Tai leaned on her mom's lap fidgeting with the phone in her hands. After every message, she would get more and more anxious that her mom eventually looked down at her with curiosity.

"What's bothering you?"

Tai thought about the plan she and Zakhar were making so she can go after Aleksei and fix what he broke. "Life." She answered.

Her mom chuckled and caressed her hair. "It's odd for you. Usually, you're running around solving everyone else's problems."

"It's because I'm unintentionally good at it. But for myself, it's a bit more difficult."

"Well, you can tell me. I can always hear you out."

Tai placed her hand underneath her cheek and laid sideways on her mother's lap, staring at the Tv.

Wisely, her mother remained silent.

"I met someone. He's a really special guy." Tai muttered.

"Mhm."

"He likes me a lot, I can tell."

"I see.."

Tai sighed. "But he's troubled. And he won't let me poke at him and find out why. He doesn't want to be vulnerable around me. So he broke things off before I ever found out why."

"Do you think he was scared of telling you and you not understanding him or scared that you would understand but see him differently?"

Tai paused. "I think...the second."

"Then you know him far more than you realize. It's not easy to be vulnerable with someone. Those who say their vulnerabilities easily, tend to be focused on their wounds and what they're feeling. Those who hide it, tend to be more focused on others. Healing their issues comes second."

"I don't want to give him up."

Her mother gently patted her back and smiled. "Do you love him?"

Tai nodded. "I do."

"Did you tell him?" She asked.

"No. I didn't get the chance to."

"Are you planning to tell him?"

Tai rose and looked at her mom. "I'm planning on telling him in person. I just...worry that it might surprise him too much."

"He might be surprised, but that doesn't mean he's not glad to see you." Her mom touched her cheek gently. "He'd be more than happy to see you. I think it would be the only motivation he needs to open his heart to you."

Feeling a bit more confident in herself, Tai pushed her hair back. "I might need to borrow dad though. Do you think he'll agree? I know he has a busy schedule."

Her mom tilted her head thinking. "You can always bribe him with a good wine."

"That.." Tai laughed. "Could actually work."

***

Jewels and silverware glinted over the soft light in the dining room where the guests had gathered. The music was playing loud enough to fill the atmosphere, but people could still lead a conversation. Soon the hall was filled with numerous guests, from businessmen and women wanting to impress a giant in the steel industry, to people who wanted to be seen at the party and make connections.

Aleksei fixed his suit and carried his drink, following his grandfather around while they greeted guests. His parents and brother hadn't arrived yet, so he was still free to enjoy himself.

Zakhar, Arya, Lev and Nikita were nearby, waiting for him to finish greeting everyone so they can keep him company, and he was comforted having familiar faces around him. They had arrived few days prior, cheered him up and then entertained his grandfather with fun stories about what they did in school.

At the end of the hallway, Aleksei finally saw his parents arriving. For a second he thought that maybe his brother had decided not to come, but then he saw him behind them. He wasn't sure if he felt relief or disappointment, but his stomach had clenched in anxiousness.

His mother sped up her steps and rushed to hug him in a loving motherly hug. "Happy birthday Aleksei."

He hugged her back. "Thank you mom."

"My turn." His father sheepishly grinned. "Happy birthday." He wrapped an arm around him and squeezed his shoulder. "You and your grandfather are having fun?"

"Of course. Grandpa is great company."

"Having him here makes me aware of my age." His grandfather bitterly scoffed. "Hurry up and take him home."

"How can I ask him when he wants to spend his summer here." His father answered.

Oblivious that Kasimir had asked Aleksei to spend the summer here, their father smiled.

Grandfather glanced at Kasimir with disdain.

Knowing he was about to get scolded, Kasimir just cleared his throat. "Thank you for inviting us grandpa."

"Aren't you going to congratulate your brother?" He asked.

"Of course." He nodded and turned towards Aleksei. "Happy birthday Aleksei."

Aleksei noticed the congratulation wasn't with a forced smile, but he couldn't tell if he actually meant it.

Kasimir excused himself and left to greet people he knew.

Aleksei's father had led Aleksei further inside the party room, chatting him up and making sure he was having a good time. Aleksei glanced back at where Zakhar was standing with the others but he couldn't spot them. His eyes scanned the crowd and then he turned his head towards the entrance. His footsteps came to a halt abruptly.

The shape of her body was engraved into his mind like it was all he had ever known. The shine in her eyes, the curve of her nose and the smile on her lips were all he pictured when he'd close his eyes. Seeing Tai felt like an illusion.

She was in this room, making her way towards him without a blink of hesitation, the glittering dress, wrapping around her legs as she walked. His head was dizzy as if he was drunk. Staggering in his step, he barely held onto his drink.

Tai was clutching onto her small purse, reminding herself to breathe. The guys had shown her where Aleksei was and given her a good pep talk. Her father was standing proudly next to her, already greeting a few businessmen he recognized. While waiting on him to finish, she glanced at Aleksei one more time. He was standing with what seemed like his father.

