Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nikolai and Fukuchi already picked up a conversation about poisonous plants of South America while they were leaving the meeting hall. Nikolai adored Fukuchi's stories,so did Sigma.Not wanting to miss out,he tried to catch up with them. Quickly the folder was stuffed with all the data of sky casino,maybe not the neatest way. He and Fyodor were the only members of Decay of Angels left in the room. Fyodor went over the papers once again to see if he had missed something. Perfectionist,that's what Sigma saw in him. Someone perfect to the core. He already took his folder and was ready to leave.He took three steps forward and a single step would grant him exit out of this hall,but a cold voice stopped him in place.

“Sigma,I need to talk with you.”

Sigma,uncertain what Dostoyevsky could possibly want from him,turned around slowly and went to sit opposite of the black haired man.

The meeting is over. What in the world could he want to discuss with me? Are some of my datas not sorted according to his preferences? Or??

While he sat down the lighting in the room changed.A cloud covered a part of the sunset that gave limited light to the room.Fyodor Facial features were nicely framed by lighting of the crystal chandelier in the middle of the meeting room.

“Yes?”

Sigma came to the closest chair and sat down. He hated being alone with..him. The feeling could be explained as having an ice cube slowly melting on your neck. It's uncomfortable until the ice melts, until the conversation is over,until Fyodor's gaze is no longer on him.

“I discussed this with other members of the decay before.”

Sigma couldn't look him in the eyes,so he just observed his facial features. The sharp jawline,slightly raised lip,thin eyebrows. Sigma shook his head.

“I'm afraid the casino is no longer needed for the decay of angels. We will have to destroy it.”

Suddenly they made eye contact. Word “destroy” rang through whole Sigmas body. He felt as if he was shot. It was not possible,it couldn't be.

“No.
You..
we..
why?!?”

Sigma unconsciously raised his voice and his head was ringing. He felt like he was on a boat,his head was heavy,he didn't know if he's gonna collapse or vomit. He gripped onto his folder,which was already sweaty. This couldn't be true,but Fyodor's cold gaze proved otherwise.

“The Detectives made some moves we did not expect,which brings us to not need the casino anymore.”

“I'm deeply sorry Sigma.I know how much the casino means to you,and to all of us.”

“No..why?”

Sickness went away,but now Sigma wanted to cry his heart out. His eyes traveled from Fyodor to the starry sky outside to the desk and then back to Fyodor.

“This casino,Fyodor.It’s my dream”

“I know. That's why we decided to tell you the last. We already secured everything,the guards, explosives,casualties…”

“Casualties??? No.Fyodor you can't.. “

“We are going to make them minimum. All civilians will be evacuated 12 hours before because of a terrorist threat. The plan is all set.”

He kept repeating “why” with his lips,but couldn't say anything or do anything. He was paralyzed.He covered his face with his hands. It felt like his face was going to explode.Everyone agreed with this after all.

“You will be staying at Rats Headquarters while we find a better place for you to stay.”

Fyodor took his papers and stood up from his chair,slowly walked to Sigma,who was still freezed from the shock.

“Pack your things,we're leaving tomorrow.”

Fyodor tapped him on the shoulder. Sigma flinched,but his face stayed digged into his arms. Last thing he heard was the door opening and Fyodor's quiet “Good night”.

After that he broke down.

Tears were flowing from his eyes like rivers. His whole life. His whole life that had some meaning to it. It was gone. With 3-4 Fyodor's sentences it was gone,just how it was given to him. Fyodor gave him everything,so he might just take it away.

Then what was the point? What was the point of giving him false hope that he could succeed? What was the point of Fyodor saving him from his misery? Only to bring him to a bigger one? To play with his emotions?

Maybe Nikolai was right,Sigma might have underestimated the clown,but at this moment,his philosophy made perfect sense.

It took him some time to calm down in the meeting hall.He came to his room at midnight and fell asleep right after. He woke up at 4 am in cold sweat. After that he couldn't sleep. He just walked in circles around his room and observed every picture,every item from every angle,even though it was dark and Sigma could barely see,he observed his room as it was.

Because he will never get to do it again.

And he watched the sunrise from the big windows in his room.
Because he will never get to do it again.

There was a big stone in his chest. Oh how much he needed to cry and to let it out. He looked for the bottle of champagne he always has in personal bar. It was almost empty,so Sigma drank it in one shot. He didn't know why he even looked for it. The feeling stayed the same. White haired man stayed sitting on the floor with an empty bottle in his hand,looking through the window into nothingness.

Sun had risen and Sigma just felt worse with every passing second. What should he bring with him? What is the most valuable thing he has? Is there even such thing?

He looked over his books,took a couple of them. Then brought them back,then took a couple more and then brought a couple more back on the shelf. He couldn't decide how valuable they are. They were all valuable to him. He kept looking for items valuable to him around the room,but it was the same as with the books. He couldn't decide what to bring.

At the end he put all his clothes,jewelry and his journal in a traveling bag and went to eat breakfast.

Nikolai was the only familiar face in the eating hall and he greeted him with a friendly smile.

“Good morning Sigma! Hey come sit with me!”

“Good morning Nikolai.”

Sigma tried to act as he didn't just have an existential crisis,but his tone was clearly off.

“Why such a grumpy face? Did the bedbugs bite?”

Nikolai let out a giggle and sat down with a couple of fried eggs and fresh tomatoes on his plate.

“Mhm”

Sigma nodded and went to the kitchen to check the staff before he took his breakfast and sat to Nikolais table.

Nikolai remained silent for the rest of the meal. There was nothing left to say. They knew what would happen in a couple of days. They both knew.

Sigma still had a lump in his throat. A lump that made him want to vomit. Walking to his room, he turned and went to look at the casino one more time. The noise, the machines, the arguing and the soft sound of the piano in the background. All of that would be destroyed. The people who were smiling now as they spent their life savings would be kicked out in a few days.

Exactly half an hour after breakfast Sigma zipped up his travel bags. Two of them. And one small backpack. Two black haired men in suits helped him get them to the casino airport. They weren't sky casino staff,no,they were Fyodor's employees. They acted like they were in distress. Like they were late. Like he was already waiting.
And he was.

“Let's go. Hurry.”

Fyodor said in an unusually cold tone from the helicopter. He wanted to be done with this. With the casino.
Sigma took a deep breath and took a step in the helicopter.He knew that if he made eye contact,Fyodor's gaze would crush him alive. So he started at his feet the whole time. Almost as if he was ashamed.

A new page has been turned.

Chapter Text

None of this felt real. Sigma was waiting for this fever dream to end. Oh how he wishes to wake up all sweaty and sick,rather than having to live through this. Helicopter was slowly descending. Fyodor looked outside the whole ride. Sigma took a few glances,otherwise stared at his feet. He will be forced to conform to society now wouldn't he?

He spent last year trying so hard to be a human. Everything was different in the casino though,everyone treated him with respect,just because he was who he was.

Now he's no one.

Suddenly the helicopter landed. Fyodor let out a loud sight and got up from the seat. Sigma flinched and tried to pick up all his bags in a hurry.

“My men will take care of your baggage. Come with me.”

At the command he dropped everything and followed Fyodor out of the helicopter. They were in the middle of the forest. He was never in Fyodor's headquarters,but if he expected something,it's that it is in the middle of nowhere.

“As I already told you,as long as you're within Rats care, I'll be giving you personal trainings.Of course you will also get a bed to sleep in and food.”

Sigma nodded. Not that it was important. As he was walking behind Fyodor the whole time. Fyodor continued:

“These will increase your physical and mental strength and your critical thinking skills. These training sessions start today. After we arrive I expect you to get ready within an hour for the first one.”

“As you say.”

Sigma replied,when suddenly Fyodor stopped,like he was frozen in place. And started turning around. He mumbled something in Russian and crouched. Sigma had no idea what was happening,but he felt that he shouldn't interrupt.. whatever this was.

