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Mikhail had just come back from a very long deployment. He was exhausted. He knew that as soon as he went through that door, he would be bombarded with an excited partner. Not that he wasn’t happy to have Serena, she could just be a lot sometimes. Too much, especially at the current moment.
With a deep breath, Mikhail unlocked their apartment door and stepped inside. He took his uniform boots off and put his duffle bag of clothes down as well before saying “I’m home.” In an exhausted voice.
As soon as Serena had heard the door unlock, she rushed over and embraced Mikhail. She had just missed him so much! He was gone for so long! “Welcome home! How was it? I hope it wasn’t too gory!”
Mikhail sighed and backed up a bit out of his partner’s hug. “It was normal, I guess. Just training new troops.” He moved past Serena to go change as she followed Mikhail around like a stray puppy.
“Oh cool! I’d love to be trained by you! I think anyone would! You’re the coolest eve-”
“Can we talk about this a bit later? I hate this uniform.” Mikhail had interrupted her but Serena didn’t catch how exhausted her partner was.
“Oh! Of course! Tell me about it once you’re done then!” Serena quickly left and went to do something else. Mikhail let out a sigh of relief. Getting Serena to leave was like pulling teeth and he really didn’t have the energy to play dentist right now.
He quickly showered and changed into comfortable clothes that didn’t raise any red flags for his sensory issues for once as he flopped down on the couch and told himself that he would just close his eyes for a bit. Of course, he ended up falling asleep.
Serena finished making dinner and went to get her partner just for her to find that he fell asleep on the couch. He must be really tired.. I think I'll leave him alone for now..
Thank god.
Mikhail was suddenly woken up by a strongly voiced “At ease!” He sprang up instantly and stood at attention only to find that Serena had said it. He was at home, not deployed. He was also extremely pissed. Serena thought she was so funny. And she was recording.
Mikhail rolled his eyes and pushed the phone away from him. He walked to their shared room and of course, Serena followed.
“Do you mind?” Mikhail gave her a dirty look as he asked. He felt so tense and annoyed at the woman he was supposed to be in love with. He wasn’t so sure right now.
“What do you mean? I’m not allowed to follow you around?” Serena crossed her arms and pouted. Mikhail took a moment to get his temper under control as he changed into normal streetwear instead of pajamas and didn’t bother to answer her question.
Mikhail left the room without acknowledging her. He knew if he did, he would just get more pissed. Reflexively, he reached in his pocket for a smoke but they weren’t there. Great, another thing to tick me off. He rolled his eyes and went into his home office for his stash of cigarettes, going back out of his office and to their apartment balcony where he lit it up.
Of course, Serena joined him soon afterward. “Misha! I told you that I don’t like you smoking!” Mikhail did not care in the slightest but he had to at least acknowledge her so he did with a simple “Mhm.” And just kept taking drags.
Serena scoffed and stormed up to him. “Stop smoking Misha! We talked about this!”
“I know.” Mikhail answered absentmindedly. He did not care anymore. He wanted a smoke so he was going to have one, simple as that.
“Ugh! You’re not listening! It's so gross!” Serena complained again, going on and on about how much she hated when Mikhail smoked, as if her opinions were the only one that mattered. Mikhail just nodded along, smoking regardless.
He eventually decided that he had enough and walked off without another word. He was just ignoring her now. He didn’t bother to register her screaming at him as he exited their apartment and took the stairs down to the ground floor, smoking all along the way.
He was honestly surprised that she didn’t follow him. She was probably trashing the apartment right about now. Weird. He was the one who paid the rent right?
He decided to stop thinking about it and just started walking along. He had no idea where he was going and he didn’t care. Anything for a little peace. He eventually wandered past a coffee shop. He didn’t particularly like coffee but it looked interesting enough. He put out his cigarette before walking in.
The interior looked very classy and there wasn’t much of a wait so he ordered at the counter and sat in a booth in the corner. He stared out of the window and waited for whatever he ordered to arrive.
