I shake my head vigorously.

"Not now. I need to see him first." 

Dad nods in understanding.

"Fine. But don't go like this in front of him, you have too much blood on you" 

For the first time today I look down at myself. My shirt is soaked with dried blood. There's blood on my hands and neck as well. Usually it doesn't deter me, today it fills me with dread. I already feel nausea creeping in.

My lotus flower's blood.

Fucking Mikhail.

"Where is Mikhail, dad?"

He himself looks murderous as he hears the name. 

"We have secured him. Don't worry he won't go anywhere until you decide what you want to do him" 

"I want him gone." 

There's no other punishment for crime like this. I would have been merciful even if it was me who got shot, but not him. 

"Sure. Let me know what you want to do. I'll be there" 

His phone rings and he excuses himself to take it and I finally sit down on the waiting room chair. 

I murmur a quiet 'thank you' 

He is okay. Everything is going to be okay now. 

Brandon

I want to open my eyes but I can't. I feel a light above my head and everything hurts.

Am I in heaven?

But I hear beeping of machines.

Is it a hospital?

Did I survive long enough to land in a hospital?

I start moving my fingers and toes to get myself together. I immediately feel someone clutching my hand.

It's warm, safe and familiar.

"Bran, can you hear me?" 

It's Lan.

I clutch his hand tighter silently telling him I can.

"Hold on, let me get a doctor" 

I miss his warmth as he slips away, two minutes later someone is forcing my eyes open and flashing lights in them.

"Mr. King. Can you hear us?"

Chapter Text

Brandon 

"Mr. King. Can you hear us?"

I try to nod my head, I don't know if they understand. The first thing I notice is my left hand is tightly wrapped over my torso. I can't move it.

They give some general instructions and I hear a click as they leave the room. Lan takes a seat beside me again and holds my hand.

"How are you feeling?"

I try to open my eyes slowly. I just need to make sure he is ok. 

It takes some time and I have to blink multiple times but I manage to open my eyes. The first thing I see is Lan looking at me with an unusual expression.

He looks like he has been through a heartbreak. His sleeves have some blood that he didn't bother to get rid off.

I use my right hand to touch his hair.

"Are you ok?"

He lets out a shaky sigh.

"I should be the one to ask you that, idiot. Do you even have any survival skills?"

I try to glare at him.

"I'm hurt" 

He immediately softens his expression.

"I'm sorry" 

Did my twin just apologise?

I blink then blink some more.

"You shouldn't have done that" 

"I can't let you get hurt in front of me" 

He clenches his jaw then sighs. 

"I know you are in pain, but I'm going to ask you some questions and you are going to be truthful"

I nod my head.

"You and that brute? When?"

His name is Nikolai.

"A few months" 

He opens his mouth to say something then closes it.

"And you didn't think it was important to tell me?"

Because I am an overthinker, I've thought about every possible scenario where this conversation would take place. I had no idea it'll take place in a hospital.

"I was scared" 

He frowns.

"Of what?"

"Disappointing our parents, making you mad and pushing Glyn away. I want you guys. You are an inseparable part of me but.... I can't live without him anymore Lan" 

Lan takes a few moments to register that information.

"You thought our reaction was more important than your happiness?"

"I can't lose you" 

I look down at myself.

"You won't. We are your family" 

I know they are. But I've already done a lot of things that might push them away.

"I am scared" 

I want to be vulnerable even if it just this once.

He wipes a lone tear away from my eye. 

"I know everything feels scary, baby bro. But I promise I'm right here. No one is going to leave you" 

I sniff a little.

"What about Niko?"

"What about him?"

"You hate him. I can't watch you two fight all the time" 

His jaw works. 

"Does he make you happy?"

I nod.

"Is he worth it?"

Another nod.

"If the roles were reversed, would he take a bullet for you?"

"He would" 

I have no doubt about it.

He sighs.

"Fine. Just be careful" 

"You'll let things go?"

He makes a face 

"Only for you" 

I grab his hand.

"Thank you. It means the world to me" 

He smiles for the first time since I opened my eyes.

"Is he... Is he here? Can I see him?"

He gets up from his place. 

"I'll go get him. He better be worshipping you, Bran".

I smile at his retreating figure.

I have adjusted the bed to be a little higher so it's easy to get up. 