Fyodor took out the keys from his pocket and unlocked a random lock on the ground. All of the sudden Fyodor was opening a door on the ground,he struggled of course,but it would be a sin to ask Sigma for help.

“Enter.”

Sigma had a worried look on his face. Is this where he will be spending his days? For maybe months? Sigma's thoughts started circling again until Fyodor tapped him on the back.

“Sigma,let's go.”

Two men went down the steep stairs. Sigma was not used to such narrow places, he just entered and the place gave him goosebumps. Soon another door was in front of them,this time Fyodor opened them with ease.

“I welcome you to the Rats in the House of the Dead. Just for the time being of course.”

“Thanks.”

He for sure felt welcome. The walls were concrete, gray and lifeless.Lights above them flickered every couple seconds and water and electricity installations were clearly visible through the hallway.
I sure did hit the rock bottom,or better said..even below it… Sigma thought.

“Where is my luggage?”

“It's waiting for you in your room. That's where we're going now.”

Uncomfortable silence filled the hallways. Only their steps and breathing could be heard. It felt suffocating. Sigma kept looking around in hopes of seeing anything really,anything that would catch his eye. But all the walls looked the same. Floor was no different.
All until they entered a big empty “room”,which looked like some kind of a bunker.

“Here is the main hall. From here you will be navigating yourself through the base.”

Sigma looked around as Fyodor's voice echoed through the room. Fyodor then moved so he was right next to Sigma and started explaining.

“From this point right, you see a door. This door leads to the training room in which I will be waiting for you after I explain everything. Now, if you look in front of you there's another door,this door leads to a big hallway where you will find your room. Of course that's where we are heading now.”

Fyodor took a couple steps,but as soon as Sigma followed,Fyodor flinched and stopped again.

“Before you ask,that door behind us leads to the rooms of my permanent workers,but I think you have no great interest in meeting them. Do you?”

Sigma replied with a silent “No”,after which Fyodor led him to his room. The hallway there was as boring and gray as all the other ones.
Other than the blank scenery,Sigma was also annoyed by Fyodor's constant turning,he felt like Fyodor is afraid he might get lost,even though they are walking in a straight line in his own base.

Sigma's room looked much like he imagined after he saw everything else. Like a room in a military base,like a room in a bunker. At least his luggage really was there. Sigma of course started unpacking the same second he entered his new room. Fyodor left with a silent: “ See you soon”.

Sigma took out his things and sat on the bed,it creaked and he felt the mattress was as thin as paper.

“This is my life now.” He sobbed.
“But this was my life before,I should be grateful that…”
His thoughts were interrupted by loud noise. He rushed to the door to see what it was,but the hallway was empty.

“I should probably get used to this huh?
Just,random loud noises.”

Sigma took off his uniform and put on more casual clothes. A bland Grey shirt with black sweatpants. He did hate the thought of exercising,especially in these conditions. At the same time,Fyodor never looked like the sporty type,which did make him curious. What sport would he even play?

Lost in his thoughts he made his way to the “bunker” room. He was lost.
He tried so hard to remember what Fyodor was saying but he remembered only his silhouette pointing at doors.

After spinning in place a couple of times and scratching his beard he tried to make a first step to the door which he thought was right.
When the door opened right in front of him.

“AGHGRGGGSGS!”

“AHHHH!”

“Sorry,sorry! You must be the master's guest! I'm deeply sorry.”

Sigma was jumpscared by a shorter blonde man,before he could try to say something the man disappeared in one of the hallways.

“This must be the employees room.”

After eliminating this door, door from which he came from and the door to the outside world,there was only one left.

He carefully opened and closed the door and saw a short hallway with one room on each side.It smelled like something between sweat,deodorants and moisture.Coming in the changing room he saw Fyodor tying his hair up in a ponytail.

He let out a silent “Fuck” and quickly hid behind the wall. Where are his manners? Why didn't he at least knock?? It's probably because of the fact that he had private everything in the casino,from the bathroom to the gym and kitchen,and now he has to share.

“Sigma? You can enter.”

“Sorry for nor knocking,I should really watch my manners.”

“I was just tying my hair,it's not a big deal.”

Fyodor's voice was…different than usual. Maybe it was this humid air or the fact they're underground that made his voice sound so.. softer? While Sigma's thoughts were analyzing the tone of Fyodor's voice,Fyodor looked Sigma up and down.

“You're going to train in this?”

“Yeah??”

Sigma was confused. This is what he usually wears when he exercises. After giving Fyodor the confused look,he seemed to shrug it off. After all Fyodor was in his usual white shirt and pants,Sigma does wonder if he's able to wear anything else.

“If that's so, you can wait for me in the gym next door,I'll go change.”

Sigma nodded and went to the gym room. Entering the gym, he noticed it was well equipped. It had everything from muscle building gear to pilates and gymnastics equipment. First thing he went to check is ìf it has dumbbells that he usually uses. While he tried to read already smudged text that indicated the weight, Fyodor stepped in.

“Today we won't be using any equipment,come here.”

Sigma spawned in front of Fyodor in a matter of seconds. Though his essence was different. Well,not like he ever saw Fyodor in anything other than his white set of clothes. Seeing him in a tank top and sweatpants was a shock.

“Did you warm up?”

“Mm,no?”

“Then we will do it together.”

Warm up was very awkward,not like walking through the hallways,because the fan was working and it kept creaking every circle and a half. Which is what Sigma tried concentrating on rather than Fyodor's appearance. He never noticed that Fyodor actually has a chest. Like,decently,built chest. And shoulders too. Not to mention how goofy he looked with his hair up.

“Today,we'll be doing something you have probably never done before.”

Fyodor said and turned around,taking two pairs of boxing gloves that were hanging on the wall. Sigma's eyes wandered around the gym,but he couldn't help it to stare at Fyodor again.

“Jesus,look at those shoulders… and that back. Jesus.”

As soon as Fyodor turned around and Sigma remembered who he was checking out, his eyes wandered all around the gym,making it impossible to look at Fyodor,even though he was approaching him.

“Do you like your stay here?”

Fyodor said as he handed him the gloves.

“Yeah. I guess.”

“Mhm,please tie your hair.”

Shit,Sigma in fact didn't tie his hair,nor has he brought hair ties with him. Before he could answer Fyodor,he already gave him one from his pocket.

“Thanks.”

Sigma felt really embarrassed, Fyodor knew this would happen,he definitely did, and now he made a fool out of him.
Of course the demon plays tricks on me. And he will as long as I stay here. Ugh.. -a thought ran through Sigma's head,as he put on the gloves.

Fyodor started from the basics. How to stand,how to punch,how to defend his chest and face and which punches are the most fatal.

After the training, Sigma could smell how bad he smelled. He politely asked Fyodor if the gym has showers,to which he replied that they are just outside his room,that he should look around his part of the hallway.

Sigma quickly went back to his room,this time knowing exactly the route he needed to take. After taking all his hair and body products and other necessities he went on a search. It was just how Fyodor said. The bathroom was just outside the room,he just hadn't noticed it.

After the shower he thought he might wander around the base a little,not because of pure curiosity,but because he also wanted to ask the Fyodor where the kitchen was. Sigma was starving at this point.

Though after he came back to his room,his plans were ruined or better said,cancelled.
He received a meal on his desk and a decent one. He even got a salad and a drink to go with meat and sauce.

After this dinner,he went to bed and checked his phone to see if anyone contacted him. Funny enough,there was no internet underground,so he wouldn't know,another fact is that it was only 9pm. While he was in the casino he often worked until 11 or 12pm. It did feel nice for a change,but it did make him spiral down another overthinking session. He has to ask Fyodor more about the sky casino. He won't let Fyodor destroy everything he has built just because he sees no value in it. Because it “has no purpose”

And with that though,Sigma fell asleep. Even though the bed was creaking with his every move and even though his head was racing with thoughts that made his blood boil,he managed to fall asleep.

Chapter Text

“Hey, young gentleman.”