After about five minutes a waitress came to deliver his black coffee that he had chosen. He thanked her with the nod of his head and began to sip on it, not bothering to wait for it to cool.
After about 10 minutes of him sitting by himself, a dark skinned man approached him. Now that caught Mikhail’s attention as he looked over at the stranger. “May I sit with you?” Upon closer inspection, Mikhail seemed to faintly recognize the individual. He nodded of course and the stranger sat down across from him.
“Have we met before?” Mikhail started off as he looked the stranger up and down. His dark skin tone and gentle expression seemed to ring quite a few bells for Mikhail. He wasn’t sure what to think.
“Oh! I’m not sure actually! I do believe so but I am unable to recall where..” The “stranger” answered. He seemed a bit nervous but at least Mikhail was onto something.
“I’m Ivan. You?” Mikhail had given him a fake name, just to be safe.
“Alexsei! I don’t think I've met an Ivan before, which is quite strange since it's rather common where I grew up!” The stranger, now known to Mikhail as Alexsei, laughed nervously.
“Oh? Where did you grow up?” Mikhail still felt that overwhelming sense of familiarity from Alexsei, He just could not pin down where.
“Russia actually.. I had a pretty rough childhood but I met some really good people!” Alexsei still seemed very nervous but it wasn't that suspicious to Mikhail anymore.
“Oh really? That pretty much sums up my childhood as well. I do believe we've met before though. Could you tell me a bit more?” Mikhail was determined to get more info out of this guy. He wouldn't forgive himself otherwise.
“Oh! Of course! So.. I was put in the military at maybe fourteen? That's when I met this really cool guy! I don't really remember what he looked like but I remember he was always so serious. Not that it's a bad thing, just something I noticed! I only remember his name really… his name was Mikhail.” Mikhail scrutinized Alexsei heavily as the pieces finally clicked together.
“Oh. Alexsei.. you're.. I see. We have met before. I apologize, I gave you a false name. I was given the name Mikhail. I'm still in the military today, just as a commander.” Mikhail decided to set things right, even though it seemed like such a lie that he just mysteriously had the same name and demeanor as the person Alexsei was describing.
But as soon as Mikhail said that, the puzzles clicked into place for Alexsei as well. He instantly lit up and looked at Mikhail in awe. “I've been looking everywhere for you! It's really nice to reunite with you! I'd love to see if we could be friends!”
Mikhail figured that he could give it a try. Anything to get away from his girlfriend. Speaking of, he should probably get back soon.
“I agree. Would you mind if I got your contact information? I have a feeling that I'm not going to have a cell phone for a bit.” Mikhail huffed in amusement as he imagined his girlfriend tearing up his apartment and breaking his phone that he had left behind.
They parted ways after another pleasant conversation and Mikhail had to regrettably come home and to no one's surprise at all, it was trashed. A note was left on the counter that said “good riddance” with the spare key Mikhail had given Serena. Well then, that worked out well.
His phone had surprisingly not been smashed but he reset it just in case. The first thing he did was dial Alexsei’s number. The other man picked up after a few seconds with a gentle and calm “hello?”
Mikhail found himself liking his voice very much as he put him on speaker in the messy apartment. “Hello, this is Mikhail. Thankfully, my phone wasn't smashed. Though, I can't say the same for the rest of my apartment.” Alexsei gave a small laugh of amusement through the phone.
“Would you like me to come over and help? It might be far too early in our reconnection for that.”
Mikhail huffed in amusement as he began picking up things again. “No need, I can handle it. It's not too bad.” It was really bad but Mikhail did not care at all. Alexsei was right here with him.
“Hehe, well okay then. I'm glad your phone is still working. Did she end up breaking up with you?”
Mikhail sighed just thinking about how much time he had devoted to her. “Yes. She left a note on my counter saying that we were done. I didn't even have to talk to her, thank goodness.”