Nikolai walks into the room and everything tilts to an axis. I suck in a breath as I take him in. He is wearing different clothes than what he was before. He is wearing black sweatpants with grey Tshirt. 

The only problem, he isn't looking at me. 

He stalks forward and sits down beside my bed but makes no attempt to talk to me.

I let my eyes wonder over his form.

From what I see he looks physically ok.

"Nikolai?"

He doesn't bother to give me a reply.

I frown. 

"Niko?"

He clenches his jaw but still nothing. 

"Won't you talk to me?"

He busies himself in my medical chart.

How am I supposed to talk to him like this?

I try to get up from my place but pain shoots down from my side and I plop back down with a groan. The plopping down makes my eyes sting. I clutch my left hand with my right to keep myself from crying out loud.

I feel warm hands grabbing my face. 

"Baby?" 

And then Niko is kissing all over my face. 

A whimper falls from my mouth at the gesture.

He keeps murmuring quiet assurances to me until I start breathing normally again.

I push his hands away.

"Just go" 

He looks confused.

"What?"

"If you are not going to talk to me, just leave" 

A vein pops up in his neck.

"You think I'm enjoying this?"

"I don't know" 

I tell him genuinely.

"Look at me" 

He orders and I can't help but obey.

He forwards his hands to me.

"I haven't stopped shaking yet. Do you even know how I feel?"

I shake my head.

"You almost...." 

He stops unable to say whatever he was about to say.

"I almost lost you today. Do you even know how I feel?" 

He lifts my good hand and slams it against his chest. His heart beat is wild, uneven.

"You thought it was ok to leave me? You thought I'd survive that outcome? I haven't slept in days, didn't even eat a proper meal because you weren't there and you decided to do what? Give up on me. Do you know how useless and helpless I've felt in these past few hours? Did you even think before confessing? I couldn't stop thinking about it. I thought that was the last time I heard that from you. I thought I was going to die too. How dare....." 

He stops abruptly, trying to pull himself together. He lets his tears flow, I do the same.

I clutch his face with my hand and he leans in to the touch like he has been starving for affection.

He is shaking.

And it's all my fault.

I press a kiss to his forehead.

"I'm so sorry

A quiet sob leaves his mouth.

I kiss his eyelids next.

"I love you"

I repeat the process by kissing his whole face over and over again until he is completely leaning into me. 

He drops his forehead against mine.

"Why did you do it, lotus flower?"

I've missed that nickname 

"I can't stand there and watch you get hurt" 

"Promise me, you won't do it again"  

I shake my head slowly.

"No promises" 

He frowns.

"I'll be careful but if you were in my place you would've done the same, let's leave it at that" 

He sighs.

"We'll have this conversation again when you feel a bit better than this" 

I nod, unable to say anything else.

I start fidgeting with my hands then.

"What's wrong? Do you need something?"

He asks and I nod my head.

"What is it? Just say it and I'll make it happen" 

I mumble my wish. 

"What?"

He tilts his head in confusion.

Why is he acting so slow?

"I want to kiss you" 

He blinks then grins.

"Does my baby want kisses?"

I duck my head down.

I don't know if it's the anaesthesia or the scenario but he looks really irresistible right now.

He grabs my chin and makes me face him.

"Don't hide yourself from me. I've missed you"

Something warm instantly fills my chest.

"I missed you too" 

With that he captures my lips in a kiss that makes my toes curl.

He stops before the situation can escalate. I try not to sulk. 

You just got out of a surgery. Settle down.

My subconscious mocks me and I pout in return. 

My boyfriend is right in front me who is looking so damn hot and I'm supposed to just remain confined to a bed?

I slam my hand on my mouth.

What am I thinking?

Niko's chuckle brings me out of my thoughts.

"I know I'm hot but not now. Wait for a few days or weeks, actually" 

I groan hiding my face in my hands.

This is going to be torture.

Someone knocks on the door. A nurse walks in with a tray of food. 

"You should get something in your system" 

She places the tray on the small table attached to the bed and starts writing something on the chart. It takes her exactly two minutes. Then she takes out the IV drip from my arm. 

"We'll start another one in few hours. Get as much rest as you can and try not to move around too much. If you need any assistance just press this button" 

She shows me the blue button on the remote.

I nod my head.

"Do you have any questions?"

"Umm.. nothing for now. Thank you" 

She smiles warmly at me and Nikolai narrows his eyes on her. I roll my eyes.