Sigma twitched and opened his eyes to an unfamiliar voice and unfamiliar face. Sigma flinched,but the man continued without a change in his voice:

“Your breakfast has been served,after the breakfast master acquires your presence within his headquarters.”

Sigma rubbed his eyes,trying to wake himself up and see the man properly,but he was already leaving.He could only see his long white hair and dark clothes.

“What a pleasant way to wake up.”

Sigma stretched and went to see his breakfast. He got coffee,some toast and boiled eggs. Better than he expected to eat in this..place.Next he changed and went to brush his hair in the bathroom,along with his skin routine. Boiled eggs are good even when they're cold. Though Sigma didn't fancy cold coffee at all.

Another adventure was on. Sigma had to find Fyodor's headquarters. He looked around his hallway,but really the only thing that was there was his room,bathroom and a storage room full of some boxes Sigma didn't dare to open. He made his way to the bunker room. He will ask one of his employees,that's the easiest and least painful way. Isn't it?

He laid a couple of knocks on the door after which he opened them. Another hallway was behind the door,but with way more doors. And every one had a name on it. It seemed like Fyodor at least gave his employees some human decency after he forced them to work in such conditions. It reminded him of how his employees get just numbers,plain numbers,but at least they work in a luxurious casino,not a bunker.

“Pushkin,Mushitarou,Goncharov.”

Sigma was reading the names when someone appeared behind him.

“Good day,young gentleman,what are you looking for here?”

It was the same man that woke him up,except now he saw him more clearly. First thing that he noticed is that he's tall,much taller than him.

“Did you enjoy your breakfast?”

“Yes, I was about to ask where Fyodors headquarters are?”

“Oh! Masters headquarters! Here sir here! Come with me.”

Man's voice filled with unspeakable joy as he pat Sigma's back and led him out the employees hallway. The man kept talking about Fyodor as some sort of a savior the whole time they were walking. He led him to stairs that seemed to go to the surface,but actually led to another small hallway,much closer to the surface of course,but under the earth still.

The man giggled and left him just outside the office. After which he disappeared.

“Hm,everyone who works here seems to just come and go.”

Sigma thought as he opened the door and saw himself in front of a machine,really a machine. It was a PC with about 8-9 screens for sure. Cables were everywhere on the ground and Fyodor was sitting right in the middle of it all.

“Good morning Sigma,please take a seat.”

“So,what is my task for today?”

“You will be helping me with paperwork. Oh! And also,here.”

Fyodor gave Sigma a book.Sigma couldn't read the title because it was dark,but the book seemed very light.

“I want you to read this in the following days and write me a report about it. It is also part of your personal training.”

“Alright,what's it about?”

“It's one of Koga and Kishimi’s works,I'm sure you will like it.”

“That didn't answer my question.” He thought. He would never have the courage to say it to Fyodor's face.

Fyodor then gave Sigma some papers and instructed him what to do. Sigma struggled to work in such conditions,only light being Fyodor's PC,but after being in such conditions for about an hour,his eyes got used to the lack of light. Sigma did wonder if paperwork is also part of his personal training. He did stuff like this back in the casino too.

Sigma lost the track of time when someone opened the door of the dark room and let some light in. It was that white haired man. Again.

“Lunch for the master and his guest.”

Man said as he served two silver plates in front of them. Fyodor did get the richer one. A Serving of freshwater fish with cooked potatoes and tea seemed much nicer than fried fish with chips and water Sigma got.

“Thank you Ivan.You don't have to bring me afternoon tea today,I'll drink just this one today.”

“However you say master. Bon appetit gentlemen!”

“Ivan,that's his name.”

“He's in charge of keeping everything in place in this base. Including cooking,hope he didn't give you cold food for breakfast.”

“No,no it was alright.”

Sigma was surprised that they will eat at his desk,right next to all the papers and electronics,but Fyodor seemed to not care,so Sigma didn't either,or at least he tried not to care. “God damn it how can he eat so calmly when…” Sigma got worked up over Fyodor's habits,which Fyodor saw on his face and sideyed him.

“Is the fish good?”

“Mhm”

“You can have some of my tea if you want. It's green tea.”

“No thanks.”

Sigma was thinking about what would be the best way to ask Fyodor about the casino without ruining the moment. Or at least Fyodor's appetite. Seeing that Sigma is lost in thoughts, Fyodor tried to start a conversation.

“What do you say we take a stroll around the forest after lunch?”

“The forest? You mean outside?”

“Yes,so you get some fresh air. Do you really think I spend my days just sitting here?”

“No,not really.”

“It is really stupid of me to ask you what you really think about me.”

With that he took a sip of tea and continued.

“How easily we become obsessed with how others view us? Don't you think? How easily we become obsessed and lose ourselves just because of a thought. A thought that isn't even ours.”

Sigma kept silent,thinking how to answer. He was already done with his food,while Fyodor was still picking through the bones of the fish.

“It's easy. Often we don't see value in our own thoughts,so we look for validation and guidance elsewhere. And often we don't value things as they should be valued.”

“Nicely put Sigma,but could you provide an example?”

“The prime example would be…”

A loud noise was heard and then that same blonde haired man rushed into the office.

“Boss! Boss!”

“Here.”

Fyodor took out papers that Sigma was signing just a minute ago and handed them to the man.

“Thanks boss,have a nice meal!”

Fyodor didn't respond,just stared into his plate. Sigma tried subtly to point out that he's done and that he wishes to go to his room.
After staring for a couple of seconds,Fyodor moved away his plate.

“You're done? Is 4pm good for you? I'll see you then. I'll be waiting for you in my office.”

Fyodor seemed to catch his intention quite too well. In a matter of seconds he got up and as politely as he could, led him to the exit.

Sigma didn't quite catch everything he was saying. The thought of walking in a forest with him,alone,sounded a little scary. And his mind was jumping around the possibilities of all the horrifying things that could happen.

4pm came too soon for Sigma. Maybe because he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Maybe because he was anxious about his walk with Fyodor.

“What in the world is that man thinking? Where will he lead me to? Maybe he will just leave me there. I'm too big of an expense anyway.”

And there he was. Fyodor walking by his side,Sigma really didn't know how to dress for such an occasion,so he just wore his white sweater and basic jeans. Not like he was ever in a forest. Fyodor wore a dark blue turtleneck with plain black pants. He kept looking around,almost like he was afraid they were being followed, even though his base is in the middle of nowhere. Just like he did in the hallway.

One thing that Sigma liked a lot were the sounds. Those he could only hear on TV. Up in the casino,there's just plain white noise,so he used to work with a TV on or with music playing. But this,this is something entirely different. To hear the birds chirping,crunch of leaves and ground under his feet,the noise grass and trees make when wind blows. It fascinated him.

No words were spoken during the walk until Fyodor broke the silence.

“Have you ever seen wild roses?”

“No.”

“There's a bush just over there.”

Fyodor then led him to the bush, most flowers had yet to bloom,but a couple of flowers were visible in full bloom.

“Beautiful,aren't they?”

“They are.”

The roses were such dark red color,Sigma had never seen those as red as these before. The tables of the casino are always decorated with more pastel colored ones,but these ones were much richer in color. Looking at them Sigma realized that they're almost the same shade as Fyodor's eyes. After looking closer,they were the shade of Fyodor's eyes.

“You seem pretty fascinated by these. Here,take one with you.”

Fyodor picked one flower right out the bush. His fingers were visibly bloody,but he didn't seem to care about it. Sigma has noticed that Fyodor is a lot more easy going than he imagined. Fyodor he knows would already vipe off the blood of his fingers and have them sanitized. Or better,have Sigma do it for him. During the walk back to the base,Sigma ran his fingers through rose's soft petals and enjoyed the wind in his hair. His head was empty. This experience was really something he needed.

“Thank you for taking me on this walk, Fyodor. Do I have anything else to attend to today?”

“No,Sigma,you can rest.

But I do suggest you start reading that book I gave you. If you haven't already.”

“Yeah,I will.”