Alexsei chuckled through the phone. “Yes, very good. Saves you the trouble.”
They went on laughing together as Mikhail cleaned up his apartment, he was going to have to move anyway so that she didn't bother him. Whatever. Worst case scenario, he moves in with Alexsei. It didn't seem that bad. It might actually be better than his current living environment.
It took a couple of months but after seeing each other multiple other times and getting along very well, Mikhail had moved in with Alexsei. A dream come true really. It was smaller than his other one but it felt so cozy.
“I apologize for not having a room for you. I only have one bedroom..” Alexsei laughed nervously, he seemed off.. eh it was probably nothing.
“Don't apologize, I don't mind sleeping on a couch. It hardly matters to me.” Mikhail gave him a slight smile and settled on the couch with his three duffle bags of stuff. All of his belongings, stuffed into three bags. His entire life. Most of his apartment had been filled with his girlfriend's belongings of which she smashed so that's on her. Either way, his old apartment was clear of any sign that someone had been there and he's moved on now.
Alexsei yawned beside him. “I suppose it's rather late now.. I don't have anything in particular going on tomorrow so I'll help you unpack.”
Mikhail gave him a nod and a slight smile as he watched Alexsei go into his bedroom and he slept on the couch.
Weeks passed as an unexplained tension creeped into their living arrangements. They were very good friends and were comfortable enough with each other through reminiscing about their shared struggles in the military.
This particular night, they had decided to go out drinking. Mikhail stopped when he was at his limit and Alexsei did too. They had a great time and could still walk all the way home.
They had both settled on the couch sitting beside one other and relaxed into the cushions after a long night out.
“You know, I've noticed something…” Alexsei blurted out, the alcohol had severely loosened his lips. Well there was no turning back now! “You stick to routines a lot and you hate certain fabrics, you can't handle large crowds and you're so different when you're at home..” Alexsei paused for a moment as Mikhail turned his head to look at him. “Do you.. have some kind of autism? I think there's a really high chance that you do.”
Mikhail sighed, he didn't look surprised. It wasn't like he was trying to hide it either. “I do. I was diagnosed recently but it makes sense.”
“I knew it.. yay!” Alexsei gave an exhausted cheer and sighed. “Cool then.. just wanted to know. Good night.” As soon as he uttered those words, he was out like a light right on the couch where Mikhail was supposed to sleep. Mikhail couldn't really muster the energy enough to care so he fell asleep as well right there on the couch.
Mikhail woke up first, he always did. Though, this time he wasn't alone. He was laying on top of a very comfortable pillow. Upon closer inspection when he opened his eyes, he found that Alexsei had been mistaken as a pillow. Oh lovely. Mikhail sighed and laid right back down on Alexsei who was still dead asleep. Maybe he could relish this a bit longer.
He ended up falling back asleep, again.
Too comfortable I guess.
When he woke again, Alexsei was combing his fingers through Mikhail’s hair. Little intimate but not too weird. It felt good enough to brush it off. He pretended to be fast asleep for a good while, just to enjoy Alexsei's gentle touch. As if he isn't the one who has his arms wrapped around Alexsei's waist. No biggie, friends do this too right?
He decided it was time to wake up so he breathed in sharply and stretched a little to make it seem like he had only just woken up but still, he laid right back down on Alexsei's chest with his arms still wrapped around him.
*Good morning Mishka.. sleep well?” Alexsei's soft voice rang in Mikhail's head like the voice of God. He wasn't sure what changed but he thinks it's important enough to note.
“Mhm. You?” Mikhail answered back, he usually kept his sentences short in the mornings.
“Very well actually. It was nice. You're like a weighted blanket.” Alexsei giggled playfully as he continued to run his fingers through Mikhail's hair. Mikhail relaxed into him, he was honestly going to fall asleep again if this continued.
And fall asleep he did. For the second time that morning.
It was past noon when he woke up again, Alexsei wasn't there but he was in a bed now instead of out on the couch. Maybe he's close enough with Alexsei that he should just sleep in the same bed. That's not weird right?