"If it's possible, can my boyfriend get something to eat as well?"

I know it's not her job but she nods.

"Sure. I'll send someone in" 

Niko starts to protest and I squeeze his hand. 

"Baby, I can eat later" 

"You won't eat at all. I know you" 

He sighs.

I wait until his food arrives then I feed him first. He complaints about eating before me and I don't pay any heed to his tantrums.

I'll be ok as long as he stays ok.

Kyle

I'm walking through the corridors of the hospital. I'm going to try and convince my son to get some rest. He probably didn't sleep well for a while. The tired lines are visible on his face. A while ago, I was going to take him out to eat something but I saw Brandon, I mean the guy who just got out of surgery feeding my son. The weirdest part Niko was eating without any complaint. My son was looking at him with fond expression. 

He is in love. 

He has fallen irrevocably for the guy who is willing to take a bullet for him. 

And I feel happy for them.

I just hope Brandon stays safe from now on or God knows what Niko will do. We came so close to losing him a while ago.

I knock on the door. 

No answer.

I knock again.

Nothing.

I turn the knob and step inside. What I see makes me stop in tracks.

My son is sleeping on an actual bed.

Brandon is sleeping on his back, Niko is curled around him. Bran's head tucked under his head, one of Niko's hand is thrown across his middle, keeping his injury in mind even in his sleep. Their breathing is calm, peaceful. I quietly step out and close the door. 

My son is in good hands. 

Chapter Text

Nikolai

After too many weeks I wake up to a familiar weight pressed against my side. I open my eyes and glance at the clock. It's 7:00 AM, that means I slept for nine long hours. I haven't slept this well in weeks. I look down at my source of comfort who is still sleeping peacefully. 

How did I end with someone as beautiful as him? 

I press a kiss to his temple. I came so close to losing him forever and I don't think anything will ever heal me from what I felt in those few hours.

But he is here now. Safe and mine, and that's enough. Nobody will ever hurt him again.

He stirs slightly and I pretend to sleep. He tries to move his arms and hisses quietly. He turns his face, kisses my jaw and tries to untangle himself from me. I pull him back down.

"Where do you think you are going?" 

He blinks up adorably at me.

"I need to use the bathroom" 

"I'll help you" 

"No" 

He starts shaking his head vigorously.

"You don't have to be embarrassed, baby. It's just me" 

He shakes his head again.

"Please don't. I can do it" 

I see the vulnerability in his eyes. I promised myself I'll protect him that means I'll protect his dignity too. 

I press a kiss to his forehead.

"Go but don't lock the door" 

He happily nods and takes his time getting out of bed, I help him out. He walks to the bathroom and I sit down on the bed again. 

I'm acutely aware of the fact that I haven't told him about my feelings yet. It's on the tip of my tongue but I want to do something special for him when I say it. I don't want this to be an ordinary event, I want something that's uniquely me. 

I'm also aware that I need to take care of Mikhail. He is going to die that's for sure, I just don't know when. Right now I want to focus on my lotus flower. He needs to heal and get home so my heart can settle down. I can't leave him alone and honestly I don't want to.

He comes out of the bathroom and I take my turn. When I come out he is already lying back down. 

My poor baby gets tired easily because of the medication. 

I run a hand through his hair.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Anything is fine." 

"Okay. The guards will get it" 

He widens his eyes in surprise.

"You have guards in the hospital?"

The question makes me smile.

I have guards outside this room, at every entrance and exit and even just a few meters away hidden from the public.

"Yes" 

"But why? It was just one incident" 

That makes my eye twitch.

"I'm not taking any risks" 

He is thinking about something and when I open the door to give instructions, he calls out.

"Get something for yourself as well" 

I show him a thumbs up and instruct the guard outside to be quick. Then I lock the door again and take a seat beside him.

He kisses my palm.

"What will you do without me" 

I know he said it because I forgot about my own breakfast but I still didn't like it.

I grasp his hand in mine.

"I don't want to find out and stop saying that. You are not going anywhere now" 

He nods.

The breakfast arrives and we eat while talking about random stuff. I also read him some morning news because he likes it. 

The nurse from yesterday asks him general questions and writes down everything on the chart. Then she administers him his medicine. He winces and squeezes my hand when she injects him with something.