While talking Sigma's eyes caught a building in the middle of the forest. A building that looked like some kind of a house,a modern family house,but in the middle of the forest,which did make it look weird. Without thinking about it,he asked:

“What is that?”

“Oh? That's my residence. I come there whenever I want to spend a little time in nature. To clear up my mind. Just like we did now.”

Fyodor put on a smile and kept walking.

“If you want,we can eat dinner there. Of course tomorrow. Ivan probably already served you your dinner for today.”

“That's alright with me.”

Without realizing,Sigma smiled as well. He was smiling since Fyodor gave him that rose. And he kept smiling until he came to his bathroom to shower. This felt nice. He never thought being alone with Fyodor would be so nice.

“YOU IDIOT! YOU DIDN'T ASK HIM! YOU DIDN'T ASK HIM ABOUT THE CASINO!”

Sigma screamed at himself in the mirror,while taking off his clothes and preparing to shower. This was normal activity for him even in the casino. Not like anyone could hear him under the earth.

“AND YOU SMILED ALL THE TIME! WHAT WERE YOU SMILING FOR? HIM? NO OF COURSE NOT! Of course not.“

Water started running down Sigma's spine as he reconnected his thoughts. His head felt like it was frying. Almost like when he got 20 new guests in one day and had to memorize everything about them in the next 24 hours. Sigma ran fingers through his hair and massaged his scalp,when it hit.

“Was it for him?”

“no”

Sigma spent the night reading the book,unable to control his thoughts,he ran away from them. It couldn't be that his mind is playing against him. For sure he has been under the earth for just 2 days,did he go insane already? Sigma continued his reading,under the dim light of a cheap lamp he got.

And Fyodor? Fyodor went to bed with Sigma’s smile on his mind.

Chapter Text

Sigma reread all his writings to see if they're readable. And then he checked if he got all the quotes right. His report was done. He doesn't remember if he ever got the time and energy to finish a book in one night. It wasn't his first time writing the report either. He just hoped that it's up to Fyodor's standards. Or his vision.

When Ivan entered his room to leave the breakfast and wake Sigma up,he was surprised to see him sitting on a desk and writing. Sigma took the last couple of sips of warm coffee as he reread the last page of his report.

This is it.

Sigma went to the bathroom to change and took his report and Fyodor's book with him. Ivan told him that Fyodor wants him in the gym by 9 am. If his phone is correct,now it was 8:50 and Sigma was walking through the hallway.

Sigma didn't forget to knock this time,but Fyodor has already dressed himself.

“Thank you Sigma,I'll read the report after our training. If that's alright?”

Sigma just nodded. He wasn't in a mood to talk,especially not with Fyodor. He honestly just wanted to beat the shit out of him,but Fyodor had a surprise up his sleeve.

“Today we will be training something you for sure did.”

Sigma's eyebrow rose,the white haired man still didn't want to talk with Fyodor,just giving him gestures to figure out.

“Dancing.”

Fyodor stayed quiet for a moment,hoping Sigma would say something,then continued:

“I'm sure you know some dances,but today I'll be teaching you slow waltz.”

Sigma just nodded. In fact,he didn't know how to dance at all. Sigma did host a couple of balls at the casino,but never took part in them.He felt quite ashamed that he doesn't know anything. He tried learning of course,but his amnesia didn't let him. The only thing he has is a memory that he practiced steps in his office,an office he will never return to.

Sigma zoned out while Fyodor explained the historical background behind slow waltz,which he seemed so passionate about. Sigma watched him swaying his hands as he mimicked the princesses and princes of the new age dancing and turning around. Sigma didn't realize that Fyodor's stupid theatrical display put a smile on his face.

He did after Fyodor stopped talking and smiled back. Sigma zoned in as fast as a lighting strike,embarrassed once again
Fyodor on the other hand, started showing Sigma the basic steps. Sigma was staying next to Fyodor while he explained and showed Sigma every step. It seems easy,but Sigma just couldn't pick up when he's supposed to turn. Sigma almost fell over his feet when Fyodor stopped him.

“Wait,not like this. First straighten your back. No woman wants a hunched over man.”

Sigma straightened his back as much as he could. While Fyodor walked behind him and straightened his shoulders a bit.

“Now follow me.”

Fyodor then grabbed Sigma's elbows and led him on with the steps. With support from behind,Sigma was way more confident. If only he didn't feel Fyodor breathing down his neck..and Fyodor's hands gripping his arms.

“NO SIGMA,SNAP BACK INTO REALITY,SIGMA.”

His mind repeated again and again. At the end he bit his lip and put all his brain power into remembering the steps to this dance. Fyodor did this on purpose,he knew this way Sigma won't forget.

A couple of repeatings with Fyodor and Sigma was confident enough to try dancing on his own. His feet swayed in an imaginary rhythm,this time swaying smoothly,not tangling up in the middle. Fyodor gave him a round of applause and proposed they end the training early.

“Why?”

“I'm going to be honest with you.”

Sigma's whole body tensed up,as he was expecting Fyodor to say something life changing,something very important. Sigma's mind went wild:
“There's no way he would end the training just like that, he has to be hiding something,there has to be-”

“I forgot to take my iron.”

Sigma’s body relaxed.
“Well it wasn't as deep as I thought-”

With that thought two men went to the changing rooms. Fyodor taking His hair out from the ponytail and brushing it. When Sigma was about to do the same he realized he didn't have his hair up. At all. Somehow he forgot to ask Fyodor,probably because of the book report. It has to be because of the book report.

As Sigma didn't have anything to dress himself into, he took his turn to leave. But again Fyodor stopped him.

“Wait, I would like you to make another book report.”

He said as he handed Sigma another book.

“I already read this.”

“You did?”

“Yeah back at the cas-”

Sigma bit his tongue and went silent. Sigma was looking at the floor,trying to make a sentence when Fyodor interrupted.

“Then it would be easier for you to write the report,still,take the book,it could be useful.”

With the book Sigma left the gym and went straight to his room,threw the book on the bed,took clean clothes and hygiene products and went to have another screaming session in the shower.

“WHY ARE YOU ACTING LIKE THIS.”

Sigma kept asking himself over and over again. His mind was plagued with thoughts just like yesterday evening. Thoughts about Fyodor. Everything reminded him of him. Washing his hair reminded him of Fyodor's hair. His shampoo reminded him of the rose Fyodor gave him. Sigma knew,he knew so well what a red rose means. What red horse means across all cultures,but yet he couldn't believe that Fyodor purposely gave him the rose. Then again is there something Fyodor does that doesn't have a purpose? The thoughts were driving Sigma crazy. Every time he forgot about it he remembered that he's in Fyodor's lair. One thing he couldn't understand is how he could forget about the casino. How could he feel so close to Fyodor who is going to destroy everything he worked for? How could he?

The shower made Sigma sleepy so he decided to read the new book Fyodor gave him,hoping he will lose himself in it like he did yesterday. After five pages into the book Sigma fell asleep. There's nothing better than a cold shower after a workout. Even though they barely worked out,Sigma sweated just like he was running for 30 minutes,not dancing.

Sigma spent the whole noon and afternoon asleep. Ivan did bring him lunch,but it was already cold when Sigma woke up. Next to the lunch plate was more papers Sigma had to fill. It seems Fyodor was here too or he instructed Ivan to deliver these to him. Either way, the job had to be done.

Cold beef steak didn't look charming at all,but Sigma managed to eat it,bite by bite while filling out the paperwork. The only thing that tasted pleasing was the salad. Sigma was about to fill out the last paper when Ivan politely knocked and then entered his room.

“The master wants you in his office at 5:30pm.”

“Alright,I'll be there. Thanks.”

Sigma took the last bite out of the steak when he signed the paper. He relaxed his whole body in the cheap plastic office chair he got.
He thought he could take a nap until 5:30 until he realized that the clock was showing 5:25.

Sigma was out in a blink of an eye. Still he didn't make it on time. Fyodor didn't seem to care. When Sigma entered he was staring at a black screen.