He finally forced himself to get up with a stretch. He got to his feet and sauntered into the kitchen where Alexsei was making brunch.
Mikhail wandered up behind Alexsei and rested his chin on the other man's shoulder, looking over it and watching him cook.
“You're up.. good afternoon Misha..”
Alexsei said in that same gentle voice that made Mikhail's stomach go all weird. He liked it though so he didn't even attempt to stop him.
Mikhail gave a hum in response and decided with his half asleep brain to wrap his arms around the others waist, pressing his front to Alexsei's back. The warmth felt so good. Better than a woman's somehow. Was he gay? It didn't matter at this point. He doesn't really care.
Neither did Alexsei, it seemed. He was perfectly okay with Mikhail clinging onto him while he cooked for the both of them.
Brunch was eventually served and Mikhail had almost fallen asleep again. He didn't even register the kiss Alexsei had pressed to his temple when he was done cooking. He was so tired, it was normal friend behavior anyway, right? Alexsei would never hurt him.
They ate their brunch in peace and settled on the couch to watch TV together. Of course, they ended up cuddling. And of course, Mikhail fell asleep again. It was like he was under some kind of spell or maybe the years of sleepless nights had finally caught up to him. Either way Alexsei made sure he was safe and comfortable no matter how many times he fell asleep.
He had snuck kisses before but he also knew that he shouldn't. He should tell Mikhail how he feels. It didn't seem like Mikhail minded at all either.
Just then, a ringing came from Mikhail's phone on the coffee table. Once the ringtone was full blast, Mikhail immediately got up and answered the phone, getting up and going into a separate room. It was rather strange that he had gotten up so quickly when he usually slept so deep. Weird.
Mikhail came back out of Alexsei's bedroom after about five or so minutes. Alexsei looked over to Mikhail for an explanation on what it was about. Mikhail sighed and put his phone down on the coffee table again, sitting down where he was beside Alexsei on the couch and leaning his head on the other's shoulder. “They want to deploy me again. Such a pain.”
Mikhail yawned again and scooted just a bit closer to Alexsei. “Ah yes, you're still in the military.. I wish you the best of luck.” Alexsei tried to hide his sadness that the person he had gotten so close to was going to go soon and to a place where there would be a significantly more chance of death.
“Eh, I'll be fine. I've been thinking of resigning anyway. I don't want to do it anymore.”
“That's fair. I think you should. I have more than enough saved to provide for the two of us!”
Alexsei seemed happy with the news that Mikhail was going to resign. It almost sounded like they were a married couple.
“Eh, money isn't an issue. I've got plenty saved too.. Yeah, I'll call them tonight. I'm going to resign.”
“I'm glad.. as long as it's what you want.”
Alexsei ran his nails along Mikhail's scalp gently, it felt amazing. Mikhail found himself melting into it and basically fusing with the other man as he wrapped his arms around his waist yet again and closed his eyes. He just felt so safe and comfortable, how could he resist?
He was about to fall asleep again when Alexsei spoke up. “Hey Mish, I think you're cute.. in a romantic way.”
Mikhail felt a weight taken off of his shoulders as he melted into the other's shoulder all the way. “I feel the same about you. Should we do something about it?”
“I think we should..”
“Okay.”
They didn't move for a few seconds until Mikhail finally lifted his head to look at the gorgeous man he was laying on. Mikhail cupped the other's cheek and leaned in without warning.
Their lips met in a firework of unsaid feelings and pure love. Mikhail pulled away after a couple of seconds to gauge his new lover's reaction.
Alexsei was beet red. He couldn't find the confidence to say anything so he just stayed silent and never took his eyes off his new partner.
“You're cuter like this. I think we should do something more.”
Alexsei gulped and forced his nervousness down to respond. “O-okay… do what you want..”
“You don't have to tell me twice.”