"Be a little gentle with him. He is already in pain" 

I tell her, clearly not happy with her work.

"Niko..." 

Bran tries to interrupt.

"You have a fiesty one on hand" 

She tells him, as if telling him I'm like a vicious animal. I glare at her but Bran pulls my hand closer to his chest.

"He is protective. I like him like that" 

She raises her eyebrow but doesn't say anything.

I lean forward and kiss him that's when I hear the door.

"Lock the damn door. I did not needed to see that. Now, my morning is ruined" 

Landon seethes from the entrance.

If that isn't the ugly twin.

I narrow my eyes on him.

"Stop yelling. He might get startled."

Bran just laughs. 

"Good morning to you too bro" 

He softens at the sight of my lotus flower.

"How are you feeling?"

"A little uncomfortable but fine" 

He brushes his hand in his brother's hair.

"Good to hear that. I'll be here with you today" 

I whip my head at him.

"Excuse me?"

He stares at me.

"You need to go" 

"No. I won't go anywhere" 

"Of course you will. Mia convinced me last night to let you stay here. Your time's over now. Get out" 

"That is absolutely not happening." 

We argue back and forth until Mia intervenes.

When did she get here?

"Niko"

She starts.

"No. I won't do anything that requires me to step a foot outside this room" 

Lotus flower squeezes my hand. 

"You don't want me here?"

I ask him perplexed. 

"I do. Just listen to what Mia has to say" 

He urges. I sigh. And only because I'm weak for him I turn to my sister.

"What is it?"

"You were here all night. Let Lan stay here now. He needs to be close to his brother as well and dad would like to talk to you"

I grumble in frustration.

I'm only agreeing because I understand how Landon feels and also because of my dad.

I lean down and kiss my boyfriend's cheek. 

"Call me if you need anything. I'll be here right away" 

He nods, already tired. 

He'll fall asleep in a while. 

I step outside the room, already missing his warmth then hear a click of tongue. I turn around to see my dad leaning against the opposite wall.

"You are whipped"

He comments as soon as I approach him.

"You say that as if it's a bad thing" 

"It's not. Glad to see you finally being happy" 

That makes me smile. 

"Come on" 

I sent a lingering glance to his door. I really don't want to leave him alone. 

"Mia and Landon are with him. That guy might be a menace but he loves his brother" 

I nod my head reluctantly. 

My dad sighs.

"We'll be in the hospital, just in another room. Figured you didn't want to be too far away" 

I look at him in bewilderement.

"Thank you dad" 

Dad leads the way and I follow him to another room just two doors away. There's a small bag on the bed.

"Your mom told you to take a shower" 

I chuckle at that and take a seat on the bed, dad sits on the chair beside it.

"First things first, I know you are preoccupied right now but when are you going to take care of Mikhail?"

My mood instantly sours at his name.

"Not until Bran is safely back home" 

"Mikhail has tried to take his own life twice. We had to restrain him but now he is refusing the water we are providing to keep him alive. If you want to personally take care of him, you should do it soon. I don't think he'll last long" 

I raise an eyebrow.

That is surely a news.

Now that it's his turn he wants it to be quick?

No.

He is going to pay for everything my lotus flower is enduring.

"If you are worried about Brandon. I'll stay here with him until you finish the job"

I really have the best parents. 

If he is here, I don't have to worry about Bran. 

"Thank you dad" 

"No worries" 

Brandon 

I wake up a while later. Mia is on the couch, a laptop in front of her. Lan is sitting beside me.

I try to get up on my own but Lan slides in beside me helping me up. 

"Do you need anything? Some water? Something to eat or drink? Or do you need to use the bathroom?"

I sent an embarassed glance to Mia who gets up quickly. 

"I'll get some coffee for all of us" 

"Will you be ok alone?"

Lan asks concerned and it's endearing to watch my brother fall for my best friend.

"Don't worry. I'll take Igor with me"

Igor.

The guard who was kind to me.

"Be back soon" 

With a wave she dashes out. Lan turns his attention to me.

"What do you need?"

"My shirt is sweat soaked. Can you help me out of it?"

He nods and gets another loose shirt from the bag. With my one hand wrapped up, button up shirts are easy to put on. I didn't have lot of clothes in my bag. Majority of these are from Lan and Nikolai. They've generously given me their clothes so I could feel comfortable. 