“Hmph,odd…but this is Fyodor after all.”

“I heard you needed me.”

Fyodor slowly turned around,like he wasn't sure the voice he heard was Sigma.

“Oh,yes. Did you bring the papers?”

“Yes I did.”

Sigma left the papers at the table,Fypdpr stood up and asked Sigma to follow him.

“God damn it, not another adventure..”

They walked in silence for a while,when they found themselves outside again,but this time from another exit.

“How many secret exits does this thing have?”

“More than you think.”

“Why are we here again? I'm really not in a mood for a walk.”

“Did you forget? Dinner?”

Yes! How could he forget?! Fyodor did promise him a dinner at the terrace of his forest residence. Sigma did feel a little ashamed.

“Yes I did.”

Fyodor giggled,then started walking.

“The residence is just around the corner.”

“I just woke up 30 minutes ago,that's why I forgot.”

“You don't have to excuse yourself. It's human to forget.”

“Human.”

Human,something Sigma was and wasn't. The topic of his existence didn't please him when it got on his mind. Every time he questioned it he got chills down his spine and a headache. Something a manager doesn't need. The answer will be clear when the time comes -he thought.

The walk to the residence was short. Fyodor took out his keys to open it. From outside it didn't look too promising,but the inside was truly magnificent. The beautiful crystal chandelier was the first thing that got into Sigma's eye. The polished wooden furniture that looked both modern and rustic. The paintings of Japanese sailors and fishermen. It looked so radiant and bright compared to where Fyodor works. No wonder he comes here to relax. Fyodor didn't comment too much or speed Sigma up. Just observed his amazement over such simple things. After realizing he stared too long,he decided to go to the terrace,where their dinner was awaiting.

Sigma came right after,realizing Fyodor had left. Sigma sat down and realized he ate just before he came here. But for sure he can't tell that to Fyodor! In front of them were two servings of pasta with white sauce and a bottle of white wine. Both men started to eat slowly. Sigma knew he ate slowly because of his absence of hunger,but couldn't figure out why Fyodor was doing so.

“I see you really want me to feel at home here.”

“That is what I'm striving for. In fact this is your new home for the upcoming months.”

“Dare I ask what tasks and trainings will I endure here?”

“I just might send you on a mission next week.”

“Very funny,Fyodor..”

“I have my plans for you Sigma. Don't worry. Nothing of your work will go to waste.”

“I question that.”

Sigma put his utensils down and looked at Fyodor. This is his chance. Now he will ask him about the casino.

“What do you question?”

“Your decisions about me.”

“Believe me,everything will turn out better than you ever imagined.”

“You took everything from me.”

“I gave everything to you.”

“I asked for a simple home,a simple family. I never asked to be a manager of..some kind of millionaire playground!”

“I gave you a chance to start from the highest.”

…

“You were at your lowest when I rescued you.”

Sigma couldn't listen to Fyodor's savior complex talk again so he turned around in his chair and looked at the scenery. He lost his appetite and all his strength to look at Fyodor or talk with him.Oh how he wishes he could punch his face right now. Sigma heard Fyodor's chair moving,but he didn't turn out of spite.

“Yeah he better leave after everything he said to me.”

Then suddenly he felt something in his hair,it wasn't wind,it wasn't windy outside. Slowly turning around he realized Fyodor's hand was in his hair. His whole body jerked and Fyodor quickly removed his hand.

“You had a bug in your hair.”

Sigma was frustrated,Sigma was angry and Sigma was flustered. And he didn't know anything else other than that he wanted to go back to his room.

“I can't eat anymore.I'll find my way back to my room. Thanks for the meal.”

Sigma's plans were ruined as soon as he stepped outside the residence and found himself in the forest,no clue from which direction they came from. After spinning in circles a couple of times,he for sure didn't know the way,but he felt better. He felt like his blood was boiling,now he only felt that his brain was still cooking on medium heat.

Fyodor was just about to leave when he saw Sigma at the front door. With a surprised face he offered his help,which Sigma had to accept. Another time Fyodor had made a fool out of him! It's not his fault these paths and ways and hallways are so confusing!

At last Sigma was in his room. Hungry. But there's nothing he could do about it now,he had his chance to eat. His brain stopped cooking itself,but now it was begging for more sleep. With that Sigma fell asleep within minutes of entering his room. In his clothes. But that is a worry for tomorrow

Chapter Text

Another day,another training. Sigma was too sleepy even though he went to bed early,so he decided to take a morning shower to clear up his head. The coffee he gets for breakfast is too weak for his taste. At the casino he drinks it with way less milk. All food he gets here tastes way more bland than the casino food.

Sigma changed his clothes and went to the gym early to stretch. When he arrived no one was there,so naturally he explored the gym a little more. He found the closet had much more equipment stored in them,but he wouldn't dare to touch any of them. There were handball,football and basketball balls and tennis racquets. He was sure they were never used,in fact,why would you even need those underground? Sigma continued with the stretching until he heard a loud noise.

“It must have been Fyodor.”

He took a peek outside the gym door and saw someone entering the changing rooms. He managed to catch the door before they closed.

“Good morning!”

“Ah! Sigma you scared the devil out of me!”

Fyodor flinched and grabbed his heart. After apologizing and politely asking for a hairband,Sigma explained:

“I was bored so I came to the gym early to warm up and stretch. Hope that isn't a problem.”

“No it isn't,just don't come at me from the back next time.”

Fyodor and Sigma went to the gym together and Fyodor gave Sigma boxing gloves and showed him some exercises until he warmed up. When Fyodor was warmed up,he grabbed his gloves and continued:

“Today,you might need these too.”

He said as he grabbed head gear and mouth guards from one of the closets.

“You're kidding right?”

“Why would I be?”

“I'm not going to fight you!”

“Why? Because you think it's unfair or because you're scared?”

“I don't want to hurt my colleagues.”

“Who said you're going to hurt me? I might hurt you.”

Sigma was feeling pissed off now. He was putting the head gear as he spat out:

“I know you wouldn't.”

Fyodor glared at him and just before he put his mouth guard in,he whispered:

“Watch me.”

Both men stood in fight stances. Sigma jumped in place,challenging Fyodor. Fyodor just looked at him jump left and right,but not even twitch from his muscles could be seen. He was waiting for Sigma to make the first move. Sigma went to punch Fyodor's face,but he defended himself. In a blink of an eye,Fyodor's fist was buried in Sigma's stomach. He managed to punch Fyodor before he received another punch to the head.

That punch almost knocked him to the ground. He managed to keep standing on his own feet,but his stomach and head now hurt like hell. Fyodor really wasn't joking around. Sigma now went to punch Fyodor without any hesitation. He punched fast to try to let Fyodor's defense down,but Fyodor managed to defend every punch. After that Sigma tried punching his stomach and then going for the head,just like Fyodor did,when Fyodor tried to give him another punch in the face. Sigma defended himself and went to do the same. This time he struck Fyodor and as he tried to go for the stomach,he saw Fyodor falling over. Sigma tried to catch him but he already fell to the floor. Luckily he wasn't unconscious. Just..bloody.

“FUCK ARE YOU OKAY?!?”

Fyodor spat out his mouth guard and replied:

“Yeah,just get…the first aid.. in the corner next..next to the entrance.”

Sigma rushed to the box with first aid and got some cotton,bandaids and alcohol. First he cleaned all the blood from Fyodor's face.

Then he held his nose and leaned him back. Sigma had a worrying look on his face,no way he just fought Fyodor? Fyodor on the other hand looked at him with completely calm eyes. Their eyes met for a couple of seconds,which soon turned into almost a minute.

Sigma snapped out and stopped holding his nose.

“Hold your nose like this. Are you feeling any better?”

Fyodor slowly rose up back on his two feet and answered:

“Yeah,I'll be fine. Not my first, nor my last time getting a nose bleed.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about dear,stuff like this just happens in sports like Box.”