Mikhail huffed in amusement and just like that their lips met again. Mikhail moved to straddle Alexsei's lap as they kissed. It was wonderfully awkward. He wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life here.
Mikhail had woken up first, as always. He was in a bed this time as well. More specifically, Alexsei's bed. He could really start to get used to this.
Mikhail turned to look at the dark toned man beside him. They were both naked but he couldn't bring himself to care very much.
He reached out to the other and pulled him into his chest. He watched as the other's calming breathing rose and fell in their chest so peacefully. He couldn't believe that things had come to this even so soon after his girlfriend had left as well. He expected to be more upset at her but she was honestly the last thing on his mind.
He pressed a gentle kiss to his lover's forehead and scratched gently along his scalp. He loved the texture of Alexsei's hair, it was long like his but was soft and thick and pin straight. It was the perfect texture for Mikhail.
He was about to fall right back asleep when his phone went off with that same ringtone. He quickly got up, grabbed some clothes, and took the call, leaving the room and his boyfriend in bed.
“Yes, sir?”
He answered as he got dressed to at least look presentable outside of the bedroom.
“The higher ups have decided to deploy you. It will be a three month expedition. I can't tell you details now but I need you to report to the general, Vitrimov.”
“Yes, sir.”
“That's all.”
They hung up the phone swiftly and Mikhail sighed. Wasn't he going to resign? He didn't feel suffocated at home anymore. He wanted to stay.
He sat down on the couch and buried his face into his hands., leaving his phone on the couch beside him. He had to do something. He had just made love to the love of his life, three months was too long.
“Misha? What's wrong?” A gentle voice came from the direction of the bedroom and there stood Alexsei wrapped in a blanket.
“They called again.”
Alexsei understood immediately and went to sit beside the other on the couch. He silently laid his head on Mikhail's shoulder as the other was lost in thought. He should resign. The general isn't going to like it but he has to.
“I can come with you if you want..”
Mikhail looked over to his boyfriend with a sense of hesitation. “I don't want to drag you back there. You left for a reason.”
Alexsei still looked so worried for him. “I don't care. If it helps you, I'll go.”
Mikhail sat in silence for a few long moments before sighing and running his fingers through his hair, a nervous habit of his. “Fine. You can come with me, but you have to promise not to wander off no matter what.”
“Deal!” Alexsei very happily replied. He was so relieved that his boyfriend was finally depending on him again.
It took at least an hour driving to arrive but eventually they did. Mikhail was in his issued uniform and Alexsei was in casual citizen clothes (against Mikhail’s wishes cuz who the hell even cares??), it was a small act of rebellion in his eyes.
As soon as Mikhail set foot on base, his brain switched into his trained mindset years of training had hammered into him. He still had the mind to check on Alexsei every so often though.
Mikhail walked purposefully through the familiar halls and Alexsei followed close behind. He never thought he would end up back here actually, but if it was for his dearly beloved, he would do it a thousand times over.
They arrived at the General’s office and both were shown inside after checking in. Alexsei had been way out of practice with his Russian so the only thing he could catch were bits and pieces.
Mikhail, on the other hand, had used it everyday. It was his first language afterall. He calmly navigated the conversation and it was going rather smoothly until he had brought up resigning.
The general obviously wasn’t happy with it and things started to get heated but even then, Mikhail kept his cool. It helped enormously that he was in the proper trained mindset at the moment. Otherwise, he would have snapped at his superior.
Mikhail held firm on his resignation and with more than a couple dirty looks from Alexsei (which were not intimidating to the general at all), he finally gave in with a sigh.
With that, Mikhail was free from his military weight and promptly walked out of the office.
The instant they were out of sight, Alexsei playfully snatched Mikhail’s uniform hat just to get him to look at him and then– soft flesh slammed together in a messy kiss and surprisingly was reciprocated by the other.
When they parted, Mikhail smiled at the gorgeous man in front of him before taking his hand and heading straight back out to their car.
Things were about to get a whole lot better.