It was still dark outside. The world silent. But inside Dimitri's penthouse, Lev's heart was racing like it was running from fire.
Matev was half-asleep in his arm, his little head resting on Lev's shoulder, thumb still in his mouth. Lev grab bag and walk and standing front door, he gently reached for the handle.
He never even heard the footsteps behind him.
A low voice rolled in from behind him like thunder. ''Where do you think you're going?''
Lev froze. He turned slowly, clutching Matev.
Dimitri stood a few steps away. Barefoot His hair messy. His chest rising and falling like he'd run a marathon just to get here.
Matev stirred. -------- Dimitri's tone softened immediately. ''Matev.....go to your room. There's paper and colors on the table. Draw me something. Okay?''
The child rubbed his eyes and nodded, sliding down from Lev's arms. Once he disappeared down the hallway, Lev exhaled shakily. ''Please move.''
''No.''
''Dimitri-''
''You're not taking him again.'' His voice was low but sharp. ''You won't run from me. Not with my son''
Lev blinked fast, his eyes already burning. ''You can't keep us locked in here.''
''I can do a lot of thongs, Lev,'' Dimitri said, jaw tight. ''I let you walk away once. I didn't know then. But now I do.''
Lev backed up slightly, fingers clenching. ''Matev isn't something you get to possess. He's not a business deal.''
''I never said he was,'' Dimitri snapped, stepping forward. ''But he's mine, Lev. And you don't get to f***g erase me from his life.''
''You're too cold,'' Lev whispered, ''Too controlling. I was scared----------''
''You didn't even give me a chance!" Dimitri shouted, suddenly slamming a fist into wall beside the door.
Lev flinched, chest heaving. And then silence.
Dimitri took a deep breath, fists trembling. His voice came quieter. Rough. ''I miss his firsts. I didn't even know he existed. Do you know what that feels like?''
Lev shook his head slowly. His hands trembled now too. ''I thought I was protecting him,'' he whispered.
''You were running,' Dimitri said. ''You always run.''
Lev blinked. A tear slipped down his cheek.
And then---------- before he could say anything else --------Dimitri stepped forward and grabbed his arm. Not rough. Just enough to stop the shaking.
And then ... he hugged him.
Tight.
Strong.
Unshakable.
Lev body stiffened at first. But he didn't pull away. <''You don't have to fight me anymore>,'' Dimitri murmured near his ear.
Lev chocked back a sob. ''I don't want to lose him.''
''You won't,'' Dimitri said softly. ''We won't.''
A quiet voice suddenly broke the moment.
''Papa.....''
Both men turned.
Matev stood in the hallway, holding up a crayon drawing in one hand, his stuffed wolf in the other hand. ''I made this for you....''
Dimitri crouched down, his expression completely different now. Gentle. Soft. He took the paper. Three stick figures. Holding hands.
''Is that me?'' he asked.
Matev nodded proudly. ''You...and papa .....and me.''
Dimitri smiled for the first time.
And behind him, Lev just stood there.....
Tears falling freely.
Heart splitting open.
And somehow ---- quietly ----- he realized....
They already looked like a family.