Two men started going back to the changing rooms. The training today was over. Fyodor tapped Sigma on the shoulder and continued:

“I have to congratulate you. I was sure I would be the one to knock you out. Not the other way around.”

“You better rethink yourself before fighting.”

“True.”

They were talking as Fyodor took out clean clothes from his locker,Sigma gave him his hairband and left the changing rooms. He didn't want to stay there with Fyodor anymore. He felt his palms starting to sweat again.

Just before he went out to the bunker room. He heard a voice calling him,Fyodor's voice.

“Sigma,Sigma! We will be having dinner at the terrace! Is that fine with you?!”

“Yes.”

Sigma replied without thinking much and then left to go to his room. Again as soon as he came to his room he took everything for his shower ritual and went to shower.

This time he didn't scream,he just leaned against the wall and let the water run down his back. He smiled like a fool remembering Fyodor's words.

“Dear,he called me dear.” - Sigma wanted to believe it just skipped out of Fyodor's mouth,but he also wanted to believe it didn't. He didn't know what he wanted to believe anymore. He couldn't love Fyodor just because he gave him some attention,it doesn't excuse his actions,the destruction he caused,or that he's going to cause. Fighting with his feelings was harder than he thought it would be. Maybe Nikolai was right about feelings,at least in some parts of his speech. Sigma listened to them oftenly,but rarely understood everything the clown wanted to say.

To quiet his thoughts Sigma went on to read the second book Fyodor gave him. He was almost done until lunch. Ivan came into the room without a sound and left without a word. Little surprising for Sigma,he always at least wished him a “Bon appetit”.

When he got up from his bed to go eat. He saw a small note next to his plate.

“18h - Terrace.”

It must have been Fyodor's. For some reason Fyodor really doesn't want Sigma to forget this dinner. Perhaps it should serve as an apology for yesterday's one,or maybe something more.

Sigma ate his lunch and went back to reading. Writing the report was easier following Fyodor's insight on the last report. And a lot faster too. Sigma finished 6 pages in just 2 hours. Which gave him plenty of time to rest.

But instead of resting he cleaned his room. He figured it's a mess having his dirty clothes everywhere. He saw a washing machine in his bathroom,so there must be fabric softeners somewhere there too. Sigma managed to find everything he needed. Even though he didn't like the products Fyodor used,he liked having clean clothes more. He dumped his pile of clothes into the washing machine and started it up. He did feel like a little kid sitting on the ground and watching the clothes spin. He didn't know how,he was never a child.

The moment of the dinner came sooner than later. Sigma wore his casino uniform in which he came here as everything else was still washing.

He managed to get to the terrace on his own. Which seemed quite rude from Fyodor to do. Not even trying to help him come here. Sigma figured out the most important thing to do here is to remember directions and where something is.

Fyodor waited for him at the terrace. He leaned on the fence and watched into the forest. He slowly turned around when he heard Sigma's footsteps.

“Good evening.”

“Good evening Sigma. Please sit”

Today Fyodor has served him a very profined dish. A shrimp salad, the same one he ate at the casino. Or at least it looked the same.
Before they started eating, Fyodor poured them both glasses of wine. The same one from yesterday. Today it was not pleasant eating on the terrace. The food was good, yes,but the weather was not. Sigma's hair kept getting into his mouth and eyes. Which Fyodor noticed,but he just giggled.

“This is very amusing to you isn't it?”

“Very.”

Because of this exact reason Fyodor was done eating first. He watched Sigma struggle while sipping his wine. Sigma looked at him multiple times,but this time Fyodor's gaze seemed to be looking right through him.

Fyodor was waiting for Sigma to finish his dish,he seemed very impatient. Sigma then tried to eat faster but with no success. Fyodor then started talking,even though Sigma was not done with his meal. To Sigma,it seemed like his heart was going to burst. Or of both of them.

“Sigma,there's something I need to confess.”

Sigma put his utensils back on the plate and swallowed his last bite. He felt the blood circulating through his veins and his heart pounding in his head. Was this it?

“I'm sorry to have put you in such stress,I didn't know how else to do it.”

Sigma stayed quiet even though his mind was screaming. What is it? WHAT IS IT YOU CONFFES???

“I lied.”

“Lied?!”

“I lied about the destruction of the Sky casino.”

“WHAT!?”

“I wanted you to try living a normal life for once,life on earth. Without cares or worries.”

“AND YOU HAD TO BRIBE ME IN LIKE THAT!?”

Sigma was furious,he didn't even realize that he was shouting at Fyodor.

“I know what I did was not the best way. But I wanted the best.”

“THE BEST!?”

Sigma had to take a few deep breaths. He stood up and went to the terrace fence and tried to recollect himself.

“How could you!? How could you even THINK about lying about such a thing! You're a monster,you,you DISGUST ME!”

Sigma shouted from the other side of the terrace,back turned on Fyodor.

“I understand your anger.”

“You.you..you.”

Sigma tried hard not to cry from frustration. He gripped the fence and murmured swears in his beard. How he wished to have broken that bitches nose in the morning. He started shaking. His breathing became uncontrollable.

“You're free to pack your stuff tomorrow. In two days you're leaving. Back to the casino.”

With those words Fyodor stood up and took his glass of wine. Then went to the other corner of the terrace and drank it,sip by sip. Hoping that Sigma would calm down. But nothing was showing that he would anytime soon.

It was futile trying to hide these feelings anymore. Sigma buried himself in his palms and started to cry. He didn't care anymore. As much as he was glad the casino is in one piece and will stay that way,his feelings were still conflicted inside him.

He heard Fyodor's footsteps coming towards him,so he tried to wipe all the tears off his face. Fyodor gave him a glass of wine and leaned on the fence next to him,not making eye contact,not saying a word.

Crickets started chirping,as it was already getting dark. Sigma was shaking anymore,only his hands which clumsily brought the glass next to his mouth. Wine tasted good after he cried his soul out. Always did and always will.

Two men just stood there in silence,the wind stopped blowing. The air was humid. Sigma tried to find a reasoning behind all of this,to think like Fyodor did. Fyodor felt his distress deeply. Without a warning he started petting Sigma's hair, going from the scalp to the ends. It snapped Sigma out of his thoughts,but he just couldn't get himself to look at him. He felt better,but giving him the silent treatment was necessary now. Sigma realized he had nothing to sip on anymore,so he turned around and went to pour himself another glass when he realized how dark it was.

He didn't know where he was anymore. He felt lost,completely lost. He couldn't see the house or Fyodor,just the outlines of the forest.

He woke up in the middle of the night. Somewhere. Not sure where. But he was warm and comfortable,so it didn't matter. He was not sure if he even woke up.

Maybe this was all a dream

Chapter Text

“Sigma,wake up.”

Sigma rubbed his eyes and turned around. Someone was patting his back trying to wake him up. He swore it couldn't be 7 am yet.

“Sigma”

“Oh God!”

Sigma flinched when he saw who was waking him up. He realized he was in his room. Maybe the terrace dinner and everything that happened there was really a dream after all.

“I'm sorry. What time is it?”

“I'm not waking you up because of a job,just come with me.”

“Like this?”

Sigma pointed out his attire is not fit to go anywhere. But he didn't find himself in pajamas,but in his uniform. The one he wore yesterday,at the dinner.

“It doesn't matter,I want to show you something.”

“Me? Fyodor what time is it??”

Sigma asked as Fyodor grabbed his sleeve and started to drag him.

“It's 6am. Remember where we ate yesterday?”

“Well it was yesterday so in fact I do.”

“Yes,of course,I want you to see something. Or better said feel something”

Sigma’s brain froze for a second. “Feel? FEEL??? What does he MEAN by that??”
Sigma's heart started racing as he realized they were in fact eating dinner there yesterday and that Sigma probably fainted there and then.

“It couldn't be,that Fyodor feels..no..he doesn't. He's just lonely,he just enjoys my company here.”

Soon they were outside and even sooner came to the forest house. The house was already unlocked and two men entered with ease. Fyodor let go of Sigma's sleeve and asked him to come to the terrace.