The black suit and tie fitted his body perfectly. His hair was freshly cut and styled over his forehead. His tattoo peeked underneath his sleeve as he brought his drink up to take a sip.

He was more gorgeous than the last time she had seen him and maybe it was because she missed him, but the attraction she felt shook her core. It made her more nervous than she had ever been but she already knew what she had to do. The fear of not having him was bigger than the fear of approaching him.

Taking her father's elbow she made her way toward him. Like he could feel her presence, he turned around and locked eyes with her. She made her way through the crowd of people, passing Aleksei's brother on her way. He had watched Aleksei and when he saw her from the corner of his eyes, he turned in shock. After a brief eye contact Tai continued walking straight until she was face to face with Aleksei. The shock was visible in his eyes, but he was doing well covering it up.

"Mr. Andreev." Tai looked up at Aleksei's father greeting him with a girlish grin, and then she turned towards Aleksei. "Happy birthday. Thank you so much for the invitation."

Shocked beyond belief, Aleksei stared at her unsure what to say. He was distracted by her smile and the earrings and necklace she wore. The same exact ones he had bought her.

"Andreev." Tai's father boldly smiled at the man before him. "Congratulations on your son's birthday." He then turned towards Aleksei and put his hand out.

Aleksei snapped out of shock and gripped his hand firmly.

"Happy birthday." Tai's father gave him a bashful smile.

"Thank you." Aleksei said calmly.

"Oh.." Aleksei's father suddenly looked at Tai's father. "We have the same tie."

Tai's father laughed, taking out his tie and looking at it. "It seems like we do."

"I got mine as a gift from my son." Aleksei's father grinned.

"What a coincidence." Tai's father glanced at her. "I got mine from my daughter."

Bit irritated about this whole coincidental farce, Aleksei decided to speak up. "We bought it together."

"I have good taste so he just followed my advice." Tai said before the adults could ask questions and then turned towards Aleksei. She waited until he locked eyes with her.

"Would you mind if you show me where the others are. I want to see Nikita."

The shock was over and irritation took over. Why was she here, what did she want to accomplish, how could she just smile?

"Sure." He gave her a fake smile and walked away. Excusing herself and winking at her dad, she followed Aleksei.

Once they were out of their fathers' sight, she walked in front of him. "I lied. I know where they are."

Aleksei bit the inside of his cheek. "Of course you do." They were probably the ones who smuggled her in.

"Come on, let's go somewhere to talk." He took her hand, but she pulled him back and then wrapped one arm around his neck, while holding his hand with the other one. She started swaying with the music, dancing to the rhythm. But it was enough to be the birthday boy and they were instantly at the center of attention.

Aleksei stood hesitant.

"Should I brace myself for a public humiliation?" She asked with a cheeky smile.

Sighing in defeat, he grabbed her waist and pulled her closer. Her body pressed against his, and she tilted her head looking up at him in awe. Her lips were curved into a happy smile.

"You're having fun toying with me?" Aleksei said as he stared down at her. Having her in her arms, taking in the familiar scent and watching her smile at him, weakened him. His honest feelings were exposed and she brought out vulnerabilities he'd rather hide.

Caressing the nape of his neck with her fingers, she leaned in closer, closing her eyes. "I'm toying with myself. I wanted to see you even if I was scared you'd not want to see me."

Aleksei said nothing but held her close.

She opened her eyes halfway and brushed her nose at the tip of his jaw as she looked up at him. "I rushed every day to pick up the phone, even when I knew it wasn't ringing because I hoped to see your name on the screen. I could hear your voice even when the room was silent. And I was waiting on you every day, hoping you'd show up to surprise me even when I knew you wouldn't."

She dropped her hand down to his shoulder. "I'm sorry but I just missed you too much that I'd rather go back on my word than go crazy."

His eyes were calm, but the grip around her tightened. His features were tense as he looked at her. "But I can't go back on what I said. I'm sorry."

He abruptly let her go and his arms fell down by his torso. "I need air." He murmured and stepped away from her, heading outside into the garden.

Clenching her fists, Tai took a deep breath. This was not over yet. She followed him out.

Zakhar, Arya, Lev, Nikita and Aleksei's grandfather watched the drama unfold, hidden between the crowds of people.

"He's a stubborn idiot." His grandfather sighed.

Zakhar crossed his arms. "Well Tai went after him so hopefully she can change his mind."

"I had enough drama. I saw what I needed to see. I'm going to my room. See you later." Arya unhooked her arm around Zakhar and kissed his cheek.

"I'll see you later." Zakhar let her go with a wink and then focused back on the drama.

"But this is good entertainment." Lev nudged grandfather.

Chuckling, grandfather grabbed Lev's elbow. "Quickly, help me get to the veranda door. I don't want want to let anyone pass and interrupt them.