Lan takes the sling off and unbuttons my shirt, taking it off as gently as possible. He them wipes my back and chest with a napkin and then helps me put on another shirt. 

"Do you want to change your sweatpants as well?"

I shake my head. 

I can put sweatpants on my own. The shirt is the problem.

"Are you sure? Are you saying no because you are embarrassed?"

"No Lan. I'll tell you if I need to" 

"Okay" 

I lean back against the pillows. 

"Can I ask you a question?"

I ask him gingerly. I don't think I should have this conversation with him but I feel desperate. Besides he is my twin, he'll understand. He knows me the best.

"Why are you being so formal?'

He narrows his eyes on me.

"It's nothing...for.."

He holds my hand.

"Ask away. I'll try my best to answer your worries"

"Do you... Do you think Nikolai doesn't love me?"

"What?" 

He shouts and I close my eyes.

"Lan please" 

"Sorry. Why do you think that?"

"You know I confessed when everything happened.."

He clenches his jaw.

"Of course"

"He hasn't said it back yet"

I admit timidly. 

I don't want to rush him. With the way he is always touching me to make sure I'm okay is enough. I can wait. But there's another vicious thought that tells me he is doing it because it happened in his house and in front of him. We have grown attached to each other, no doubt, but does he love me? I can live on with what I feel but if somewhere down the line he doesn't feel the same what am I supposed to do? 

I don't want him to help me because I'm injured and he is under obligation. I want him to choose what he want and if that's not me.... I'll convince myself. He didn't deserve my earlier attitude nor does he deserves to be tied down. 

"He hasn't?" 

I shake my head.

"He looks pretty much obsessed with you. I don't know if I should say this but when you... passed out in his arms, it felt like his own soul was leaving his body and that doesn't happen if you are just attached" 

Hope blooms in my chest.

"Really?"

"Yeah. He wasn't even ready to lay you down on the stretcher" 

Relief floods my veins at the revelation.

"Thank you" 

He scoffs.

"There's no need to thank me. But if you are still uncomfortable I can talk to the doctor and if they say you are ok to travel we can directly go back home" 

"Okay. Just let me think for a while" 

"Sure" 

It feels wrong to leave just like that when I'm in his hometown. 

This is definitely frustrating.

There's a knock on the door and Mia bounces inside with Igor on her toes. She hands one cup to me.

"Here, your favourite" 

I don't drink a lot of coffee but sometimes I love having cappuccino. 

"Thank you Mia" 

She hands another cup to Lan and smiles warmly at him.

They are adorable together.

Another knock echoes in the room and Nikolai peeks his head in. He softens as he looks at me and I sigh.

I'm down so bad. 

"Landon, a word" 

His voice rings out. 

All of us are confused but Lan gets up and walks out. Nikolai then turns to Igor. 

"Stay in the room until I come back" 

"Yes, Sir" 

Igor's professional voice booms as he takes a position near the door as Lan walks out with Nikolai, who waves at me as he locks the door behind him.

"Please don't mind me. You can do whatever you want" 

Igor smiles at us. Mia hands him a cup of coffee as well.

"Thank you Miss Sokolov" 

He sincerely replies.

I don't know if I should ask him.

"Igor, can I ask you a question?"

His professional smile falters a bit but he composes himself.

"Anything Mr. King" 

"What...what happened to Mikhail?"

There is a pin drop silence in the room. His eyes flicker between me and Mia.  

"I'm sorry Mr. King, but I've been here since we brought you here so I have no idea what's happening back there." 

I expected that answer. 

But they've been here for a while now.

 The guards need a break too.

"I'll talk to Nikolai and Me Hunter about changing your duties. I'm sorry for the trouble and thank you for everything" 

He smiles genuine.

"You are very kind sir. But I'm fine. It's my job after all" 

Mia claps her hands to get our attention.

"Bran, Igor and you are of same age. You should be friends" 

Panic flares in his eyes and I can't help but chuckle at that.

"You are under strict instructions to not be friendly, am I right?"

Igor just looks elsewhere.

"Just a nod would do. We won't tell anyone" 

Mia urges, he sighs and nods once.

She rolls her eyes.

"Niko and his possessiveness" 

I take a sip of the warm liquid.

"Tell me about it" 

Mia talks to me until I get sleepy again. I feel her hand squeezing mine as I drift off to sleep again.