“Now close your eyes. And listen.”

Sigma was trying so hard not to close his eyes his whole trip here. Closing His eyes now felt like heaven. When he concentrated on listening he heard many things. Layering them out in his head,he was sure those were some exotic birds. But those don't live here don't they? Sigma asked Fyodor,with his eyes still closed:

“What kinds of birds are those?”

“Those that sing before the sunrise.”

That didn't answer my question-Sigma thought.

“I figured out you never heard morning birds in the casino..so I wanted to give you that opportunity while you're still here.”

By Fyodor's words Sigma could tell that Fyodor is sure Sigma will leave. After all, why wouldn't he? Why would Sigma love someone who lures and manipulates him into whatever this is.

“That's nice and all,but can I go back to sleep now? I'm really tired and I-”

“Well there's a sofa inside,you can go rest there.”

Sigma walked to the living room of the house,almost tripped over his toes and fell,but managed to get to the sofa to rest. It seemed like he napped for 15 minutes,but he slept another 2 hours. He was awoken by footsteps and when he opened his eyes,he saw that it was Fyodor's. He and Sigma were the only ones here. Who else could it be?

“Good morning Sigma. I would have woken you up earlier but you slept so soundly.”

“It's okay. I'll get on my own two feet somehow.”

Sigma got up and stretched. Yawning left and right. He felt like he could sleep another 2 hours.

“Breakfast is waiting for you on the terrace. I already ate so you don't need to wait for me.”

Fyodor said as he carried a box upstairs. He seemed to be opening some packages and making something upstairs,but Sigma didn't feel like sticking his nose up Fyodor's business this time.

Two hard boiled eyes with fried bacon were waiting for him at the terrace,along with a cup of coffee. Suddenly Sigma felt more hungry than he ever felt. He felt hungry even after this portion. Which wasn't the case before.

“Was the breakfast good?”

“Yes,but for some reason I still feel hungry.”

“Then we shall have a rich lunch.”

“Yeah,can I go pack up my things now? Or do I need to do something first?”

“Did you by any chance finish your book report?”

“Yes I did.”

“Good,bring that here and we will have training here. Then you will have time to pack your things..and leave.”

Sigma quietly went back to his room and took his report and the book. He realized he didn't put the clothes in the dryer last night so he had to wear this uniform another day. Before leaving he took his time to go and brush his hair. To at least look a little decent. And put all his clothes in a dryer so he can pack them up once he's done with the training.

Fyodor was quietly awaiting him,sitting on the sofa with some book in his hands. Fyodor went to read the report right away and he seemed to be pleased about it.

“Very good Sigma. I really like your opinion about the books ending. The points are much clearer than they were in your last one. Good job.”

“Thank you sir. I'm glad my report is up to your expectations.”

“Now,after we have done the mental exercise,we can go to physical exercise.”

Fyodor said as he stood up and stretched his arms and then came up to Sigma.

“Come to this hallway,we have the most space here.”

“What are we even going to do here? Yoga?”

“Great suggestion! But no. I'd like to see if your dancing abilities have improved.”

Sigma just gulped and put himself I'm the dancing position. His back straight,his arms in front of him. Fyodor did raise Sigma's arms a little and put himself between them.

“I'm going to be the woman,you're going to be the man. You lead.”

Sigma was nervous. He knew damn right that he's gonna crush Fyodor's feet. The fact that one of his hands was on Fyodor's waist and the other in Fyodor's hand didn't help him either. Poor Sigma already forgot the steps before they began dancing. Fyodor realized that Sigma froze in place,so he dragged him to himself,forcing Sigma to step forward. After that Sigma picked up the steps and Fyodor hummed the rhythm.

Sooner than Sigma thought,both were lost in each other's eyes. Sigma didn't even realize how sweaty his or Fyodor's hands were. Fyodor stopped humming the tune a while ago,but for these two background music never mattered. Still Fyodor broke the silence:

“I apologize for yesterday's…incident.”

…

“I realized I could have worded some things better than I did.”

“You know I can't forgive you.”

Fyodor's eyes couldn't stay focused on Sigma's anymore, so he looked at his uniform.

“I'm aware.”

Sigma looked at hair swaying left and right while they were spinning in circles around the hallway. As his thoughts wandered,he broke the silence again:

“I was sleeping here the whole night wasn't I?”

“You realized.”

“Just don't tell me I sleepwalked to my room.”

“No,I carried you.”

Sigma began to visibly blush and he let go of Fyodor's hand.

“I think this is enough dancing for today.”

Sigma said as he wiped off his sweaty hands on his uniform,Fyodor doing the same.

“Well this brings us to the end of our training. I hope you learned something and most important, that you will once break someone's nose or seduce a woman with skills I taught you.”

Sigma nodded. Sigma could feel Fyodor is nervous and tense. Something about him is off the whole morning. For sure he doesn't want Sigma to leave,but he seemed to be so worked up over something. It seemed to Sigma that Fyodor would rather seduce a man than a woman.

“Is that what you hope or what I should be hoping? If it's up to me I can break your nose right now.”

Sigma said in a sarcastic tone,which did make Fyodor smile. Still,the black haired man still looked somewhere else.

“I'm sure you can,but that wouldn't be a nice parting gift would it?”

“I can break one of your limbs if you prefer.”

Fyodor giggled,then answered:

“I think I'll pass.”

“Your loss. Anyway, I'll go pack my things. See you for dinner!”

“See you.”

Sigma left the house and went to his room. On his way there he felt some kind of guilt burdening him. He was sure he did the right thing. Why would he forgive Fyodor? He didn't deserve Sigma's trust.

First he went to the bathroom to take a shower. This time he didn't bother using all his products. Once he gets back,he will have a nice bubbly bath. To recover from all this.
He put his uniform in the washing machine and chose the shortest option available. So everything would be dry by the time he leaves.

After the shower he took the clothes straight out of the dryer and put them on. He chose his grey turtleneck with some light black pants. After the shower his hair finally looked decent enough for him to brush it properly. Sigma still didn't like how it looked,so he put it in a bun. Good thing he found his hair clippers the last day here.

He easily packed his clothes back into the suitcase,his books still in it,untouched since he came here. He cleaned his desk and took all the pens in his pencil case,not even realizing that he accidentally took Fyodor's too. From while he was working in his office. Sigma felt too embarrassed to give it back to him now,so he decided to steal it. After all,Fyodor probably didn't notice.

Sigma also took his time to clean up his room. He swept the floors. Wiped the desk and furniture(aka the nightstand and the closet) and made his bed.

Now he just has to wait for dinner,after which he will be going home. Out of boredom,he decided to grab one of the books he took and start rereading it. He just happened to pick his collection of Greek myths. As soon as he opened up the first page,Ivan greeted him and left his lunch on the table. Politely asked him what he was reading and left.

Sigma still didn't figure Ivan out. He seemed like he was programmed to do stuff and nothing more. He seemed so unin̈terested in any conversation. Like he asked questions just to fill the void,not to get to know the person.

But that really didn't matter to him right now. This is the last lunch he will have in this bunker cell and he couldn't be more glad. The thought of going to work for 10 hours a day again didn't really excite him,but at least in the casino he felt like he had a purpose. Here he felt like entertainment for Fyodor.

After lunch Sigma laid back in his bed,stretched his legs and binge read his whole collection. Just before dinner he packed his dry uniform and closed the suitcase up.

“Finnaly I'm leaving this goddamn place.”

Sigma already knew the way to the house so well. But walking in heels didn't help him,he realized he hadn't worn them at all since he came here,so he wanted to get used to his old footwear again.

When he arrived the door was unlocked,Fyodor already waiting on the terrace with his legs crossed. Sigma wasn't sure if he sees what he think he sees,but as he got closer to the terrace he realized that his vision didn't fool him.

Other than the food,the table was decorated with a vase full of dark red roses and their petals,along with a tall white candle that flickered some light upon Fyodor's face.

“Is this supposed to be mine parting gift?”