Grinning, Lev took grandfather toward the door.

"He's enjoying himself." Zakhar took his drink that was placed on the stand behind him. "Lev I mean."

"I guess so." Nikita took a sip from his drink, his eyes following Lev as he moved through the crowd.

"He didn't use to before." Zakhar said. "He hated social gatherings. But he's relaxed now. He's comfortable."

Nikita turned towards Zakhar confused. "Are you saying it's because of me?"

Zakhar grinned, obviously entertained. "I'm going to get a lot of shit for saying this, but love does wonders for people."

Love. Nikita strained himself at the words. When he made the conscious decision to date Lev he thought of himself as a gambler.

Either have an amazing passionate summer or get hurt again.

The risk was high, but the winning strike was more than tempting enough to take on the risk.

And he knew he was way over his head as he was slowly falling in love deeper and deeper, every day. Lev was cool, introspective and a tough lover but capable of such incredibly sweet gestures. Yes, he felt cared for and trusted Lev, but he kept telling himself.

 Don't be an idiot. People don't fall in love that fast. It can't be love. He doesn't love me.Not yet.

Now it was like that was being thrown back into his face.

"I don't think we're there yet.." Nikita muttered.

"I'm sorry if I intruded." Zakhar apologized. "I thought you felt the same as him so I said things that might have.."

"I do." Nikita cut him off. "I do feel the same or rather I feel..that way towards him"

Zakhar nodded. "And when you said it to him he didn't say it back?"

"I haven't told him yet." Nikita admitted with guilt.

"Are you waiting on him to say it first?" Zakhar asked with curiosity.

Someone dropped and broke a glass nearby making the people around turn in shock. In a split second, Nikita had a revelation. One that spurred a passionate fire in his chest.

He was waiting on Lev. He was so buried in his own insecurities that he was constantly passive. But that was not right. Not towards Lev who even though might not have been there yet with his feelings, he'd surely be happy to hear that Nikita loved him. He barely spoke words of affirmation towards Lev, when in reality, Lev constantly tried to get them out of him.

"Can you go and keep Aleksei's grandfather company. I want to talk to Lev." Nikita turned toward Zakhar in a rush.

"Yeah sure. No problem." Zakhar took his drink and headed that way.

A minute later, Lev came back to Nikita confused. "Is everything alright? Zakhar said that you want to talk to me."

"Yeah. But not here. Let's go back to my room upstairs."

Lev followed Nikita to his room, wondering if something might have happened. The moment the door was closed behind them Nikita slammed him on the wall and kissed him. His mouth was hard, devouring and needy.

Lev had no time to struggle underneath that urgent kiss. When Nikita's tongue sought his, he abandoned logic and embraced him in his own hungry way.

With the desperation intimacy satisfied, Nikita placed his hands on either side of Lev's face and drew his lips away from his.

"I love you." He spoke calmly with joy laced in his tone. He was desperately in love and he had to say it.

Standing in shock, still breathless from the kiss, Lev stared at him.

Bringing his hands down from his face down to his biceps, Nikita held him firmly. "I don't care if you don't feel that way, but I can't be such a coward anymore. I was quiet when I desperately liked you. I waited on you to initiate something when I really wanted you. But I can't not say anything now that I realize I'm so in love with you. I have to say it. I have to be honest. This is what couples do right? They share their thoughts and feelings and no matter what they..."

Lev suddenly brought his hand up, clumping it over his mouth. "Give me a second."

Once Nikita was quiet, Lev gently brought his hand down and then wrapped his arms around Nikita's neck, bringing him closer for a hug. "It was so comforting to hear. I'm replaying it in my head." He took a deep breath. "Give me one more moment."

Smiling to himself, Nikita hugged him back. "I love you. I'll repeat it as much as you want."

"Wait. I'm too happy." Lev squeezed his eyes shut.

He didn't expect to hear those words. He had hoped, imagined, and craved those words, but he assumed Nikita would need time to love him. And even more, time to say it.

"Ah so this is what's it like when two people who love each other hug." Lev said.

"Two people?" Nikita struggled to set himself free and see Lev's face, but Lev wouldn't budge.

"Yes."

"Does that mean you love me?" The palpitations of Nikita's heart became irregular. He felt happy as a kid on Christmas.

"I love you." Lev said holding him tighter than ever.

Squeezing him tight with equal amount of strength, Nikita and Lev stumbled forward onto the bed.

Laughing his heart out, Nikita patted Lev's back. "I'm being crushed over here."

Finally letting go, Lev raised himself on his fists. "Hey.." His eyes were dark and drunk with desire and need. " Do you still want to go back to that party?"

"Didn't we have a mission?" Nikita asked gluing his eyes on Lev's mouth, which was getting closer and closer.

"I think Zakhar can handle it. Also I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a happy ending."

"That's all I needed to hear." Nikita took one last breath before their mouths clashed together in fiery passion again.