“These gave me almost as much pain as a broken nose would.”

Fyodor said, pointing out his bandaged hands.

“Quite a feast we have today.”

Sigma said as he pointed out two river lobsters on their plates. Served along with a salad and some oysters.

“And fine wine too.”

Fyodor pointed out as he took the wine out of the bucket with ice. Pointing out the date of the harvest - 1901. Sigma tried the wine right ahead,it had a rich smell and delicate taste.

“Mmmm,this smells so good. If I could I would wear it as a perfume.”

Fyodor agreed. After that both men struggled to disassemble the lobster. Fyodor filled the silence with pointless chitchat,mostly commenting the food or Sigma's thoughts on his stay at his residence.

“The room would be better if it was above the ground, yes.”

Sigma joked as Fyodor took the last bites out of the salad. It was obvious Fyodor never ate a lobster,or maybe ate it once. Anyways his technique of opening it up was funny to Sigma. He would be done with his meal even faster if Fyodor didn't entertain him.

“I hope this dinner was better than yesterday's one.”

“You still have time to ruin that,Fyodor.”

“I hope I won't.”

Fyodor said as he poured them both another glass of wine. And then took the wine inside.

“Isn't it a little chilly outside today? Why don't we come inside.”

Sigma agreed that today was much colder than the other days. At least his trip back will be more pleasant. He hates travelling while it's hot outside.

Fyodor left the wine on the coffee table and went to close the terrace after Sigma. In the meanwhile Sigma poured himself another glass,because he already drank the one Fyodor poured him.

“Where did you get this? I would like a couple of bottles for my personal collection.”

“I wouldn't be the Demon Dostoyevsky if I told you would I?”

“So you got it through some dirty business?”

“Our jobs are dirty themselves,Sigma.”

“At least I don't-”

Sigma bit his tongue. It was not a time or place to mention that.

“Nevermind.”

Fyodor drank another glass with Sigma,then went to the cupboard behind the couch Sigma was sitting on and looked for something.

Sigma turned around to see what the black haired man was doing,but he seemed to have found it as soon as Sigma's head tilted. Fyodor came and sat on the couch. One of his hands tightly gripped something.

“This is for you. If you ever wish to have peace,you can find it here.”

Fyodor gave Sigma a key and it didn't take Sigma long to realize that. This is the key to this house. Fyodor just gave him a key to this house.

“I,I don't know what to say. I can't take it.”

Sigma tried to give it back but Fyodor persisted. The key went back and forth between their hands until Fyodor stood up and went to the staircase and instructed Sigma to do the same.

“So now I will see what Fyodor was up to that day.” Sigma thought as they were slowly making their way to the second floor. At first it looked like a normal house. Until Fyodor opened a door,a door that looked strangely familiar.

“I made this room just for you. So you can feel just like you're at home.”

Sigma couldn't believe what he was looking at. His hands covered his mouth and his eyes started to tear up. It was a carbon copy of his room in the casino. Sigma went to touch his bookshelves, now empty, but they still had that smell,their texture. And his bed. It had the same colored sheets and blankets as the one in the casino. Everything was the same. Every single detail. Fyodor managed to even get the windows in the right place.
It was…

Prefect.

“I'm not forcing you to ever come back here again Sigma,but I wanted to create a safe space for you if you do.”

Sigma turned around and looked at Fyodor. Fyodpr continued talking,but grabbed him by the shoulders.

“You deserve this Sigma,You deserve to have a safe space,to get rest,to enjoy yourself. I gave you the job at the casino because either knew you could handle it well. Better than most people would. But I also understand that you need rest,comfort and love that has been taken away from you since you were born.”

Sigma couldn't speak,he just started shaking and gripped onto Fyodor's shoulders,Fyodor's hands now moved from Sigma's shoulders to his face. Fyodor's thumb slowly circling around Sigma's cheek,wiping his tears away.

“I just wanted to give you what I think you deserved all along Sigma. Maybe before I didn't see it but now I do.”

“N…n.o”

Sigma whispered and pushed Fyodor away and ran outside the room

“No,no,NO none of this can be real.None none of this can be real.”

Running downstairs he heard Fyodor following him at the same pace. Sigma ran to the entrance and as soon as he gripped the doorknob he felt something.

Fyodor desperately pulled on Sigma's sleeve. They were both standing in the doorway now,eyes locked.

“Sigma,I, I'm sorry this didn't work out.”

Fyodor's voice was shaking and breathed loudly. He gulped after he uttered the name of the lavender haired man. He couldn't look him in the eyes anymore. After a short pause he continued:

“I am sorry. I didn't know how else to do it.”

“I-”

Sigma tried to answer him,but his emotions were getting ahead of his words. Sigma unconsciously leaned towards Fyodor and closed his eyes. Not even a second passed and he felt Fyodor's warm lips on his own. Gently biting into his lip,then pulled away.

“I'm sorry. You're free to leave now.”

Fyodor stopped back into the house and gestured to Sigma to go,his eyes wandering around the floor. But Sigma let go of the doorknob

“No.”

Sigma pushed him onto the door,grabbed his face and kissed him. Fyodor returned the kiss and wrapped his hands around Sigma,bringing him even closer.

The kiss was passionate and long. Both hungry for the other's lips,for others hands, for others touch.Neither wanted to pull away,neither wanted to end this moment. Sigma's hands held Fyodor's waist into place. As he felt he was slipping away.

After they couldn't breathe anymore they pulled out. Both gasping for air.

“Is this the part where I wake up?”

“No, this is the part where I faint.”

Fyodor held onto Sigma very tightly,so Sigma was sure Fyodor wasn't joking. It felt like Fyodor wasn't even standing on his own feet anymore. To give him back the favor of carrying him back to his room,Sigma carried Fyodor to the couch. As soon as Sigma placed Fyodor on the couch,he pulled Sigma into another kiss. Sigma pulled out and tried to speak. But Fyodor did the same. Next time Sigma put a hand over black haired man's mouth.

“Was this?”

Sigma now removed his hand,letting Fyodor speak. Fyodor put his hand in Sigma's hair and answered:

“Yes.”

“I didn't even finish my thought.”

“You have beautiful hair,Sigma.”

“Why did you make that room?”

“Why? Isn't it obvious?”

“No”

Fyodor looked away for a moment. They pulled Sigma closer to him. Now the other male was basically sitting in his lap. Sigma held onto the couch to remain in place as Fyodor made them touch foreheads. They stayed like that for a while.

“I'm not dumb. Fyodor.”

…

“But I need to hear you say it”

“Sigma, I.”

“Fyodor,you.”

“I love you.“

“You bastard”

Sigma pulled him into another short kiss,then sat in his lap. He never saw Fyodor smile like this,nor have he seen him red like this.

“You did all this,all this scheming and lying just so you can have me?”

Fyodor looked absolutely flustered when Sigma was speaking to him. His eyes locked on everything but Sigma. But while he was talking,he looked him back in the eyes.

“I did what I could.”

“You did everything you could.”

“You could phrase it like that.”

Fyodor gathered the strength to get up from the sofa, so Sigma got off him.

“You are still free to leave.”

“I won't be leaving until we finish this bottle of wine,that's for sure.”

“Then I better hide it away.”

Both men giggled as Fyodor took the wine and put it back in the refrigerator. In the meanwhile Sigma took off his heels and laid on the sofa, Fyodor laying on him after he came back.

Sigma played with Fyodor's hair,it was as soft as he imagined it to be. And Fyodor felt a lot warmer than he ever thought he was.

“I never thought I would fall in love with you.”

“I never thought I could show you my love.”

Fyodor relaxed I Sigma's arms as he was cuddling him to sleep. Fyodor felt like a little baby falling asleep in someone's arms like this. Everything felt calm for a second.

And Fyodor fell asleep.

“I still won't forgive you.”

Sigma smiled and fell asleep with his hands tangled in Fyodor's hair. He felt at peace. Fyodor did teach him how to seduce a beautiful woman. Without the wo.